Chapter 280 - Feng Jiu Interviews Iris Long Part III
The screens in the studio flickered once again. They began showing a video of Iris in a drop-dead gorgeous fiery red dress playing Schumann's "Toccata in C Major, Op. 7". Her swift fingers skipping over the piano keys astounded everyone. The quick performance ended too soon.
Fortunately, another video played right after. It showed Iris performing Schumann's "Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 54" with Maestro Ludovico De Luca and his symphony orchestra. Because the original performance was half an hour long, only the highlights were shown in the video.
Those who weren't interested in classical music before instantly became converts after watching the two videos. They found that they also enjoyed Iris playing classical music as much as when she performed pop and rock.
The Black Stars and the rest of the audience cheered and gave Iris a standing ovation. Even the show's host, Feng Jiu, stood up and clapped her hands. Iris stood up and bowed her thanks to everyone.
"Boss Iris, you're the best! Cool! Amazing! Beautiful! Nobody can compare to you!"
"Iris! Iris! Iris!"
Maestro Liu Wei's two students felt like outcasts. They were also tempted to clap their hands after watching the videos but felt that they lost the right to do so after mocking Iris earlier. They just stood there with stiff expressions, as they endured the nasty glares and contemptuous looks from the people around them. They wanted to run away, but the security wouldn't allow them. They had to suffer the humiliation that they brought to themselves.
Everyone finally settled down and returned to their seats, including Feng Jiu and Iris.
"Wow, Iris! That was so mind-blowing!" Feng Jiu exclaimed. She was truly impressed by the young lady sitting opposite her. "I didn't expect that you'll be this skilled in classical music. Is there anything that you cannot do?"
Iris chuckled. "Of course, there are many things that I can't do. But when it comes to music, I love it so much that I constantly desire to improve my skills and abilities. I'm never satisfied because I believe that there will always be room for improvement. Saying all of these, the most important thing for me in music is the freedom to enjoy it and to express my emotions and interpretations through it. Music is such a wonder and I feel blessed to be able to be a part of its marvelous world."Feng Jiu: "You sound very wise for your age. I'm sure that there are many people who'll start seeing you in a new light after this."
Feng Jiu asked Iris for more details about her performances at Maestro De Luca's concert. Everyone listened intently, not wanting to miss any details.
"Wow. Not only did you perform with the world-renowned Maestro Ludovico De Luca and his award-winning symphony orchestra, but you also performed at the historical opera house in Germany in front of so many distinguished people from all around the world. I can't wrap my head around what you experienced. This is such a great achievement! I'm so proud of you as my fellow countrywoman. Congratulations, Iris!" Feng Jiu led another round of applause for Iris.
Iris: "Thank you, Madam Feng. Thank you, everyone!"
Feng Jiu: "And of course, I also want to thank you because if it weren't for you, I don't think my show and everyone present here today will have the chance to receive a call from Maestro De Luca himself and speak with him directly. Let me tell you that this is a dream come true for me. So thank you, Iris."
Before they moved to the next topic of the interview, both Iris and Feng Jiu drank water from the cups beside them.
Feng Jiu: "My next question is about Enrique Valdez. If my information is correct, you've been seen together with him in Germany. And also some have noticed that your way of playing the electric guitar is very similar to the legendary hitmaker's southpaw style. How did you meet him? What's your relationship with each other?"
"I met Mr. Valdez at the same time I met Maestro De Luca in Switzerland," Iris replied. "They were actually together that time. In fact, we all flew together from Switzerland to Germany in his private jet. Of course, there were other people with us who were our mutual acquaintances. As for my playing style being similar to his, that's because he's one of my biggest musical influences alongside Maestro De Luca."
"I see." Feng Jiu nodded and asked more about what Enrique was like in person.
Iris answered all of the questions with ease. She didn't bat her eyes even when Feng Jiu asked her about the rumours saying that she was lovers with Enrique Valdez."I only have one lover and that is my fiancé," she said.
The Black Stars and the other audience members squealed when they heard her words. The camera zoomed in on the diamond ring around her finger.
Feng Jiu: "Before anything else, I want to say congratulations on your engagement, Iris!"
More congratulations poured out to her from everyone. She thanked them.
"I can tell that you're in love. You're blooming and you look very happy," Feng Jiu told her. "My next question is about your engagement. That is one beautiful ring. Can you show it to us one more time?"
Iris raised her hand and allowed the camera to have a better view of it. Then she explained how it was the perfect ring for a pianist like her because it was made from a super lightweight material. She also briefly told them how her man proposed to her in Italy, but didn't share anything more. She wanted to keep the special memory of the proposal between her and Jin Liwei.
Feng Jiu: "I know that my next question is something that many want to ask you. Who is your mysterious fiancé?"
"My fiancé is a businessman," Iris answered with a soft smile. "I don't want to reveal who he is yet. I want to enjoy our privacy as a couple first. But someday, I'll introduce him to everyone."
Feng Jiu: "Can you tell us more about the love story between the two of you?"
Iris shared a brief recounting of how she and Jin Liwei met at a hotel lobby after Mr. JJ made her "audition" at a restaurant. The Black Stars knew this audition story. Madam Feng Wan's eyes also lit up at the memory of meeting Iris for the first time. They were all fascinated how she met her fiancé on the same day."You really look like a woman in love. Your face just lights up whenever you talk about your fiancé," Feng Jiu told her. "He's a lucky man. I hope…no, we all hope to meet him soon."
"Yes, I love him very much. I never expected that I'll love a man like this. I also feel lucky because he loves me, supports me and lets me chase after my dreams without complaining," Iris replied.
Feng Jiu: "Have you already decided on a wedding date?"
Iris: "Not yet."
Feng Jiu: "Do you want to have children?"
"Yes, but not too soon. I'm still young after all," she answered after hesitating for a few seconds. "But we have two adorable kittens. We consider them as our children."
A photo of Ice Cream and Popcorn was shown on the screens. The kittens, who didn't look like kittens anymore because they were so big now, were together on the floor with a tall man whose face wasn't shown. His strong, lean muscles were obvious even beneath a long-sleeved shirt and trousers. His wide chest and tight abdomen looked very attractive.
"Oooooh~"
"Uwah! So cute~"
"Look at his body!"Everyone was filled with excitement upon seeing the man's figure.
"Iris, is that your fiancé?" Feng Jiu asked.
"Yes."
"He already looks handsome even without showing his face."
Iris laughed along with everyone else. She nodded. "Yes, he's very handsome."
Dom squealed with the rest of the audience. The Black Stars begged Iris to give hints about her fiancé's identity. She only smiled, not responding to their request.
"I can't take this anymore! Iris Long, you sl*t! How dare you show off your fiancé and brag about him in front of us?!" A man stood up and yelled from the audience. His eyes looked furious and crazed. "You ungrateful b*tch! I spent so much money on you but here you are enjoying yourself and sleeping with a man instead of working hard to give me my money's worth!"