Chapter 52.

"Let's straightaway start the talk now, shall we? How's it going, Ian?"

Everyone laughed. They thought that the host would start asking about what has been happening around them. But in fact, he ignored it completely, just like how they ignored all the angry and confused audience.

"It's been pretty hectic lately, to be honest. But, La La Land has been doing awesomely well." Ian said while smiling at the camera. Then, he focused on looking at the host.

"Let's keep the great things to the end, I have been hearing some accusations against you, are they true? Does it mean I'm having a full-blown happy conversation with a criminal? Man, how fun my life has become," He said while everyone started laughing.

"I wish I could say the same, but well, yes. I'm fully aware of what's going on and 'trending' these days about me and my past. This will shock many if not everyone, but the thing I have been accused of, my lawyers will take care of it," Ian said.

"The shocking part is?"

"I have a piece of evidence to prove that I'm not guilty; in fact, I'm innocent until proven guilty. But I'm sure, this might open the eyes of so many fans of mine and I'm looking forward to it," Ian said and smiled, again. "But I must admit, in the previous years, I might have done a countless number of stupid things that even I wish I hadn't. But, I can assure you that I was not and am not someone who would take humanity for granted. Any of the accusations that have been made against me… The truth will say it all," He continued the statement he practiced before coming here.

Every pair of eyes focused on him as they kept doubting the words that left Ian's mouth. It was almost as if no one knew what to believe anymore, and it was all for the good that would happen in the future.

"Let's talk about La La Land now, shall we? The movie basically proved that your "luck" is not the sole proprietorship of your success… What do you think?" Steve asked.

The hidden meaning behind the question was that it was William's statement. In Hollywood, once someone makes a public statement, it can make or break their career (the cliché line). In William's case, the major reason was how popular he was and successful he was, in a way, looking down on a newbie director and making it public by saying the "boy won't get lucky again" basically ruined his reputation. But then again, these kinds of talk shows and media hint at almost everything that goes on around the guest. Both good and bad, anything that might bring them more attention.

"Yes, Steve. La La Land did become a massive success. Honestly, I don't like repeating myself in front of the media, because I might look like just another politician," Ian said and everyone fell into a fit of laughter. "But, the success wasn't just because of luck. It is how I had been planning things to turn out, I know many out there, especially experienced people in the server are curious about the… "HOW" and that's for me to know and you to guess," Ian said and ended his answer with a smile.

"Whoa whoa! Getting mysterious aren't we. Talking about your presence in Hollywood, you have always been this mysterious person. Not many appearances in front of the screen, not many talks about how things go, share your secrets with us, I promise no one will know," Steve had a sarcastic smile, and it was caught on camera perfectly.

"What do you think actors are for? They are on the screen and we are behind the screen. Simple as that," Ian smiled again while the band went *ba dum tss* with the drums.

"Ahahaha… Now that was unexpected, just like everything else related to you. But we have so many questions to ask about the other things you became popular for, right after this break. Chit-chat with Ian Renner!"

During the break, Ian was given a bottle of water and Steve started to talk with him again.

"Ian, you've been amazing me with your answers. Although we did say what would be discussed, I have never seen someone who just got into the industry talking like that," Steve said and laughed.

The make-up artist came right at the time and put some touches onto Ian's face and focused on Steve too.

"It's true that I have never been popular, but this chance right now, I have to take advantage of it to the maximum. People are on the verge of basically hating me, and I'm innocent in this case. So, I'm glad you are helping me out man," Ian said and smiled.

During the break, the audience had been watching Ian Renner and Merlin Steve talking from afar. But on the side, on the big screen, La La Land songs have been playing and some cuts of behind the scene bloopers.

The screen showed how Eloise fell while dancing and dragged two dancers trying to get her balance. In the end, they all fell down and laughed. Ian was signaling to cut, and then they were looking to see if the actors had been injured. It was funny to look at when everyone falls *especially* when someone drags others down with them.

"Let's start again!" The show director announced and everyone got ready to be on the screen.

"We are back with the hottest details of Hollywood and I have a hot director with us, too! Ian Renner everyone!" Steve said and the audience was asked to clap, which they followed.

"Alright! So this is going to be the hottest talk of the day, what is it about Eloise and Alexa? Is there something going on between you guys? I mean, here are photographs taken by paparazzi and people,"

Ian laughed along with the audience while he showed the pictures to the camera. In the left pic, Ian was almost holding Alexa's hand in front of the theatre, and in the other, Eloise was with Ian in front of the movie hall. They both were wearing masks but it was obvious who was who.

"Didn't see that one coming, well, they both are friends. Very talented friends. Eloise is really sweet and undoubtedly talented which I know everyone can agree on. Alexa is very kind and generous. They both deserve the best in the industry," Ian said and shrugged.

"Deserves the best, but not you?" Steve questioned back.

"Hahaha… We truly are friends. In my career, which started just around six-seven months, I have not made that many friends although I'm very friendly," Ian laughed at his own words which were followed by people in the audience. "Eloise and Alexa are a few of the closest people," He said while putting one leg over the other and getting comfortable on the seat.

"Ah, I see! What about your future plans?" Steve questioned.

And so on… The show went for another half an hour, which they concluded not before talking a lot about Ian's origin, future plans and even went on to ask about William and what is going on between them.

"I don't know him personally, but I respect him because he has been in the industry for quite a while now and people loved his movies. But I also kind of hope that people would stop looking down on my talents and what I'm capable of," He said and smiled. It was a genuine request because what Ian was dealing with right now, made things hard for him. Yet, he knew this was just the start of what was to come.

The show ended with a few more questions and even made Ian sing a song from La La Land. Everyone enjoyed it, and so did Ian because he was able to get the word out.

After going back home, he rested for two hours and started to think about his next movie. Thinking thoroughly about all the incidents which happened lately and scrolling through the memory library, he came up with a movie that can shut so many mouths up.

In fact, it would be able to prove that whatever comes his way, he will make it a success.

He started reading the storyline, "In 1962, Tony "Tony Lip" Vallelonga, a tough bouncer, is looking for work when his nightclub is closed for renovations. The most promising offer turns out to be the driver for the African-American classical pianist Don Shirley for a concert tour into the Deep South states. Although hardly enthused at working for a black man, Tony accepts the job and they begin their trek armed with The Negro Motorist Green Book, a travel guide for safe travel through America's racial segregation. Together, the snobbishly erudite pianist and the crudely practical bouncer can barely get along with their clashing attitudes to life and ideals. However, as the disparate pair witness and endure America's appalling injustices on the road, they find a newfound respect for each other's talents and start to face them together. In doing so, they would nurture a friendship and understanding that would change both of their lives."

"Green Book" Ian silently thought.

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