The hype after the movie release of The Dark Knight was still in the air. Not just Hollywood, but the entire world kept continuously admiring the fine piece of a movie by Renner Studio with much gratification even after three weeks of its release.

For some parts of the world, after three weeks' time, it was the best hype of a movie, it was the same with The Dark Knight.

“I can’t believe we’re finally celebrating the 2nd Billion of Box Office today!” Raelynn had a huge smile on her face.

“And this is… To everyone!!!!”

Niko shook the bottle of champagne and opened it, making the drink spread everywhere.

“How is it going, Ian?” a man approached Ian.

Ian stood up instantly showing respect and shook hands.

It was Brad Crutchfield. He was known to make stars. If simply put, he could be named as an older Ian in the industry. But with so much more experience and hit work in the industry.

He started his journey as an assistant for a very famous director who died two years ago, but then his journey inspired so many individuals—thousands of them.

Nevertheless, the party that was conducted by the Renner Studio was an occasion to which many people in the industry were invited—Especially friends of Mason because Ian thought it would be great for him to expand his familiarities in the industry.

“Mr. Brad Crutchfield, I’m glad you’re here!” Ian shook hands with the man who was dressed in a plain black suit. The Rolex in his hand explained a lot about his status.

If Ian was right, the man was known to be someone who spread his position and someone who threatened any and every director out there.

“Of course, how could I simply ignore the invitation to such a beautiful event? You’re known as someone who certainly knows how to celebrate for your age,” Brad said with a wicked smile on his wrinkly face.

“Ah,” Ian smiled at the thought of imagining people discussing his events.

“Ian, sit. A drink won’t harm to begin the night, now would it?”

“Of course not,”

Within the next few seconds, the two businessmen started to talk about the party, their industry, and many more things along.

“...Yes, and that is exactly why Martin was very famous in my studio back then. But I’m glad the Renner’s worked out well for him. After all, I don’t believe in coincidences,” Brad said as he took a sip of his drink.

From the corner of his eyes, he saw Scarlett and Raelynn whispering something to each other while looking at the crowd.

The sight of Raelynn wearing the long, tight red dress, with the matching red lipstick gave Ian butterflies in his stomach.

“So, Ian, I’ve been meaning to ask something from you,” Brad said looking and turning in his chair a little so he’d see Ian in his eyes.

“Yeah?” He asked back, taking a sip from his own drink, detaching eyes from the walking meat far away.

“I have got this new idea for the movie. An action, with a hint of adventure. And I-”

Ian smiled gently at his request. He knew the statement and he also knew what the man in front of him was trying to ask. If he had learned anything by being in the industry, it was that no director, actor, or even a cleaner would come to you to check on you or talk about the party. It was always about business; al-fucking-ways.

“Ah, I’ll let you know when I want to collaborate. Mr. Brad, I’m very aware of how talented you are and how many amazing pieces of work you’ve released to the industry. Oh, not to mention, ‘Sour End’ was a really good movie-”

Brad frowned at his statement immediately.

“Ahaha, no… No, Ian. I’m not asking you to direct the movie with me, although that idea does sound promising. Having young assistance in the direction part would be something new and exciting for me. Good idea, but no. I wasn’t going to ask you to collaborate with me, not yet.”

Ian got confused with his words. He kept the glass on the table and straightened his suit. As a man-to-man conversation that went on for more than fifteen minutes, they both had their share of egos spent and talked. But at the moment, Ian’s prediction and rejection were wrong. Which made Ian straighten up to avoid embarrassment.

“What is it then?” He asked back with an equal tone.

“I’d like you to take the main role. But hey, it’s just a request!” Brad put his hands in the air in surrender.

Unknowingly, Ian’s eyes raised up, listening to it.

“That-”

“Look, Ian,” Brad said and stood up. Taking a few steps closer to him, he started to talk, “You’re an amazing director. And if there’s anyone in the whole industry who I’d be convinced to act in my movie, it’d be none. Not even a D-listed struggling actor. You have got the looks, and I’m sure with a little bit of training you can be a great actor.”

Ian nodded. “I guess you’ve watched interviews with me yelling to the world that I’d like to act in a movie someday, huh?”

“Ahaha! Yes!” Brad laughed. “Yes, I did. And I’d be honoured to work as your director in your very first movie. And you don’t have to give an answer now, take your time,” Brad rested his hand on Ian’s shoulder and gently patted twice then turned around to walk away.

‘As if’ Ian thought to himself and drank the entire glass.

-

“Hello everyone! It’s been a lovely evening! I’d like to grab your attention before we decide to move on with the function. So, as the director of the movie, I’d like to say a few words to everyone on occasion!

“There’s Christian, Freddy, looking at me, and I remember just like yesterday how I started filming The Dark Knight. Their support was immense, and I’d also like to thank Ian and Christian. Christian was the leading actor, but there were several moments where he taught me to take scenes and said, ‘Rae, let me handle this one… And, action!’-” She laughed, making the actors laugh along.

When the laughter died down, she took a huge breath in. “It’s been wonderful everyone! Cheers to the milestone achievement, and much more to come!”

Everyone applauded while she walked off the little podium with the drink in her hand.

“Thank you, Ms. Sawyer. With a special request, next, we'll have Mr. Bale and Mr. Hawkings on stage!”

Raelynn clapped on her way and walked to stand next to Ian who sat alone in the bar, watching her walk proudly.

“Hey you,” he walked up and caught her lips in his as soon as she walked over.

She blushed under his gaze.

“T-that was unexpected,” she whispered.

“You’re shy now, huh?”

She said nothing but smiled.

“I’m so proud of you,” he said while putting his arms around her.

“You helped my dreams come true, Ian. I’ll continue to support you and get Renner Studio as far as I can. Thanks,” she whispered back.

“I have got a small idea, should we just dump this whole socialite event and take the night off to ourselves?” he said, turning her in one swift movement. She squealed.

“Don’t you have to meet people though? I thought that’s why the whole event was even being held.”

“I wanted to talk to three people. You see, Will and Gar? The duo of Lincoln studio, them! And there’s Jeff, with his wife. No problem, he’s too focused on his failing movies—” Ian coughed fakely. “I mean, succeeding. Oh, and you see Mr. King. The one and only top in the Big six. Reynold Armor. I talked to him too,”

“You’re done for the night?” she asked back for which he nodded.

In the far distance, Freddy was talking to the crowd.

“....And that’s how we became best buddies!” The crowd laughed at the story. “As some of these parts are being streamed on social media, revealing the inner circle of our crew to the fans, we thought of giving everyone something. Are you ready?!!!”

“Yes!!”

“What is it?!”

“Yes!”

Replies followed by a few claps erupted through the crowd.

“Some bloopers. These were basically deleted from the director’s cut, but saved for a special occasion like—This! Enjoy!! And, thank you!” Freddy said, bowed, and walked off followed by Christian Bale.

Raelynn and Ian stopped for a brief moment to watch the bloopers.

“I had no idea they were gone from the director’s cut! Wow!” Ian said loud enough for everyone to hear, making two-three people laugh.

“True! What the hell?!”

On the screen, a shot of Christian Bale falling and laughing loudly, making the camera guy shake while laughing. He was wearing the batman suit, and the scene looked horrific and funny at the same time.

“While you’re in the playful mood, let’s get to business Mr. Renner,” Raelynn said and clasped their hands.

“Aight Ms. Sawyer! Let’s get going!”