278 Feng Jiu Interviews Iris Long Part I (1/2)

The talk show ”A Closer Look with Feng Jiu” started. While Madam Feng Jiu was doing her opening monologue, Iris stood backstage waiting for the signal for her to head out. Tang Yiyi was beside her, whispering reminders for her to control her straightforwardness even for just a bit.

Dom and Jiang Ying Yue were already sitting in the audience. The other bodyguards placed themselves in strategic places throughout the studio, so that they could respond and protect her immediately if something happened.

”Don't worry, Elder Sister Yiyi. I'll be fine,” Iris assured her manager.

Tang Yiyi wanted to say more, but they heard Madam Feng Jiu's words.

”Please welcome the beautiful and talented…IRIS LONG!!!”

Iris gave a reassuring smile to her manager before straightening her back and walking out with confidence and elegance. She was wearing a tailored purple jumpsuit which accentuated her svelte hourglass figure and long legs. Soft, shimmery make-up and a French braid updo hairstyle completed her sophisticated look.

Loud applause greeted her as she reached the set. She smiled and waved at Dom, Jiang Ying Yue and the suits-wearing Black Stars all sitting together. They occupied more than half of the audience. She also saw Madam Feng Wan at the very front, looking posh as always. They nodded at each other.

”Welcome to my show, Iris!” Feng Jiu greeted her.

”Thank you very much for having me, Madam Feng Jiu. It's a great honour to be here.”

After the greetings, the two sat down facing each other on big, comfortable armchairs. They first chatted about trivial topics before Feng Jiu eased the conversation to the interview.

”I watched 'MusicFest Tonight' last Friday. Even though I'm not fond of rock music, I found myself totally captivated watching you perform with the rock band Pandemonium. I'm sure that everyone is shocked as I was to see you suddenly playing the electric guitar so skillfully. Can you tell us what happened and how you became a substitute for the band's lead guitarist Eros?”

Iris recounted the story about how Eros got injured before their performance.

”We have the same manager so I think that it's only natural that we help each other out. We're like family. We're the siblings and our manager is our parent,” she said. ”It was the first time that we played together, so we sounded quite rough. Fortunately, we didn't make any big mistakes during our performance.”

”What rough? I couldn't tell at all. All I know was that you were amazing while rocking that lead guitar. You looked so natural that it was as if you've been playing with them for a long time.”

Then they talked about her solo performance which Feng Jiu praised even more.

”I have a cousin who loves 'Phantom of Your Love' so much,” Feng Jiu shared.

After talking about 'Phantom of Your Love', Iris promoted her upcoming soundtrack album and the soon-to-be released film ”Strong Yet Broken”.

”Alright. Let's move back a bit in time and talk about the reason why you suddenly disappeared again from the limelight for a second time,” Feng Jiu said. Her tone sounded more serious. ”And it's safe to say that both times you disappeared were caused by the same person. Iris, can you tell us how you felt when you learned that it was Fan Luo who ordered your car accident two years ago? We all know that it almost killed you and that you were comatose for a whole year as a result.”

Most of the audience, especially Dom and the Black Stars, all hissed when they heard Fan Luo's name. They cursed her but soon became quiet again because they also wanted to hear Iris' answer to the question.

Iris paused and tried to remember how the remnant inside her reacted. She couldn't help but shudder at the memory of the intense bloodthirst and desire for revenge overwhelming her that time.

Feng Jiu caught her reaction and her heart softened for the girl. She thought that Iris must still be feeling traumatized by what Fan Luo did to her. At first, Feng Jiu was just acting extra warm to Iris because of her cousin Feng Wan's request. But now she really felt sympathetic to Iris' traumatic experience. Although she couldn't avoid asking these probing questions, as a skilled interviewer, she could choose the manner on how to ask them.

”I was angry…furious. I lost control of myself. Immense anger…it's all I felt,” Iris finally answered.

”Did you ever think about revenge?”

”Of course,” Iris said with honesty.

Feng Jiu nodded in understanding, not the least bit judgmental. ”We can't blame you. If I was in your shoes, I would also feel the same way.”

The audience murmured their agreement.

Feng Jiu: ”Now on to a more sensitive topic. Despite the evidence gathered by the police and your strong alibi, there are still rumours saying that you were the one who kidnapped and tortured Fan Luo and the Alarm Girls. What do you say about that?”

Dom and the Black Stars expressed their dismay at the question. Some staff members requested them to calm down.