The Number One Star in the Interstellar Era

"GREAT! That's great! Now look to the left!"

Astrid followed the instruction of the photographer and looked to the left. Then he struck a pose.

He was currently doing a photoshoot for a magazine called [The Etoile]. It's currently one of the bestselling entertainment magazine in the Empire. Unlike other entertainment magazines, they only released an issue once every three months. And every time they did, it would be part of the bestseller's list for that month.

Because of their not so frequent publication, they eventually built an image of 'luxury'. Giving the impression that only an 'A-lister' celebrity could be featured in them. Naturally, being part of the ensemble for the said magazine could boost an artist's fame. Especially one who's only starting in their career.

Something like that was actually unheard of in the history of [The Etoile]. In fact, it was still uncertain whether Astrid would indeed appear on the next issue. Why? It's because the next issue would be released by the end of this month. With such a schedule, the contents of this upcoming issue was, of course, long been shot and edited. Probably a month or two back.

So, again, why was he doing this photoshoot, then?

First, one must know that the release of [The Etoile] coincided with the release of [Star List]. It's another one of the magazine's strategy to catch the public's attention.

Now, let's go back to the reason he's doing this shoot.

[The Etoile]'s year-end issue had a column dedicated to newcomers who debuted that year and placed high on any of the four [Star List] released the same year. The high ranking mentioned here must be at least in the top 300.

One might think that top 300 wasn't exactly that high. But with as many celebrities in the Empire as there were stars in the sky, being in the top 300 was already a big deal. Much more if one made it in their first year on the job.

That's why it's uncertain whether Astrid would be part of this upcoming issue. After all, it's also not yet certain whether he would be part of the top 300. But [The Etoile] had a custom of taking photoshoots of prospective rookies who could be on the top 300 of the [Star List].

They only did it, though, during the last month of the year. Mainly because they had to wait until the end of the year to properly evaluate whom among the rookies had the possibility to be at the top 300 of the [Star List]. They would pick the most likely candidates and do a photoshoot with them.

This kind of custom could never work in his past life. Because of the cost, for one. But since everything was now digital in this era, even magazines were released digitally, the cost of a photoshoot like this wasn't really that much.

The publishing company of [The Etoile] didn't even have to pay these rookie actors. Because, normally, they wouldn't even have the chance to appear in such a magazine. So, it's their honor to even be considered as a part of the next issue.

It's kind of condescending in Astrid's opinion. Still, he didn't reject it when the offer came to his agency. Because it really would be helpful in his career. Especially after learning that the front cover would be Valentine Davis.

The current number one being the front cover of a magazine would ensure a huge sale. Which meant many people would read it. And therefore would see him. This would get him attention that could only boost his popularity.

Why was he talking about as if he would appear on it? Well, let's just say that he's confident. After all, his goal was not the top 300, but the top 100 instead.

"Good, good, now look in front!"

The photographer's booming voice cut through Astrid's thoughts. He followed the other's instruction and started to pose once again.

----------

After an hour of photoshoot, Astrid and Ellis were on their way back to the agency. If this was a normal photoshoot, it would definitely take much longer than that. But since they were on a strict schedule and he wasn't the only one being photographed that day, they had to finish everything in an hour.

"Are you confident that you're going to appear on the next issue of [The Etoile]?" Ellis asked.

"There's no doubt about it."

Ellis nodded. This was what she liked about Astrid. A confidence that didn't come from arrogance, but from his belief of his own ability. And he had reasons to be confident. Because he really did have the ability to do so.

"By the way, I heard that Snow would most likely get that part in [Serendipitous Summer]."

Astrid's sleepiness vanished when he heard that. "Is it already decided?"

"More or less, yeah."

Astrid grinned. He wasn't really that surprised. Because he believed right from the start that Snow would get the part. With that, it's now confirmed that the two of them would work together in this movie.

"That's a good news."

"I agree," Ellis said. "Ah, by the way, are you still in contact with... him?"

Astrid chuckled at Ellis' sudden question. "If you're talking about Wulf, then yes."

It had been five days now since Wulfric left the capital. Since then, the two of them were constantly communicating. Of course, except during the times that Astrid had classes or work. Conveniently enough, Wulfric never called whenever he's busy. As if the other was already familiar with his schedule.

Since Wulfric had now left the capital, Astrid's number one fan was also now back to his usual antics. Reading Wulfric's posts and comments on [Cyberspace] after knowing the other's feelings for him definitely felt magical and refreshing.

Ellis signed and mumbled, "It seems I really need to prepare now for that future scandal."

"Sister Ellis, if Wulf and I developed that kind of relationship, it won't be a scandal," Astrid said and then smiled sweetly. "It will be called the 'romance of the century'."