บท 46: Such a rookie

Click, click, click.

The resounding chorus of shutters filled the air, surging forth from all directions as if the sound had transformed into tangible chains, binding hands and feet in an inescapable embrace. The relentless tide of clicks imprisoned them in a narrow space, where the scorching heat churned and boiled, threatening to reduce flesh and bone to ashes.

"Renly, Renly, Renly."

Chaotic cries echoed from everywhere, a clamor of excitement that overwhelmed every corner. It was a frenzy akin to a tsunami, crashing through obstacles without restraint, assaulting bodies without mercy. Even the organs began to ache and moan in agony.

In the previous moment, Renly had been an unnoticed and tender newcomer. In the next second, Renly became the center of attention for countless eyes.

The immense contrast was like the tumultuous waves of the sea, with each wave crashing down relentlessly, leaving no time to react or catch a breath. It was a dizzying assault.

Flashes surged like a continuous stream, cascading down in brilliant silver showers, sharp and scorching, piercing the eyes. In an instant, everything turned into a blinding expanse of white, as if lost in a snow-blind haze. Each object in sight became a blurry outline, and the focus wavered between near and far. The ears, too, began to ring with a buzzing sound.

This abrupt change caught Renly off guard, causing the once composed smile to turn slightly awkward.

The journalists' fervor and urgency were akin to the wolf grandmother extending her claws toward Little Red Riding Hood, saliva dripping as they closed in, wanting nothing more than to dissect and devour her. The protagonist of "The Pacific"? Tom and Steven's recommendation? And all this for a fledgling newcomer? If not now, when to seize the opportunity? If not now, when to make a grand entrance?

Renly attempted to answer questions or perhaps to quiet the commotion, but their words were instantly drowned and swallowed, not even a wisp of smoke remained. The loss of control was so overwhelming that there was no time to feel the flutter of excitement and exhilaration in their body.

"Clap, clap." A gentle pat on the shoulder followed, and before Renly could turn around, Tom's voice sounded in their ear. "This is your moment, enjoy it." Without waiting for a response, Tom and Steven stepped back, leaving the stage to Renly alone.

"Renly, this is your debut work..."

"... How do you feel about the shooting?"

"Do you think this collaboration experience..."

"... What challenges did you face as a newcomer?"

"During Tom's audition..."

Fragmented questions filled their ears, but Renly couldn't make out a single clear one. Even if they had wanted to answer, they felt powerless to correct the situation. Perhaps, even if they had tried to speak, no one would have heard their response.

However, upon closer examination, one could discern that the journalists' curiosity wasn't about "Renly's thoughts", but rather about "Renly's thoughts as a newcomer being elevated by Tom and Steven". In other words, what concerned them ultimately were the two heavyweight stars of "The Pacific". The repetitive questions weren't much different from the inquiries in the "glamour field" yesterday.

Realizing this, Renly's thoughts gradually cooled and settled, returning to their usual state.

Today had indeed brought too many firsts, and any lessons from past experiences left Renly a bit flustered. Comparatively, the set seemed much simpler.

"Renly!" Bradley's raised hand finally received acknowledgment. With the host's intervention, the situation was somewhat controlled. Bradley's voice broke through, "Why do you think Tom and Steven chose you for such an important role? After all, among the whole crew, you're the only one without any acting experience whatsoever."

The first question carried an assertive tone, not aimed solely at Renly, but at every newcomer, and also at a grand production like "The Pacific".

By now, Renly had found their own rhythm amidst the chaotic emotions, though the ringing in their ears persisted. "I think they excluded my bathroom and dressing room performances from consideration," they quipped self-deprecatingly as their opening remark. Laughter rippled through the audience, easing the tension. "Um... I believe this question should be directed to the parties involved?" Renly turned to face Tom and Steven behind them, "I hope they didn't choose me solely based on my outstanding looks, otherwise, I'd be quite disappointed."

"Haha." Tom burst into hearty laughter, leaving the audience even more amused.

Bradley's eyes brightened; his intuition had been right. Renly indeed possessed a seasoned demeanor not typical of newcomers. He was about to ask another question when the opportunity shifted to another journalist, "As a newcomer, having finished filming "The Pacific" and collaborating with two of the industry's top producers, how do you feel?"

