"Cut! This line is terrible. Who cracked their voice?" Assistant Director Hayden Hunter waved his hand, stopped the recording, and looked at the children in the studio.
After a moment, a girl tentatively raised her hand, "I'm sorry, Mr. Hunter, it was me."
"All right, it's you, Miss Millie." Hayden had intended to comment further, but ended up sighing and shrugging, "Never mind, let's take a break, everyone."
The children, relieved that the assistant wasn't angry, let out a collective sigh and went outside in a group to take a break. Hayden settled into a nearby chair and let out a sigh.
"What's the matter? Can't you handle these kids?" Recording engineer Bill teased.
Hayden looked at him for a moment, then chuckled and shook his head, "That's the difference between a director and an assistant director."
After a moment's thought he stood up again, "Well, I'm going to go check on John. Hopefully Angela's argument with him is over and he can take over this side of the work!"
As he left the recording room and stepped into the hallway, the playful chatter that had filled the air abruptly stopped. It was as if a television had been turned off, and the MMC teens froze, staring at Hayden. The assistant director could only offer a wry smile, "All right, kids, it's break time. You're free to move around, just don't disturb anyone."
Nevertheless, the stern demeanor during the taping had left a lasting impression on the children. Despite his reassurances, the boys and girls continued to converse in hushed groups, glancing at him periodically. Hayden could only roll his eyes helplessly and hasten to leave. He was unaware that a pair of glistening eyes were fixed on him.
"Come on, Erica, let's catch up." A girl of about eleven with light brown hair beckoned to her companion, her gaze fixed on Hayden's retreating figure.
"Do we have to?" Inquired her companion, a girl of the same age with short brown hair.
"Absolutely, I'm sure I saw right. That's definitely Angela, and she's with Mr. Burns. Hayden is probably on his way to find Mr. Burns, so we can follow." The girl explained, turning to another boy, "Joshua, will you join us?"
"But..." The boy hesitated, his eyes still on Hayden's departing back.
"Don't 'but' me, let's go." The girl saw the assistant director about to disappear around a corner, promptly grabbed a hand from each of her companions, and followed him.
Not far behind Hayden, two girls and a boy crept forward with the subtlety of secret agents, pretending to be deep in conversation whenever a staff member passed by to avoid attracting attention. Over the past few days, the MMC kids had been recording at the music company, and the staff had become accustomed to their presence, hardly bothering them with questions.
After traversing a few hallways, Hayden pushed open the door to a room - the instrument room. The three children playfully stuck their tongues out at each other before stealthily entering. Although the door was slightly ajar, they dared not get too close. Still, they could hear fragments of the conversation inside.
"...I really hoped your discussion would be over by now, but it seems we have another century to go..." This was Hayden's voice, tinged with a hint of helplessness.
"...Don't worry, Hayden. Can't you manage a bunch of kids?" That was probably Music Director Mr. Burns.
After a few chuckles, a clear and melodious voice said, "I think Mr. Hayden is managing not just one child, but a group of them. The contrast is significant."
"If you really want to help Hayden, Miss Angela, I suggest we finish our discussion as soon as possible."
It really was Angela Mason! The three of them nodded excitedly at each other and started to get closer when a voice suddenly came from behind them, "Hey, what are you doing?"
The kids were startled and stood up almost reflexively, pretending to discuss something. Of course, it only took them a few seconds to realize what was going on. They exchanged glances, then looked cautiously at the employee who had appeared, a white man in his thirties.
"Hello sir, we are members of the MMC. We... were just taking a break and ended up here by accident," the girl with light brown hair boldly stepped forward and explained.
The staff member looked at the three of them, then glanced at the instrument room not far away before waving his hand, "All right, kids, this isn't where you're supposed to be. Go back quickly."
The three kids exchanged a look and quickly retraced their steps. They continued down the corridor until they turned into another hallway, where they saw the staff member still standing, watching them.
"This is bad. If Mr. Hunter had heard the noise and come out, we'd be in trouble," the little boy, Joshua, complained.
