Chapter 341 - Move In
For the next few days, the news were all about Iris Long's impressive wins at the Harmony Music Awards. Not only did she win the most awards and defeated Jin Chonglin many times, but she also received a special historic award.
Iris became even busier after the music awards. She sat for many interviews and posed for a lot of magazines. Her status within the music industry was elevated. People now respected her more.
Other record labels were also starting to poach her, angering JJ to no end. Iris assured him that she still wanted to work with him. They created great music together. Why would she abandon him? She would rather produce her own music herself than leave JJ to work with another music producer. For her, he was the best producer in the country.
In addition to their effective work relationship, she also felt grateful to him. She was now seeing how he really cared about her. He treated her like his favourite niece. She experienced his concern for her again when he scolded her for forgetting to message him when she arrived home the night of the music awards.
"You damn brat! Did you know how worried I was?! I thought that those Jin brothers had their wicked ways with you! I almost stormed Jin Corporation and declared war against them!" JJ yelled at her on the phone.
It was weird because she was smiling even though she was being scolded. After pacifying JJ, she checked for updates about the veteran male singer who harassed her and the four posh ladies at the after-party. She was about to perform her own investigation when Jin Liwei stopped her.
"Don't waste your time with that scumbag. I already took care of him. It's not only me. The Chief of Police is furious at him as well. That bastard is already in police custody," he told her.
"Oh. Okay."
With that, she already tossed the matter of the veteran singer out of her mind, leaving it to her darling to handle. She felt no mercy for the veteran singer at all. He was absolutely disgusting and had no respect for females. Whatever punishment he received from Jin Liwei and the Chief of Police, he totally deserved it and more.
###
After consecutive days of working hard, Iris finally had a much-needed day off. Unfortunately, Jin Liwei had a pressing matter to attend to at Jin Corporation so he couldn't spend it with her.
As compensation and also as a sort of reward for her triumph at the music awards, Jin Liwei gifted her a full day of pampering at the spa. He also made Dom, Meimei and Jiang Ying Yue accompany her.
"Oh! This is going to be so much fun! A girls' day out! Yay!" Dom clapped his hands in excitement.
The group enjoyed massages, facials, body treatments, manicures and pedicures. Of course, the twins Dom and Meimei chattered nonstop. After gushing about Iris' impressive award wins, they focused the topic of conversation on Jiang Ying Yue's reignited relationship with Long Hui.
Now that the tabloid scandal about Iris and Jin Chonglin having a love child together died out, Jiang Ying Yue and Little Jun left the mansion and moved back to their unit at Gold Heights Condominium. Iris and Jin Liwei improved the security system in the entire building.
During one of her speeches at the music awards, Iris inadvertently revealed that her bodyguard was also the mother of her godson. There were already several photos of Jiang Ying Yue floating around on the internet because she frequently accompanied Iris as a bodyguard. Jiang Ying Yue's image, including Dom's, were often included when fans and paparazzi snapped photos of Iris.
Added to the fact that Long Hui also publicly admitted that he was the father of Iris' godson and nephew, it was very easy for people to figure out that Jiang Ying Yue was the mother of Little Jun.
Iris repeatedly apologized to Jiang Ying Yue for her carelessness.
"No, Xiulan. Please don't apologize," Jiang Ying Yue said. "It's the truth, anyway. Little Jun is indeed my son with Hui. Besides, I'm very happy that you consider me as your friend."
"If your relationship with Big Brother Boss continues its progress like this, I'm sure that in addition to being friends, you and boss will also become sisters-in-law! Ehehe!" Dom said in excitement.
"So true! Big Brother Hui is so in love with Big Sis Yue that he even left the Long ancestral residence to move in with her!" Meimei added.
Indeed, Long Hui moved in to Gold Heights to live with Jiang Ying Yue and Little Jun.
Iris' careless mention of Jiang Ying Yue in her acceptance speech at the awards show revealed Jiang Ying Yue's identity. Fortunately, not many people were interested in Jiang Ying Yue. After all, she wasn't a celebrity like Iris. It was only the Longs and the people in the same circles as them who fretted over her. She was now labelled as Long Hui's mistress, the mother of his illegitimate child, and the bodyguard of Long Xiulan. Needless to say, the Long elders were absolutely horrified, ashamed, and infuriated.
This was also one of the reasons why Long Hui decided to move in with her and their son. Of course, he wanted to be with them as a family. However, he also did this to protect Jiang Ying Yue. By showing everyone that they were living together, he was making a statement that Jiang Ying Yue was the woman that he wanted to marry. She wasn't a mistress but his future wife.
Iris also let go of Jiang Ying Yue as her personal bodyguard. She assigned Jiang Ying Yue as the head of security at their Gold Heights Condominium building instead. This way, Jiang Ying Yue would have more time to spend with Little Jun and also wouldn't expose herself further to the public eye.
Back at the spa, Jiang Ying Yue blushed at Dom and Meimei's teasing. It was obvious that she was in love with Long Hui.
However, Iris could still sense an uneasiness in Jiang Ying Yue's eyes. It didn't help that Meimei was telling them that the Long elders and the other Long relatives were making things increasingly hard for Long Hui recently.
According to Meimei, the Long ancestral residence was becoming more and more unpleasant to live in. The elders and other relatives would come almost every day to complain to Long Tengfei about Long Hui.
Jiang Ying Yue looked upset, but she didn't say anything. Finally, Meimei realized how her words affected Jiang Ying Yue. She immediately stopped. Then she and Dom started talking about other more cheerful things instead to lighten the atmosphere.
Iris observed Jiang Ying Yue in silence. She didn't know exactly what Jiang Ying Yue experienced in the past, but she always acted troubled whenever the Long family was mentioned.
'What a bunch of nuisances,' Iris thought about the Long elders and the other Long relatives.
Putting the annoying Long family out of her mind, Iris enjoyed the rest of the spa day with the others. Finally, their day at the spa ended. They prepared to go home.
While walking along the hallway, they met another group consisting of three women in their early twenties.
The woman leading them suddenly stopped. She looked surprised when she saw their group. Then she spoke directly to Iris. "Little Sister Xiulan, is that you?"
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Chapter 342 - Long Jinjing
Iris blinked, not recognizing the woman who spoke to her, nor the other two women accompanying her.
Meimei stepped out from behind Iris and exclaimed, "Long Jinjing! It's me, Yang Mei!"
"Oh, Yang Mei. You're here, too?"
After hearing the woman's name, the original Iris' memories flooded her mind. Only then did Iris recognize the woman to be Long Jinjing. She was Long Tengfei's illegitimate daughter with a former mistress. Meaning, she was Iris Long's older half-sister.
She didn't recognize her right away because for some reason, there was a bit of a repelling force surrounding the original Iris' memories about Long Jinjing. Then she understood why.
The original Iris absolutely hated Long Jinjing, feeling jealous of her especially when it came to their father's attention. She also felt threatened by her older half-sister because Long Jinjing was smart, lady-like, and admired by many. The Long elders might discriminate against her because of her illegitimacy, but the younger members of the family and the servants adored her.
They always compared the original Iris to Long Jinjing, expressing their disappointment that Iris was the legitimate daughter and not Long Jinjing who they thought would have been the perfect young lady of the Long family. The original Iris heard them saying that Long Jinjing was many times better than her.
All of these made the original Iris develop an inferiority complex towards Long Jinjing. It made her hate her older half-sister, treating her like a mortal enemy.
