Chapter 29: 281 - 290

Chapter 281 - Feng Jiu Interviews Iris Long Part IV

The man was wearing a suit, indicating that he came as a Black Star to watch Iris' interview. His companions sitting beside him were horrified at his outburst. He continued his condemnation of Iris, throwing graphic curses at her that were completely inappropriate for general viewers.

"Break up with that motherf*cking fiancé of yours! He's nothing but a bastard who's robbing you of your career and fans like me! If you stop acting like a sl*t now, I can still forgive you as long as you remain pure and continue to work hard pleasing us fans!"

All of the Black Stars felt enraged, not only because their Boss Iris was being insulted, but also because at the betrayal. The fact that they had been sitting together with a traitor all this time and treating him as their comrade left a nasty taste in their mouths.

They immediately banded together and scolded the traitor. They felt more furious now than when they quarreled earlier with Maestro Liu Wei's two students. Even as they were angry at him, they were also angry at themselves. It felt as if they failed to uphold the unity of Black Stars that they were so proud of.

Watching another commotion happen in the audience, Feng Jiu was dismayed. This was her show and it didn't sit well with her that things were going out of her control. The director, however, was filled with excitement. He fought the urge to rub his hands together. He instructed the cameramen to record everything.

'This will definitely make for a good show,' he thought.

All the drama in one episode! He was already fantasizing about the high ratings the show would rake in after this episode aired.

As for Iris, she watched everything with cold eyes. She stood up, looking directly at the crazed man. Her aura changed. She was now like an empress whose decree was being questioned by one of her rebellious subjects.

The crazed man flinched at her heavy stare. "W-what?"

"Thank you very much for your past support of my music," Iris spoke to him in a clear voice. It wasn't loud but it was still heard throughout the studio. Her tone was cold and unyielding, giving off pressure not only to the man but also to everyone else. "However, I don't owe you anything outside my career as an artist. You used your money to buy my music, not my freedom or my life. I am not your slave. Just as you and everyone else here have the right to enter a proper relationship, I also have the same right to be with my fiancé."

Everyone was silent now. They were all listening to her. Even the crazed man stopped shouting.

Iris continued, her tone becoming gentle yet also determined. "I assure all of you that being engaged or married will NOT affect my ability to create and share my music with you. In fact, I feel very inspired right now. If you can't accept my relationship, then I can only thank you for your past support to me. I love my man and won't break up with him just because you asked me to. And to those who are still supporting me up to this point, you have my deepest gratitude. Always know that I appreciate all of you. Even when I'm married and have my own family, I'll continue to work hard to give you the best music that I can create to pay back all of the support you constantly give me. True Black Stars will always have a big place in my heart."

Her speech touched all of the Black Stars. Even the crazed man was affected. After all, he was a Black Star up until a few moments ago.

"Don't worry, boss! We support you! People like him aren't true fans! We are! They're just sick psychos who have holes in their brains! We'll follow you until the end!"

The crazed man looked conflicted. He wiped tears and snot from his face.

It was the kind of atmosphere that easily overwhelmed people. The feeling of devotion the Black Stars had for Iris was like a living entity influencing all the surrounding individuals. Iris was their queen. All of these trials they were experiencing together with her only reinforced their loyalty towards their queen.

The interview officially ended in an emotional note. It was a roller coaster of surprises both good and bad, but most would agree that it was a great interview with lots of juicy details.

###

After the show, Iris chatted with Feng Jiu and Feng Wan. She discovered that the two madams were cousins. They invited her to eat dinner together but she regretfully declined. She felt drained after the interview. The two madams were understanding and let her go.

Inside the executive van, Iris called Maestro Ludovico De Luca on the phone while Dom was gushing about everything that happened during the interview with Jiang Ying Yue.

"Yes, Liwei is the one who informed me about the matter between you and Maestro Wei Liu," he told her, confirming her suspicion. "Maybe I should've revealed that you're my student earlier."

"No, Maestro. I don't want to be given special treatment because I'm your student. I want to gain achievements through my own abilities and not because of my connection to you."

After the phone call, Iris closed her eyes to rest. She played with the diamond ring on her finger. So it really was Jin Liwei who called Maestro De Luca.

A soft smile lifted the corners of her lips. Everything she said about Jin Liwei during the interview was the truth. She loved him and wouldn't break up with him even if some of her fans turned their backs on her.

###

A few nights later, the latest episode of "A Closer Look with Feng Jiu" finally aired on TV. Many people tuned in because they all wanted to hear what Iris had to say regarding all of the issues surrounding her.

The episode showed all of the major incidents during the taping. It was the first time the show featured the audience so heavily. It was as if the audience kept on spitting out problems after problems for Iris to face.

People actively discussed as they watched the show.

"Whoa! Did all of these really happen? I feel like I'm watching a drama instead of a talk show!"

"I know, right? The events are so gripping and exciting that I can't even make myself run to the toilet to relieve myself because I don't want to miss anything."

"I checked Maestro De Luca's website and Iris' performances are really posted there. Ahaha! Did you see the reactions of Maestro Liu Wei's two students? Priceless! I wish their maestro was together with them. I would love to see the old man's reaction as well!"

"Maestro Liu had been busy lambasting Iris to the reporters lately, calling her a liar every chance he gets. Let's see what he has to say after his face got slapped by Maestro De Luca himself."

"Serves him right. He thinks too highly of himself. Just like what Maestro De Luca said during the interview, shame on him for putting borders on music when there should be none."

The netizens were unforgiving. Just as how harsh Maestro Liu Wei was in criticizing Iris before, the netizens also harshly made fun of him. He was trending online alongside Iris Long for all the wrong reasons.

"Maestro Liu Wei: The Biggest Disgrace of our Country's Classical Music Scene!"

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Chapter 282 - Time Is Up

Ever since Maestro Liu Wei got unofficially banned from most of the country's major concert halls and high society events, he took solace from the classical music community. Even though his connections to high society were stripped away from him, he remained an influential figure in the country's classical music scene. He was still Maestro Liu Wei, after all.

At the request of a long-time friend who was the president of a private music academy, Maestro Liu Wei guested as a special one-time lecturer. Almost all the students and the instructors attended, so it was a big event. The lecture was scheduled on the same night as when the latest episode of "A Closer Look with Feng Jiu" aired.

Of course he was aware that Iris Long's interview would be airing. He wanted to watch it, but since he had an earlier commitment with the music academy, watching the interview had to wait.

There was also something bothering him for the past few days. Two of his students suddenly stopped coming to see him. He also couldn't contact them. He asked around and it seemed that the two returned to their hometowns. He was feeling a bit peeved because the two didn't even inform him. Was it that difficult to send him a text message?

Putting the matter of his students aside, Maestro Liu Wei successfully completed his lecture at the academy. He was gathering his notes from the lectern on the stage when he heard some disturbance arising from the students who had yet to leave from their seats in the audience. Almost all of them were looking at their phones, tablets and laptops.

A disapproving frown appeared on his face. Young people these days just didn't have the same discipline as his generation. He, the lecturer, hadn't even left yet and they were already acting like monkeys let loose in the jungle.

After a few moments, he realized that something was amiss. Why were they whispering to each other while looking at him? Why did it feel like they were mocking him?

He scowled, intending to complain to his long-time friend. As the president, he should discipline the students of his music academy and teach them how to respect their elders. He was about to leave the stage when some of the conversations reached his ears.

"I really didn't think much of Iris Long before, but now I think that she's very impressive. It seems that she has a close relationship with Maestro De Luca based on their conversation during the video call. Even our own maestros in this country can't boast such a level of familiarity with him. I'm also very surprised that she can speak fluent Italian."

"Exactly. If she didn't perform with Maestro De Luca at his concert in Germany, I don't think we'll even know that she's such a talented classical pianist. That 'Toccata' was insane! I think she played it better than my professor."

Maestro Liu Wei's mood plunged down even more. Iris Long was a talented classical pianist?

'Don't make me laugh,' he sneered.

Then he heard something that made him stop in his tracks.

"I agree with what Maestro De Luca said. Music, be it classical or not, shouldn't have any borders. As classical music students or professionals, our training or skills shouldn't be a reason for us to discriminate against others when it comes to music."

"Uwah. This is so embarrassing. If I were Maestro Liu Wei and a world-renowned figure like Maestro De Luca called me out on national television, I wouldn't have any face left to show the world. I'll probably hide inside my house and never come out until I die."

