The Greatest Showman #810 – The Stars Hold the Moon

"Are you serious?" The boy's face was full of disbelief. His eyes were wide, staring at the baseball cap in Renly's hands. His excitement and anticipation were barely contained. But after a moment of hesitation, doubt crept in. "But... this gift is too expensive. I… uh, my parents taught me it's not good to take such things."

Renly raised an eyebrow in surprise, his smile deepening. "It's like this. I haven't seen the actual poster of Transcendence yet, and I've always wanted one. So, your gift means a lot to me. This hat, though, is just a regular item I picked up in Brooklyn, New York. It's not special or expensive. Trust me—nothing compared to what you think."

"But, this is your hat! This is your hat!" The boy's voice began to tremble with emotion.

Renly chuckled, his laughter light and warm. "Well, then you'd better take care of it. Maybe one day, I'll be as big as Michael Jackson or Marlon Brando, and this hat will become a collector's item." His self-deprecating humor made the surrounding fans laugh as well.

Taking the carbon pen from the boy, Renly signed the lining of the hat. Then, looking up, he asked, "What's your name?"

"Nicholas Hamilton," the boy stammered, clearly nervous.

After finishing the autograph, Renly handed the hat back to Nicholas, carefully rolling up the poster and placing it into his hands. "Nicholas, thank you for your support. It means a lot to me. I hope Transcendence will live up to your expectations at the Berlin Film Festival."

"Of course! I mean, of course it won't disappoint!" Nicholas waved eagerly, clearly still overwhelmed. As Renly began to leave, he couldn't resist shouting, "I want to be an actor, just like you!"

Renly froze for a moment. This was an unexpected and heartwarming surprise.

In his past life, movies and performances had breathed life into his otherwise dull existence. He had a dream—one that drove him forward, propelling him to the stage of the Berlin Film Festival. But now, he was no longer the dreamer. He was the one inspiring the dream. He had become the light that sparked someone else's hope, the one who could change another person's life.

It was truly remarkable.

For years, Renly had chased his own dreams with relentless passion. But now, in this moment, he realized that his dreams were no longer just about himself. Just like in Transcendence, where societal progress and history move forward through the efforts of each individual, every person contributes to the larger picture in their own way. Today, Renly's contribution was to inspire this young boy, Nicholas, whose face now radiated with hope.

Renly smiled slightly, his heart lifting. "Nicholas Hamilton, right? I hope one day, we can share the same stage and perform together. That would be an honor." He paused for a moment, then stepped forward, wrapping the boy in a brief, affectionate hug, gently patting his back.

Renly hesitated for a second. He knew that moments like this, with the fervor and enthusiasm of devoted fans, were rare. The grandiose events at JFK Airport and Lincoln Center were only small probability occurrences. Still, he couldn't help but feel the difference between casual moviegoers and devoted fans. And while he wasn't seeking fame, he could sense that he was becoming someone who, through his own actions, could change lives.

But in that moment, Renly embraced it.

Not just because of the admiration, the support, and the cheers, but also because he understood that each fan had a unique story, and it was an honor to be loved by them. As he held Nicholas, Renly caught a fleeting glimpse of his former self, full of dreams and aspirations.

So, he hugged Nicholas, just as he had embraced Lauren Messler—gently, warmly, and with affection. After releasing him, Renly took a small step back, raised his fist, and smiled. "Go for it!"

With that, Renly turned and walked briskly toward the hotel lobby, the cheers and shouts trailing behind him. His steps quickened, and his heart began to warm as he walked away. The Berlin winter seemed a little less cold now.

Nicholas stood frozen, watching as Renly disappeared into the distance. Unable to contain himself any longer, he leaped into the air and shouted joyfully, "Yeah! Renly said we'd be on the same stage one day! He said, 'Go for it!'" His excitement surged through him, his heart racing with pure, unbridled joy.

Before the noise died down, a man with black-rimmed glasses appeared in front of Nicholas. His crumpled suit and disheveled appearance didn't match the formality of the hotel, but the man spoke calmly. "Hello, I'm Renly's manager, Luo E-Rockley. Remember to come to the hotel lobby tomorrow morning. Renly will sign another Transcendence poster and leave it with the lobby manager for you to pick up. What's your name again?"

Nicholas' mind blanked. He repeated his name, still in a daze. The manager nodded. "No problem. Just sign up at the lobby when you come. Also, I hope to see you at the Transcendence premiere the day after tomorrow. Take care." With that, he patted Nicholas on the shoulder and walked toward the lobby.

"Jesus Christ!" Nicholas stood frozen, speechless. The day could not possibly get any better. Full of joy, he felt as if he were living the happiest day of his life, despite only being twelve years old.

"Ahhhh!" Unable to express his joy in any other way, Nicholas shouted again, his whole being vibrating with excitement.

The Berlin Film Festival, one of Europe's three major film festivals, is often remembered for the grandeur and enthusiasm of the Cannes Film Festival. However, during the cold winters of Berlin, even the most passionate fans can be subdued by the freezing temperatures. That is, until Renly arrived.

In the twelve hours after his arrival, the Berlin Film Festival took on a new energy. The grand welcome at the airport and the crowded hotel lobby were just the beginning. That night, Renly left the hotel and ventured to the cinema, blending seamlessly into the festival's atmosphere.

By the fifth day of the festival, many films had already been showcased, and seasoned fans were familiar with each work. Renly didn't prepare beforehand, but instead chose to visit the Sony Center, an official theater for the festival, and casually picked a movie to watch. Soon, he was recognized, and the cinema turned into a lively discussion forum for movie buffs.

Renly found himself caught up in a professional conversation about Christian Petzold's Barbara and Billy Bob Thornton's Jane Mansfield's Car. Fans shared opinions on Meryl Streep's upcoming Lifetime Achievement Award, and discussed the surprises of Light the Lights at Sundance.

Unlike the chaos of Telluride, the fans here were more reserved and knowledgeable. They didn't seek autographs or photos but instead engaged in thoughtful discussions. They were passionate about film, even as they remained calm.

When the movie ended, the audience didn't rush to leave. Instead, they gathered around Renly, eager to hear his thoughts on Battlefield Wizard. It wasn't about stardom, but about sharing a mutual appreciation for cinema. It was a refreshing experience for Renly.

On this cold winter night, a community of film lovers, with their coffee, donuts, and lively discussions, made this Berlin Film Festival feel uniquely different.