Clearing the air

The heavens above, what in the name of Jesus Christ was this?

What response was this? What a nonsensical, absurd reply was this? Yet that calm expression seemed to mock every individual present, mock those who spread negativity, mock those who entertained themselves to death while maintaining an air of righteousness.

The Kardashian family, a clan of socialites from New York. Before the 21st century, they were merely reputable figures in the legal circles of New York. However, they shot to fame through the "O.J. Simpson murder case", setting forth on their journey as icons in the realms of both sports and entertainment.

Their forte lay in self-promotion; the Kardashian sisters orchestrated a reality show, a spectacle showcasing their family's life. Audiences glimpsed into the high society of New York, and the viewers, by paying their attention, served as the most favorable channel for sponsorships. This was the origin of the Kardashian family's wealth, and since the show's premiere in 2007, their fame had grown exponentially.

They could metamorphose anything into profit—be it their own children, their diseases, their kin, their disasters, their afflictions—all laid bare and sold to tabloids of the lowest kind, fetching them money in exchange.

Yet in reality, the Kardashian sisters had no noteworthy creations—no music, no films, no genuine talents, no significant works to speak of. They even outdid Paris Hilton in absurdity. Yet they managed to write books, establish brands, design perfumes, and endorse advertisements.

Just last year, the Kardashian family's earnings reached a staggering $65M, effortlessly overshadowing the elites of Hollywood.

In Hollywood, or more accurately, throughout North American society—whether it be social reporters, political journalists, entertainment journalists, or the general public—everyone sneered and disdained the Kardashian family. Because as long as there was profit, they could exploit and peddle anything. Even matters of life, death, mental illness, and the like were no exception. The spirit of entertainment to the point of death was thoroughly executed.

The Kardashian family possessed no notions of "honor" or "reputation". But so what? People still continued to follow them, newspaper reporters continued to hound them, every one of their reality shows transformed into fierce conflicts that effortlessly boosted viewership ratings, and thus, they amassed overflowing riches.

Simultaneously condemning and observing, ridiculing and taunting, looking down upon while unable to look away.

The mockery from Renly just now, comparing himself with the Kardashian family, such self-deprecation, such dark humor, such derision—his words openly and subtly ridiculed the journalists before him: Morality? Honor? Convictions? Positive energy? These were never the focal points of journalists.

Journalists cared little for whether Renly's accusations against them were true. What they cared about were sensational revelations and intriguing twists. Those condemnations, those explorations, those cries of "seeking the truth", those claims of righteousness—hidden beneath it all was the spirit of entertainment to the point of death. What they yearned for was Renly's response, a fierce response, perhaps even a brash and mad response.

And yet, they still posed their questions under the guise of "clearing Renly's name", feigning an air of righteousness. "Playing the harlot yet keeping a virtuous front" – this wasn't Renly, it was the uncrowned kings before them.

The journalists could continue to denounce Renly, perceiving him as arrogant, conceited, and full of self-importance. With determination, they could unleash a barrage of creative methods to humiliate him in various ways, all fueled by a single statement from Renly. This, they believed, could truly tarnish his reputation.

However, the truth was that the more they reported, the angrier they grew, the more they paid attention, the more fervent and intense their efforts became. Renly's words, which were a curse to some, became more real than ever. It was they who continued to report; it was they who continued to be fueled by their efforts. They disdained him yet remained attached to him.

From beginning to end, Renly's stance remained unwavering: he sought tranquility. If the journalists ceased their clamor, so would the news. He didn't mind his reputation being tarnished. But still, the tree desired tranquility, while the wind did not.

The slap he delivered was undeniably resounding, so much so that the journalists were momentarily dumbfounded.

Across all of Hollywood, everyone avoided the Kardashian family, fearing being brought down a notch. However, Renly chose to counter the norm, placing himself on the same scale and comparing himself to the Kardashian family. Such mockery, sharp and incisive, made it hard to defend against.

Suddenly, blank spaces appeared in the journalists' minds. What were those staff members criticizing Renly about again?

Eli stood frozen in place, then caught the subtleties of the situation and burst into laughter. He realized he was a journalist too and that Renly's jab struck a chord with them all. Yet, Eli found he didn't care, feeling a sense of schadenfreude.

Serves them right.

