Chapter 63-64-65

Chapter 63 – The Future After History

March 10, 2026 – Los Angeles, California

The world had yet to get over what happened at the 2026 Oscars.

Brazil, a country that had dreamed of greater recognition in world cinema for decades, took home seven golden statuettes, including the main categories of Best Picture and Best Actor.

And at the center of it all was Gustavo Salles.

The young actor, who just over a year ago was just a newcomer to the big screen, was now one of the biggest names in Hollywood.

But after weeks of events, interviews, Carnival, tours and meetings…

Finally, everything had calmed down.

Now, Gustavo was back in Los Angeles, and the media wanted to know:

What would he do next?

That morning, Gustavo was sitting on the comfortable couch in a TV studio in Los Angeles, ready for yet another live interview.

The program was one of the most watched in the United States, and the host, James Reynolds, opened with an excited smile.

— Ladies and gentlemen, today we have a special guest! He is the newest winner of the Oscar for Best Actor, an international phenomenon and, apparently, an excellent samba singer… GUSTAVO SALLES!

The audience burst into applause, and Gustavo laughed, shaking his head.

— This samba thing is still haunting me, isn't it?

James laughed along.

— Dude, you sambaed on the Oscar stage live. That will never be forgotten.

Gustavo shrugged, amused.

— I promised Fernanda Torres and Jimmy Fallon. There was no way to get away from it.

The audience applauded again.

James leaned forward a little, more serious now.

— Gustavo, Brazil won SEVEN Oscars this year. That was simply historic. What was it like for you to experience that up close?

Gustavo took a deep breath before answering.

— It was exciting. Brazil has always had an incredible cinema, but for a long time, it lacked recognition. Seeing a Brazilian film being awarded like that, with us on stage winning Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor… — he paused and smiled. — Man, it was surreal. I'll never forget that moment.

The audience applauded respectfully.

James nodded in agreement.

— You became the first Brazilian to win Best Actor in the history of the Oscars. Do you have any idea of ​​the impact that made?

Gustavo smiled thoughtfully.

— It's still sinking in. But what makes me happiest isn't my award itself… It's knowing that now other Brazilian actors and filmmakers will have more opportunities. I want this to be just the beginning.

The audience applauded his speech.

James clapped along.

— That's what I'm talking about! You're changing the industry, man!

After talking about the Oscars, James changed the tone of the interview.

— Now comes the question everyone wants to know: what are you going to do now?

Gustavo smiled and leaned back on the couch.

— First? Vacation.

The audience laughed and applauded.

— I've spent the last few months in a crazy state. Now, I just want to relax a little. I'm going to stay in Los Angeles for a while, enjoy life, hang out with friends…

James raised his eyebrows.

— Friends like… the ones you took to Brazil?

Gustavo laughed and shook his head.

— Yeah, yeah. Timothée, Justin, Hailey, Kylie, Kendall…

James interrupted him, joking.

— Dude, you have the BEST list of friends on the planet. I saw videos of the trip and it seemed like a dream. What was it like traveling with these people?

Gustavo laughed, remembering the moments.

— It was insane. None of them had any idea what Carnival was until they got there. I basically gave them a "Brazilian crash course."

The audience laughed.

James laughed along.

— And did it work?

— Totally. They've already said they want to go back to Brazil again. I created a group on WhatsApp called "Gringos no Carnaval 2027."

The audience laughed even more.

— Dude, I NEED to join this group.

After a few more conversations and jokes, James looked at Gustavo with a sincere smile.

— Dude, it was amazing to have you here today. You're having a great time, and I can't wait to see what you'll do in the future.

Gustavo smiled and shook the host's hand.

— Thanks, man. I'm going to enjoy my vacation, but I'll be back soon with news.

James turned to the camera.

— Ladies and gentlemen, one of the biggest names in world cinema at the moment… Gustavo Salles!

The audience gave a standing ovation, and Gustavo waved before leaving the stage.

Now, it was time to enjoy life a little.

Los Angeles was waiting for him.

Chapter 64 – A Quiet Day at Kylie's House

March 12, 2026 – Hidden Hills, Los Angeles

Gustavo wasn't used to calm days.

Ever since he had won the Oscar and spent intense weeks in Brazil, his life had been a whirlwind of appointments, parties and interviews.

But that afternoon, he was finally enjoying a moment of peace.

Sitting on one of the huge sofas in Kylie's house, he watched her children playing in the garden while a pleasant sun illuminated the entire property.