"Sssh! Look at him. It looks like he doesn't know what happened yet."

What were they talking about? Maestro Liu Wei was very confused. Although he didn't yet understand what was going on, something was telling him that it wasn't anything good. A sense of dread started to weigh heavily on his chest, especially at the mention of Maestro De Luca.

Finally, his long-time friend and the music instructors came to him, handing him a tablet. It showed several video snippets of Iris Long's interview with Feng Jiu.

His complexion turned paler and paler the more video snippets he watched. So this was the reason why his two students suddenly disappeared! Those rascals! Their presence in the show only worsened his image to the public, especially since Maestro De Luca appeared in a video call immediately afterwards.

Then he watched the videos of Iris' two performances at Maestro De Luca's orchestra concert.

"This..." His hands tightened on the tablet. "So she really performed at his concert..."

Despite his feelings of animosity towards Iris Long, he was still a classical musician at the end of the day. Her masterful interpretations of Schumann's two pieces impressed him. Based on what he watched, she was definitely on a different league from any of his own students.

A group of students sitting in front of the audience walked near the stage. They looked at Maestro Liu Wei, the academy president and the instructors. Barely concealed scorn could be seen from their expressions.

"Maestro Liu Wei, Iris Long is a great and talented pianist. Why are you so critical of her? As far as we know, she never did anything to you."

"I—"

He was about to defend himself and say that Iris used her family's influence to suppress him but stopped. He thought about the situation more carefully. He didn't have any evidence for his accusation. If he continued to badmouth her, he would just project himself to others as a petty and spiteful person.

A young female beside the guy who just spoke up stepped forward and curled her lips in disdain. "Hmph! I respect your achievements as a classical musician but as a person, you suck, Maestro Liu Wei! So unlike our Boss Iris who's beautiful in and out. Not to mention she's very talented as a musician. And yes, in classical music too!"

"Yeah, Boss Iris is the best! Aren't you ashamed that someone you're criticizing has been acknowledged by Maestro De Luca himself? It's disgraceful that Europe appreciates her talents but her own countrymen do nothing but pull her down. I feel so bad for her!"

The others in the group nodded their heads in agreement.

"Shush! The academy president and the instructors are in front of us," another guy scolded his companions. He looked up at Maestro Liu Wei's group and bowed apologetically. Then he pulled his companions out of the place while continuing to scold them. "Are you all nuts? Do you want to be kicked out?"

"Hmph! We're just telling the truth. Maestro Liu Wei suck as a person. Boss Iris is the best!"

It turned out that this group of classical music students were all Black Stars. If it wasn't mandatory for them to attend Maestro Liu Wei's lecture, they wouldn't even bother attending. Not only because they had bad feelings against the maestro for criticizing their boss, but also because they would rather watch the interview with Feng Jiu than listen to the maestro's boring lecture.

As for Maestro Liu Wei, he felt mortified after the scene with the students. He could feel the mocking eyes of the surrounding people stabbing at him.

"Old Wei, don't worry. I'll make sure to punish those students and discipline them," his friend told him.

"No need," he said in a stiff tone, shaking his head. "I'm tired. If you'll excuse me, I'll head home now."

His friend sighed and then patted his shoulder. "Alright. I'll walk you to your car."

An hour later, Maestro Liu Wei sat in his living room watching the full interview of Iris Long on his laptop. He tried contacting his two students many times but it seemed that they blocked him.

He felt furious and humiliated. He cursed Iris Long, Maestro De Luca, his two students, and all the people mocking him. He began to hate Iris even more now.

Many times he watched the part where Maestro De Luca spoke about music. Gradually, his fury and hatred transformed into self-reflection and then shame.

Maestro De Luca's words struck a chord in him. His pride of being a celebrated national maestro made him forget the essence of his passion for music. He had been blinded by all the recognition and awards he received earlier in his career. Now he realized that he had become too cocky.

There was still a strong part of him urging to retaliate against Iris Long and to avenge his now ruined reputation, but he stopped himself.

This was enough. He already fell from grace.

He wouldn't allow himself to fall even further because of his pride. His reputation in the classical music world was in tatters now, but no matter what, he was still a maestro. It was a fact that he made a lot of contributions to the country's classical music world throughout the years. Nobody could take that away from him.

"I guess it's time to retire," he sighed in a sad and regretful tone. "Seems like my time is really up. It's time for the next generation to take over. Iris Long, I'll be watching you. Let's see how high you'll ascend or whether you're really worthy of Maestro De Luca's acknowledgement."

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Chapter 283 - More Important Than Royalty

Meanwhile, some of the employees of Jin Corporation who were watching Iris Long's interview paused at the photo showing her two cats and the figure of her fiancé.

"Eh? Is it just me or the cats look like Young Miss Ice Cream and Young Master Popcorn? And is that man President Jin?" A marketing associate asked her colleagues who were also her flatmates.

"Hmm. Now that you mention it, they really do look like the President's cats. As for the President...I'm not sure if that's him in the picture. I've never seen him in casual clothing before."

"No! That's definitely not the President or his cats! Are you both crazy? President Jin and Iris Long are engaged? No way! There is absolutely no way that's true! Look at the picture again. That grey cat is so much fatter than Young Miss Ice Cream! And that orange cat...uh...the direction of his stripes is wrong! Young Master Popcorn's stripes go to the left while the stripes of that cat go to the right! And look, their collars are different! Young Miss and Young Master wear silver collars. Those cats are wearing gold collars! As for the man in the picture, that's clearly not the President. President Jin is taller and more dignified. He'll never sit on the floor like that!"

"Yeah, I think you're right," her friends murmured, even though they knew that her reasoning was completely illogical.

"But if, and I'm only saying IF the President and Iris Long are really engaged, I actually think that they look good together. I mean, the President is handsome and Iris is beautiful. They're both gorgeous."

"Yeah. I didn't like Iris Long before when she was still a teenager but ever since her comeback, I became a fan of hers. She's a very talented musician. I think she'll be a good match for the President. I'd rather have her as our lady boss than some other snobbish heiress who only knows how to throw money away and look pretty."

"Noooooo! I refuse to believe this!"

Their friend resisted the idea. She always had a crush on President Jin. She worked hard to get into Jin Corporation just because she wanted the opportunity to see President Jin on a regular basis.

"Whether it's true or not is none of our business. It's best to keep our speculations to ourselves. You know the rumours in the company about those who offended President Jin before. I don't know if they're true or not, but it's better to be safe than sorry."

They all nodded.

Similar scenes were happening in different places. All of these Jin Corporation employees had the same speculations but not one of them dared to share their thoughts to others. A big reason of this was because they were terrified of their President. They only knew him as a cold and ruthless leader.

Another reason why they chose to remain silent was because they were proud working for the number one company in the country. It wasn't worth it to destroy their respectable status in the business industry as Jin Corporation employees and their career prospects within the company just for some quick cash by selling information to the media.

Besides, they weren't even sure if their speculations were correct. What if they were wrong? They would just end up with a libel lawsuit. It wasn't worth it.

The employees could only gossip among themselves, careful not to let any outsiders hear them. If it was really true that President Jin Liwei and Iris Long were engaged, then Iris was truly impressive. She succeeded where countless women failed 100% of the time in seducing such a terrifying ice block.

"Wait! What if President Jin is just using her to cover up that he's gay?!" A junior financial analyst suddenly wondered out loud.

"Sssh! Not so loud! What if someone hears you?" His colleague looked around the bar they were in, a paranoid expression on his face.

"Nooo!" The junior financial analyst sobbed on the bar counter. "Poor Boss Iris! She deserves better than that unfeeling King Yama. Boss Iris, find someone who's more capable of emotions. Even Jin Chonglin is better than the President!"

"You're drunk. Let's go home."

Among these Jin Corporation employees, some were Black Stars. If they were to choose between their two bosses, Jin Liwei or Iris Long, they would hands down go with their Boss Iris.

###

Jin Family's Old House.

The place was bustling with activity. Huang Yuyan directed the household staff to clean, decorate, cook and make everything look as perfect as possible. She checked the table settings on the dining table. She tasted the dishes being cooked and prepared in the kitchen. She was all over the place.

"Maybe we should change the curtains to bright red," she suggested.

