“I already composed the melody before this,” Iris said while tuning the acoustic guitar. “It’s still incomplete because I didn’t know exactly what kind of song I want it to be. I’ve been playing around with it for some time now but I still had not figured out what to do with it until today. Watching all of your entries that you created in honour of me has lit up the lamp of inspiration in my head. I feel so touched not only by your endless support but also by your amazing creativity.
“The lyrics appeared and formed in my head today. And that’s when I knew that they belong to this melody. The song is still imperfect but it’s now complete. My dear Black Stars, I dedicate this special song to all of you. Please accept my sincere gratitude.”
Then she faced her husband. “And of course, I also dedicate this song to the number one Black Star in my life. My husband, Jin Liwei.”
Jin Liwei reached his hand and caressed her chin. He didn’t do anything else because he sensed that she was preoccupied with arranging the new song inside her head. He gave her space on the loveseat so that she could concentrate but didn’t leave. She dedicated this song to her fans and to him. He wanted to be there to listen to her new song in the best seat available—beside her.
“Everyone, I introduce my new song, ‘All My Black Stars’.”
Everyone was quiet. Dom and the others watched behind the cameras with bated breaths. Even the comments section became almost empty as they focused all their attention on their Boss Iris’ performance.
Jin Liwei never took his eyes away from his wife. She was so beautiful.
Iris strummed her guitar, the chords not too complicated. The notes flowed like a hidden forest stream, the sound simple yet mysterious and went straight to the soul.
“An empty stage
Imaginary audience
A vast sky with nothing but darkness
I wanted to sing to the world
But there was nobody but the cold”
The notes increased in depth, becoming more dynamic, yet also sounding more refreshing. The listeners felt like their emotions were slowly being lifted with the melody.
“But then you all came
One by one
You pushed me forward
Raised me up and never cowered
No matter how strong the enemy
No matter how much they condemn me
You’re always there raising my flag
Fighting for my name even when you’re being damned”
Iris hand strummed more energetically, her body swaying with the melody. She was beautiful but also looked handsome especially with the white tuxedo suit she was wearing and the cool acoustic guitar sitting on her lap.
Everyone sighed at her beauty, talent and undeniable charisma. Just by singing, they felt like she was taking them by hand into her own wonderful world.
“Oh, my Black Stars
Warriors of my dream
You’re my spotlight
Shining on my dream
Thank you for the love
The faith, support and trust”
You’re never afraid
To wave my flag up and down
With you standing behind me
I know that I’m never alone”
Some started tearing up while a few were already bawling their eyes out. They could feel the sincerity of her gratitude towards them in the song.
“Oh, my Black Stars
Champions of my dream
You’re my galaxy
Shining on my dream
Thank you for the love
The faith, support and trust
With you cheering me on
I will never be crushed.”
Everyone started singing along with her even though they didn’t know the entire lyrics yet. The melody was easy to remember and it was catchy. Even those watching in their own homes raised their hands up in the air and were swaying from side to side with the melody.
Iris looked straight at the camera. It zoomed in on her face, particularly on her mesmerizing phoenix eyes. The viewers felt like she was staring straight into their very souls.
“I thank you with all my heart
My Black Stars, my spotlight
I thank you with my soul
Your love made me whole”
Then she turned to look at Jin Liwei. The husband and wife gazed into each other’s eyes. Only blind people wouldn’t see the love between the two of them.
The melody already started slowing down, yet the emotion was still reaching the peak.
“Oh, my Black Star
My forever ally
You’re my partner
The love of my life
Thank you, my love
I became who I am
Because you believed in me
And loved me for who I am
All my Black Stars
Oh, my Black Star
Thank you for everything
Ooooooooooooooooh~”
Iris sang the last notes in an emotional falsetto. The song finally ended. There was silence but the song of gratitude lingered in the hearts of the people who listened to it. There were barely any dry eyes left among her fans to whom she dedicated this special song.
Jin Liwei was the first one to stand up and give his wife what she deserved—a standing ovation.
The others followed suit. Everyone in the indoor forest gave her an enthusiastic applause, loud cheers and whistles.
The viewers couldn’t be seen in person but their reactions began to flood the comments sections. They all loved the song and felt special to have it dedicated to them.
“I love it! It’s now my new favourite song!”
“Boss Iris, you’re the best!”
“Please record the song and release it!”
“JJ, are you listening?! Hurry up and help Boss Iris officially release this amazing song!”
“All hail Boss Iris! All hail the Black Stars!”
Iris moved to stand up. Jin Liwei helped her up while taking the acoustic guitar and putting it away. Together hand in hand, they bowed to the Black Stars. Jin Liwei did a gentlemanly bow while Iris did her iconic curtsy bow.
The applause grew louder. The tears also flowed stronger but the smiles became wider.
Iris’ special song dedicated to her fans united the Black Stars even further and made them more loyal to her. Even the Filipino and Singaporean Black Stars couldn’t help but be touched by her gesture.
At that moment, all the amazing prizes in the special contest were forgotten. There was no doubt that the highlight of the livestream wasn’t the special contest itself but the closing performance of Iris Long.
