Chapter 1283 - Best Songwriter Award Goes To….

Before tonight, Iris Long had been alternating between the fourth and fifth places in the voting poll for the People's Choice Award for Most Popular Female Artist. Her long absence from the public eye had taken its toll. 

Despite the efforts of the Black Stars, they couldn't push their Boss Iris up the the rankings to the top spots. They refused to tarnish their Boss Iris' reputation by resorting to cheating like other celebrities who they suspected hired water armies. They wanted to win fair and square. 

In the end, they reluctantly accepted that their Boss Iris might not be able to defend her last year's title of People's Choice Award for Most Popular Female Artist. It didn't matter anyway compared to the real awards chosen by the experts. Given their Boss Iris' musical talents and skills, she would surely nab at least one of the awards tonight.

Male host: "The people have chosen!"

Female host: "The reigning Most Popular Female Artist is—"

Both hosts: "Iris Long!"

The word "reigning" had already clued in many to the winner. The camera focused on the surprised Iris Long. 

She truly didn't expect that she would win the People's Choice Award for Most Popular Female Artist this year. She saw the voting polls earlier before she and her husband headed to the red carpet. She had been sitting in fourth place that time. Therefore, it was surprising for her to win this award again. 

Jin Liwei helped her and escorted her up the stairs but didn't join her on the stage. Iris gave a short speech thanking her fans and everyone who voted for her. Then she returned to her seat with Jin Liwei while holding the first award that she received tonight (and hopefully not the last).

For her, the People's Choice Award was a nice extra treat. She was thankful to win it again and defend her title as the Most Popular Female Artist but she considered the awards to which she received official nominations to be much more important.

Jin Liwei leaned closer to her and whispered the possible reason why she won. According to him, her showing up with a big belly earlier on the red carpet definitely put her on the live headlines. The revelation of her pregnancy was a huge bombshell. After all, she was Iris Long and her husband was Jin Liwei. 

This shocking bombshell might have prompted the people to vote for her at the last minute, eventually pushing her up to the top of the rankings.

"I see," Iris murmured. 

She hadn't foreseen this outcome at all. Unlike other celebrities who would use every possible tactic to increase their popularity, Iris didn't care too much for this kind of petty publicity methods. She preferred to use her own creative body of musical work to speak for themselves instead.

Afterwards, Jin Chonglin won the Most Popular Male Artist as everyone expected. His feat of winning it for so many consecutive years was already a legend in the history of Harmony Music Awards. He was truly a superstar in every sense of the word.

It was finally the latter half of the show when the major awards were scheduled to be given out. The atmosphere was more energetic and tenser (in a good way). [Read official chapters on W e b n o v e l (dot) com. Please stop supporting piracy. Also follow author on Instagram: @arriacross]

Female host: "Welcome back to the Harmony Music Awards! Now it's time for our next category—Best Songwriter!"

Male host: "And the nominees are…."

Three songwriters were introduced.

Female host: "Jin Chonglin, 'Passionate Flames'!"

His army of fans went wild.

"Kyaaaaaaaaaah!!! Go, go, go, Prince Lin Lin!"

Female host: "Iris Long, 'Shining Eyes'!"

The Black Stars did their best to support their boss.

"You can do it, Boss Iris!!!"

"Win it again this year, Boss! You're the best!!!"

Male host: And the Golden Treble for Best Songwriter goes to…."

Both hosts: "Iris Long, 'Shining Eyes'!!!"

The hit song 'Shining Eyes' began playing in the background as Iris hugged Jin Liwei and Jin Chonglin beside her. 

"I knew that you'll win this," Jin Chonglin said with a sigh. "Congrats, Sister Xiulan."

"Thank you, Brother Chonglin."

Fortunately, Jin Liwei didn't separate the two by force. Jin Chonglin made sure to keep the hug as brief as possible to prevent the public from making any malicious speculations about the relationship between the three of them. Jin Liwei also knew this, hence why he restrained himself.

On the stage, Iris beamed as she held the Golden Treble trophy. Even if she didn't win the other awards that she was nominated for, she would already be satisfied. 

Winning the Best Songwriter Award was important to her as an artist because it proved her excellence in the aspect of not only performing but also in composing music.

"First and foremost, I would like to thank my husband for being the inspiration behind this song. I was able to write 'Shining Eyes' and pack it with the most heartfelt emotions of love because of you. Without you, I wouldn't be able to dig deep within my heart and translate my feelings into a love song.

"Next, I would like to thank my brother-in-law. Brother Chonglin is one of the most talented artists that I respect. Singing 'Shining Eyes' with him is one of the most fun experiences I have as an artist.

"Also thank you to my music producer, Mr. JJ. You've always been very supportive of me. Although we clash a lot during productions, I'm always assured that the final products we produce are of the highest quality.

"Of course, I can't forget everyone who made the TV drama 'Our Love, Our Destiny' a huge international success. Thank you for trusting me to compose the drama's theme song.

"Thank you to my fans, the Black Stars, as always. You've been there supporting me through thick and thin. I hope that you continue to join me in this journey of my career."

"And finally, big thanks to my music mentors who are always guiding me to improve my craft as a musician. Teacher Enrique Valdez and Maestro Ludovico de Luca, your student will do her best to make you two proud.

"Thanks, everyone!"

Iris blew a kiss before cradling her swollen belly and carefully lowering herself into an elegant curtsy bow.