His Genius Wife is a Superstar

Everyone was watching René Alejandro's interaction with the Jin husband and wife. Many of them heard him referring to Iris Long as his sister. They thought that maybe what Wei Lan had been telling them was true all along—that her Spanish step-son was close to her daughter, Iris Long, and son-in-law, Jin Liwei. 

Those who had ulterior motives immediately decided that it would be wise for them to get closer to René Alejandro. If he was really close to Iris Long, and in extension to her husband, Jin Liwei, then maybe they could find a way to use the Spaniard to forge closer connections to the powerful CEO.

Wei Lan who was escorted by Randy also joined Iris' group. Despite her tasteless clout-chasing behaviour most of the time, she was still an extremely charismatic woman. If people didn't know about her past transgressions in high society circles, then they would think that she was a true elegant and sophisticated wealthy madam just by judging on how she was acting tonight.

The other guests observed the family. Although they weren't 100% certain whether the family members were merely acting close to each other or not, it wouldn't hurt to assume that the Jin couple was at least cordial to Wei Lan's Spanish step-son. 

Not long afterwards, the soprano singer finally arrived. She was a promising young diva who had gained some recognition playing notable secondary roles in popular opera productions in Europe.

Once she started singing her set pieces with the live band, her high-pitched voice certainly caught people's attention. 

Unfortunately, she came after Iris' impromptu performance. The audience wasn't as impressed by her as much as she expected. 

While performing, she couldn't help but notice the rather lukewarm reception. Some even continued eating and conversing with each other. Of course, these people had good manners and etiquette. They continued on with their business without openly disrupting the musical performance. 

One of the young misses who Iris chatted with earlier commented, "She's great but doesn't have Iris' charisma."

The other young miss nodded. "Kind of boring, really."

"Stop talking, you two! Don't be rude!"

Their mothers reprimanded them and they fell quiet. They weren't the only ones who felt this way, though.

After personally watching Iris' earlier performance, they agreed that Iris commanded absolute attention compared to this talented soprano singer. 

It felt like they were currently watching a performance in black and white. There was a sense of dissonance that they couldn't explain.

On the other hand, Iris' impromptu performance earlier was a technicolour fantasy extravaganza. The pieces that she played, especially the mambo that she sang, was still replaying inside their heads over and over again. This caused to them to feel distracted. They couldn't focus on the soprano's current performance. 

After what felt like an excruciating time for the soprano, her performance finally ended to her great relief. She didn't stay for too long and left soon after giving her polite greetings to Wei Lan and René Alejandro. Her initial intentions to make connections with high society members were thrown out of the window. Her pride had been too hurt by the audience's lack of interest in her performance to stay any longer. 

Iris had no idea that she caused a situation like this. The soprano's technical skills impressed her. She wanted to chat with the soprano but the woman had already left before she knew it. 

"I can have someone chase after her if you really want to talk to her," Jin Liwei said.

"Never mind. I only want to exchange notes with her about singing but it seems that she's in a hurry. She seems busy. Let's not bother her."

"En, up to you." 

Jin Liwei didn't care about soprano singer anymore. He only offered to chase after the person to make his wife happy, but his wife said to not bother so he wouldn't bother.

Later into the party, the staff started getting everyone ready for the awaited fundraising auction for Iris of Hope. Everyone headed to their own tables.

As the unspoken but accepted guests of honour, Iris and Jin Liwei occupied the best seats beside the lady of the house, Wei Lan, and the birthday boy, René Alejandro. 

"We'll leave as soon as the auction ends," Jin Liwei whispered to his wife's ear.

Iris nodded and stifled a yawn behind her gloved hand. If not because the auction was for the benefit of her own charitable foundation, she wouldn't have bothered waiting this long while fighting off drowsiness.

Just before the auction was scheduled to start, another foreign man hurried to their table and whispered something to René Alejandro's ear. The Spaniard's pleasant expression didn't change much but Iris noted his eyes turning cold.

"Please excuse me for a moment," he told everyone before hurrying after the other foreigner. 

Wei Lan didn't look happy with René Alejandro's sudden departure at this critical juncture of the party when the all-important auction was about to start but she still covered for him and reassured the other guests that everything was fine. 

As for Iris, her great hearing allowed her to hear what the other foreigner whispered to René Alejandro. The man spoke in Spanish. She shared her findings to her husband.

Jin Liwei didn't react much. He wasn't interested in the Spaniard's business unlike his curious wife. 

Soon after, audible gasps was heard among the guests. The husband and wife followed everyone's gazes. 

Following René Alejandro, an extremely beautiful man walked in. He was like the personification of an angel. His bright, vivid blue eyes were striking even from a distance.

Even Iris was stunned when she saw the man. Using the word "beautiful" was more accurate to describe him rather than the word "handsome". His beauty was the type to transcend genders. 

He was masculine but not macho. He was also feminine but not girlish.

It was a confusing impression but also quite wondrous.

Iris only tore her eyes away from the new arrival when she felt a persistent tugging on her arm. When she turned her head, she saw a dark-faced Jin Liwei.

"What, you like that guy?" Jin Liwei asked in a low voice, his tone dripping with jealousy.