Chapter 88: Media Speculation

Ethan received Jimmy's confession the following afternoon.

He couldn't help but laugh as Jimmy explained everything that happened the night before. However, in Jimmy's account, everything with Lilina was consensual and initiated by him.

While Ethan didn't particularly mind the situation between Jimmy and Lilina, he had previously emphasized the company's policy, and he couldn't go back on his word.

Still, considering Jimmy had confessed voluntarily, Ethan decided to reduce the severity of the consequences. After a moment of thought, he concluded, "Jimmy, since you're planning a long-term relationship with Lilina, it's clear that staying in the same company isn't appropriate."

Jimmy nodded, reluctantly glancing around the office he had carefully decorated himself. "I'll hand over my work to someone else soon."

"Who said you're handing it over to someone else?" Ethan frowned, confused.

This response reignited Jimmy's hope. He looked at Ethan, silently conveying his gratitude.

Ethan chuckled. "You're staying in Supreme Creative, at least until we find a more suitable manager. This place can't function without you for now."

"What about Lilina, then?"

"Lilina will join Angel Declaration. Have her contract revised. Her photo album release performed well, though not as much as Kayden's," Ethan said, tapping on the desk. "For now, you won't be responsible for Angel Declaration. I'll arrange for someone else to take over."

Recently, apart from hiring Kayden, Ethan also brought in a new specialist for managing various business connections: Rico Dash.

Since Jimmy couldn't control himself, Ethan decided to temporarily hand over the publishing business to Rico.

After hearing Ethan's arrangement, Jimmy breathed a sigh of relief. He extended his hands to hug Ethan and expressed his gratitude, "This is all my fault, Ethan. I shouldn't have drunk so much."

"Come on, man." Ethan patted his shoulder teasingly. "You think I didn't notice the sparks between you two before?"

Jimmy's eyes widened. "Then why didn't you stop me?"

"FXXK, do you think I can stop a fully grown man who's hormone-driven?" Ethan laughed and cursed. "Just make sure you've learned your lesson. If it happens again, it won't be me you have to answer to—it'll be Lilina stomping her heel into your balls."

"Don't worry, Ethan. I'll never..." Jimmy began to swear but was cut off by Ethan's slap.

"Just swallow those words. Every time you make a promise like that, it's bound to happen again."

"Right... Murphy's Law. Got it," Jimmy muttered, making exaggerated expressions. Then he asked, "By the way, I saw you received a call about an award ceremony?"

"Yeah, the MTV Video Music Awards. My work got a nomination." Ethan checked his outfit in the office's full-length mirror.

"That's awesome! My buddy is becoming a renowned director!" Jimmy couldn't help but feel envious, though he knew his own limits—becoming a famous director was out of his reach.

"It's not just that. I can only attend part of the ceremony. After accepting the award, I'll head straight to Chicago."

"Ah, for the new movie? That's amazing!" Jimmy whistled in encouragement. "Maybe I'll see you at the Oscars next year!"

Ethan smiled but didn't respond.

After confirming his attire was fine, Ethan reminded Jimmy, "We need to expand our customer service team. Hire five more girls in the next round."

"Got it! Leave it to me!" Jimmy assured confidently.

Ethan trusted Jimmy's taste, so after giving the instructions, he let him get to work.

The next day, the MTV Video Music Awards officially kicked off. All invited nominees attended the red carpet in the evening before entering the Radio City Music Hall to hear the winners announced.

Before the event, the media began speculating about the night's major winners.

Billboard Music Magazine released predictions for several categories based on their editors' analyses.

For Best Male Artist Video, they predicted Eminem's Without Me as the winner—a practically undisputed choice. It was the only music video this year to go viral and dominate public attention. Its parodies and references had become a key cultural trend of the year.

For Best Female Artist Video, Avril Lavigne's Sk8er Boi was the top contender. It was one of the few works this year to achieve widespread acclaim, with striking visuals and countless analytical articles from magazines captivating fans. The MV's unique style even influenced emerging music video directors, introducing elements like American comic aesthetics and stop-motion animation.

The competition for Best Hip-Hop Video was more intense. Jennifer Lopez and Ja Rule's I'm Real (Remix), Nelly and Kelly Rowland's Dilemma, and Usher's U Got It Bad were the frontrunners.

Among these, Ethan had directed two of the videos. The only downside was that Dilemma officially credited Jose as the director, even though the production team and artists knew Ethan was the actual creative lead. However, Ethan didn't mind; what mattered more was the bigger picture.

For Best Director of the Year, the competition boiled down to just two people: Ethan and Joseph Carbin, an American director with roots in Seoul. Billboard predicted Ethan would win.

However, they believed the Video of the Year award would go to Joseph's Without Me.

Billboard's predictions, though comprehensive, drew criticism. Dylan from Baiyi Music Magazine argued: "Billboard's attempt at fairness with these so-called balanced predictions is laughable. Awards should highlight talent and professionalism, not bow to market trends!"

He added, "In my opinion, both Best Director and Video of the Year belong to Joseph. His creativity is unparalleled. Why shouldn't Without Me take it all? Are we supposed to idolize flashy, large-scale productions?"

Many shared Dylan's sentiment, but others disagreed. Three days before the ceremony, a media outlet compiled predictions across publications into a pie chart.

The data revealed that 62% believed Sk8er Boi should win Video of the Year, while 57% thought Joseph should be Best Director. This aligned with general expectations, though some magazines pushed back.

For instance, Nylon Music Magazine ran a reader poll on their picks for Best Video, Artist, and Director.

Among the voters were Mirren and his female friend Judy, who later discussed their choices at school.

"Who did you vote for?" Mirren asked curiously, carrying Judy's bag for her.

"Of course, Avril and Sk8er Boi. What about you?" Judy, dressed in a pink dress, looked stunning next to Mirren's oversized hoodie.

"I voted for Avril, Ethan for Best Director, and for Best Male Artist..." Mirren rambled on with technical terms and analyses.

Judy didn't seem bored; she listened attentively, as if she understood everything.

After a week of voting, Nylon Music Magazine published surprising results. Both Video of the Year and Best Director went to Sk8er Boi and Ethan.

This unexpected outcome led to mockery from critics like Dylan, who vented on social media: "This is what happens when shallow audiences dominate. Their tiny brains can only think 'Avril, Avril, Avril!' SHXT! God should take that director away for ushering in such a horrible trend!"

But no matter the noise, the MTV Video Music Awards went ahead.

At 6 PM, Ethan arrived at Radio City Music Hall in a black windbreaker over a white T-shirt. In the lobby, he met Avril Lavigne.

"Ethan!" Avril greeted him energetically, wearing her signature look: a white sleeveless T-shirt, striped tie, spiked bracelets, and her iconic smoky makeup.

This style, seemingly designed for her, was unmatched in its appeal.

As soon as she saw Ethan, Avril jumped up, wrapped her legs around his waist, and hugged him tightly. Whispering in his ear, she said, "Ethan, I missed you."

Ethan patted her head. "I missed you too. Do you have plans after the ceremony?"

Avril released him and smiled eagerly. "I have a magazine interview, but I'll be free after 10 PM."

Unfortunately, her excitement was short-lived. Ethan shook his head. "I'll be leaving by 8:30."

"Why?" Avril asked, confused.

"I told you before—Chicago. The movie. My flight's tonight, and filming starts tomorrow," Ethan explained, his schedule leaving little room for anything else.

Avril pouted but eventually relented. Hugging him again, she said, "Fine. Go ahead, Ethan. I'll wait for you."

"Yeah, wait for me." Ethan smiled, taking her hand. "Let's hit the red carpet."

.....

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