Hollywood: The Greatest Showman

Chapter 317: A Kid's Fight

Justin had been riding high ever since he began uploading videos to YouTube at the end of 2007. Within ten months, he had signed with an agent, released his debut album a year later, and just four months after that, his second album was out, taking the top spot on the Billboard charts. At the time, he had just turned sixteen.

In just two short years, he had achieved what many spend a lifetime pursuing: fame, adoration, and endless applause wherever he went. This level of attention was unprecedented for him.

The cheers of his fans made the indifference of the reporters all the more painful, a growing sense of humiliation boiling from his feet upwards, making him furious.

Standing his ground, Justin glanced at the actor surrounded by reporters. Who was that? The face was completely unfamiliar. He combed through his memory, but nothing came up, not even the faintest clue.

This was the Golden Globes, where stars gathered, but it was also an open event where any supporting actor or crew member could appear. Justin was certain this was nobody famous.

Not Brad Pitt, not Robert Downey Jr., not Natalie Portman—it was just some nobody.

Without thinking, Justin strode forward. Those spotlights were his, that applause and those cheers were meant for him.

He came to a sudden stop three steps away from Renly, his hands clasped behind his back, chest puffed out, and a smile directed at the reporters.

The cheers and screams behind him had grown uncontrollable. The girls were on the verge of losing their voices but refused to give up, frantically waving in hopes of catching their idol's attention. The scene was more like a fan concert than an awards show.

Effortlessly, Justin became the center of attention, and even the reporters who had been crowding around Renly froze for a moment, caught off guard by this unexpected turn.

Usually, the red carpet was packed with stars, with reporters splitting off into small groups for interviews, friends interrupting conversations, and other reporters swooping in. But were Justin and Renly friends? By the looks of Justin standing there soaking up the cheers, they didn't seem like they were.

A rare moment of silence fell—not among the fans, but from the reporters, who momentarily stopped asking questions as the screaming frenzy behind Justin reached new heights.

Renly didn't have much red-carpet experience, but he could tell something was off. Looking at the self-assured Justin beside him, Renly couldn't help but find the situation amusing. With a slight smirk, he asked, "Is there something I can help you with?"

Justin shrugged in a mock grown-up manner, his tailored suit hanging loosely on his thin shoulders. "No, I was just curious about what was going on here, you know, with all this excitement." He glanced around, noticing that two-thirds of the reporters had turned their attention to him. Satisfied, he tilted his chin up slightly.

Turning to size up the man in front of him, Justin quickly realized that Renly was far too tall—at least two heads taller. It was an awful feeling. Though a surge of impulsiveness rose in him, his remaining rationality held him back—at least enough to remember to maintain his image in front of the reporters. "So, who are you? Why are they all surrounding you?" he asked, feigning innocent curiosity.

But in Renly's ears, it sounded childishly petty, like a schoolboy mad that someone else had stolen his spotlight. He could easily hear the jealousy and anger in Justin's voice, but it didn't bother him in the slightest. After all, who gets mad at a kid?

"No one, I guess," Renly said with a faint smile. "They're just waiting for Robert Pattinson."

"Pfft." Bradley couldn't help but laugh out loud but quickly controlled himself, putting on a serious expression. Still, a glance showed that other reporters had amused smiles on their faces, the mood lightening among them.

Justin froze, unable to figure out whether Renly's response was good or bad. What did it mean? What was he supposed to say? What should he do now?

Seeing the panic in Justin's wide eyes, Renly felt like he was bullying a schoolboy. It felt almost too easy. Politely, he nodded to Justin, then to the reporters. "I think this is my cue to leave."

Since Justin clearly wanted to be the center of attention, Renly thought he'd gladly give up the spotlight. Besides, the reporters' bombardment was already making his ears ring, and the awards show had only just begun. He needed a breather, at least to get a drink of water. Justin's appearance gave him the perfect excuse to slip away.

Without hesitation, Renly turned and left.

"Renly!" Bradley reached out his hand again, but this time failed to stop him, watching helplessly as Renly walked away, visibly frustrated. Now that Renly had slipped away again, who knew if he'd catch him later at the after-party.

Other reporters felt a pang of regret but soon shrugged it off. They had already gotten plenty of news from Renly tonight—more than enough for a newcomer. They still had plenty of other actors from the "Generation Y" group to interview.

Then, all eyes turned to Justin Bieber.

Justin didn't care about Renly's departure. A broad smile stretched across his face, though he tried to contain it. But his bright eyes betrayed his excitement, like a child who had just received a new Transformer toy, eager to show it off.

Just three minutes earlier, Renly's composed, confident manner had left a lasting impression. But now, in stark contrast, Justin's youthful exuberance and brash arrogance stood out.

It was an amusing scene, really. People almost forgot that Justin was only sixteen, while Renly was just twenty-one—only five years apart. But in that brief encounter, the difference in maturity was glaring, as if the confrontation was between an adult and a child. The child throwing a tantrum for candy, and the adult, with a knowing smile, offering to humor them.

Renly had finally managed to escape the reporters, only to see a TV crew approaching with a grinning host. The onslaught was relentless.

Casually stepping aside, Renly pointed behind him and shouted, "Hey, look, it's Justin Bieber!"

Before the words had fully left his mouth, he quickly strode away. The host stood frozen, baffled—it was the first time someone had actively dodged the camera. But she didn't have time to think as the fans' screams erupted once again. Seeing Justin standing there, trying to suppress a grin, she waved to the camera and moved toward him.

From a ratings perspective, Justin was always the right choice.

Justin's grin grew wider. This was his moment, his stage, his spotlight. Everything was back on track. He puffed out his chest, basking in the flash of cameras. "It's my first time at the Golden Globes. I feel very honored..."

With the reporters no longer blocking his way, Renly smoothly reached the end of the red carpet and stood before the Golden Globes backdrop for the photo ops. Compared to the excited interviewers, the photographers seemed less interested in Renly, their attention focused on the female stars, who were always the main attractions on the red carpet.

Nonetheless, the process moved quickly. Inside the Hilton Hotel, Renly relaxed a little, scanning the star-studded hall.

Tonight, his goal wasn't just waiting for the Best Actor awards to be announced. He was here to meet Annette Bening and express his admiration for the actress.

And also to meet David Fincher and Aaron Sorkin.

For a true movie lover like Renly, the Golden Globes were his version of San Diego Comic-Con.