Iris couldn't sense any hostility from Long Jinjing directed at her at the moment. But even if she was hostile, Iris wouldn't be surprised based on the memories of the original Iris currently flooding her mind. Fortunately, Long Jinjing was acting very nice to her.
There was no reason for Iris to be rude, so she greeted her, "Big Sister Jinjing, lovely to see you."
Long Jinjing looked surprised at the nice greeting. Then relief flashed in her eyes, perhaps because Iris acknowledged her. She smiled at Iris, acting friendly and even shy.
Pretty and dainty. These were the first words that would pop in one's mind to describe Long Jinjing. She was a petite womanâa head shorter than Irisâand looked fragile. She was the kind of woman who at first glance would make most people want to protect her. Although she didn't have Iris' stunning beauty, Long Jinjing was attractive in a pretty way.
"How have you been, Little Sister Xiulan?" she asked. Her voice was surprisingly deep and firm in contrast to her petite and fragile appearance. "I watched the Harmony Music Awards. Your performance was amazing. Also congratulations on your many award wins, especially on the special award."
"Thank you, Big Sister Jinjing," Iris replied politely.
Then they made small talk. Long Jinjing mentioned that she would be graduating in about a couple of months and would start working at a small branch division of Long Industries. Then she suddenly looked worried after realizing what she just said. It was as if she was afraid that Iris would think that she was bragging. When Iris didn't react negatively, she looked visibly relieved.
Then one of her companions began tugging her arm, silently asking Long Jinjing to introduce her to Iris. The two groups began formal introductions. Long Jinjing and Meimei were already acquainted with each other. They met several times at Long family reunion dinners or when Long Jinjing visited Long Tengfei at the ancestral residence by herself. The two were rather friendly to each other.
One of Long Jinjing's friends was almost trembling in excitement as she greeted Iris. She looked very star-struck and couldn't make herself call Iris as Xiulan.
"Uhm...can I...I mean, please give me your autograph!"
"Of course," Iris replied.
Iris signed an autograph for Long Jinjing's friend and also posed together for a photo with her. In contrast, the other friend accompanying them kept her distance. Her name was Chen Fei. She was polite and answered when asked but didn't initiate any of the conversations.
It was from Chen Fei that Iris detected hints of hostility towards her. She wasn't the least bit surprised because Chen Fei was Long Jinjing's best friend. The original Iris got into several catfights with her in the past. They fought because Chen Fei was defending Long Jinjing from the original Iris' bullying.
Iris didn't mind the slightly hostile attitude of Chen Fei towards her. It was understandable. In fact, Iris even admired her for still acting civil despite their past feuds.
Finally, the two groups said goodbye to each other and went their separate ways.
"Boss, your sister seems nice," Dom commented once they were inside the executive van.
"Yeah, Long Jinjing is nice and kind. She's also very humble. Totally unlike most of the Longs," Meimei said. Then she realized what she just said and added in a hurry, "Of course, Xiulan is also very nice, kind and humble. The two of you are the best among the Longs. Even Uncle Tengfei and Big Brother Hui can be snooty sometimes." Then she paused when she thought about something. "Well, actually, sometimes you're not humble at all, Xiulan. But in a nice, non-snooty way! Perhaps it's because you're such a straightforward person that you never deny or devalue any of your achievements when others praise you. It's not bragging. It's more like you're confident of your own abilities and achievements."
"Of course! That's because boss is the best!" Dom declared.
Jiang Ying Yue nodded in agreement.
"It's weird because I heard that the two of you are not in good terms," Meimei said. "I was afraid that you'll get into a fight with her earlier, but you two acted really friendly to each other. What's up with that? Oh. Is it like when you used to bully my Auntie Jiahui before? Did you bully Long Jinjing too?"
Iris nodded.
"Wow. You were such a b*tch, Xiulan," Meimei said. "I'm glad I didn't meet you back then or I would most likely hate you."
"That was back then! Boss is the best now!" Dom immediately defended Iris, glaring at his twin.
Meimei rolled her eyes. "Duh. That's what I said."
"That Chen Fei has some ill feelings against you, Xiulan," Jiang Ying Yue observed.
"Really?" Both Dom and Meimei didn't notice.
While the three chattered about their encounter with Long Jinjing's group, Iris inwardly prodded some of the original Iris' memories. She sank into deep thought because she discovered that on some of the memories regarding specific people like Long Jinjing, emotions that weren't hers began bubbling inside her.
Her eyes darkened with suspicion at this implication.
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Chapter 343 - Power Of A Celebrity
Meanwhile, Long Jinjing and her friends were also on the road, talking about their chance encounter with Iris' group at the spa.
Chen Fei was driving her car. Long Jinjing sat beside her on the front passenger seat, while their other friend sat in the backseat.
Long Jinjing and Chen Fei were best friends. They met each other in middle school and became inseparable ever since. They went to the same high school and university. While Long Jinjing majored in Finance, Chen Fei majored in Marketing.
They met their other friend in business school. That was why Iris didn't recognize her from the original's memories.
"Wow. Iris Long is even more beautiful in person. She's also very nice," their friend commented. "Totally unlike how you painted her, Xiao Fei. Whenever you talk about Iris, you make her sound like a monster."
"That's because she is. You have no idea of the hell Jinjing went through in the hands of that evil b*tch," Chen Fei spat.
"That was all in the past, Xiao Fei," Jinjing said. "I heard that my sister has changed. And it seems that it's true. Our father is very pleased that she has matured and became sensible."
"Hmph! You think a person can change just like that? I don't believe it." Chen Fei looked very skeptical.
"People CAN change especially after experiencing a traumatic event. Remember that my sister almost died in that car crash and went into coma for an entire year. Her personality change must be because of that trauma. She has experienced a lot. Let's not be so harsh on her," Jinjing said.
Chen Fei harrumphed and then sneered. "I still don't believe that she really changed. I will never forget how she bullied you before, Jinjing. I also will never forget about how I suffered bald patches on my head for a few months because she ripped my hair off my head."
"That's because you scratched her face, Xiao Fei. She's a celebrity and her face is very important," Jinjing said.
"She started it! She insulted you so my hands automatically moved on their own to attack her," Chen Fei tried to justify her past action. Then she shrugged. "Whatever. I don't think I'll ever like her. Don't worry. I won't fight with her as long as she doesn't do anything to you. She better not bully you again or I'll expose her black heart to those brain-dead Black Stars and the whole world."
"Hey! I'm a Black Star and I'm not brain-dead!" their other friend complained in the backseat. "Want me to whack you with my mighty slippers?! Huh, Xiao Fei?"
Chen Fei ignored her.
"Please don't do that. She's my sister. Father will be sad if people attack her," Jinjing said.
"You're a very kind and compassionate person, Jinjing. That's good. We love you for that. But more often than not, you're too kind that others are taking advantage of you. You have to realize that there are people in the world who don't deserve your kindness. You call that evil b*tch your sister, but does she even consider you as her sister?"
Uncertainty flashed in Long Jinjing's eyes.
"See? Even you're not sure. Don't be fooled just because she acted nice today. Remember that we're in a public place. She's a celebrity and she has to watch her image and reputation. We'll only know if she really changed once we meet her again without the prying eyes of other people."
Their other friend interrupted them. "I don't really know exactly what happened between you and Iris before, but I think that everyone deserves a second chance. Xiao Jing, I hope that you can have a good sister relationship with Iris."
"Me too," Long Jinjing whispered.
Chen Fei snorted, still not trusting that Iris really changed for the better. Meeting her in person again after more than two years made her feel some phantom pain in the previous bald spots on her head. Her grudge against Iris was something that wouldn't be so easy to forget.
