Madonna isn't a sentimental person. While some of Eva's words reminded her of her younger self, she wouldn't hire Eva just for that reason. She decided to hire Eva because she was the only female director among the candidates, and her emotions and attitude toward men and betrayal in the song resonated with Madonna.
Madonna scoffed at the male directors, thinking, "What do they know?"
Moreover, Eva's previous MTV, which had taken the European and American music scenes by storm, proved her competence. Madonna believed Eva was fully capable.
Ultimately, under Madonna's decision, Eva Cody was chosen as the director for this MTV. This wasn't surprising; Eva had already proven herself capable of handling such a high-investment project.
However, the MTV's filming would require preparation time, the song wasn't yet recorded, and the filming location was set in London. There was still much work to be done. For now, Eva stayed in Ireland, on standby.
During this period, she thought a lot, realizing that if she were to pursue this path, she would inevitably interact with many men in a male-dominated industry. Physical contact would be unavoidable, and her androphobia could hinder her career. Whether it was meeting industry professionals or simple handshakes and hugs, avoiding these would make her seem impolite. Furthermore, receiving awards or giving interviews involved many interactions.
Eva needed to find a solution to this problem. She didn't mind it herself, but she couldn't let it interfere with her work and career.
Eva sought out a psychologist and scheduled a consultation.
After explaining her situation to the psychologist, the psychologist said, "This isn't a particularly severe condition, and yours isn't the most extreme case of androphobia."
Eva asked, "You mean I might be able to overcome this psychological issue?"
The psychologist replied, "I can't guarantee that. I can only say that if you follow my advice and regularly attend psychological rehabilitation sessions, it can help improve your condition to some extent."
Eva was determined to cure this psychological issue, realizing that men were no longer a focal point in her life and she couldn't let this condition hinder her progress.
She asked, "What should I do?"
The psychologist said, "First, you need to stop carrying a knife, recorder, and other such items. To recover, you need to try letting go of your vigilance."
Eva countered, "Then how do I protect myself?"
The psychologist wasn't fazed by Eva's unusual question, having encountered many similar cases. "You don't need to protect yourself. Not only that, I want you to drop your serious demeanor and try to interact and converse more with men."
Eva hesitated, "I don't like that. I'm not interested in them."
The psychologist explained, "You need to listen to me. Try to interact with them. You'll find that things aren't as you imagine. Psychological issues often stem from extreme imaginings."
Eva took a deep breath and finally nodded, "Okay, I'll try to talk to them more casually."
The psychologist noted something in her notebook, "Let's schedule a session for next week. Remember to come, and I'll help you with a psychological rehabilitation plan."
Eva thanked her and left the therapist's office. That evening, Sinéad invited her to dinner.
Eva accepted Sinéad's invitation, and they met at a small café in an alley.
Upon seeing Eva, Sinéad greeted her warmly like an old friend, kissing her on the cheek, "Long time no see. You're looking more beautiful."
Eva knew this was merely a polite compliment and smiled, "You too, Sinéad."
Once seated, Sinéad, resting her chin on her hand, asked, "I heard you recently received an invitation from Madonna?"
Eva didn't hide it, "Actually, it's already confirmed. I'll be directing her new MTV."
"Wow," Sinéad clapped her hands for Eva, "Congratulations, that's fantastic news."
Eva was puzzled, "Fantastic news?"
Sinéad looked at her mysteriously, "I have some reliable information that you'll be very interested in."
Eva stirred her coffee, "What is it?"
"Tomorrow, the Grammy committee will announce this year's nominations. My source tells me that both you and I are nominated for related awards. I got nominated for Best Composition of the Year for 'Girl on the Ruins,' and you got nominated for Best Music Video of the Year."
Eva was stunned! She stammered, "W-what? I got nominated too? Best Music Video of the Year?!"
Sinéad, seeing Eva's surprise, casually said, "Calm down, it's just a nomination, not a win..."
Wow, even being nominated is already exciting enough! Eva wasn't like Sinéad, a renowned European singer.
She was a complete newcomer, and to be nominated for Best Music Video at the Grammys was historic!
Sinéad, slightly surprised, said, "Indeed, it's quite rare for a newcomer to be nominated for Best Music Video with their first work... Although this award is quite marginal in the Grammy's music awards, it's still not easy."
