As a radio host and most importantly a respected music critic, DJ Song thought that Iris Long's soundtrack album for the film "Strong Yet Broken" was more suitable for film awards than music awards. It was such a shame, really, but that just how the industry worked.
DJ Song glanced at his friend, JJ, who continued to vent his complaints about the loss of Iris' soundtrack album. He could only sigh.
Iris also sighed but it didn't affect her that much. She made a similar conclusion as DJ Song. It was already quite surprising that the soundtrack album was even nominated here in the first place.
For her, the soundtrack album already received enough recognition at the Sommet International Film Festival last year. Compared to this music awards which was only limited to the country's music industry, winning at an international film festival held more prestige and significance.
Jin Chonglin had already left his seat to prepare for the first part of his performance. At the same time, Iris was starting to feel uncomfortable from sitting for too long. Her back was killing her.
Jin Liwei immediately noticed his wife's discomfort. "Shall we leave?"
She shook her head. "It's ending soon."
He frowned but still gave in. "We'll leave as soon as it ends."
"Okay."
"Don't hide it if you're not feeling well."
"I know, darling."
Only then did he stop but his worry didn't ease. He snuck her a couple of sweet bonbons which she ate while hiding behind his wide shoulders. The people behind their seats chuckled upon seeing their antics.
Feeling better after eating sweets, Iris thought of something. She whispered to Jin Liwei whose frown deepened. However, she managed to persuade him. In the end, he called the event staff and spoke to them.
The commercials ended. It was now time for Jin Chonglin's first performance to make way for the final two and most anticipated awards of the night.
It was dark.
Only a small part of the leftmost part of the stage was lit. The two hosts stood there and introduced the most awaited performer of the night.
Female host: "Ladies and gentlemen, the person you've been waiting for is finally taking the stage!"
Male host: "From the international TV hit phenomenon, 'Our Love, Our Destiny', please give it up for—"
Both hosts: "Jin Chonglin singing 'Shining Eyes'!!!"
Across the stage, colourful autumn leaves raining down were projected. Then a chamber orchestra and a four-piece pop band were arranged in an elevated section. A single acoustic guitarist sat in a separate section with a grand pianist. Back-up singers were also present close to them.
The acoustic guitarist finger-picked a silky five-chord melody. The familiar melody caused a wave of squeals from the audience.
Eternal passion.
That was how the song was branded in the hearts of people who loved it.
The violin joined along with the other stringed instruments. Then the flute and the rest of the woodwind instruments.
Everything was light and airy at first, like a soothing drizzle after a hot sunny day. Calm but memorable, deceptively easy but full of meaning.
The piano brought fullness to the melody, making the music more emotional. It made the listeners a little breathless in anticipation.
Then the spotlight lit up the centre of the stage.
Screams filled the place as a familiar figure of a man was slowly lifted up the stage from underground.
Jin Chonglin had his eyes closed, his expression filled with emotions. He looked like a prince with his light-coloured suit that softly sparkled under the bright lights.
He opened his eyes and looked directly at the camera. More screams sounded as the audience felt like he was looking at them straight in the eyes.
"Walking down the town of life
I caught a glimpse of you
Your beautiful self
Making even the flowers smile back"
He was about to sing the next stanza when another voice was heard. His eyes widened and he found the source.
Another spotlight was directed below the stage. The very pregnant Iris Long held a mic and sang her own parts, sounding effortless and smooth like warm butter.
"Smitten I followed you around
Not expecting anything in return
But you always knew
So your shining eyes saw me"
Iris was standing by the front row seats, her husband still sitting beside her. Jin Liwei looked up at his wife with the gentlest expression ever seen on him in public.
The Black Stars almost went crazy when their Boss Iris made a surprise performance all of a sudden. Tears of joy and excitement flowed down their faces.
Similarly, Jin Chonglin's army of fans filled the auditorium with their deafening screams. Some of them had already long fainted from overstimulation.
Jin Chonglin's professionalism kicked in. He quickly recovered from his surprise and harmonized with Iris as if they had rehearsed this performance many times before tonight.
"Time stopped in that moment
The sun paled in your presence
Birdsong filled the air
As you chose me"
Iris stayed below the stage while Jin Chonglin stayed up the stage. Despite the physical distance, their harmony blended perfectly and made their listeners fall in love with their beautiful voices and the song.
"Smitten I had followed you around
Not expecting anything in return
But you always knew
So your shining eyes saw me"
Iris reached out beside her and held Jin Liwei's hand. This time, she looked at her husband instead of her duet partner. The squeals intensified even more after her actions.
Too much sweetness!
Compared to the original version, Iris' voice this time was mellower, deeper and fuller.
Perhaps it was because she couldn't strain herself too much reaching for the high notes due to her pregnancy. It wasn't an issue anyway.
In fact, her different way of singing gave the song a heavier flavour like fine wine. It induced many teary eyes among the listeners.
"As I'm singing I look into your eyes
And know you see me like I do you
Even as we grow old I never forget
The man who saw me that day"
As Iris and Jin Chonglin continued to harmonize, she didn't break eye contact with her beloved Jin Liwei and sang the love song to him.
Only him.
"But you always knew
So you gave me all I could ever want
I GOT YOU~"
She mouthed to her husband, "I love you".
"KYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHH!!!!
