Chapter 27: 261 - 270

Chapter 261 - Bad Boy

In the next days, Iris finished all matters concerning her tentative deal with the Bauer siblings. They needed to wait until everything was ironed out before signing a contract to build the company, Orchidia Beauty.

She also connected them with Amanpio Kileksky and Theresa Blipsburg to help build the equipment Alric needed and to verify the new compounds he developed. Fortunately, Theresa was kind enough to spare some time despite her busy schedule.

As for Amanpio, he was unwilling at first but when he heard what kind of equipment were needed, his curiosity won out and he accepted the project.

"Fine, but you'll have to pay for everything. My monthly funding from the academy is for my own projects, not to mention that three-fourth of my funds is cut off for a whole month as punishment because you smacked my handsome face."

"Of course, I'll fund the development of the equipment. It's for my company after all," she replied.

"Good! I need this change of pace because building the lovememometer is not going well. I don't have enough funds!"

Then he complained about how his punishment was so unfair compared to her "lighter" punishment. Iris had no time to listen to his nonsense, so she quickly said goodbye and hung up.

So far, she had already completed two out of ten requests from the academy. They were moderately challenging but nothing too difficult for her skill level, at least for now. She wanted to complete her punishment as soon as possible but could only wait for the academy to send requests.

Finally, Iris didn't have a reason to stay in Munich any longer. She was ready to go home to China. The others already left, leaving only her and Jin Liwei behind.

Grandpa Lu returned ahead of them to run Jin Corporation in Jin Liwei's stead. Professor Kalisha Schwarz went to Berlin to visit her relatives. Enrique Valdez flew to America to record an album with a famous diva. Maestro Ludovico De Luca flew to Austria next for another concert.

Before the maestro left, he spoke a lot in secret with Jin Liwei. They didn't let her hear what they were talking about, making her very curious. She tried asking Jin Liwei, but he just gave her a mysterious smile.

"You'll know soon, baby."

She was unsatisfied but didn't force him to tell her.

"Let's go home, then," she said.

"Not yet."

She tilted her head to the side, confused. "Why? Do you still have something to do here?"

"Not here but somewhere else. We're leaving tomorrow."

He wouldn't tell her anything more. Of course she could just search it up and try to discover what he was hiding from her, but her love for him was greater than her curiosity. She just had to trust him to reveal it to her when he was ready.

The next morning, Jin Liwei's private jet picked them up at the airport. Iris didn't know where they were going. Surprisingly, the flight was quick. It only took a little more than an hour.

When they disembarked, her eyes widened as she recognized the language. She looked at Jin Liwei with a mixture of confusion and excitement.

He gave her a light kiss on the lips. "You've been working so hard. Let's relax here for five days or so. You're going to be very busy once we return to China."

"Okay."

###

Stresa, Italy.

They spent the first day enjoying Milan before travelling by car to Stresa. They arrived at a beautiful palatial villa standing on a hill overlooking a great lake. The Alps could be seen from a distance.

Iris discovered that the villa belonged to Maestro De Luca. It seemed that this was the reason why the two had been talking a lot behind her back. Jin Liwei borrowed the property from the maestro. However, she still didn't understand why they had to act so secretive.

The town was very quiet at this time of year. There weren't a lot of tourists. Jin Liwei wasn't kidding when he said that he wanted them to relax for a few days. Many of the attractions in the place were closed down because it was low season, but there were still good places they visited like family diners and the local market.

For the most part, the two just stayed in the villa enjoying each other's company.

It was on the third day of their stay that Iris felt something weird. The household staff looked busy. She also caught a glimpse of delivery trucks outside. It looked like they were preparing something.

"What's going on?" she asked.

"You'll see later. It's a surprise. Come, baby. Let's work out at the gym." He pulled her from the window. It was obvious that he was distracting her.

She had the strongest urge to pinch his cheeks for acting so mysterious and not telling her anything. Feeling a bit annoyed, she went ahead and pinched both of his cheeks hard.

He just grunted but didn't make any move to stop her. He even bent down a little to give her easier access. He just stood there like a good boy and let her hurt him until his cheeks turned red.

Her annoyance was quickly replaced by guilt. He released his poor cheeks and wrapped her arms around his waist instead, hugging him.

"Sorry," she said against his chest.

"It's okay, baby," he said, stroking her hair with his fingers.

She lifted her head and touched his cheeks. "Painful?"

He was about to say no but changed his mind. He deliberately put on a sad expression. "Yes. They hurt so much."

"Really? I'm sorry, Liwei." She gently massaged his cheeks, a concerned look in her eyes.

"They're so painful. I think I need some kisses to feel better."

Her hands paused in the middle of massage, then her fingers curled and pinched his cheeks even harder.

"Ow! Baby, stop! Please...ah! It hurts..."

She harrumphed but let go of his poor cheeks. They looked tender and redder than before. Annoyance, guilt and love all mixed together within her.

"You're a bad boy," she said, wrapping her hands around his neck and pulling him down so that their faces were only inches away from each other.

"Yes, I'm a bad boy. I deserve to be punished. Are you going to punish me?" His eyes began darkening with desire. He held her waist and pulled her against his body.

A giggle escaped from her lips. "I already did. You want me to pinch your cheeks again?"

"If it makes you happy."

"Oh, Liwei."

Then she kissed him, thoroughly exploring his mouth. She lightly bit his lip when he tried taking over the kiss.

"Be good boy," she murmured while fighting against him for control of the kiss.

A low growl sounded deep within his throat but he held back and allowed her to lead the slow, torturous kiss, even though all he wanted was to devour her mouth. His hands slid down her hips to her plump butt and squeezed them hard, earning a moan from her.

Iris could feel his erection against her stomach. It only intensified her desire for him. Her hands crawled down from around his neck to his chest, down his abs...lower...and lower...

"Baby, wait...not now..."

Jin Liwei caught her naughty hands. He was panting. His expression looked pained as he restrained the wild beast inside him. It never failed to amaze him how his baby girl was becoming more and more skilled in seducing him.

He wanted her, of course. So much. However, he still needed to do something special tonight. He needed to think with his heart and head for now and not with his d*ck.

Seeing her frustration, the corners of his lips couldn't help but lift into a smug smile. Her expression showed that she also wanted him as much as he wanted her.

"You've changed a lot, Liwei," she said, pouting. She still looked annoyed and frustrated, but there was also approval in her eyes.

"I've changed for you, baby. Only for you," he told her in a serious tone.

She tried to stop it but her mouth twitched and a big smile broke out of her face. She buried her face against his chest, grinning like an idiot.

Of course, Jin Liwei was also grinning like an idiot. He hugged her, inhaling her scent that he loved so much. Then uncertainty clouded the smile on his face. He forced himself to calm down because he was starting to feel nervous.

He couldn't wait for the night to come sooner. He felt anxious and excited at the same time.

'Whatever happens tonight, I'll always love you,' he told her in his mind. He tightened his arms around her, not wanting to let her go.

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Chapter 262 - My Lady, My Man

The sun began to set, casting a stunning combination of orange and purple glow in the sky. It reflected on the lake, creating an illusion of two parallel worlds about to meet and merge.

Iris stared at the breathtaking view from the large window of the bedroom. She wished she could paint like Ashandra and immortalize the picture on canvas.

Behind her, Jin Liwei admired her breathtaking beauty. She wore a long, white dress that was both flowy and airy. She looked like a fairy...who was about to become a bride. He already stamped this sight of her in his heart and mind, preserving the picture for as long as he lived.

Then she turned around and looked at him. Their eyes met, feeling the connection between them. It felt like there was an invisible rope drawing them closer to each other.

He stretched out a hand in silence. There was no need for words. Her feet started walking towards him, and she accepted his hand.

Maintaining eye contact, Jin Liwei raised and kissed the back of her hand. "My lady."

"Mmm..." Her other hand grabbed the collar of his shirt, pulling him down to her level. She caught his lower lip and sucked hard on it. "My man," she countered after releasing his lip.

The tip of his tongue slowly licked his moist lower lip, faintly tasting her. A slow, sexy smile lifted the corner of his lips. He wanted to dive into her sweet mouth for more but held himself back.

He had an important mission tonight. Remembering it, anxiety flashed in his eyes but he quickly controlled it.

"Shall we?" he asked.

She nodded.

They headed to the farthest wing at the end of the mansion. It was the side that was situated at the edge of a cliff with the most direct view of the great lake. The entire wing was a huge solarium. The roof and the walls were all made of glass pieced together by artful beams. It was a great place to enjoy nature without actually being outside.

