The Number One Star in the Interstellar Era

Chapter 663 BUTTERFLIES TAKING OFF

”MR. Atkins, sir,” Kiran began, carefully choosing his words to keep his nerves in check. ”Are you the person Miss Rose arranged for me to meet?” He didnʼt want to risk assuming the wrong thing—that would be far too embarrassing. Especially not in front of his idol.

Of course, Kiran was a huge fan of Shir Atkins. It would be strange if he werenʼt. Shir Atkins wasnʼt just the most popular musician of this generation; he was the musician. Anyone aspiring to create popular music had no choice but to admire him. It wasnʼt just his stunning voice—his musicality was unmatched. On top of that, he produced and composed his own songs. Truly, a force to be reckoned with in the music industry.

Shir Atkins had always been one of Kiranʼs biggest inspirations. He loved his music—the way every song felt alive, full of emotion, and perfectly crafted. He admired how the other could tell a story with just his voice and how every note seemed to come straight from the heart. For Kiran, Shir Atkins wasnʼt just a talented musician; he was the kind of artist he dreamed of becoming one day. He wanted to write songs that moved people the way Shir Atkinsʼ songs moved him, to create music that left a lasting impression.

And now, there was a chance that Kiran could end up in the same agency as Shir Atkins. Technically, since the other was the founder, it would mean working under him in some capacity. But to Kiran, it still felt like they would be connected in a meaningful way—part of the same creative family.

That was exciting in and of itself.

”Yes. Christin told me that you were looking for a talent agency to handle your career,” Shir Atkins said, calling Miss Rose by her first name. ”After listening to the song you composed, I believe youʼd be an excellent fit for my agency.”

Kiran took a deep breath, trying to steady himself. It was real—Shir Atkins truly wanted to recruit him. His chest felt tight, and his hands fidgeted on his lap as he worked to stay calm. He couldnʼt let his nerves get the better of him, not now.

”The agency is called Resonance,” Shir Atkins started explaining. His voice, although still had that lazy undertone, carried a sense of pride. ”Itʼs a new venture I started, built specifically for composers, songwriters, and musicians who create their own music. People like you, Kiran Hope. For too long, Iʼve watched incredibly talented creators be overshadowed or undervalued in this industry. Resonance is my way of changing that.”

He leaned back slightly, seemingly giving Kiran a moment to absorb his words. ”Right now, the agency is still new, and we donʼt have any artists yet. Iʼm looking for people who have something real to say with their music, who take pride in their craft and want to build something meaningful. At Resonance, you wonʼt just be another name in the roster. Iʼll make sure you get the respect and ownership you deserve for your work.

”If you join, youʼll have the chance to shape not only your career but also the foundation of an agency dedicated to protecting creators like you. Itʼs about more than business—itʼs about standing up for whatʼs right in the industry. And Iʼd be honored if youʼd be one of the first to help build that legacy.”

Kiran felt his heart tremble after hearing Shir Atkins talked about Resonance. He felt a mix of emotions. There was surprise, of course, but more than that, there was a sense of honor and excitement. The idea of being one of the first artists in an agency created by his idol felt almost too good to be true. Shir Atkins wasnʼt just offering him a place to grow; he was offering him the chance to be part of something meaningful.

If his resolve were weaker, he might have agreed on the spot. But there was something he needed to know first. Find your next adventure on empire

”What does Mr. Atkins... think of my music?”

He knew it was ridiculous to bring this up now, in the middle of such an important discussion about his future. Yet here he was, asking a question that felt more like a child seeking reassurance from a parent. Even Shir Atkins raised an eyebrow, seeming puzzled by the unexpected question, as if wondering what had prompted it. But no matter how foolish it seemed, he couldnʼt stop himself.

Kiran just wanted to know what Shir Atkins thought of his music. After all, Shir had said heʼd heard it, and it seemed to be the reason he decided to recruit him. That had to mean he liked it, right? But Kiran wanted to hear the words directly from him. Maybe it was a little childish, but he couldnʼt help it. He was just a fan, hoping for a small compliment from the musician he admired most.

Shir Atkins nodded thoughtfully, taking a moment before responding. ”Your composition caught my attention. Thereʼs something in the way you structure your music, the way it flows—it stands out. Itʼs clear youʼve got talent, and thatʼs why I want you in Resonance. Your work has the potential to reach people, and thatʼs the kind of music I like the most.”

Like the most... like the most... like the most...

The phrase kept echoing in Kiranʼs mind, over and over. It left him so dazed that the rest of the conversation became a blur. He couldnʼt clearly remember what happened after, only that he had accepted Shir Atkinsʼ offer and they had scheduled another meeting for the weekend.

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Even now, the events of last night—meeting Shir Atkins and everything that followed—still left him feeling dazed. He still couldnʼt believe that Shir Atkins had said the music he created was the kind he liked most.

Just remembering it sent a tingle down his spine—the good kind that came with a mix of excitement and pride. And there was something else too, a fluttering in his stomach, like a swarm of butterflies taking off all at once.