[NEW STAR] (I)

"YOU are 18 this year, is that correct?" the host – Rita – asked Astrid.

Astrid nodded. "That's right."

"Wow. So young! Now I suddenly feel old," Rita said, acting sad with a crestfallen expression.

"It doesn't look that way though. No matter what age, I'm sure Miss Rita will remain ephemerally beautiful," Astrid said with a smile. 

If this was said by others, people might think that Astrid was flirting with the host. But because his tone didn't have that kind of playfulness, it only sounded like he was telling the truth. Which didn't make Rital feel bothered. She felt very much flattered instead.

She didn't feel like the other was deliberately trying to compliment her to get on her good side. Just like how most of her guests here had done. That's probably why she didn't feel the urge to reply sarcastically just like she usually did.