They passed through a walkway on a mezzanine over the grand greenhouse where an impressive collection of trees, plants and flowers were planted in a stylish indoor garden.

When they reached the end of the walkway, Iris' breath caught in her throat. Her eyes widened as she looked around the place. It was originally a lounge area but was now transformed into a flower wonderland.

Thousands of white and pink roses on green vines attached from the high ceiling swayed like curtains. Between the curtains was a pathway framed by rows of lavenders and forget-me-nots. In the middle was a red carpet of rose petals lit by candles.

"Liwei...what..."

She didn't know what to say. Did he do all of these for her? What for? Aren't these thousands of flowers too much? It wasn't her birthday yet, nor was it his birthday. She wracked her brain for a special occasion to warrant such an extravagant surprise but came out blank. Her hands tightened on his hand, silently asking him what was going on.

He leaned closer to her and tucked a lock of her hair behind her ear. "Congratulations on your amazing performances at the concert and also on your upcoming companies and album...and all of your other achievements so far. I'm sure you'll achieve more success in the future. I'm so proud of you, baby."

"Oh." So that was the reason for all of these. She smiled. "Thank you, Liwei." Then she looked around again. "This is so beautiful. So this is why you've been so secretive since we were in Munich?"

He didn't reply, only giving her another mysterious smile.

They walked together holding each other's hands over the red carpet of rose petals. When they reached the end of the pathway, Iris was in for another surprise.

A romantic candlelit dinner table for two was set up in the middle of a heart-shaped formation of more red petals. The glass wall behind showed the beautiful view of the shimmering lake under the evening sky.

Iris' smile widened. Her heart fluttered seeing all the effort Jin Liwei made for her just to congratulate her on her achievements. When she turned to him, he was looking at her, as if memorizing every nuance of her reactions.

"You like it?" His voice was low and sensuous.

"Yes, very much."

"Good."

He led her to the table and pulled a chair for her before taking a seat on the opposite chair. His hand reached over the table and continued to hold her hand, never taking his eyes off of her.

At that moment, a group of people carrying instruments walked to them. It was a four-piece band consisting of guitar, organetto, tambourine and harmonica. They began serenading the couple with Italian love songs.

Iris' eyes lit up, enjoying the folk-style melody and the saccharine lyrics. Although she was just starting to understand and appreciate romance, she now knew why many people would say that Italian was a romantic language.

When the first song ended, she wanted to clap but Jin Liwei was holding one of her hands. She raised an eyebrow at him but his gaze on her never wavered. It made her heart skip a beat. Clearing her throat, she looked at the musicians again.

"Bravo!" Because she couldn't clap, she praised them instead.

They bowed in thanks and started playing another song. A waiter in crisp black tuxedo appeared carrying a pitcher of non-alcoholic sangria. Jin Liwei took into account that his baby girl didn't drink alcohol.

The couple enjoyed a full-course Italian dinner. All of the dishes were delicious and artfully presented. They weren't only a feast for the taste buds but also for the eyes. They were all cooked and prepared by a famous Italian chef who flew all the way from Venice.

Iris didn't know but Jin Liwei spent a big amount of time, effort and of course money to persuade the chef. Despite this, the chef was still hesitant. It was only when he used his connection with Maestro De Luca that the chef finally accepted his offer.

After the delightful dinner, the couple chatted for a bit. Jin Liwei kept his tone light, but inside he was barely keeping everything together. His heart was racing and he was sweating under his clothes.

"Are you alright?" Iris asked, noticing his discomfort.

"En." Then he stood up and held up his hand to her. "Come, baby. There's something I want to show you."

She tilted her head to the side. There was more?

"Okay," she said and accepted his hand. "Hm?" She raised an eyebrow when she felt his damp hand. She opened her mouth, about to ask what was wrong with him but stopped when she saw his serious expression.

So she allowed him to lead her to the other end of the hall. Amazement struck her when she discovered that the entire mezzanine was decorated with the seemingly endless roses and other flowers.

Finally, they stopped a few steps away from the railing.

Iris became confused. When she looked at Jin Liwei again, she grew concerned because huge drops of sweat were now flowing down his face.

"Liwei, are you ok—"

"Baby," he interrupted her. "I'm going to show you something."

She hesitated before nodding.

He led her to the railing. "Look down."

She did.

What she saw down there shocked her, making her gasp. Her eyes widened and her mouth opened. Then she felt Jin Liwei move beside her.

She turned, becoming even more shocked. Her heart almost jumped out of her throat because of his next actions.

Jin Liwei fell down on one knee in front of her.

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Chapter 263 - Title Is A Spoiler

On the floor below the mezzanine, hundreds of lit candles spelled out the words "Marry Me?" encircled by a heart-shaped formation of more candles.

The sight dumbfounded Iris. She knew what the words meant but they didn't seem to make sense in her head.

When Jin Liwei fell down on one knee, it confused and shocked her so much that she forgot how to think.

What genius? In front of love, all became stupid.

"I love you the most in this entire world, Long Xiulan," he began speaking. His voice trembled, filled with emotion. "I never imagined that I would ever feel this way or love another person this much in my life. I promise to love you, take care of you, and cherish you. I'll support you in whatever you want to do and be there for you whenever you need me. I love you so much."

He pulled out something from his pocket and held it up to her. It was a small red velvet box. He opened it and a diamond ring sparkled inside.

"Baby, will you marry me?"

Iris froze, her mind going completely blank.

Jin Liwei held his breath, waiting in anxiety for her reaction and response. The chef, the waiter, the musicians and all the household staff also held their breaths, anticipation in their eyes.

The clock ticked, heightening the tension.

He began to sweat even more. The hand holding the box started shaking but he controlled it.

A full minute passed but still she didn't move or say anything. Jin Liwei's heart became heavier and heavier as more seconds ticked by.

His face fell.

It hurt.

The other people witnessing the scene looked at each other in dismay, shaking their heads in pity at the poor man. They sighed and began to silently withdraw from the depressing atmosphere.

"Baby..." His voice broke. He was unable to say anything more. "Hah..." Gulping air to control his turbulent emotions, he began to lower the box.

Suddenly, Iris pounced on him. He was knocked down and he fell on his back to the floor, making him groan. He hurriedly snapped the box closed because the ring almost fell out.

He felt her squeeze herself close to him, as if trying to bury herself inside him.

"Baby?"

He had no idea what was happening. Was she mad at him? It didn't feel like it. Then what was she doing? He was perplexed.

She finally lifted her head and looked down at him. Her eyes glistened before tears fell down, splashing on to his face.

His heart stopped for a beat. Then he panicked. "Baby, what's wrong? Why are you crying? Please don't cry. I'm sorry."

He clumsily wiped her tears with his fingers.

She framed his face with her hands. Tears continued to fall down from her eyes, but she didn't look upset. In fact, there was a soft smile on her face.

"I love you too, Liwei," she told him.

His heart stopped for a beat again before racing wildly inside his chest. Hope filled him once more, but he restrained it and acted cautious instead.

"So...will you...will you marry me?" he asked again.

She nodded.

Now it was his turn to have his mind go blank. "Wha-what?"

Lowering her head, Iris gave him a sweet kiss on his slightly open mouth. Then she breathed her reply into his mouth, "Yes, I'll marry you, Jin Liwei."

He inhaled sharply. Was this really happening? Did she really say yes? Please someone tell him that this was really happening! It felt like his soul flew out of his body and then slammed back inside. After the initial shock, a wave of pure happiness flooded him.

"Really? Baby, say it again." His tone was intense and urgent. He was afraid that he heard her wrongly earlier.

"I said I'll marry you," she repeated.

"Oh." His eyes widened in wonder. "Oh," he repeated and then began to laugh. "Oh baby!"

Grabbing her head, he kissed her hungrily and happily on the mouth. He continued to laugh. Delighted, he felt like he was floating in the air. He pressed their foreheads together, looking deep into each other's eyes. Then he remembered something important.

"The ring!" He turned his head and reached for the velvet box which was now lying carelessly beside them on the floor. He asked her. "Can I put the ring on you now?"

"Okay."

They sat up while still staying close to each other. Iris sat between his legs. She rested her head on his shoulder, watching him fumble with the box before managing to open it. The diamond ring seemed to gleam even more brightly than the first time he opened the box.