Cornell's cheeks flushed crimson. He couldn't shake the feeling that Renly's words were aimed at him, once again placing the blame of "sensationalism" squarely on his shoulders. His anger was barely containable; he just wanted to rip apart Renly's composed smile.

"Renly, then what about your background? Aren't you going to respond?" Cornell's voice strained, suppressing his fury, but the tautness in his tone betrayed his true emotions. It was like a volcano on the brink of eruption, suppressed to the utmost limit. "The internet has been circulating rumors that your role in "The Pacific" was due to connections, and the same goes for your Oscar nomination for "Buried"."

A smile tugged at the corner of Renly's mouth, a sparkle ignited in his eyes. Suddenly, his weary and pale face brightened, as if the sunlight streaming onto a tranquil lake at three in the afternoon.

"So, what would you like me to respond?" This was the second time Renly had heard such statements. The first time was in Toronto, raised by a journalist from Us Weekly, Gavin Hunter. If Renly recalled correctly, Gavin and Cornell were friends. Even though it was the second time, Renly found it amusing.

With such sarcastic retort, Cornell stepped closer to the edge of eruption. "Anything. Say something," he practically ground his words through gritted teeth.

"I don't see the necessity for any response." Renly's nonchalant words once again elicited a low chorus of gasps from the journalists. The wave of condemnation from the online realm was far more overwhelming than that of the media. After all, journalists had to be accountable for their words, while netizens didn't. All sorts of hurtful words could come pouring out. Yet, Renly didn't seem interested in responding?

"If I were to say that I received my Oscar nomination because of Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks, then perhaps I should treat them to dinner." Renly's words always carried a tinge of mockery, and while his humor was veiled, it was sharp and pointed, a direct counterattack.

Renly deftly sidestepped the topic of his family background and instead, brought up his Oscar nomination directly.

Academy PR, by its very nature, was a game of personal connections and conflicts. Otherwise, in the Oscar's selection process, sympathy votes, favors, compensation, racial bias, and the like shouldn't even exist. People wouldn't be saying, "Nominations rely on talent, but winning relies on luck." Otherwise, this year's award season wouldn't be plagued with scandals.

If, based solely on the reputation of Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks, one could secure an Oscar nomination, then Emma Roberts should have more nominations than Meryl Streep by now. Moreover, Tom wouldn't have gone without an Oscar nomination since "Cast Away" in 2000, Steven's Oscars for Best Director wouldn't be limited to two, and "Saving Private Ryan" wouldn't have lost the Best Picture award to "Shakespeare in Love"...

Family background was indeed a stepping stone for navigating Hollywood and society, sometimes even a pivotal factor in determining one's life. However, it wasn't the entirety.

Because in society, countless individuals shared similar family backgrounds. You never knew if the person across from you had a more formidable backer than you did. What truly held sway was still hard power. In modern society, family businesses were declining; board governance had become the norm. Even heirs to family empires needed to prove themselves; otherwise, they couldn't escape being replaced.

Hollywood was no different.

The film industry had matured, and the disappearance of hidden rules was paramount. Producers, directors, and those in power knew they could gain personal benefits through such rules, but it would affect their long-term interests. No one would foolishly sacrifice their interests and future for a losing deal.

Second-generation stars, rich heirs entering the entertainment circle, were few who could truly thrive. That was the reality.

Moreover, in the age of the internet, if actors had to clarify every rumor that surfaced, they might as well switch professions.

After his jest, Renly's gaze once again fell upon Cornell, a smirk playing at his lips. "I didn't know that internet rumors could wield such influence over the uncrowned kings."

Smack.

Another resounding slap, unmistakable in its echo. If journalists regarded paparazzi with disdain, then internet rumors were even more difficult for anyone to believe. After the transitional period of the century's turn, news professionals realized that the internet could be the largest carrier of one-person news sources, but it could also be the greatest wellspring of false news sources. The veracity of online news required thorough verification.

Of course, while this could be said, the reality was that traditional media often stumbled in the face of internet rumors, causing confusion.

However, being so directly pointed out by Renly today, cheeks swollen, they couldn't counter.

Glancing left and then right, finally locking eyes straight ahead, Renly allowed ample time. The journalists in the room fell utterly silent. He knew the mission for today was accomplished.