Friday.
"Rebirth" album release date.
Tang Yiyi ended up booking a convention centre outside the city because it was the only place available at such short notice. All the other places she inquired at were fully-booked.
It was quite far and big for an event called a "party", so she was at first worried that nobody would come. However, she was assured after talking with the Black Stars fan club. Just the people from this fan club alone who confirmed that they would attend the launch party were enough to fill the convention centre nicely without Iris and her team losing face.
In addition to the fan club, there were also quite a lot of individuals who unofficially confirmed their attendance via the online invites posted by JJ's record label on its website and social media accounts.
At the convention centre.
Inside near the entrance, Iris Long's "Rebirth" album in several formats were displayed at a pop-up shop. There were also posters and other limited-edition "Rebirth" merchandise available only at this launch party for sale. Several cashier counters were already set up at the venue for convenience.
The guests had the option to immediately purchase the album and the other available merchandise at the pop-up shop upon being admitted inside. In fact, the majority of them did so, while the others wanted to explore the place first and to claim the best seats near the stage. They were assured by the on-site staff that the shop would be open all throughout the launch party.
When the doors closed just a few minutes before the launch party's scheduled start time, the attendance exceeded 5,000 guests. This number was above JJ's record label's original estimates.
This was no longer just a mere launch party. It was more like a concert, although an informal one at that.
"I knew the brat can do it," JJ replied on the phone. "Do you think that a famous and award-winning music producer like myself will sign an untalented artist with no potential under my record label? Hah! I only work with the best! Make sure that there are enough albums and merchandise available for sale there. You have my authority to order an additional expedited shipment if needed."
"I was just going to ask about that, Mr. JJ," the representative said. "I understand. I will immediately make an additional order because they're selling out fast. Some people are buying more than one copy of each item. Hopefully, the shipment arrives before the party ends."
"Hmph! Tell them that they better deliver the items on time or they'll face my wrath."
"Understood, Mr. JJ."
After bidding goodbye to his boss, the representative hung up the phone. Then he made another phone call to order an additional shipment of the album and merchandise.
He had a great feeling about this album. He didn't want to jinx anything, but he had a feeling that it would make some sort of history in the music industry.
A handful of reporters were also invited by Bright Summit and were given a media badge upon entering. Most of them were very young, only starting out in their careers. With this alone, it could be seen that the media didn't really put any importance in this launch party, especially since it was held in such a faraway place from the city. They only sent their most minor staff as a courtesy to Bright Summit.
In the venue.
Following Iris' preference, the seating arrangement was rather informal. It looked more like a restaurant bar with tables of different sizes. There were catering tables along the walls with simple buffet of refreshments. Nothing too grand or heavy on the stomach, but enough to whet the appetite. No alcoholic drinks.
Everything was very casual. Although there were a lot people present, the open and relaxed atmosphere made them comfortable enough to start chatting, even if they didn't know each other before meeting at that moment.
Moments later, the emcee informed the guests that the launch party would be officially starting shortly.
They returned to their tables carrying plates filled with various snacks and drinks.
The lights dimmed. A hush fell over the crowd. The big screens hanging from strategic parts of the ceiling played the now viral video that Iris Long posted on her empty social media accounts to announce her comeback.
Everyone cheered.
After the video, the emcee invited the representative from JJ's record label on-stage. The representative made a short speech. Next was another speech by a representative from Bright Summit Entertainment Company.
The formal speeches done, the big screens played a series of videos. They were select "making of" and "behind the scenes" footage during the album production. The full videos were available in the DVD and Blu-ray formats of the album.
They watched, impressed, as Iris argued with the legendary JJ without any fear. She held her own.
"Listen, Iris Long! I'm an award-winning music producer. I'm always right when it comes to music! I say we should change this part of the song to a faster tempo, so we should do it!"
"What did you say, you brat?!"
The guests chattered as they watched, their hands constantly shoving food into their mouths.
"So it's really true that Iris fought with JJ."
"When did she say that she fought with Mr. JJ?"
"Aiyaya! You didn't watch DJ Song's radio show when Iris guested last Saturday? Hai. You missed out on something amazing!"
"What? Really? Dammit! I had work that day! Can I still watch it?"
"Yeah. The video is still up online. Here, I'll send you the link."
At a nearby table, a small, young woman giggled. She glanced at the man sitting beside her. The others at their table followed suit, looking at the man.
"Bro, now it's proven that Iris really did fight with Mr. JJ," she said.
"Ahahaha! Bro, you're a real man!" the small, young woman exclaimed, taking photos of the man chewing on a slipper with her phone.
The others laughed together.