332 Phoenix Queen (1/2)

A big golden cage hung high up in the air above the stage. Iris sat in a broken pose inside, humming a mournful melody. She closed her eyes while her face showed an expression of desolation. She appeared fragile in a white feather dress. The hearts of the people watching all skipped a beat seeing her ethereal beauty.

Not only the Black Stars but everyone else in the audience cheered loudly when she finally appeared. However, they controlled their noise volume when the dark melody and foreboding marching beat intensified like the climax of a battlefield.

Then everything went quiet.

A lone violin played a familiar melody, greatly exciting the audience as they recognized it. Iris finally opened her eyes. She looked directly at the camera and began to sing.

”Caged and chained in a tiny world

Wondering what it's like outside

A little bird imprisoned by love

Dying little by little inside”

It was the song ”Rebirth” which launched her to the top of the music charts after her first comeback.

”I want to be free

Free as a bird

But where are my wings

I cannot fly”

The musical arrangement was a little different than the original this time. It sounded more dramatic and dynamic.

Iris continued to sing while her broken pose gradually became strong. She stood, as the door of the golden cage swung open. She stepped on the edge of the cage's opening, teetering dangerously.

”At last, I'm free

Will I ever fly?”

Then she jumped down and the symphony orchestra played in full splendour. The audience screamed when they saw her falling. They felt their hearts stop and their breaths catch in their throats.

Jin Liwei almost stood up from his seat to run and catch her before noticing the wires behind her. He heard a snicker beside him. Jin Chonglin was laughing at his reaction. After glaring at his younger brother, Jin Liwei decided to ignore him for the rest of the performance.

Iris' fall stopped in mid-air. She floated and swept her arms wide to the side as if spreading her wings. It was only at that time that the people realized how long and wide the trail of her feather dress was. She looked like a bird flying in the sky.

”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”