"We're lucky the employee left before Mr. Hunter came out, or we'd still be in trouble," Erica chimed in.
"Well, my mistake. I think we're in the clear," the girl with the light brown hair shrugged, but then suddenly stopped.
"What's wrong?" Erica, who had noticed her stop, stopped as well.
"How about we go back now?" The girl's eyes sparkled. "That person must have left by now."
"What a terrible idea," Joshua shook his head. "What if we get caught on the way back?"
"Don't be so timid, Joshua! Even if we get caught, we'll just get a little scolding. Nothing serious. I just want to see Angela." The girl said casually, then looked at Erica. "And you, Erica? Aren't you going back?"
"This time I agree with Joshua," Erica spread her hands and shook her head.
"Well then, I'll go alone. Don't be jealous later." The girl raised a finger, shook it, and turned to run back to the instrument room. She was almost back to where they had just been, and the other two kids were still behind her. The girl mumbled something, then pressed herself against the wall and headed back to the music room.
Soon she heard a voice again. This time, however, it wasn't someone talking, but a woman's singing voice. It was very light and infectious, rising and falling with the soothing piano melody. It was so pleasant to listen to that the girl couldn't help but be captivated. Who could it be? Singing such a beautiful song.
When the song ended, applause rang out from inside. If it hadn't been for the girl's quick reaction, she would have almost started clapping herself. Then Mr. Burns' admiring voice sounded from inside, "That was amazing, you're a natural singer, Angela.
"Yeah, I totally agree," Hayden chimed in.
Angela sang that? The girl outside was completely shocked. Angela was only a year older than her. How could such an ethereal voice belong to a child like her?
"Thanks for the compliment. Anyway, I'll stick to my style. Just pay attention to how the songs complement each other in the remaining few. Well, I have to go to the bathroom. Thank you," Angela said.
Footsteps approached the door and the girl outside quickly ran in the opposite direction, taking a few steps down the hallway before turning into it.
After catching her breath, she looked out cautiously and saw a pretty girl coming out of the instrument room. The petite figure was similar to hers, and her facial features were round and pointed, radiating charm. It was the same feeling she had when she saw her a few months ago. A feeling of enchantment. Unfortunately, the girl turned quickly, leaving only her back. The eyes the girl wanted to see were nowhere to be found.
The girl tapped the wall lightly in annoyance, hesitating whether or not to follow her into the bathroom. She was also confused - what was Angela doing at the record company? She had come once a few months ago, and now she was here again.
What was the purpose?
Suddenly it dawned on her, and the girl almost exclaimed, "Angela Mason! Wasn't that Miss AM?" If it had been before, she might have doubted it, but she had just heard her singing, such a melodious voice.
Now there was no doubt!
Sticking her head out to make sure no one was around, the excited girl darted into the bathroom, startling Angela, who was washing her hands.
"Hi, Angela!" the girl caught her breath and looked at her excitedly.
"Hello, may I ask who you are?" Angela seemed to understand and smiled as she asked. Then she furrowed her brow slightly, as if trying to see more clearly. "Have we... met before?"
"Yes, yes, we have!" the girl nodded eagerly. "Do you remember? A few months ago, we were... in the bathroom, too." She looked around, a little embarrassed. "I mean, we met in the bathroom."
"I remember now! You were with another girl and you asked me if I was a new member of MMC," Angela exclaimed with realization.
"Yes, I am! Too bad I didn't recognize you then," the girl said excitedly, her brown eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.
Angela chuckled, then frowned again. "No, that's not it. I remember seeing you somewhere else."
"Really? Maybe it was on TV. I'm also a member of MMC, and we often perform on TV." The girl puffed out her chest slightly, as if pleased that Angela had seen her performances.
But Angela's puzzled expression showed clearly that that wasn't what she meant. She didn't seem to get it and just smiled again and asked, "By the way, what's your name?"
"Huh? Oh, I'm sorry, I'm being presumptuous. I'm Britney Spears. I'm from Louisiana. I really like your... Angela, are you... okay?"
