"How's the practice going?"
Celeste Monroe, as always, got straight to the point, no preamble.
Frank Castle, like a student reporting to a teacher, detailed his practice progress over the past few days, along with his insights. Finally, he added: "Aunt Celeste, Mr. Yuan said I was barely satisfactory." His voice held a hint of joy; after all, Aaron Yuan's "satisfactory" was a very high commendation.
Celeste Monroe remained calm: "Just satisfactory. Still a long way to go."
"...Understood, Aunt Celeste. I'll practice extra tonight." Right, almost forgot Aunt Celeste is even more demanding than Mr. Yuan.
"I hear you and Lily get along quite well?" Celeste Monroe asked.
"Yes, Lily is pure and kind. We both love music; you could say we're intergenerational friends." Frank and Lily Yuan had spent a lot of time together these past few days. Lily was even a year younger than Mia, and Frank had already come to see her as a younger sister.
"Intergenerational friends? You're only six years older than Lily." Celeste Monroe sounded a little amused.
"Six years is already a big difference. Mr. Monroe, you're only six years older than me, and I still call you Aunt Celeste." Frank was in a good mood and joked with Celeste Monroe.
Celeste Monroe was silent for a moment, then said faintly: "Practice well." And then she hung up.
London.
In a villa.
Celeste Monroe lay on the bed, an IV needle in the back of her hand, a drip hanging beside the bed. Jocelyn Shaw and Emma were guarding her on either side. Jocelyn was still muttering: "You've worked yourself sick. Can't you stop worrying about your ex-niece's husband?"
Recently, Celeste Monroe had been practicing singing late into the night to prepare for her new album. She had also squeezed The Voice of America into her already packed schedule. Then, during her precious rest time, she had guided Frank on his vocal practice and worried about his affairs. This had finally led to her falling ill yesterday from overwork. Fortunately, after examination, the doctor said there was no major issue, just that she needed rest and less stress. Because of this, Jocelyn Shaw had canceled all recent appearances and even confiscated Celeste Monroe's phone, forcing her to rest.
The call just now was something Celeste Monroe had traded for a promise to go to bed at nine tonight. Jocelyn Shaw had thought she had something important to discuss, but it turned out to be just asking about Frank's practice. Jocelyn Shaw was speechless and directly took Celeste Monroe's phone. "You are going to sleep properly right now!"
Celeste Monroe was surprisingly obedient this time, immediately closing her eyes. Jocelyn Shaw had just let out a sigh of relief when Celeste Monroe opened her eyes again. "Jocelyn, am I getting old?"
Jocelyn Shaw tucked the covers around her, amused: "You're only thirty-two, you're still young!"
Celeste Monroe looked at the ceiling: "Not young anymore. My niece's ex-husband is already twenty-six." Emma, listening, was completely bewildered. Amelia Quinn and Frank were both twenty-six, so why was Celeste Monroe mentioning Frank instead of Amelia?
Just then, Jocelyn Shaw's phone rang. It was Director Scott, the head director of The Voice of America, personally calling to remind Celeste Monroe that the first episode of The Voice of America would air tomorrow night. "Ms. Monroe, if you're free, you can watch the show. Of course, if you have time, you could also post on social media to help promote it."
Jocelyn Shaw hung up, shaking her head with a chuckle. This Director Scott really had the nerve to ask. It was just a music competition show; why would Celeste bother watching it? And wanting Celeste to post for promotion? He must be dreaming!
"Mr. Frank, the first episode of The Voice of America airs tomorrow night at eight. Remember to tune in! If you have time, you can also post on social media and discuss the show with the audience!"
At the same time, Frank Castle received a call from Ms. Davis.
"Okay, Ms. Davis, thank you for the reminder."
"You're welcome, hehe, Mr. Frank, I think you're definitely going to be big after this episode airs!" Ms. Davis sounded energetic and hung up with a chuckle.
Frank Castle was calm. It was only the first episode; the real show was just beginning!
He practiced until nine that evening when he received an unexpected call.
"Frank, you said you'd record 'No Makeup' with me! You didn't forget, did you?" Cecilia Rhodes demanded, her distinct accent sounding put out.
Frank slapped his forehead. He had been so engrossed in practice these past few days that he really had forgotten! He chuckled: "Ms. Rhodes, how could I forget such an important matter? It's just that I've found a top-tier recording studio, but the owner might not agree to let us use it, so I didn't dare tell you yet." Frank's voice was sincere, and Cecilia Rhodes immediately believed him, asking curiously: "What top-tier recording studio? Where is it?"
Frank replied: "I'll ask the owner first. If he agrees to let us record, I'll send you the address."
"Okay! Be quick, I need my beauty sleep by ten!"
Frank chuckled. Such a young woman, yet so meticulous about her appearance.
He hung up and found Aaron Yuan: "Mr. Yuan, a friend and I want to record a duet. This song doesn't have many instruments. Could we..." Before he could finish, Aaron Yuan asked: "Your song?"
Frank silently apologized to the original author back on Earth, then nodded: "Yes, I wrote it." Aaron Yuan pointed to the recording room: "Sing it, let me hear."
Frank knew his teacher's temper and wasted no time. He immediately picked up a guitar and began the intro. Lily Yuan, who was sweeping, put down her broom and turned to look at Frank. Frank, holding the guitar, exuded a vibrant youthfulness unusual for him, but as the intro ended and the first line of lyrics began, he immediately became detached and weary, imbued with a profound weariness, as if having seen too much of the world.
"Another quiet night..."
Frank sang, strumming his guitar. Aaron Yuan stood with his arms crossed, expressionless. Lily Yuan leaned on her broom, her eyes lost in thought. So, Mr. Frank and his ex-wife had so many stories. Although she didn't know Frank's past, Lily Yuan could hear the story of Frank and Amelia's love and eventual breakup through this song. In fact, for Lily Yuan, she preferred this song to the classical-fusion one. Because she could feel Frank's emotions through it. That woman truly didn't know how to cherish him!
A few minutes later, Frank put down the guitar. Lily Yuan turned around, wiped the corner of her eye, then clapped: "Truly beautiful!"
Frank smiled at Lily Yuan. Aaron Yuan spoke: "I'll give you two days. You can't use Dragon's Roar Mountain."
Frank quickly said: "Thank you, Mr. Yuan!"
Aaron Yuan grunted and walked out of the recording studio with his hands behind his back: "Remember to lock the door when you leave!"
"Yes, Mr. Yuan!"
"Okay, Grandpa!"
Lily Yuan and Frank exchanged smiles. Frank said: "Lily, thank you for always being so supportive."
Lily Yuan quickly replied: "Mr. Frank, I genuinely thought it was beautiful! This song..." She wanted to ask Frank if he wrote the song for his ex-wife, but fearing he'd be sad, she quickly changed the subject: "Mr. Frank, who's your friend? How are you planning to do the duet?"
Frank replied: "Her name is Cecilia Rhodes. She's a very strong singer. I'll discuss with her soon how to arrange it for a male and female duet."
Lily Yuan paused: "Cecilia Rhodes? The UK Pop Princess?"
Frank nodded: "Lily, you've heard of her too? It seems Ms. Rhodes is truly impressive!" Lily Yuan's eyes dimmed slightly, then she smiled gently again: "Then I'll buy breakfast for four tomorrow morning. Mr. Frank, being able to duet with Cecilia Rhodes means you're very impressive too. You can do it!"