Chapter 27: Nominations

Chapter 27: Chapter 27: Nominations

The dressing room was as large as a luxury apartment’s living room. The air carried the scent of clean fabric and a light perfume.

A velvet sofa, a champagne bucket, and a three-panel mirror were arranged throughout.

Compared to the formality of other designer spaces, this room felt accessible. The racks held dresses suited to young women, with bright colors and modern cuts.

Britney moved like an excited shopper, running her fingers across rows of clothing, the hangers clicking softly.

She held up a pink cropped top and low-rise jeans, gesturing in the mirror. "Irene! Look at this. Isn’t it great? The MTV crowd will love it."

Irene set down her coffee and answered firmly. "Brit, you’ve worn pink tops all summer. Try something different. Those pants are nice, but save them for your next signing."

"Fine." She then picked a white dress and asked, uncertain: "What about this? It looks proper and ladylike, right?"

The dress reminded Irene of the "suitable for meeting parents" style from her past life—standard for a traditional young woman.

She resisted a grimace. "We’re attending the MTV Awards, not a wedding. We don’t need to look that conservative."

"Oh, right." Britney put the dress down and searched for something brighter.

"I need to look like a star. Everyone will be watching." Her anticipation and nerves showed.

Irene stood, went to the rack, and searched. She stopped at a slip dress.

It was lavender with a subtle sheen, simple in design, knee-length—youthful without being juvenile, and elegant without being severe.

"Try this." Irene handed it to Britney.

"In the MV, you wore a school uniform, but your presence stood out. Same for the awards. Let ’Britney’ be the focus. You’re Best New Artist, and beyond that, a pop performer."

Britney took the dress, felt the fabric, and considered it. "You’re right. I’m not just a ’teen idol.’" She went to the dressing room.

When she came out, the fit was perfect.

The lavender complemented her blonde hair and fair skin, and the tailoring gave her a fresh look with a hint of star presence. She looked in the mirror, still unsure. "Is it... too simple?"

"Not at all." Irene took a Chanel necklace from her bag and fastened it around Britney’s neck.

They stood before the mirror—one a nominated singer, the other a nominated director—both looking toward the future.

"How do we look? Like two people ready for this?"

Britney touched the necklace, seeing the effect in the mirror. "Isn’t this too expensive?"

"Not at all. It’s to celebrate your Best New Artist nomination."

Britney smiled, and her nerves eased. She linked arms with Irene.

"Now that you say that, I’m more nervous. What if I don’t win?"

"Hey," Irene turned to her, serious.

"Listen, whatever name is in that envelope, you’ve already succeeded. You made the world know ’Britney’ from one video."

"And me, an eighteen-year-old director, on the nomination list with you, beating many experienced names—that’s already significant."

Britney took a breath, nodded, and her expression firmed. "Alright. This is the one. What about you? What are you wearing?"

Irene pointed to a black jumpsuit on the sofa, clean and structured.

"As a director, I’ll keep it cool. Easier to clap for you from the audience."

They both laughed.

Soon, the day of the ceremony arrived.

Outside Rockefeller Center, the crowd was loud; hundreds were present. People called out their favorite singers, similar to the large concerts Irene had seen in her past life. Fans were dedicated.

Because Britney had promised Edward Nelson he could walk the red carpet with her, and Irene didn’t want them to walk alone, the three formed an unusual group: Irene and Britney holding hands, with Edward half a meter away like security, all entering together.

At a TV awards show, that wouldn’t be odd—cast members often walk together. But for the Music Video Awards, it’s usually the singer alone or with one guest. The trio confused fans and press.

"Look over here, Brit!"

"Britney, is this your boyfriend?"

"Irene, take a photo with Brit!"

Microphones and camera flashes pressed forward, and the noise made it hard to hear. This was more intense than their film premiere.

Three newcomers on their first red carpet were enveloped by the sound and flashes. Standing at the center, with every lens on them and names being shouted, it was easy to get overwhelmed.

Each step felt slow, and part of them wanted to pause to absorb the attention.

Irene blinked against the flashes, resisting the urge to tear up. She squeezed Britney’s hand and moved toward the interview area; staying longer would be too much.

"Hello Irene, hello Britney."

After reaching the interview zone, an MTV reporter approached, then looked at Edward with confusion, not recognizing him.

Irene introduced him. "This is Edward Nelson, one of the male leads in my film, and a friend of mine and Brit’s."

Edward smiled and extended his hand. "Just call me Edward."

Few could resist Edward’s charm. The reporter smiled back. "Hello, Edward."

But her focus returned to the two women.

"All three of you are here for the first time. Is the atmosphere exciting?"

The microphone was between Irene and Britney, but Britney stepped back, giving Irene the floor.

Irene accepted naturally.

"Seeing so many people here who support Britney and me is exciting. I hope everyone enjoys the show today."

The reporter seemed surprised by the composed answer. "So, what are your hopes for tonight’s awards?"

"Being nominated is already significant. Compared to many veterans, we have room to grow."

The reporter was taken aback by the careful response; it sounded like a prepared statement.

Clearly, Irene wouldn’t provide unplanned quotes, and Britney was staying behind her, so the reporter turned to Edward.

"Then, Edward, any good wishes for these two?"

Irene recognized the trap. Overly confident wishes could be twisted by press into arrogance, reflecting badly on Britney.

But though Edward seemed casual, he was steady when it mattered.

"I’m no fortune-teller. My wishes won’t affect the outcome. If I jinx them, they’ll blame me later. Right now, I’m just here to support."

The reporter paused. The youngest group on the carpet had given the most measured answers. These three were prepared.

The interview was brief. After a few questions, the three followed staff to their seats.