Jin Liwei took the ring out. Finally, he slid it on Iris' finger. It fit perfectly.

Seeing the ring he chose on his baby girl's finger made him choke up with emotion. Love and happiness overflowed from within him. He couldn't help but grab her head again, kissing her more deeply and more passionately.

The other people watching didn't understand Chinese, so they were caught off-guard by this development. They thought that all was lost when Iris failed to respond earlier. But seeing Jin Liwei grinning so widely that his face might split and putting the ring on his lady's finger, the others knew that the proposal was a success.

They cheered, whistled, clapped their hands and expressed their congratulations to the newly engaged couple. The musicians took their instruments and began playing a congratulatory tune.

Iris' tears of happiness stopped. It transformed into a big smile of happiness, matching Jin Liwei's wide grin.

"You like it?" He asked her, referring to the ring.

"Yes." She wiggled her fingers, marvelling at the weightlessness. It didn't feel like she had a ring on at all.

The ring looked delicate and elegant, unlike the ostentatious engagement rings with giant rocks many men of Jin Liwei's wealth and status gave their ladies. However, it didn't mean that this ring was simple. On the contrary, the design was exquisite. A round diamond—not too big but not too small either—sat at the centre, surrounded by other tiny diamonds in a flower-like pattern. There were also other tinier diamonds artfully inlaid on the ring's surface.

Despite its appearance, it was surprisingly light.

"I had it specially designed and made from a super lightweight material," he told her. "You're a pianist and I know that heavy rings will interfere with your playing. That's why I got you this. I want you to wear your engagement ring even when you're playing. I hope that you won't have to take it off."

Iris was touched by his thoughtfulness.

"Thank you."

"No, baby. Thank YOU for accepting my proposal. You've made me the happiest man in the world."

The musicians changed up the lively, celebratory tune to a slow, romantic music.

"Would my lady grant me a dance?"

She giggled. "Yes, of course."

They stood up. She wrapped her arms around his neck while he encircled her waist with his hands, pressing their bodies close together. They started swaying with the music, looking deeply at each other's eyes. They kissed each other; sometimes gentle, sometimes intense.

"I love you, baby."

"I love you too, darling."

The two basked in their love and happiness, savouring the moment like they were the only two people in the world.

Happily ever after?

Not yet.

This wasn't an ending, but a new beginning.

###

Chapter Title: Will You Marry Me?

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Chapter 264 - No Going Back

Jin Liwei carried Iris in his arms like a princess...no, like his queen. He carried her like she was his most precious treasure. The distance from the solarium wing to their bedroom was far, but he insisted on carrying her all the way.

It didn't help that she was kissing and caressing him all over. He felt like he was burning in a delicious fire the entire time he was walking while carrying her. He needed her water to douse his fire...but not yet.

Finally, they reached the bedroom. The lights were turned off but the moonlight cast a soft, dreamy glow inside. Long shadows danced as dark clouds moved to obstruct and reveal the moon in mysterious undulations.

He set her down on her feet. For a few moments, they just stared at each other.

"You're so beautiful," he whispered.

She looked flushed, her eyes heavy with desire. Her hair framed her small, alluring face like midnight silk. Her long white dress fluttered with each tiny movement. Under the moonlight, she became even more beautiful.

He couldn't believe that such an amazing woman was his.

It was Iris who moved first. She wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him down as she stood on her tippy-toes to kiss him.

The kiss was slow and sensual. They savoured each other as if they had all the time in the world. However, the flames of desire inside their bodies only burned hotter the longer they kissed. Their breathing quickened. Their kiss became hungrier.

"Darling..." Her arms tightened around his neck and she pressed her body more urgently against him. Her eyes silently asked him...demanded him.

Desire raged in full-force when he saw her expression. He knew what she wanted. He wanted it too, of course. So much. But...

"Baby, we're not married yet." Oh, the self-control he needed to say these words.

She pursed her lips at him, displeased. "We're engaged," she countered.

Inside his mind, a fierce battle was being fought between Liwei the Angel and Liwei the Devil.

Angel Liwei: "Wait until you're married. It will make the moment more special."

Devil Liwei: "She wants it, you want it. Why wait? You're already engaged. Go for it!"

Angel Liwei: "Waiting for the right moment—your wedding night—will increase the anticipation you have for each other. In turn, it will make it more pleasurable for both of you when you finally do it."

Devil Liwei: "Are you stupid? The right moment is right now! If you continue to wait any longer, instead of increasing anticipation, you'll both die of frustration instead!"

Jin Liwei continued to debate inside his mind. Should they wait? Or should they do it now?

In the end, it was Iris who decided for both of them. She lost patience waiting for his response. While he stood there in a daze like a stupid idiot, her hands went to work unbuttoning his shirt.

He finally regained his senses. He caught her hands. "Baby, wait."

"Shut up."

His mouth clammed shut, a bit surprised by her aggressiveness. He allowed her to take his shirt off. She tossed it away. Then she looked up at him with a serious expression.

"Liwei, I want you. Do you want me?"

"Yes, of course. I not only want you, I also love you. So much."

She hooked her fingers on the waistband of his trousers, pulling him closer to her. "I said it earlier today. You've really changed. If this was before, you'd have already pushed me down the bed and had your way with me. You were so shameless, even though you claim that you've never touched other women before."

"You're the only one," he said, frowning at the mention of other women. "You're the first and only woman to awaken my desire, that I always found myself on the verge of losing control around you back then...and you're also the only woman that I'll love so much like this."

He stroked her cheek. "Long Xiulan, I want to marry you. I want to make love with you. I want you to become the mother of my children. I want us to build a family together."

"Jin Liwei, we'll do all those things together. But first, I need you tonight."

His breath sped up. He looked at her deep in the eyes. "Are you sure?"

"Yes."

"If we do this, there's no going back."

"Darling, when you first barged into my life, there was already no going back."

These words of hers unleashed the raging desire he was controlling so hard. His hands slid down her back to her butt, squeezing her plump behind before lifting her up. She wrapped her legs around his waist. They kissed each other hungrily...desperately.

He carried her to the bed and lowered her on it. He looked down at her, admiring her sensual appearance contrasted by her demure white dress. The sight made his already hard little brother down below become even harder.

Leaning forward over her, he supported his weight with one hand on the bed while his other hand trailed a scorching caress up her leg. His hand went up...up...up under her dress, trailing further until it reached her hip.

"Liwei..."

"Patience, my love."

A whine escaped from her lips but she stayed still and tried to be patient.

He gave her a soft kiss before proceeding to remove her dress. He gently gathered it and pulled it up over her head, tossing it to the floor.

Her hands reached his pants. She unzipped him. But before she could free his erection, he caught her hands and kissed each of them. Then he lowered his head and kissed her on the mouth.

Their tongues dueled against each other which only made their desire more desperate.

He unclasped her bra and it followed her dress on the floor. He continued to kiss her mouth while his hands became busy kneading her soft breasts, making her moan.

Then he released her mouth and trailed wet kisses down her neck, chest, licking a path towards one of her breasts. His mouth closed in on a nipple and sucked hard.

She gasped and held his head in place. Her back arched, pushing her breasts even more towards him.

Of course, he made sure not to neglect her other nipple, sucking it as hard as he sucked the first one. While his mouth was preoccupied with her breasts, his hand crawled down to her hips. He tugged her panties off. It soon followed her dress and bra on the floor.

Finally, she was completely naked. He looked down at her, admiring her. The moonlight streaming from the windows made her look all the more tantalizing in his eyes.

The wild beast inside him roared to life, hungry for her. He opened her legs wide, exposing everything of her for him to see.

She turned her head to the side, feeling a bit shy. However, she didn't close her legs. She was also hungry for him.

"So cute," he whispered, smiling at her shyness.

His hands reached down at the apex of her thighs, inhaling sharply when he felt her wetness. He rubbed her soft and wet folds, making her twitch and moan. He watched her expression as he pleasured her with his hands. But he wanted more. He wanted to taste her.

She whined when he removed his hand. Chuckling, he sucked his fingers dripping with her juices before lowering his head between her thighs. Her scent made him leak a little inside his pants.

He licked her wet slit and felt her shiver. Then he began to lap and suck her. His arms circled around her thighs to keep her jerking hips in place. He ate her until she thrashed on the bed sheets and cried out again and again.

"Liwei! Oh Liwei! Ah!" She stiffened and then trembled violently as she reached her orgasm.

