Watching Amelia's desperate efforts to appear as if she was afraid Frank would cling to her, Frank shook his head and chuckled.
"Amelia, when did you become so conceited? You just got divorced; you didn't lose your mind."
Amelia frowned. "Frank, you never used to talk to me like that."
Frank said indifferently, "Before, you were my wife. Now, what are you?"
"Frank! You..." Amelia, worried someone might overhear, suppressed her anger and stepped closer, lowering her voice: "I'll give you a million dollars and help your sister find a job. Just don't bother me anymore, okay?"
Frank looked indifferent. "Getting so close, aren't you afraid of being 'abused' by me?"
Amelia paused, a flicker of panic in her eyes, then adopted an innocent expression: "You and I both know that's just online slander. Why are you saying this? Can't we just part ways amicably?"
"You're the one who doesn't want to part amicably. A good dog doesn't block the way." Frank walked around Amelia towards the restroom.
Amelia's face darkened, and she said coldly: "Frank, what have you done for me all these years? You always said you'd be the best original songwriter in American pop, that you'd write the best songs for me to sing!"
"But after all these years, what have you actually created?!"
"I was working hard out there all by myself, and you couldn't help me with anything!"
"I haven't done anything to wrong you!"
Frank didn't even bother to turn his head. "Want to see what I've created? Fine, you'll find out when I go on stage later." With that, he walked straight away.
Watching Frank's seemingly unchanging calm figure, Amelia bit her lip, her fists clenched. "Frank, how did you become like this?"
Frank returned to the backstage lounge. The assistant director clapped his hands, gathering the thirty-six contestants around, then announced loudly:
"Listen up, everyone. Our first episode's theme is: Old Flames!"
"The Voice of America" had a theme for each episode, and contestants could either cover songs or perform originals. The assistant director informed the contestants in advance to give them time to prepare. However, the theme "Old Flames" had a rather suggestive meaning.
Instantly, everyone's gaze turned towards Frank. He and Amelia – wasn't that precisely an "old flame"?
A female contestant whispered, "The production team isn't doing this on purpose, are they?"
Everyone else looked at her as if she were an idiot; it was obviously on purpose!
"No wonder the production team brought Frank in. They must want to milk him for his last bit of fame, using him for his final wave of buzz!" Frank and Amelia's divorce had been such a massive scandal, generating immense traffic. With the "abusive husband" and "jealous husband" labels, Frank had no chance of staying in the entertainment industry. Inviting him wouldn't cost an appearance fee and could still generate a lot of buzz. Calling it "milking him for his last bit of fame" was accurate.
The assistant director took in everyone's expressions, inwardly delighted. This episode's theme was truly brilliant; once the show aired, it was sure to be a massive hit. Director Miller was truly formidable!
His face, however, remained expressionless, maintaining a business-like demeanor: "Everyone, prepare well. Later, report your song choices and required instruments to me." Contestants needed to select songs based on the theme to allow the production team to prepare backing tracks in advance. For original songs, the production team would prepare the necessary instruments for the contestant.
The theme "Old Flames" was actually quite simple; many songs fit. Contestants quickly reported their chosen songs, most of which were covers. After all, singer-songwriters were still rare.
When it was Alex Stone's turn, he announced loudly: "I'll be performing an original. Please prepare a grand piano for me." His showboating was effective; a chorus of gasps rose around him:
"Wow! An original!"
"Can he really compose an original song that fits the theme in such a short time?"
"It must be something he wrote before that just happens to fit the theme."
"Even so, that's impressive!"
Alex Stone wore a proud expression, glancing at Frank. "I heard some people here are renowned songwriters. They should have their own original songs, right?"
The term "renowned songwriter" made several female contestants stifle giggles. Frank had only been moderately famous before; he certainly wasn't "renowned." Alex Stone's remark was truly aimed at hurting.
Amidst the many peculiar gazes, Frank calmly addressed a staff member: "Please just get me an acoustic guitar."
"Wow!"
"Frank is doing an original too?"
"No way?"
"Didn't he lose his ability to write songs a long time ago? That's why Ms. Quinn divorced him!"
"Don't talk nonsense! Ms. Quinn divorced him because of jealousy and domestic abuse!"
Alex Stone scoffed: "Just an acoustic guitar, and you dare to go on stage? Do you think this is a college talent show?"
Frank glanced at him. "I did participate in college singing competitions. As a judge, though." Back in college, Frank was a celebrated talent. From his sophomore year, he had served as a judge for various campus competitions. Amelia Quinn, at that time, was a contestant but never won first place.
"You, you..." Alex Stone pointed at Frank, again speechless and choked with anger. Frank suddenly found the young man a bit amusing – so weak, yet so eager to play, purely entertaining him.
Soon, all contestants had reported their song choices and instruments. Out of thirty-six people, thirty chose covers, and six opted for originals. One adorable-looking girl requested a classical guitar. This girl was quite distinctive; she had a face like a high schooler but a figure more voluptuous than a mature woman, giving her a "baby face, bombshell body" appeal. Several male contestants kept stealing glances at her. Frank looked at the contestant badge pinned to her chest: Chloe Campbell. That name sounded somewhat familiar.
Chloe Campbell saw Frank looking at her and shrank back, looking as if she wanted to disappear into the floor. Frank shook his head. It seemed his reputation truly was terrible if even young girls were so afraid of him.
Outside, the live audience had begun to enter. The assistant director needed to arrange the stage and, before leaving the backstage area, said to everyone: "Oh, I forgot to tell you, from the moment I announced the theme, the show has already started recording." With that, he walked out of the backstage lounge with a mischievous grin.
Alex Stone froze. Already recording? So his sarcastic remarks about Frank, and Frank's retorts, had all been recorded?
Oh no!
Mentor's Lounge.
"Old Flames?"
Amelia's face immediately darkened when a staff member informed her of the episode's theme. The meaning of this theme was too obvious; it was clearly about her and Frank! No wonder Director Miller had so readily agreed to have her on "The Voice of America"; he was using her and Frank to create buzz for the show! Amelia felt used and humiliated.
She abruptly stood up and started to walk out. Liam Reed, who had just entered, quickly stopped her.
"Amelia, we're not big enough yet. Let's just endure it."
Amelia's chest heaved with anger. "It's all Frank's fault! If he hadn't chased me to this show, none of this would be happening!"
Liam persuaded her: "Amelia, as long as we eliminate Frank as quickly as possible, he won't be able to cling to you anymore."
Amelia's eyes lit up at his words. "You're right. I'm a mentor; he's a contestant. His fate is in my hands!" A resolute glint appeared on Amelia's delicate face.
She had decided. No matter how Frank got onto "The Voice of America," she would personally eliminate him!
Frank, since you insist on humiliating yourself, don't blame me for being ruthless!