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Chapter 89 Awards Ceremony
🕑 Added 2024-11-23 09:15:51 +0000 UTCThe MTV red carpet began at six in the evening, with no fixed order for who walked first — it all depended on who arrived earlier or later.
Ethan's manager, Carl, was also present but didn't qualify to walk the red carpet. He had already taken his seat inside the music hall.
After waiting for a few minutes, Avril walked onto the red carpet with Ethan, greeting the flashing lights of electronic cameras.
Click!
"It's Avril!"
"Take her picture quickly!"
"Who's the person next to her?"
"No idea! Probably a crew member?"
While snapping photos, the reporters exchanged comments. As for Ethan, nobody knew who he was at first.
But since he was on the red carpet, it was clear he had some connection to a nomination, and soon, someone caught on.
"That must be Ethan! That director!"
"Wow! So young! Unbelievable!"
"It's definitely him; I just asked one of the staff!"
"Quick, take more pictures of him and ask about the Best Director Award!"
Ethan and Avril walked step by step toward the center of the red carpet. It was Ethan's first time experiencing this kind of attention, surrounded by the constant clicking of cameras. Usually, he was the one behind the camera filming others. Now, being photographed so intensely was strangely addictive.
He slowed his pace and displayed a confident smile on his face.
Halfway across, a reporter suddenly thrust a microphone forward and asked, "Ethan! Who do you think will win Best Director this year?"
To everyone's surprise, the reporters addressed Ethan first instead of Avril. However, considering how competitive and controversial the Best Director category was, their interest in his thoughts was understandable.
Ethan didn't disappoint. Leaning slightly toward the microphone, he answered, "I'd vote for myself."
"Such confidence!" The reporters grinned, delighted with his answer, as it was more newsworthy than the typical diplomatic responses from celebrities.
After asking Ethan a couple of questions, they turned to Avril to inquire about the Best Female Artist and Best Music Video awards.
Once the brief interview was over, Ethan and Avril held hands as they reached the central display board for photographs and questions from the host.
The host, recognizing Ethan with help from the staff in his earpiece, smiled and asked, "Ethan, this must be your first time at the MTV Awards, right?"
"Correct." Ethan nodded.
"Feeling confident? Or do you have anything to say to your competitors?" The host, ever eager to stir the pot, knew his question would draw attention.
Ethan leaned closer to the microphone, thought for two seconds, and replied earnestly, "I hope you all don't feel too bad tonight."
"Wow! Ethan speaks boldly! So confident!"
The host exclaimed as the room erupted in cheers. Ethan, unfazed, signed his name on the backdrop and walked straight into the open-air music hall.
Inside, the hall was already filled with many celebrities. Scanning the room, Ethan spotted several big names: Eminem with his signature yellow hat, James Brown — the godfather of soul, Sheryl Crow, and numerous glamorous female singers in deep V-neck outfits.
As he searched for his seat, someone behind him called out, "Ethan?"
The voice was unfamiliar. Ethan turned to find a man in a sharp suit whom he didn't recognize.
"Nostin!" Thankfully, Carl arrived just in time to identify the person.
Ethan realized it was Joseph's manager.
"Can I help you?"
Nostin stepped forward, extending his hand and ignoring Carl's expression. "Ethan, I must apologize for Mike's actions. He delegated your work to others without fulfilling his responsibilities as your manager. He has been disciplined for it."
Ethan glanced at his hand but didn't take it. "Is that so?"
"Indeed. Mike has left CAA, and Brady has revised the guidelines for all agents. We've also compiled a priority list..." Nostin smiled and took Ethan's hand despite the cold reception.
"Ethan, your name is on the list. Regardless of who represents you, if you ever face difficulties, feel free to come to me. I'll support you unconditionally — whatever you need…"
The implication was clear. Carl, internally cursing, quickly stepped forward with his signature fake smile and pulled Nostin's hand away. "Ha ha ha, Nostin, what a pity. Ethan and I have always had a smooth partnership. Thank you."
"That's good to hear. Oh, pardon me, I don't even know your name… You are…?"
"Carl."
