This Year's Winners (2)
What is the very first thing a newly crowned king must do? A coronation, of course. And after that? A party. Not an official awards afterparty, but a deeply personal social gathering.
Shortly after, a party was held at Sion Lee's house. True to his wishes, he had invited only a "small" circle of close acquaintances. Yet, it ended up becoming an absolute, legendary event for the ages.
First, there was the network from CK Agency: actors like Jim Carrey, Leo Walker, Elena Asimov, and Susan Hopkins. Along with them were CEO Charlie Kang and Chloe Arietta, who was currently managing operations.
Because Sion had insisted, "Invite them too," the director and crew of Rainbow Road were also in attendance.
Then came his personal acquaintances—the real guests of honor. Legendary actors Jack Nicholson and Olga Asimov, with whom he shared long-standing bonds. The King of Pop himself, Michael Jackson, with whom he had forged a deep friendship. His former co-stars Jodie Foster, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Kate Winslet.
Representing his most significant business partnership was Terry Semel, the head of Warner Bros., along with producer Joel Silver. And finally, various other industry insiders with whom he had built solid relationships.
Standing before this illustrious crowd, Sion Lee took the microphone and made his first declaration.
Hearing this, everyone let out a collective chuckle. But it was his next announcement that triggered an explosive reaction.
"There is no alcohol at today's party. Instead, we have prepared a non-alcoholic punch."
"Boo! What kind of nonsense is that?!" several guests jeered openly. Jack Nicholson and Terry Semel were particularly vocal in their disapproval.
On the other hand, guests like Michael Jackson and Elena Asimov clapped in approval.
Hollywood parties always had far too much alcohol. And alcohol inevitably paved the way for sex and drugs.
"I absolutely will not tolerate anyone having sex in my house!"
This bold, shameless declaration actually served to heat up the atmosphere even more.
"DJ! Drop the beat!" Sion shouted.
DJ Steve, the host of the Fun Fire Freak Show, stepped up to the turntables and began to spin.
At first, the guests felt a bit awkward without any alcohol, but they were slowly won over by the sizzling barbecue and the tropical fruit punch Sion had painstakingly crafted.
Sion piled some lean meat onto his plate and watched the guests mingle in their respective groups.
Elena had quickly gravitated toward the older Jack Nicholson to keep him company.
Yep, I really have no choice but to marry her.
Olga was deep in conversation with Charlie. Even from a distance, their exchange radiated pure business energy, both of them exuding the aura of seasoned professionals. It was an invisible yet unmistakable, Jedi-like presence.
I'll leave those two alone...
Meanwhile, the younger actors had gathered among themselves.
As the guests split off into their various circles, someone approached Sion.
He wore sunglasses and a stylish fedora. Sion grinned and greeted him.
"It's been a while."
"The non-alcoholic punch is truly the best idea, Sion!"
It was Michael Jackson.
Seeing him after some time, Sion noted that Michael looked far better than he did during this period in his past life. It had started with minor comfort and behind-the-scenes maneuvering at a time when nothing had happened yet, but the results had snowballed. Sion had successfully prevented the catastrophic events that would have left a permanent stain on Michael's career and life.
Sion felt immensely relieved. And thanks to the bond they had forged back then, Michael Jackson's side had even invested in CK, allowing them to maintain an excellent relationship.
"A party is always better when you're bouncing around instead of drinking anyway."
"Like this?"
Michael Jackson lightly grooved to the beat. Watching this happen right in front of his eyes, Sion felt deeply honored.
...It felt like a single movement that should have cost at least a few million dollars to witness.
"You really are incredible, King of Pop."
"Haha, thank you, 'Hollywood's Broken King'."
"Ah, that nickname sounds like a video game character."
"Well, things need to be memorable to sell well."
"Oho..."
Sion had just learned a valuable lesson.
"When are you going to come visit Neverland?"
"...Someday, when my innocence is fully proven, I will definitely visit."
"All my friends are waiting for you, Sion. You must come."
As Sion and Michael chatted, two people watched them from a distance.
They were Frederic Patterson and Susan Hopkins—two actors who were building quite respectable careers but were often underappreciated due to the sheer number of geniuses in this era.