Renly didn't respond immediately, instead pondering for a moment. "If I were to answer politely, I'd say excited, exhilarated, delighted, as if nothing could be more real." This was the standard response most newcomers would give to such a question. "But truth be told, I don't particularly enjoy this kind of experience."

A gasp rippled through the audience, while the journalists became intrigued. Was this newcomer just frank or had a witty sense of humor?

"Because as a newcomer, I'm the only one on the set who knows nothing. Before every scene, I need more preparation time than anyone else, I need to ask more unprofessional questions, I need to confirm more details." Renly's speech was unhurried yet carried a distinct rhythm that captivated everyone's attention. "I know everyone on set doesn't like me, but..." Laughter erupted from the crew members behind, with James and Jon even whistling playfully. Renly couldn't help but pause with a wry smile, before continuing, "But I've put in all my effort. As for the results..."

They didn't continue speaking. Renly merely raised an eyebrow, the meaning behind their gesture was unmistakable. James, standing behind, tried to hide his mouth as he mouthed words, then shouted loudly, "I don't think the situation looks optimistic." His coarse voice succeeded in eliciting laughter from the entire crew.

Rough and direct, teasing yet intimate, the entire set was filled with a military-like atmosphere, making the on-site journalists take notice.

"Renly, what do you think about Tom and Steven as producers?" Another journalist nearby chimed in.

Renly showed a puzzled expression, "Are you sure you know who you're interviewing right now?" They turned to look at the directors' positions, "I don't think, during the collaboration, I should interact with Tom and Steven. Or... have I misunderstood the way the crew works?" They turned back to face the journalists, their tone sly, "Perhaps this question should be directed at the parties involved?"

Communicating with producers and directors, actors hardly needed to communicate with them; that was common knowledge. Starting by having Steven answer questions, then raising a director's question... Renly's jest elicited a collective cheer from the audience. Even Tom and Steven joined in, mocking the journalists without mercy.

Now, the journalists found themselves at a loss.

This Renly Hall, was he truly a newcomer? So adept, so humorous, so composed. His responses were not only devoid of the typical hesitations and stiffness of a newcomer but also exuded a seasoned wit. Facing the journalists' barrage, he didn't falter; he took control, transforming from passive to assertive.

Such a newcomer shattered all expectations.

If, earlier, people had only focused on this newcomer due to Tom and Steven's endorsement, now the image represented by the name "Renly Hall" began to take on vivid depth.

Finally, Renly managed to weather the journalists' barrage. Subsequently, after the core members of the production team of "The Pacific" took a group photo, the premiere concluded. Worth noting was that, in the group photo, the central figure wasn't Renly or any other actor, nor the directors—it was Tom and Steven.

Following this, everyone gradually entered the Chinese theater. The unveiling of the mysterious veil of "The Pacific" was imminent.

"How do you feel?" Renly and Rami walked into the theater side by side. James caught up from behind, his face bearing a wide smile as he teasingly inquired. Although James was also one of the three main actors, today's treatment paled in comparison to Renly's.

Renly shrugged, "Standing on a cloud?" Speaking with such a matter-of-fact tone while expressing excitement created a delightful contrast that couldn't help but elicit chuckles.

James looked disdainful, "So, are you happy or not?"

Renly shrugged again, pursing their lips without answering. This left James exasperated, while Rami couldn't stop laughing. The group entered the theater, chatting and laughing, taking their seats, awaiting the official screening of the series on the large screen—a detail that showcased HBO's confidence, as they screened a television series on the big screen.

Amidst applause, the crew had invited thirty veterans who had experienced the Pacific War and were still alive today to attend the premiere. The audience welcomed the veterans with the highest respect. After everyone had taken their seats, the lights in the screening hall dimmed gradually, signaling the imminent start of the television series. Bradley reined in his wandering thoughts, focusing his gaze on the large screen before him. As a series that cost $230M, as a production carrying countless hopes and expectations for a classic sibling work, as a series bankrolled by the golden signatures of Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks, "The Pacific" was a work that couldn't afford any missteps. Amidst anticipation, Bradley, with a critical eye, settled his thoughts.