Hollywood:Starting out as an MV director

The production of The Monster , a small-scale, unconventional film, wrapped up within two weeks.

Ethan finally found some respite after being freed from his duties with the production crew.

At the same time, the Grammy Awards were fast approaching.

The ceremony was scheduled for February 23rd, to be held at Madison Square Garden in New York.

As the director of several hit music videos, Ethan naturally received an invitation. However, he wasn't particularly interested in the Grammy Awards, as only one category was relevant to him: Best Short Form Music Video.

For Ethan, winning this award didn't hold as much significance as MTV's Best Director of the Year. Moreover, he wasn't exactly short on accolades. Instead, he was more concerned about whether Avril would achieve any success at the Grammys.

On February 23rd, Tom drove Ethan to the Grammy Awards venue.

As soon as he entered the hall and before he could take in his surroundings, a pair of hands suddenly covered his eyes.

A familiar female voice came from behind him, "Guess who?"

Ethan smiled and raised his hand to make a guess, "I think you're... Shelly."

"Who's Shelly?!" The hands dropped, and when Ethan turned around, he was greeted by Avril's signature smoky eye makeup and narrowed eyes.

"Shelly? I don't know any Shelly, hahaha," Ethan laughed.

Realizing she'd been teased, Avril crossed her arms and pouted. "If I find out you've got some other girl hanging around you, I'll smash her face in with my guitar."

Ethan shrugged, thinking to himself that there were plenty of others, but outwardly he said, "I was just joking. Your reaction was priceless."

"Good, then," Avril leaned closer and whispered, "Did you miss me?"

"Of course. I've never felt time pass so slowly. Are you staying in New York for long this time?"

"Hmm…" Avril hesitated, her expression conflicted.

"What's wrong?" Ethan asked, taking two glasses of wine from a passing server and handing one to her.

"This year's tour schedule is packed. I can only stay in New York for a few days. After the tour, I'll be working on my new album."

"No problem," Ethan reassured the slightly upset Avril. The two made their way to their seats.

Avril was curious about what Ethan had been up to lately, and he told her stories about Tokyo. Her eyes lit up when she heard about the gangs and asked if they were as covered in tattoos as in the movies.

When Ethan confirmed it, she nodded enthusiastically. "So cool. I have to visit Tokyo someday."

As the two chatted happily, other musicians passing by came over to greet Ethan.

Unlike the MTV Awards, almost everyone at the Grammys now recognized Ethan, and he received more attention than Avril. After all, one was a competitor, while the other was a sought-after music video director.

Most of the attendees hoped to make an impression, thinking there might be opportunities to collaborate with him in the future.

Amid these greetings, the Grammy Awards officially began.

Unfortunately, this year's Grammys turned out to be a disappointment for Avril. Despite being nominated for Song of the Year, the award went to 23-year-old Norah Jones.

In fact, Norah Jones' album Come Away with Me swept the major awards, including Record of the Year, Album of the Year, and Best New Artist, winning eight Grammys in total—five individual awards and three for the album—making her the biggest winner of the night.

"I can't believe this is real. In such a strange time for the world, I feel so honored and lucky to receive this recognition. Thank you all so much!"

Wearing a black evening gown, Norah Jones took to the stage and performed Come Away with Me, earning thunderous applause from the audience.

During the performance, Ethan glanced at Avril. While she looked a bit disappointed, her face still carried a bright smile, showing she wasn't crushed by the results.

When the Best Female Rock Vocal Performance was awarded to Sheryl Crow, she delivered a strongly anti-war speech during her acceptance and performance, igniting another wave of applause from the crowd.

Ethan, however, smiled wryly. He knew that just a month later, the United States would launch the infamous Iraq War.

What irony—this so-called beacon of peace was often the harbinger of war for other nations.

What a pity Ethan wasn't in the arms trade; otherwise, he would've made a fortune in such times.

Still, the night wasn't a total loss. When the Best Short Form Music Video award was announced, all eyes turned to Ethan.

Sure enough, Ethan had won the award for the music video he directed for Avril.

Taking the stage, he accepted the Grammy trophy, paused to think, then leaned into the microphone and said with a smile, "I hope no one gets too upset tonight…"

The audience, especially those who had seen the MTV Awards, burst into laughter. They hadn't expected Ethan to repeat his cheeky comment from that event, creating a delightful callback.

