Chapter 127 - Music Charts
Tang Yiyi moved on from the unpleasant subjects and excitedly shared the latest updates on the performance of Iris' album "Rebirth". The three ate the lunch Tang Yiyi brought while they talked.
Curious about Iris' boyfriend, Tang Yiyi suggested that Iris wake him up for lunch, but Iris declined. She wanted Jin Liwei to rest as much as possible. The man must have been so exhausted from his business trip, long plane ride, dealing with her bad mood when he returned, and now accompanying her to the hospital. She felt sorry for him, but at the same time felt warm and sweet inside for the care he was showing her.
"It's only been the third day since your album was released, but it has already surpassed our initial expectations," Tang Yiyi said with delight while eating. "JJ's record label was aiming for at least top 10 in the music charts―"
Dom: "Eh? But I remember Mr. JJ saying that he's sure boss' album will land in the top 3."
Tang Yiyi: "Mr. JJ always says that for all the music he personally produces. The team he assigned for Iris had more conservative expectations. After all, the competition is tough and this is Iris' first album since she disappeared for two years. Many currently popular artists also released their own music around this time. Not to mention a big-name like Jin Chonglin who released his album just a few weeks before Iris. His album has been sitting on number 1 ever since it debuted."
Dom: "Ooooh. Jin Chonglin is so HOT! Did you see that music video where he was dancing without his shirt on, grinding on the floor, sweat dripping everywhere? Ah! So yum yum! But of course, sir boss is still the most handsome."
Tang Yiyi: "Ah, what? Who's sir boss? Oh, you mean Iris' boyfriend? Really, he's more handsome than Jin Chonglin?"
Dom: "OMG, yes! Sis Yiyi, you should see sir boss. He's, like, the most gorgeous man EVER! I see them this way: sir boss is the original, high-end, luxury model while Jin Chonglin is the affordable version even though both are high quality. Sir boss is out of reach to regular people, while Jin Chonglin is, uhm―what's the word―obtainable with some effort. You know what I mean?"
"Hmm…I think I understand what you mean." Tang Yiyi tapped her chin, then glanced at Iris. She was very curious about what Iris' boyfriend looked like. She didn't entirely believe Dominic's description because he had the tendency of exaggerating.
She wanted to ask Iris to wake up her boyfriend so she could meet him. Then Tang Yiyi remembered that they were at the hospital. She controlled her curiosity, not wanting to upset Iris by forcing her to do something.Clearing her throat, Tang Yiyi ended the conversation about Iris' boyfriend. "As I was saying, JJ's record label was aiming for your album to debut in top 10 at least. Bright Summit's expectations were lower. They would've been already happy with top 30, aiming for a gradual climb instead."
Iris continued to slowly eat, keeping quiet and letting the two chatter on about her album. She didn't really care about things like ranking. All she cared about was sharing her music to the world and touch as many people as possible.
"But who would've thought that your album 'Rebirth' will debut and instantly claim number 2? That's top 2! Only second to Jin Chonglin's album!" Tang Yiyi was so excited that she waved her chopsticks all around.
Of course, Dom was even more excited. Clapping and cheering on his seat. "Of course! Boss is awesome! Ehehe! Congrats, boss!"
"Thank you." Iris smiled gently.
"What's more, your songs are even doing better! 'Rebirth' debuted in number 2, 'Black Star' in number 3, and 'Phantom of Your Love' in number 9. Although Jin Chonglin's song is number 1, he only has that one song in the top 10. His other song recently dropped to number 11. You're the only artist right now who has three songs in the top 10 and all three managed to claim their spots upon their debut."
Dom: "Give it a few days and boss will kick Jin Chonglin's song off its number 1 spot."
Tang Yiyi giggled, giving a meaningful look.
Dom: "Eh? Why are you laughing so weirdly like that, Sis Yiyi? Wait. Don't tell me…"
Tang Yiyi: "Yes! Iris' song 'Rebirth' just claimed number 1 today!"Dom was so shocked that he dropped his chopsticks to the floor. His mouth opened and closed like a gasping fish out of water. "W-what?! Sis Yiyi! Please don't joke around!"
"Dominic Chua, do I look like I'm joking to you?"
His eyes watered. "Sis Yiyi!"
"Hold on. I'll show you." Tang Yiyi rummaged her pocket for phone. After tapping on the screen a few times, she held it to Dom.
Dom grabbed it and focused all his attention to the phone. Moments later, he was sobbing. "Boss! Wuwuwu…it really is number 1…wuwuwu. You really did it, boss."
Iris held her palm up and Dom gave her the phone. She glanced at it quickly. Indeed, her song "Rebirth" was currently sitting at number 1 on the chart. It changed position with Jin Chonglin's song which was now at number 2. "Black Star" was still on number 3, while "Phantom of Your Love" climbed two spots to number 7.
She felt pleased that her songs were doing well on the music charts, although she didn't really care about rankings. It meant that JJ's record label and Bright Summit would be happy with her and provide her with resources so that she could create more music to share with the world.
Tang Yiyi: "In the albums chart, your album is still number 2. It won't be that easy to unseat Jin Chonglin's album. After all, he had a head start when he released his album weeks earlier than you. But no matter. Your songs' performances in the singles chart are good signs, especially since you haven't even started actively promoting your album yet. You have a high chance of claiming the top spot in both music charts when you're well enough to start promotions."
"I'll be discharged tomorrow," Iris said. "I'll return to work the day after."
"Hmm…Let's wait until we receive the go ahead from the PR teams of both Bright Summit and JJ's record label. They're still dealing with the aftermath of the incident of you and the Alarm Girls. But don't worry about it too much," Tang Yiyi said quickly, worried that Iris would feel too stressed hearing about it. "Like I said, the law is on our side. And both Bright Summit and JJ's record label are experienced in PR."Iris nodded. She finished eating.
Suddenly, Tang Yiyi's phone rang.
"Hello?" Tang Yiyi answered, then she frowned. "Uh, yes. She's in the hospital and I'm actually here with her right now. I was going to call to inform you later…eh? Someone took photos of her in the hospital?"
Iris' full attention was now in the conversation.
"What?!" Tang Yiyi's voice was almost shrill. "It's all over the internet?!"