Frank stood on the stage, facing a colossal roar from the audience below, like a tidal wave. However, unlike the singers who had performed earlier, these sounds were not cheers and applause, but a chorus of insults. Frank's reputation online was simply too bad. Terms like "freeloader," "jealous husband," and "abusive man" were constantly used online, with people demanding Frank be expelled from the entertainment industry. Frank's social media inbox daily showed 99+ notifications, almost all of them insults.
Frank had never publicly defended himself, and people assumed he had truly exited the entertainment world. But they never expected him to appear on "The Voice of America." Among the live audience were many of Amelia Quinn's fans and "Twilight" 'ship' fans, who, upon seeing Frank, were instantly enraged. Most of the insults came from them.
Other audience members also looked shocked.
"Well, I've heard Director Miller is bold, but I didn't expect him to be this bold, even inviting Frank Castle?"
"Are they throwing caution to the wind for viewership?"
"I'm now worried if this season can even air normally!"
"Old Flames, Old Flames... Holy cow, I finally understand why this episode has this theme!"
Soon, someone realized, and countless astonished and wistful glances turned towards Amelia Quinn on the mentor panel. So, that's what "Old Flames" meant! The ex-wife is a mentor, the ex-husband is a contestant. Old acquaintances meet, but is there any lingering warmth? Director Miller, you really know how to play!
But then again, can Frank Castle sing? Thanks to all the smear campaigns by various marketing accounts, people now knew too much about Frank. In his early years, he was a songwriter. After his wife became famous, he became complacent and never produced another work, a classic example of an outdated creator. As for singing? They had never even heard him! And he dares to participate in a singing competition show? Isn't this just asking for humiliation?
"This guy has too much nerve!"
"Does anyone have earplugs? Lend me a pair; I don't want my ears polluted!"
"Are you being serious? While Frank might be a jerk, the songs he wrote before were actually good. Maybe he can sing."
"I'm telling you, even if Frank sings like an angel, I won't give him any points!"
The audience was in an uproar, and Amelia Quinn on the mentor panel also looked terrible. She knew Frank would appear and had mentally prepared herself, but at this moment, she still felt incredibly humiliated. Her resentment towards Frank deepened. We're already divorced, why are you still bothering me? It's fine if you have no shame, but why drag me down with you and make us both look bad?
"Amelia, are you alright?" Liam Reed beside her asked softly with concern. Amelia shook her head, forcing a smile. Liam's face showed concern, but inwardly, he sneered. Amelia's distress right now gives me a chance to comfort and get closer to her, doesn't it? Perhaps I can even break through and advance my relationship with Amelia this way.Thank you so much, Frank!
"What's going on?" Emily Chen looked bewildered. Living in New York and rarely visiting the mainland, she wasn't familiar with the situation here. Seeing the handsome and refined man on stage immediately getting mercilessly attacked by the entire audience, she was completely at a loss.
"His name is Frank Castle." James Dawson chuckled, then added: "He's Amelia Quinn's ex-husband."
Emily Chen froze, her sweet and adorable face showing the excitement of gossip. "Wow! Ex-wife is a mentor, ex-husband is a contestant. How did they divorce?" After speaking, she realized she had been too excited, covering her mouth with her hands, her big eyes blinking.
James Dawson laughed heartily: "Divorce, of course, is due to a breakdown in feelings. Heh heh, this one's going to be interesting."
According to the flow, the performance should have started, but the audience was simply too excited, the sound waves too noisy. Host Dana Peterson repeatedly tried to control the crowd, but the clamor wouldn't subside.
"Director Miller, what do we do?" The assistant director was a bit stunned. He really hadn't expected Frank's impact to be so great that the show couldn't even proceed with recording.
Director Miller frowned. He too was caught off guard; this "black traffic" was indeed hard to handle. He thought for a moment, then picked up his walkie-talkie and said to the assistant director on site: "Let's take a break first and calm the audience's emotions..."
Before Director Miller could finish, he saw a tall, elegant figure stand up from the mentor panel. Cold as frost, her powerful aura instantly enveloped the entire recording studio. The noisy audience immediately fell silent, all staring blankly at her. Diva Celeste is angry?! Is she also disgusted by Frank, and not planning to continue recording?
Celeste Monroe held the microphone, her gaze sweeping across the entire venue, and said blandly: "Standing on this stage makes you a singer. A singer lets the music speak."
Celeste Monroe sat down after speaking, and the recording studio had already returned to silence. No one dared to shout or curse loudly anymore, only whispering.
"What does the Diva Queen mean by that? Is she siding with Frank?"
"Diva Celeste is right. This is a music show; just sing well."
"Alright, today, I, Joe Smith, will give Ms. Monroe some respect!"
"I still don't believe that freeloader can sing!"
"Haha, watching that scumbag Castle make a fool of himself will be interesting!"
Seeing the audience subdued by Celeste Monroe, Director Miller quickly reminded Dana Peterson through his earpiece to continue recording.
Dana Peterson quickly said: "Then, please welcome Frank Castle as he brings us his original song – 'Plain Face'." The song title appeared on the big screen at the opportune moment:
"Plain Face"
"Plain Face? What does that song title have to do with the 'Old Flames' theme?"
"Forget it, it's already impressive for a freeloader to pull out an original. Let's just bear with it."
"I'm already prepared to give 0 points!"
The stage lights dimmed, leaving only a spotlight on Frank. Frank picked up the guitar provided by the production team, sat on a high stool, his expression calm and leisurely, as if strumming and singing in his own living room.
"Leaving aside everything else, that jerk does look good."
"No wonder Amelia Quinn used to be attracted to him."
"Just one guitar? What can he possibly sing?"
Amelia's expression was cold, her fists clenched beneath the table. Involuntarily, she recalled the first time she met Frank. It was at the school's Top Ten Singers competition. Frank was the closing act, also with just a guitar, also so calm and carefree. At that time, Frank's voice had captivated Amelia's heart from the moment he opened his mouth, making her fall in love at first sight. Later, Amelia set aside her reservations, fiercely pursuing him, and finally emerged victorious from many competitors.
When they were together, Frank had said countless times that he would be the best songwriter in American pop, that he would write the best original songs for Amelia, and make her the most famous singer. But all these years had passed, and where were the best originals you promised? While I reached such a high position through my own efforts, you were still stagnant. All those "best originals" were just a joke!
On stage, Frank held his guitar, his fingers plucking the strings. A melodious, gentle tune began, followed by Frank's voice:
Another quiet evening,
Wallowing alone in a rocking chair, enjoying the cool air.
His voice wasn't particularly magnetic or melodious, but it was rich and deep, captivating. The audience grew quieter, unconsciously listening intently, and grew more puzzled as to how these lyrics related to "Old Flames." Frank continued to sing, but the next line of lyrics caused Amelia's face to stiffen.
You ask what originals I'm still writing,
Seems like whatever I write, it's just so-so.