The Greatest Showman #1521 - Childhood Memories

Reporter: "Renly, do you regret missing the main competition at this year's Venice Film Festival?"

Renly: "No, not at all. I've always believed that festivals are a unique platform. It's important for all films, filmmakers, and film lovers to come together and experience the charm of cinema. That's the real magic. I'm honored that my work was chosen to open the festival, and I'm grateful for Venice's invitation to showcase it to such a wide audience."

Reporter: "But missing out on the main competition means you won't be competing for the prestigious Grand Slam at the three major European festivals. How do you feel about that?"

Renly: "Ha, actually, it's a relief. At least now the reporters can stop pestering me about the Grand Slam odds. But honestly, I'll just have to wait for the right time."

Reporter: "So, are you planning to return to Venice next year to compete in the main competition?"

Renly: "Of course, I'd love to. But it doesn't depend on me. It's up to the director. My abilities are still waiting to be discovered by the right director. So, if any talented filmmakers are working on new projects, feel free to reach out to my agent. My schedule is open."

Reporter: "There were rumors during the screenings at Cannes and Venice earlier this year. 'Gravity' is being called an epoch-making work, and your performance in it is said to rival even your role in 'Drunken Country Ballad.' How do you feel about the possibility of competing for Best Actor at Venice?"

Renly: "If the work is truly exceptional, then I hope the audience enjoys it in theaters. That's the greatest compliment I could receive."

Reporter: "And what about the awards?"

Renly: "Honestly, my biggest hope is that the director, Alfonso Cuarón, gets the recognition he deserves. This is his vision, and everything that shines in this film comes from his imagination. I'm just one part of it. If people focus too much on my performance, I'd consider that a small regret."

Reporter: "Are you hoping to win the Best Actor Grand Slam?"

Renly: "No, definitely not."

Reporter: "If you were to complete a Grand Slam someday, when would you like it to happen?"

Renly: "I'm not one to wish for that. I'm more interested in having a long-lasting career. Maybe, one day, it'll happen when it's meant to. But I think it's much more fun to focus on the journey instead of aiming for one specific goal. And for the record, I'm still under thirty."

Reporter: "It seems like you're in a particularly good mood today. Any special reason?"

Renly: "Well, for one, Venice is a beautiful city. I have great memories here, and it's a pleasure to be back. Two, 'Gravity' is being released, and I'm just as excited as everyone else. Alfonso has put so much work into post-production, and I haven't even seen the final version yet. And third, I just finished filming a project that I'm really looking forward to."

Throughout the interview, Renly was in an exceptionally relaxed and joyful mood. His bright smile, calm tone, and playful humor made the afternoon in Venice feel like a warm embrace, the sun softening with each passing word.

Unfortunately, the interview didn't last long. The reporters were getting so excited that their questions were practically drowned out by the chaos of their voices—a kind of comical folk-song atmosphere filled the air. Renly, however, was unbothered. His stage training allowed him to handle the noise, but his voice could only reach so far. The reporters who were further away struggled to hear him, which led to a flurry of frantic shouts and confusion. In the end, the journalists had to rely on their cameras and colleague's notes to piece together their coverage.

But, this was Venice—alive with chaos, especially during its 70th anniversary celebrations.

As Renly turned, his gaze shifted toward the villa before him, a familiar sight that evoked a deep sense of nostalgia.

Ten years had passed in the blink of an eye, yet the sea remained the same, and the villa stood unwavering. The mildew on the walls, like delicate flowers, the canna plants flourishing by the door, and the weathered gate rails, all told stories of time's powerful grip. The subtle scent of lilies, tinged with decay, filled the air. Time, relentless and unyielding, had left its mark, but memories surged forward to fill the gaps, bringing the past back to life in an instant.

Renly's thoughts drifted back to Interstellar, remembering the core themes of the film as he observed the villa.

A silhouette appeared at the doorway—Matthew, standing to the right, his features only a vague outline in the backlight. For a moment, Renly could almost see them as they had been in their youth—young, vibrant, yet somehow with an old soul within them.

"Sebastian?" Matthew's voice cut through the sea of thoughts, pulling Renly back. "What's wrong? Why are you just standing there?"

The name "Sebastian" hit Renly in a way that reminded him of how he had once felt out of place with it. George and Elizabeth had always used that name for him—more of a formality, a barrier between family closeness and individuality. Over time, they had stopped calling him that, but on rare occasions, it still held weight.

"You're a lot older than I remember from ten years ago," Renly teased.

Matthew paused, then replied with a hint of seriousness, "Eight years."

Renly, somewhat embarrassed, laughed. "Numbers aren't my strong suit. But I can see you're still obsessed with the details, just like before. You're still the same, Charles."

The two of them entered the villa, which Renly thought of as a courtyard more than a traditional villa.

The threshold led to a stone wall that shielded the outside view. Beyond that was a spacious courtyard with a small garden and a rockery on the right, reminiscent of a Jiangnan garden. The left side was open, perfect for setting up a dining table and enjoying breakfast in the sun.

The stairs by the gate led to the second and third floors, the latter serving as a creative space with a piano, dance studio, and art studio. Even on vacation, the aristocrats had their own ways to unwind in Venice, indulging in the freedom of uninhibited relaxation.

Renly's mind wandered to the youthful frivolity of the past.

"Remember when Andre threw the Daltons' youngest son's suitcase out the window? Shirts and panties flying everywhere—it was quite a scene," Renly mused with a smile.

Matthew chuckled. "And Eaton called it 'performance art.'"

Renly laughed again. "Then you encouraged that idiot from the Daltons to throw Eaton's suitcase down too. I can still see Eaton's face, so dark with rage."

Matthew turned to him, seriousness returning. "Are you sure it wasn't you stirring the pot?"

Renly smirked and looked away, his silence saying more than words.

At that moment, James Duncan, the elderly butler of the Duke of Hamilton, arrived.

"Master Renly, Master Matthew, welcome home," he said with a slight bow.

"James, always so thoughtful," Renly grinned. "I heard from Philip you were having some trouble last time. How are you now?"

"Everything is fine now," James assured them, his eyes glimmering with respect.

The villa, filled with echoes of laughter and memories, was home. And despite the years that had passed, some things remained unchanged.