The Number One Star in the Interstellar Era

GRANT stared at the black-haired kid standing in front of him.  He must admit that when the other first came in, he was temporarily shocked.  It's not everyday that one could see someone with such striking looks.  But he quickly got over it.  He had been in this business for years.  What kind of beautiful face hadn't he seen?  Although, he must admit, amongst those, this face was definitely top tier.

But what surprised him even more was that Ellis was the one who brought this kid here in his office.  Didn't she just leave with Chris and Lauren?  Why did she come back with this kid?

Just as Grant was observing him, Astrid was also doing the same.  He had read from one article before that the president of Polaris didn't like his pictures to be taken and released to the public.  Calling it 'useless publicity'.  So, this was also the first time that Astrid had seen the other's appearance. 

He didn't expect the president to be so buff and masculine.  He was built more like a soldier than a company president.  He didn't even look like that younger brother of his, the one named Blair.  Their only similarity was the color of their eyes which was hazel brown.

"So, who is this?" Grant asked Ellis.

"My future prospect if everything went accordingly," Ellis answered with a shrug. 

If one heard her, they might think that she was talking about the kid in a romantic way.  But Grant understood this woman's sometimes cryptic way of talking.  They had known each other long enough for him to know that.  Simply put, Ellis was planning to be the agent of this kid.

"Are you planning to accept my job offer, then?"

Because if Ellis planned to be an agent again, then wouldn't that coincide with his job offer?  Although, frankly, he'd rather not have her returned to this industry.  She was already doing much better than she did five years ago when that whole 'Olivia Crane situation' happened.  What if once she returned to this industry, she met another Olivia and had her heart broken?  Would she still be able to pick herself up again?

He glanced once again at the black-haired teenager.  The other was calm with a gentle smile on his lips.  He hadn't spoken since he entered the office but his presence could still be felt in the whole room.  Someone like this was simply born to be a star. 

Even if he didn't have talent, that could still be learn through hard work.  But something like an 'x factor', as people might call it, was not a trait that anyone could just have no matter how much they work hard for it. 

If it's this boy, he could surely go places.  Just looked at the excitement on Ellis' eyes.  She probably also thought the same.  Maybe this kid was even the reason why she suddenly accepted his invitation to meet with him here at Polaris. 

Well, if she wanted to be the agent of this boy, then what he's worrying probably wouldn't happen.  After all, Ellis had always been only attracted to women.  So, having a love affair like the one she had with that Olivia Crane most likely wouldn't happen. 

"Depends on whether Astrid planned on signing here."

Grant was a bit dumbfounded by Ellis' answer.  This 'Astrid' must be the name of the kid.  But what's with that 'depends of whether the other signed here'?  "Didn't you bring him here?"

He originally thought that Ellis arrived here with this Astrid and he was the reason why the other went out earlier with Chris and Lauren – so that she could fetch this kid from wherever he was waiting.

Ellis understood immediately why the other reacted that way.  "Wait- did you think he arrived here at the company with me?"

"Didn't he?"

"Of course not.  I just happened to meet him when I came out with that kid earlier and his agent.  Astrid here is that kid's friend."  Ellis turned to the boy standing beside her.  "From my understanding, you're here to personally check the condition of the company.  Probably to see if Polaris could help you grow as an artist.  Am I right?"

"Yes, Sister Ellis is very smart.  You figured it out without me explaining anything," Astrid said with a smile.  He then turned to the president.  "Hello, President Fleming.  This is a bit of a late introduction but my name is Astrid Townsend.  I didn't mean to offend, but yes, I'm here for a bit of 'reconnaissance'.  After all, this is my future we're talking about.  I couldn't be too careless with it.  I hope the president would understand.  And yes, Sister Ellis and I just met a few minutes ago."

"Hey, you're actually such a smooth talker," Ellis said with a thumbs up.  "Having good people skill is always helpful in this career."

Astrid only smiled at that.

Grant felt the corner of his eyes twitching because of these two.  So, Astrid was the friend of Lauren who was in 'trouble' – as he heard during that video call from the other's assistant.  Then Ellis accompanied them, probably to join in with the fun.  Going to the source of this 'trouble', Ellis discovered that Astrid had a lot of potential.  So, she brought him here, with the thought of being the other's agent.

But this kid apparently still hadn't decided yet if he wanted to be an artist of his company.  Knowing Ellis, if Astrid refused to sign with them, she would immediately follow to whichever company the other chose.  How could Grant let a talented agent like Ellis go to another company?  Wouldn't that be like picking up a rock and smashing his own feet? 

So, he wouldn't mind convincing this kid to sign with them.  Polaris wouldn't lose anything even if he did.  With the kid's looks and temperament, as well as with Ellis' help, any investment the company put on him would definitely be returned in maybe two-three years' time.

"So, have you decided to sign with us?" he asked the kid.

"Well, if the president won't target me for annoying your younger brother, then I'd be happy to," Astrid answered with a smile.

And Ellis just straight out laughed hearing that.