###
When the media got tired of featuring Iris Long's incredible award wins and moved on to more recent stories, her endorsement ads started rolling out to the public. The commercials played on TV and even on radio every day. Her posters could be seen in public places all over the country.
The Black Stars swarmed the stores and crashed websites in order to buy the products their Boss Iris was endorsing.
Nail polish by Meili Nails? All sold out. Latest phone model? They lined up hours before the stores even opened. Some even camped out the night before. The high-end headphones and earphones didn't sell out because they were so expensive, but the sales definitely spiked higher than normal. Many people also switched toothpastes, hoping to at least obtain even just 1% of Iris Long's beautiful smile.
Similarly, Serenity Premium Tea also sold out within just two days, specifically the varieties Iris Long endorsed. The stores were calling Lin Yehan's company nonstop to place additional orders. Lin Yehan and his employees were all taken aback, not expecting this kind of development at all. They were so unprepared that their current inventories weren't enough to supply all of the orders.
As a result, Lin Yehan had to choose carefully who to supply first. His company produced premium tea. He didn't want to compromise the quality just to increase the supply to meet the current insane demand.
Serenity Premium Tea's price point was also higher compared to its competitors. Lin Yehan already accepted that it wouldn't appeal to the majority of the consumers. That was why he never imagined his tea products would sell out in just two days.
'So this is the power of a celebrity,' he thought to himself.
Ever since Iris' multiple award wins, she had become more famous. She was quickly becoming a household name. Although she still had a long way to go until she reached Jin Chonglin's level, she was already headed in that direction, especially if her career continued its upward trajectory like this.
The most important thing was that she had now finally stabilized her position in showbiz. She was also now a respected figure in the music industry. Her next career choice from here on would be extremely critical on whether she could move forward or grow stagnant as an artist.
###
In response to her growing fame and influence, Bright Summit placed more importance on her. Tang Yiyi was now one of the star managers in the management company as a result. More resources were allocated for her. More offers were also coming her way.
Inside Tang Yiyi's office at Bright Summit Entertainment Company.
"I'm so proud of you, Iris, but don't let all of these go into your head. You worked hard to achieve all of these, but the moment you grow complacent, you'll start losing everything," Tang Yiyi warned Iris. "We need to continue working hard."
"I understand, Elder Sister Yiyi," Iris replied.
"Don't worry, Big Sis Yiyi! Boss isn't like that! She always works hard. I'll work hard as well!" Dom declared.
"Good." Tang Yiyi smiled. Then she grabbed a pile of documents from the mountain of files on her desk. "Ever since your wins at the music awards, we have received many offers requesting you to write theme songs for TV dramas and movies."
"What?! That's amazing!" Dom bounced on his seat in excitement.
"It also worked to your advantage that a big part of the success of 'Strong Yet Broken' can be attributed to the theme song and the film score you composed. I suggest you consider composing for a TV show this time."
"I'll keep that in mind, Elder Sister Yiyi. Please allow me to look into the offers first," Iris said.
Tang Yiyi handed the pile of offers to Iris. Then she moved on to another topic. "Did you know that we also received acting offers for you?"
Dom gasped. "Really? OMG!"
Iris tilted her head to the side, waiting for her manager to elaborate.
"Iris, you've already stabilized your position in the music industry. I think it's time to diversify and try acting."
Although Iris was curious and interested, she hesitated. She knew herself. Sure, she could act and portray simple emotions. But if she was required to portray deeper and complicated characters and emotions, she had no confidence in herself at all.
Music and acting were similar in that they could portray a wide range of emotions, stories and characters. However, music wasn't acting and acting wasn't music.
She was confident when it came to music. But acting?
Tang Yiyi could guess what she was thinking. "Don't stress about it for now. We'll put you in acting workshops first. How's that?"
"I'll leave everything to you then, Elder Sister Yiyi," Iris finally said after much thought.
"Don't worry, boss! I'll help you! My gorgeous self is good in acting, too! Ehehe," Dom said.
They chuckled before continuing to discuss Iris' next work schedule.
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Chapter 344 Mr - Z
Shadow Winds Compound, Main Headquarters.
Lu Zihao and his subordinates worked tirelessly in the last few months to obtain more resources and manpower. They already destroyed quite a number of small to medium gangs. For now, they hadn't touch any of the biggest triads in the country yet.
Those powerful triads, however, were already cautious and guarded against the Shadow Winds. The group's rise to power was too rapid and yet stable that it was alarming. The Shadow Winds were disturbing the power balance in the country's underworld. And many weren't happy with it. Some of these triads even reached out to the Shadow Winds, wanting to acquire and swallow it within their own respective organizations as a subordinate division. Of course, Lu Zihao declined.
Apart from his most trusted subordinates, nobody else knew Lu Zihao's identity as the grandson of the business legend, Sir Lu Jianhong. He was only known as Mr. Z.
He also started wearing a mask even when inside the Shadow Winds headquarters as a precaution to the new members of the group. Although he was fairly confident that the original members of his group were loyal to him and wouldn't betray him, the same couldn't be said to the new members.
After an exponential growth in the number of members, Lu Zihao recently slowed down recruitment. He wanted to focus on training these new members, while at the same time weeding out those whose loyalty he wasn't sure of.
Aside from their exploits in the underworld, they also targeted publicly "upright" businesses and organizations but were actually running illicit activities behind closed doors. As a result, Shadow Winds had now acquired several legitimate businesses they used as cover for their own activities. These businesses also served as major and sustainable streams of income to the group.
Lu Zihao also ordered several small branches to be established in different parts of the country and even in select other countries abroad. The teams he sent to build these branches were small in number. A team ranged from only two to six members each. This was to avoid arousing the suspicion of both the authorities and the local criminal groups.
Overall, the Shadow Winds had grown quite powerful. And standing behind this rising power was its leader, the mysterious Mr. Z.
Inside the control room, Lu Zihao played with his black blank mask with his hands. The subordinates present were among the original members. They were fiercely loyal to him and knew his real identity. They were also only the ones allowed to refer to him as "Boss Hao". The new members had to call him "Master Z" instead.
"Boss Hao, regarding the person you instructed us to monitor, we are sorry and ashamed to say that we have lost track of him once again. He's a very slippery guy. It also doesn't help that he has various powers that are assisting in hiding him and covering his tracks," the leader of the hacker team reported. "However, we are able to discover signs that he has contacted several international publishers, mostly in the U.S. and the U.K., using his other identity Edward Coben, the one who is an American investigative journalist."
Lu Zihao stopped playing with the mask. His eyes narrowed.
"This might be an indication that the biography is nearing completion or maybe it's already finished. We are not sure," the hacker leader said.
His subordinates didn't visibly cower anymore when Lu Zihao released a murderous aura. Their intense training helped a lot in hardening their bodies, minds and wills into sharp blades of steel. Nevertheless, their hearts still trembled inside at their leader.
"Get me a copy of that f*cking biography," he ordered.
"We'll do our best, Boss Hao." The hacker leader hesitated before saying, "But we can't guarantee that we'll succeed. We already tried many times to obtain a copy or even just some parts of the biography but to no avail. That man is very careful. We suspect that it's either he's writing the book by hand or he's using a separate device to write it that isn't connected to the internet. My hacker team is helpless in these cases. That is unless we send a team to where he's atâwherever he isâand snatch the biography directly from him."
Lu Zihao stood up and started pacing back and forth in the control room. He moved like a restless and bloodthirsty panther. Silent and dangerous.
"What else?" he asked in a tone that exerted a very heavy pressure upon his subordinates.
