His Genius Wife Is A Superstar Chapter 1647: Ready, Set, Lunch Party

The glam team began touching up Iris Long’s makeup while making slight adjustments to her hair. She transitioned into a different ensemble, opting for something more sophisticated this time. Despite the change, the look wasn't overly formal; she wore a semi-formal dress shirt and trousers combination that perfectly showcased her hourglass silhouette.

Upon seeing his wife in the outfit, Jin Liwei couldn't resist pulling her close by the waist to share a passionate kiss.

Dom and the rest of the entourage snickered quietly. Such public displays of affection from their bosses had become a routine occurrence. It was just another day at the office for them. In fact, it would be more alarming, perhaps even frightening, if the couple remained cold or ignored one another. Seeing them so enamored was a relief, as it signaled that everything was going well.

Once the kiss ended, Iris let out a soft chuckle and tapped her husband’s cheek. She then signaled the makeup artist to fix her lipstick, which had been smeared away by her husband.

Without blinking an eye, the makeup artist efficiently reapplied the color.

As Iris finished her preparations, the rest of the group began eating snacks to stave off hunger. Simultaneously, they tuned into the live broadcast of "Ready, Set, Lunch Party."

"Is that the show’s theme song?" Iris inquired.

"Yes, Boss," Dom answered. "The hosts and the crowd sing it in unison every time the program kicks off."

She gave a nod, offering no further remarks as she focused on the screen.

Internally, however, she couldn't stop herself from deconstructing the theme's composition.

The tempo was energetic. Utilizing her basic grasp of the local tongue, Filipino (Tagalog), she was able to understand the straightforward, carefree lyrics.

There was no deep complexity to be found in the melody or the words. It had clearly been designed for maximum catchiness.

While the musicality itself wasn't particularly striking, Iris felt a sense of admiration for how it bonded with the public.

It might have been due to the show's nearly forty-year history, or perhaps it was simply its deep-rooted place in the daily television habits of the people. The show—and its theme—had become woven into the Filipino subconscious, representing noon-time joy and a source of help for those struggling financially.

In that moment, Iris experienced a sudden realization.

Having always chased the most profound and intricate musical arrangements, she began to grasp the truth in the saying: music doesn't always need technical perfection to be great.

The mere fact that such a basic, almost juvenile, and arguably poorly written song could move so many people proved that music’s primary goal was to touch hearts and stir emotions. That was the secret to a song's endurance.

Regardless of shifting eras or trends, a classic would always stand the test of time. Even after the creator or performer passed away, the melody would live on through the ages.

Timelessness.

That was the ultimate goal she wanted for her own work.

She was undeniably a genius.

However, part of being a true genius was recognizing her own limitations. Only through that acknowledgement could she continue to grow and refine her craft. She hoped to one day stand at the very peak of the musical world.

She looked forward to that journey.

Iris returned her attention to the present once the hosts and the audience finished their song.

While she had no intention of abandoning her complex style to mimic the simple nature of the show's theme, she resolved to be less rigid regarding technical rules. It would be a challenge, but she felt it was worth the effort.

She instinctively parted her lips as Jin Liwei offered her a piece of ripe mango.

"Hm, delicious," she whispered.

"More?" he inquired.

She shook her head. "I’ll eat later."

"En." Jin Liwei finished the remaining mango himself.

Her focus remained on the wall-mounted television. The hosts were already engaged in playful banter.

Master Beauty was clearly the driving force of the show, utilizing her sharp wit and perfect timing. The veteran hosts followed her lead without missing a beat.

The younger cast members, conversely, lacked that level of polish. Their contributions weren't as fluid. Luckily, the seasoned pros covered for them, with Master Beauty even teasing them to create laughter without causing any offense. It was all in good spirits.

Even though Iris couldn't grasp every word, she found herself smiling and laughing along.

It was easy to see why the show had lasted nearly four decades. "Ready, Set, Lunch Party" was undeniably a feel-good experience. It was clear that viewers tuned in to unwind and enjoy themselves during their midday breaks.

