Hollywood: The Greatest Showman

Chapter 11: Can't Refuse

A guitar, a lamp, a chair, and a voice.

Music returns to its purest, simplest, most rustic form, singing with the soul, communicating with thoughts, and narrating with melody. That compelling power touches the hearts, giving the music a unique charm.

Watching Renly quietly sitting amidst the light with his guitar, Tom couldn't help but admire him. With his casually rolled-up shirt sleeves, unkempt collar, and slightly messy and lazy short hair, he looked completely like a wandering troubadour. Yet, the desire deep within Tom's heart to collaborate with him grew stronger and stronger, not only because Renly's successful audition that afternoon had impressed him but also because of the soul hidden behind this face.

Whether as Mark Antony in the afternoon or Cleopatra in the evening, Renly portrayed a different temperament, revealing the unknown sides of these characters. His unique and profound understanding was truly refreshing. As an actor, Renly exhibited enviable talent.

It's worth noting that Renly is only twenty years old this year.

Tom couldn't help but turn to look at his old friend Steven beside him. Steven's expression wasn't clear in the dim light, but Tom could vaguely recognize his focused and unwavering gaze, immersed in the quiet yet surging atmosphere of the bar scene. Tom believed that if he could feel it, Steven wouldn't miss it either.

The sensation of the taut and sharp strings beneath his fingertips was faintly invigorating. Renly lowered his eyelids, quietly enjoying the blurred boundary between illusion and reality after finishing his creation. He loved such moments, simply letting tranquillity prevail, communicating through melodies. The same musical phrase collided and fermented different thoughts and reactions in different minds.

Music is like this, and so is performance. These moments free from noise and bustle are always particularly enjoyable, truly allowing the charm of art to shine.

"Ahem." Although Renly thoroughly enjoyed such moments, he noticed Neil's signal out of the corner of his eye and broke the silence. "Though no one is reacting right now, I'll take it that you all enjoyed the performance just now." His words elicited laughter from everyone. The subdued laughter still felt somewhat suppressed and dull, but it precisely showcased Renly's infectious musicality. "Now, the real master has arrived at the scene. Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Jason Mraz!"

Without warning, Jason walked onto the stage with his guitar. The audience was a bit confused, still caught up in the previous performance of "Cleopatra." Yet, they quickly composed themselves due to Jason's sudden appearance. After a moment of hesitation, applause erupted, thundering like a wave.

As Jason stepped onto the stage, he was a bit stunned—such a welcome far exceeded his expectations. Normally, being late would have invited boos, yet now, they welcomed him with such fervent applause. Before Jason could ponder further, Renly approached, gesturing an invitation. Jason could only gather his thoughts, pat Renly on the shoulder, and quickly make his way to the center of the stage to start his performance.

Under the stage, Steven had no mood to appreciate Jason's performance at this moment. His mixed emotions made him lower his eyelids, turn his head, and then meet Tom's inquiring gaze. Even without saying a word, Steven immediately understood Tom's meaning from his eyes: Renly is still the best choice.

The words of refusal lingered on his tongue, his pride and self-esteem subconsciously making the same decision. He didn't like overturning his judgment, nor did he like admitting his mistakes. Using Joseph Mazzello to play Eugene was a decision made definitively after the confirmation of "The Pacific," and he was the first actor confirmed in the entire crew. But now, Steven had to personally veto this decision.

However, Steven was not an ordinary person after all.

Although the performance just now was a musical performance, unrelated to acting, the uniqueness of music showcased a different side of Renly: cheerful yet sad, strong yet fragile, vigorous yet world-weary... That contradictory temperament was brought to the extreme, endowing the musical notes with a unique charm. Undoubtedly, Renly was charming, clear and elegant. It was an extremely youthful charm, singing loudly, but withering at the first chill wind.

This reminded Steven of Eugene in "The Pacific."

At a young age, only twenty years old, he steadfastly believed in God, in his country, in goodness, like a white dove securely protected in an ivory tower. When the war broke out, his only dream was to fight for his country, for the honor of the nation, for the happiness of the people, for world peace. He voluntarily enlisted, but the fragility of his heart bound his steps. He watched helplessly as all his friends around him threw themselves into the war, even the lively faces on the television mocking his weakness and incompetence as they prepared to join the war.