"Cut! This line is terrible. Who cracked their voice?" Assistant Director Hayden Hunter waved his hand, stopped the recording, and looked at the children in the studio.
After a moment, a girl tentatively raised her hand, "I'm sorry, Mr. Hunter, it was me."
"All right, it's you, Miss Millie." Hayden had intended to comment further, but ended up sighing and shrugging, "Never mind, let's take a break, everyone."
The children, relieved that the assistant wasn't angry, let out a collective sigh and went outside in a group to take a break. Hayden settled into a nearby chair and let out a sigh.
"What's the matter? Can't you handle these kids?" Recording engineer Bill teased.
Hayden looked at him for a moment, then chuckled and shook his head, "That's the difference between a director and an assistant director."
After a moment's thought he stood up again, "Well, I'm going to go check on John. Hopefully Angela's argument with him is over and he can take over this side of the work!"
As he left the recording room and stepped into the hallway, the playful chatter that had filled the air abruptly stopped. It was as if a television had been turned off, and the MMC teens froze, staring at Hayden. The assistant director could only offer a wry smile, "All right, kids, it's break time. You're free to move around, just don't disturb anyone."
Nevertheless, the stern demeanor during the taping had left a lasting impression on the children. Despite his reassurances, the boys and girls continued to converse in hushed groups, glancing at him periodically. Hayden could only roll his eyes helplessly and hasten to leave. He was unaware that a pair of glistening eyes were fixed on him.
"Come on, Erica, let's catch up." A girl of about eleven with light brown hair beckoned to her companion, her gaze fixed on Hayden's retreating figure.
"Do we have to?" Inquired her companion, a girl of the same age with short brown hair.
"Absolutely, I'm sure I saw right. That's definitely Angela, and she's with Mr. Burns. Hayden is probably on his way to find Mr. Burns, so we can follow." The girl explained, turning to another boy, "Joshua, will you join us?"
"But..." The boy hesitated, his eyes still on Hayden's departing back.
"Don't 'but' me, let's go." The girl saw the assistant director about to disappear around a corner, promptly grabbed a hand from each of her companions, and followed him.
Not far behind Hayden, two girls and a boy crept forward with the subtlety of secret agents, pretending to be deep in conversation whenever a staff member passed by to avoid attracting attention. Over the past few days, the MMC kids had been recording at the music company, and the staff had become accustomed to their presence, hardly bothering them with questions.
After traversing a few hallways, Hayden pushed open the door to a room - the instrument room. The three children playfully stuck their tongues out at each other before stealthily entering. Although the door was slightly ajar, they dared not get too close. Still, they could hear fragments of the conversation inside.
"...I really hoped your discussion would be over by now, but it seems we have another century to go..." This was Hayden's voice, tinged with a hint of helplessness.
"...Don't worry, Hayden. Can't you manage a bunch of kids?" That was probably Music Director Mr. Burns.
After a few chuckles, a clear and melodious voice said, "I think Mr. Hayden is managing not just one child, but a group of them. The contrast is significant."
"If you really want to help Hayden, Miss Angela, I suggest we finish our discussion as soon as possible."
It really was Angela Mason! The three of them nodded excitedly at each other and started to get closer when a voice suddenly came from behind them, "Hey, what are you doing?"
The kids were startled and stood up almost reflexively, pretending to discuss something. Of course, it only took them a few seconds to realize what was going on. They exchanged glances, then looked cautiously at the employee who had appeared, a white man in his thirties.
"Hello sir, we are members of the MMC. We... were just taking a break and ended up here by accident," the girl with light brown hair boldly stepped forward and explained.
The staff member looked at the three of them, then glanced at the instrument room not far away before waving his hand, "All right, kids, this isn't where you're supposed to be. Go back quickly."
The three kids exchanged a look and quickly retraced their steps. They continued down the corridor until they turned into another hallway, where they saw the staff member still standing, watching them.
"This is bad. If Mr. Hunter had heard the noise and come out, we'd be in trouble," the little boy, Joshua, complained.
