The Greatest Showman #1329 – Top Treatment

In the small city of Cannes, during the film festival every year, hotel accommodations are in high demand. Some hotels even require booking six months in advance, or you might not find a suitable room. However, sponsors of the film festival don't face this problem—they have long-term relationships with certain hotels, even redesigning entire floors to match their brand as part of their marketing strategy. As a result, special guests invited by the sponsors don't need to worry about finding a place to stay—they are always guaranteed accommodations in the designated hotels.

These special guests, however, typically stay for only one or two nights. After making their public appearance, they leave Cannes, and the rooms are quickly prepared for the next VIP guest. They have a different status from the crew members who are actually competing in the festival.

Among the many hotels in Cannes, three luxury properties located on Binhai Avenue are the most sought after. The Majestic Barrière Hotel is the official partner hotel of the festival. It is only about 100 meters from the Palais des Festivals, and guests can easily walk onto the red carpet. This hotel is also the official residence for the festival's jury members, and many of the high-profile guests stay here.

As the festival's largest sponsor, Dior has a dedicated floor at the Majestic Barrière. Everything on the floor, from the furniture to the design, is custom-made by Dior. The brand's special guests stay here, making it feel distinct and luxurious.

This year, both Renly and Ryan are staying at the Majestic Barrière.

The sports car slowly rolled up to the driveway, where the parking staff quickly greeted them and took Ryan's car keys. The luggage staff was already waiting, eyes falling on Renly—but there was something puzzling in their gaze.

Where was his luggage?

Renly smiled politely, handed over his bag to the staff, and confirmed, "That's all."

For such a small bag, Renly could have easily carried it himself—it wasn't heavy. But he knew that for the hotel staff, tips were their primary source of income, and that for true aristocrats, any luggage beyond a handbag must be handed over to the staff to maintain a perfect, elegant entrance.

In the 1960s and 1970s, in the elite hotels of London, if an aristocrat entered and chose to carry his luggage, even if it was just a small hat box or briefcase, it would become gossip within the noble community. Word would spread quickly, and in less than 48 hours, everyone would know, "That gentleman has lost his nobility."

The hotel lobby was a social microscope.

The luggage clerk followed Renly into the lobby, where Renly paused, casting an inquiring look at him. Without saying anything, the clerk immediately responded, "Sir, West Wing, Fifth Floor."

Ryan muttered under his breath, "Is this differential treatment?"

Renly chuckled. "How about we switch rooms?" Although he didn't know exactly what was going on, he could guess that something special was in the air. It seemed that the room was quite nice.

Ryan waved his hands. "The hat is too big."

Renly smiled honestly, "To be honest, I wouldn't have chosen this place if I had a choice. It's too central. I can't avoid the movie fans, the journalists, and all the paparazzi. It's more of a publicity stunt than a film festival."

Paparazzi were already waiting in the hotel lobby.

When Renly and Ryan appeared together, the photographers perked up, snapping pictures the moment they could. Then, they saw Renly turn around and, with a friendly smile, nod toward them. His generous gesture caught them completely off guard.

Ryan's expression softened into a smile as well, and after a brief pause, the cameras went off, flashes illuminating the scene like a rainstorm. The clicking continued non-stop, a constant barrage of sound as Renly and Ryan disappeared into the elevator.

The paparazzi exchanged glances: Wasn't Renly just blocked at the entrance of a private club? Why was he now here at the hotel? What was going on?

Upon reaching the room, Renly understood what Ryan meant.

This wasn't just a room; it was a suite—80 square meters with a living room, bedroom, bathroom, and expansive viewing windows. A huge balcony gave a panoramic view of the Cinema Palace and the Mediterranean Sea, bathed in golden sunlight.

"My room is only half the size of this," Ryan complained, pointing at the luxurious space.

"You can stay here if you want," Renly replied, pulling out his wallet—a small silver card with a few pieces of cash inside. He handed the clerk a twenty-euro note. "If Andy Rogers shows up, send him to my room. Also, there are my assistants and managers."

"No problem, Sir," the luggage clerk responded, smiling as he stepped back and left.

Ryan gave Renly a puzzled look, "Did you do that on purpose? To stir up a scandal or to get back at my joke earlier?" He was still thinking about how staying in a suite might add to the gossip, but Renly didn't answer, a sly smile on his lips.

Ryan didn't let up. "I'm not falling for it."

Renly just gave him a quiet look, and soon enough, Ryan's expression shifted. "Wait… did you hint to the luggage guy to keep quiet? What's going on here?" Ryan babbled, pacing around the room. "This feels like a trap. Should I stay or leave? No, I need to leave."

Ryan couldn't hold back. He rushed to the door, threw it open, and saw Andy Rogers just about to knock. Without explanation, he turned to Renly and said, "See you at dinner tonight," before disappearing down the hallway.

Andy blinked at Renly, confused. "What's up with him?"

Renly shrugged innocently. He hadn't done anything—no hints, no tricks. It was all in Ryan's mind. It seemed the title of "The Great Demon King of Mischief" had its intended effect.

Renly turned toward the balcony, the bright blue sea stretching before him. He smiled slightly, muttering to himself, "If I had known earlier, I'd have just come straight here." He realized the Majestic Barrière Hotel likely had a private beach, which would have spared him the earlier hassle.

But then another thought crossed his mind. "How did we end up with this suite? There are some big names here this year."

After the completion of Drunken Country Ballad, the Coen brothers were busy with post-production. Cannes had invited them to attend the festival, but they had missed the registration deadline. It caused a stir on social media, but eventually, Thierry Fémaux, chairman of the Cannes Film Festival's selection committee, made an exception and approved the film for the main competition.

Since 2001, Fémaux has been one of the most influential figures in European cinema. His decisions are final, and when Drunken Country Ballad was chosen, it immediately became one of the most talked-about films.

With the late confirmation of their attendance, the crew of Drunken Country Ballad struggled to find accommodations. As a result, Renly found himself in this suite.

Andy chuckled at Renly's tone. "Sounds like you were hoping for a B&B after all."

Renly shrugged, not smiling. He had no objections now.

Andy laughed and explained, "It was last minute, but the president of the Barrière Group heard about it and personally arranged this suite for us. He's really looking forward to the screening of Drunken Country Ballad."