"Yuyan my dear, the curtains are fine. You already had them changed six times today. Why don't you relax?" Grandma Li told her in a lightly exasperated tone. "The way you're acting, it's as if some members of royalty are visiting."

"Mother, it's a special day! My son is bringing Xiulan and the Long family later. They're more important than royalty! We need to present a good image to the Longs, so that they can feel at ease when Xiulan marries into our Jin family."

Grandma Li chuckled at her daughter-in-law. "Alright. It looks like you have things under control here. I'll leave everything to you, then. I'm already old and don't have the energy for all of these preparations."

"Don't worry, Mother. I'll take care of everything. Please rest for now." Huang Yuyan looked at the time. She took her phone and called someone. "Hello, son? Where are you? Are you on your way here?... What? You're still at home? I already told you that you need to be here. Your brother is bringing your future sister-in-law and her family today! What are you waiting for? Hurry up, get ready and come here!"

"Is Chonglin coming?" Grandma Li asked after the phone call.

"Yes, Mother. He said he's going to get ready."

"Well, if he doesn't arrive in an hour, I'll send my assistant to drag him over here," Grandma Li said like it was nothing.

Huang Yuyan gave a sheepish smile and then sighed. "I'm glad that he took a break from showbiz. He needs the rest. He worked nonstop while he was engaged to..." Her voice shook. She pressed her lips together before continuing to speak. "He was doing well when he left here and returned to his house. But lately I've been worrying about that boy. I heard that he's been locking himself inside his music studio for many days now. Sometimes he even forgets to eat."

Grandma Li: "We'll make sure that he eats his fill at dinner later."

"Yes, Mother. Hm?"

They both turned their heads at the sound of loud, purposeful footsteps.

"What is this? We're the first ones to arrive?" A booming voice sounded across the grand hall. "Why is nobody here yet?! I want to know!"

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Chapter 284 - Jin Chonglin Arrives

The household staff paused what they were doing to bow in greeting and show their respect to the sprightly old man. They treated the elder as if he was the Jin patriarch. And in a sense, he was. A handsome, roguish younger man followed closely behind him.

"Sister Zhiruo, Yuyan, did you give me the wrong time? Look at your household staff. It's obvious they're still preparing! Did you call me and my Haohao this early to help out with the preparations? I'm telling you, I'm old already! I don't have the energy to work! Do you want this old man to break his back, ah?" Grandpa Lu complained in a loud, booming voice. However, it was obvious in the twinkle in his eyes that he was just teasing the two Jin madams. "Haohao my boy, your Aunt Yuyan wants to enslave you today. Go help her out!"

"Hello, Grandma Li and Aunt Yuyan. It's been a long time. Good to see you all again," Lu Zihao ignored Grandpa Lu and greeted the two madams instead, flashing them a devilish smile.

They were slightly taken aback by his overflowing charm. Huang Yuyan couldn't stop herself from blushing. Grandma Li squinted her sharp eyes and looked more carefully at Lu Zihao. She nodded with a pleased expression.

"Zihao my dear, you look absolutely dashing. You look more mature now than the last time I saw you," Grandma Li told him.

Lu Zihao's smile became even more roguish. "Grandma Li, what can I say? I've grown up."

"That you are. Very good. Grandma is happy for you."

"Oh, I'm so glad that Liwei snatched Xiulan early," Huang Yuyan mumbled before she could stop herself. She covered her mouth when she realized what she just said, blushing even more.

"Oy oy, Yuyan! What did you just say? Are you rubbing in this old man's face that my Haohao didn't get Xiulan? I want to know!"

"N-no...of course not, Uncle..." Huang Yuyan began fidgeting.

A devilish chuckle made Lu Zihao even more handsome. "Aunt Yuyan, don't worry. Even if Third Brother and Xiulan aren't lovers, there's no way I'd pursue her. Xiulan and I are brother and sister. A romantic relationship between us is out of question. We don't practice incest."

"Oh...I see..." Huang Yuyan felt a little confused at how serious Lu Zihao was treating his sibling-like relationship with Iris. However, she didn't ask him why because she was just relieved that her own son got Iris.

Grandma Li led her noisy friend and Lu Zihao to the living area for some tea while Huang Yuyan returned to the kitchen to make sure that all the dishes would be ready in time for dinner. Lu Zihao charmed Grandma Li, making her laugh and feel like a younger woman.

"Zihao my dear, you're still as naughty as ever, just like your grandfather, but there's something different about you. I can't pinpoint what it is but I know you've changed somehow. Whatever it is, I like that you seem more mature now," Grandma Li said.

Lu Zihao kept the roguish smile on his face, but his eyes darkened dangerously for a few moments before the playful twinkle in his eyes returned. Nobody noticed the quick change in his expression.

He quietly sipped tea, not really listening to the two elders who were bickering about various trivial things. If not for his little sister, he wouldn't even bother coming here. He had so many things to do as leader of the Shadow Winds. This was a critical time for his group to consolidate their power before the authorities started suppressing them.

About half an hour later, someone arrived.

Lu Zihao's sharp senses allowed him to be the first one to notice Jin Chonglin's arrival. However, he didn't really care much about the younger man so he just stayed silent, continuing to sip his tea.

Grandpa Lu soon noticed the new arrival. "There you are, Chonglin my boy!" His voice boomed, catching the attention of Grandma Li.

"Hello, Grandma, Grandpa Lu, Brother Hao," Jin Chonglin greeted them. He walked to his grandmother and gave her a hug and a kiss on her cheek.

Dark shadows encircled his red eyes. He looked exhausted and thinner. Nevertheless, he still looked hot and stylish as always.

"You look terrible, my boy! Why do you look like a zombie? I want to know!"

Jin Chonglin laughed weakly, scratching his head in an awkward manner. "I've been busy writing some new songs for my comeback."

"Hai! You musicians are a bunch of weirdos, that's what! Xiulan also looked like a zombie playing the piano all day when we were at Switzerland...oh! She was depressed that time. Are you also depressed, Chonglin my boy? Tell Grandpa! Maybe I can help."

"No, Grandpa Lu. I'm not depressed. I'm alright, really. Just feeling inspired to write some music."

"That's how you look when you're inspired? Bah! It's better if you're not inspired then. Otherwise, you'll turn uglier the more inspiration hits you. Bahahaha!"

"Oh be quiet, you old gorilla! Stop bullying my grandson," Grandma Li rebuked her noisy friend.

"Who're you calling old gorilla, you old hag? And I'm not bullying the boy! I'm just showing him my grandfatherly love and concern!"

Before the two elders could bicker again, Jin Chonglin interrupted them. "Grandpa Lu, you mentioned Xiulan. Is she the same Xiulan who's the fiancée of my brother? The one he'll bring today?"

"Of course she's the same Xiulan! Why do you look so clueless, my boy? Eh? Don't tell me you don't know who Xiulan is?"

"Yeah, I don't really know her. I haven't met my brother's girlfriend...I mean, his fiancée yet."

"Bahahaha! You dunderheaded boy! You obviously know who—ah! Never mind." Grandpa Lu gave an evil chuckle. "It's better that you meet your future sister-in-law in person later. It's going to be fun! Bahahaha! Haohao my boy. Make sure to take good pictures of your Brother Chonglin's reaction later."

"You wicked old gorilla," Grandma Li muttered while chuckling and sighing at the same time at her friend's antics. However, she didn't tell her grandson the truth either.

They all sat down. Jin Chonglin sat beside Lu Zihao while the two elders started squabbling once again.

"Brother Hao, have you met sister-in-law yet?"

"Hm, yeah."

Jin Chonglin didn't notice Lu Zihao's disinterest. He was too curious about his brother's fiancée. It seemed that he was the only one who hadn't met her yet.

"What is she like? Is she beautiful? How old is she? What does she do? Is she cold and scary like Big Bro?"

Lu Zihao raised an eyebrow at Jin Chonglin's nonstop questions. "You really don't know who she is?"

"If I knew, I wouldn't be asking you all of these questions. The elders won't tell me anything. All I know is that she's named Xiulan. I don't know anything else."

"Heh~" Lu Zihao studied him with intense eyes.

Jin Chonglin began to feel uncomfortable under Lu Zihao's probing gaze. "Brother Hao? Is there something on my face?"