"There is also the possibility that he's using a highly-advanced concealment or encryption software that prevents us from accessing his data, specifically his files regarding the biography. If this is the case, we still have a chance. We just have to dig harder and deeper."
"Do that, then."
"It is just unfortunate that our skill level as a team is still not enough to increase our success rate in obtaining more information about the biography. It is highly likely that either he or the major powers assisting him hired some hackers to help conceal him. We are only able to obtain traces of him before he disappears again." The hacker leader took a few deep breaths, looking nervous while wanting to say something.
"Spit it out."
"I...Boss Hao, we already suggested this before but...uh..."
Realization flashed in Lu Zihao's eyes. Then he scowled. "No. I already said before that we will not involve Drakon in any of this business."
The hacker leader already expected his boss' decision, but he still wanted to try persuading him to change his mind. "Boss Hao, I think you should reconsider your decision. Boss Drakon is the only top-tier hacker that we know of who's the most likely to willingly help us because of your connection to her. All of us in the hacker team are confident that she could gather everything you need more quickly."
Lu Zihao glared at his subordinate, making the guy lower his eyes to the floor.
"Boss Hao! We got a hit!" an excited voice interrupted them. It was a female hacker who barged inside the control room carrying a tablet. She panted as he handed the tablet to Lu Zihao. Then she explained, "We found traces of our target in South America."
"South America?" Lu Zihao frowned as he studied the information displayed on the tablet. The information was incomplete but his eyes widened when he realized something. He instructed, "Continue monitoring him. Do everything you can to get me a copy of the biography. And also..."
The hacker leader and the female hacker paid attention.
"Look into the latest activities of the Alcatraz Organización." Hatred boiled within Lu Zihao when he mentioned this group which was one of the biggest archenemies of the Vetrovs in the past.
The female hacker gasped aloud. "Boss Hao! Don't you think it's still too early for us to mess with such a gigantic organization? We haven't even dared to cause trouble with the biggest triads in the country, and now we're going after the most powerful organization in Latin America? Isn't that too much?"
All of the subordinates inside the control room paled.
"Shush! What are you doing? I already told you to control your mouth when in front of the boss," the hacker leader reprimanded her. Then he turned to Lu Zihao and bowed, forcing the female hacker to bow as well. "Boss Hao, please forgive her this once! She's still young and doesn't yet know what's good for her!"
Lu Zihao nodded but made sure to give the female hacker a warning look. Although he didn't really mind what she said, he needed to instill discipline to all of his subordinates or things within the Shadow Winds might spiral out of his control.
"Sorry, Boss Hao," she mumbled, trembling.
After instructing his subordinates on what to do next, Lu Zihao dismissed everyone. They went to do the tasks assigned to them. As for him, he wore his mask and headed to his room.
He wasn't really sure whether the Alcatraz Organización had something to do with the man writing the biography about the Vetrovs. It was possible that the Alcatrazes might have something to do with the Vetrov's downfall and annihilation. Everything was still a conjecture on his part, though.
Lu Zihao wanted to know the truth. It was an obsession. The progress of his hacker team was too slow that he was starting to run out of patience. There was also a sense of urgency, especially now that the biography might be published soon.
He fished his phone from his pocket. He tapped on it a few times but suddenly stopped when he realized what he was doing. His thumb hovered over Iris' phone number.
'No. It's better not to involve her in this dangerous business. She's living a great life now. I should let her enjoy a life of peace and happiness,' he told himself.
A sense of loneliness bubbled within him. He sighed and tried to shake it off.
'She chose her path and I chose mine. Better keep it that way.'
Lu Zihao looked straight ahead, determined not to falter in his path of revenge.
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Chapter 345 - Conditions
Dragon Palace Home #10.
Jin Liwei arrived home late that night from work. It was already past dinner. The butler told him that both Iris and Dom were in the cat room, so he headed there.
He was about to open the door when he heard some muffled voices inside. Curious and not wanting to disturb them, he quietly opened the door just a crack to eavesdrop. He heard his baby girl and Dom talking inside. The cats meowed now and then. Well, it was actually just Popcorn asking for attention. Jin Liwei couldn't hear Ice Cream at all. She was probably sleeping like usual.
"No, boss. Your expression still looks flat. You need to harness the emotion of shame," Dom said. "Let's go through the scenario again. 'You are a teenager and you have been caught smoking at school grounds. Your teacher and the school principal scold you and call your parents. Your parents come to pick you up. They are very disappointed.' Now you have to act guilty and ashamed of yourself. Okay, boss? 3, 2, 1, action!"
"I don't like this scenario. It's so stupid. I never smoked and I don't want to try it. So I have no idea what it's like. Let's change it," Iris complained.
"But boss, this is the scenario your acting coach gave you. We have to practice it. Or if you want another scenario, we can practice the other emotions instead. Oh, here's a good one. It's for the emotion of surprise. 'You receive a letter informing you that a great-grandfather that you've never met before has died and left you 50,000 RMB in his will.' Now you have to act surprised."
"50,000 RMB? Is that supposed to be surprising? But I'm already a billionaire."
"Pft!" Jin Liwei couldn't stop the laugh from escaping from his lips.
"Meow? Meow!" Popcorn ran like an orange rocket and launched himself at his daddy.
Jin Liwei caught him and immediately started petting the needy cat.
"Darling!"
"Sir boss!"
It was Iris' turn to come running. Then she threw herself at him, hugging his waist tightly. Popcorn meowed loudly in complaint as he got squished between his mommy and daddy.
"Sorry," Iris mumbled before quickly taking Popcorn and putting him on the floor. Then she returned to hugging Jin Liwei tightly, rubbing her face against his chest.
Jin Liwei wrapped his arms around her, pulling her closer to him. He kissed the top of her head and rubbed her back. He could feel her frustration in the stiffness of her body.
"What's wrong, love?" he asked.
She didn't answer, continuing to bury her face in his chest instead.
"What happened?" Jin Liwei asked Dom instead.
"Oh. The acting coach told boss earlier today that she sucks in acting. Boss has been in a bad mood because of it."
"What?" Jin Liwei's expression turned ugly. "That acting coach is a quack. Fire her. Let's get a new one. How dare she say that to my Xiulan? That acting coach doesn't know what she's talking about."
"No, don't," Iris finally spoke. "Elder Sister Yiyi says that she's one of the best acting coaches in the industry. Apparently, many of her past students are now some of the top actors and actresses in the country."
"She's only one of the best in the country. Let's get you a better acting coach from abroad," Jin Liwei suggested.
Iris was feeling better now after hearing his words. "It's okay. There's no need to go that far. I'll stick with her. I heard that Bright Summit made a lot of effort to persuade her to take me in as a student."
He gazed down at her beautiful face. Then he stroked her soft and smooth cheek with his fingers. "So what if Bright Summit made a lot of effort? Don't force yourself to endure it if she's being mean to you." Then he asked her, "Do you even like acting?"
She tilted her head to the side and thought about it. "No, I don't think I like acting..."
"Then there's no reason for you to do it," he told her.
In all honesty, he didn't want her to go into acting. When she first informed him that she was going to take acting workshops and start working with an acting coach, he was taken aback. She said that she wanted to try acting. He didn't stop her, but he made her agree to certain conditions first.
First, she needed to consult him before accepting an acting project. They would decide together if she should accept it or not. Second, absolutely no love scenes allowed. No kissing, no hugging, and no intimate touching with the opposite sex. Third, she needed to bring her bodyguards to shoots all the time.
