Chapter 1529 Rebirth (English Version)
At her question, Wilkins released a helpless sigh. "Not much progress. I only have myself and the book series that I optioned. I already renewed the option agreement twice and it"s going to expire in three months. I"ve been running around pitching the film adaptation to various production studios, but they don"t want to take the risk with me. I"m willing to invest everything I have for this film series, but my liquid a.s.sets aren"t enough. I"ll have to liquidate my other a.s.sets or take out a loan at this rate."
Iris and Jin Liwei looked at each other after hearing about the director"s predicament.
"I already agreed to be the music composer of your film," Iris said. "So at least, you already have me on board. How about this? Send me the details of the project, and if I like it, I might help you with the funding. No promises, though."
Wilkins" eyes lit up. "Sure! I"ll send you the project files right away!"
"No rush. Enjoy the party for now. I"ll be here in Paris for a few more days. We can meet again another day before I leave."
"Okay, got it." Wilkins looked livelier and more hopeful.
They all returned to the party.
Clover called for the guests to return to their tables.
"Today, we"re going to give you a special treat. Please help me welcome on the stage our beautiful owner, the super-talented Madame Iris Long!!!"
Jin Liwei stood up and led the applause for his wife. Grandpa Lu also cheered loudly for Iris and threatened his old friends to do the same.
The nerdy tech billionaire also clapped his hands as if he were in a clapping compet.i.tion. His acquaintances were startled by his actions. His expression looked manic. This was the first time that they had seen him act this way. Did he finally lose his mind after years of doing nothing but facing the computer screen? They all backed away a few steps from him.
Director Jabar Wilkins was also enthusiastic in cheering for Iris.
As for the other guests, they gave a much more polite applause. They had heard that Madame Jin was a singer, but not many of them had watched her perform live before. This would be the first time. They were all curious if she really did have talent or if she was only a product of nepotism.
Iris didn"t care what other people thought about her. At this moment, all she cared about was her performance.
The stage was calling her.
She could feel the blood thrumming inside her veins, her heart skipping inside her chest, and her breath trying to catch up to her excitement.
Jin Liwei once again escorted her up the steps of the stage.
"You"ll do great, love," he whispered to her ear.
She smiled, taking a few seconds to look at his handsome face. Then she kissed the corner of his mouth before stepping onto the stage.
She didn"t see the stupid grin on his face after the kiss.
The band of musicians nodded at her. There were cla.s.sical instruments in addition to an electric guitar, ba.s.s guitar, and drums.
She gave them a smile before taking her position in front of the grand piano.
"Once again, thank you all for coming today," she spoke to the mic addressing the audience. "This song is one of my biggest hits from my alb.u.m "Rebirth" back in my country. If you live here in Europe, maybe you"ve heard the instrumental version of my alb.u.m which is called "Rebirth Melodies". If not, it"s okay. I hope that you enjoy the English version of my original song, "Rebirth". This is the first time I"m performing this version in public."
The spotlight dimmed. The backlight showed Iris" beautiful silhouette on the stage.
Then an exquisite piano melody began playing. The spotlight gradually illuminated the woman who started singing with the music.
"Caged and chained in a tiny world
Wondering what it"s like outside
A little bird imprisoned by love
Dying little by little inside
I want to be free
Free as a bird
But where are my wings
I cannot fly"
Iris" fingers danced on the piano keys. Her ethereal voice shocked many of the guests who weren"t familiar with her.
What was this heavenly voice?
She continued singing, her voice caressing the audience"s ears like velvet. The melody also started rising, preparing for the chorus.
"I sing a song inside my cage
While shadows destroy my tiny world
Break my bones a thousand times
Go ahead, I will not cry
These red roses smell so sweet
At last, I"m free
Will I ever fly"
Then the other instruments joined in. The harmony absorbed every one"s complete attention. Even the ones who had still been busy chatting now stopped and focused on Iris" performance on the stage.
Iris demonstrated her powerful voice and wide vocal range. Her voice didn"t falter at all while she played the piano. Each of the other musicians was also skillful and harmonized with her perfectly.
"From the ashes, I rise like a phoenix
A little bird no more
I spread my wings, so big and wide
Now I am free
Now I can fly
Oh, I can fly up in the sky
While tears flow down my joyful eyes
Up I fly, up I soar
Until I brush against the clouds
I"ll stay up here and touch the stars
I"ll reach as high that I can"
This performance gave the audience gooseb.u.mps. There were so many emotions packed in the music that some of the audience members began tearing up. It felt like Iris" voice had the power to directly touch their souls.
After singing the chorus a couple of times, the melody started slowing down. The other instruments also gradually stepped back, allowing Iris" enchanting voice and lone piano to take the spotlight once again. Her voice softened, making the audience feel as if a G.o.ddess was whispering in their ears.
"This rebirth of a tiny bird
Into a rising phoenix
Power courses through my veins
To break the chains
To spread my wings
So this is freedom
I am free
Oh yes, I am free~"