He continued to eat her without mercy, intensifying her climax. He didn't care that she was pulling his hair, almost yanking them out from his scalp. When she was done, she lay weakly on the bed.

"We're not done yet, baby."

"Mmn..."

He climbed off the bed and headed to the connecting walk-in wardrobe. Moments later, he returned with a box of condoms. He discovered a few boxes at the bottom of his suitcase while they were still in Munich. It seemed that his butler remembered to pack them without being instructed. He should give the good man a raise when they returned.

After placing the box on the bedside table, he removed his pants. His erection sprang free. He stroked himself first, catching Iris licking her lips while watching him pleasure himself. His lips curved into a smug smile. He took one foil of condom from the box and climbed on the bed.

"Are you sure about this?" He had to ask again when he reached her.

"Yes. I'm sure. Darling, don't worry."

Her answer was all he needed to hear. He placed himself between her legs. Then he tore the foil open and covered himself with the condom.

Lowering his hips, he positioned his erection at her wet entrance.

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Chapter 265 - Best Night Ever

Both of them panted in anticipation at what was about to happen. Their hearts raced inside their chests.

Iris bit her lip and watched Jin Liwei. He was drenched in sweat, his expression strained. A vein throbbed in his forehead. Nevertheless, these only made him look sexier to her.

Although they already did so many erotic deeds together before, she still felt nervous right now. This was the first time that they would make love all the way after all.

Holding his erection, he didn't enter her right away. He rubbed his tip all over her wet entrance first.

Her eyes closed. She touched her own breasts, kneading them, as she enjoyed the pleasure he was giving her. She was vaguely aware of her hips moving in a restless manner.

She opened her heavy-lidded eyes when she felt his hard, sweaty body press on top of her. They kissed with open mouths. She ran her hands all over his hair and muscled back.

He continued to kiss her while beginning to push inside her. It was still only his tip that entered her but it already felt so d*mn good. His heart hammered in excitement inside his chest. Using his elbow as support, he raised his upper body so that he could have a better view of her flushed face.

She looked so sexy that he felt his erection harden even more.

Maintaining eye contact, he gritted his teeth and pushed all the way inside her. He felt the fragile obstruction of her hymen tearing from his invasion.

"Ah!" Her body stiffened and she hugged his neck tightly.

He released a loud groan at the pleasure of finally being inside her. It felt so d*mn good! She felt so f*cking good!

His instincts told him to ram himself into her, but he controlled himself. Her arms around his neck was so tight that it felt like she was choking him. She was also stiff, squeezing his erection inside her.

"You're so tight...are you alright?"

"It hurts..."

He coaxed her to open her eyes and to look at him. Her eyes were watery, both from pleasure and pain. He kissed her eyes, tasting her tears.

"Relax. I'll make you feel good soon. Okay, baby?"

"...'kay."

He kissed her mouth and massaged her breasts. Then his hips began to slowly grind against her. Her tense body gradually relaxed. She began to undulate her hips in time with his grinding.

When she began moaning, it was as if he received a signal. He pulled his length until it was almost out of her. Then he thrust back hard, earning a loud moan from her. Seeing that she didn't look like she was in pain anymore, he began thrusting in and out of her.

Iris felt like her entire body was alive and on fire, like all of her nerve endings were active and stimulated all at the same time. It still hurt but the pleasure was quickly overshadowing the pain.

Jin Liwei straightened his arms, pressing his hands on the bed beside her shoulders to support his weight. Having a clear view of her below him, he increased his rhythm.

Their sounds of pleasure fueled their desire for each other.

She reached up and touched his face and body, as he continued his delicious thrusts inside her. Huge drops of his sweat fell down on her naked skin, mixing with her own. She knew from his taut expression that he was still controlling his pace for her.

"Darling...it's okay. Don't hold back. Give me everything you've got."

It was as if her words snapped his control. He growled and seemed to transform into a wild and hungry beast. His hips pumped her hard and fast, making her bounce upwards on the bed. One of his arms circled her waist to hold her in place, as he continued to thrust inside her in reckless abandon.

"Oh! Liwei! Oh f*ck!" Iris couldn't stop her uncharacteristic cursing because it felt like she was drowning in pleasure.

But this wasn't enough for Jin Liwei. He sat up, grabbed her legs and placed them over his shoulders. Then he pushed forward, folding her in half until her own legs touched her shoulders between the two of them.

The position made her feel him deeper inside her, making her cry out in pleasure.

"Baby, look at me!"

Her eyes snapped open and saw his savage expression. He looked like he was about to devour her. And in a sense, he was already devouring her.

His next actions made her feel like she was losing her mind. He slammed his hips from above her again and again. They could hear the loud, wet, slapping sounds of their flesh. The sounds only served to turn them on even more.

Tears flowed down Iris' eyes from the sheer pleasure. She couldn't really move in this position. All she could do was to hold on to him for dear life and take everything he was giving her. The ball of intense pleasure was building up quickly inside her until she couldn't hold it anymore. It exploded, making her scream so loud the entire mansion must have heard her.

He followed her soon after with a roar as loud as her scream. He stiffened and twitched as he spurted his release while inside her. Catching her mouth, he kissed her hard and swallowed her whimpers.

She groaned when he slid out of her. He quickly tied up the used condom which was stained a little with blood and discarded it.

Both of them were breathing hard, but their eyes were bright. They almost couldn't believe how amazing it felt. So this was making love. What they did before was just scratching the tip of an iceberg. The real thing felt many times better.

"Liwei...that was so amazing."

"En."

"Let's do it again."

His mouth lifted into a sexy smile. "As my lady commands."

They kissed, more relaxed this time. His hand crawled down to her wet folds, rubbing and stroking. Then a long finger slid inside her, imitating what his d*ck did earlier. When her hips started gyrating, he added another finger and increased the pace. Very soon, she was panting and moaning.

His little brother down below awakened in no time. It stood up hard in excitement, ready for another round of action.

She reached for his erection, wrapped it around her fingers, and began stroking him. They pleasured each other with their hands like this.

When he removed his fingers, she released a sound of complaint. He reassured her with a kiss before getting another condom. He tore the foil and sheathed himself again.

"Turn over, baby."

She turned to lie on her stomach. He pulled her hips so that her butt was sticking up in the air while her upper body remained pressed down on the bed. He separated her legs wide apart and positioned himself behind her.

They both moaned in pleasure when he slid smoothly inside her. Holding her hips, he began pumping.

"Ah! So good, baby."

"Yes...more..."

Their flesh slapped against each other. He pulled her up until she was sitting in front of him with her back against his chest. They moved together in a sensual rhythm. She threw her head back, resting it beside his head.

One of his hands played with her breasts while his other hand rubbed her down there, making her cry out. She turned her head towards him for a kiss.

When the pleasure became too much for her, she returned her upper body to the bed. She clutched the bed sheets as he increased his pace behind her. Her toes curled as pleasure built up inside her again. She bit on a pillow with a muffled scream upon reaching another climax.

As for Jin Liwei, he continued to pound into her. He was nowhere near his own orgasm yet. He continued his relentless rhythm until she experienced another building up within her.

She was helpless, almost sobbing from the pure pleasure. Her entire mind at the moment was completely filled with him and the sensations he was making her feel.

He pushed her down the bed with his body, going into hyper-drive, sending both of them to another triumphant climax.

###

For the rest of the night, the newly engaged couple continued to make love. The two of them had matching libidos. They couldn't get enough of each other.

At first, Iris could still keep up with Jin Liwei. But by the fourth round, it was obvious that he had more stamina than her. She was also beginning to feel sore. However, she refused to lose to him.

It was after the fifth round that she couldn't hold on any longer. She just passed out after her orgasm.

Ready for the sixth round, Jin Liwei found his baby girl already in deep sleep. He chuckled. He was still feeling energetic but he couldn't do anything because Iris was the type that was difficult to wake up once asleep.

He cleaned both of them with a wet towel before lying beside her. He pulled her in his embrace and covered them with the duvet.

Happiness flowed within him. Being engaged to marry felt awesome. He felt like his love for her just grew deeper.

"Best night ever, my love," he whispered.

He kissed her before sleeping with a smile on his face.

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Chapter 266 - Coming Back Soon

Apart from JJ's record label's consistent promotions and the Black Stars' undying support, Iris Long's position in showbiz began to diminish. Even the hype surrounding the upcoming indie film "Strong Yet Broken" eventually dwindled after her sudden disappearance. Her music had also fallen from the charts.

