From Skid Row to Superstardom: An Idol System Novel-Chapter 117: First Ranking Ceremony (1)

Shocked at Benjamin’s bitter tone, Ari wanted to clarify what the exact issue was, but the black van driven by the staff member arrived in front of them, and the conversation could no longer be had.

He and Jamie got into the back while Benjamin sat in the front seat next to the staff member who looked at him in the rearview mirror.

"Contestant Ari, how are you feeling? I’m Kate, by the way. I’m one of the writers. How do you feel?"

"Uhm..."

Ari stared at her with eyes full of hesitation, not sure if he should tell her all of his injuries, ask her why the PDs were the way they were, or just stay silent.

Thankfully, it seemed that Kate had the ability to fill the silence by herself.

"I’m sure you’re concerned about the evaluation and performing, but don’t worry, I’ll get you to the hospital quickly and you’ll be as right as rain!" before he could say anything, she stepped on the gas, and the large van basically jumped before flying forward at a fast pace causing Ari’s head to slam back against the headrest.

"Sorry!!"

Screeeeeeeeeeech!

Kate immediately stepped on the brakes, and his head jerked forward and slammed against the back of the seat in front of him, leaving an imprint of his white facial makeup behind.

"Sorry! I’m so sorry!"

Kate immediately stepped on the gas again, causing the van to lurch forward, as Ari’s head slammed backward once more.

Screeeeeeeeeeech!

"I’m sorry! Oh my gosh, I’m so sorry!"

"...It’s fine."

Quietly meeting her panicked eyes in the rear-view mirror, Ari quietly held on to the handle at the ceiling of the car before looking out the window, hoping that they would get to the hospital safely. fгee𝑤ebɳoveɭ.cøm

The entire car ride to the hospital went the same way, with Kate speeding and breaking in a jerky manner and after a 3-hour wait in the emergency room, Ari was cleared of a concussion but was given the diagnosis of a grade 1/2 ankle sprain with orders to wear an ankle brace, minimize movement and exertion, and apply the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevate) for the next 2 weeks minimum.

Naturally, Ari planned to follow everything except for minimizing movement, as he had to actively practice and perform.

By the time Kate drove them back to the dorms, it was already close to midnight.

After making sure Ari was fine, Jamie immediately went to find his teammates while Ari stared at Benjamin by the empty entrance, waiting for an answer to his earlier question.

The British boy met his eyes briefly before cracking his neck while giving his characteristic smile, even though his eyes looked cold.

"You’re asking why I’m calling your friend a wasteman?"

"Yes."

"What you need to be asking is why he’s acting like one. I don’t care if he’s losing his voice, but he’s skipped half of our team practices, and when he finally decides to show up, it’s clear that he hasn’t practiced anything and is playing catch-up while clearly being exhausted. If that’s not a wasteman, then what is?"

"I don’t believe Carlos would be like that. Maybe he was focused on the signal song?" Ari rebutted.

The Carlos he had seen in the past two weeks in the vocal class was diligent and quiet, grasping everything that Jelissa said quickly, and never really making a mistake.

Although Ari rarely saw him outside of vocal class these days due to being busy, he couldn’t imagine that Carlos would just skip out on his team like that?

Would he?

Benjamin took a look at Ari’s face before sighing and softening his tone.

"Weren’t we all focused on practicing the signal song? He’s not special. Look, mate, believe me or not, I’m telling you exactly what’s happening like you asked. I’m stressed enough as it is, so if he’s really your friend, have a chat and tell him to quit messing around, yeah? I can’t stand people who are coasting on their talents without putting in the work. Especially on a team. If you want to mess around, go solo and stop bothering everyone who’s working hard to make a cohesive performance."

Before Ari could say anything, Benjamin walked off, and after a while, Ari did the same as well.

Unbeknownst to both of them, a familiar figure in a leather jacket had heard the conversation.

A quiet night passed, and the next morning, after a clearly tense breakfast, all the contestants were shuttled on a bus to the location where they had their second showcase.

The stage design had been changed to have a gleaming white and gold, five-tiered pyramid on the stage with seats on each level and gleaming white stairs bisecting it.

At the very top of the pyramid, there was a single seat, no, a single gleaming gold throne with red velvet cushions, and a crown lying on it.

The second tier of the pyramid had six seats of lower quality, while the seats below that tier were all white, metal folding chairs that looked incredibly uncomfortable.

Off to the side of the stage was a large white table, where the six trainers who also served as judges, as well as Bing Yongsun, the executive creator and performance director of Soundwave Music, were seated.

All of the judges had slightly somber faces, including Jelissa, who was usually bubbly and smiley.

It seemed that the fact that 10 contestants had to go home today brought the atmosphere down.

As the contestants filed into the auditorium, filling the audience seats that had bottled drinks underneath, Ari made sure to keep a neutral expression for all the cameras as he limped toward an aisle seat near the back.

As he sat down, he spotted PD Emily and the stage director, Sherill Lanole, chatting off to the side while pointing at the contestants.

As if sensing his gaze, PD Emily’s eyes swiftly turned toward him, and Ari quickly looked away, not wanting to catch her attention.

"Good Morning, Contestants! Did you miss me?" The cheerful voice of MC Ryan Leary sounded out as he ran on stage while wearing a school uniform that matched those of the contestants.

- yeaaaaa

At the listless response, the MC wasn’t fazed. He just switched the topic to something he knew would get them excited.

"You guys sound a little down, so let’s try it again! Did you miss me and our amazing judges, including the executive creator and performance director of Soundwave Music, Bing Youngsun, who helped give you guys access to an amazing record studio?"

At the very loaded statements, the contestants suddenly found their excitement and began cheering and clapping with completely unforced smiles.