Listening to Jin Liwei's brief analyses of each of her companies provided Iris a more objective view of them. Indeed, having the country's top businessman of his generation as a fiancé had its advantages. Despite this, she never depended on him to make her businesses successful. That was something that she was determined to do on her own and wanted to prove to everyone. However, it didn't mean that she would reject his offer of help if she needed it.
She straightened so that they sat face to face. "My companies are still nowhere near Jin Corporation's level but based on the fact that I've only been a businesswoman last year, I think that they've become quite stable and successful enough."
"En." Then he raised an eyebrow, a teasing smile lifting the corner of his lips. "So you plan for your companies to reach Jin Corporation's level? Or maybe you want them to surpass my company?"
"Of course," she said, not denying it. Now it was her turn to tease him. "You just mentioned that if you become an unemployed househusband, then I would need to support you as a working wife. I want to at least reach your level in both status and wealth in the business world because you're already used to being a global billionaire. I would prefer it if we could continue enjoying our current lifestyle for the rest of our lives even if it's just me who's earning for us, you know."
He chuckled. "My wife is so thoughtful.""So what I mean is…" Iris took a deep breath before telling him, "Even if it's earlier than what I envisioned, I think that I'm ready to marry you now. Regardless of what others may think or say about us marrying this early, even if they accuse me of using you for personal gain, I don't want to care anymore. I don't care. For me, what's important is the two of us and our happiness."
"Exactly." He lifted her chin and rubbed her bottom lip with his thumb.
"I love you, Jin Liwei. I want to share the rest of my life with you. What's mine is yours."
"And everything that's mine, including myself and my body, are yours as well," he replied. Then he lowered his head and kissed her on the lips. It was tender and sweet yet filled with the promise of his eternal devotion to her. "Once again, I ask you. Long Xiulan, will you marry me?"
"Oh yes."
When the release date was first announced, many artists who were also scheduled to release their music around this time actually changed their release dates to avoid going head to head against Jin Chonglin and Iris Long.
Individually, the two of them were already tough opponents to beat. Together, they were considered to be absolute powerhouses in the current music scene.
It was already expected for Jin Chonglin to dominate the music charts because of his superstar status and huge army of loyal fans. As for Iris Long, her renown might have only been very recent but her achievements so far had already outstripped Jin Chonglin's when he was at her age.
Special award for creating new musical techniques!
The youngest and the first Chinese to win a Soleil d'Or Award for Best Soundtrack at the Sommet International Film Festival!
Performed with legendary world-class musicians Maestro Ludovico De Luca and Enrique Valdez!
Each of these were all history-making achievements! Although Iris Long's current fame still couldn't compare to Jin Chonglin's, many industry experts predicted that it was only now a matter of time before she became a true powerhouse in the music industry in every sense of the word.
It was no wonder that as soon as "Passionate Flames" was released, it quickly climbed up to #1 trending online.
The music video was on fire.
Literally.
">Index"I'll be done soon!" Zhou Mei'er's voice called from inside the toilet. She was also known online as CaptainBlackStar, the founder and president of the Black Stars fan club.
Moments later, Zhou Mei'er's hurried footsteps returned to where Ming Li was waiting with the laptop. They squeezed together on the small bed.
Zhou Mei'er recently moved into this old apartment from the university dorms. A fellow Black Star informed her about the available unit after learning where she was studying. The Black Star was the great-grandson of the landlord. She immediately grabbed the offer because the rent was many times cheaper than the dorms.
The apartment was very old that there were times she thought it was haunted. Her unit was also very small, barely enough to fit a bed, desk and a closet, but it had a kitchenette and her own bathroom. It wasn't the most luxurious but she preferred it over the university dorms because she could finally enjoy some privacy.
When she finished settling into the unit, Ming Li started coming over when the teenager had no school. Tonight would be the first time that Ming Li's parents allowed her to sleep over in the place. Zhou Mei'er finally gained their trust, mainly because she continued to study hard in university while working part-time to support herself despite being a hardcore fan of Iris Long. Ming Li's parents thought that she was a good role model for their teen daughter.
"Twenty seconds left!" Ming Li started squealing and bouncing on the squeaky bed.
Zhou Mei'er was also excited, her fingers busy typing on her phone. She was chatting with their similarly excited fellow Black Stars online.
"10! 9! 8…
"…3! 2! 1!"
"Kyaaaaaah! It's here! Big Sis, it's here!" Ming Li almost fell off the bed in her overexcitement.
"Shhhh! I can't hear." Zhou Mei'er clicked on a link, increased the laptop's sound volume, and turned off the lights in the room.
Then a video started playing on the computer screen.
"Passionate Flames" by Jin Chonglin, featuring Iris Long.
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