In the contestants' lounge, most of the thirty-six contestants had already arrived. Having gone through the first episode, they were now somewhat familiar with each other, and many were chatting. The center of everyone's attention, however, was a petite yet curvy girl: Chloe. She had become famous in the previous episode, her distinctive appearance, figure, and classical-style song leaving a deep impression. In just a few days, her fan club had already appeared online.
Now, too, many contestants surrounded Chloe, showering her with compliments, longing glances, and jealousy... countless eyes fixed on her. Suddenly, the door to the contestants' lounge was pushed open, and a handsome, tall man walked in. The lively room instantly fell silent. Everyone looked at the man, their expressions varied.
But unlike the disdain and contempt of the previous episode, this time, the gazes were filled more with admiration and conflicted feelings. Admiration, because this man had leaped from an unknown C-list artist to a top-tier celebrity with just one music variety show. Although this "top-tier" status was mostly due to negative publicity, being infamously famous was still fame! The conflict arose from not knowing how to treat him now.
After the baptism of the first episode, the contestants had a full understanding of the production team's perverse nature. They might even be secretly filming right now. If they were to jump out and provoke him like Alex Stone in the previous episode, only to be verbally crushed in return, it would be a huge embarrassment. But if they were to go up and fawn over him, they couldn't bring themselves to do it. After all, this man's reputation was simply too bad.
For a moment, all the contestants froze in place, their expressions a bit blank. Only a girl with a baby face and a voluptuous figure stood up, genuinely smiling at the man: "Teacher Frank, your duet of No Makeup with Teacher Cecilia is truly beautiful!"
Frank Castle also smiled at Chloe: "Teacher Chloe, I also really like your classical-style singing!"
Chloe's eyes lit up: "You've heard my songs?"
Frank Castle apologized: "Sorry, I hadn't paid much attention to classical style before, but last week I caught up on all your songs, Teacher Chloe. You're amazing! I'm impressed!" Frank wasn't just flattering her. To practice his own song well, he had listened to many famous classical-style songs, and that's when he discovered how famous Chloe was in the classical music scene. Several of her popular breakout hits were sung by her. A singer of Chloe's caliber should have been famous long ago.
"Oh, no, Teacher Frank, you're the amazing one!" Chloe's face flushed, feeling a bit embarrassed. She then continued: "Oh, right, in the version of No Makeup you sang with Teacher Cecilia, I think the second verse could be like this..." As she spoke, she actually started discussing professional matters with Frank. Frank, naturally, welcomed such an excellent singer, and the two quickly became immersed in their musical discussion.
The others exchanged glances. What was going on? Why was Chloe so fond of Frank Castle? Wasn't she afraid of being dragged down by him?
Just then, Alex Stone walked in from outside. Seeing Frank Castle and Chloe huddled together, talking intimately, he frowned, a surge of displeasure rising within him. How could a beautiful and talented girl like Chloe be tainted by a jerk like Frank Castle?
Alex Stone walked directly between Frank Castle and Chloe, rudely interrupting their conversation, and said to Chloe: "Chloe, Frank Castle is a violent maniac. Be careful, he might hit you."
A hush fell over the surroundings. The contestants, of course, knew about the rumors of Frank Castle assaulting staff, but no one would bring it up directly like Alex Stone. If the production team were secretly filming right now, it would be quite dramatic.
Chloe was deeply engrossed in her discussion with Frank when she was suddenly interrupted. She was a bit bewildered, while Frank Castle simply smiled.
Alex Stone looked coldly at Frank: "You're just a violent maniac who only hits women. What are you laughing at?"
Frank chuckled: "Since you say I only hit women, then you should also be careful. Standing so close, aren't you afraid of getting hit by me?"
Alex Stone was startled. Chloe, beside him, had already uttered an "Oh," looking at Alex Stone with an enlightened expression. Alex Stone then realized that Frank Castle was once again mocking him for being effeminate!
"Frank Castle!" Alex Stone pointed at Frank but dared not speak further. That day at the entrance of Evergreen Recording Studio, even with Amelia and Liam, he couldn't win an argument against Frank. Now that he was alone, wouldn't he just be asking for humiliation? Alex Stone scoffed and turned to walk away.
Others found it strange. Alex Stone, being so humiliated by Frank, actually endured it?
Alex Stone's face was expressionless, but in his heart, he was recalling Amelia Quinn's words: "Frank Castle isn't good at classical style. This episode's theme is unfavorable to him. He'll most likely be eliminated." Since Frank was destined to be eliminated, why bother arguing with a loser?
"Director Scott, we've already been scolded by many people in the last episode. How about we eliminate Frank Castle this episode?" In the production team's meeting room, the associate director was suggesting to Director Scott. Others also echoed: "Yes, we've already gotten enough of Frank's traffic. Keeping him might be counterproductive now." Another added: "I agree. Besides, this episode's theme clearly doesn't suit Frank's style. Eliminating him would be justifiable." "Just now, there were so many of Frank's anti-fans downstairs. If we don't eliminate Frank, they might rush up next time."
What they said was actually reasonable. Director Scott's initial intention in having Frank Castle and Amelia Quinn participate in The Voice of America was to create some negative publicity and boost the show's popularity. That goal had now been achieved. Frank Castle had also been exposed in an assault scandal, and his continued presence might drag down the production team.
Facing the numerous opinions from the production team members, Director Scott, however, wore a righteous expression: "What are all of you talking about? It sounds like our show is rigged!" He exclaimed: "The Voice of America is an absolutely fair show! The stay or departure of every contestant depends on their own strength!" He continued: "There will absolutely be no shameless acts of manipulating audience scores!" Director Scott sternly declared: "What you all are suggesting would be a grave injustice to me. Never bring it up again!"
Director Scott's righteous and forceful words stunned everyone. Shameless acts of manipulating audience scores... wasn't that what you did in the first season, Director Scott? Are you scolding yourself now?
"Director Scott..."
"That's enough! From now on, my show will only be about talent, without any of that messy stuff! And I will never yield to any so-called big-name guests!" Director Scott waved his hand, seemingly glowing. "Now, everyone, get to work!"
"Yes." Everyone had no choice but to leave. A few female staff members couldn't help but look back at Director Scott, and suddenly felt that a bald man in his forties could actually be quite handsome.
After everyone had left, Director Scott got up, closed and locked the door. He picked up his phone and dialed a number, a fawning smile instantly appearing on his face:
"Ms. Monroe, I've already given the instructions as you wished. This episode will absolutely have no dark operations. We'll rely purely on strength!" He chuckled: "Yes, yes... Oh, right, Frank Castle is quite talented. Do you think we should help him?"
"You have confidence in him? Good, good, no problem! It's my honor to work for you!"
After hanging up, Director Scott's mouth was agape, and he murmured:
"Hiss... I wonder if Diva Queen Celeste is even better to her ex-nephew-in-law than to her niece?"