The upward trajectory of her music career which took off with such a powerful momentum during her comeback suddenly halted. Many shook their heads in regret, thinking that she had missed her chance to gain a stable foothold in the music industry.

Bright Summit labelled both Iris and Jin Chonglin as artists on hiatus. Unlike Iris, however, Jin Chonglin's position in the industry remained as solid as ever. Not only had he been in showbiz longer, but he was also already one of the biggest stars. His fan base was also larger with members not only in the country but also across Asia. He could afford a hiatus and not suffer too much unlike her.

The public had moved on from the shocking scandals that caused the abrupt hiatuses of these two artists.

The Black Stars fan club, especially the Slippers Army, became temporarily inactive because there weren't a lot of people bashing their Boss Iris online anymore. To be more specific, there weren't a lot of people talking about their boss anymore besides them.

Some of them were missing the thrilling chaos of their online battles as they waved their virtual mighty slippers in the name of their Boss Iris. In addition to their boss' disappearance, their troll leader iEatSlippers wasn't online that much anymore as well. He told them he was busy helping a friend set up a company.

In short, Iris Long was already being forgotten.

Then one day, people noticed that she finally updated her social media pages. She posted:

"I'm sorry and thank you for waiting. I'm coming back soon."

A short video was attached. It showed her playing a few chords on the piano of the film version of "Phantom of Your Love". After the thirty-second melody teaser, she closed her eyes and gave a soft, gentle smile. Somehow, she looked even more beautiful than before, as if there was a radiant glow within her.

The reaction was instantaneous.

+99,984

+896,003

+1,726,903 likes and counting.

In just about an hour, it already received more than a million views. The Black Stars went crazy with delight, excitement and anticipation. They had been so worried about her. They couldn't wait to see their Boss Iris and listen to her music again.

CaptainBlackStar: "Welcome back, Boss! The entire Black Stars fan club and the mighty Slipper Army unit are all awaiting for your grand return! We hope that you're in good health and spirits. Thank you very much for not abandoning us! We love you, Boss Iris Long!"

While the Black Stars celebrated their boss' upcoming return, the media also caught up with the news. The media's interest in Iris reignited. The almost forgotten scandal of Fan Luo ordering her car accident because of jealousy was placed under the spotlight once again.

Of course, Jin Chonglin's name was dragged into the mix because he was the reason for Fan Luo's jealousy. Jin Chonglin had previously spoken out about the scandal before he went on hiatus, denouncing his ex-fiancée as an evil woman.

They already heard from him, so people were eager to hear from Iris as the victim next.

Everyone had been waiting for her own statement. They wanted to ask her so many questions. What were her thoughts about the crime? How did she handle the truth when she learned about it? Did she hate Jin Chonglin? He was technically the reason why Fan Luo attempted to kill her.

"Iris Long" became the most searched keyword on the internet in just a day.

Then a netizen made an astonishing discovery while searching for information about her. He found photos of her all over the European news. It showed various images of her wearing a gorgeous fiery red dress.

The netizens used an online translator to read the contents of the articles featuring her. They became shocked when they finished reading and learned what she had been up to while she was gone.

"Holy sh*t! The articles say that Iris performed at Maestro De Luca's concert!"

"How can this be? She's not even a classical musician. Why would a maestro of such high standing invite her to perform with him at his own concert? This doesn't make sense."

Of course, the Black Stars were ecstatic and proud. They celebrated more, almost taking over the discussion forums. They asked Iris if it was true.

Iris actually replied to them. She posted:

"Yes, it's true. I had the opportunity to perform with the great Maestro Ludovico De Luca at his orchestra concert in Munich, Germany. It was such a wonderful experience that I will never forget in this lifetime."

Everyone became even crazier after her confirmation. Most people congratulated her and felt proud as her fellow countrymen. However, there were some who criticized her.

"I thought Iris Long was recuperating at a hospital. They said she was traumatized but look! She was having the time of her life rubbing shoulders with famous people and even performing at such an important concert. She doesn't look traumatized at all! What a liar!"

These criticisms angered the Black Stars. The Slippers Army immediately mobilized. This time, they were led by LittlePhoenix. They were a little disorganized in the absence of their troll leader iEatSlippers and strategist MonkeyFace. However, they felt energized at being able to freely wave their virtual mighty slippers again and whack all the enemies bashing their Boss Iris.

While the Slippers Army was finally back in action, the discussion in the forums continued.

MrsLovePhantom: "Maestro De Luca is also well-respected in our country and has collaborated with some of our own country's musical prides. I remember attending a concert of him and Maestro Liu Wei a few years ago."

CaptainBlackStar: "Liu Wei? That snob pianist who belittled our boss?"

When Maestro Liu Wei's name was brought up, many remembered how he criticized Iris as a mere pop singer pretending to be a classical musician with her simplistic piano transcription. He couldn't accept that Iris' successful piano album "Rebirth Melodies" was labelled as classical music.

Comments popped up making fun of the maestro.

"Hahaha! What a slap in the face! He criticized Iris as someone pretending to be a classical musician, but then another maestro who's more respected and renowned than him invited her to play in a classical concert! The European music critics are even calling Iris as a rising star of classical music! Let's hear what that oh so high and mighty maestro has to say."

The issue was blown out of proportion that even the media got involved, seeking out the classical pianist. A reporter recorded his response.

"From which source did you get this information? From the internet? Although I'm not young anymore, even I'm aware of the proliferation of fake news online," Maestro Liu Wei said. "I won't believe this claim until I watch the actual video recording of her playing at Maestro De Luca's concert. Claiming to perform with a world-renowned classical musician without proof is so shameless. It's sacrilege! Maybe she just attended the concert as part of the audience."

Supporters of the maestro voiced out their agreement with him. They demanded for Iris to show a video of her performance at Maestro De Luca's concert.

Unfortunately, the recorded version of the Munich concert hadn't been released yet. It would take some time before they would be made available. The audience weren't allowed to record the concert with their own devices.

Without this evidence, the classical musicians siding with Maestro Liu Wei called Iris an attention seeker and a liar.

As for Maestro Liu Wei, he was holding a grudge against Iris ever since he noticed that someone was suppressing him from the shadows. Many wealthy and influential people started snubbing him, not inviting him to important social events anymore. He also noticed that his attempts to book the best concert halls in the country were being denied.

He didn't know what was happening at first until someone gave him a hint.

"You offended someone powerful."

All the maestro could think about was that it started after he criticized Iris Long. She must've used the Long family's influence to suppress him. He began to hate her.

"Who does she think she is? Just because she's born into a prominent family, she thinks she owns the world and can control the lives of other people? And now she's even claiming to perform with Maestro De Luca? Preposterous!"

Even though high society began ostracizing him, Maestro Liu Wei still held great influence in the country's world of classical music. So with just a few words from him, several classical musicians began discrediting Iris even before making her second comeback.

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Chapter 267 - Do You Want To Have A Baby?

While the commotion online and on the media about Iris continued to escalate in the next days, the newly engaged couple finally returned to the country.

Xu Tian and Jin Liwei's other subordinates picked them up from the airport.

"Welcome back, President and Miss Long," Xu Tian greeted them.

His eyes immediately zeroed in on the engagement ring on Iris' finger. He inwardly released a sigh of relief. The President barely functioned like a human being when she left him. Xu Tian didn't want to imagine what would become of the President if she rejected his proposal.

After all the luggage were loaded, they drove away from the airport. Iris and Jin Liwei sat together at the backseat. Xu Tian sat on the front passenger seat beside the driver. Another vehicle with Jin Liwei's other subordinates followed close behind carrying the rest of the luggage.

Xu Tian informed the couple that the condominium building and the Long ancestral residence were once again surrounded by reporters after Iris announced her return. So even when Iris wanted to go home to the penthouse, it wasn't safe to do so at the moment. They headed straight to Jin Liwei's mansion at Dragon Palace Home #10 instead.

Seeing his baby girl's disappointment, he felt determined to make her feel at home in the mansion. He already began making plans in his head on how to accomplish this.

When they arrived at the mansion, they were welcomed by familiar faces. Two streaks of grey and orange shot towards Iris and Jin Liwei.

"Meow! Meow!"

"Meow~ Meow~"

Ice Cream and Popcorn both leaped up to Iris' arms. Jin Liwei moved fast and caught Popcorn first, while Iris caught the slower and heavier Ice Cream.

Popcorn whined a bit because he intended to be hugged by his Mommy first. But he also missed his Daddy so he rubbed himself against Jin Liwei, begging to be petted.

