The duet performance was a great hit, especially since everyone was already expecting a solo performance by Jin Chonglin.
Seeing the pregnant Iris Long's swollen belly at the beginning of the awards show, the fans had no choice but to accept that she wasn't in any condition to perform on the stage with Jin Chonglin.
Hence, it was a huge pleasant surprise that she still decided to at least perform the love song "Shining Eyes" even if she stayed at her front row seat below the stage the entire time.
The different timbre of her voice was also a welcome change from her usual vocal acrobatics. Although it wasn't as technically impressive as before, it packed more emotional punch on the listeners. She also sounded more mature in a good way.
As a result, the song became even more memorable. It fit the idea of love evolving from the first sweet love into a long-lasting mature love.
This image was cemented even further by how Iris Long and CEO Jin Liwei looked into each other's eyes as she sang the love song to him.
Poor Jin Chonglin.
He had once again become the unimportant background character whose only role was to make the scene between the male and female leads more romantic.
The standing ovation and deafening cheers lasted for quite a long time compared to the earlier performances by other artists.
After the performance, it was now time to present the final two awards of the night.
Male host: "And the nominees for Song of the Year are…."
Three other nominees were introduced. And then….
Female host: "'Shining Eyes' by Iris Long and Jin Chonglin!"
Female host: "'Passionate Flames' by Iris Long and Jin Chonglin!"
Their fans were going insane.
"Go get it, Boss Iris!"
"You're the best, Prince Lin Lin! You can do it!"
"LINRIS! LINRIS!!! LINRIS!!!!!"
A certain married man sitting in the front row was wearing a dark expression amidst the chant. He wanted to shout at the top of his lungs for everyone to stop chanting the annoying combined name. His wife belonged to him, not to his younger brother.
Iris sensed her husband's jealousy. She patted his arm and smiled at him.
"Don't mind it, darling. Consider it as a team name, not a love team."
Only then did Jin Liwei's jealousy eased but only for a bit. He lifted his wife's hand and kissed it. The camera caught the moment and everyone saw it.
"KYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!"
"That's so romantic!"
"I suddenly want to marry someone and have my non-existing husband kiss my hand like that in front of people!"
The "LinRis" chant stopped. Jin Liwei's mood improved.
After the hosts calmed everyone down, the award presentation resumed.
Male host: "The Golden Treble for Song of the Year goes to…."
Both hosts: "'Shining Eyes' by Iris Long and Jin Chonglin!"
Just like before, Iris was escorted up the stage by Jin Liwei. Her movements were noticeably more laboured this time. Jin Chonglin appeared from backstage and hurried to support her before joining her at the centre of the stage. They once again received the award and gave their speeches together.
Iris returned to her seat afterwards while Jin Chonglin once again headed backstage to finish preparing for the finale performance.
It was now time for the final and most sought-after award of the night.
Female host: "It's here, ladies and gentlemen! We have the honour to present to you the amazing nominees for the Artist of the Year!"
Four nominees were introduced first.
And then….
Male host: "Iris Long!"
Male host: "Jin Chonglin!"
Iris was doing her best to stifle a yawn as she waited for the hosts to announce the award winner. It was taking all of her effort to fight off drowsiness. She felt Jin Liwei raising her hand and kissing it once again. Of course, the camera caught the moment just like earlier. It seemed that the director assigned a camera solely to catch sweet moments between the husband and wife.
Female host: "And the Golden Treble for Artist of the Year goes to…."
This time, the dramatic sound of heartbeat was deliberately prolonged to amplify the suspense.
Last year, Iris Long beat Jin Chonglin and nabbed the night's biggest award of Artist of the Year. Would she defend the title for the second year in a row?
Both hosts: "Jin Chonglin!!!"
It seemed that the superstar was still a superstar after all. He was able to redeem himself from last year's loss and reclaim the title of Artist of the Year from Iris Long.
His army of fans jumped up their seats and pumped their hands in the air to celebrate their victory.
"Prince Lin Lin! Prince Lin Lin!!! Prince Lin Lin!!!!!"
The Black Stars felt a little disappointed but they still congratulated their Brother-in-Law Prince Lin Lin.
As for Iris Long, she joined everyone to applaud Jin Chonglin's victory. Her brother-in-law might have triumphed over her with this award but she didn't feel defeated at all. Not one bit.
For her, the most important award was the Best Songwriter and she was able to win it tonight. In addition, she was still one of the biggest winners tonight, nabbing a total of four Golden Trebles for the major categories plus the People's Choice Award for Most Popular Female Artist.
Granted, she shared the Golden Trebles with Jin Chonglin but three of them were for "Shining Eyes", the song that she composed herself. She considered it as her own win as the songwriter.
For this reason, she technically nabbed more wins than Jin Chonglin tonight.
Also deep in her heart, she knew that her chance to win the Artist of the Year had significantly decreased the moment she started limiting her public appearances due to her pregnancy in the latter half of last year. Jin Chonglin had to increase his promotional activities to make up for her absences.
It only made sense that he won the Artist of Year over her. He worked harder to make up for her absence so he fully deserved the win.
"Next time, I'll take it back from you," Iris swore in her heart while clapping for Jin Chonglin.
"Next time, you'll take it back from him," Jin Liwei told her in a whisper at the same time.
She giggled at how well his thoughts matched hers.
"Yes, I will."
