The Number One Star in the Interstellar Era

Chapter 755: [STAGE OF TWO] (III)

ASTRID continued to ask questions. Most of what he asked were things he believed Valentine’s fans would want to know the answers to. Since he did not have any personal interest in the other, aside from his acting, he figured he might as well ask questions that would appeal to Valentine’s fanbase. This way, he could earn some goodwill from them, and they might become curious about his own work.

”Absolutely fantastic conversation, you two. Thank you for that,” the host said, his tone becoming more excited. ”And now, we come to the part of our show that’s always a highlight. It’s time to see these two brilliant actors put their skills into practice with a live impromptu scene. Let’s see what magic they can create together.”

The audience in the studio immediately broke into loud cheers and applause. The energy in the room lifted noticeably, the sound of their clapping and excited shouts filling the air. It’s clear that a lot of them were waiting for this segment.

”Here’s how this will work,” the host began explaining. ”We will give you both a short script. You will have ten minutes to look it over and prepare individually. The rule is, you can’t speak to each other during this time to coordinate. Use the time to get into character. After the ten minutes are up, we will come back from a short commercial break, and you will perform the scene for us. Good luck to you both.”

As soon as the host finished speaking, two staff members approached Astrid and Valentine. They each handed the actors a small, tube shaped object.

”Please press the button on the side to view the script,” the staff member instructed Astrid quietly before stepping away and heading backstage.

Astrid looked at the tube and pressed the button as instructed. A virtual screen instantly appeared above it, displaying the script. He read through the text quickly and felt a jolt of surprise. He had assumed it would be a simple scene given its brief length, but the content was not so simple. The scene was an emotional confrontation, clearly designed to test both actors. He didn’t mind the challenge. A scene like this was exactly what would make the audience remember their performance. Which was better, in his opinion.

Valentine was also a little surprised when he read the script. It seemed the show had gone for something dramatic. The dialogue was a bit cringe, the kind you would find in a daytime drama. He glanced across at Astrid, who was focused on reading his own lines. A small smile touched Valentine’s lips. He was genuinely looking forward to seeing what the other would do with this material.

The host, seated in his chair between them, offered an encouraging smile to the two. The quiet hum of the studio returned, signaling the end of the commercial break. ”We’ll be back on air in just a moment. Good luck to you both.”

After saying that, he stood up and walked forward to his mark. Just as he did, the cameras focused on him.

”And we’re back!” he announced with a bright smile for the camera. ”Now, the stage is set. Let’s watch our brilliant rising star, Astrid Townsend, share the stage with the undisputed number one, Valentine Davis, as they perform this impromptu scene.”

As the host walked off, both actors stood up from their chairs and turned to face each other.

”Let’s do our best,” Valentine said with a friendly smile.

Astrid blinked in mild surprise, then returned the smile. ”Likewise.”

The short scene they were given was about two lovers having a fight. One character discovered the other had only been using him as a replacement for his ex-boyfriend. Now that the ex had returned, the other character had gotten back together with them and had cheated. Astrid would play the role of the substitute lover, and Valentine would play the part of the cheating partner.

Both took a deep breath and immediately went into character. As if they had been transported to that scene.

***

Astrid stood by the window, his back to Valentine, who had just walked in.

”You’re home late,” Astrid said, his voice quiet. He didn’t turn around.

”Meetings,” Valentine replied, his tone dismissive as he dropped his keys on a table and walked past Astrid.

”Liar.”

The single word, so softly spoken, made Valentine stop. He turned slowly. ”What did you say?”

Astrid finally turned to face him. His eyes were not full of anger, but of a deep, weary sadness. ”I said you’re a liar.” He took a step forward. ”Was I just a placeholder for him? For all these months?”

Valentine’s face tightened. He shoved his hands in his pockets, a picture of casual denial. ”I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

”Don’t,” Astrid whispered, the word cracking. He looked down, gathering himself, then met Valentine’s eyes again. ”I saw you today. With him. The way you looked at him... you never looked at me like that.”

Valentine’s cool mask slipped for a second, showing a flash of guilt before his expression hardened into defensiveness. ”So what if I did? It’s complicated.”

”Complicated?” A bitter, broken laugh escaped Astrid. He shook his head, his shoulders slumping in defeat. ”It’s not complicated. It’s simple. You were using me. You were lonely, and I was convenient.”

”It wasn’t like that,” Valentine snapped, but his voice lacked conviction. He couldn’t hold Astrid’s gaze.

”Then what was it like?” Astrid asked, his voice rising for the first time, not in a shout, but in a raw, pained plea. ”Tell me one true thing you ever felt for me. One real thing.”

Valentine was silent. He looked at the floor, his jaw working. He had no answer.

Astrid watched him, and the last bit of hope in his eyes died. He nodded slowly. There’s a terrible finality in that simple gesture. ”That’s what I thought.” He walked toward the door in heavy steps. He paused without looking back. ”I hope he’s worth it.”

He left, closing the door with a soft, definitive click. Valentine stood alone in the silent room. He finally looked up, his face a mess of conflicted emotion. There was relief, shame, and a profound emptiness. He was free, but the room had never felt so large or so quiet.

***

For a moment after the scene ended, the studio audience was completely silent. Then, a wave of powerful applause filled the entire studio.

Astrid pulled himself out of the character’s emotions. That had been... a wonderful scene. It was likely the first time since his reincarnation that he had exchanged lines with another actor so smoothly. The fact that they had performed it with no rehearsal made it even more remarkable. Was this the benefit of sharing a stage with the number one ranked actor?

He turned to Valentine and offered his hand. ”Thank you. That was an impressive performance.”

Valentine blinked and looked at the hand offered to him. His own hand moved almost on its own to shake it. A genuine, satisfied smile finally appeared on his face. ”Yeah, you too.”

He had known Astrid was talented, but he had not expected the younger actor to match him so effortlessly. There was not a trace of hesitation or fear in Astrid’s performance. Now, he couldn’t help but wonder what it would be like if they were to act together in a full-length movie.