Lu Zihao looked away. "Nothing," he said. His tone and expression were light, but there was an unreadable look in his eyes. Then he smirked. 'She'll never like you. You lack substance compared to your brother,' he thought to himself.

He turned to Jin Chonglin again. "You want to know what Xiulan is like?"

"Yes, of course. She's my future sister-in-law after all."

"Well...she's the most beautiful, talented and intelligent woman I know in the world," Lu Zihao told him with an affectionate smile.

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Chapter 285 - Shock After Shock After Shock

The most important dinner preparations were finally completed. Huang Yuyan joined the group in the living area. She already changed into her dinner outfit which was a long elegant dress. It looked a little too formal for the occasion. She was excited and anxious to present a good impression to the Long family.

But as soon as she saw her youngest son, she cried out in worry. "Son, you look like a skeleton! This can't go on. I'll be sending meals to you starting tomorrow. You'll also take home all of the leftovers tonight."

"Mom, I'm fine," Jin Chonglin replied.

The group continued to chat until late afternoon. Finally, they heard several footsteps. They all turned to look. Jin Liwei was leading several people.

"There you are, Xiulan my girl, Liwei my boy!" Grandpa Lu's voice boomed as he smacked his thighs with his palms before standing up to greet the new arrivals. "What took you so long? I want to know! I have been waiting so long for you that I almost fell asleep!"

Grandma Li rolled her eyes at her friend's dramatic exaggerations. What almost fell asleep? He chattered nonstop the whole time.

Iris and Jin Liwei came with Long Tengfei and Yang Jiahui. Surprisingly, Long Hui also came with them. He was carrying his son, Little Jun. Dom and Meimei also tagged along carrying Ice Cream and Popcorn respectively.

Popcorn jumped out of Meimei's arms and ran towards Lu Zihao who he immediately recognized. He leaped into Lu Zihao's arms, rubbed himself all over him and meowed loudly, asking to be petted. The fat Ice Cream just watched safely in Dom a.k.a. Slave #1's arms, her expression cautious. She still didn't like Lu Zihao at all.

Since the two groups already met each other before in the hospital when Iris went into coma for the second time, there wasn't really any need for introductions. They greeted each other like old friends...no, this time, they greeted each other like family.

It was only Jin Chonglin, Long Hui and Little Jun who were unfamiliar with the other people. Needless to say, both Jin Chonglin and Long Hui were shocked out of their wits, while Little Jun just looked curious and shy meeting these new people.

"S-sir Lu Jianhong..." Long Hui couldn't believe that he was meeting the business legend in the flesh. As the heir of Long Industries and like so many other businesspeople, he admired and looked up to the true king of the country's business world.

As for Jin Chonglin, his expression was a sight to see. His eyes widened so much that they looked like they were about to pop out of his head. He kept closing and opening his eyes, even rubbing them, to make sure that what he was seeing was actually real and happening.

He looked at his brother and his...his fiancée. His brother's arm was wrapped possessively around the beautiful young woman's waist. There was also a gentleness in his brother's expression whenever he gazed down at the woman beside him. The expression looked so foreign on his brother that Jin Chonglin suspected for a moment that he must be an impostor.

"I-Iris? Is that you, Iris Long?"

Iris finally turned to look at Jin Chonglin. She gave him a smile so lovely that his breath caught in his throat.

"Hello, Senior Jin Chonglin," she greeted. "It's lovely to see you."

"You..." He looked at her then at his brother, and then back at her again. His eyes zeroed in on the diamond ring on her finger. It sparkled under the light. "Y-you...and Big Bro...ah...hold on, I think I exhausted myself too much these past few days that I didn't realize I've fallen asleep and now I'm dreaming. This must be a dream..."

He laughed weakly. The others just looked at him in amusement.

Grandpa Lu was busy recording Jin Chonglin's reaction on video with his phone. His expression was filled with merriment and mischief. He tried ordering Lu Zihao to do it, but his grandson ignored him. Lu Zihao chatted with Dom and Meimei instead while he stroked the purring Popcorn in his arms.

The reality was gradually starting to register in Jin Chonglin's dumbfounded brain. However, his disbelief only heightened as he observed the intimate touches and gestures between his brother and Iris.

"Unbelievable... Impossible..." He kept on mumbling under his breath.

Jin Liwei led Iris towards his brother. "Chonglin, meet Long Xiulan, my fiancée. Love, this is my younger brother, Jin Chonglin. You already know each other."

"It's been a while since we've last seen each other, Senior," Iris said.

Jin Chonglin marched forward until he was directly in front of her. Before anyone could react, he grabbed her shoulders and stared at her face.

"You...you're really Iris Long?"

The ugly, green-eyed monster roared to life inside Jin Liwei. He grabbed his brother's hands and wrenched them away from his baby girl's shoulders. Then he placed himself between them. He glared at his brother, warning him away.

Jin Chonglin was too shocked to react in time. He just stood there like a moron, confused at his brother's scary expression.

Dom and Meimei almost squealed out loud in excitement at the drama unfolding in front of them. This was better than any of the TV dramas they were watching.

"Whoa whoa! Easy there now!" Grandpa Lu's booming voice interrupted the sudden tense atmosphere. "You two rascals! This is a happy family gathering! Stop acting like two alpha wolves fighting over a female! Are you listening to me? Keep ignoring me and I'll bang you two brothers' heads together!"

"Darling." Iris pulled Jin Liwei back. She reached her hand up to his face and forced him to look at her. "Calm down, okay?" She whispered to him while stroking his cheek.

His cold eyes became gentle. "Okay." He held her hand that was stroking his cheek. Then he turned his head slightly to the side and gave it a kiss.

Jin Chonglin couldn't believe that the passionate man in front of him was his own brother. It was like he was meeting him for the first time. Who was this person acting all lovey-dovey with Iris Long in front of everyone? Where was his cold and indifferent brother?

He was about to open his mouth to ask them questions when...

"Mama! Papa!" A child's voice called out.

Jin Chonglin looked at the toddler struggling in the arms of Iris' brother. The toddler was reaching his little arms to...to...eh? Jin Chonglin's eyes widened once again, as he watched his brother move and take the toddler.

"Hm. Papa and Mama are here," Jin Liwei murmured, patting the child's back gently.

"Ah?" Jin Chonglin's mind went blank.

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Chapter 286 - Envious

"Mama? Papa? You two have a child together already?!" Jin Chonglin was almost shouting in shock and disbelief.

"I knew I wasn't the only one who misunderstood," Lu Zihao said, sighing softly.

However, Jin Chonglin was too preoccupied with the unbelievable scene of his brother's happy family of three in front of him that he didn't hear Lu Zihao's words.

His loud voice startled Little Jun. The toddler's little face scrunched up. He began to wail in Jin Liwei's neck.

"Mamaaaaaa! Mamaaaaaa!"

Iris immediately took the child from Jin Liwei and started rocking him and murmuring reassurances to him.

Jin Liwei swept his frosty eyes at his brother. "You made him cry," he said with a tone that could freeze hell. His arm wrapped protectively around his beloved "wife and child".

"B-big bro..." Jin Chonglin didn't know what to do. He instinctively stepped forward to Iris and the child but his brother blocked him with a cold glare. He mumbled, "Sorry...didn't mean to scare your son. My dear nephew, please stop crying. Your uncle was just surprised earlier. I'll buy you lots of toys and treats. Please don't cry anymore, okay?"

"Long Jun is MY SON!"

Long Hui stepped forward and tried to take Little Jun from Iris, but his son wouldn't let go of her neck. Feeling a bit awkward after being rejected by his own son, he satisfied himself by glaring at the Jin brothers instead. How dare they claim his Little Jun as their son and nephew?

"Ah?" Jin Chonglin was very confused. It felt like his brain stopped working properly ever since his brother arrived with Iris Long.

"Oh! Is this the godson you were talking about?" Huang Yuyan asked Jin Liwei, breaking the confusing atmosphere with her question. She walked to Iris and peered curiously at the toddler whose cries were subsiding.

"En". Jin Liwei confirmed while ignoring his future brother-in-law's glare.

"Little Jun, look. This is Grandmother Huang." Iris tried to coax the child.

Little Jun sniffled and peeked at the unfamiliar lady smiling at him. She looked nice, pretty and friendly so he smiled shyly at her despite his tearful eyes.