Since filming for The College Player had officially wrapped, they had been building their filmographies by appearing in mid-budget Hollywood films as supporting actors or co-leads.
"...How is he even close friends with Michael Jackson?"
"Tell me about it. At this rate, he's going to end up being buddies with Bill Clinton."
As ordinary citizens of the industry, they stuffed themselves with fruit punch and steak while nervously scanning their surroundings. Noticing this, Sion grinned and walked over to them.
"Are you guys enjoying the party?"
"W-what? Why are you coming over to us?" Frederic blurted out, glancing nervously at Michael, who looked slightly disappointed to see Sion leave.
"Why else? Because we're friends."
"Friends? Is 'just friends' really enough?!" Susan teased, still looking at Sion with a lingering hint of affection.
Sion chuckled and spoke to Frederic in a boastful tone.
"Susan is starting a major project soon thanks to a push from CK. How about you these days?"
"I-I'm working hard in my own way too!"
Seeing Frederic get teased, Susan chimed in to play along.
"Man, what would have happened to my career if it weren't for our dear Sion?"
"In times like this, you should call him Mr. Kang."
"Oh, right! Mr. Kang's business acumen is truly mind-blowing! Isn't it?"
"Right?! CK Agency is the absolute best!"
"You bastards..."
"It just means we highly value your talent in our own way," Sion said, his tone suddenly turning calm and sincere as Frederic's face flushed red.
"Uh, really? Heh, hehe... I'm working hard too! Though not as much as you!"
Paprika Patterson, unable to keep up with the sudden shift in tone, was easily led along.
After reassuring his friend and telling him to enjoy the party, Sion heard someone shouting his name nearby. He turned around with an exasperated sigh.
"Hey, kid! You could have at least prepared some beer!"
"...All accidents start with alcohol."
"Fruit punch is for women and children! Real men like me don't drink that stuff!"
Jack Nicholson was popular enough that Sion didn't need to worry about entertaining him.
...Sion looked around to see where Elena, who had been taking care of Jack earlier, had gone. She was now chatting with Jim Carrey, who was quietly sipping his drink. Seeing the genuine smile on Jim's face, Sion felt relieved and turned away.
As he scanned the backyard, he noticed a spot that felt as tense and serious as a noir film. Two familiar figures were standing there, deep in conversation.
"Thank you, Charlie. It seems my daughter has learned a lot from your side."
"Oh, not at all. She was already fully prepared when she came to us. We simply gave her the freedom to do as she pleases."
Charlie smoothly handed over his business card.
"We always prioritize the actor's vision above all else. Of course, just as a person cannot actually see their own face, we act as a mirror to reflect their talents and help them make the best choices."
"Oho... How interesting. My career is currently at a crossroads, deciding whether to enter a new phase or not. Working with an agency that has a fresh perspective doesn't sound like a bad idea. Ah, and I actually have a proposal I'd like to make to your side."
"Haha, we always welcome business talk! What is it?"
"I'd like to do a project with Sion here."
Olga, who had somehow noticed Sion sneaking up, draped an arm over his shoulder and flashed a captivating smile.
"...It's a party today. Do we really have to talk about work?"
"Oh, darling, isn't closing a deal the ultimate party for people like us?"
"In that case, let's throw another party once the deal is finalized, Mrs. Asimov."
"I would love that."
"..."
Unlike the younger crowd who were still innocently enjoying the party, these adults were thoroughly drenched in business to their very bones.
...They say when you get older, nothing is more fun than making money.
However, Sion, who possessed the soul of an old man inside, quickly adapted to the vibe.
"What kind of project is it?"
"MTV is planning a massive broadcast. You know that show where a star invites another star to dinner? They want to expand on that format. This time, they want to have a fixed host and invite people from the film and music industries. It'll air during prime time."
"Another dinner format?"
"No, they plan to adjust the format depending on the star they cast. Even if it's not a dinner, as long as it helps promote the guests, they're open to anything. It'll be a short, punchy segment. And it doesn't have to be just one guest; multiple people can participate. If you have any suggestions, I can pass them along."
