"892, what a shame! Such a song, and it didn't even break 900 points!"
"Those hypocrites who held back their votes are truly disgusting!"
"This must be the highest score in American Voice so far, right?"
"Last season, scores were easily over 900, but every performance was a trainwreck. This season is much better, strict scoring, genuine talent!"
Frank Castle's total score not reaching 900 left many disappointed, but Liam Reed secretly breathed a sigh of relief. He'd just been forced to give Frank 90 points, and it felt awful, like he'd been beaten up. Thankfully, his and Amelia Quinn's fans were strong, holding their ground and refusing to vote for Frank. Otherwise, with "The Balladeer"'s acclaim and score soaring, he really wouldn't have been able to sleep tonight.
But...
Liam looked at Frank, who was bowing and exiting the stage, a dark glint in his eyes. Frank had actually been hiding a song of this caliber? It seemed he shouldn't have urged Amelia Quinn to divorce him so soon. He should have extracted all of Frank's good songs before encouraging the divorce.
But it's not too late now. Frank chasing Amelia to American Voice showed that he still couldn't let go of her. As long as he had Amelia under his thumb, it wouldn't be hard to dig out Frank's remaining good songs. Liam turned his head to look at Amelia Quinn, seeing the beautiful, alluring woman staring fixedly at the stage, her eyes gleaming with an unreadable emotion. Liam's gaze instantly turned gloomy, though his voice remained gentle:
"Amelia, many contestants sang well today. I'm already looking forward to the ones coming up." This was a reminder to Amelia Quinn that Alex Stone hadn't performed yet, and they needed to give Alex Stone a high score.
Amelia Quinn collected herself and smiled at Liam. "Yes, I'm looking forward to it too." A smile was on her face, but her thoughts drifted elsewhere. She and Frank had been together for so long. If Frank had revealed songs of this caliber earlier, perhaps she would have become famous sooner. By today, her achievements might not be lower than her aunt's. But why did Frank wait until after their divorce to bring out such a song? What had she gained after sacrificing so many years of her youth for Frank? This is what Frank owes her!
Amelia Quinn had made up her mind: when Frank came to find her after the show, she wouldn't give him a good reception. She'd make him kneel and admit his wrongs, and only after he produced two more good songs would she slightly forgive him. But remarrying was out of the question; at most, they could be friends. Her past self was too naive, thinking love was everything. Now she understood: men were meant to be manipulated. The more distant you were, the more they'd pour their hearts out for you. Frank was like this, and so was Liam.
The two mentors on the panel had their own thoughts, forgetting what Alex Stone must be feeling at this moment.
When Frank Castle returned to the contestants' lounge, clap, clap, clap, Chloe stood up and applauded him. Others followed suit, applauding as well. Putting aside everything else, "The Balladeer" itself was truly worthy of their applause.
"Teacher Frank, I love this song so much! Out of all your songs, this is my absolute favorite! Wow, you're definitely first this episode!" Chloe's big, round eyes were shining, looking at Frank as if he were an idol.
Frank was a bit surprised. "All my songs?"
Chloe nodded vigorously. "Yes, Teacher Frank, I've listened to all your songs!"
Frank was astonished. He had only written songs for Amelia Quinn before; he hadn't officially released any of his own. If Chloe said she had heard his songs, it could only be the ones he wrote for Amelia Quinn. But those songs weren't popular, were they? However, with the show being recorded, Frank couldn't ask too many questions and smiled politely: "You're too kind, Teacher Chloe. I like your songs very much too!"
While the two were exchanging compliments, the surrounding contestants were filled with envy and jealousy. Alex Stone, meanwhile, silently hid in a corner, his face blank. He was about to go on stage! But why did he have to perform after Frank Castle?! Right now, no matter who went up, the only song reverberating in the audience's minds would be "The Balladeer." Whoever went up next would be doomed! And somehow, this terrible fate had fallen upon him! Waaah, why me?!
"Contestant number 17, Alex Stone, please come on stage!" The staff member's voice echoed from the doorway. Everyone suddenly remembered it was Alex Stone's turn, and all eyes turned to him. Unlike the anticipation, wariness, and envy of the previous episode, this time, those gazes held only one emotion:
Sympathy.
"C-coming." Alex Stone's face was pale. He weakly stood up, swaying as he walked towards the door. As he passed Frank Castle, Frank sincerely said to him:
"Good luck!"
Alex Stone nearly stumbled. Good luck, my foot! You try it! Then, he thought, actually, Frank probably could do it. He immediately felt even more dejected, his steps unsteady as he walked out of the contestants' lounge.
The staff member glanced at him. "Alex Stone, are you okay?"
Alex Stone looked up, his face contorting into a smile that was uglier than a cry: "I'm fine."
The staff member nodded. "If you're fine, get on stage quickly." There were regulations on recording time; going overtime meant docked pay. This Alex Stone was dilly-dallying. Did he want them to lose salary?
Alex Stone dragged his reluctant feet onto the stage. In the audience, Amelia Quinn and Liam Reed's fans erupted in warm applause and cheers. After the first episode, the backgrounds of all the contestants were clear. Among the top-ranked, besides Frank Castle and Chloe, everyone else was a newcomer signed by various entertainment companies. This stage was both a competition for singers and a battleground for capital.
Alex Stone walked to a grand piano and sat down. The screams of the female fans in the audience grew louder.
"Is Alex Stone going to play the piano?"
"As expected of the leading new-generation artist, even classical instruments are second nature to him!"
"Go, Alex, go!"
Alex Stone shifted his weight, almost tipping his chair over. Amidst gasps of surprise, Alex Stone quickly stabilized himself, utterly annoyed by the screaming girls. You don't cheer when I'm being cool, so why now? A bunch of idiots!
Amelia Quinn and Liam Reed exchanged glances. Both felt that Alex Stone's state wasn't right. Amelia Quinn frowned slightly. This song of Alex Stone's was bought for a hefty price by Wind-Whisper Studio. Even if its quality wasn't as good as "The Balladeer," it wasn't far off. Plus, with her and Liam's full effort in arrangement, as long as Alex Stone performed normally, and with her and Liam's pre-arranged high scores, his total score might not be lower than Frank Castle's. But Alex Stone's current state...
Amelia Quinn made up her mind. No matter how Alex Stone sang, she would give him 95 points or more! She absolutely could not accept an artist from her own studio losing to Frank Castle! Besides, Alex Stone was taught by her and Liam. How could he be worse than Frank Castle?
Just then, the big screen began to play the meticulously produced MV from Wind-Whisper Studio, and applause once again echoed in the audience.
Then Alex Stone's fingers descended, and the piano strings vibrated.
Amelia Quinn was slightly stunned.
How did he hit the very first note wrong?
Then Alex Stone began to sing.
The venue fell silent.
The very first line was off-key.
Amelia Quinn was completely dumbfounded.
What in the world is this?