While the two petted their excited kittens who were meowing and purring nonstop, a toddler also made his way towards them.

"Mama! Papa!"

Little Jun had his little arms extended towards them as he toddled with a big smile on his cute face.

Still carrying Ice Cream in her arms, Iris walked with long strides to her godson. Then she shifted Ice Cream to one arm and squatted to hug Little Jun with her other arm. The boy wrapped his little arms around her neck and gave her a wet kiss on the cheek.

"Wuwuwu! Boss! I missed you so much! I'm so happy you're back! Wuwuwu!" Dom sobbed.

Jiang Ying Yue stood beside him with a welcoming expression. "Little Jun missed you so much. He wouldn't let go of his Uncle Dom's leg when he heard him say your name before leaving the penthouse earlier. So we ended up tagging along. I hope we're not a bother."

"Not at all. I'm glad that you're all here to welcome us back. I also missed my godson."

Jin Liwei was still in his original position carrying Popcorn a few steps behind Iris and the others. Popcorn jumped out of his arms to join them. While the group was talking, Jin Liwei turned to Xu Tian beside him.

"Buy the condominium," he instructed.

His assistant wasn't surprised, immediately going into business mode. "Are we buying Miss Long's building by itself from Gold Heights? Or are we buying Gold Heights? The company has several condominium buildings scattered in three major cities in the country."

"Hmm... Make an offer to buy the entire Gold Heights company. If they agree, go for it. If not, just buy the condo building by itself. We can always set up a new real estate company to manage it. Either way, put the purchase under my fiancée's name."

"Understood, President. I'll start working on it right away."

Jin Liwei nodded. A faint smile was obvious on his face. He felt pleased referring to Iris as his fiancée. He couldn't wait until he could openly refer to her as his wife.

"Once the purchase is finalized, improve the building's security, especially in the penthouse and my godson's unit."

After giving instructions concerning the penthouse, he also gave renovation and redecoration orders for the mansion. He wanted his baby girl to treat this place as home like the penthouse. He wanted to add a recording studio and a computer room for her, and also a cat room for the kittens.

When she left him, he slept with the kittens in his bedroom. Now that they were together again, he decided that the kittens should have their own room just like in the penthouse. It was important because he and his baby girl had started making love. He didn't want the kids in the same room during their sexy time.

In addition to the renovations, he also ordered for a complete redecoration of the mansion. He wanted the interior design to reflect their status as a couple.

He had no intention of persuading Iris to give up the penthouse as primary residence. They could have both. There would be times that they would need to stay at the penthouse. Compared to the mansion, it was at a convenient location that was relatively near Bright Summit, JJ's record label and the major TV stations. On the other hand, the mansion was nearer Jin Corporation.

After giving out the instructions to Xu Tian, Jin Liwei joined the group. They were still talking.

"Papa!" Little Jun called out, reaching for him from Iris' arms.

He took the child and carried him, listening to his happy babbling. Jin Liwei's expression looked cold and serious, but everyone in the group already knew him enough by now to notice the gentleness in his eyes while looking at his godson.

"Ehehe. I see that boss is wearing a diamond ring. Since boss is a pianist, I know that she only wears rings on rare occasions. So the fact that she's wearing a ring right now immediately caught my attention. I don't want to assume but I'm assuming... Could it be? Ehehe." Dom waggled his eyebrows in unconcealed excitement.

Iris smiled, continuing to pet the kittens. "Mmn...yes. We're engaged," she murmured.

Dom froze.

Jiang Ying Yue gasped, surprised. Then she nodded afterwards, as if she already expected it.

As for Dom, his reaction looked like it was in slow motion. His mouth fell down first, then his eyes opened wide. Even his gasp was drawn-out.

Little Jun giggled and clapped his hands when he saw his Uncle Dom's comical expression. The child must've thought that his uncle was making funny faces for him.

"Anko! Anko Dom!"

Iris and Jin Liwei shared an amused look.

"Waaaah! Is this really happening?!" Dom finally regained his senses. He looked at his two bosses, his eyes streaming with flood of happy tears. He jumped up and down. "Wuwuwu! I knew it! I knew it from the start that boss and sir boss are meant for each other! My Momsy always told me that I have super-duper accurate intuition. See? I'm right! Wuwuwu! I'm so happy! Boss, sir boss! May you live happily ever after and make beautiful babies, so that Ice Cream, Popcorn and Little Jun can have playmates! I love your babies already even though they're not born yet!"

Iris' eyes widened at the mention of babies. Her hand subconsciously went to rest on her stomach.

Jin Liwei saw her action. A desire to impregnate her rose within him. He took a few deep breaths to control himself.

"We'll have a wedding first and then have children," he announced. "We can have them anytime whenever you're ready. Don't feel pressured, love."

"Do you want to have a baby?" she asked, observing his expression.

"Of course."

"Oh... Okay."

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Chapter 268 - Your Happiness Is My Happiness

Now that Iris was engaged to Jin Liwei, the idea of building their own family together started to solidify in her mind. Excitement grew within her at the thought of giving birth to her own child. This was the first time that she thought of wanting to raise her own family. However, it was quickly drowned by anxiety.

Her mothers in her past and present lives weren't exactly loving and nurturing. Iris worried that she wouldn't know how to be a good mother to her own children. Then her brows furrowed, thinking of something.

Jin Liwei saw her expression. He handed Little Jun to Jiang Ying Yue before holding Iris' hand.

"Let's rest in our room first," he suggested. "We had a long flight and we're both tired. We'll join the others again for dinner later. Okay, love?"

She hesitated before nodding.

Ice Cream and Popcorn attempted to follow them, but Dom stopped the kittens and carried them away.

Inside the bedroom suite, the couple changed into more comfortable clothes and lay down on the bed. They cuddled, too exhausted from their long travel to do anything else.

Iris felt sleepy but her earlier thoughts continued to bother her.

"What's on your mind?" Jin Liwei asked, noticing her troubled expression.

She didn't answer right away. "I love you, Liwei. And I'm happy that we're engaged...but..."

"But?"

"All of these talks of marriage and children... Well, I want them too...but I..." She looked directly at his eyes. "I still have lots of things that I want to do. There are so many goals that I have yet to accomplish. I feel like if I marry you now and have children, I won't be able achieve any of my dreams. Liwei, am I being selfish?"

"Yes, you are."

Her eyes widened. She blinked a few times. Then her face fell.

He brushed away a lock of hair from her face and stroked her cheek. "But what's wrong with that? I love you, so go ahead and act selfish with me. Like I told you earlier, we'll marry and have children only when you're ready. And I promise that even when we're married or have children, I won't hinder you from achieving your dreams. I'll support you all the way. Your happiness is my happiness. Fly freely during the day but always come back to me at night. Okay, love?"

Warmth and love filled Iris' heart until she felt like it was going to burst. She hugged and kissed him. "Thank you, darling. I'll also support you whenever you need me."

"En."

Feeling relieved by his assurance, Iris changed the subject. "I think we should let our families know about our engagement."

"Of course. I'll arrange a dinner for our two families."

"Okay."

Hesitating for a few moments, he asked carefully, "When do you want to get married?"

She went quiet.

"I'm not rushing or pressuring you," he said hurriedly. "I just want to have an idea. It's alright if you can't answer right now. We just got engaged after all."

"Hmm... I don't mind registering our marriage now, but I figured that if we're going to marry, I want to be proud and tell everyone. I usually don't give a whit about what others think of me, but there's you now. Despite my little triumphs, I still don't have the best reputation nor my status the same level as yours at the moment."

He frowned. "You don't have to worry about any of that. Who cares what they say?"

"I know but listen. I want to stand beside you proudly. So can you wait for me? I want to achieve more with my own effort and abilities. Then we can marry without any worries."

"As you wish, love," he replied, kissing the tip of her nose. "Your man will wait for you."

A sweet smiled blossomed on her face.

With that, the lovers succumbed to their exhaustion and slept together while embracing. Their hearts grew a little closer and their love a little stronger.

###

Hours later, they woke up and ate dinner with the others. After dinner, Jin Liwei received an urgent business call.

While he was gone taking the call, Iris left Dom and the others at a lounge area to walk in the hallway. She sat on a window sill and made a phone call.

"Hello?" An alluring male voice answered.

"Big Brother, it's me."

"I know," Lu Zihao replied. "I heard from the old man that you're back."