Fortunately, she accepted all of his conditions without any protests, even the one about the bodyguards. Then she started going to acting workshops and working with an acting coach. At first, she was very excited. But after a few days, he noticed that she was increasingly becoming downhearted.
"You're right. But I still want to try acting. I'm struggling right now and I'm starting to dislike it, but I don't believe that I can't do it. I already attended a number of acting classes, so I might as well finish what I started. I want to at least try working on an acting project. I want to take on this challenge and see how far I can go. If in the end, I still suck at it, then I'll stop and stick to music."
The corner of Jin Liwei's lips lifted into a smile. It seemed that his baby girl's competitive spirit had been ignited when the acting coach told her that she sucked at acting. Seeing her trying so hard like this even though she was bad at it, he couldn't bear to discourage her from acting anymore.
She did say that she just wanted to try and experience it. His baby girl was still young compared to him. He should allow her to experience new things and enjoy herself before they married.
"Alright, love. Do whatever you want, but remember our agreement. Okay?"
Iris gave him a sweet smile and pulled his head for a chaste kiss on the lips. "I love you, Jin Liwei."
"I love you more, Long Xiulan. So much," he replied in a serious voice.
"Ehehehe."
"Meow~ Meow~"
Ice Cream opened her eyes and looked at Slave #1 and her brother Popcorn spying on Mommy and Daddy. Yawning, she closed her eyes again and went back to sleep.
"Have you eaten dinner yet, darling?" Iris asked Jin Liwei.
"Not yet."
They all headed to the kitchen. Dom, the glutton, ate dinner again with Jin Liwei even though he already ate earlier with Iris.
"Oh, I almost forgot," Iris suddenly said. "I'm writing a theme song for a TV drama. It's a love song. You're my inspiration for it, darling. I think of you whenever I'm working on it."
"Yeah?" Jin Liwei looked extremely pleased and delighted. "Can I hear it?"
"Yes, of course. It's not finished yet but I'll play it to you later in our room."
Jin Liwei nodded, a faint smile on his face.
"Oh. I also forgot to mention that it's a duet. I'm planning on inviting Brother Chonglin to sing it together with me. I think his voice will be perfect for the song," she told him.
His smile instantly disappeared.
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Chapter 346 - New Method Of Persuasion
A chill suddenly permeated the air. It made Dom shiver, but even so, he didn't stop eating. His chopsticks continued to shove food into his mouth. However, he did glance warily at his sir boss who now looked like a frozen statue of the king of hell.
Iris stood up from her seat and walked towards Jin Liwei. Then she squeezed herself between the table and his body to sit on his lap. Her arms wrapped around his neck and she began raining kisses all over his face.
"Darling, don't be so jealous of your own brother, okay?" she said in her sweetest voice. "You're the one I love and the inspiration of the song I'm writing, not him. Brother Chonglin is just a...a...hmm, a mouthpiece, yes! He's just a mouthpiece that I need to use in order to produce the song I'm envisioning."
A giggle escaped from Dom's mouth, but he forcefully stopped it when Iris gave him a warning look. Then she returned to sweet-talking her darling, making sure to kiss him every few sentences.
Jin Liwei's mouth twitched at his baby girl's new method of persuasion. However, he fought against the smug smile threatening to break out of his face. He was enjoying her actions immensely and wanted to experience it longer, so he maintained his cold and displeased expression.
"As a fellow musician, I want to experience working with Brother Chonglin," she continued. "Besides, I'd rather work with Brother Chonglin who's a family member, rather than with a total stranger. Don't you think so too, darling?"
"Hmm..." One of his hands wrapped around her waist while the other hand fondled her thighs. Despite the shamelessness of his hands, his expression remained unmoved.
To be honest, he didn't really mind the idea of his baby girl and his own brother working together. He trusted both of them. She had already removed his misconception from before that she had feelings for his brother when she pursued Jin Chonglin as a teenage pop star. Despite this, he still couldn't stop himself from feeling jealous.
Iris pouted when he didn't respond. She felt disappointed thinking that he didn't want her to work with Jin Chonglin.
"Fine, then. I'll just give the song to others and let them sing the duet instead. I'll just be the songwriter," she said in a sulky tone.
She unwrapped her arms around his neck and moved to stand up from his lap. However, he pulled her back down, refusing to let her go. He kissed her shoulder and sighed.
"No, love. I want you to sing that song. Didn't you say that I'm your inspiration for writing it? Then I want nobody else to sing it but you. Use my brother if you need to."
"Really?"
"En."
"Thank you, darling." She gave him a peck on the lips. A lovely smile lit up her face
"If my brother does anything bad to you or doesn't listen to you, feel free to smack him."
Iris giggled. "You're so mean, Liwei. That's your brother. But I'll keep that in mind."
In a good mood, she took his chopsticks and began feeding him the rest of his dinner. Of course, Jin Liwei was more than happy to let her feed him. He even deliberately chewed slower so that the moment could last longer.
After dinner, they headed to their own respective bedrooms. Dom gave the couple two thumbs up and a "ehehe" before leaving the two of them.
On the way to their suite, Iris regaled Jin Liwei with her activities during the day. He listened attentively. He felt happy that she now had become comfortable enough in their relationship to talk about trivial things without needing him to ask her.
It was completely different now compared to the early days of their relationship. Before, he needed to coax her and even trick her into making her talk to him more. But now she was doing it on her own volition. He felt very happy that they had reached this point.
"Long Xiulan, thank you," he told her in a voice so soft that it was barely audible.
Fortunately, Iris had great ears. She tilted her head to the side. "Hm? What for?"
"Thank you for accepting me and also for loving me."
She hugged him. "I'm glad I met you, Jin Liwei."
###
"Congratulations to Manager Long for his promotion to the main company," the branch director raised his glass in a toast to Long Jian.
"Congrats!"
"Manager Long, please don't forget about us."
"We'll miss you, Manager Long. Please visit us whenever you have the time."
Long Jian's colleagues at the small branch division he had worked at since graduating from university offered their congratulations and well-wishes to him. They were at a popular restaurant near their workplace to celebrate his promotion to the main company. They also treated the dinner as his farewell party.
The females were very sad to see him go. He was their office crush and dream guy. To them, he was perfect in every single way. He was tall, handsome, smart, cool and charismatic. The performance of their small branch division improved by leaps and bounds because of him.
Everyone knew that he was President Long Tengfei's illegitimate son. At first, they thought that he only used his father's influence to obtain a position right after graduating from university.
However, as soon as he started working, they discovered what an outstanding businessman he was. He was a born leader who knew how to push his team members to work harder and become more ambitious.
They were sad to see him go, but knew that he already outgrew their small branch division. He deserved to reach higher up the hierarchy ladder at the main company. They believed that he had the skills, abilities, and drive to be an executive one day. However, not one of them thought that he could be President Long Tengfei's successor one day. After all, it was an already widely accepted fact that Deputy CFO Long Hui was the heir of Long Industries.
As for Long Jian, he was relieved that he finally received a promotion. He couldn't wait to leave the small branch division. The three years he worked there felt like three decades. He resented the fact that his father sent him to such a small branch division after graduating.
He felt that it was unfair because Long Hui directly worked at the main company when he graduated. Even though both of them graduated top of their classes from the same C9 League university, why was the treatment of them after graduation so different from each other? Was it because Long Hui was the legitimate firstborn son and he was illegitimate?
Despite the unfairness of it all, he worked extremely hard to boost the small branch division's performance. It was now one of the top branches because of him. All of his hard work finally paid off.