It wasn't until more than a year after the United States entered the war that Eugene's heart no longer hindered him. So he eagerly joined the army and rushed into the arms of the Pacific. But what awaited him was unimaginable storms and rains, as well as the collapse and fragmentation of faith and belief. His shattered soul couldn't bear even the slightest weight, struggling desperately in the depths of despair. Living, for him, was torture, and also punishment.

This was the core soul of the series "The Pacific," depicting the impact of war on every soldier. The wounds rooted deep in the soul could never heal, even for those who survived. It wasn't just for the soldiers; it was also about their lives after returning home—families, friends, lovers, and even the entire society, all paying the price for the war.

Eugene was this soulful character, bearing the weight of the entire series. Now, in Renly, Steven saw this conflicting yet pure temperament.

During the audition in the afternoon, Steven could have used this reason to reject Tom, but now, he couldn't. He could continue to reject Tom, sticking to his own judgment. But he couldn't convince himself. Because he knew that Renly was the perfect choice for Eugene.

Taking a long breath, Steven flashed a helpless smile at Tom. "You know, this wasn't in the original plan." The public audition was meant to select actors, but except for the role of Eugene. Now, the situation was disrupted.

Although Steven didn't explicitly say it, Tom immediately understood. A sincere smile appeared on his face, "You should know, this is the right choice."

Steven didn't respond but looked at Tom seriously. Seeing Tom's slightly reddened eyes, somewhat embarrassed, he couldn't help but chuckle, "You look like a sixteen-year-old girl in this state."

"And you're the forty-five-year-old headmaster?" Tom didn't mince his words, directly retorting. Then, he straightened up and pointed to the corner of his eye, gesturing to Steven, "You'd better wipe away those tears from the corners of your eyes."

"It's just water stains!" Steven defended himself, but Tom paid no attention, leaving the spot quickly. This left Steven feeling aggrieved. He raised his head to look at Jason, who had begun performing the first song on stage. He rubbed his eyes vigorously, then stood up and followed Tom's footsteps towards the bar.

In the kitchen, Renly was being interrogated by Neil and Stanley. "God, you're a genius, you really are! Honestly, when did you compose this song?" Neil's face was filled with excitement as he chattered, not even waiting for Renly to respond before continuing, "Listen to me, you have to share your creations. It's the digital age now, things aren't so complicated!"

Seeing Renly about to respond, Neil quickly spoke again, cutting off any possible rebuttal from Renly, "We'll find a garage, do the recording, register the copyright, then register an account on SongCast to upload the song. They'll take care of everything afterward, and soon your music will be available for download on platforms like iTunes, Spotify, Amazon and other platforms. The space for independent musicians is expanding rapidly now!"

"Yeah," Stanley nodded in agreement, "Renly, it's already 2009. Everything is so convenient now. Just fill out an application online, no need for those complicated procedures or dealing with major record companies. Your music can be shared online."

Finally, the two quieted down. Renly glanced at Neil, then at Stanley. "Are you both done?" Both nodded blankly, and Renly continued, "Creating music is just my hobby, something to pass the time. I don't want things to get complicated." Neil wanted to say something, but this time Renly raised his hand to stop him, "Besides, no one would want to download my music. Performing occasionally here is enough to entertain everyone."

"Who says so? I'll be the first to download your music once it's online!" Neil eagerly exclaimed, his bright eyes showing his loyalty.

Stanley also quickly raised his right hand. "I'll be the second." Then he continued, "Renly, believe me, it's not just us. Others will like it too. That old guy Joshua asked me about it just now."

"Stanley..." Renly could only start to speak, but his words were interrupted by the door opening. All three turned to look at the doorway and saw Tom's honest and simple face peeking out cautiously. "Sorry, we didn't mean to intrude." Then, Steven also appeared behind him. Neil and Stanley looked bewildered, even Renly showed a surprised expression, "We came specifically to find Renly. Is he available for a chat?"

The target is... Renly?