"Why weren't you here to welcome us back? I want to see you."

She heard him sigh. "I'm quite busy at the moment. Don't worry. I'll come see my little sister soon."

Iris paced in the hallway. She opened her mouth but then closed it again.

"Spit it out. What is it?" He was indeed her brother. He knew exactly that she wanted to tell him something, even when they weren't face-to-face.

She took a deep breath. "Big Brother...I'm now engaged to Liwei."

Silence.

When more a long time passed of not hearing anything from him, her anxiety increased.

"Big Brother? Please say something."

"Heh~ I see. So you're engaged now." There was a dangerous edge in his tone.

"I love him."

More silence, then several deep sighs. "I know. Well, as long as he loves you, treats you right, protects you and doesn't hurt you, I won't kill—ugh..."

"Hello? Big Brother? Are you okay?" Iris became concerned when she heard a loud clattering on his side of the line. He also sounded like he was groaning.

"I...I'm okay. Dammit! This body is so..."

Her eyes widened, immediately thinking of the remnant in her own body. "Are you also—"

"Don't worry about it. I'm fine." He returned to the topic of her engagement. "Before you marry him, make sure to sign a prenuptial agreement. What belongs to you will always belong to you. What belongs to him will also belong to you. You also have to get full custody of your children, including your cats. Your current wealth and status may not compare to him right now but I know that you'll rise higher in the future."

"But that's too..."

"Little sister, I know that you want to trust him. This is just a precaution. If you don't divorce later on, great. No problem. But if you do, at least you're protected and won't be at a disadvantage."

She remained quiet.

"Don't marry without a prenup, understand? If you don't want to raise the subject to him yourself, don't worry. I'll get the old man to facilitate it. You're the old man's new favourite now. Liwei won't dare say no."

"No need," she said, sighing. "I'll talk to Liwei about it."

"Good."

"Where are you, Big Brother? If you're busy, I can come see you instead."

"I'm at the compound. It's not really a good time to come right now. I'll make time and see you soon."

She was a little disappointed but still made a noise of agreement.

"Little sister, can you...never mind."

"What is it?"

"Nothing. Forget about it." He paused. "Listen to me. If you ever discover something...anything that's gravely important, you have to talk to me first. Don't ever go off or investigate on your own. This is serious. Understand?"

"What do you mean?" She felt confused.

"Just keep what I said in mind."

"Okay," she replied, although still confused. Then she told him, "I missed you, Big Brother."

His tone became gentler. "I missed you too, little sister."

Iris smiled. She was now glad that her brother had been reborn like her. Hopefully, both of them could live happy and peaceful lives with this second chance that had been given to them.

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Chapter 269 - Planet Monkey And Pandemonium

After speaking to her brother, Iris called Hou Liang next. They had been keeping in touch while she was at Cross Academy. She sent her financial manager, Qiao Yu, to connect with Hou Liang and provide the initial funds to set up their gaming company.

Qiao Yu reported to her that Hou Liang's friend, Wu Chen, was also an accountant. It was decided that he would become the company's CFO who would be in direct contact with Qiao Yu regarding the finances.

Hou Liang would be the CEO, while Iris would hold the titles of President and Owner. They all decided that Hou Liang would be the public face and leader of the company because he was the main game developer.

Iris wasn't really involved in the game development process, leaving everything to Hou Liang. Her main responsibility was to finance the company, provide manpower, connections, and other resources. Also as a better hacker than Hou Liang and the others, she was the last line of the company system's defence security. She had to make sure that the security was airtight.

The game development was going well. The company also moved to their own headquarters in a commercial building unit. It was small for now. Iris treated it as temporary. She was already on the look-out for a property that their company could wholly own.

She would meet with Hou Liang and Wu Chen in a few days to finally register their gaming company together.

"So have you thought of our company name yet?" Iris asked Hou Liang.

"Are you sure you don't want to name it yourself?"

"It's not that I don't want to, but I prefer if you're the one to name it. It's your game, after all."

"Yes, I have thought of a name."

"What is it?"

He hesitated and took a few deep breaths. Then he said, "I decided that our company name will be Planet Monkey."

"Oh." Her eyebrows rose, but she nodded. "Not bad."

"What do you mean 'not bad'?" She heard another male voice interrupt on the phone. It was Wu Chen. "I have a much better suggestion but this guy refused! I want to whack him with my mighty slippers! So unimaginative!"

"What's your suggestion?" she asked, curious.

"I want to name the company I Eat Monkeys! It's so much better than plain Planet Monkey, don't you think? Right, boss?"

Iris blinked. "Alright, it's finalized. Our company name will be Planet Monkey. I'll call you again in a few days so that we can register the company."

"Understood," Hou Liang replied.

"Hey! Hey, boss! What about I Eat Monkeys—"

She hung up.

Then she made another series of phone calls to make arrangements for the establishment of her other future company, Orchidia Beauty. It would take some time before everything was set up, but Iris was pleased with the current progress.

###

Bright Summit Entertainment Company.

Ever since Iris announced her return on her social media pages, some fans and members of the media camped outside the management company hoping to be the first ones to see and talk to her after her abrupt disappearance.

Iris together with Dom, Jiang Ying Yue and her other bodyguard sneaked inside Bright Summit. All of them were in disguise as some could already recognize Dom and the others as Iris' people, especially Dom who was always with her.

Fortunately, nobody recognized the usually elegant and stylish Iris in baggy sweats and a hoodie. The group was able to safely meet with Tang Yiyi inside her office.

"Oh Iris! I'm so glad to see you again!" Tang Yiyi exclaimed. "I've been so worried. Let me look at you. Good. You look healthy. Thank goodness! Come and sit down."

Tang Yiyi, Iris and Dom sat down. Jiang Ying Yue found a seat at a corner while her male colleague guarded outside the door.

After catching up, they discussed Iris' work schedule. Her main priority was to promote her upcoming soundtrack album immediately. This coming Friday, she would be performing at "MusicFest Tonight".

While they were talking, they heard a commotion outside the door. Jiang Ying Yue stood up and cautiously peeked outside. Her male colleague was trying to stop a group of young men from entering the office.

Tang Yiyi frowned, recognizing the voices. She marched and opened the door wide with a displeased expression.

"Why did you come here so early? There's still one hour before our meeting!"

"Big Sis Yiyi, you always tell us not to be late. Now that we're early, you're scolding us. It's so hard to please you," a charming male voice replied.

Then a group of four attractive young men entered the office. Jiang Ying Yue and her male colleague attempted to stop them, but Iris gestured to her bodyguards that it was alright.

"Holy sh*t! Is that Iris Long?"

"It's Iris Long!"

"Ah, I'm finally meeting my goddess in person!"

The quietest one with lots of piercings on his ears and one on his nose stepped forward. He looked around and took a black marker from Tang Yiyi's desk. Then he handed it to Iris, turned around and squatted in front of her.

"I'm a fan. Please sign."

"Of course," Iris replied, looking unfazed by the situation. She signed the young man's white shirt.

"No fair! Us too!"

The others took turns getting autographs from her. One also wanted his shirt signed but the other two grabbed sheets of paper from Tang Yiyi's desk and had Iris sign them instead.

"Sorry about this, Iris. This group of rowdy hellions are the newest artists the company has assigned to me. They're your juniors," Tang Yiyi explained to her, sighing while massaging her temples.

"Please take care of us, Senior Iris!"

"Wow. You're even more beautiful in person. You're so hawt!"

"Behave or I'll kick you out!" Tang Yiyi threatened. Then she finally introduced them to Iris.

The four were members of a rock band called Pandemonium. All of them were good-looking and had undeniable individual charisma that many girls and young women found attractive.

The first one was Blaze, the vocalist. He was a former child actor who retired when he hit puberty. He was very expressive from his voice to his face and his gestures.

Second was the lead guitarist and the most attractive among them, Eros. He was like seduction personified. He had an unexplainable feminine quality to him but he was also oozing in masculinity. He was the type who could seduce all genders and any sexuality.

The next one was the bass guitarist, Night. He was the one who asked Iris for an autograph first. He was quiet and brooding, looking very much like a dangerous bad boy.

The last one was Thunder, the drummer. He was the smallest among them but was also the most energetic. He looked adorable with his big goofy grin and friendly attitude.

All four of them also worked as models in addition to playing as a rock band. However, their biggest passion was music so they wanted to focus more on their band rather than on modelling. They were included in the new artists that Bright Summit was promoting especially after both Iris and Jin Chonglin took a break.