As Avril watched Ethan on stage under the dazzling lights, her eyes sparkled with admiration.

After the ceremony, Avril, now wearing sunglasses, got into Ethan's car, and he drove her home.

"Ethan, why is your place so small?" Avril asked as soon as they entered.

Ethan's home didn't match his status at all. For a successful music video director and business owner, one would expect him to live in a mansion.

Instead, he had chosen a high-rise apartment. Though tastefully decorated and located on a high floor, its size was modest compared to a villa or standalone house.

Even Camilla and her two brothers had a larger living space.

But Ethan seemed quite content. Taking out a bottle of Krug champagne from the fridge, he explained, "I'm rarely here. I chose this place because I love the view. Isn't it magical?"

Avril stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, looking out at the glittering city lights. "It's amazing," she agreed.

"Right? As for the size," Ethan handed her a glass of champagne filled with tiny bubbles. "I don't like overly spacious houses."

"You're so weird," Avril said after taking a sip of champagne. "Most people want their homes as big as possible, like an estate."

"I value security and privacy more," Ethan replied, clinking his glass with hers. "Are you upset about not winning?"

"Not really," Avril shook her head. "Just a bit disappointed. I thought I'd at least win Best New Artist."

"Well, don't mind the judges too much. Did you see the video I directed?"

"Yes! It's so cool!" Avril's excitement returned. "Kill, kill, kill—it's so exhilarating! Although the singing wasn't the best…"

"Hahaha, I felt the same. Too bad that guy's gone to hell."

"Why not heaven?" Avril asked, confused.

"Because God's not Black."

Avril froze for a second, then burst into laughter, laughing so hard she nearly doubled over.

"Cheers!"

"Cheers!"

After a few drinks, Avril, her cheeks flushed, let loose and started venting about the people she disliked.

"Those girls always flaunting their legs and cleavage in music videos, shaking around like that will make their songs more popular."

"And the ones at school are just the same. Every time they dance, they push their chests out as high as they can!"

"They even mocked me, saying I was flat like a frying pan. I drink milk and eat papaya every day, you know."

"Jealous?" Ethan teased.

"Yeah… maybe a little," Avril admitted, placing a hand on her chest. "But don't you think this is a kind of beauty too? Does it always have to be heavy to be beautiful?"

"Of course not. I'd defend your… petite charms to the death."

"Petite charms?" Avril leaned closer, putting her arm around his neck. "Are you calling me flat? Let me show you what 'petite' feels like."

After a spirited exchange of playful banter, things escalated. What followed was an exploration of various "mountain-climbing" techniques and even a dive into the mysteries of the universe.

Unlike other women, Avril was untamed, brimming with wild energy like a horse that refused to be broken. She left her mark with Ethan all over the apartment.

When the sunlight finally chased away the night, Ethan found himself holding Avril as they drifted off to sleep.

It wasn't long before Ethan was awakened by a rhythmic sucking sound. Frowning, he glanced at the blazing sun outside the floor-to-ceiling window and then listened carefully to determine the source of the noise. Pulling back the blanket, he looked inside.

"Baby, are you practicing your notes? Your rhythm is quite impressive."

Avril's voice came from under the blanket. "That's right. This flute is too hard to play—it's been so long, and there's still no sound."

Ethan smirked. "Looks like you need a little more practice."

With that, he arched his waist slightly, causing Avril to angrily smack his thigh with her hand.

The two didn't leave the room entirely until midday on the third day. Over the past couple of days, they had survived on pizzas and chicken wings delivered by Tom, whose reserved demeanor could hardly mask his silent astonishment at Ethan.

Even after Avril had left, Tom would occasionally glance at Ethan, his look carrying an unmistakable air of teasing amusement.

"Tom, do you have a girlfriend?" Ethan asked, unnerved by Tom's persistent stares.

"I've had one… but nothing as wild as yours," Tom replied truthfully. He had never seen anyone with Ethan's level of energy.

The sheer quantity of supplies Tom had been tasked to buy over the past few days would typically last an average person half a month.

Yet despite all this, Tom noticed that Ethan didn't seem the least bit drained. Anyone else would have been left pale and weak-kneed by now.

"Wild, huh?" Ethan shrugged. "I guess you could say that. But at least I got the girl to admit defeat. Now I can finally take a break for a while. There's plenty of work to deal with."

Just as he finished speaking, his phone began to ring.

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