She continued, "But don't get your hopes up too high. Being nominated is already a miracle. The award won't go to you because, first, you're a newcomer with no backing to lobby for you."
Eva nodded, "I understand. The company won't spend money lobbying for this marginal award. Their focus will be on your Best Composition award."
Sinéad confirmed, "Exactly, and you're just an Irish person. The Grammys are an American award, and there's always been some xenophobia. It's always harder for foreigners to win."
Eva took a deep breath, "I understand. Being nominated is already a great honor. I'm not expecting to win."
Like the Oscars, the Grammys are a lobbying game. You need a PR team to lobby for you. Sinéad's company wouldn't spend resources on lobbying for Eva's marginal award. Their attention was on Sinéad's significant award.
Only artists with no chance in other categories would lobby for the Best Music Video award.
Eva felt excited enough, knowing that her work had been recognized by many professionals.
Finally, Sinéad asked, "Are you going? To the award ceremony? If you go, I can take you with me."
Eva excitedly replied, "Of course, I want to go. But I don't need to prepare an acceptance speech, right?"
"I don't think so, but if you want to prepare one, that's fine too..."
Eva laughed awkwardly, "No, I won't prepare one. Without any lobbying resources, I can't win this award. That's reality, so no point in wasting time on it."
Sinéad reassured her, "Just being nominated for your first MTV is already a tremendous achievement. You're still young, and you'll have more opportunities in the future."
Eva responded, "I'm not disappointed. I'm truly very satisfied!"
Sinéad smiled, "Then I'll pick you up, and we'll go together."
After parting with Sinéad, Eva went home to await the Grammy announcement.
The next day, the Grammys announced their nominations through various media. People searched the long list for their idols' names, hardly caring about the marginal Best Music Video award.
But Eva saw her name among the nominees, alongside Beyoncé's "BOYFRIEND," Britney Spears' "HI YOU," Linkin Park's "GARDEN," and others.
Eva then understood why Sinéad's record company didn't bother lobbying for the Best Music Video award.
This year's nominees were all heavyweights!
Competing with these giants, who could win?
And these giants had wealthy backers who would spend big to secure even marginal awards like Best Music Video.
Eva, among these titans, had no advantage. Ultimately, MTVs were judged on the singer's influence and financial backing. Compared to Linkin Park, Britney, and Beyoncé, Sinéad still had a gap.
Eva knew she didn't have that level of influence, and neither did Sinéad. If she had directed for Madonna, there might have been more competition, given Madonna's financial prowess and determination not to miss any awards her songs were nominated for.
With time before the Grammy ceremony, Eva needed to prepare a presentable gown and travel to London for the start of Madonna's MTV shoot.
Eva now had some money, so buying a dress shouldn't be a problem. Getting sponsored by a brand was out of the question, though.
Despite the Grammy nominations, the focus remained on the major awards. Interest in Eva's MTV had faded, with the spotlight on more significant matters.
However, some fans remembered the MTV, saying, "Wow, that stunning MTV got nominated too. The director was a newcomer, right?"
"Yeah, but I doubt it'll win. The other nominees are all big names. I'm rooting for Beyoncé's MTV."
"I liked Britney's MTV too. They're all great."
"Beyoncé's got the edge. Her MTV was directed by renowned filmmaker Tom Hooper!"
Discussions shifted to the other major nominees, and attention on Eva's work dwindled.
Upon arriving in London, Eva stayed in a serviced apartment, preparing for the MTV shoot starting the next day. Though filming was still some time away, she needed to prepare many things in advance, so she and some staff had come to London early.
That evening, Alsha told Eva she was traveling in Africa and had sent a registered postcard.
But in the UK, registered mail had to be collected from the post office.
Eva went to the post office and found a row of mailboxes. She discovered her number corresponded to a very high mailbox.
Despite having a good figure, Eva was only 163 cm tall, considered short in the West, and couldn't reach that height...
She stretched and struggled but couldn't reach the box.
Argh, so frustrating!
For the first time, Eva felt like a complete shorty!
Thinking it over, she decided to ask for help and turned to find a staff member.
Just as she took a step, a man at least 20 cm taller approached the mailboxes. Wearing a mask, his deep, sculpted eyes