The show featured several regular segments. They completed a few, handing out prizes worth roughly five hundred Philippine pesos. These were small rewards, as the show had just started—merely appetizers to keep the audience engaged.

A knock sounded at the door.

The staff member who had previously shown them the room walked in. "Miss Iris, please head to the backstage standby area. Our 'Call of the Spotlight' segment begins right after this commercial break."

Iris and her team rose and followed the staffer. Another technician equipped her with a lapel mic.

She was approached by two individuals: an older woman and a man in his middle years.

A staff member introduced them.

Iris’s expression brightened the moment she heard their names.

"I know both of you!" she cried out.

The pair looked taken aback.

"Aren’t you the singer and composer of 'I’ll Love You Tomorrow and Today'?" she asked the man.

"You are familiar with my song?" he asked, appearing both shocked and thrilled.

"Yes, of course. My best friend and assistant, Dominic Chua, sings it constantly! He tells me it’s a classic and a staple at karaoke. I’ve heard Dom perform it so many times that I decided to learn it myself."

The man’s eyes grew misty. "I find it hard to believe a famous international star like you knows my modest song."

"I know your other works as well. They are all fantastic. Besides, you have been famous far longer than I have. I would love the chance to talk more about your composition process."

"I would be honored, Iris." The man looked as if he were walking on air.

Iris then looked toward the elderly woman. Unlike the man, this woman was strictly a vocalist. She didn't write music, but her voice had made her a legendary figure in the Philippines for over sixty years.

"Madam, I am a fan of your ballads, particularly 'Please Don’t Hurt Me Anymore'. The emotion you pour into that song brings me to tears every time I hear it."

The elderly lady grasped both of Iris’s hands. "Do you truly know my music?"

"Yes, Madam."

Iris then sang the chorus of 'Please Don’t Hurt Me Anymore'. Her acapella version was gentler but carried a richer tone than the original.

Though it was just a casual demonstration, the eyes of both the man and the woman lit up at the sound of her voice.

"My grandchildren weren't exaggerating," the lady remarked, "your voice is truly divine."

"Your grandchildren?" Iris asked. "They know who I am?"

"They are fans of yours, especially my granddaughter. She convinced all her siblings and cousins to join your fan club. What was the name again? The Black Cards?"

"The Black Stars," the middle-aged man corrected her.

"Oh, that's right. Yes, the Black Stars. Forgive me, dear. My memory isn't what it used to be."

Iris squeezed the woman's hands gently, indicating that no apology was necessary.

"My wife is a fan as well," the man added. "She is a singer too. She wanted to be here today, but she’s busy with an endorsement event."

"His wife is quite famous here," the elderly lady told Iris. "A legend, in fact."

Iris recalled something Dom had mentioned previously. "Your wife is Virginia Velasco, correct?"

"You know my wife too?" the man asked, stunned once again.

"Of course! She is a magnificent vocalist. Her songs are technically very difficult. I find singing them to be a wonderful challenge."

The man was now utterly overjoyed. He seemed even happier that Iris knew his wife's work than he was about her knowing his own.

"I really hope to meet her," Iris said.

"Absolutely! Iris, we would be delighted to have you for dinner whenever you are free."

"How about this?" the elderly lady suggested. "I will host a dinner at my home. All of you should come. We can discuss music, our lives, and whatever else comes to mind. What do you say, Iris?"

"I would love that, Madam." Iris smiled warmly.

She glanced at Dom, who immediately understood the silent command. He pulled out his phone and exchanged contact details with the two legends on the spot.

Afterward, Iris made sure to introduce Jin Liwei and her entourage to the pair.

Both were incredibly polite, though it was obvious they were far more fascinated by Iris Long than by a billionaire like Jin Liwei.

Jin Liwei’s lips curved into a slight smile. His gaze softened as he pulled his wife a bit closer to his side.

"The break is over," the staff member announced. "Judges, please prepare to walk out when your names are called."