The Greatest Showman #1181 – Superstar Light

Justin Timberlake, like Ryan Gosling and Britney Spears, began his career as a child star on Disney's Mickey Mouse Club. Over two-thirds of his life has been spent navigating the ups and downs of the entertainment industry, until he eventually reached the pinnacle of success.

Naturally, Justin's immersion in the world of stardom has ingrained many of Vanity Fair's habits into his very essence—habits that are almost second nature, like the stories and experiences embedded deep within Renly's soul.

From their first meeting, Renly could already sense Justin's ingrained performer mentality. To Justin, life was a constant show. Even in the process of making new friends, he couldn't help but approach interactions in a theatrical manner. While Justin's charm and friendliness were refreshing, there was still a sense of distance—a subtle reminder that he remained firmly in the spotlight.

This observation wasn't meant to be either positive or negative, but rather an objective analysis.

When Renly looked at Justin, it was as if he was staring into a mirror, seeing his own reflection. Both men wore masks, distancing themselves from others. Yet Justin's mask was one of performance, while Renly's was a form of noble etiquette.

This reminded Renly of the PR maneuvering during awards season.

A playful smile tugged at the corner of Renly's lips. Perhaps working with Justin would prove to be quite interesting. "According to the rules of etiquette, I should share the reactions of my friends, but unfortunately…"

Before Renly could finish his sentence, Justin quickly interrupted, his tone light and playful. "It's okay, I've never seen your work. So, I don't feel the pressure right now."

As Justin spread his hands in an exaggerated motion, his innocent expression elicited a round of laughter from the crowd. It was clear Justin was trying to seize the upper hand in their exchange.

Both men were stars in their own right—Justin, a pop music icon with unmatched influence on American culture; Renly, a rising film star, solidifying his place in the entertainment industry with undeniable talent and a stellar reputation. One had been in the industry for nearly two decades, while the other was making waves at an astonishing pace. Yet, both commanded a similar powerful presence.

As their auras collided in the same space, the air seemed charged with a palpable tension. There were no fireworks, but the excitement and anticipation were undeniable.

Renly broke the silence with a smile, "Unfortunately, I don't have many friends to share this news with."

The laughter in the bar abruptly halted. Even the ever-confident Justin froze for a moment, his smile faltering. The situation had shifted in an unexpected way—Renly had broken the pattern.

Renly shrugged slightly, maintaining his trademark elegance. "Actually, I've always liked your music. It's been five years since your last album, hasn't it? Six? Are you working on your next one?"

Renly's tone remained friendly, but the effect was immediate. Justin was momentarily caught off guard, his expression stiffening.

But Justin was no stranger to navigating such moments in the entertainment industry. He quickly recovered, flashing a smile. "I didn't realize you were into pop music."

"I'm not," Renly replied, raising an eyebrow. "At least not in the way Tony Kaye is. I'm no pop aficionado."

The exchange may have seemed casual, but it revealed layers of meaning. Justin's remark hinted that he had done his homework on Renly, likely studying his past work and interviews. Perhaps Justin had already sized up Renly before their collaboration, revealing that the earlier playful "disguise" was, in fact, a tactic.

Despite Renly's seemingly offhand comment about not liking pop music, Justin realized there was more to it. Renly's opinion wasn't based on superficial entertainment but rather a deeper, artistic understanding—a trait Justin might not fully appreciate, but one that clearly distinguished the two men.

It was subtle, but those familiar with the entertainment industry could feel it: Justin's persona was more reflective of Hollywood—fast-paced, loud, and brash—while Renly carried the air of Broadway—elegant, restrained, and European. Their subtle differences became apparent in their interactions.

Renly's presence commanded attention, and it wasn't long before the focus in the bar shifted entirely towards him.

Despite Justin's lively energy, it was Renly's calm composure and refined demeanor that drew the crowd's gaze. He was the quiet force in the room, graceful and poised, a contrast to the more boisterous Justin.

As the crowd's attention honed in on Renly, Justin couldn't help but notice. He smiled and shook his head, clearly amused. "So, what's going on now? Are you trying to make me the bad guy? Like Vin Diesel?"

His joke, though playful, didn't carry malice—just a self-deprecating humor that lightened the mood.

Renly smirked. "No, he's just a clown."

The response made Justin pause, then break into laughter, clearly enjoying the witty back-and-forth.

Yet, despite the banter, Justin recognized that Renly had the upper hand in their initial encounter. Renly's presence—elegant, sharp, and full of understated charisma—had left an impression. Justin finally understood why Hollywood was so captivated by Renly.

Changing the subject, Justin grinned. "So, is it true what they say about you and Vin? Is your relationship really that bad?"

It was the first time Renly had spoken directly about his experience with Vin Diesel. The air seemed charged with the weight of the question.

Renly shrugged, unruffled. "Maybe you've heard another rumor—that I'm a jerk. Demanding, short-tempered, and a thorn to work with."

His admission was blunt, but there was no hesitation in his voice.

Justin's smile grew even wider. "So, is that true?"

Renly didn't flinch. "Of course."

The others watching were taken aback, but Justin could only laugh, clapping his hands in approval. "Now I'm even more excited for our collaboration." He turned to Renly. "By the way, I'm Justin. I'll be playing Jim, Levine's best friend, but you seem to have an interesting relationship with my wife."

Renly looked at Justin, then shifted his gaze to the woman behind him. "Well, I'm not the only one."

The woman, Carey Mulligan, responded with a voice that was warm yet grounded. "I'm Carey, playing the wife you're talking about. Why don't you ask me about it yourself? Maybe I can give you a better answer."

Renly and Justin exchanged a look before Renly spoke again, his voice playful. "Do you spend your nights with the coffee shop owner, too?"

Carey dramatically placed her hand over her heart. "Oh, that's not how you treat a lady."

Renly's response was quick, witty. "It's always the case with men who get carried away by love. No reason for it."