The Greatest Showman #1328 - Limousine Transfer

Ryan Gosling is sitting in the driver's seat of a luxury car, wearing a pink short-sleeved golf shirt and a pair of black sunglasses that almost cover his entire face. He leans back against the door with one hand on the steering wheel and the other resting on the back of the seat. The sunglasses slowly slide down to the tip of his nose, revealing his eyes, which glint behind the lenses. With a piece of gum in his mouth, he has a cool, breezy look, almost as if he's straight out of an Italian film. "So, what do you think? Interested in a ride?" he asks with a confident grin.

"Ahhh, Ryan!"

"Ryan, you're so handsome!"

"Ryan, I love you!"

The crowd erupts into frenzied screams, like waves crashing against the shore. Fans gather, some hesitating to get closer, while others press forward in waves, but the vintage cars create a boundary, and the crowd maintains a respectful distance. From a distance, it looks like a swarm of bees spreading across the avenue.

Renly stands there, glancing at Ryan with an expression that says, Are you serious?

Ryan, however, seems to be enjoying the attention. Instead of shying away, he raises an eyebrow, chewing his gum with purpose. The entire scene gives off a young, carefree vibe—like something out of a classic movie. But, as Renly notices, Ryan's Canadian roots are unmistakable: even his rebellious charm has an oddly polite air about it.

Renly, unruffled, casually spreads his arms in gratitude and walks over to the car. He slows his pace intentionally and waits, exuding a calm, composed demeanor.

Ryan, initially taken aback, eventually realizes his moment and, after a brief pause, opens the passenger door with a flourish, making an inviting gesture.

Renly bows in appreciation, steps into the car, and casually removes his baseball cap, running his fingers through his messy hair. The curls fall into place, and his true look emerges.

Ryan, quick on his feet, jumps into the driver's seat, releases the handbrake, and presses the accelerator. The sports car speeds off, leaving the confused crowd behind.

Behind them, the audience finally catches on. "Wait... that was... Renly?"

The realization hits. What just happened? The pieces of the puzzle don't quite fit together, and something feels off.

"Ahhh, Renly!"

"Renly, you're so handsome!"

"Renly, I love you!"

The cries follow them, but no matter how hard the crowd tries, they can't keep up with the speeding car. All that remains is the sound of the wind whistling in their ears, as if the world around them has blurred into a different dimension.

The azure blue of the ocean stretches out before them, and the feeling of freedom washes over Renly as the wind sweeps through his hair. For a brief moment, he simply breathes it all in, feeling the golden sun and the open sky. This is the real Cote d'Azur.

Then, the familiar sound of Bach's Cello Suite No. 1 begins to play, cutting through the moment of calm. Ryan, unable to ignore the growing tension, pulls his phone from his backpack and hands it to Renly.

Renly glances at the screen. Andy's voice crackles through the phone.

"Where are you now? I just got here, but everyone's telling me you just got in Ryan Gosling's car and left! What's going on?"

Renly, mildly surprised, quickly responds, "I... accidentally got into Ryan's car. Please send me the address of the accommodation, and I'll have him drive me back now."

Andy breathes a sigh of relief. "Are you okay? It's all over the photo walls and Facebook. You and Chris Hemsworth were blocked at the club gate, and it got a little out of control."

Someone had recorded the chaotic scene, and Andy's first concern was Renly's safety. After the Lincoln Center incident, Renly had become extra cautious when attending public events, always trying to protect both himself and his fans from any harm.

"It's fine. The staff at the private club handled it quickly," Renly responds casually.

Still, Andy can feel the tension through the phone. "I warned you before: not just Nathan and Roy, but you should always have bodyguards around. Especially in Cannes. You know how crazy the fans can get here."

Renly simply agrees. "Okay."

Andy's tone softens slightly, but he knows now isn't the time for a deeper conversation. He sends Renly the accommodation details, and they hang up.

Renly turns back to Ryan, his relaxed expression returning. "So, were you just passing by?"

Ryan looks over, about to say something, then pauses. His words shift as he answers, "Well, I was having coffee with a friend. Then we heard about what happened with you and Chris, so I thought I'd join the fun."

Renly arches an eyebrow but says nothing.

Ryan grows flustered, realizing his prank may have gone too far. "Sorry, I just thought it'd be funny. I didn't mean to cause any trouble. Honestly, I'm sorry."

Renly stays silent, simply observing Ryan with a calm, almost amused expression.

Ryan, getting increasingly anxious, says, "You did this on purpose, didn't you?"

Renly replies, dryly, "Canadians are always so simple. There's no thrill in pranking." He grins. "Thank you, and sorry—that's the Canadian mantra."

Ryan, frustrated, slams the steering wheel. "Remind me again why we're still friends?"

"I'm not sure," Renly replies solemnly, adding with a slight smile, "Maybe we should just end it here and stop contacting each other from now on?"

Ryan stares at Renly for a moment, caught off guard. Renly's smirk reveals a playful side as he adds, "But before we cut ties, you'll still have to drop me at my destination."

Ryan, unable to contain his laughter, chuckles and shakes his head. "I suddenly feel bad for the reporters who have to interview you. They must be so helpless."

Ryan chuckles again, but then quickly switches topics. "So, what happened with Chris? How was it?"

Renly answers, unfazed, "Nothing really came of it." He notices Ryan's skeptical glance and clarifies, "What do you expect? Should I have yelled at a stranger?"

Ryan nods in understanding. "If I were drunk or lost my mind, maybe. But you were sober."

Renly smirks. "Exactly."

Ryan quickly shifts the conversation. "So, what's the real story? Anything exciting?"

Renly casually replies, "Rumors about our affair will probably be circulating soon."

Ryan sighs, not sure whether to laugh or groan.

Ryan, who's attending the Cannes Film Festival with his latest film, recalls the success of Desperate Drive two years ago, which earned a Best Director award. The red carpet kiss between him and Nicholas Winding-Refn had caused quite a stir. Now, two years later, Ryan and Nicholas are back with Only God Can Forgive, also in the competition.

Ryan glances over at Renly. "Did you plan this?"

Renly shrugs. "I didn't ask to get in your car."

Ryan narrows his eyes, convinced Renly had something to do with it.

Meanwhile, in Cannes, the city and its surrounding coastline feel as vast as ever, and after a scenic drive, Ryan and Renly arrive at their destination: The Majestic Barrière Hotel.