The Greatest Showman #659 - Take the Initiative to Show Sympathy

"Ka," the director's cue echoed through the studio, signaling the end of another segment. Recording a show is like making a film; the slate marks a crucial point for editing in post-production. With this signal, the atmosphere in the studio became alive—like a simmering pot of chicken soup, filled with an irresistible aroma.

The mood was intense, charged with energy, yet the recording of "The Tonight Show" was successfully completed.

Standing tall, Renly stretched his back, releasing the tension that had built up. The program had been recorded in under 30 minutes, but his focus had remained razor-sharp the entire time, leaving his muscles slightly stiff. The recording had been an exhilarating rollercoaster—each moment filled with excitement and fierce, expert-level confrontations.

Renly glanced at Jay with a friendly smile, raising his chin in a polite greeting. Jay was one of the top hosts in the late-night talk show circuit, and his sharp wit and intelligence made every exchange memorable.

Today's show, however, had been relatively tame—no sensitive political topics or biting humor. It had been a straightforward interview, but the real drama lay in the intellectual sparring between Jay and Renly.

Despite the easygoing demeanor Renly projected, Jay remained impassive, his eyes flickering with a certain meaning. Before Renly could analyze it, the sound of excited murmurs drew his attention. He turned to see a dozen fans rushing toward him, surrounding him with eager excitement.

Now accustomed to this kind of attention, Renly didn't flinch. But the sight of the fans all at once was enough to make even him pause.

"Master, may I take a photo with you?"

"Master, can you sign this for me? You're even more handsome than in 'Fast & Furious'!"

"We'll support 'Love Crazy' forever!"

"Where can I buy the album?"

"You're so charming, Renly!"

The shouts filled the air, engulfing Renly. The studio was small, and in seconds, he was surrounded with nowhere to go. The excitement was palpable, but despite the chaos, the fans were orderly and respectful. Waves of energy rippled through the room, as though even his blood was beginning to boil with the heat of it all.

Having faced similar situations before—like the frenzy in Toronto—Renly responded with practiced calmness: autographs, photos, handshakes, and brief interactions. The scene remained controlled, thanks to the staff's quick actions, and after about 20 minutes, Nathan and Roy escorted Renly back to the waiting room.

Inside, Jay was sitting on the sofa, sipping coffee.

Renly paused at the door, double-checking the sign to ensure he was in the right room. Jay laughed and greeted him with a raised coffee cup. "I didn't sweat during the recording, but after it's over, I'm drenched."

Renly gave a slight smile. "One person to manage the program, but dealing with a dozen fans—there's a difference in workload."

Jay chuckled, realizing Renly had subtly shifted the focus of their conversation. He was quick to shrug off the situation with a light-hearted response. "It's my fault for not managing the excitement," Jay quipped, playing along.

Renly responded with humor, "I thought you were going to say it's because I'm so popular. Now I'm wondering whether I should be modest or just take it in stride."

In Hollywood, everyone craves attention, but both Jay and Renly handled it with a mix of grace and subtlety. Their playful banter shifted from the show's intensity to a more personal conversation.

Jay then stood up and extended his hand. "Jay Leno."

Before the show, Jay hadn't made much of an effort to personally greet Renly. With his stature in the industry, Jay was often surrounded by aspiring artists, and Renly was no exception. However, there was a noticeable shift now, as Jay expressed genuine interest in Renly. It wasn't a mere effect of Renly's recent successes, but rather Jay's personal recognition of Renly's character.

Renly shook his hand firmly. "Renly Hall."

There was no false modesty or over-the-top humor in his reply—just straightforward and genuine. Jay found something intriguing in this, something deeper than just the surface-level fame Renly had recently gained.

"I saw the news. You've got another film coming out soon. How about promoting it here?" Jay asked, a direct invitation to continue their rapport.

He was referring to Renly's upcoming movie, I Am Anti-Cancer, which had generated quite a buzz after the success of Love Crazy and Renly's decision to skip the Oscars. Summit Entertainment had placed high hopes on the film, scheduling its wide release in December.

Renly teased, "Are you sure? Having the same guest on twice in a row doesn't always look good for the ratings."

Jay laughed, waving it off. "Who said it was the same guest? I was thinking you and Seth might come on together. I can accept that."

Renly joked back, "Reluctantly? Sounds like your Valentine's Day plans."

Their back-and-forth was light-hearted, but there was a mutual understanding between them. They weren't just talking business or ratings—they were sharing moments of genuine camaraderie.

Changing the subject, Jay asked, "I hear you've got another project coming up soon. You're really dedicated. The only other actor as diligent as you is Jessica Chastain."

Renly replied with a grin, "I'm not the guy working in the studio every day. But sure, I'm dedicated when I need to be."

The conversation turned to the nature of fame and rumors in Hollywood, with Jay hinting at a new Star Wars project, but Renly remained elusive. The subtle exchange hinted at more behind-the-scenes drama than either was willing to openly discuss.

As the conversation wrapped up, Jay excused himself, and the night's show concluded. But the attention Renly had received was far from over—this was just the beginning. The real waves were only starting to ripple from the Tonight Show appearance, setting the stage for what would follow.

Unlike the easygoing Ellen Show, The Tonight Show had a different tone, and Renly was no longer just a rising star—he was now a public figure whose every move would be closely watched.