By next week, he would start working at the main company under the COO. Although the position given to him was too low for his liking, it was alright. He just needed to work hard again in order to climb the ranks.
He couldn't wait to show everyone at the main company his capabilities and to prove that he was more worthy than Long Hui to succeed as the head of Long Industries. This was his chance and he was going to seize it with all he had.
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Chapter 347 - Supreme Ascension
Long Jian excused himself and left their private dining room. He headed to the men's washroom to relieve himself. While doing his business, he heard a group of college students talking to each other.
"Man, I'm exhausted. I played this new game for the past two nights. It's called 'Supreme Ascension'. Do you know it?"
"Of course I know it! I'm actually one of the first people who bought a subscription when it officially launched last week. I discovered it at a gaming convention about a month ago. They let people play the sample. Before I realized it, I spent my entire time at the convention just playing the game. The story line is different depending on which class you choose. I think that's very cool. The graphics are just freaking awesome. And the world-building? Don't get me started. It's so detailed and so on-point that I think it's going to be the next big thing in the gaming world. I was so disappointed when they told me that it wasn't available yet during that time. That's why I've been waiting for its official release and immediately bought the subscription. And I'm telling you, it's so worth it."
"Ah, damn. I'm only playing the free version. Maybe I'll buy the subscription, too. The pricing is reasonable, as well. It won't bankrupt us poor college students."
Another slightly older man in his mid-twenties piped in. "Sorry to interrupt. I just overheard your conversation. Are you talking about the MMORPG 'Supreme Ascension'?"
"Yeah, man. You play it, too?"
"Yes! Actually my older brother was one of the beta testers of the game."
"What?! For real?! That's cool as f*ck, man!"
The newcomer looked pleased at their reaction. "Yeah. Apparently, it's made by a completely new gaming company called Planet Monkey. It also seems that the game developers are total newbies. Kinda unbelievable, right? With that kind of quality, you'll think that the game was created by one of the big companies with numerous other games under their belt. But no, this is apparently their first game."
"Wow. I didn't know that. That's insane. They must be loaded to be able to create such a high quality game and even build a company."
"Nah. My brother said that the CEO is only in his mid-twentiesâthat's around my ageâand the CFO is in his late twenties. They aren't rich at all. Both were office workers living paycheck to paycheck before they decided to quit and build their own gaming company."
"Huh? Where did they get all of their funding then?"
"I heard that the President-Owner of the company is the one who's super rich. My brother has never seen the owner, but he heard from the employees that the owner is apparently a beautiful young woman. They say that she's very generous. Whatever they ask, she provides. That's why they have the best environment to create the game compared to other indie developers and maybe even some of the big gaming companies."
"Beautiful young woman? Come on! That's pure bullsh*t. The owner is probably a rich, young master who has more money than he could spend, plays video games all day, and has never had a girlfriend before."
They all laughed.
"But that is amazing, man. I wish I could be a beta tester, too. That would be so freaking cool."
"If you're serious, I can connect you with my brother. He's still working part-time as a tester for the company, even though the game is already released. Mainly to check for bugs and to evaluate user experience, that kind of thing. And he says that the job pays well."
"For real?! Man, let's exchange numbers! When I graduate, I'm so going to apply to Planet Monkey."
"Me too! But what I really want to know is if it's really true that the owner is a beautiful young woman!"
Long Jian washed his hands, feeling a little annoyed that these guys were being so noisy inside the washroom. He looked down on people like them.
For him, any adults playing video games were lazy bums. That beta testing or whatever was not a real job. It could only be a side hustle for desperate people who were too lazy to put in the effort to get real jobs like him.
A faint sneer marred his handsome face.
However, Long Jian envied the owner of that Planet Monkey company. He didn't care whether the owner was really a beautiful young woman or a rich young master. He wished that he could also have the freedom and the money to build his own successful business from scratch.
Even though he was a Long, his finances were limited to what he was currently earning as a corporate worker. His father stopped sending him allowance when he started working after graduating from university.
Fortunately, his mother was able to invest in several small properties while she was still his father's mistress. She rented these properties to others, providing their family with a continuous stream of extra income.
He wasn't like Long Hui or Long Xiulan, the legitimate children, who grew up with silver spoons in their mouths. Their other half-sister, Long Jinjing, had a similar upbringing to him. Although he and Long Jinjing were richer compared to the average people, they were nowhere near as wealthy as the young masters and young misses from other affluent families.
Well, it didn't matter if he couldn't start his own company. He wasn't that interested in trying it anyway. Why start his own when he could get his hands on an already established and successful company?
What he wanted the most was Long Industries. He would work extremely hard and do everything in his power, even sell his soul to the devil, in order to achieve this ambition.
As he made his way back to the private dining room, he thought about his youngest half-sister. He heard that Long Xiulan started her own company and begged their father for some sort of a business deal. He chuckled, the sound filled with mockery.
'What an idiot. A person like her who barely graduated from senior high school and never attended university started her own business? Does she think that running a business is that easy? What a joke. I'll bet that her businessâwhatever it isâwill fail in just a few months. She has the money, yes, but skills? How laughable. Not everyone can be like the owner of that Planet Monkey who seems to run his or her company very well despite being a total newbie in the gaming industry.'
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Chapter 348 Ex - Girlfriend
Long Jian didn't consider his youngest half-sister, Long Xiulan, as a threat. The one he wanted to overpower was the heir, Long Hui.
He heard from Long Xiaopeng's latest report that Long Hui was having a difficult time with the elders after leaving the ancestral residence to move in with his lover and his child. The elders thought that it was disgraceful. They were accusing him of disregarding his duty as heir of the Long family.
Their father's birthday would be coming in a few days. All of the Longs would be gathering together for a grand celebration in honour of Long Tengfei. Long Jian couldn't wait to witness with his own eyes how Long Hui was being suppressed by the elders and the other members of the Long family.
'Now he'll experience something similar to the oppression that I experienced just because I'm an illegitimate son. Let's see if he can handle it. The Crown Prince will soon fall,' he thought.
Long Jian passed through other tables along the way. It was dinner time, so there were a lot of diners eating at the moment. A line-up also formed by the entrance for people waiting for the next available tables. The restaurant was very busy.
It looked like a small accident happened between a waiter and a diner. There were spilled food and broken plates all over the floor. Long Jian's way back to the private dining room was currently blocked until the mess on the floor was cleaned up.
Annoyed at the inconvenience, he sighed and waited by the side. A group of young office ladies were dining at a nearby table.
"Did you hear about the latest news? Iris Long is nominated for Best Original Score in the upcoming Diamond Guild Film Awards."
"Of course I know! I'm a Black Star and we're the first ones to hear any news about our Boss Iris. She's so awesome! After winning those insane number of awards at the Harmony Music Awards, she's nominated again for another award. I'm just in awe of her!"
"Ah, the competition is much fiercer this time than at the music awards, though. She's up against veteran composers who already won this award several times in the past. Based on what most of the film industry experts are predicting, Iris Long is not a favourite to win."
"I don't care what those experts say! I believe that Boss Iris will surely win! The film score she composed for 'Strong Yet Broken' is just superb. I'm kinda disappointed that she didn't get nominated for Best Original Song, though. She totally deserves that nomination! 'Phantom of Your Love' is just out of this world. Whenever I hear the cinematic version of it, I just burst into tears and remember what happened in the movie."
"That's because the song has been released as another version before. It's not eligible for Best Original Song. How unfortunate. I think that if it was eligible, then it has the best chance of winning among the nominees in that category. Too bad that it wasn't nominated. But still, it's already impressive that she's nominated for Best Original Score. That's another achievement under Iris Long's belt."
