After leaving the stage, Eva escaped the myriad of curious glances and found Sinead.
Still dazed, she asked, "Can you explain to me what happened? Why did it turn out this way?"
Sinead patted Eva's shoulder. "My PR team and I speculate that Beyoncé and Britney fought too hard for it, and since Grammy voting doesn't allow a single choice, voters had to write down at least two names."
Eva understood. "So you mean Beyoncé and Britney's teams convinced the voters to choose either Beyoncé or Britney, but the voters also put me down as a second choice? Maybe because they saw me as less of a threat, or perhaps they thought my work was good? So, in the end, I won the award?"
Sinead nodded. "It's the story of the fisherman who gains when the snipe and clam fight."
Eva found it both surprising and amusing. "So, basically, the voters' first choice was either Beyoncé or Britney, but their second choice was me. Maybe they thought I was less of a threat or they genuinely liked my work? Either way, I got the award."
Sinead gently pinched Eva's firm yet elastic cheeks. "Whatever the reason, the award is yours. Enjoy being in the spotlight tonight."
Then Sinead floated away, leaving Eva standing there in a daze.
Clearly, she had become one of the focal points of the night. Other singers and industry professionals around her cast curious and approving glances her way.
Well, Eva thought to herself, tonight she's in the spotlight...
Soon, the temporary attention shifted back to the bigger awards at the Grammys. People began to focus on those more significant awards, seemingly forgetting Eva's earlier moment in the spotlight.
However, once the Grammy ceremony concluded, people remembered Eva. Reporters interviewed the winners of the major awards but didn't forget to shove a microphone in front of Eva.
"Ms. Cody, can you share your thoughts right now?"
Eva was still nervous and unnatural in front of the microphone. She hadn't prepared for this at all!
She took a moment to compose herself and then smiled slightly, "I really didn't expect this, not at all..."
Then she launched into another formulaic thank-you speech...
She had no other choice. Thanking people was always safe.
Meanwhile, viewers focused on Eva's live interview. "Talented and beautiful, she's the real winner in life!"
"Am I the only one staring at her face? I think this girl is stunning."
"So I watched that MTV, and I have to say, not only is she beautiful, but she really knows her stuff."
The media, ever eager to chase the focus, began writing articles about Eva, delving into her rise to fame and her background.
But to their disappointment, there wasn't much to uncover about Eva. Her past was as plain as water, apart from winning an Irish short film competition.
Reporters did learn that Eva was now working on an MTV for Madonna. Clearly, Madonna had an eye for talent, booking this year's Grammy-winning best music video director early on.
Though MTVs are often seen as secondary to the music itself, Eva had won a Grammy, a significant world-class award.
She quickly became a sought-after director in the music industry, with many artists hoping she'd direct their next MTV. But with her current commitment to Madonna's MTV, she didn't consider other offers for now.
Any news site covering the Grammys would mention Eva in passing.
"This 18-year-old newcomer became the supernova of last night's Grammy Awards."
"With outstanding skill, she defeated her excellent opponents and won this award. It's incredible, she's only 18!"
"This girl has an unlimited future."
Eva also noticed a surge in visits to her IMDb page, although most people just took a look and left, finding little content.
Nonetheless, Eva gained a lot from this. Her ability in the MTV field was now recognized, making her future path much smoother.
After the Grammys, she returned to the UK to continue working on Madonna's MTV.
Not long after, Sinead called Eva. "I've sent you some money as a bonus."
Eva was puzzled, "Why? Why the sudden bonus?"
Sinead's voice roared over the phone, "My God! Don't you know my single album has been selling like crazy lately? Go check it online! I'm topping the Billboard charts this week!"
Eva finally realized the impact of awards on album sales. Even a niche award could draw significant attention.
She quickly checked online and found many comments:
"Incredible MTV."
"Curious about the Grammy-winning MTV directed by an 18-year-old girl. My mom asked why I was kneeling in front of the screen."
"Definitely deserving of a Grammy."
Returning to the UK, Eva signed with a British agency. Her agent, Natasha, was a resourceful industry expert who immediately recognized Eva's potential. Eva was happy to sign with her.
Natasha planned Eva's future, noting that it was a good time for Eva to establish herself in the UK, given her recent Grammy win and growing popularity.
Natasha asked Eva about her aspirations, learning that Eva aimed to become a film director. Natasha advised, "I can offer you good job opportunities, but take it slow. Becoming a film director isn't easy."
Eva agreed, "I understand. I can take on commercials, MTVs, anything to gain experience."
Natasha also suggested Eva rent a studio apartment in the UK to be readily available for work. Following Natasha's advice, Eva began looking for an affordable apartment since she'd still need to return to Ireland for classes frequently.
Eva found a suitable rental studio apartment and paid a few months' rent. She planned to move in soon, preferring it to staying in hotels.
On the day she returned to the hotel to pack, Arsha sent her another postcard, so she had to go to the post office to retrieve it.
Eva considered asking for staff help but felt confident in her 8cm heels. She thought she might reach the mailbox this time.
In her high heels, she tried to stretch and reach the mailbox but still couldn't. After much effort, she almost twisted her ankle and nearly fell but caught herself against the wall.
Damn it! Even with 8cm heels, she couldn't reach it!
Just as she was about to give up, she twisted her ankle and lost her balance. Fortunately, she caught herself against the wall.
OH MY GOD!
The world was indeed unfriendly to short people.
Realizing she couldn't hail a taxi with a twisted ankle, she resigned to picking up her mail and returning to the hotel.
Just then, she saw the tall masked man from before walking toward her. Clearly, he'd seen her struggle.
Upon entering the post office, he saw a short woman struggling to reach a mailbox he could easily access.
To top it off, she wore 8cm heels and inevitably twisted her ankle.
Impressed by her boldness, he approached and glanced at her, thinking she deserved it.
Eva: "..."
Man: "????"
Eva: "...Fancy meeting you here."
Man: "Your pickup code?"
Eva: "2333."
The man easily retrieved her registered letter.
Eva: "Thank you."
Without a word, the man retrieved his mail and walked away.
Eva, leaning against the shelf, contemplated how to reach the door.
Soon, the man returned, telling Eva, "I called a taxi for you."
Eva stared at him, finally managing a "Thank you."
The man observed her struggling to walk. "Can you make it to the taxi?"
Eva, not thinking much, nodded and continued, "I should be able to."
"Goodbye," the man said and left.
Eva finally made it to the taxi with great effort.
Well, her plans for the day were ruined.