The Number One Star in the Interstellar Era

FIONA GREENWOOD or most commonly known by her pen name – One Leaf – stared at the teenager sitting at the seat opposite her. When she said earlier that the other resembled 'Jace', she wasn't joking. It truly felt like Astrid was her character incarnate.

It's not just his appearance. The way he moved and talked, the atmosphere around him, it was very much like her 'Jace'. To think that there would come a day when she would actually experience something like this. It's like a dream for a writer like her.

Because of this, she couldn't help but think of the offer made by a certain director to her just a few days ago. Her first reaction to that was rejection. She didn't even meet with the director. Her agent kept on convincing her that agreeing to this project would be a good move for her career. But she still stubbornly said 'no'.

She didn't want her work to be decimated and torn apart by any director or film studio. Which would likely happen considering that the director who offered to adapt her novel to a movie only worked on advertisements and music videos. Even her who didn't know much knew how different those were from making a movie. So, how could she trust them?

But now, looking at Astrid Townsend, Fiona suddenly had an urge to have that movie made. How could he not when there's a perfect actor here who could play her protagonist?

Then, she quickly shook her head. No, she shouldn't be making any hasty decision right now just because of her excitement. What if this kid had a bad attitude? No matter how much he resembled her Jace, she didn't want some rude guy to play one of her favorite characters.

"Fiona, you just called Astrid Townsend 'Jace' earlier, right?" her agent whispered to her. "If you agree to adapt your novel, I'm sure you could have a say on who would play which role. No, I will definitely make sure that you will have a say in it. What do you think, will you finally accept Director Hale's offer? I heard she also worked with Astrid in Miria Lane's song MV. I'm sure it would be much easier to offer him the lead role even if he's just a newcomer."

Fiona bit her lip when she heard that. Just so she could prevent herself from immediately agreeing. "No, as I've said, I will think about it."

She heard her agent sigh. Obviously, the other wanted to convince her further but knowing she wouldn't listen, the agent chose to just end the conversation.

Fiona looked at Astrid, the other happened to also glance at her. Astrid gave her a friendly smile. She also tried to smile back but she was sure that it only looked like a grimace.

Anyway, she had already decided to further observe the other.

-----

After the make-up artists retouched their make-up, the three guests were led by one of the staff to the side of the studio to be on stand-by. They were told to walk to the studio once they heard the host calling their names.

Soon, the recording started. The host – Rita Ortega – walked in, greeting the studio audience. After that, she sat down on her designated seat.

"Welcome to another episode of [New Face]," she said, smiling at the camera. "In tonight's episode, we have three guests who have been the talk of the town in recent days. I'm sure some of you heard them one way or another."

The audience cheered as if in response.

"Her new song has been charting in different music charts as of late. Her latest album has also sold 10 million copies, making it a certified Silver Record. Let's all welcome our first guest, Nadia Beck!"

The woman standing in front of Astrid readied a sweet smile and walked to the studio, waving at the audience. She exchanged greetings with the host before sitting down on the long couch provided for the guests.

There would be a five minute personal interview before the host called the next guest. The one who would go next was the web novelist. Astrid could see the other's body visibly shaking, obviously still very nervous.

"You know," he started, calling the other's attention. "This might sound like a cliché, but thinking of the audience like their a bunch of vegetables, a pumpkin for example, will definitely help."

Fiona was startled hearing Astrid suddenly spoke to her. She turned to the other and saw him smiling playfully. She didn't feel like the teenager was mocking her. No, he's simply trying to ease her nervousness.

It didn't really help much. But the thought that he tried definitely made her less anxious and restless. "Thank you for the advice. I'll keep it in mind. Although it probably won't work much. I'm just as scared of vegetables as I am of people, you see?"

"Hmm... then how about furries wearing make-ups and sequins?" Astrid suggested with an innocent expression on his face.

When Fiona heard that, an image was instantly drawn in her mind and she couldn't help but burst out laughing.

"Now, for our next guest, she's a web novelist who's become very popular among the younger generation. The accumulative downloads of all her three works now exceed a hundred million. Let's all welcome, the author who currently represents youthful love, One Leaf!"

Astrid gently pushed the other. "Go, they're calling you."

Before Fiona walked to the studio, she glanced at Astrid. "Thank you."

Then she walked forward, her nervousness completely gone.

Astrid watched the host interviewed One Leaf for five minutes. Then soon it was his turn.

"Now, we're finally on our last guest. Ever since he was introduced as a part of Polaris, he already received a lot of attention. Every time he appeared, may it be a special guess in a series or simply appearing at a spaceport, he always entered the trending topic list. And just recently he appeared at Director Trevane's latest blockbuster. Please welcome, Astrid Townsend!"

Astrid walked to the studio, waving and smiling. Cheers immediately erupted from the audience.