Iris' web bots would automatically catalogue all of the accounts and pages that made negative comments about her. She would normally not care about them, but if one of her most active bashers suddenly turned into one of her most passionate supporters, of course she would notice.
She began saying out loud the list of all of Wu Chen's previous usernames he used for online trolling off the top of her head.
The grumpiness on Wu Chen's face was finally replaced by an utterly shocked expression. He didn't know that he was this famous online. Even his idol, no, his boss knew about him. But wait! How did she know all of his usernames? Many of them were anonymous accounts that he got help to set up from his bro who was a computer expert. His bro assured him that they would be untraceable.
The quiet and bored young man beside him looked at Iris, interest flashing in his eyes.
"It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Mr. Wu. I'm glad that you're not trolling against me anymore, but trolling for me instead. Thank you."
Wu Chen forgot his doubts and laughed proudly, flattered by her words. "Of course! My mighty slippers will fight exclusively for you from now on, boss. Like I said, I'm your number 1 fan―"
"Boo!"
He chased after the people booing at him, waving a slipper in the air.
Everyone laughed.
Iris turned to the quiet young man. He had an unhealthy pallor and tired eyes. He looked sleepy and exhausted. This time, however, his usually bored eyes were bright with curiosity as he looked back at her.
"Hou Liang," he introduced himself in a low voice. He reached for her hand, intending to quickly shake it and be done with it, but found his hand tightly grasped and squeezed hard. He frowned and looked up at her.
Iris' eyes looked cold―and challenging?―as he looked at him.
Hou Liang tried to pull his hand back, but she wouldn't let it go. "Uhm…my hand…"
Then she leaned forward and whispered something to his ear.
An expression of shock, disbelief, and then horror appeared on his face.
She finally released his hand and smiled widely at him. "What an honour to finally meet you in person, Mr. Hou. Thank you for your support."
Hou Liang's scalp went numb and he felt cold sweat on his back. The hand that she squeezed was aching, but he didn't dare complain. In his mind, Iris Long transformed into a ferocious dragon looking down at him, daring him to go against her. As if he would do such a stupid thing!
"H-how did you―"
Her laugh tinkled like crystal bells, but to him, it sounded like the evil cackle of the goddess of calamity.
"Ah, you…who are you?"
"You'll know soon enough. Besides, I have a feeling that we'll get along very well, Mr. Hou. Just remember that whatever you need the most now, I can provide. I'll let think you about it for now."
Both of their voices were low, so the surrounding people couldn't hear what they were talking about. Although they were confused why Hou Liang suddenly looked so scared, Iris' calm and pleasant demeanour assured them that nothing was amiss. Perhaps the guy was just too excited as a fan that he became so scared and shy in front of such a beautiful celebrity like Iris Long. Yup, that must be it.
Iris left the frozen Hou Liang and turned her back on him to chat with Feng Wan and the others. After a few more moments, the group finally allowed Iris to return to signing autographs for the rest of the people.
It was already late at night when the launch party finally ended. All the guests went their own ways, still gushing about everything that happened during the event. It certainly was an unforgettable day to all of them.
Tang Yiyi, Dom and the two representatives from JJ's record label and Bright Summit all accompanied Iris to the police station directly after leaving the convention centre. When they arrived at the station, Feng Wan and her three friends were already there, waiting for them.
Additional officers were mobilized to ward off the reporters that were sure to come, especially after the incident of the Alarm Girls gatecrashing Iris' launch party and creating such a ruckus already spread online.
The invited reporters were lucky enough to get firsthand footage of the incident, but they still followed Iris and the others to the police station. Unfortunately, they were blocked from coming closer to ask questions. Despite this, they were already more than satisfied because other reporters who initially disregarded the launch party were now all scrambling from the city to this remote place. As for them, their news agencies now treated them as important correspondents. How lucky! This might be their ticket to brighter career prospects!
One of Feng Wan's friends was the beloved wife of the Police Chief. As a result, all of the officers were respectful and hospitable to everyone, especially to Iris who was obviously being protected by the madam.
Iris' lawyer also arrived after some time. On behalf of his client, Iris Long, he officially filed a lawsuit against the Alarm Girls for physical assault, slander and defamation of character, and a slew of other charges.
Feng Wan added that the audience members injured by the Alarm Girls were also planning to file their own class action lawsuit, and that she and her friends would provide a lawyer for them.
The police officers present couldn't help but feel sorry for the three girls. What madness controlled them to offend this group of powerful people?
They looked at the four posh middle-aged ladies. One of them was the wife of their esteemed chief. The other two were also of equal influence. And lastly, the one leading them, Madam Feng Wan, was from such a powerful background that only stupid people would dare offend her. Not even the Jin family and the other top business families in the country would dare slight her, lest they be ostracized from high society.
And such powerful and influential ladies were supporting a second-rate pop singer? Even using their impressive backgrounds to help her? The officers looked at the calm Iris Long, curious as to why all these formidable people were assisting her.
Sure, she was a daughter of the Long family. But wasn't she estranged? And even if the Longs had their own wealth, power and influence, they still couldn't compare to the deep background of Madam Feng Wan.
The officers sighed.
'These Alarm Girls are finished,' they thought, shaking their heads.