The Number One Star in the Interstellar Era

GRANT had the sudden urge to pinch the bridge of his nose.  Because of what this kid, Astrid, had said, he already had an idea on the 'trouble' the other had been in.  If it involved his younger brother, then he had no doubt that Blair was the one who instigated it. 

Especially if Blair saw that Astrid was with Lauren's assistant.  With how his younger brother's brain worked, he would have definitely misunderstood something.  Which probably led to this so-called 'trouble'. 

But seeing how this kid could still smile like this, it seemed that he was the one who won his altercation with Blair.  "And may I ask what happened between you and my younger brother?" he still asked just to be clear.

"It's just a small misunderstanding.  The young master seemed to think that I have some indecent relationship with Lauren.  And so, to prove that I'm a serious actor, I challenged him to an acting showdown," Astrid answered with a smile.  "Fortunately, I won."

"They duked it out using the holographic rooms.  The one with the higher acting points won," Ellis added.

Grant was surprised by this.  His younger brother might have a problem with his temper, but Blair was talented.  It was the reason why despite not being suitable to this industry, Grant ultimately didn't stop him from being an actor.  He just put a stopgap on his career.  So, Blair could learn to be more patient and less arrogant.  He had a lot of years ahead of him.  Grant didn't believe that he wouldn't be able to hone his temper in the years to come.

But now, this kid, Astrid, was telling him that he won against Blair in an 'acting battle'?  Seeing that Ellis didn't refute that, then it must be true.  At least that could mean that this kid had talent in acting.  Was that the reason why Ellis decided to take him as her artist?

"The scene they chose was from the movie [Dreams Lost] – the one where the male lead first experienced the horror of killing someone," Ellis added.  "And Astrid got 90 points."

That was like a double blow for Grant.  Getting 90 points from one of the hardest scenes from [Dreams Lost]?  That more than proved his talent.  But somehow, even with Ellis here as proof, he still had a sense of disbelief. 

It's pretty obvious that this kid was a newcomer.  He didn't even have a company to represent him, much less an agent.  He probably didn't even have proper training.  And yet, he managed to get that high of a score on a movie that's very hard to act even for some third tier or second tier actors.  So, could you blame him for not fully believing it?

"Ah, that's right.  Can you get the footage of Astrid in that holographic room?  I want to watch it," Ellis said, even saying the room number of the holographic room.

Grant raised his eyebrow at her.  "Are you the boss, or am I?"

Ellis only grinned.  "Come on, I know you also want to watch it.  We could see if this kid truly deserved the point that he got."  She turned to Astrid.  "You don't mind, right?"

Astrid smiled.  "Of course.  I actually prefer that you do.  At least, you can see if my skill is up to par to the artists of Polaris."

Grant observed the teenager as he said that.  His body language was full of confidence. But it's not the type that would verge into arrogance.  Making other people dislike him.  It's more on the fact that he had undeniable trust on his acting skills. 

This kid was really interesting.

"Alright," he said.

Because just like what Ellis had said, he was indeed curious as to how Astrid got that high of a point.  Maybe after watching the footage, he would finally be convinced.

He opened a virtual monitor that was connected to all the systems running the company.  Then, opened the footage of Astrid in the holographic room.  It was easy.  Being the president, he didn't need anyone's permission to open such a file.

Once he did, he enlarged the monitor so Ellis could also see it.  When the footage started playing, it opened with Astrid standing at the middle of the white room.  Then the room slowly changed into a dark and dirty alley. 

The teenager standing on the middle changed his expression from someone with a gentle smile to someone who looked like he couldn't wait to go to some place.  The people who saw him couldn't help but feel his excitement and happiness.  He was running.  His body language showing that he was carrying something.  Until a homeless slave tried to stop him from his tracks.

Then the scene slowly unfolded in front of the audience – which was in this case, Grant and Ellis. 

From the initial fear to the unexpected anger that led to him killing the homeless slave.  They could clearly see the arrays of emotions that Astrid had shown.  Especially when he was laughing and crying at the same time.  They could feel the conflicting emotions that was coursing through his body.  The pain, the sadness, the fear, and the unfairness of it all.  It was all displayed there.

When the footage ended, there was a moment of silence inside the office. 

It was Ellis who broke that silence.  She looked at Grant and asked, "What do you think?"

Grant only looked at her with an expression of, 'do you really need to ask'.  He then turned to the teenager who was still smiling gently at them.  "If you're okay with our company, then I'll let my assistant send an artist contract to Ellis.  That is, if you're planning to accept her as your agent."

"It will be my honor to be part of Polaris," Astrid said honestly.  He turned to Ellis.  "And if Sister Ellis is willing to be my agent, it will not only be an honor but a pleasure as well."

"You really are a smooth talker," Ellis said before stretching her hand towards the teenager.  "Then, pleasure to be working with you, Astrid."

Astrid shook the other's hand.  "As I've said, the pleasure is all mine."