The Number One Star in the Interstellar Era

HARPER stared at the teenager in front of her.  His eyes were shining like the night sky full of stars.  Those black orbs not only had determination in them but also unwavering confidence.  She didn't know if that was just his arrogance talking or if he could actually walk the talk. 

"Before we start filming, just in case you haven't heard of this, I don't use script whenever I shoot a music video," she said.  "I let the people who starred in my video to show the emotions that are being conveyed by the song.  Do you know why I do it this way?"

Astrid, who was asked, quickly thought of an answer to that question.  "Because if one used their emotion at a certain part of a song to convey what they were feeling instead of simply following a script that was provided for them, it would feel more genuine.  And the message of the song would be delivered more clearly."

Harper smiled at that smart response.  It's good to know that there's a brain inside that pretty head.  "Correct.  Anyone who would see the video would have a deep impression of the song.  And if the star of my music video does a really, really good job, they won't only help in the sales of the song, it would also help them gain attention.  But if they only have a barely passable talent, no matter how good of a director I am, it will show on the video.  And they would gain nothing from it.  So, Astrid Townsend, which of the two are you?"

"Definitely the first one, Director," Astrid answered without an ounce of hesitation.

Harper couldn't help but laugh once again.  She liked confidence in people.  Especially if they could back it up.  Based on what her Uncle Daniel had told her, this kid definitely had the talent to back his confidence. 

It was actually one of the reasons why she didn't directly fire him the moment she saw how pretty he was.  Because she had been hearing nothing but good things about him from her uncle – Director Daniel Trevane.  That uncle of hers wouldn't just easily give compliments to anyone.  And yet, two weeks ago, when she called him, he kept on gushing about this newcomer.  To the point of even calling him a star in the making.

She became a bit curious.  Probably because she hadn't remembered how long ago since her uncle became excited dure to a new artist.  That's why when Harper found out that she would be shooting this talented newcomer, she was excited.  Because her curiosity would finally be fed. 

But when she saw his appearance, she was a bit disappointed.  Because his looks clearly didn't match the theme of the song they would be shooting.  She even wondered if her uncle wasn't just dazzled by the other's good looks.  But now that they were about to start filming, it seemed that she just had to wait and see whether this kid really had it or not.

"Then try not to disappoint me," she said.  "Go and have the stylist do your make-up.  We'll shoot your part first."

"Yes, Director Hale."

----------

At a safe distance from the sea area of the garden, three people were looking at the shore using high-grade binoculars that could project a virtual image of what it was seeing.  Even someone with an SS level physique wouldn't notice their presence from the spot they chose.

The one who was tasked to hold the binoculars was Edmund while Hildred and Wulfric were sitting comfortably behind and looking at the virtual screen.

"Edmund, are you sure you're looking at the right place?" Wulfric asked, probably for nth time already.

Edmund, who was currently like a human camera, almost wanted to cry.  If only he could complain, he had already done so.  But sadly, in this party, he was the one with the least right to make any kinds of decision.  If he made an analogy, then the general would be the boss, Hildred would be the boss' right hand man, then he'd the unfortunate lackey.

He was about to explain that he was really pointing the binoculars at the direction Hildred said when he saw that a group of people started to walk towards the shore.  Some were carrying items that was probably needed for filming.  And others were clearing a certain area. 

"There, General, I think they're starting!"

Wulfric, of course, also saw that from the virtual screen.  His gaze was moving left and right looking for a certain black-haired teenager.  But he still couldn't find him amongst all that people.

Seeing how Wulf was obviously looking for the teenager, Hildred thought that he probably should have mentioned about Astrid Townsend trending more than three weeks ago.  Would Wulf kick him if he told him about it now?  He shrugged.  He might as well get it done and over it.

"Now that I remember it, I think I saw a trending topic three weeks ago about your teenager," he started, acting all innocent as if he just remembered it now.

Wulfric glanced sharply at Hildred.  "What trending topic?  And for the record, he's not my teenager."

Hildred only raised one of his brows.  Because that last sentence was a bit unexpected.  He didn't expect the other to react to that one comment he made.  It's like a kid in class being teased about the person he liked and him shouting back, 'no, I don't like that person at all!'.

He almost laughed at his own analogy.  But he still maintained an innocent expression and said, "Well, a video clip of him trended.  I think it was taken by another person and posted on [Cyberspace]. He was removing his cap and revealing his face.  With his appearance, it's not that surprising that it gained a lot of attention.  But I think the main reason it did was because of the situation it was taken."

Wulfric's brows furrowed.  He didn't like anything that he just heard.  "What situation?"

Before Hildred could answer, Edmund suddenly shouted;

"General, General, I think I just saw Astrid!"

Wulfric quickly shifted his gaze towards the virtual screen.  And there, he saw Aster walking barefoot on the sea shore.