"They have endless energy, don't they?" Kylie commented, bringing two glasses of wine and sitting next to Gustavo.

He took a glass and laughed, watching Stormi and Aire running around the yard, having fun with the toys scattered across the immaculate lawn.

"I don't know how you keep up. They never stop."

Kylie laughed and took a sip of wine.

"You get used to it. Or you learn to ignore the chaos." Gustavo laughed along.

"I think I'd rather fly a helicopter than take care of two kids all day."

Kylie arched an eyebrow, amused.

"Well, then never become a father before you're ready."

He raised his glass in a toast.

"Noted."

While they were watching the kids, Kylie received a message and smiled slightly.

Gustavo noticed the discreet sparkle in her eyes and didn't need to ask to know who the message was from.

"Timothée?"

She looked at him with a small smile.

"Yeah. He's finishing a meeting and will be here later."

Gustavo nodded.

He always found the way Kylie and Timothée led their relationship interesting.

They were both two of the most famous people in the world, but still managed to maintain an extremely private life.

"I think it's really cool how discreet you two are." Gustavo commented, looking at her.

Kylie shrugged, relaxed.

— We try. I've had very exposed relationships in the past, and I learned the hard way that privacy is essential. I like the way Timothée and I are... easygoing, no pressure.

Gustavo nodded, understanding.

— That makes sense. It must be hard to live in the spotlight all the time.

Kylie looked at him curiously.

— And you? Are you enjoying the single life or do you already have some secret actress out there?

He laughed and shook his head.

— Nothing so far. After the Oscars, my life became chaos. I haven't even had time to think about it.

Kylie took another sip of wine and smiled.

— Well, when you start dating, I'll give you some advice: keep it private. It's really worth it.

Gustavo smiled and raised his glass in a toast.

— Deal.

At that moment, the excited screams of the children echoed through the yard, and Gustavo felt a rare lightness in his routine.

He was not at a gala event, nor giving interviews, nor rushing from one appointment to the next.

He was simply enjoying life.

Chapter 65 – A Legend's Call

March 14, 2026 – Los Angeles, California

Gustavo didn't expect to receive that call.

He was on the terrace of his house in Los Angeles, enjoying the sunset with a glass of whiskey in his hand, when his cell phone started to vibrate.

He looked at the screen and raised his eyebrows.

The number wasn't saved, but the source said: "Agent: Tom Cruise."

He frowned.

Tom Cruise?!

Gustavo answered, still confused.

"Hello?"

The voice on the other end of the line was unmistakable.

Deep, firm and full of energy.

"Gustavo! This is Tom Cruise. How are you, my friend?"

Gustavo's heart skipped a beat.

He grew up watching Tom's movies. From Top Gun to Mission: Impossible, Tom Cruise was a living legend of cinema, one of the last great action stars.

And now…

He was calling him directly.

— Tom?! Wait… this isn't a prank, right?

Tom laughed on the other end of the line.

— No pranks, my friend. I got your number from your agent. I hope you don't mind.

— No way! It's an honor, man. What can I do for you?

Tom smiled on the other end.

— Well, I'll get straight to the point. I'm planning a special project to mark my farewell to cinema. Something unique, grand. And I want you to be a part of it.

Gustavo was speechless for a moment.

Tom Cruise was retiring?!

It was almost impossible to imagine action cinema without him.

— Damn, Tom… are you really retiring?

Tom sighed lightly.

— The time has come. I've done it all: I've run on rooftops, flown planes, jumped off buildings…

He laughed.

— Now I want to end my career with a flourish. And I have an insane idea for that.

Tom continued, excited.

— I want to record a commercial to announce my retirement. Something so epic that people will never forget it. And I want you to be part of this project with me.

Gustavo's eyes widened.

— Are you serious?

— Very serious.

— But why me?

Tom laughed again.

— Because I've seen your work. Your Oscar, your performances, your authenticity. You have the spirit of a real actor. And, to be honest, the cinema needs guys like you in the new generation.

Gustavo felt a shiver run down his spine.

Hearing that from Tom Cruise was surreal.

— I don't even know what to say…

Tom smiled.

— Say yes. I'll send you the details this week. We'll be filming soon.

Gustavo laughed, still in shock.

— So I'm going to be the last person to film with Tom Cruise?

— Exactly.

— Dude… I'm in.

Tom laughed out loud.

— Great! Welcome to the last mission.

The call ended, and Gustavo stood there for a moment, looking at his cell phone.

He had just received an invitation directly from Tom Cruise to participate in his farewell to the movies.

And that would change everything.

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