### Chapter 138: Strategy

That night, after the Grammy Awards ceremony was broadcasted on CBS, everyone saw what happened at this year's awards show. CBS, NBC, ABC, and other news channels also reported on the incident during their evening news.

It created a huge stir in America.

Initially, the public didn't understand the conflict between Link and Kanye, nor did they know why Lil Wayne wanted Link to apologize.

Yahoo News was the first to sort out the details of the conflict online.

The issue started a few weeks ago when Kanye told a New York Times reporter that Link's new album, *The Fight*, was a market-driven product designed to profit from the financial crisis, lacking any artistic value.

Later, at a press conference celebrating *The Fight* surpassing 1 million copies sold, Link responded to this issue during an interview with the New York Times reporter.

He claimed that Kanye had a mental illness and was sensitive to criticism, so he didn't want to comment on Kanye's review.

Afterwards, artists like Lil Wayne, 50 Cent, Jay-Z, and T.I. felt that Link should not have attacked Kanye's mental health.

Kanye, being a senior figure in the music industry, was entitled to critique Link's album, but Link's comments about Kanye's mental health were deemed disrespectful and required an apology.

Link refused to apologize.

Fans of Kanye and Lil Wayne began attacking Link online and giving negative reviews to Link's album on music sites.

Link still did not respond.

Lil Wayne further criticized Link at the Grammy Awards ceremony, demanding an apology from Link.

Kanye, at the awards ceremony, urged Lil Wayne to stop criticizing Link, calling Link a lousy singer not worth discussing.

Link was displeased with the criticism and left the Grammy Awards venue in protest.

This was the cause and development of the conflict.

Seeing these developments, North American netizens understood the situation and began to take sides.

Fans of Kanye, Lil Wayne, Jay-Z, and others quickly aligned with their idols, demanding that Link issue a public apology.

Their consensus was that Kanye, as a rap superstar, a veteran, and a top producer, had every right to critique Link, a newcomer. Link's disparagement of Kanye's mental health was considered highly impolite, and an apology was warranted.

However, many people supported Link, arguing that the music industry doesn't emphasize seniority; Kanye could criticize Link, and Link had every right to respond. There was no major issue in their verbal exchange.

The problem was that Lil Wayne and others were stoking the flames, demanding that Link apologize and turning a minor issue into major news.

Supporters of Link believed that Link had done nothing wrong. His response to Lil Wayne's provocation was restrained, and leaving the Grammy scene was a calm way to handle the situation.

Link should not face any blame.

Lil Wayne and others should apologize.

Supporters of Kanye and Link argued online.

---

"Link, I hear you've made another big news."

In the villa, Link was getting ready for bed when he received a call from Miss Thump in New York.

Link, wearing a T-shirt and wiping his hair with a towel, said, "Eva, it must be late in New York. Are you still awake?"

"After such a big incident, do you think I can sleep? What you said to those reporters will be all over the news tomorrow. People will think you're targeting Obama and discriminating against African Americans. It's too big of an impact. How can I sleep?"

Miss Thump said with frustration.

After agreeing with her father to raise Link Music's value to 100 million in a year, she focused on Link Music.

With the current development momentum, releasing a second album and arranging another world tour after that, raising the value to 100 million shouldn't be too difficult.

But now, Link's big news involved many sensitive social issues. If not handled properly, Link could face severe damage to his reputation, and the company might go bankrupt, forcing her to agree to marriage.

She and Link were in the same boat—success or failure was shared—so she didn't want to see Link in trouble.

"Eva, don't worry. It's not that serious."

Link yawned and said.

"Not that serious?!"

Miss Thump almost lost her temper upon hearing him yawn. She was losing sleep over his issues, while he seemed so relaxed. What a jerk.

"Link, if this isn't handled well, and Link Music goes bankrupt, I'll have to go back and marry someone. I won't let you off."

Link could hear her frustration through the phone and laughed, "I heard there's a World University Games in April and the Berlin World Swimming Championships in May. I'm planning to sign up and break a few world records. What do you think?"

Eva was taken aback. They were discussing how to mitigate the issue and minimize the impact, yet Link was talking about participating in sports events. What was he planning?

After a moment, her eyes lit up.

Link wasn't just a singer; he was also a world boxing champion and an Olympic champion. It was said that his swimming prowess was even better than Phelps.

If Link participated in these sports events and broke several world records, he would become a higher-value sports icon and a pride of America.

With this aura, no matter how much he was attacked, there was less to worry about.

His supporters would go crazy over his astonishing performance.

But breaking world records wasn't that easy, was it?

"Don't worry. Although breaking all of them might be difficult, breaking one or two and winning a few gold medals shouldn't be a problem."

Link seemed to sense her concern and said.

"Did you plan this in advance?"

Miss Thump asked in surprise.

"No, I came up with it temporarily to make you sleep easy. In my opinion, this matter won't escalate too much. With the ongoing financial crisis and economic recovery, it's in everyone's interest to see this matter settle down sooner."

Link chuckled.

Remember after the future Kanye mic-grabbing incident, the newly elected one directly called Kanye a 'dumbass,' which also had a calming effect.

"Ask your dad if you don't believe me. He'll definitely tell you, 'Oh, honey, this is just a trivial matter. No need to worry. Go to sleep.'"

Link mimicked Old Thump's voice.

Eva chuckled and scolded him, saying her dad didn't talk like that and told him not to mimic.

Link smiled gently. Hearing Taylor urging him to get to bed, he said goodnight to Eva and went back to the bedroom to rest.

(The End)