Carl practically gritted out his name, knowing Nostin was mocking his obscurity within CAA. Swallowing his frustration, he turned to Ethan with a genuine smile and said, "Ethan, your seat is in the second row, center."
"Okay, I'll head there. You two take your time." Ethan turned and walked away.
Carl immediately dropped the smile and warned Nostin, "Don't try to influence Ethan!"
Nostin adjusted his collar indifferently and glanced toward the center stage. "He has the right to choose, doesn't he? And with me, he'd have better clients and opportunities."
Just as he was about to leave, Carl stomped heavily on Nostin's toes, making him yelp in pain.
By the time Nostin reacted, Carl was already walking away. "F***! British scoundrel!" Nostin cursed under his breath.
Inside the hall, Ethan clinked glasses with Raymond, who looked noticeably different, sporting a small belly and a changed voice.
"Damn, Ethan, I can't believe I'm actually here at the awards ceremony!"
"Maybe there's more to come — what if you win an award and have to go on stage?" Ethan teased, patting him on the shoulder.
Raymond laughed heartily. "I even prepared an acceptance speech! Want to take a look?"
He pulled out a crumpled piece of paper. Ethan opened it and frowned. "Raymond, this is the draft I helped you write before."
The words were from a letter Ethan had once sent to radio stations. Raymond, embarrassed, smacked his forehead. "F***! Davis grabbed the wrong paper!"
"I didn't expect you to keep it," Ethan said, handing it back.
"Of course! It's brilliant. My acceptance speech is based on it. Ethan, I'm working on a new album and... well, do you have time to direct an MV for me?"
Ethan's past collaboration with Raymond on Makeover was his only profitable track. The others had all flopped. With rising expenses, Raymond was financially stretched and needed a hit song.
Though Raymond wasn't on Ethan's level in the music industry anymore, Ethan didn't mind helping out. After all, Raymond had given him his first opportunity.
"As long as the budget's there, I'm in. Just finish writing and let me know. Though I charge way more now."
"Ha ha! Money's not an issue! Thanks, brother!" Raymond beamed.
Time passed quickly as the two caught up, and soon, the stage lights came on.
Host Jimmy Fallon kicked things off with a few light jokes before turning to the Best Director category.
"Hey folks, I just heard Joseph and Ethan were interviewed on the red carpet. Any guesses what they said about the Best Director Award?"
Everyone turned their eyes to the two nominees.
For the first time, Ethan's face was firmly etched into the minds of every celebrity present.
Similarly, Ethan spotted Joseph, seated beside Eminem. Joseph was a round-faced, mustachioed Korean-American wearing glasses.
Meanwhile, Dylan, seated in the media section, sneered at Ethan. "Look at that pretty boy. He belongs in a nightclub or Hollywood."
No one responded to Dylan's comment. All attention was on Jimmy Fallon.
Jimmy read the card with enthusiasm. "Joseph said he respects all the nominees and believes anyone who wins deserves it."
The room burst into applause as Joseph nodded in acknowledgment.
Jimmy continued, "But do you know what Ethan said?" He raised his voice dramatically. "He said… 'I hope you don't feel too bad tonight!'"
The audience erupted in gasps, followed by loud applause and whistles.
Ethan stood up with a playful shrug, pretending to lament his remarks being revealed, drawing laughter from the room.
"I love Ethan's confidence! Since we're all eager, let's kick off the awards ceremony and reveal tonight's big winners!"
With that, music thundered through the hall as the MTV Music Video Awards officially began.
This year's ceremony featured two venues: the main stage for awards and a secondary stage for performances. Avril, as the opening act, performed with her band at the secondary stage before returning to the main hall to watch the show with Ethan.
The evening was packed with memorable moments, including a tribute by New York's former mayor to 9/11 responders, thanking the entertainment and music industries for their support.
Michael Jackson also celebrated his 44th birthday at the event.
A humorous mishap occurred when Britney Spears presented Jackson with a birthday cake, calling him a "Millennium Artist." Jackson misinterpreted it as an award and delivered an impromptu acceptance speech, which everyone listened to with smiles and applause.
Following the performances, the MTV awards were finally handed out one by one.