"Iris, they'll also perform at 'MusicFest Tonight' this Friday," Tang Yiyi informed her. "You boys, make sure to learn from your senior and not cause any trouble."

"Wow! Goddess Iris is also performing? Awesome! I can't wait! Don't worry, Big Sis Yiyi! We'll be good boys! We'll do our best to impress our beautiful senior!"

After chatting a bit more, Iris and her group left Bright Summit. The young men tried to persuade her to stay a bit more but Tang Yiyi scolded them.

Inside the executive van, Iris continued to think about the four young men. Although she was considered their senior, they were actually all around the same age in their early twenties. Actually, except for the youngest Thunder who was only eighteen, the other three were slightly older than her.

"Dom, get me all of Pandemonium's music," she instructed, feeling curious about them.

"No need, boss. I have their debut album. I'm actually a fan of theirs because they're all so hot and yummylicious, especially Eros. Ehehe."

Dom handed her his phone. Iris listened to all of the songs from the band's debut album. She returned the phone to Dom after she was finished.

"Hmmm. Not bad. Great vocals, very distinctive. Can be strong or gentle. Musicality is good. Lyrics are excellent, the best part of their music, in my opinion. But their playing is too rough and scattered. They're able to convey their emotions in the music well, though. Overall, a good band with lots of potential."

'With a well-composed song, they'll become even better,' she thought to herself.

In short, she liked them as musicians. She sank into deep thought, thinking about the possibilities.

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Chapter 270 - Lead Guitar

Friday.

The executive van neared the TV station building which was home to the big studio for the show "MusicFest Tonight".

Iris and Jin Liwei sat at the very back cuddling while Dom was in front of them busy messaging Tang Yiyi on the phone. Jiang Ying Yue was at the front passenger seat beside the driver. Another car was following the van with Jin Liwei's subordinates for additional security.

When they arrived in front of the TV station, it was flooded by screaming fans. One group was very distinctive as they were all wearing suits carrying banners and pictures of Iris. They all patiently stood outside despite the cold weather.

"Oh look!" Dom exclaimed. "It's the Suits, the Black Stars! Your fans are always the coolest, boss!

Iris smiled, watching her supporters from inside the van.

"Do you want me to come with you inside?" Jin Liwei asked her.

"Of course I do. But everyone will go crazy if Jin Corporation's President-CEO suddenly appears. You'll probably outshine all the artists tonight."

He chuckled. "You'll never be outshone by anyone, love."

She giggled.

"Kyaaaaah~" Dom fanned himself dramatically with his hands while watching his bosses flirt with each other.

"I'll wear a mask and disguise myself as your bodyguard," Jin Liwei suggested.

"What about your work? You still have lots of catching up to do. Grandpa Lu has been complaining and saying that he won't step in for you anymore."

"I already told you that you're more important than anyone and anything, including Jin Corporation. I want to come with you. Okay?"

"Okay."

She smiled and turned her head towards him, silently asking for a kiss. Of course, he obliged her, giving her a sensual kiss.

Dom covered his eyes but still peeked through the wide gaps between his fingers. "Ehehe."

Jin Liwei's subordinates climbed out of the other car and formed a protective barrier outside the executive van's door. Jiang Ying Yue and Dom got off first. The Black Stars immediately recognized the two.

"Aaaaah! It's boss! Boss Iris is here!"

A masked and shades-wearing Jin Liwei got off after them, turned around and held out his hand. A delicately gloved hand appeared and accepted his offered hand.

The fans went crazy when Iris climbed out of the van. They released loud screams. Some of them even started crying.

"Boss Iris! We missed you so much!"

"Welcome back, Boss Iris!"

"Wow! Boss Iris, you look even more beautiful now. You're so...wow. Just wow!"

Jin Liwei's subordinates encircled Iris and the others. Jin Liwei and Jiang Ying Yue sandwiched Iris between them while Dom positioned himself at the front, leading them towards the building's entrance.

Iris greeted her fans with a big smile, waving at them. She thanked them and even chatted with some of the Black Stars she recognized from her previous performances. While she signed autographs and took photos with her fans, the paparazzi threw questions at her.

"Iris, where have you been? Is it true that you went insane and had to check in at a mental institution abroad? Are you really okay now? Are you taking any medication?"

"How did you react when you learned that Fan Luo was the one behind the car crash that almost killed you a couple of years ago?"

"Is it true that you're lovers with the hitmaker Enrique Valdez? Or is your lover Maestro De Luca, that's why he allowed you to perform at his concert? Or maybe you're lovers with both of them at the same time?"

Jin Liwei stiffened and was about to punch the motherf*cker who asked such an immoral question but Iris stopped him by grabbing his arm. She gave him a meaningful look and shook her head. He was furious but controlled himself, reminding himself not to cause any scene that would land his baby girl in trouble. For now, he would behave. That paparazzo better prepare himself after this day, though.

The questions continued.

"Iris, were you the one who kidnapped and tortured Fan Luo and the Alarm Girls?"

The question made Iris blanch and shudder. Fortunately, she had been improving on not letting her emotions and thoughts show on her expression as per her brother Lu Zihao's advice, especially when she was meeting other people. She tamped the memories of the torture down, trying hard not to let them affect her again.

Nobody noticed her reaction, except for Jin Liwei who was in tune with any changes in her. He wrapped his arms around her in a protective manner. Fortunately, the crowd just viewed him as one of her bodyguards.

Jin Liwei was fighting hard to control himself, but Dom lost it. He turned to the paparazzi.

"I'm recording everything on video!" He waved his phone. "If you want to be sued for libel, go ahead and continue to ask such ridiculous questions. I'm sure all the Black Stars present here will be willing to act as witnesses to your slanderous remarks to Miss Iris Long!"

"Yeah! We're willing! Who dares slander our boss?!"

"Come, my fellow comrades of the mighty Slippers Army! Let's whack these scumbags together!"

The threat seemed to work because some of the paparazzi withdrew. However, there were still some who continued to ask Iris malicious questions. This angered the Black Stars and they formed a human barricade to block these insistent paparazzi from getting near Iris. Then they started harshly scolding the paparazzi.

"Don't hurt each other," Iris called out to her fans. "And don't stay out here for too long. It's very cold."

Her concern melted the hearts of her fans even more. They didn't try to hold her back anymore, even creating a pathway for her amidst the sea of different fans so that her group could safely enter the building.

"Thank you, everyone! Please take care. I'll do my best to give you a great performance tonight. I am back," she told them before disappearing inside the entrance.

Once inside, a staff member welcomed and led them to her own dressing room. A make-up artist and hair stylist were already waiting for her inside. They immediately started working on her as soon as she came in.

Tang Yiyi was in another dressing room, taking care of her other artists, the young men of the rock band Pandemonium. She promised that she would check on Iris later.

Iris didn't mind. She already performed in the show before and knew how things worked.

While Iris was having her face painted and her hair styled, Jin Liwei was busy taking photos of her from every angle. He didn't remove his mask and shades, earning weird looks from the make-up artist and hair stylist. They were surprised that Iris and the others weren't reprimanding the audacious bodyguard.

When her hair and make-up were almost done, Dom who was still messaging with Tang Yiyi on his phone gasped.

"What is it?" Iris asked.

"Uh oh. There's trouble. Big Sis Yiyi is panicking."

"Why?"

"Seems like Eros scalded his hands with boiled water in their dressing room. Apparently, he's making tea but his hand slipped. Big Sis Yiyi says that he might not be able to play. If they can't find a substitute lead guitarist, Pandemonium might cancel their performance for tonight."

Iris stood up. "Let's go to their dressing room."

Staff members and other nosy artists crowded outside Pandemonium's dressing room. The door was open. When they saw that it was Iris coming, they made way for her.

Eros was being treated by the show's first aid responders. Both of his hands were scalded, but his left hand had it worst. The entire hand, including the fingers and the upper arm were angry red. Some parts were even starting to blister.

Tang Yiyi was currently talking with the staff, asking if they could provide a guitarist.

"We can, but are you sure you want to perform with someone who hasn't practiced with you? Your band is scheduled to perform soon."

"I'll perform tonight," Eros said.

"Don't be stupid! You're going to the hospital!" Tang Yiyi scolded him.

"We won't play with a stranger," Blaze added.

Night and Thunder nodded their heads.

"I'll play lead guitar," Iris suddenly announced. "Or do you consider me a stranger, as well?"

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