Building The Strongest Family-Chapter 63: Chosen

As the audition unfolded backstage, a lively crowd of artists buzzed with anticipation.

Among them were singers and their personal managers, all eager to support their talents in this crucial moment.

At the end of the line stood Mary, a striking twenty-year-old with an elegant face and graceful figure.

She was deeply engrossed in the lyrics and scores clutched in her hands, her brow furrowed in concentration.

"This is really difficult!" she exclaimed, shaking her head with a heavy sigh.

"Mary, why the long face?" asked Gloria, a mature woman in her thirties who handed Mary a bottle of water.

Gloria was not just any manager; she was Mary's dedicated assistant assigned by the company.

"It's nothing, Gloria! It's just that this song demands such a powerful emotional voice," Mary replied with a faint smile.

Although new to the company, having released only one song that garnered moderate success,Mary had decided to stay when Osborn Media and Entertainment Group acquired her label.

Despite the option to terminate contracts without penalties, she felt confident under Gloria's guidance.

In this industry, every artist has a personal manager whose success is intertwined with their talent's recognition. "Why? Is it really that hard?" Gloria asked as she settled beside Mary.

"Yes," Mary nodded earnestly. "This song requires a voice that blends purity with raw power, like crystal shattering under pressure! It needs to shift from an intimate whisper to a thunderous declaration."

Her eyes sparkled as she continued passionately, "It should evoke feelings so profound that listeners can sense both cold air and warm love defying death."

Gloria listened intently but frowned at Mary's description. "I heard this song will be the main theme for an upcoming movie our company is producing," she said thoughtfully.

"Exactly! That's why everyone here is scrambling for this audition," Mary replied seriously. "If the movie becomes popular, so will we!"

"I also heard they've allocated 400 million Unicreds for this film, a huge budget for a romance!" Gloria added incredulously.

"Right? This opportunity is too good to pass up!" Mary said anxiously. Although only female singers were competing today,which eased some pressure, the competition remained fierce with many renowned artists vying for attention.

"What if you envision something deeper while singing? Picture a love so profound that even separation or death can't extinguish it," Gloria suggested after studying the lyrics closely.

"Think about flipping through old letters or standing at a graveside; let your tone be soft like wind over a coffin, gentle yet heavy."

"Are you sure?"Mary asked, her face a mix of hesitation and curiosity as she processed Gloria's words.

Gloria smiled slightly, her experience shining through. "You know, I've managed various artists for about ten years now. Over that time, I've encountered countless songs and diverse singing styles."

Mary nodded, eager to absorb every bit of advice.

"If you study the lyrics closely," Gloria continued, "they evoke a profound sense of longing, not just any longing, but a deep love that transcends even death.

The emotional weight is heartbreaking. When you sing, envision a lost love or someone dear whom you've lost."

Mary paused to reflect on this insight before smiling back at Gloria. "Thank you for the advice!"

"Don't mention it! After all, my success hinges on your performance," Gloria said bluntly.

With newfound determination, Mary nodded and focused intently on rehearsing the emotions Gloria had described.

------------

As time ticked by during the auditions, Arthur's disappointment grew with each performer who took the stage.

Nearly ten singers had come and gone without meeting his expectations.

"Arthur, there are quite a few with lovely voices; they seem perfect for the song!" Emily leaned in closer to whisper.

"Some meet basic criteria," Arthur replied seriously, shaking his head. "But without that essential spark, the soul of the song is missing."

Emily raised an eyebrow in disbelief. "Since when did you become an expert in music?"

Arthur's lips twitched into a slight smile as he simply replied, "I learn."

Emily shook her head dismissively but couldn't help but feel intrigued by Arthur's confidence.

As more singers came forward only to fall short of expectations, Emily softly called out for the next contestant: "Next!"

-----------

"Okay Mary, it's your turn! Don't be nervous, just relax and do what we practiced," Gloria urged solemnly as she stood before Mary.

"I won't let you down; I'll give it my all!" Mary promised with determination before stepping onto the stage.

As she faced the judges' stern expressions and scrutinizing gazes, nerves crept in.

Taking a deep breath and closing her eyes, she envisioned vivid images that resonated with her heartache.

Then she opened her mouth and began to sing:

Every night in my dreams

I see you; I feel you

That is how I know you go on...