"As a Black Star, I'm so proud of Boss Iris. This is definitely her year. Her star is just getting bigger and brighter."
Finally, the mess on the way had been cleaned up. Long Jian gave a last glance at the office ladies before heading to the private dining room where his soon-to-be former co-workers were waiting for him.
He thought about what he just heard about his youngest half-sister.
'That's all she is, a showgirl. So what if she shines in showbiz? She'll never be an important existence in the Long family. The final battle for succession will be between me and Long Hui.'
According to the elders, Long Xiulan was even more of a bigger shame to the Long family than Long Jian and Long Jinjing, who were the children born from mistresses. As a public figure, every scandal she got involved in would be exposed to the masses. This was absolutely shameful in the elders' eyes because they thought that it tarnished the family name.
And by getting closer to her, Long Hui was damaging his reputation and standing within the family.
Long Jian's lips lifted into a smirk at the thought. When he opened the door to the private dining room, the smirk transformed into a gentle smile as he greeted his co-workers.
###
Gold Heights Condominium.
After putting Little Jun to sleep in the bedroom, Jiang Ying Yue headed to the open kitchen where Long Hui was working on some documents by the granite island. The laptop in front of him displayed a spreadsheet with complicated numbers. Despite being busy with work, he still paused what he was doing to smile at Jiang Ying Yue when he heard her approach.
"Is our son asleep?" he asked.
"Yes. It's harder to put him to sleep now because he has more excess energy. When Xiulan was still living upstairs in the penthouse, Little Jun would play with Ice Cream and Popcorn until he tired himself out," Jiang Ying Yue said.
"Should we get him a cat, then? Hmm. But I personally prefer a dog..."
Jiang Ying Yue smiled. She stood behind him and started massaging his shoulders. He groaned and enjoyed her massage.
"Finish your work. We'll talk about getting a pet next time," she told him.
"Give me a kiss first."
Her cheeks blushed, but she still leaned forward to kiss him on the lips. It was a soft, lingering kiss filled with sweetness.
"Hmm. Nice..."
His hands tried to pull her hips closer to him, but she gently slapped them away.
"Hurry up and finish your work. I don't want you staying up too late again," she told him with a light laugh.
He sighed and smiled at the same time before nodding. Then he resumed working.
They were at the unit gifted by Iris to Little Jun. Before Long Hui and Jiang Ying Yue got together again, she and Little Jun barely stayed at the unit. They only used it as a place to sleep. They mostly spent their time upstairs at the penthouse.
But now that Long Hui moved in with them, the place was feeling more and more like a home. They were spending more time in here compared to before. Of course, they still visited Yi Mei and the others upstairs at the penthouse, but Long Hui preferred that they spend more time as a family together.
As the new head of security of the condo building, Jiang Ying Yue didn't need to leave the place anymore for work. She now had more time for her family. It was like a dream come true.
Her earlier worries about her relationship with Long Hui gradually stopped bothering her so much. Despite this, she still couldn't completely erase the fear that this happy moment would be shattered someday.
But she loved Long Hui and wanted to have a happy family with him and their son. She already gave up on him once before when she was a vulnerable young pregnant woman. Although fear and anxiety still lingered in her heart, she wanted to try again with him, especially since he was trying so hard to assure her with both his words and actions. If she still pushed him away, then it would truly be unfair to him.
She left him to his work and headed to the living area. Then she switched on the TV to watch the evening entertainment news. She started watching them because of Iris.
"Successful interior designer, Wu Qianxi, finally returns to the country for good after living and working on and off in America for a number of years. Her clients include some of the most famous celebrities in the world and even designed the home of a Danish princess. She says that she is excited to be back home and to reconnect with old friends. Some may remember that she dated Long Hui a few years ago. Long Hui is the heir of Long Industries and also the elder brother of multi-award-winning musician Iris Long..."
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Chapter 349 - For My Friend
The entertainment news report continued:
"Wu Qianxi is also the young miss of the Wu family who are long-time friends with the Long family. The Longs and the Wus have several business collaborations over the years. Many expected that the connection between the two families would deepen with the marriage of Long Hui and Wu Qianxi but they suddenly broke up. And now we recently learned from Long Hui himself that he fathered a child with another womanâ"
The TV suddenly turned off.
"Don't watch that anymore," Long Hui's cold voice said. He held the TV remote control in his hand. He looked furious by the news report.
Jiang Ying Yue also felt upset because the news report made it sound like she was the reason why Long Hui and Wu Qianxi's relationship ended. The two already separated when Jiang Ying Yue and Long Hui began their affair.
"Do you still have feelings for Wu Qianxi?" she asked him.
He scowled. "No."
"But you were engaged to her before..."
"No, we weren't. I never proposed to her. It was more of a verbal agreement of marriage between our families when we were children. It's not an engagement because we didn't agree to it. Yes, we became lovers but it didn't work out." Long Hui tossed the remote to the couch and sat beside her. He grabbed her hand and held it tightly. "She's just someone from my past. You're the one I love now and the one I'll continue to love in the future. Don't think about her anymore."
"What if your father wants you to marry her?"
"Father will never force us to marry people we don't like," he told her with certainty.
"What about the elders? I'm sure they prefer for you to marry Wu Qianxi more than me..." Her voice trembled a little.
He pulled her into his arms and embraced her. "The elders don't rule the Longs. It's my father who's the head of the family. He already loves and dotes on our son. I'm sure he'll accept you."
Although a great sense of insecurity pervaded her, Jiang Ying Yue still nodded. She hugged him back, not realizing that she was squeezing him hard. He didn't mind, though. He loved her physical strength.
"Ying Yue, why don't you come and attend Father's birthday party with me this coming weekend?" he asked.
"No!" Her answer was quick. She didn't even think about it. Anxiety filled her eyes.
"Please, my sweet Ying Yue. I know that you'll feel uncomfortable there but can you do this for me? For our family? I want to introduce you to everyone and let them know that I'm serious in staying with you and our son."
She felt torn, so she didn't answer right away.
"Little Sister Xiulan will also be attending," he added as additional persuasion.
"Is she?"
Actually, he didn't know. "Wait a minute," he mumbled.
He grabbed his phone and called Iris. When she answered his call, he didn't even greet her. He immediately asked, "Little Sister, you're attending Father's birthday party this weekend, right?"
"No."
"What?" Long Hui was surprised.
Jiang Ying Yue's expression cleared up. It was obvious that she already decided not to go like Iris.
"I already called Father and informed him that I'm not attending the party. I'll just send him a gift via delivery and visit him in person the next day," Iris told him.
He saw Jiang Ying Yue's decision on her expression and panicked a little. "Come on, little sister. Attend the party. It's our Father's birthday."
"Father says it's okay if I don't want to go."
He took a deep breath and decided to just tell his sister the reason why he wanted her to attend. "I want to bring Ying Yue and formally introduce her to Father and to everyone. She won't go if you're not going. Can you change your mind and accompany her?"
Silence.
Long Hui waited for her decision with bated breath.
"Fine," Iris finally said.
He exhaled a big sigh of relief. "Thanks, little sister. I owe you one."
"I'm not doing it for you. I'm doing it for my friend."
Her answer made him chuckle. He didn't mind it at all. In fact, he was happy that the two got along with each other and were even friends.
After speaking a bit more, the call ended.
"She says she's coming," Long Hui told Jiang Ying Yue.
Although she still felt unwilling, she agreed to attend the upcoming birthday party, as long as Iris went with them. He could sense her unwillingness, so he tried his best to reassure her.