"We're lucky the employee left before Mr. Hunter came out, or we'd still be in trouble," Erica chimed in.
"Well, my mistake. I think we're in the clear," the girl with the light brown hair shrugged, but then suddenly stopped.
"What's wrong?" Erica, who had noticed her stop, stopped as well.
"How about we go back now?" The girl's eyes sparkled. "That person must have left by now."
"What a terrible idea," Joshua shook his head. "What if we get caught on the way back?"
"Don't be so timid, Joshua! Even if we get caught, we'll just get a little scolding. Nothing serious. I just want to see Angela." The girl said casually, then looked at Erica. "And you, Erica? Aren't you going back?"
"This time I agree with Joshua," Erica spread her hands and shook her head.
"Well then, I'll go alone. Don't be jealous later." The girl raised a finger, shook it, and turned to run back to the instrument room. She was almost back to where they had just been, and the other two kids were still behind her. The girl mumbled something, then pressed herself against the wall and headed back to the music room.
Soon she heard a voice again. This time, however, it wasn't someone talking, but a woman's singing voice. It was very light and infectious, rising and falling with the soothing piano melody. It was so pleasant to listen to that the girl couldn't help but be captivated. Who could it be? Singing such a beautiful song.
When the song ended, applause rang out from inside. If it hadn't been for the girl's quick reaction, she would have almost started clapping herself. Then Mr. Burns' admiring voice sounded from inside, "That was amazing, you're a natural singer, Angela.
"Yeah, I totally agree," Hayden chimed in.
Angela sang that? The girl outside was completely shocked. Angela was only a year older than her. How could such an ethereal voice belong to a child like her?
"Thanks for the compliment. Anyway, I'll stick to my style. Just pay attention to how the songs complement each other in the remaining few. Well, I have to go to the bathroom. Thank you," Angela said.
Footsteps approached the door and the girl outside quickly ran in the opposite direction, taking a few steps down the hallway before turning into it.
After catching her breath, she looked out cautiously and saw a pretty girl coming out of the instrument room. The petite figure was similar to hers, and her facial features were round and pointed, radiating charm. It was the same feeling she had when she saw her a few months ago. A feeling of enchantment. Unfortunately, the girl turned quickly, leaving only her back. The eyes the girl wanted to see were nowhere to be found.
The girl tapped the wall lightly in annoyance, hesitating whether or not to follow her into the bathroom. She was also confused - what was Angela doing at the record company? She had come once a few months ago, and now she was here again.
What was the purpose?
Suddenly it dawned on her, and the girl almost exclaimed, "Angela Mason! Wasn't that Miss AM?" If it had been before, she might have doubted it, but she had just heard her singing, such a melodious voice.
Now there was no doubt!
Sticking her head out to make sure no one was around, the excited girl darted into the bathroom, startling Angela, who was washing her hands.
"Hi, Angela!" the girl caught her breath and looked at her excitedly.
"Hello, may I ask who you are?" Angela seemed to understand and smiled as she asked. Then she furrowed her brow slightly, as if trying to see more clearly. "Have we... met before?"
"Yes, yes, we have!" the girl nodded eagerly. "Do you remember? A few months ago, we were... in the bathroom, too." She looked around, a little embarrassed. "I mean, we met in the bathroom."
"I remember now! You were with another girl and you asked me if I was a new member of MMC," Angela exclaimed with realization.
"Yes, I am! Too bad I didn't recognize you then," the girl said excitedly, her brown eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.
Angela chuckled, then frowned again. "No, that's not it. I remember seeing you somewhere else."
"Really? Maybe it was on TV. I'm also a member of MMC, and we often perform on TV." The girl puffed out her chest slightly, as if pleased that Angela had seen her performances.
But Angela's puzzled expression showed clearly that that wasn't what she meant. She didn't seem to get it and just smiled again and asked, "By the way, what's your name?"
"Huh? Oh, I'm sorry, I'm being presumptuous. I'm Britney Spears. I'm from Louisiana. I really like your... Angela, are you... okay?"
