Chapter 1519 Liberté Launches (Part IX)
Chapter 1519 Liberté Launches (Part IX)
Iris and Jin Liwei also returned to the party after some time. The overall atmosphere had grown more relaxed with bottles of champagne and cocktail glasses flowing freely.
A few groups requested to use some of the private showrooms. It was understood that some important deals were being sealed at the very moment.
Sheikha Amira, who was chatting with her British friend and a few of the other female guests, met Iris' eyes and smiled at her. Iris nodded at her in acknowledgement.
Once again, Jin Liwei accompanied his wife as she went around to chat with the guests.
When they reached the Cross Academy group, Grandpa Lu's old friends surrounded her. They asked questions about the molecular-level technology features of Liberté perfumes and also the patented innovations of Orchidia Beauty products.
"Amanpio Kileksky published some of his innovations with Orchidia in the Cross Academy scientific journals, so if you're interested, you can check out those publications," she told them. "But the ones developed by Orchidia's Chief Product Officer are classified information, so I'm sorry to say that I can't talk about them with you."
Most of the patents acquired by Orchidia were due to Alric Bauer and Amanpio Kileksky's contributions, so the patents were shared between the two men and Orchidia.
The Cross Academy group instantly shifted their attention to Amanpio Kileksky's publications.
"Kileksy is known as the crazy inventor among the youngbloods in the academy," one commented. "I didn't know that he's helping out with one of your companies."
"We're friends," Iris said.
Another nodded. "It's always good to befriend your schoolmates, especially since it's very rare for the academy to recruit new students in the same generation."
"Exactly!" Grandpa Lu's voice boomed. "The academy hasn't recruited any new students since Xiulan my girl. That Dupont bastard is the most choosy among the headmasters in the whole history of the academy! Hmph! What are his exact criteria for recruitment? I want to know!"
"Now, now, Jianhong," Grandpa Lu's astronomer friend tried calming him down. "As the headmaster, Erwan is just upholding our academy's high standards. There's nothing wrong with his method."
"Hmph!"
The other gentlemen just laughed. They were already used to their friend, Lu Jianhong, throwing tantrums. Most of the time, the old man was just having a blast making a scene.
He had been like this from day one. In fact, Lu Jianhong had already mellowed out a lot in his old age. When they were still youngsters, Lu Jianhong had gotten into so many troubles. And it was always Liam Jin's grandfather who bailed him out from so many troublesome situations that might have destroyed his bright future.
His wild personality steadied a lot after his best friend and sworn brother (Liam Jin's grandfather) died. n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om
Even so, it was fortunate that he still retained hints of his previous wild personality, keeping him feeling young despite his advanced age. Lu Jianhong had always been popular among the Cross Academy community.
And now, he was using the remaining years of his life to pave the way for his beloved disciple, Iris Long.
As members of the Cross Academy community, they had heard about the newest student, Iris Long. Her public achievements so far weren't anything impressive compared to theirs, and even to her schoolmates of the same generation.
Even Ashandra Knightson was more impressive because she managed to enter Cross Academy in the field of fine arts which was extremely difficult. After all, art appreciation is subjective.
Despite this, Ashandra had proven time and time again why she deserved her spot at Cross Academy. She was now the best-selling living artist in the world. Her popularity in the art world even ignited interest among new artists to try enrolling in the academy. Unfortunately, they couldn't reach her level of genius.
On the other hand, Iris Long was officially enrolled in Cross Academy as a student in Foreign Languages with a minor concentration in Business. Her music program was only considered an elective, but as a celebrity, she was more focused on working as a musician rather than as a translator.
So although they respected Iris Long as a fellow member of the Cross Academy community, they didn't admire her that much.
She was enrolled as a Foreign Languages student, but there were also plenty of polyglots among them.
As for her being Lu Jianhong's business disciple, she was still considered a toddler in their eyes. Many of them were business legends like their friend, Lu Jianhong.
In the field of music, yes, they must admit that she was a genius. Being accepted by Maestro Ludovico de Luca and the legendary hitmaker Enrique Valdez as their disciples was an impressive feat by itself.
Yet why did she not choose Music as her primary concentration at the academy?
They couldn't understand, but they didn't bother asking her. Lu Jianhong was so protective of her. What if their friend threw a tantrum and refused to speak to them for the sake of his beloved disciple?
It wasn't worth it.
So they could only keep their opinions to themselves.
While they were busy chatting, someone edged closer and addressed Iris.
"Uhm, excuse me, Madame Jin…."
Iris glanced at him.
Jin Liwei recognized him as the nerdy tech billionaire who recorded Little Mochi's impromptu performance video yesterday. He wasn't a Cross Academy alumnus, but his mentor-slash-company investor was one. This was why he could join yesterday's gathering with Grandpa Lu and attend today's launch party.
"Do you have business with my wife?" Jin Liwei asked.
The nerdy billionaire blushed, causing Jin Liwei's expression to turn ugly.
"I...I…." He continued to blush while taking several peeks at Iris.
Jin Liwei's expression grew darker and darker by the second.
Grandpa Lu and the others started to notice the situation, but they stayed quiet for now, waiting for the nerdy tech billionaire to explain himself.
"Is…is it true…that y-you're…." he continued to stammer.
Iris glanced at her husband who was drowning in an ocean of vinegar.
"Is it true that you're Fantom's disciple?!" the nerdy tech billionaire finally asked.