"Oh!" Huang Yuyan clutched her chest, feeling like Cupid shot a love arrow straight to her heart. "Oh, how adorable! Hello, Little Jun~ I'm your Grandma Yuyan~" She started cooing at the child.

Next came the two elders. They introduced themselves to the child as Great-Grandpa Lu and Great-Grandma Li. Surprisingly, Little Jun didn't feel scared of his new great-grandfather's loud, booming voice. In fact, he even reached out his cute little arms to the old man, wanting to be carried by him.

"Bahahaha! Good boy! Come to Great-Grandpa Lu! What a handsome boy! What a smart boy!" Grandpa Lu was over the moon in happiness as he carried the child in his arms.

Little Jun giggled at his Great-Grandpa Lu, finding him funny. He played with the old man's neatly groomed grey mustache. Grinning in delight, he showed everyone his three little milky white teeth.

And just like that, everyone fell in love with Little Jun. All the grandparents fought over who was going to hold the child next. They even seemed to forget that this gathering's celebrants were supposed to be the newly engaged couple, Iris and Jin Liwei.

Poor Long Hui had to compete with more people now for his own child's attention.

Finally, everyone settled down in the living area. The two families exchanged presents to each other. They also gave gifts to the engaged couple.

Afterwards, Dom and Meimei played with Little Jun and the two cats on the floor while the rest chatted with each other on the sofas.

"I'm a little disappointed that we have to learn about your engagement on the news instead of you telling us first," Grandma Li told Iris and Jin Liwei.

"Sorry, Grandma Li. It's my fault," Iris replied. "We wanted to tell you all today, but I just couldn't lie when I was asked during the interview in 'MusicFest Tonight'."

Jin Liwei nuzzled her hair and tightened his arm around her waist.

"It's alright, Xiulan. What's important is that our two families are finally gathering together today in celebration of your engagement," Huang Yuyan said with a smile.

"Hah! I already knew that they're engaged before any of you! I was the one who delivered the ring to Liwei boy! Bahahaha!" Grandpa Lu boasted to everyone. "Everything is thanks to me! If I didn't drag Xiulan girl to Cross Academy, she probably wouldn't recover from her depression so quickly! Then Liwei boy wouldn't be able to follow her all the way to Switzerland and have the opportunity to propose to her! I even returned to the country ahead of them just to manage the company in Liwei boy's place, so that the lovebirds can enjoy their premarital honeymoon in Italy! So if it wasn't for me, we wouldn't be sitting here together celebrating their engagement! Bahahaha! Where's my thanks?"

"Thank you, Grandpa Lu," Iris said to the old man. Even though she was chuckling, there was deep sincerity in her tone.

"En. I owe so much to you, Grandpa Lu. Thank you," Jin Liwei said as well.

"Bahahaha! If you want to thank this old man, go marry as soon as possible and start making great-grandbabies! Little Jun needs some playmates!"

Iris squeezed Jin Liwei's hand, feeling a bit nervous when she heard Grandpa Lu talking about babies.

Jin Liwei noticed and understood her reaction. He leaned closer and whispered to her ear, "Don't worry, love. There's no rush. We'll take our time. We're in this together, okay?"

"Okay."

The two stared into each other's eyes. The others could almost see red and pink flowers, hearts, bubbles and sparkles surrounding the lovebirds who were now absorbed in their own little world.

As for Jin Chonglin and Long Hui, the two still hadn't completely recovered from their earlier shock. Jin Chonglin stared at his brother and Iris Long acting lovey-dovey to each other, while Long Hui looked star-struck whenever Grandpa Lu spoke. Then something finally registered in their stupefied brains.

"Eh? Grandpa Lu, you said that you brought Iris...I mean, Xiulan to Cross Academy?" Jin Chonglin asked. "For what reason? Did she have some business there? You and Grandpa Jin never brought any of us to the academy before."

Long Hui also wanted to know. Cross Academy was a legendary place and outsiders weren't allowed to visit without any special permission from the academy itself. How come his sister was able to go? He felt envious of her.

"Of course she has business there! Your sister-in-law is a Cross Academy student! Even if I didn't bring her, she has every right to go there herself!" Grandpa Lu's voice boomed.

"Ah?!"

"What?!"

Once again, both Jin Chonglin and Long Hui were dumbfounded. If the two of them weren't young and healthy, they would probably have already suffered multiple heart attacks from all the shocks they were experiencing today.

"Iris, y-you're a genius?!" Jin Chonglin stood up and asked in incredulity.

Long Hui also felt incredulous. He knew his sister's grades in school. She barely graduated from senior high school. If it wasn't for their father, she probably would've failed and dropped out of school. Then he remembered challenging her to get a university diploma when she visited the Long ancestral residence.

He thought that she ignored his words because he hadn't heard anything about her enrolling in a university. But now he was hearing that she was actually enrolled in Cross Academy? The legendary school for geniuses?! How did it happen? Did their father know?

He glanced at their father. Long Tengfei didn't look surprised at all. It seemed that he was already aware. There was unmistakable pride in their father's eyes for his sister.

"I was assigned to be Xiulan's business mentor," Grandpa Lu added. "So in addition to being my beloved granddaughter, she is also my treasured student! I don't plan on taking any more students after her!"

"Grandpa Lu." Iris' eyes watered, feeling touched by his words. She stood up, walked to where the old man was sitting and gave him a hug. "Thank you very much, Grandpa Lu. I feel blessed to have you not only as my mentor and teacher but also as grandfather. I can't thank you enough for all the things you've done for me and Liwei."

"You silly girl! Why are you being so emotional?! I want to know!" After the hug, Grandpa Lu took a handkerchief from his pocket and wiped his tears. "What?! I'm not crying! My eyes are watery because it's allergy season!"

"What allergy season? It's almost winter, you old gorilla," Grandma Li retorted.

"Well, my allergy arrived ahead of time!"

While the two elders bickered once again, Long Hui thought deeply. He looked at his sister who returned beside her fiancé, then at Sir Lu Jianhong who considered her as his beloved granddaughter and treasured student.

Business mentor? Cross Academy student? Did his sister plan on working in the business industry? A sense of anxiety bubbled inside Long Hui, especially after seeing their father's proud expression for his sister. His hands clenched into tight fists.

'I'm the successor of Long Industries, not her,' he told himself.

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Chapter 287 - One Family

Nobody noticed the change of expression in Long Hui. Everyone was busy chatting with each other, congratulating the newly engaged couple, and doting on cute Little Jun.

Finally, it was dinner time. They all moved to the dining hall where a lavish feast was prepared. Huang Yuyan and her staff really went all out. She even asked someone to quickly go out and buy the best cat food and treats for Ice Cream and Popcorn, so that they could also eat together with all of them.

At this rate, it was inevitable that Ice Cream would only get fatter after this. Dom was already scolded by the veterinarian when he brought the cats for their latest check-up. The vet ordered for Ice Cream to start losing weight. However, Iris couldn't bear to deprive Ice Cream today's feast.

"Today's a special day. Let her eat whatever she wants, but only for today. Restart her diet and exercise tomorrow," she instructed Dom.

And indeed, Ice Cream started eating like there was no tomorrow. She wolfed down all the cat food and treats, demanding the staff for continued refills. If Popcorn had endless energy for play, then Ice Cream had endless appetite for food.

While the cats were feasting, the humans were also enjoying the many different delectable dishes. They continued their conversations as they ate on the dining table.

After dinner, the group moved to another lounge area for some digestive tea. The atmosphere was light and cheerful.

Sometime later, Jin Liwei and Grandpa Lu went to another room to discuss some important business matters regarding Jin Corporation. Iris and Lu Zihao were chatting when Jin Chonglin sat beside Iris. He took this chance to talk to her while his brother was gone.

"So Iris...it looks like you're really my sister-in-law."

"Senior, it's 'future' sister-in-law," Iris corrected him.

"I'll just call you Sister Iris then, I mean Xiulan."

She nodded.

"Sister Xiulan, you should call me Brother Chonglin from now on too, not Senior."

"Alright, Brother Chonglin."

Lu Zihao sipped his tea in silence while listening to their conversation.

"Are you working on some new music? Or are you just focusing on promoting your upcoming soundtrack album?" Jin Chonglin asked. "By the way, congratulations on composing an entire film score. That's a big achievement, something that even I haven't tried before yet."

