There were several signifit occurrences in January. Firstly, Billy was nominated for two awards: the Brit Awards and the Billboard Awards, both iionally renowned in the musidustry. However, in the year 2000, there was a major upheaval among many musis, causing signifit disruptions in the music se. heless, Billy's album tio achieve major milestones in music. Selling 5 million copies as a debut album is no small feat, earning numerous gold, ptinum, and diamond records in various tries.

  Music magazines only vish praise on Billy's songs, sidering them as some of the greatest. Billy lives in a bubble, protected on three fronts. Firstly, his age - it's not good to hassle minors, as for paparazzi, messing with minors is like a losing battle. Sedly, Billy's well-being - although there are some photos, they ot be published without proper sent. The third aspect is Jerry's care, who has blocked interviews, meetings, sponsorships, as until he deems it appropriate.

  However, the nominations for the awards have been signifit, and once again, popurity begins to soar, even to the lofty heights of money. Surprisingly, Atntic Records is now part of the major bel Warner Records.

  -You've been nominated for the Billboard Awards. If you win a nomination, your position on the Billboard is a well-deserved showcase of your success, and how that victory help us in other nominations. You'll probably be nominated for the Grammys in November, which is all we desire now, - said Jerry Wexler.

  -I don't think we'll win anything. Shaggy's album has been amazing, and I've heard it. I see why people say they're great, and besides, my ranking never surpassed the top 10. I've been in various positions for a long time, but never iop spots. It seems like the rappers are the ones who win that favor, - ented Billy.

  -Surely, it's the fault of the arketing. We spent the minimum because you were a plete novice, and the traly favored one person, expeg your downfall, as they collected little money. I asked for many favors that I might have to pay ba other days, just like you have to pay if I'm no longer around, - Jerry responded, somewhat regretfully, at how everything unfolded.

  -Damn merts, I'm full of doubts. We'd be rolling in it if they had bet. Did they think the songs were great? - Billy remarked.

  -They are, they're very good, but I uand the fear. Sometimes you say the song is as great as me. It's a fear that bees exhausting because of the risks of losing, yoffs, aation. If you bet and lose, there won't be aending a hand if you . The fact is... no one will fully trust you without havied the oute. You'll have more success for the album, with your ret popurity, it's not far-fetched to win something, as long as you're careful, - Jerry replied.

  -They're fools, - said Billy.

  -You have a small gig nearby, we'll do some advertising, and there, we'll face everything head-on in the months leading up to the awards. The nomination is enough, - Jerry responded.

  The Billboard Awards didn't have that preference for a ceremony, but the Brit Awards did. With Billy's album receiving such a warm reception, they might face off at the awards.

  ***

  In the following days, everythied itself, even with a flurry of nominations, life couldn't be seen in any other way. They o focus; the main goal was to bee a star.

  -You're one of the best singers, kid, surprisingly good, - Jad ented as he trained Billy, throwing punches rapidly.

  -It's not that big a deal, old man, - Billy replied.

  -Haha, old man. 1, 2, keep dodging, kid. You o ge dires frequently. I'll throw numerous puo teach you the real deal. Hope you keep up, - said Jad, throwing punches in rapid succession while Billy narrowly dodged eae.

  Matt had gone for auditions for some movies; apparently, his physique was one of the ditions that gave him good opportunities as an actor with minimal ag skills and enough strength to perform certain stunt as.

  -You're doing a great job, - Jad remarked.

  -Thanks, Jad. I always try to create the best sarios when plementing my ag. On stage, I'm the king, - Billy ented.

  -I like that, kid. When you box, fight, or bat someone, you have to feel like the king. And only by doing that you succeed in such powerful professions, - replied Jad.

  -That's awesome. When you were a fighter, was the fear of fighting part of every battle... I mean, you guys go out a each other up. Must be different from a regur job, - Billy asked.

  -More than fear, it was the adrenaline of fighting at every opportunity. Many times, I wao fight someone again because I didn't perform well. It's different, kid... What matters now are those things, those little models who 't stop giving you deep looks, - Jad ented, smiling, pointing to a bloh deep blue eyes, Gemma Jard, a 14-year-old Australian introduced by Jad, whose gaze had been fixed on Billy like a fme, attentive.

  -And you're a kid, - Jad retorted.

  -It's not that, - Billy replied.

  -Look, the girl is ye, you're you, and she's her. Invite her for ice cream, a movie, whatever kids do these days, - Jad suggested, doubling Billy's punch repetitions.

  -Same thing, it's just that I have so muy mind, having a girlfriend sounds silly, - Billy ented.

  -Girlfriend? You're not taking it too seriously. Just have fun, buddy. You're in the industry; just py along, and wheime es, bow out, - Jad ented.

  -If you put it that way, you make me sound like an idiot, - Billy ented, residering his options. - But I o check with my agent; I'm not sure if it would be well-received. I have many rules to follow. -

  Jad grimaced; for someone so young, beiricted roblem. In his youth, it was one of the dowhat led to total rebellion on his part. terproductive.

  -Don't be too risky, just keep it simple... She's a girl like you, go to the bea summer. Friend, you're impossible, - Jad ented, finishing the exercise routih Billy. Now it was time for the jump rope; the m resent in the gym, and some partits were doing their m routines.

  -Hahaha, sorry, Jad. But Jerry is like a grandfather to me; he's always looked out for me and my mother. He's right; I should sult with the elders, - Billy ented.

  -Do the jumps; you o do about 1200 in 15 minutes if we're lucky, - Jad instructed.

  ...