Voice Arena (2)

Aerine had started to prepare for the filming. It wasn't particularly big and her luggage also was not big, although her clothes were new and must also be appropriate for being seen in the camera. 

Time had passed and the contestants had finally gathered together for the first time. In a mini assembly on the first day of filming, Aerine was with Mils and the other assistant. Her entourage was considered small or even pitiful compared with other contestants. 

However, as it was a singing competition to begin with, the show still wanted to give the impression that everyone started equally, so these additional assistants were not allowed to be revealed on camera. 

It was pretty ironic, as from the beginning, this show was never an equal competition. If they really intended to do that, they would not cast already-debuted singers. In a way, this show was both a variety show and a competition show. 

Aerine was seated at the back, and no one really approached her. Aerine felt grateful about it, as she was still practicing how to make small talk with others. 

There were only sixteen contestants and some staff inside the room; Mils and the other managers or personal assistants were outside. The director had said that the moment they entered the room, they should all think the camera was already rolling. 

Even if it was not, they had to think of it as such, and became their habit. These words might not be too important to those contestants who already have experience in the entertainment industry, but for newbies like Aerine, it was good advice. 

Aerine was also doing her best to behave as normal as possible. From what she meant by normal, it would be at least not making herself a laughingstock for everyone. 

For some reason, to alleviate her anxiety, Aerine had grown accustomed to touching her left chest. It was where the mark was located; it was hiding beneath her skin, but knowing it was there made her feel somewhat at ease.

The staff earlier only told them to rest easy for a while, and someone would brief them later on about the programs that day. 

Aerine nervously roamed her eyes around; she wanted to memorize their faces and even their names. There weren't only women inside but also men. Judging by how everyone acted, some contestants would inevitably become more of a center of attraction than others.

From the files she read, Aerine already knew the information about the people here. Of course, the files were only for her reference, and she needed to interact with them personally to really know who they were. 

Some were nervous like she was, some looked normal, and a few looked completely relaxed. Her eyes then landed on someone; she also couldn't help but freeze.

Aerine instinctively lowered her head after looking at someone once, as though she didn't want to be seen by them.

She touched her chest and patted where the mark was to calm herself. After composing herself, she lifted her head again and returned to her calm once more. 

Her head, though, was getting chaotic from all the thoughts that were flooding her mind. 

Aerine had caught the scent of the devil. And it was coming to one of the contestants. 

However, upon thinking about it more, Aerine was certain it wasn't a devil at all. Yes, she had the scent of a devil, but it was a bit faint, and it seemed to not be coming from her own scent as a devil. 

That was a bit confusing at first, even for her, but she understood it immediately. Aerine had begun to look once more in the direction of that someone. 

She sat in the front row, and while her face looked calm yet intimidating, her confidence couldn't be concealed from her demeanor. There were also a lot of people around her and talking to her. 

Among all of the contestants, she might be the most popular one. 

Blythe Madison, a rising star from JN Entertainment Aerine recalled the information she had read about her. She was someone who came from a rich family and was blessed with a good voice. Blythe was then scouted by JN Entertainment, the biggest entertainment company to date. 

At first, Aerine was perplexed as to why someone like her would enter this competition, as she already had her own fan base, and she seemed uninterested in the 1st place prize either. 

Thinking from another angle, Voice Arena was expected to garner more viewers just by being a show from Blueberry TV. JN Entertainment was also a big company, so the competition there must be equally fierce, and Blythe entering this competition to earn acknowledgment was reasonable. 

There was something else about her. Aerine was sure they were the same. Blythe had a distinct scent of the devil, but it was not her who was as devil. 

She had a devil contract. 

It was then that Blythe happened to turn around and meet Aerine's eyes. Aerine first thought of averting her eyes, but she fortunately stopped herself from doing so. 

If not, she would appear more suspicious for doing that. Their eyes connected for a few seconds before a small smile graced Blythe's lips. She then looked ahead once more. 

Aerine's heart throbbed, and a particular premonition rubbed within her. As much as possible... She wanted to avoid her. Blythe was dangerous. Her intuition told her that, and Aerine's danger sense never failed her. 

Fortunately, as she was in deep thought, the staff arrived. The camera also really rolled at this time. For the most part, it was only the staff giving simple rules and regulations about the show. 

Then they were given free time to talk with each other or, like, introduce themselves to one another. This atmosphere became more lively when there was already a camera on them than earlier. 

Aerine also tried to talk with others, but she was sensitive enough to discern who was genuine or not. In any case... She was only doing these for appearance's sake as well. 

After all that, they were given the names of their rooms. There would be three roommates in one room, but as the overall statistics of the contestants were 9 women and 7 men, four men would then be sharing one room. 

Overall, there were no hiccups, and the first day ended like that. The real thing would happen the next day. 

When Aerine entered the room, there was someone already there before her. 

"Hi... I'm Aerine." She introduced herself again, albeit a bit awkward. 

The woman with her long hair also nodded at her. 

"Kira," she replied, but seeing her indifference, Aerine knew the other wasn't interested in making friends or anything. 

Of course, Aerine wasn't someone who pushed herself toward someone who obviously didn't like her, so she also fell silent and made her way to the bed at the end of the room. 

The room wasn't particularly big, but it had three single beds inside and three cabinets that they could use, likely a consideration for every contestant.

Kira was already organizing her clothes, and she was on the first bed. The only unoccupied bed was the one at the center. No one talked again, and only the sound of what they were doing resounded inside the room. 

Aerine wasn't feeling awkward either, and she rather liked not having to talk to each other. Until the room's door opened again and someone entered. 

She unconsciously checked the one who entered, but she almost fumbled upon seeing who it was. Aerine was almost betrayed by her expression. 

"Hello," the woman waved and casually smiled. 

Kira, who was then indifferent to Aerine, suddenly acted exaggeratedly this time. 

"Oh my! Blythe Madison!" Her tone was one of shock and even excitement. 

Right. The one she wanted to avoid from being dangerous was her third roommate. 

Aerine knew this competition would never be simple.