The Greatest Showman – Chapter #1519 – Highest Specification

The moment Renly appeared in the lobby of Venice International Airport, the entire space erupted in a frenzy. The area, already cramped with people, now felt even more congested, as if there was no room to move. The hall, once spacious, now seemed to pulse with energy, overrun with bodies and voices. It was as if the entire world was focusing on this one moment.

Flashes of light surged like a silver waterfall, echoing around the room. The air crackled with excitement, and the scene was awash in light and shadow.

Venice's welcome for Renly was unlike any other. Though this year's Venice Film Festival was star-studded, with renowned Canadian director Xavier Dolan, Scarlett Johansson, James Franco, and the legendary Hayao Miyazaki among the notable attendees, none could compare to Renly. He was the undeniable center of attention, eclipsing everyone else. Even in the grand spectacle of Cannes just four months earlier, Renly's presence was unmatched.

Statistics revealed that over 800 reporters gathered at the airport to capture this moment. This was just within the pick-up hall—others had followed the same flight or a similar one, already tracking Renly's every move. The media knew the limited space at Venice International Airport, where interviews were typically prohibited to ensure normal operations. Yet, with Renly's arrival, no one could miss the opportunity to capture every second of it.

The scene was chaotic, the buzzing of voices akin to a thousand mosquitoes. The air was thick with anticipation, but Renly seemed unfazed, his mood remarkably light. Despite the oversized sunglasses obscuring half his face, his warm smile peeked through, brightening the atmosphere.

He wore a simple light gray linen shirt, dark blue casual trousers, and light blue round-toed cloth shoes, unexpectedly paired with a delicate dome-shaped woven straw hat. His right wrist was adorned with a sports mechanical watch. Beneath the cover of eight bodyguards, Renly appeared in Venice dressed as if he were on a vacation, not attending a high-profile film festival. The air was warm and the sun kissed the city, but the bodyguards flanking him reminded everyone that this was no ordinary visit.

Renly's movements were swift. Under the tight escort, he made his way from the airport to a small private yacht at the pier. As the flashes of light followed him, the yacht cut through the water, leaving a trail of white splashes behind. The media buzzed, and it felt as though the film festival had officially kicked off with Renly's arrival.

Onboard the yacht, Renly gazed out of the porthole. The sea water of Venice was a murky contrast to the clarity of Cannes, yet it held its own charm. The breeze tugged at his hair, and the city's simplicity offered a brief respite from the usual glamour. Renly felt the weight of his past, recalling his youth, the carefree moments with friends like Matthew, Andre, and Eaton, moments filled with laughter and joy. Venice, with its relaxed atmosphere, almost seemed like a reminder of those unburdened days.

As he looked at the landscape, Renly's mind wandered back to his earlier years, particularly after the filming of The Bursting Drummer. Memories of his life, once faded like a forgotten oil painting, began to reemerge. The seemingly insignificant moments now held great meaning, like fragments of a past life that continued to shape his present.

Venice, known as the "City of a Hundred Islands," had a certain randomness to its geography. The islands were scattered around the main one, with Venice Marco Polo International Airport located on Tessela Island and the Venice Film Festival held on Lido Island—both a distance from the main city.

Lido Island, a quiet holiday spot, was a retreat for those seeking to escape the chaos of the main island. There, one could enjoy the sea, beach, and sunshine, far removed from the hustle and bustle of city life. In contrast, the private residence of the Duke of Hamilton, located on the main island, was a symbol of wealth and status, offering convenience and luxury. It sat with a breathtaking view of the sea, and its private pier ensured a peaceful getaway.

Despite the island's beauty, Renly found himself lost in the winding canals and narrow streets. His familiarity with the city, though deep, never allowed him to remember the precise location of the Duke's residence.

As he passed through Venice's distinctive maze-like streets, Renly observed the surrounding architecture. Ancient buildings stood side by side, their uneven heights and diverse styles revealing the city's rich history. While modern cities were increasingly standardized, Venice clung to its uniqueness, its cultural heritage visible in every brick and cobblestone.

Renly's gaze wandered over to the opposite side of the waterway. There, in the distance, stood a series of crumbling buildings, some newly renovated, others in decay. A faint outline of a domed church could be seen, a relic of a time when the church was a thriving center for believers. Over time, however, it became abandoned, overtaken by the ravages of disease. The church now stood as a reminder of Venice's forgotten past.

As Renly watched the boats scattered across the sea, it became clear that this was not a typical day in Venice. The boats—speedboats, gondolas, and small vessels—formed a loose circle on the water, almost as if preparing for a grand procession. The entire scene felt like a carnival, filled with energy and excitement. Yet, the crowd wasn't there to celebrate the festival—it was there to welcome Renly.