"Mr. Castle, our theme for the second episode has been set. The director asked me to inform you."
Frank took a taxi to the address Celeste Monroe had given him. It was a standalone house in the suburbs, its exterior looking like a converted factory building. Above the door hung an inconspicuous small sign: Evergreen Recording Studio. This was Celeste Monroe's friend's recording studio.
Frank was about to knock on the door when his phone suddenly rang. It was from Olivia Liu, her voice still so vibrant and a little youthful, like a doll's.
"The theme is called... 'Ancient Virtue.'"
"'Ancient Virtue'?" Frank frowned slightly. "Classical-fusion?"
"Does it sound strange?" Olivia Liu lowered her voice, starting to complain: "Exactly! Our Director Miller loves to come up with these ideas that he thinks are profound but just sound weird to everyone else. Mr. Castle, you'll have to really figure it out!" She continued, "Also, Mr. Castle, your performance today was amazing! I'm your fan, keep it up! See you next week!"
"Thank you, Olivia. See you next week!" Frank smiled, feeling a warmth in his heart. After his divorce from Amelia, he had been blacklisted online, but he had still met many good people. Aunt Celeste, Olivia Liu, Chloe Campbell, Emily Chen—they hadn't looked at him with prejudiced eyes; instead, they treated him as an ordinary singer. So, when you feel abandoned by the world, take a closer look around; you'll always find kindness you hadn't noticed.
Right, the theme for the next episode. "Ancient Virtue." Frank pondered for a moment, then couldn't help but chuckle wryly. This Director Miller, he really has a big appetite.
"Hahaha, isn't my theme much better than ordinary classical-fusion?"
At this moment, in the director's office of "The Voice of America" at the Los Angeles TV Station. Director Miller was triumphantly speaking to several assistant directors. After seeing Chloe Campbell's stunning performance, one assistant director had suggested a classical-fusion theme for the next episode. Director Miller, however, felt that most current popular classical-fusion music was too soft, melancholic, and romantic; the audience was tired of love songs. This time, he wanted to add something different.
Director Miller's shrewd mind turned, and he came up with what he considered a brilliant idea: classical-fusion with profound meaning. It would have both the mournful classical charm and the passionate spirit of justice. This was a new lane! Director Miller immediately became excited, swiftly deciding on this theme and instructing staff to inform the contestants, urging them to prepare early.
Now, facing Director Miller's "praise me quickly" expression, several assistant directors immediately started flattering him:
"Director Miller is a genius! I can't wait!"
"This theme is groundbreaking! It's unique in heaven and on earth! Director Miller is explosively awesome!"
"Director Miller, you're my dad!"
Seeing Director Miller laugh heartily, the others exchanged glances, silently complaining in their hearts: "Your 'Ancient Virtue' sounds awkward. It's a miracle if the contestants even understand what you mean!"
The assistant director who had suggested eliminating Frank in the second episode was quite pleased. Frank's songwriting style and singing ability clearly had nothing to do with classical-fusion. He would likely be eliminated in the next episode based on sheer ability. That would be good; it was clear that Frank's relationship with Amelia, Liam, and Diva Celeste was very problematic. It would be better to eliminate this ticking time bomb as soon as possible.
Knock, knock, knock.
Frank knocked on the black wooden door in front of him. After a long moment, the wooden door creaked open a crack, revealing a face full of wrinkles.
"Good day, sir. I am Celeste Monroe's... junior. She sent me here." Frank said politely.
"Hmph, that little Celeste always gives me trouble. Come in." The old man had short, bristly white hair, like upright knife blades, and a face full of wrinkles, but his eyes were extremely sharp. It was clear he wasn't in the best of moods. He reluctantly opened the door, leading Frank into the recording studio with an annoyed expression. "You can use the equipment out here. You can't go in there."
The recording studio was large, a spacious, converted factory floor filled with dozens of musical instruments, both Western and traditional American. In the center was a set of recording equipment. The old man pointed towards a corner where a separate room had been built. Looking through the glass window, one could see a small recording studio inside, with equipment several grades higher than what was outside. That was the most valuable part of Evergreen Recording Studio. No wonder the old man wouldn't let him in; only Celeste Monroe probably had the privilege of using such top-tier equipment.
Frank didn't mind. He just needed a place to practice. He nodded in agreement: "Okay, Mr. Yuan, thank you for providing the space. How do you usually charge? I'll pay."
"If I charged, could you afford it?" The old man scoffed, then paused. "You know me?" Frank had called out his surname, clearly recognizing him. The old man was very surprised. He had been retired for years; were there still young people who knew him?
"Mr. Aaron Yuan, you are the top music producer in American music, having created countless platinum albums and made countless music superstars famous."
"I chose music production as my major in college because of your influence. I never expected to meet you in person today; it's truly an honor!"
The old man's name was Aaron Yuan, a behind-the-scenes hero of a glorious era in American music. At that time, American pop music swept across the world, leading an era. Aaron Yuan was a music producer who had produced countless singles and albums for numerous singers, but because he was always behind the scenes, his fame was not widespread. Later, with old age, he retired from the industry and was long forgotten.
Now, to be recognized at a glance by a young man like Frank, who even claimed to be his fan, Aaron Yuan's expression softened. Then he turned his back again, letting out a cold snort: "Don't think flattery will get you into the recording room. I'm doing this out of respect for little Celeste. Lily, watch him. I'm going to take a nap."
"Okay, Grandpa." A girl of about twenty ran out from the adjacent lounge. Her dark hair reached her waist, her eyes were bright, and her teeth were white, carrying a gentle and intellectual bookish air. Her almond-shaped eyes curiously scrutinized Frank.
After handing Frank over to his granddaughter, Aaron Yuan walked directly into the recording room and closed the door with a bang. The gentle girl quietly said to Frank: "I'm sorry, my grandpa isn't in a very good mood. Please don't take it personally."
Frank quickly replied: "Mr. Yuan is a towering figure. I only have respect for him." Frank's words were not flattery. Back then, American music was invaded by European and Asian trends, and American musicians fought hard, eventually reclaiming America's musical and cultural ground. Aaron Yuan, though behind the scenes, had contributed immensely. Frank respected such principled musicians from the bottom of his heart.
Seeing Frank's serious tone, the girl smiled gently at him: "Thank you. My grandpa is actually very happy that someone remembers him. Oh, do you need to record a song? I can help you."
Frank needed to complete the homework Celeste Monroe had assigned him, and indeed needed help with recording. He quickly said: "Then I'll trouble you. My name is Frank Castle."
The girl's voice was gentle and soft: "My name is Lily Yuan."
Frank smiled and nodded. Flowing water, distant mountains, a jade instrument... Her name suits her.
Neither of them were particularly talkative. Frank quickly started his "homework." In an hour, he finished recording the vocal exercises assigned by Celeste Monroe and sent them to her. When she didn't reply, Frank began practicing songs for the next episode of "The Voice of America." Regarding the "Ancient Virtue" theme, Frank actually had a very suitable song.