His Genius Wife Is A Superstar Chapter 1668: Tonight with Girl Abante (Part II)
Previously on His Genius Wife Is A Superstar...
Iris Long: "I want to acknowledge my sister, Long Jinjing, serving as the Chief Financial Officer at Orchidia, along with our friend Chen Fei, who acts as the Chief Operating Officer. I brought both of them on board even prior to launching Orchidia Beauty. They've stuck with me from the very beginning. The reason Orchidia has thrived and spread across international borders is our solid teamwork as a trio."
Girl Abante: "When you say Chen Fei, are you referring to your soon-to-be brother-in-law, the superstar Jin Chonglin’s fiancée?"
Iris: "Yes."
The girl motioned for Iris to elaborate further.
Iris: "I view us three women as the core supports of Orchidia. Without even one of us, I doubt we'd enjoy the success Orchidia boasts today. We each manage distinct duties and bring our unique approaches to the table. By merging our skills, we complement one another perfectly. Personally, I'm the bold adventurer type. Any time a concept strikes me, I rush to implement it right away. I hate dragging my feet, particularly when I sense my innovation is groundbreaking. I'd push to launch it swiftly to block competitors from seizing the market ahead. Naturally, as an entrepreneur, I never dive in without deep thought and solid groundwork. In contrast, Chen Fei takes a more traditional route. She favors a measured, reliable pace."
Girl: "With such contrasting approaches between you and Chen Fei, don't you butt heads frequently?"
Iris let out a light laugh. "Absolutely, we clash plenty. More than you might imagine."
Girl: "So how do you manage that? Who comes out on top ultimately?"
Iris: "It's not about victory or defeat for us. We're partners committed to Orchidia's triumph. She's just as devoted to the company's achievements as I am. When compromise fails, we simply choose whichever strategy benefits Orchidia most. Nothing complicated there. Plus, the best part about Chen Fei and me is our skill at keeping work separate from our private lives. Even during heated business debates, it never spills over into our friendship."
Girl: "That's impressive. I get that you were friends prior to teaming up in business?"
Iris: "Not exactly."
Girl: "How so?"
Iris: "Chen Fei was best friends with my sister Long Jinjing. Back in my clueless days, I acted like a pampered troublemaker and often bullied my sister. Naturally, as her closest ally, Chen Fei stood up for her. She'd challenge me, and I'd push back hard. It's no stretch to call us foes in those times."
Girl: "Seriously?"
Iris nodded.
Girl: "Incredible! So what changed to turn you into friends and later business allies?"
Iris: "I matured considerably, particularly after surviving a near-fatal ordeal. When I resolved to found Orchidia Beauty, I realized I required talented individuals. I discovered that my sister Long Jinjing and her best friend Chen Fei had just finished business school. My sister specialized in Finance, while Chen Fei focused on Marketing. Both excelled academically. Lacking real-world job experience, I saw my chance to recruit them before others did. Thus, I brought them in from the outset. Sure, they hesitated at first. But I can be quite convincing when motivated. Ultimately, they signed on. And that's how it all unfolded."
Girl: "Remarkable. Now, I'd love to hear more about your sister, Long Jinjing. She's the CFO, correct? What's your professional dynamic like with her? And does it impact your sibling bond?"
Iris: "Yes, she's our CFO. I've heard the staff nickname her Orchidia's treasure-hoarding dragon because she controls the funds. Even I must seek her sign-off for any project budgets I propose. So she's quite influential and positioned highly. She excels in her role and plays a key part in avoiding the severe money troubles that plague many startups. Regarding our sisterly ties, we're tighter than ever nowadays, especially since we both became moms. Just like me, she delivered twins. Our kids act more like brothers and sisters than cousins. Actually, she's minding my little ones at the moment over at her place. I have complete faith in her with them."
Girl: "Treasure-hoarding dragon? Never come across that phrase before. I'm enjoying discovering details about you, your sister Long Jinjing, and Chen Fei, Jin Chonglin’s fiancée."
