The Greatest Showman #671 - Friend Definition

After an earth-shattering roar erupted, the entire office fell silent, and even Fan was taken aback. Paul was acting completely out of character.

Paul's chest heaved rapidly, but as the initial outburst subsided, his emotions gradually settled. His voice returned to a calm, weary tone. "Let me tell you something. Those things you cherish so much? To some people, they're worthless! Some people are trying to take the film seriously, but you're here plotting conspiracies, using your dirty thoughts to speculate on others' motives! It's vile, shameless, and mean!"

His anger flared again but this time it was contained, slowly settling into resignation.

"You know what? I don't care, and Renly never cared. No one does. Except you!" Paul shook his head in disbelief. "They told me before that you were trying to cut my part, add more of your own weight, and turn this into a 'Vin Diesel' series. I didn't believe them. But now... I'm slapped in the face. Looks like I was wrong, I was naive."

The rumors, it turned out, were true.

Fan opened his mouth to speak, but as he looked into Paul's clear, unwavering eyes, the words stuck in his throat. Lies could no longer stand against such sincerity.

Though he had already given up, Paul still seemed somewhat surprised. Perhaps, deep down, he had hoped Fan would deny everything. But instead, he was met with silence and disappointment.

"So, to avoid being kicked off the set, should I fight for my spot?" Paul continued, speaking with a strange calmness. He turned to Neil and Michael, "Should I threaten to quit if Renly's fired? So the Fast & Furious franchise really becomes your series?"

Neil tried to speak, but Paul wasn't interested in hearing him. He turned back to Fan, who was avoiding his gaze, staring vacantly out the window at the sunlight. Whatever Paul said seemed futile now. His shoulders sagged in defeat. "I thought we were friends."

With those words, he turned and walked away.

"Paul, we are friends!" Fan called after him, suddenly snapping back to reality. He still wanted to convince Paul that he had no intention of targeting him. They could still team up for the sequel, still raise their salaries together. But it was too late. Paul didn't turn around, leaving only a faint, simple reply.

"No, we are not."

Like smoke, his words disappeared as quickly as they were spoken, leaving only the residue of their truth hanging in the air.

Outside, Paul stormed through the parking lot and into his car, staring blankly at the familiar steering wheel. He couldn't help but recall the moments during the filming of Fast & Furious. No one had expected things to end like this. But now, was anyone surprised by where they had ended up?

Pulling out his phone, he dialed his agent, Lukas-Hunter, to inform him of his decision.

"No room for negotiation! Lucas! I'm not asking for your opinion, I'm telling you what I've decided! Renly quits, I quit. Simple as that! Tell Neil and Michael right away—I'm done with this!"

Paul hung up abruptly after venting his frustration. He considered texting an apology, but in that moment, he didn't have the energy for it. His emotions were a storm.

The phone rang again. He picked it up, expecting more from Lukas, but instead, it was Renly's voice on the other end.

"Paul, what's going on? I heard you earlier." Renly's calm tone was the opposite of Paul's chaos. "I was planning to go to a party in Beverly Hills. Never got an invite before—was thinking of going with you, but if you're not free, I can bring Ryan along."

Paul froze, momentarily distracted by Renly's usual calm composure. "Sorry, I thought it was Lucas."

Renly chuckled lightly. "It's fine. Are you busy now?"

Paul sighed heavily. "You could say that. A lot's been happening. I don't even know where to start."

"You don't have to say anything now. Just come over, we'll talk about it when you get here, okay?" Renly's voice was still steady, reassuring.

"Alright," Paul muttered, feeling the weight on his chest loosen slightly. "I'll be there soon."

He hung up and stared at his phone for a moment before shaking his head. He turned the key in the ignition, drove out of the parking lot, and headed towards Renly.

Meanwhile, Roy, who had been nearby, looked at Renly with some uncertainty. "Renly, are you sure this is a good idea? This isn't just a party—it's your audition."

Renly smiled knowingly. "I know."

Roy looked skeptical, but Renly's confidence was unshaken. He was about to walk into a party, but to everyone watching, it seemed like so much more.