"Thank you. Yes, I'm working on something right now that I plan on releasing sometime in the near future. How about you?"

Jin Chonglin's eyes twitched when he heard that she would be releasing something soon. It had only been a few months and she already had two, almost three albums under her belt ever since her first comeback. How could she create quality music so quickly like it was nothing?

He was supposed to be the superstar, and yet he was struggling to single-handedly complete his planned album. Letting others write and compose songs for him over the years had taken a toll on his own creativity. He remembered the time when he just debuted as a musician. He only needed a few hours to complete writing and recording an entire song. But now, it felt like trying to make a rusty engine run again. It was a struggle to start and keep it going.

"I see. That's good," he replied. "I'm also working on something new. Once it's complete, I'll make a comeback and release it."

"Good luck, Brother Chonglin."

"Thanks. You too."

He wanted to tell her something but hesitated. He opened and closed his mouth a few times, but it seemed that he couldn't say it.

"Spit it out. How annoying," Lu Zihao muttered when he lost patience watching the younger man's repeated hesitations.

"I...I want to apologize for what you went through because of Fan...that woman. Because of her obsession with me, you and those other women had to suffer from her evil schemes," he finally told her in a low tone.

Iris shuddered. She couldn't stop the memory of the torture from popping in her mind. But she was much stronger now and wouldn't break down anymore remembering what the remnant within her did. She was already starting to accept that the torture was something that she could never get rid herself of. She took a few deep breaths to calm herself.

The two men beside her saw her reaction.

Jin Chonglin apologized to her again. He mentally scolded himself for reminding her of such a horrible, traumatizing memory. However, he needed to say sorry to get closure from what happened.

"It's not your fault. You weren't the one who harmed us," she replied. "Let's put the past where it belongs and move forward."

"Yes, you're right."

Lu Zihao's eyes darkened. Danger lurked within their depths, but he tightly controlled it. He could see that his sister was still affected by the memory of the torture. He wanted to protect her from everything, but he was also glad that she growing stronger from these bad experiences. Fan Luo and the Alarm Girls needed to be thankful that his sister was recovering from the trauma well. If she failed to recover, he would've ended those b*tches with his own hands once and for all.

While Lu Zihao restrained his murderous intent, Jin Chonglin changed the unpleasant topic.

"Since you're my future sister-in-law, we're like family now. When both of us have some free time, how about working on something together? Maybe a single or two. I'd love to work with you, you know. And it's also easier to work together now especially after...after what happened. What do you think?"

She tilted her head to the side, thinking about his suggestion carefully.

"Sure," she finally said.

He flashed her his best smile. "Cool! I'll take that as a promise then."

It was at this moment that Jin Liwei returned with Grandpa Lu. He saw his baby girl and brother sitting together. All he could see was his brother flirting with his baby girl, trying to seduce her with his smile. With a dark expression, he marched towards them.

Lu Zihao noticed his arrival and smirked. He swirled the tea in his cup and watched the show.

Jin Chonglin was oblivious of the approaching danger. He continued to chat with Iris, subconsciously exuding his sex appeal in front of a beautiful lady.

Iris noticed Jin Liwei a few beats slower than Lu Zihao. She turned her head. Her lovely smile turned into a confused expression when she saw the dark and ugly expression on his face.

"Darling?" She asked when he arrived in front of them.

He didn't answer. Instead, he carelessly pushed his brother to the side and squeezed himself between them on the couch.

"Ow! What the hell, Big Bro?" Jin Chonglin complained but unsurprisingly, his brother ignored him.

Jin Liwei looked at his baby girl. His expression softened seeing her beautiful eyes blinking in confusion at him. Before he realized what he was doing, he was already kissing her on the mouth in front of everyone. Iris was only startled for a few seconds before responding to his kiss. The two of them were quickly consumed by their own passion and had forgotten that there were other people around them.

"Quick! Someone cover Little Jun's eyes!" Grandpa Lu's voiced boomed amidst the gasps and giggles. "Hai! Kids these days can't control themselves! You two! If you can't hold it in, is it that hard to excuse yourselves and find an empty room? This house has lots of rooms, you know!"

Surprisingly, it was Jin Liwei who stopped the kiss first. Iris flopped like jelly on his chest. She hid her face against his neck while desperately trying to calm her own arousal. He stroked her back to soothe her.

Sitting beside them, Lu Zihao closed his eyes and thought about other things to prevent himself from punching the bastard Jin Liwei's face.

Jin Chonglin, on the other hand, was once again a picture of utter shock. He was still finding it hard to believe that this passionate man was his own brother. Did his brother die and another soul transmigrated into his body? He laughed at his absurd thoughts.

The teasing and conversations continued until late into the night. The family gathering drew to a close. They dispersed and returned to their own homes.

Although the two families weren't officially connected by marriage yet, the Jins and the Longs already considered themselves as one family.

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Chapter 288 - Lucky Charm

As the seasons started to transition from autumn to winter, the film "Strong Yet Broken" finally premiered. Although its premiere couldn't compare to the huge blockbuster-intended movies, it was still leagues better than most indie films. There was even a small red carpet event and select media representatives were also invited.

The majority of the people who waited behind the barricades to watch the red carpet event were the Black Stars. Their suits couldn't be seen beneath their coats, but they still wore them nonetheless. It was like their uniform whenever they went out to support their Boss Iris. Joining their ranks were their new comrades, the Pandemonium fans. They also wore suits but their metal rock background was still apparent in their accessories, piercings and make-up.

Another distinctive group who attended the premiere consisted of the supporters of Guan Jintao, the famous blind Paralympian gold-medalist. The film was based on his late mother's story. About half of them were persons with disabilities.

LX Productions already expected this, so they reserved the best place behind the barricades for the group. It was more spacious and even had portable heaters to make them comfortable in the cold weather.

The actors and actresses starring in the film weren't really popular. In fact, most of them were total newbies. It was only Iris Long and Guan Jintao's connections to the film that garnered interest for it. The anticipation for the film waned after Iris' abrupt disappearance. Then the interest reignited once again when she returned and began promoting it.

Finally, the film's production team and the stars began arriving. The crowd began to chatter in excitement. The media also started snapping photos.

First to arrive were the director, the executive producers (including the person Jin Liwei appointed to run LX Productions), and all the other members of the production team.

Then Paralympian Guan Jintao also arrived accompanied by his beloved wife. His fans cheered when they saw him. His wife led him to them. He took some time signing autographs and posing for photos with his fans. As a famous figure in the sports world, he learned to sign his name despite his blindness. After interacting with his fans, he answered some questions from the media.

Moments later, deafening screams and shrieks arose from the crowd. They saw JJ arriving together with a beautiful woman. The woman looked familiar. People gasped when they realized who it was.

It was Iris Long!

She looked so gorgeous that everyone had to take a closer look to make sure that it was really her. Her hair was styled in flawless waves behind her. Her make-up was striking and more dramatic than usual. She was wearing a long, white mermaid dress with colourful embroidered leaves, vines, flowers and birds on the entire upper body and the hem of the dress. Her natural poise and elegance together with the stunning dress only enhanced her beauty.

The diamond ring on her finger and the LX bangle around her wrist sparkled under the nonstop camera flashes.

"Boss Iris!"

"I love you, Boss Iris!"

"You're so beautiful!"

She waved at her fans, making them scream even louder.

"Mr. JJ, you're so handsome!"

"Marry me, Mr. JJ!"

JJ straightened his back and puffed out his chest after hearing some people screaming his name. He was pleased that they recognized him, the famous and award-winning music producer, JJ. Haha!

Like Guan Jintao, Iris spent some time interacting with her fans. She signed autographs and posed for pictures. She also saw some familiar people among the Black Stars such as Zhou Mei'er (CaptainBlackStar) and Ming Li (Little Phoenix). She thanked them for coming and even gave them hugs. Ming Li was so happy that she almost fainted.

Afterwards, she posed for the media beside JJ. She granted a couple of short interviews on the red carpet.

"Iris, wow! You look so beautiful tonight! That dress is to die for! Who are you wearing?" The interviewer asked her.

"Thank you," she replied before saying the name of the designer of her dress.

"There are so many reasons to congratulate you tonight. First and the most obvious of all is for the premiere of this movie 'Strong Yet Broken' which you're actively involved in given that you composed its entire film score. So big congratulations for that! What a great achievement! How do you feel right now?"