"Trust in me, my sweet Ying Yue. With or without Little Sister Xiulan, I'll protect you. My priority now is you and our son."
"Okay."
Long Hui decided to stop working for the night. He needed to give his lady some tender loving care tonight in order to dispel her worries.
###
Gold Heights Condominium, Iris' penthouse unit.
Night of Long Tengfei's birthday party.
Long Hui and Jin Liwei were watching a football tournament on TV in the living area. Long Hui was in a formal tuxedo suit with a dark red tie, while Jin Liwei was in casual clothing.
Little Jun was also there running around chasing Popcorn. His nanny followed him, making sure that he wouldn't get hurt. As for Ice Cream, she was sleeping on Jin Liwei's lap, enjoying her daddy's gentle strokes. She lost a lot of weight but still looked fat compared to her slim brother, Popcorn.
All of them would be sleeping in the penthouse tonight.
"Mommi! Mama!" Little Jun's excited voice interrupted them.
The two men turned their heads at the same time. Their breaths also caught in their throats at the same time.
Jiang Ying Yue wore a traditional red qipao. The skirt hung just below her knees. The toned muscles of her arms and calves stood out the most. She looked strong and tough.
"Beautiful," Long Hui whispered. He looked at her like he was in a trance.
As for Iris, she wore a modern qipao-inspired dress. Its colour was more magenta than red. The upper part of the dress looked like a traditional qipao but the lower part was a floor-length flowy skirt. It was elegant yet also sexy at the same time with its thigh-high slit. The slit was unnoticeable at first, but when she walked, her smooth leg would pop out of the dress.
Jin Liwei gently transferred Ice Cream from his lap to the couch. Then he stood up and walked to his baby girl. He grabbed her waist, pulled her to his body and kissed her in front of everyone.
Seeing them, Long Hui also stood up and walked to Jiang Ying Yue, intending to kiss her too. However, he was too late. Another guy reached her faster than him.
"Mommi, kiss!" Little Jun demanded his mother.
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Chapter 350 - Househusband
Jiang Ying Yue picked up Little Jun and kissed him on the cheek. However, the little guy was unsatisfied. He grabbed his mother's face and gave her a kiss on the mouth instead. Then he turned to Jin Liwei and smirked.
Everyone laughed at the toddler's antics, except for one person.
Long Hui glared at Jin Liwei. "Stop corrupting my son. Look at him. He's emulating your shamelessness!"
It was Iris who felt offended at his accusation. She snapped at him. "Don't blame Liwei. You're just salty because your son is more romantic than you!"
Dom, the make-up artist and the hairstylist snickered a few steps behind them. They just came out from the walk-in closet after glamming up Iris and Jiang Ying Yue.
Long Hui glared at them next. The make-up artist and the hairstylist immediately shut up, but Dom didn't mind and continued snickering. Then he whipped out his phone and started snapping photos of the smug Little Jun.
"Junie boy, hold your smile and look at Uncle Dom's camera. Yes, good job! My cutie patootie pie is so handsome! Even more handsome than Dada and Papa! Ehehe."
Both Iris and Jiang Ying Yue chuckled at Dom's claim. Jiang Ying Yue then wiped the small lipstick stain that got on Little Jun's lips.
As for the make-up artist and the hairstylist, they retreated to the background with the nanny. They already discovered Jin Liwei's identity about a month after they started working for Iris. Needless to say, they were very shocked. Even without the signed NDA, they wouldn't dare divulge this piece of information to the public because Jin Liwei was a fearsome enemy.
It wasn't worth it offending the most powerful man in the business world of his generation just for some quick cash. They might get away if they betrayed Iris but to anger someone of Jin Liwei's calibre? That would be pure insanity on their part. Besides, they already began respecting and liking Iris as a boss. Loyalty for her was already growing inside them.
Long Hui scowled when he saw Jin Liwei smirking at him. The expression was so similar to his son's own smirk that it was as if they were the father and son. It also didn't help that Little Jun looked a bit like Iris. They seemed more like the actual family. The thought depressed him a little as jealousy filled him inside.
Finally, it was time to go. Dom and the nanny diverted Little Jun's attention, so that Iris and the others could leave the penthouse.
The two pairs rode Jin Liwei's limousine on the way to the party.
"I guess you're not coming with us judging by that outfit of yours," Long Hui commented as he looked at Jin Liwei's casual clothes. "Did Father not invite you?"
"Of course Father invited Liwei," Iris replied instead. "Originally, both of us aren't coming but since you asked, I'll attend. Liwei and I will only attend events together as a couple after we officially announce our relationship. Besides, with the three of us gone, he needs to stay at home to babysit the cats and Little Jun. Right, darling?"
"En." Jin Liwei readily agreed.
Long Hui scoffed. "You're letting this brat turn you into a househusband?"
Iris pursed her lips at Long Hui.
Then Jin Liwei replied, "Hmm... That would be nice."
Long Hui looked at Jin Liwei as if he transformed into an alien. Iris, on the other hand, looked delighted.
"Don't worry, darling. I'll work hard so that if you ever decide to be a househusband, I can support our family. Then you can stay at home and take care of our kids." The she realized what she just said and blushed. "I mean, our cats. Our cats are our kids."
"En." Jin Liwei chuckled and nuzzled her neck.
Long Hui shook his head at them, and then turned to his Jiang Ying Yue, expecting her to have the same reaction as him. However, Jiang Ying Yue had a slightly envious expression on her face as she watched Iris and Jin Liwei.
He cleared his throat and asked her, "Do you also want me to become a househusband?"
Jiang Ying Yue looked at him like he had lost his mind. "We have a son to support. Both of us need to work."
"Ahahaha! Of course, of course. I was just joking," Long Hui laughed awkwardly.
It seemed like his little sister was right. The romantic advances of his son (learned from that damn Jin Liwei) was more effective to Jiang Ying Yue than his own attempts of romancing her.
###
The Long ancestral residence wasn't ideal to host a grand bash because it housed too many priceless treasures that could be damaged by the guests. Even the compound was a treasure in itself.
That was why it was decided that Long Tengfei's birthday party would be held at another property of his. This property boasted a contemporary and chic mansion with a tropical-style landscaping. He recently acquired it as one of his real estate investments.
At the moment, a line of luxury cars slowly made their way inside. Only people who showed invitations were let through the massive gates. Even if someone was a member of the Long family, he or she wouldn't be allowed inside without an official invitation.
Inside the mansion, the guests mingled with each other. Most of them were individuals or from families who were around the same level as the Longs in high society. There were a lot of businesspeople and socialites among them.
The status of these people were impressive, but they weren't at the top of high society's hierarchy. Their levels weren't high enough to invite the likes of the Jins, the Lus, and most especially the Fengs. Nevertheless, this birthday party was still filled with a lot of different personages who were connected to the Long family one way or another.
Long Tengfei welcomed and briefly chatted with the people who came over to greet him a happy birthday. Yang Jiahui and Meimei were beside him. His second son, Long Jian, and first daughter, Long Jinjing, also had arrived. Her first daughter came with her best friend, Chen Fei. He asked them to accompany him in greeting the guests.
Long Jufang, Long Meng and the other elders were displeased by Long Tengfei's decision to display his illegitimate children in such a conspicuous position beside him. To them, it was like showing the whole world their family's dirtiest and darkest stains. How shameful!
The conversations suddenly stopped and heads turned towards the entrance. Long Tengfei and the others followed suit to see what was going on.
Audible gasps could be heard when everyone saw the new arrivals.
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