Far across the distance

And spaces between us

You have come to show you go on...

Arthur had been scrolling through his phone when he expected yet another lackluster performance, but suddenly he froze mid-scroll.

He looked up at Mary singing with raw emotion etched across her face; his eyes widened in surprise.

Leaning forward attentively, excitement flickered across his features as he listened intently.

Even Emily found herself captivated by Mary's enchanting voice.

A few minutes later, Mary paused her singing, glancing nervously at Arthur and the others.

Tears shimmered in the corners of her eyes as she recalled Gloria's suggestion.

With a heavy heart and the lyrics echoing in her mind, she felt an overwhelming wave of sadness wash over her.

CLAP! CLAP! CLAP!

Arthur sprang to his feet, clapping enthusiastically, his eyes ablaze with excitement as he gazed at Mary like she was a rare gem.

"Congratulations! You've qualified!" he exclaimed abruptly.

"Wait… me?" Mary stammered, shock etching across her face as she pointed to herself in disbelief.

"Yes, you've qualified!" Arthur affirmed with a serious nod, locking eyes with her.

As the reality sank in, Mary's face flushed with exhilaration.

She clenched her fists tightly, barely able to contain her joy. "Thank you!" she said, bowing slightly in gratitude.

"You deserve it, your voice suits the song perfectly," Arthur replied with a smile.

Nodding gratefully, Mary hurried backstage, her heart bubbling with intense excitement.

"How did it go?" Gloria rushed over as soon as Mary returned to the backstage area, anxiety written all over her face.

"Gloria! I passed, I won! I qualified!" Mary blurted out in rapid succession, her expression radiating pure joy.

"What do you mean you qualified?" Gloria's jaw dropped in shock before a wave of excitement washed over her.

The other singers waiting for their turn exchanged surprised glances upon hearing their conversation.

"Everyone! Can I have your attention?" A staff member called out loudly from backstage.

The chatter instantly faded as everyone turned their focus to him. "The auditions have come to an end because the judges have selected a qualified candidate. For those who didn't make it this time, we sincerely apologize; however, our company will arrange for top songwriters to create songs for each participant along with resources to promote them," he explained.

While disappointment lingered among those still waiting or who had just auditioned, after all, opportunities like this are rare, the promise of new songs and support lifted spirits considerably.

"Miss Mary! The President would like to see you!" The staff member approached Mary and Gloria again.

"Okay! Please lead the way!" Mary replied eagerly as she and Gloria followed him backstage with wide smiles plastered on their faces.

"Mary, I can't believe it! I'm absolutely shocked and surprised—you actually won!" Gloria exclaimed, her voice bubbling with excitement as they trailed behind the male staff member.

"Right? I was just as stunned as you are now!" Mary replied, still in a daze from the unexpected victory.

Curiosity sparkled in Mary's eyes. "I wonder why the President wants to see me," she mused aloud.

Gloria grinned knowingly. "What do you think? It's probably to officially let you record your song!"

Mary smiled and nodded, but inside, her heart raced with exhilaration. This was an incredible opportunity—one she had only dreamed of!

---

"This is the President's office; you can go in now," the staff member announced before turning on his heel and walking away.

Taking a deep breath to steady herself, Mary knocked gently on the door.

"Come in," a warm male voice called from within.

Exchanging a glance with Gloria for reassurance, Mary pushed open the door and stepped into the spacious office.

Arthur lounged comfortably on a chic sofa, sipping red wine with his legs crossed while Emily sat across from him. As soon as she saw them, Emily stood up and beamed at both Mary and Gloria.

"Congratulations, Mary! You've won the audition!" she declared enthusiastically.

"Thank you so much, President!" Mary responded quickly, unable to hide her beaming smile.

Emily nodded approvingly before diving into details. "Here's what we have planned for you: The company will provide you with your own personal office and a recording studio for all your future songs! Plus, we'll assign you a dedicated team to support your journey."

She paused for effect before continuing. "And that's not all, a three-bedroom luxury apartment will be yours along with a company car! The apartment is conveniently located near our offices."

As these incredible benefits sank in, both Gloria and Mary were left speechless. Waves of joy crashed over them like an exhilarating tide; their hearts raced with excitement at this life-changing moment!