Milk Chocolate

"French films always have this obsessive dedication, just like their passion for philosophy." Renly nodded in agreement with Ryan's point and then shared his own thoughts.

Ryan was momentarily stunned, "What?" Renly was also taken aback, showing a surprised expression. Ryan quickly realized, "Ah…" he sighed, and then laughed, "Sorry, I don't understand French. I grew up in Ontario, and I only speak English. The only French I know is 'hello' and 'thank you'."

In Quebec, Canada, both English and French are official languages, but they primarily use French in daily life. In Montreal, it's nearly impossible to get by without speaking French. Since Ryan is Canadian and chose a French film like "The Illusionist," Renly naturally assumed Ryan could speak French—it's more convenient for them compared to English, which is why Renly spoke in French.

Unexpectedly…

Renly spread his hands and said self-deprecatingly, "You must understand my pride and arrogance as a Frenchman." French people can speak English, but they refuse to do so out of pride.

Ryan could tell it was a self-mocking remark and chuckled, "It's okay, at least you didn't show the superiority of an American." Americans often like to mock Canada as the countryside, similar to how New York views New Jersey.

Both of them smiled at this exchange. "So, what did you say earlier?" Ryan asked again.

Renly was surprised, "I thought that embarrassing chapter was over. Are we still talking about 'The Illusionist'?" As they spoke, they left their seats—the staff had come in to clear the venue for the next screening. Renly repeated his previous point.

"Although I don't like the arrogance of the French," Ryan deliberately gave Renly a deep look, seemingly teasing him for his earlier excuse, but Renly was unfazed, which made Ryan smile again, "they undeniably have made some great films, haven't they?"

"That's all history now," Renly spread his hands, "just like philosophy."

The same comment in a different context can have a different meaning, and Ryan couldn't help but smile, "If you said that in French, it would be quite sarcastic." They left the screening room, and Ryan rummaged in his coat pocket, pulling out two candies and offering them to Renly.

Renly looked down and straightforwardly asked, "No milk candy?"

For someone you've just met, this could be considered impolite. Out of courtesy, you should choose one or politely refuse after expressing gratitude. Usually, Renly would politely decline, but after the brief awkward and embarrassing moments they shared, he felt relaxed enough to half-jokingly say it.

Ryan laughed and dug into his pocket again, producing five or six candies. Renly looked surprised, "You actually have it." He picked a milk candy, unwrapped it, and popped it into his mouth, "I don't usually like candy, but milk candy is an exception."

This habit was from his past life. Renly didn't like candy, but his mother always forbade him from eating snacks, and White Rabbit milk candy was the only exception. It was one of the few moments of relaxation in his memory.

"Luckily, I always carry a variety of candies," Ryan said, unwrapping one and tossing it into his mouth.

He was a candy enthusiast and wouldn't go out without them. Naturally, candies became his way of making friends, and he enjoyed sharing them, categorizing people by their reactions.

"Hey, hey, Renly!" Suddenly, someone cut in, blocking Renly and Ryan's path, his face still showing signs of excitement, "Do you have time for a short interview?"

Gavin Hunter was eager. After seeing Natalie and Benjamin enter the screening room, he parted ways with Cornell, who decided to stay inside to gather more news, while he waited outside for Renly. After waiting over forty-five minutes, the screening of "The Illusionist" ended, but Renly hadn't left, and Gavin thought he had missed him.

"An interview? This is my personal time; I don't think it's a good idea," Renly almost immediately declined.

"But… hey, Ryan." Gavin then noticed Ryan Gosling standing beside them. Compared to the newcomer Renly, Ryan was already a well-established actor with an Oscar nomination for Best Actor. But Ryan's lack of mystery meant Gavin was more interested in interviewing Renly, "So, are you two on a date?" Gavin blurted out.

Renly burst into laughter—this was the same question he had been asked about Natalie earlier. Ryan, on the other hand, looked puzzled, clearly not understanding the situation.

"Is this your standard question?" Renly asked, making Gavin chuckle but not giving up, "But do you really not have any time? Ten minutes is enough for a basic interview. The audience is very curious about your background, your experience, your story." Seeing no sign of change in Renly's eyes, Gavin desperately changed his offer, "Five minutes, just five minutes!"

"As I said, this is my personal time," Renly remained firm, "but an interview is not a problem. You can schedule one with my agent." Renly, new to the industry, had learned that all interviews and work should go through the agent, so he followed suit.

"Agent?" Gavin saw a glimmer of hope and quickly grabbed it.

"Andy Rogers," Renly thought for a moment. He didn't have Andy's card on him, so he added, "Creative Artists Agency."

"No problem!" Gavin's smile was radiant. Though it was equally troublesome to schedule through an agent, it at least offered a chance—besides, the fact that Renly had an agent was news itself. From the Emmys to now, almost ten days had passed without any word of this in the industry.

That was the first breakthrough.

Renly turned to Ryan, who still looked shocked, "What's wrong? Did I do something inappropriate?"

Ryan looked at Gavin, then at Renly, swallowed, "No…" He started to deny, then an absurdity hit him, making him laugh. Ryan shook his head, smiling wryly, "Sorry, I thought you were just an ordinary audience member or one of my fans."

"Ha." Renly was taken aback, then laughed. He realized the irony—he had made a mistake earlier, and now the roles were reversed within ten minutes. "I don't see a problem. As a newcomer, if you recognized me, that would be weird. Then I'd have to seriously consider that reporter's speculation."

Speculation? What speculation?

Ryan's smile paused as he thought it over, then he realized—the speculation about them dating. Ryan laughed so hard he bent over, slapping his thigh, "You're a funny guy, really funny."

Renly gave him a look as if to say "I don't know this crazy person" and quickly walked away, making Ryan laugh even harder. He staggered after Renly, finally stopping his laughter, and extended his hand, "Ryan Gosling, from London." There's a London in Ontario, Canada, near Toronto.

Renly raised an eyebrow slightly, "Renly Hall, from London." He shook Ryan's hand. Ryan realized this was the London in the UK, and both showed a hint of surprise, their amusement fully shared.

"So, are you here just to attend the film festival, or…" Ryan asked tentatively.

"I have a movie screening here, either on the 12th or 13th?" Renly wasn't sure, "How about you join us for the premiere? You're welcome to come."

"Of course. It would be my honor." Ryan replied enthusiastically with typical Canadian warmth, then added, "I mean it." This made Renly smile, "Do you mind if Michelle joins?"

"Given the reporters' wild speculations? Absolutely, the more, the merrier." Renly joked lightly. The Michelle in question was surely Michelle Williams, and their film "Blue Valentine" was also premiering at the festival.

Ryan continued, "Why don't you come to our film's premiere too? You could bring a date, speak some French to the reporters, and talk about 'The Illusionist,' this amazing film."

"I've been waiting for your invitation. You know, as a newcomer, I need all the exposure I can get." Renly's joke made Ryan laugh heartily, and he snapped his fingers, "It's settled then!"

"What's your plan for this afternoon? Any other screenings?"

"I'm planning to see 'Incendies.' I've heard the performances are outstanding…"

---

200 powerstones - 1 bonus chapter

Also I hope you guys recommend this novel to others or whenever somebody is asking for novel recommendations in the comments of other novels, as I found a lot of good novels from other people's recommendations :)

Also give me novel recommendations too, after all I like reading Hollywood or idol type novels as much as I like action or slice of life novels (⁠ ⁠╹⁠▽⁠╹⁠ ⁠)