Iris: "I'm enjoying sharing about them too. They're vital to Orchidia's progress."
Girl: "What’s your vision for Orchidia over the coming five years?"
Iris responded instantly, without pause. "The largest and most lucrative privately-held retail firm in Asia."
Before the girl could pose her next query, Iris pressed on. "And within the next decade or thereabouts, I aim to extend that dominance globally."
Girl Abante stood speechless in astonishment. She'd known Iris Long as bold and direct, yet this bold proclamation for her company's future was outrageously ambitious!
Moments later, though, she regained her composure.
This was exactly the kind of daring spirit that would boost their ratings!
Girl: "And what's your strategy to achieve that?"
Iris offered a knowing grin. "That's under wraps. We can't tip our hand to rivals just yet, can we?"
Girl laughed softly. "Naturally, naturally." Then she pivoted topics. "You spoke of Orchidia becoming the top privately-owned retail giant in Asia within five years. I caught a key term there: 'privately-owned.' So, does that indicate no intentions to take Orchidia public?"
Iris: "Not within the next decade or two. For the time being, I like maintaining private ownership over all my ventures. It suits me."
Girl: "But won't that hinder long-term expansion?"
Iris: "Not at all. I trust my approach to business management. My firms won't trail behind those on the stock market. Plus, it gives me greater authority to preserve their core missions, visions, and principles."
Girl: "Are you targeting to outgrow your husband's Jin Corporation with your companies?"
Iris answered once more without delay. "Certainly."
Girl Abante glanced off-camera. "What's your take on that, CEO Liam Jin?"
A different camera focused on Jin Liwei, who stood tall. A subtle smile played on his lips, and unmistakable pride shone in his gaze.
"I eagerly await the day my wife's enterprises eclipse Jin Corporation," he declared.
Iris flashed him a radiant smile.
Dom sparked a wave of excited squeals from the group, including the production crew.
Girl arched a pointed brow, though a playful spark danced in her keen eyes. "No resentment when it does?"
Jin Liwei lifted an eyebrow in response. "Why would there be? No matter the size, our family holds the reins."
Girl chuckled. "Point taken."
The interview's early portion delved deeper into Iris Long’s entrepreneurial pursuits. As women in the field, they both subtly emphasized portraying a strong, accomplished female tycoon.
Girl posed the standard inquiries about Iris's music career, her marriage, and motherhood. Iris handled them effortlessly, drawing from her extensive practice.
Next, Girl ventured into questions that skirted the edges—nothing forbidden, yet absent from the preview list her team had provided to Iris's staff.
Dom's cheerful grin vanished instantly. All traces of levity fled his features. He squinted suspiciously.
He wasn't alone; every person in Iris Long’s circle, from glam squad to security, snapped to full vigilance.
Yet Jin Liwei's presence turned the most intimidating. Earlier, he'd been scattering affectionate moments with his wife; now, his vicinity felt like an icy barrier no one dared approach.
The crew wisely created space from him. Though fear gnawed at them inwardly, their dedication lay with the program. This could skyrocket viewership!
The network bosses showed clear unease but held their tongues, opting to watch and weigh in only if needed. Girl Abante wielded considerable sway and ties in entertainment; losing her to a rival channel would spell disaster!
Were it not for Iris Long's steady smile and seamless responses, Jin Liwei would've charged forward and whisked his wife away right then.
Iris met Girl Abante's gaze directly. Her face held a warm, engaging smile, but a chill flickered in her eyes.
Girl stayed utterly composed.
This turned into a subtle clash of minds.
Girl: "Your fans form the Black Stars club. They're renowned for their unwavering devotion and intense backing of you."
Iris: "That's right. I feel constant gratitude toward them. My stardom wouldn't have reached this level without their support. I'm committed to carrying them along on this path and pushing my achievements even higher."
Girl: "A certain faction within the Black Stars has gained... well, a bad reputation online. They seem focused on swarming your critics, haters, and opponents. Some even whisper about hackers in their ranks. You follow what I'm getting at, don't you?"
Iris: "You're referring to the Slippers Army."