The Number One Star in the Interstellar Era

ASTRID was on his way to his next class when his Terminal rang. He opened it and saw that it was a message from Ellis.

Ellis: [The trailer for the 100th episode of [Blind Justice] is being edited right now. They asked me if they should include you in it or keep your participation a bit of mystery. I said I will ask you first. What do you think?]

Astrid chuckled a little when he read it. Because he knew Ellis already had a plan in mind. Still, he appreciated the fact that she asked for his opinion. 

Astrid: [I leave the decision to you, Sister Ellis.]

Ellis: [Okay. Then, I will tell them to only show your back view and not your face. I will also ask them not to announced that you're part of that episode as a guest.]

He already had an idea on what kind of strategy Ellis was going for. With his spaceport photos still flying around [Cyberspace], add that to back view of him on the 100th episode trailer of [Blind Justice], and anyone with a discerning mind could put two and two together. And by 'anyone' he meant those who were following him on [Cyberspace].

If one person posted their 'discovery', it would certainly get traction. Because one, [Blind Justice] was a popular show and two, Astrid was a newcomer with no works under his name. There would be a lot of people who would mock this post, most likely saying things like how could a newcomer be a special guess in their beloved show? 

They would probably even suggest that the back view belonged to another actor with black hair or some other actor that used a black wig or dyed his hair black. Anyone could be it. Anyone except him. Because it was more acceptable and understandable if it was anyone except a newcomer.

Since his face wouldn't be shown in the trailer and no announcement would be made, those who thought that it was impossible for him to be the 'mystery guest' would definitely take that as a sign that there's no way it could be him. And therefore, would gloat over it.

They would not only mock those who thought that it was him, they would definitely also attack Astrid. Maybe even saying that he was the one who started the rumor so people would talk about him. Although it's not yet to happen, he was certain that it would. His many years of experience in the entertainment industry in his past life proved that.

But he didn't mind. The more they talked and scolded him, the better. Because the face-slapping would then become much sweeter. How could it not be when those people would be proven wrong and swallow all the nasty things they had said?

Astrid responded to Ellis. After a few more message exchange, he closed his Terminal and walked to the direction of the building for his next class.

As he did, he could feel the gaze of a lot of people on him. This was already the fourth day since the new school term started. He had already gotten used to being the constant recipient of other students' gazes. 

He had considered whether to continue wearing a hat and a mask to avoid this kind of thing, but he thought against it. Aside from the fact that wearing something like that inside a class would make him more conspicuous, it would also make him look like he was running from something.

It was fine when he only just registered or during the freshmen orientation. Because he didn't really need to be here for a long period of time. Which was different when he had to go to classes. 

Although it's troublesome to be stared at all the time, he could still bear this much. Besides, this would also help the students in this school to get used to his presence. If they saw him often in the campus, then, they would stop treating him like he's some kind of panda.

He was nearing the teaching building when three guys stopped him from his track. They all looked pretty and delicate, especially the one standing at the middle. His clothes were fashionable. One could see how much care he put on his skin and hair just by seeing how dewy and lush they were respectively. 

Astrid forced himself not to frown and not to let the gentle smile on his lips disappear. He knew these three. Or more exactly, he recognized their faces. They were all from the same department as him.

In the last three days, these three had been popping up from time to time just to ask whether they could eat lunch together or if he wanted to go somewhere after class to have fun. Of course, he always politely refused. Mainly because he could feel no good intentions behind their words. 

They might have tried to disguise it with their clumsy acting. But he could still see the envy and jealousy lurking in their eyes. Who knew what kind of scheme they were playing at? 

"Hi, Astrid!" the one standing at the middle greeted. "Are you going to class? Let's go together!"

"Thanks, but no," Astrid responded. "I think we have different classes."

"How could that be? All freshman from the same department almost have the same classes," said the one on the right. 

Then, the one on the left scoffed. "Why can't you just say directly that you don't want to go with us instead of giving some shitty excuse."

"Don't make ȧssumptions like that. Maybe Astrid really has a different class," the one at the middle said in a soft voice. Then he turned to Astrid. "Sorry, we didn't mean to trouble you like this. I- I'm just trying to befriend you. Sorry if it just come off as a nuisance."

The other's expression was like that of someone who met his idol but was rejected and was now trying his best to act strong. Even his eyes were starting to water, as if he would cry at any second.

Astrid almost wanted to applaud him for his slightly passable acting.