"This is actually my first time attending a film premiere. There's so much going on but I'm just enjoying myself and savouring this experience. I'm so excited to watch the film and of course to hear the music that I specially composed for it."

"What's it like to compose a film score? Was it hard? Easy?"

"Both," Iris answered. "There were times that the music just flowed and it was very easy. Then there were also times that I had to struggle imagining what kind of music fits a certain scene the most. Those were the hard times. But regardless of the difficulties I experienced during the composition process, the excitement and the passion were strong inside me and they kept me going until I completed everything. This is a dream come true for me, so I was determined to do my best."

"Impressive. Moving on to the second reason to congratulate you, today is also the release day of your soundtrack album. This is the third album you released since your first comeback a few months ago. Wow, Iris. You're on a roll!"

"Thank you."

After asking Iris a few more questions about her album and other future projects, the interview moved on to more personal topics. Of course, her engagement was the primary subject but Iris kept mum about her fiancé's identity. The interviewer was unsatisfied by her answers, but he didn't force the issue because the scary Mr. JJ was standing behind Iris.

When the short interview was done, Iris and JJ joined the director, the producers, production team members, and Guan Jintao and his wife.

The head of LX Productions greeted Iris with great respect. He was aware of her relationship with his real boss, Jin Liwei. After all, the production company was created solely to support her showbiz career.

The actors and actresses arrived next. Since most of them weren't that popular, the attention showered upon them by the crowd and the media couldn't compare to what Guan Jintao and Iris received earlier. Nevertheless, they still enjoyed the moment because they never expected that the indie film they decided to partake in would receive this kind of reception in the first place.

When everyone had arrived, they all posed together in a group photo. They didn't really have any high expectations. "Strong Yet Broken" was still an indie film, after all. They were already happy receiving this much attention.

Before getting Iris Long involved in this movie project, the original producer never imagined that his film would have such a grand premiere night like this, complete with screaming fans and various media representatives attending.

He treated Iris as his lucky charm because after she joined the film production, they not only received overwhelming attention and interest for the movie but also financial assistance from LX Productions. Not to mention that Guan Jintao himself started showing his support for the film after listening to the cinematic version of "Phantom of Your Love" and the other soundtracks from the film score.

The producer asked Guan Jintao why he was suddenly showing interest in the film when the Paralympian ignored his previous attempts of communication.

"It's because of the music you sent me," Guan Jintao answered. "I could almost hear my mother's anguish again when I listened to the music. With that kind of music, I think that you'll do a good job in depicting my mother's story."

So in short, all the blessings raining down upon the film was because of Iris Long. This was what the producer thought. He could never thank her enough. Even if his film flopped in the box office, he would still be proud.

"Thank you for everything, Iris," he made sure to tell her before they entered the movie theatre after the red carpet event.

"Sir, this is your film. I should be the one thanking you for giving me this opportunity," she told him instead.

He smiled, still feeling grateful to her.

As they entered the movie theatre, they had no idea that this moment was the start of their legend.

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Chapter 289 - Dead When Awake, Alive When Asleep

After the film finished playing on the big screen, there wasn't a dry eye in the theatre. "Strong Yet Broken" was, in simple terms, a very depressing movie.

From the beginning to the end, a great sense of desolation permeated the entire film. Despite its almost unbearable atmosphere, the viewers could still feel the hope weaved seamlessly within the agony.

This kept them engaged and emotionally invested for the whole duration of the movie. The background music in every scene only intensified their already high-strung emotional states. Even when it ended in a tragic manner, it was still a form of release and relief from all of the anguish. A good portion of the audience wailed loudly during the ending, as the theme song "Phantom of Your Love" played.

Everyone needed some time to get a hold of themselves. Their emotions were so intense that they could almost touch and taste them in the air like a big viscous cloud floating all over them.

When they calmed down enough, the film's production crew and cast gathered at the front facing all of the viewers. Of course, Iris was included in the line-up. They all spoke one by one, talking about their experiences working for the film and thanking everyone for coming to watch.

The premiere night successfully ended. Iris, JJ and the others headed to the private after-party celebration. It wasn't lavish. Just a simple buffet meal in a private room at a restaurant. Tears of happiness were shed as everyone reminisced about their memories working together.

During the party, Guan Jintao's wife led him to speak to Iris. Iris greeted the sports legend with great respect. After learning about his life story, she admired him not only for his accomplishments as an athlete but also as a person. He was truly inspiring, even more so because of his disability.

"Miss Long, I want to thank you for your contribution in bringing my mother's story to life," Guan Jintao told Iris. "To tell you the truth, I was unhappy at first when I discovered that people wanted to make a film based on my mother's life. I felt that creating this film would only disturb her eternal rest because it would reopen painful memories. However, when the producer sent me the theme song 'Phantom of Your Love' and some of the music from the film score, I swear I felt my mother's presence again. At that moment, I knew that this film isn't a disturbance to her eternal rest but a respectful memorial to the life she lived instead. So thank you for bringing back a piece of my mother with your music."

Even though Guan Jintao had his eyes closed as he talked to her, Iris felt like he could see her and everything around him. There was a sharpness and intensity in his invisible gaze.

"Sir Guan, please, it's an honour," she replied. "Thank you for giving us your blessings for this film. Your mother was a very strong woman. Despite her tragic fate, I'm sure that she'll inspire a lot of people like me through this film."

"Indeed. Just like the film title, my mother was strong yet broken at the same time. Although the end she chose causes me pain for as long as I live, she's the strongest woman that I know. Her broken strength will forever live through this film."

The night drew to a close. Everyone in the after-party went home with a giddy feeling of accomplishment for completing the film they had worked on for so long.

However, they all knew that this wasn't the end. It was just the beginning.

###

Although the films released around this time were fewer than during the summer season, "Strong Yet Broken" still had plenty of competition. There were other indie and less popular films, not to mention the highly popular big budget films that drew most of the moviegoers.

The competition at the cinemas were extremely fierce.

Compared to the big budget films, the line ups for "Strong Yet Broken" were pitiful. Their opening day and week was just a drop in the ocean compared to the massive crowds the big films were drawing in.

But as word of mouth started spreading and critic reviews were published, more and more people decided to watch "Strong Yet Broken". Both the star powers of Iris Long and Guan Jintao were also a big help in promoting the film to the general public.

LX Productions were also closely monitoring the growth rate of the film's viewership. As the viewership gradually increased, the production company was able to negotiate with movie theatres to increase showtimes for "Strong Yet Broken".

This was another unprecedented instance for an indie film. Many film industry insiders began paying close attention to the mysterious LX Productions. How could a newly created production company have such financial resources, connections and influence? Who was the person behind it? They didn't believe that the CEO running it was actually the person pulling the strings.

The Black Stars and their comrades, the Pandemonium fans, watched in droves to support their Boss Iris. Even though Iris herself didn't appear in the movie at all, her film score was still the biggest star for them.

In all honesty, they didn't have that much expectations for the film at all. They had this misconception that all indie films were boring. They only watched because of their Boss Iris.

However, when they finally watched the movie, it was as if they were swept away by a tsunami of overwhelming emotions. It was so painful that it felt like they were drowning in their own grief. All of them were sobbing and wailing in the film theatres. It came to a point that the Black Stars allocated part of its funds to buy boxes of facial tissues to distribute to moviegoers watching "Strong Yet Broken".

Whenever a batch of viewers came out of the movie theatre, they were a sight to see with their teary eyes, snotty noses and red, swollen faces.

"What happened to all of you?" A curious passerby asked them.

"We watched a movie and it was so SAAAAAAAAD!" The person who was asked started sobbing again as she remembered what she just watched.

"What? A movie? I thought you all came from a funeral! What movie was it that made you look like that?"

"It's called 'Strong Yet Broken'. Wuwuwu! Go watch it. You're gonna cry so HAAAAAAARD!"

"What's it about?"

"The movie tells the life story of the mother of Paralympian Guan Jintao..."

"Strong Yet Broken" was about a pregnant young woman who was completely in love with her equally young husband. She grew up an orphan. That was why she was very excited to build a loving family with her husband. However, just months after she got pregnant with their child, she lost her husband due to terminal illness. It came so suddenly. Her husband didn't tell her until he was already dying. In the end, he died before she gave birth to their child.

