Celebration

"Mr. Hall, your trophy."

Backstage at the Nokia Theatre, Renly accepted the trophy from the artisan's hands. After the award ceremony, the artisans would engrave the winner's name on the standardized trophy base, adding a unique touch.

Looking at the deep, engraved letters on the golden base, meticulously carved as if defying the erosion of time, permanently etched on the trophy. The feeling was truly amazing. "Renly Hall"—the characters felt both unfamiliar and familiar, leaving his mark indelibly.

Now, Renly began to understand why great figures always wanted statues and plaques to immortalize their achievements in history. He felt a mix of excitement, awkwardness, shame, exhilaration, and pride.

"Thank you." Renly held the trophy, the heavy weight settling in his heart. "Have a pleasant evening."

"Thank you, and congratulations once again." The artisan smiled and offered his blessings.

At this moment, the backstage area was bustling with people. Although the award ceremony had ended, it was not yet ten o'clock in Los Angeles, meaning the celebration parties had not yet started. This night, filled with joy and sorrow, excitement and disappointment, had only just begun.

"Hey, there you are." Hugh Laurie approached, warmly patting Renly on the arm. "Congratulations. It seems I need to dig out 'The Pacific' and watch it." His joking smile was genuine and close, without any pretense.

People from the British academic circles were like this, which was why institutions like Eton and Cambridge were so important. Sharing the same alma mater easily created a bond, naturally making them comrades of the same faction.

"I've watched every season of 'House' so far," Renly's straightforwardness made Hugh chuckle, "It seems you were a bit unlucky tonight." Renly didn't shy away from Hugh's sensitive topic of being nominated five years in a row without a win, addressing it head-on.

"At least now they won't complain about Brits winning all the awards." Hugh's witty self-deprecation earned Renly's respectful applause. "Any plans for tonight? Is the celebration party waiting for you?"

"Isn't the celebration party right here?" Renly replied, glancing at the bustling crowd behind him, everything unspoken—

All the noise, excitement, and thrill seemed irrelevant to Renly. Compared to others, the mini-series and TV movie category was less prominent. Moreover, Renly had only acted in one production, making him a misfit in Hollywood's bustling scene, finding it hard to integrate into others' circles.

One look, and the joke was clear. Hugh laughed, "This is just the beginning, and there's a long road ahead. But tonight, you should celebrate. After all, this award is hard-earned, isn't it?"

While speaking, Hugh deliberately eyed Renly's trophy with a greedy look, making Renly burst into laughter.

As Hugh said, the future would be left to tomorrow. Renly would continue to explore this path, but tonight was for celebration. This victory wasn't just for "The Pacific," or for his acting career, but also for pursuing dreams, defying family expectations, and walking alone. He had waited too long for this victory.

After greeting Rami and others, Renly left the Nokia Theatre alone. The celebration banquet for "The Pacific" cast was scheduled to start at eleven, and there wouldn't be much food. So, Renly decided to reward his protesting stomach first.

Exiting through the theatre's side door, the hot summer night of Los Angeles greeted him. Fans still lined the streets, cheering and screaming, waiting for their idols, mingled with paparazzi ready to capture behind-the-scenes moments after the awards.

"Renly, look here."

Renly instinctively looked towards the voice, and a flash went off. He chuckled, still not used to being the center of attention, responding reflexively to calls, forgetting the reporters' tricks.

The reporter—perhaps a paparazzo? Renly couldn't yet distinguish them by appearance—rushed across the street, shadowing Renly. "How do you feel after winning? Did you expect this result? How does it feel to beat Al Pacino? Was mentioning him in your acceptance speech a challenge?"

Renly almost instinctively answered but controlled himself this time. The reporters were just digging for sensational news; there was no need to respond.

So, Renly smiled brightly, politely saying, "What I need now is a burger or two chicken wings, even a bag of fries, not an interview."

Elliot-Cort paused, then realized, watching Renly walk to a nearby food truck. He laughed, finding this young man interesting. He intended to follow, but the fans' screams interrupted, "Penny, Penny! When will you marry Leonard?"

Clearly, the stars of "The Big Bang Theory" had appeared.

Originally, the choice was simple: an unknown newcomer or a famous couple. For a paparazzo, the latter was an obvious choice. But Elliot hesitated, glancing at Renly—now queuing at the food truck, the scene comical. Elliot wanted to continue following but...

Seeing the couple in sight, he bit the bullet and pursued them, raising his camera high and snapping photos.

Renly studied the simple menu, contemplating. He craved chicken wings, but the truck served steak burgers. So..."One medium-rare steak burger," he ordered skillfully. "Black pepper, all the veggies."

"No problem!" The cashier responded briskly. "Three ninety-nine, please."

Renly was grateful he had borrowed ten dollars from Rami since he had no cash on him. Otherwise, he'd be in a fix.

The cashier took the cash, noticing Renly's trophy. "Hey, I know you. You're that rich kid from 'The Pacific,' right? You won tonight? Congrats."

"Even winners need to eat," Renly's reply made the cashier laugh. She turned, packed a burger for the previous customer, then handed it over. "You're a funny guy. Big stars don't usually visit our food truck."

"That's the thing, I'm not a big star. Otherwise..." Renly raised an eyebrow, his jest making everyone laugh heartily.

The cashier, Ophelia, smiled warmly, "I'll make a sign with your words and put it on the truck. I'm Ophelia, and you are...?"

"Renly." He answered, completely at ease. "For the sign, better write Renly Hall. It'll have more impact. Need my autograph?"

Ophelia laughed, "Maybe when you become a big star." Apologizing to the next customer, she packed Renly's burger. "Enjoy your meal."

Renly apologized for the delay to the next customer, took the burger, "Wish you good business." They nodded, and Renly left.

According to his upbringing, eating on the roadside was unacceptable. But tonight, Renly decided to break the rule.

Placing the trophy on the curb, he sat cross-legged on the steps, unwrapped the burger, and took a bite. The juicy steak burst with flavor, making him want to shout. It wasn't Michelin star quality, but at this moment, it was perfect.

Before Renly could take another bite, a car sped by, kicking up dust. Another followed, sand getting in Renly's eyes.

He froze, realizing the rule had its reasons. But...whatever! Renly resumed eating, taking a big bite, happily sighing. A warm stomach felt better than a trophy.

"Buddy, this is the best burger truck downtown!" A group of young people passed by, each holding a burger. One shouted at Renly. Apparently, they hadn't recognized him.

Renly raised his burger high, shouting back, "I completely agree!" His gesture drew cheers and whistles, the atmosphere lively and joyful.

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200 powerstones - 1 bonus chapter