The Number One Star in the Interstellar Era

ON the other side, Sienna had been introducing Astrid to the rest of the cast who he wasn't able to meet during the time of his filming.  And they were quite a lot.  Since all of his scenes were with the major casts of the movie. 

Some were very friendly and welcoming but there were also others who reacted in quite the opposite manner.  For example, they hadn't even walk that far when the two who Sienna just introduced to him spoke badly of him.

"So, that was the one Director Trevane chose to play the role of god," one said.  "No wonder the director kept on rejecting the people the casting director suggested.  He forgot to say that he didn't care about talent and just wanted someone extremely pretty."

"True.  But isn't that role a bit too much for a newcomer?" the other responded.  "Even if it doesn't have that much of a screen time, the role is still at the title of the movie.  A lot of attention will still be on him."

"Maybe he seduced Director Trevane to get the role."

"Sshh!  Lower your voice a little.  We'll be in trouble if some of the staff heard us and informed the director."

"But you agree, right?  How could a newcomer grab such an important role if not for some backroom deal or something?"

"Of course, I agree.  With that face, he could get any role he wants as long as he sleeps with the right person."

"Oh, if only that clause in the contract that said that we can't talk about anything regarding the movie not at least until the movie is released wasn't there, then we can tell everyone about this."

"It doesn't matter.  As soon as the movie is released and everyone saw how bad he is, people will naturally talk even without us."

"Now that you said that, I couldn't wait even more for the movie to be released."

Sienna, who heard all of that, frowned.  She was about to turned around and scold those who clearly didn't know what they were talking about, when her arm was suddenly held. 

She glanced sideways and saw Astrid shaking his head.  "But Astrid, those two needed a good deal of scolding.  How can they say those disparaging things?"

"It's alright, Sister Sienna.  People will always have something bad to say.  If you try to scold them about it, their bad opinion will simply turn to worse.  Besides, once the movie is out, it would be a great slap on their faces once they saw my performance," Astrid said with a smile.

But even though he said that, he still glanced back at the two people.  They were both about to drink a glass of wine.  He narrowed his eyes.  The two suddenly winced in pain, grasping their head.  As such, the glasses they were holding toppled over and the wine inside poured on their dresses.

Both shouted in shock.  People close to their location quickly went to the two. 

"What happened?  Are you okay?"

"I don't know.  I just felt this painful tingle in my head and—"

"I felt the same.  Just what was that?"

"Anyway, you two should clean up.  Your dresses are soaked badly."

Of course, Sienna and Astrid also saw this commotion.

Sienna scoffed.  "How fast karma worked.  They deserved it for saying those mean things about you."

Astrid only smiled.  And yes, it was him that gave those two a little mental attack.

It was very childish, yes.  But should he just stood there and let them badmouth him?  Of course not.  Especially with the things the two said.  Suspecting him of cavorting with the director, how ridiculous.

Although it was something that he had already expected to happen, he still didn't like hearing it.  He wouldn't even be surprised if the same rumor would arise in the future.  And just like he said to Sienna earlier, his performance could easily prove them wrong.

Sienna picked two small sandwiches from a passing waiter and gave one to Astrid.  "Here, taste this."

"Thank you, Sister Sienna," Astrid responded, taking the small sandwich and biting into it.  The taste of something sweet and creamy filled his mouth.  It's like a custard flavor sandwich. 

Sienna studied Astrid's face and saw that his expression was very normal.  She felt relieved seeing that.  Because it meant that he was not affected by what those two had said.  Which was good.  At least it showed that the other had strong mental fortitude.  An important trait for someone in this industry to have.     

"Don't mind those two.  Director Trevane will never allow such a rumor to happen.  You see, he absolutely hates it when his movie is entangled with useless rumors that didn't have anything to do at all with the movie itself.  So, you can rest assure that such rumors would be quickly dealt with if ever."

"Well, that's certainly very reassuring," Astrid said, quite a bit surprised.

He knew that Director Trevane was quite the upright director.  But he didn't expect that he would go to such lengths for his movie.  But if one thought about it carefully, the director had enough power and reputation to back that up.

"Oh, there's Miria," Sienna suddenly said.  "Come, I'll introduce you to her."

Astrid glanced towards the direction Sienna pulled her to.  There, standing alone beside a table, was a petite girl with shoulder-length hair the color of ripe peaches and a pair of hazel eyes.  He recognized her as the second female lead of this movie – Miria Lane.

"Miria, why are you alone here in the corner?" Sienna asked when they arrived at the table where the other was standing.

Miria smiled at Sienna.  "No reason, really.  I just happened to pick this spot."

"Well, it's certainly a good spot if you don't want to be bothered by anyone."

"And that's the reason why I picked it."

"You don't mind us bothering you, right?"

"Of course not.  I always enjoy Sister Sienna's company."

Sienna smiled at that.  "Anyway, have you met Astrid?"

Miria turned to Astrid and the smile on her face just turned a tad bit fake.  "No, I believe I haven't the pleasure yet."