The Number One Star in the Interstellar Era

ASTRID looked around as he and Ellis walked on the set of [Blind Justice].  It was still early morning but every crew on the set was already busy.  He followed behind his agent until the other stopped and called someone.

"Jean!"

He turned to the direction where Ellis was looking but all he saw was a group of people checking the props and other stuffs.  Then one among that group looked back and waved his hand when he saw them.  Astrid knew then that that guy was Jean Evans – the director of [Blind Justice].

The man had slightly long hair that was messily tied up.  Even his clothes looked unkempt.  He had this sloppy appearance, like an artist who didn't care about how others perceive them.  At the same time, he also had this easygoing air about him.  As evidence of the infectious smile on his face. 

Astrid could tell that the other was not a strict director.  He's probably the type that wouldn't get angry easily but when something indeed angered him, then, he would definitely explode like a bomb.  Almost like a harmless cat turning into a roaring lion.

He had worked with this type of director before.  They usually had good tempers and were easy to work with.  But once you hit their bottom line, you're definitely done for.

Director Evans walked, or rather, run towards them.

"You're finally here," the director said.

Ellis raised one of her brows.  "I don't think we're late though?"

"You're right.  I'm just excited to meet Remi's angel," the director said. 

The 'Remi' he's pertaining to was the male lead of the show.  And based on the script that Astrid had read, 'Remi's angel' should be him.

So, he smiled politely and timely said, "Hello Director Evans, I'm Astrid Townsend.  I really enjoyed your show.  Thank you for giving me a chance to work with you."

The director looked at him, his eyes were already shining.  "You're really like the angel in my mind!  I was really worried that I might have been too drunk when I agreed to Ellie's suggestion of letting you play this role.  But thank the heavens that you at least look the part."

Astrid only looked amusedly at the director. 

While Ellis punched the other's shoulder in a friendly manner and said, "You really need a stop gap for that mouth of yours."

Jean put his hand on top of his mouth and said in a muffled voice, "Ellie, you know I'm not into BDSM!  I'm such a pure soul, how could you even suggest that?"

Ellis only looked at the director as if he was a fool.

Then, as if only realizing that he must have said something wrong, Jean turned to Astrid with an apologetic expression.  "I'm sorry, I often just say whatever's on my mind but I didn't mean anything bad by it.  I hope you're not offended."

Of course, he wasn't.  Because Astrid couldn't feel any malice with the other's words.  The director was simply worried that he wouldn't meet his expectations.  Which was quite understandable.  This upcoming 100th episode was obviously very special to the other.  It's only natural to be worried.  Especially since he did agree for Astrid to play the role when he was under the influence of alcohol.

So, he smiled with a bit more sincerity before responding, "It's okay, Director.  I'm not offended at all."

Jean let out a sigh of relief.  "Your temper is so good."  He then turned to Ellis.  "Ellie, you hit the jackpot with this one.  Thankfully, you prefer women to boys as romantic partners.  Or else, you might encounter another problem like what happened to Olivia—" 

He wasn't able to finish that because Ellis suddenly hit him at the back.  This time, she did so in a not very friendly manner.  Making the other almost fall on the ground.  "Jean, why don't I take Astrid to do make-up and styling so we could begin filming?"

The director seemed to know that he had said the wrong thing and quickly apologized.  "I'm sorry, Ellie.  I didn't mean to mention her."

Ellis sighed helplessly and just gently knocked on the other's head.  "It's fine.  I'm already used to your antics."

Jean seemed to be overwhelmed by gratefulness that he looked like he was about to cry at any second.  "Ellie, you're such a good friend.  I hope you won't leave again if you suffer another heartbreak."  Then, he stopped, realizing that he said something wrong again.  "I'm not jinxing you!  I just- I don't want you to just disappear on your friends again."

This time, Ellie smiled and ruffled the other's already messy hair.  "I know.  As I've said before, I won't leave again the same way as I did back then."

The director's infectious smile was finally back.  He then called a crew member to take Ellis and Astrid to the dressing room.

During the conversation of the two, there was really only one thought in Astrid's mind.  That he was thankful that they were far from other people.  Or else, the content of their conversation would be enough to cause a scandal.  After all, Olivia Crane was now technically a member of the upper nobility.  If someone publicized a story about her and Ellis, it would definitely be a big news.

But what he heard also confirmed his guess about Ellis and Olivia's relationship.  He somehow already expected that it went beyond just an artist-agent one.  Because if it was really a professional relationship, Ellis wouldn't leave the industry just because Olivia retired and married someone.

"I apologized for Jean.  He talks' carelessly like that but he's a good guy," Ellis said while they were walking.

"It's fine, Sister Ellis.  I'm not really offended," Astrid said.

Besides that part of the director reminded him a bit of Lauren.  Although the director was still a level higher.  It could be unbearably annoying to some, but it could also be endearing.

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Inside the training room of the Imperial Military Academy's Mecha Department, a man was busily browsing on his [Cyberspace] to check for news about Astrid.

As a true fan should.