Hearing this, Sion took a sip of his fruit punch and pondered.
It's not a bad proposal.
The only issue was his schedule. Aside from that, it sounded highly intriguing. MTV was still functioning as the mainstream hub of pop culture. Having dominated the 1990s, it was now drawing in an even more diverse audience.
Furthermore, the president of MTV had looked favorably upon Sion ever since the award ceremony kiss incident. If Sion participated, the network would undoubtedly throw its full support behind him.
What if he brought on Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet, Elena Asimov, or even Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jim Carrey for a comfortable talk show tailored to their filmographies?
Or we could completely flip the script and go for something provocative.
Of course, he had no intention of going completely wild like those who made a living solely off cheap sensationalism in this industry.
Olga waited patiently as Sion fell into deep thought. After exchanging a quick glance with Charlie, Sion finally spoke.
"I'll do it on one condition."
"One condition is perfectly fine. What is it?"
"The condition is that you let me increase it to three conditions."
"...?"
"First, they must accommodate my schedule completely and allow me to actively participate in designing the show's format."
"Isn't that already two conditions...?"
"...Hmm, and the last one?" Olga asked, slightly taken aback.
Sion grinned.
"The first guest must be the most beautiful actress I know: Olga Asimov."
The moment she heard this, she burst into laughter.
"Oh, you really are something else. This is exactly why I like you."
She could already tell that this program would be a massive hit based on his wit alone. Olga shook her head with a wry smile.
"Why would anyone want an old lady like me as their first guest?"
Naturally, MTV eagerly accepted Sion Lee's conditions.
"Ah, agree to whatever he wants! As long as he appears, the ratings are guaranteed!"
The times were gradually changing.
While the numerous superstars who had dominated the 80s and 90s were either becoming mature veterans with massive filmographies or slowly entering a decline, the public was clamoring for a new number one.
In this atmosphere, where several young actors were racing toward the peak, Sion Lee—who had won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor at a young age—was undoubtedly the man leading the charge in this battle for the throne.
The program MTV was planning aimed to capitalize on precisely this.
The New King converses with the New King & Queen.
Tailored to the tastes of the younger generation, it wouldn't be a simple, elegant dinner. Instead, it would be a show where they participated in various activities together.
Sometimes it would involve physical activities, and other times it would be spiced up with specific, provocative concepts!
MTV wanted exactly that, and they prioritized casting Sion Lee, the reigning young superstar of the moment, as the host who could pull it off best.
However, they were slightly dazed by one of his top conditions.
"He wants Olga Asimov as the first guest..."
"Ah."
It was a slightly different picture from what they had initially envisioned.
Because of this, they couldn't help but worry, Is this going to ruin things right from the start?
"MTV is probably preparing to usher in a new era."
At Los Angeles International Airport, in front of the VIP lounge.
Just before departing for Italy, Sion Lee sat with his sunglasses on. He was explaining the situation to CK Agency's representative, Charlie Kang, who had come to see him off, leaving things in his hands while he was away.
"They want to show people like me, Elena, Leo, Kate, and even Matt Damon, Edward Norton, Gwyneth Paltrow, or Angelina Jolie hanging out and having a great time."
"And you'll be hosting them as the 'King'?"
"Something like that. For now, I'm the one leading the pack... though I'll get overtaken if I let my guard down even for a second."
Sion smiled faintly, swallowing the words that rose to his throat.
Even so, they still don't know Hollywood.
Tom Cruise, who currently seemed to be past his prime, would continue to build his filmography while working as a producer, eventually moving audiences worldwide twenty years later with the sequel to Top Gun, Top Gun: Maverick.
The television industry would always search for fresh faces, as it always had, but there would always be those who defied the cycle.
Thus, Sion had no intention of simply dancing to their tune.
"It benefits me too."
"How so?"
"They say the first thing a newly crowned king does is criticize the old king. Well, I don't plan on criticizing anyone, but just bantering back and forth with actors who are starting to lose their edge will be enough to cement my current status in the public's mind."
Gaining their recognition while acknowledging their legendary careers.
Sion felt that things were about to get very interesting.