275 May the Best Musician Win (2/2)
”As far as I know, she writes with her right hand.”
”Hmm…” The studio musician swirled tequila as he thought deeply about something. ”The way she plays the left-handed guitar reminds me of someone.”
”I know, right? That's what I was thinking too,” the songwriter said.
DJ Song: ”Enrique Valdez.”
”Exactly.” The studio musician nodded his head. ”Enrique Valdez, the legendary hitmaker, also considered as the #1 southpaw guitarist in the world. The way Iris played the guitar tonight demonstrates his exquisite style of playing. The advanced technical skills are a given, but even more than that, she even captured his total control of the music and the band's pace, and also his detailed, fluid and seductive style of playing. And of course, it's even more noticeable because she played the left-handed guitar.”
”Now that you mention it, I remember seeing on the news that Iris has been spotted with Enrique Valdez in Europe,” the songwriter said.
DJ Song: ”If I'm not mistaken, it was when Iris allegedly performed at Maestro De Luca's concert in Germany. There are even rumours that she's lovers with both the maestro and Enrique Valdez.”
”Hmph! Ridiculous! Those are just rumours! I know the brat and I can feel her hunger and passion for music. She even dares to quarrel with someone as awesome as me! The brat is not a stupid idiot to ruin her future by entering a relationship with Maestro De Luca—he's married and has grandchildren!—and Enrique Valdez who's also known for his string of lovers. Besides, she doesn't need to sleep with people like them to succeed. She can succeed with her own abilities and talents, and of course, as long as she continues to work with a music producer as amazing as me!”
The friends laughed and continued to discuss Iris' performances on the show while drinking alcohol. They didn't care much about her engagement. They were all music professionals. Once they considered someone worthy of respect as a musician, they wouldn't care about the individual's personal circumstances.
Iris was such a person. They already recognized her as someone worthy of their respect as fellow musicians.
###
Inside his music studio at home, Jin Chonglin strummed his acoustic guitar. His eyes were intense, as he jotted down several chords on paper to form a melody. He looked like a possessed man.
Earlier, he was relaxing while watching ”MusicFest Tonight” on bed. When Iris appeared as substitute lead guitarist of the rock band Pandemonium, he was surprised.
He was watching the show because he knew that Iris was going to perform tonight. He didn't expect that she would make a comeback before him. He wanted to see if she was alright.
Then he watched her electrifying guitar performance. Guitar was also his main instrument, especially when he just debuted as a musician years ago. Seeing her play the guitar like an expert pricked at his self-confidence.
”I thought you're a pianist,” he muttered. ”Why are you playing the guitar like you're f*cking Enrique Valdez? Are you high or something?”
After the performance, he turned off the TV and hurried to his music studio. He didn't watch her solo performance and had no idea about her engagement.
A sense of urgency overwhelmed him after watching her. He was Jin Chonglin, a superstar. However, he felt like if he didn't do something right now, a bigger superstar would soon surpass him.
Iris Long was back. And she was stronger than ever.
”I won't let you have the throne that easily. May the best musician win.”