The Greatest Showman#646 - 0 innumerable

Lucinda's mind was racing, but she didn't show it. Instead, she simply raised her chin, "Is this the end? Can we keep going?"

Renly raised an eyebrow, his gaze sharp. "Do you know what the consequences will be?"

His calm yet powerful tone, laced with a trace of panic, left Lucinda momentarily stunned. She couldn't immediately tell if this was part of Renly's performance or if he was genuinely nervous. She studied him for a moment, trying to gauge the truth. When Renly didn't continue his performance, Lucinda assumed he was trying to play the role of a star, acting aloof and putting on airs.

She leaned forward slightly, a playful expression creeping onto her face. "So, what are you going to do? Threaten me? Resist? Or just walk away?"

Renly arched an eyebrow, a small smile curling at the corners of his lips, as though he had just heard the most ridiculous comment. But then he straightened, his eyes flickering with something deeper. His expression shifted, showing a mix of complexity and intrigue. "Wow," he sighed, stepping back slightly, taking a moment to gather himself. He tried to steady his voice, but a hint of unease slipped through. "I just don't want to end up on the beach tomorrow, photographing the heroic deeds of those soldiers."

Lucinda raised an eyebrow, her mouth slightly agape, surprise and confusion registering in her eyes. But a smirk began to tug at the corners of her lips, growing wider. "Jesus Christ, don't tell me—you just used me for the show?" Lucinda could hardly believe it. After thirteen years in the industry, this was the boldest actor she had ever encountered.

The scene Renly had chosen to perform was a tense moment between William, a businessman, and a general. William, who had no military experience, hid behind the army and used his sharp tongue to become an authoritative figure. But the general saw through his facade, determined to send him to the front lines. William, desperate to avoid battle and death, resorted to every trick to manipulate the general into backing down.

Renly had played this scene perfectly, and now Lucinda was caught in a role she hadn't expected to play—right in the middle of the performance.

"I just don't want to go to the beach tomorrow to photograph the heroic feats of those soldiers," Renly repeated, his voice tinged with genuine emotion. The layers of the character were coming to life in front of her. Lucinda was no longer simply watching Renly act—she was witnessing a transformation.

Lucinda smiled knowingly, but now she was intrigued. Renly wasn't just delivering lines; he was blending reality and performance, taking control of the scene. His subtle shifts in expression and tone pulled her in, making it clear that he wasn't just acting—he was living the role.

"You can interpret it however you want," Renly said, his tone now measured. "But I believe you'll make a sound judgment."

Lucinda's smile widened. She knew Renly was still performing, but it was no longer just about his lines—it was about the energy he brought to the scene. It was as if William had come alive before her eyes. Lucinda realized, in that moment, why critics adored Renly: his ability to make the audience forget they were watching an actor, and instead, immerse them in the character's world.

She leaned forward, fully engaged now. "Well, I believe I'll make a sound judgment too," she said, her competitive edge rising. She decided to throw Renly a curveball. "Show me something different. Something personal. Let's say… your girlfriend just broke up with you, and you don't want to let go."

Before Renly could react, Lucinda had set the challenge, pushing him further into new emotional territory. That was the power she held as a casting director.

Renly didn't flinch. He remained still, his expression softening. His eyes, usually bright with focus, became distant. The sorrow and despair that had once been hidden behind his controlled demeanor now flowed freely. He didn't need to say much—his eyes spoke volumes.

"Talk to me," Renly's voice trembled slightly, the words thick with urgency. "I love you. I still love you. Say something. Please, just say something."

Lucinda's heart skipped. The raw emotion was so powerful, it took her by surprise. She almost lost her composure. But then, as though recalling her role, she composed herself. "Then you get a call, right? From your ex—who tells you she's found out about your cheating."

Lucinda watched as Renly's expression shifted once more—shock, remorse, guilt, and finally, despair. His shoulders slumped, as if the weight of the world had settled onto them. The mixture of emotions was so tangible, it almost felt like a punch to the gut.

The words that followed were the quietest yet most haunting. "Honey, I may have... a disease. Should we go to the hospital?"

Lucinda couldn't hold back her laughter. It was too much. She broke character, a small chuckle escaping her lips. But she quickly regained her composure, masking her amusement. "What?" she asked, the words slipping out before she could stop them.

Renly smiled knowingly. "It wasn't me who asked the question," he said with a shrug, breaking the tension. And just like that, the performance returned to reality, as if a spell had been lifted.

Lucinda had always thought she was in control, but Renly had proven he was the one pulling the strings. Even with her tricks and challenges, he had danced through each one, adapting seamlessly to whatever she threw his way. It wasn't desperation she saw in him; it was focus—a deep, unwavering focus on the craft of acting.

Lucinda was impressed, genuinely moved by Renly's skill. "I like you," she said with sincerity, her admiration clear. Then, a playful curiosity flickered in her eyes. "If you're in this project, then what about Fast & Furious 6? Wouldn't the schedules clash?"

Renly chuckled softly. "That's what my agent does. I'm just the actor."

Lucinda smiled, amused. "I meant, Fast & Furious 6 starts casting in October. Are you sure you're not already in the sequel?"

Renly didn't catch on immediately, but Lucinda's subtle hint about the Fast & Furious sequel clicked in his mind. Was she really the casting director for that film? Suddenly, the stakes felt much higher. Hollywood was indeed a small world, and it seemed Lucinda's subtle revelation had opened a new door.

"Why did you tell me?" Renly asked, his curiosity piqued.

Lucinda only smiled slyly. "What did I say? I didn't say anything. I just think you're perfect for a leading role in a commercial blockbuster." She gave him a pointed look, then added, "But I haven't had the time to read the script yet. Once I have, we can talk again. I'll let you know."

Renly nodded, understanding. "Of course. Thank you for today. Have a good one."

As he left the office, Renly couldn't shake the feeling that this audition had been more than just a job interview. It had been a test, and Lucinda had tested him in ways he hadn't expected. But it seemed the results were more than promising. What would happen next? Only time would tell.