Alone and depressed, she wanted to take her own life and follow her husband. However, he made her promise before he died to take care of their child. A few months later, she gave birth to a normal, healthy baby boy she named Guan Jintao.

Her depression only worsened after the birth. What she suffered back then was called postpartum depression in today's terms. But back then, nobody diagnosed her. They just told her to deal with it, suck it up and fulfill her responsibility as a mother.

When her son was about five years old, he began losing his vision, eventually becoming completely blind within two years. Not only was she a single mother, but she also now had to raise a blind child in times when the disabled were ostracized by most of society.

Public schools rejected her son, so she had to enroll him to a private school which catered to children with special needs. It was expensive. She worked multiple jobs while raising her blind son. It didn't help that Little Jintao was always being bullied. She did her best to comfort and protect him, even when she couldn't even protect herself.

Throughout all of these struggles, she was desperately trying to stay strong and deal with her depression by herself even though all she wanted was to give up and follow her husband.

It was during her son's puberty age that he showed signs of talent in swimming. She supported him with all she had. She would borrow money from her coworkers and neighbours just to support his training and competitions. She didn't really have any big dreams for him. All she wanted was for him to have some respite from all the bullying outside the pool.

In public, she was the most supportive mother but in private, she attempted to kill herself many times. Each time, however, her husband's dying words would play in her mind.

"Take care of our child for me."

She would cry herself to sleep after her failed suicide attempts, dreaming of happy times with her beloved husband until she had to wake up to reality the next day again.

Dead when awake, alive when asleep.

This was how she felt for the rest of her life.

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Chapter 290 - The Power Of Mothers

The rare cheerful parts of the film was when the young Guan Jintao started winning some minor competitions in his teenage years. His proud mother was happy, but deep inside she was hurting because her beloved husband couldn't celebrate their son's achievements together with them.

She continued to work hard to support her son's increasing expenses. Guan Jintao wanted to help earn some money, suggesting that he work part-time but she rejected his idea. She wanted him to focus on his training and leave all the money worries to her.

This was also around the time Guan Jintao finally noticed that his mother was suffering from depression, though she tried hard to keep it to herself. However, she just dismissed his concerns, telling him not to worry about her.

"It's a mother's job to worry about her child, not the other way around," she told him.

After winning a major swimming competition, a coach noticed Guan Jintao's talent. Many already knew about this part of the story from Guan Jintao's own biopics. The coach and athlete would create history together.

The coach took the teenager under his tutelage, greatly easing off most of the financial burdens from Guan Jintao's mother.

Guan Jintao started to dominate swimming competitions nationally and internationally. He gradually became a well-known figure in both parasports [1] and unified sports [2].

Knowing that his mother was cheering for him among the stands, he thought that perhaps she was already recovering from her depression. He was wrong.

Her depression continued to fester within her, killing her slowly day by day.

Finally, Guan Jintao's biggest dream came true. He participated in the Paralympics held in another country and took home multiple gold medals. When he returned to the country, he received a hero's welcome and was even awarded recognition by the country's president for his achievements.

He promised his mother that he would make life easier for her from now on. Although he couldn't see her smiling because of his blindness, he still felt it. It warmed his heart and made him hopeful that his mother was finally alright.

Throughout his rise as a Paralympian star in the country in the next few years, his mother appeared to become more serene. He took this as good sign and continued to work hard in his sports career. He eventually met and fell in love with a woman. They married and lived together with his mother.

Everything was perfect. Despite his disability, he felt like the happiest man in the world.

Or so he thought.

One day, they found his mother dead on her bed clutching a framed picture of her beloved husband. People who saw her observed that she looked like she was just sleeping peacefully. There was even a soft smile on her face.

An empty packet with traces of an unidentified powder was found on her bedside table beside a sealed enveloped labelled "To My Son". It contained her last words before she ended her own life.

It took a few months after his mother's funeral before Guan Jintao gathered enough courage to open her suicide note. His wife read it for him.

The suicide note was several pages long. It was through the letter that Guan Jintao finally learned the whole story of his mother's struggles and sufferings throughout her whole life, especially after his father died before his birth.

His mother fought her inner demons by herself. She must've felt so alone, yet she tried to be strong for his sake.

At the end of the letter, she wrote:

"I'm tired. I've been tired for a long time, but I couldn't leave you just yet. Now that you have a loving family of your own and a successful career, I've fulfilled my promise to your father. I can finally rest in peace after so many years of yearning for my other half. Never forget that I love you so much and that I'll always be proud of you. Now I'm off to meet up with my lover, my husband, your father. I'm happy so please be happy for me too. Farewell, my beloved son. Your father and I will continue to watch over you and your family."

Guan Jintao continued to grieve for his mother. But at the same time, he was also relieved that she was finally free from all her living sufferings in this cruel world.

###

The film's exposure during the first weeks since it premiered was excellent for an indie film but nowhere near the level of the big budget blockbuster movies.

A large part of its publicity was attributed to Iris Long's continued promotion of both the film and her accompanying soundtrack album.

Paralympian Guan Jintao also took a break from his job to help promote the film, guesting in radio and TV shows and granting interviews for newspapers and magazines. After he retired from his sports career, he began travelling around the world as a motivational speaker. He was also serving as an active ambassador for the country's sports association for persons with disabilities.

Despite the effort of these two, they still couldn't compare to the promotional prowess of the blockbuster movies' superstar actors and actresses. Most people in the country preferred to watch these popular superstars over some unknown actors and actresses in an indie film.

The viewership growth rate of "Strong Yet Broken" was slow and mostly depended from word of mouth and the fans of both Iris Long and Guan Jintao. Although the majority of critic reviews being published praised and raved about the film, the general public avoided it because they heard it was a tragedy. They preferred the usual comedy, romance or action over a serious, true to life tragic movie.

This continued for almost a month until an unexpected development occurred. A leading non-profit organization advocating for mental healthcare in the country suddenly started a vocal support for "Strong Yet Broken".

Some days later, other organizations followed suit. First was a support network of mothers with postpartum depression. Next was an association of parents with children with disabilities. Finally, a women's issues society joined in supporting the film.

The support from all of these groups was like putting the movie on a rocket and launching it high up the sky for everyone to see. Suddenly, everyone was talking about it.

Using the film as reference, TV programs started featuring serious conversations about motherhood, mental health issues and parenting children with special needs. A few university professors teaching psychology across the country even began making it mandatory for their students to watch the movie.

Before the production crew and cast realized what was happening, "Strong Yet Broken" suddenly became a catalyst for serious conversations about important issues throughout the country. It wasn't just the film industry that was paying attention to it anymore. Even experts from several other fields such as mental health were lauding its raw and unromanticized depiction of depression.

Finally, the general public started to take notice. Groups of mothers started lining up at the theatres because they heard that the film was about the struggles of motherhood. After watching the film, they all came out of the theatres feeling like they were all squeezed dry of their emotions. They went home to their families and used the film as an example to remind their husbands and children to treasure them, the mothers.

The film wasn't the only one that benefited from this. A horde of mothers suddenly became freshly minted Black Stars.

With the purchasing power of these mothers, Iris' soundtrack album which debuted at an underwhelming number 13 in the music charts suddenly skyrocketed up to sit securely at number 2. The cinematic version of "Phantom of Your Love" also reached number 2 in the singles ranking.

Number 1 was taken by a duet of much-loved veteran singers who finally released a love song together after more than a decade. Kicking them off from their top spot would be very difficult even for Iris.

"I can't believe that the entire film score was composed by a twenty-year old kid!" A mother exclaimed to her fellow new Black Stars who were also mothers.

"I know, right? My eldest son is older than Iris Long, but compared to her achievements, my son still has no idea what to do with his life."

"Iris Long, I want to hate you because every time I hear 'Phantom of Your Love', I start remembering the film and cry. You don't understand how embarrassing it is to suddenly start bawling in the middle of shopping for groceries when the song plays inside the store!"

Iris welcomed her new fans and thanked them for their support. Although she never experienced the warmth and love of a mother, she still commended these mothers for all of their sacrifices.

While all of these were happening, LX Productions called the film's original producer and the director for a meeting.

The topic?

Award submissions.

###

Notes:

[1] Sports played by people with a disabilities, including physical and intellectual disabilities

[2] Sports involving teams made up of athletes with or without disabilities.

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