Iris called her two music instructors Maestro Ludovico De Luca and Enrique Valdez to inform them about the reports saying that she invented three new music techniques in "Monster of Insanity". And similar to her reaction earlier when asked by the reporters, her two instructors were also unmoved by the information.
They were more interested and pleased by the song "Monster of Insanity" itself than by the individual techniques used in it. Enrique Valdez was especially happy by the song. It was something right up his alley. In fact, Iris took a lot of inspiration from him when she created the song.
Of course techniques were also important because the way they were used greatly contributed to the development of a musician's unique style. But at the end of the day, they were just techniques. They were only tools to create music and make it sound better, not music itself.
Moreover, both Maestro De Luca and Enrique Valdez were accomplished composers and songwriters in their own right. If someone made a tally of all the techniques they used throughout their entire music careers, one was bound to discover completely new techniques that they "invented" as well. Their "inventions" were surely more than Iris' current three.
Of course, there were some techniques that were officially credited to Maestro De Luca and Enrique Valdez in the past (when someone noticed them). But for the most part, they didn't make a fuss and boast to the whole world about inventing new techniques. What they cared about the most was the final music they created in the end, not the individual techniques.
It was only the country's music experts that made such a big fuss about Iris' supposed new music techniques, even involving the world of academia to ask for confirmation. Although she was glad that she would be given credit for inventing those techniques, she was happier that "Monster of Insanity" finally reached the number 1 rank in the music charts.
She had achieved the goal she set together with JJ and Pandemonium.
"Now let's make sure to hold the position as long as we can," she murmured to herself, determination flashing in her eyes.
###
For the next few days, Iris received congratulations from many people.
After hanging up, her phone rang again. It was JJ.
"Hello, Mr. JJ?"
"Ahahaha! Ahahaha!"
Iris waited patiently for him to calm his delighted laughter. It took an entire two minutes before they were able to talk properly.
"Brat! Why didn't you tell me that you invented new music techniques?"
"I didn't know."
"Ahahaha! Fine. Never mind that! What's more important is that we finally beat the sh*t out of Jin Chonglin in the music charts! The veins in my head were just about to pop out when we failed to move from the number 2 position. But now, ahahaha! Finally! Serves him right for not accepting my invitation to sign under my record label when I graciously extended it years ago!"
"Brother Chonglin is a loyal artist. He has stayed with Bright Summit and the record label he started with since he debuted."
"Hmph! Whatever! Listen to me, make sure to work hard with those Pandemonium rascals to maintain our top position."
Then JJ's voice lowered into a dramatic whisper. "Listen to me, brat. I heard some rumours that they're thinking about giving you a special award for your achievement. They are apparently still debating whether you deserve such an award or not. Hmph! Of course you deserve it! Those music purists are just too bitter that you achieved such a history-making feat after they spouted so much nonsense in their vile reviews. I bet they're all drowning in envy, that's why they're protesting against you getting the award. Bunch of petty a**holes."
"I see."
Iris listened patiently to JJ chatter on. Finally, he ran out of things to say so they ended the call.
Next, she received a call from Tang Yiyi.
"Oh my goodness! I'm so proud of you, Iris!"
"Thank you, Elder Sister Yiyi."
Then her manager gave the phone to Bright Summit's president. The president personally congratulated Iris for her achievements and invited her to have a meal with several Bright Summit higher-ups. Iris was not really interested, even thinking it as a hassle, but she accepted the invitation because she knew that this meant so much to Tang Yiyi as her manager.
After the calls, Iris worked on some translation exercises Professor Schwarz and Professor Hisakawa assigned to her. Her lessons were becoming more intense and difficult now because the international business conference was coming soon.
She was interrupted by another phone call. She answered it without looking at the caller display.
"Oh." Iris was surprised. She stopped what she was doing to concentrate on this conversation. "Hello, Brother Chonglin. How may I help you?"
"Before anything else, I just want you to know that I'm not stalking you. I had to beg Big Bro many times before he 'very reluctantly' gave me your number so that I can call you."
"That's fine," she replied. She could imagine her darling doing just that. She was actually surprised that he gave in to his younger brother's request.
"I called because…"
A long pause.
Iris could almost see Jin Chonglin's expression as he struggled to speak.
Finally, he told her, "Congratulations. Not only did your music with Pandemonium took the number 1 spot from me in the music charts, but you also achieved something that'll forever be recorded in the history books. 'Monster of Insanity' is a magnificent song. Ignore the haters. They don't know good music when they hear one."
She smiled. She could hear the sincerity in his voice. "Thank you, Brother Chonglin."
"Uh...Sister Xiulan?"
"You haven't forgotten that you agreed to make some music with me, right?"
"I still remember. If there's an opportunity and both our schedules permit it, we can start working together anytime."
"Alright! I'm looking forward to it. Don't go back on your words."
"Me too. Don't worry. I won't."
"And also…" He hesitated once again. However, it sounded deliberate this time.
"Yes?"
"Don't get too comfortable. I haven't given up yet. 'Hey, It's Me' will reclaim the number 1 spot in the music charts again," he told her in a determined voice.
Her eyes narrowed as she smiled, accepting his challenge. "Ah, but Pandemonium and I rather like the feeling of being on top. We won't let go of it so easily."
The two of them had another great stare-down even though they couldn't see each other. The competitiveness between them was born from their respect of each other as musicians.