"French films are always like this, with an almost obsessive dedication, much like their fanaticism for philosophy," Renly nodded in agreement with Ryan's viewpoint before sharing his own.
Ryan, however, seemed baffled, "What?" Renly then appeared equally puzzled, an astonished expression crossing his face. Ryan quickly caught on, exclaiming, "Ah..." with a hint of astonishment. He sighed, "Ah!" then sighed again, and finally burst into laughter. "I'm sorry, I don't understand French. I grew up in Ontario, so I only speak English. As for French, I only know 'hello' and 'thank you.'"
In the Canadian province of Quebec, English and French are official languages, but they primarily use French in their daily lives. In Montreal, not speaking French makes life difficult. Ryan was Canadian, and he chose a French film like "The Illusionist". Renly naturally assumed Ryan could speak French, considering it more convenient than English. This is why Renly spoke in French.
To his surprise...
Renly spread his hands, self-mockingly saying, "You must understand my pride and arrogance as a Frenchman." French people can speak English but refuse to, this is their arrogance.
Ryan could clearly detect the self-deprecating tone and chuckled lightly, "No worries, at least you aren't showing American superiority." Americans often mock Canada as being backward, much like New York's attitude towards New Jersey.
This exchange amused both of them. "So, what were you saying just now?" Ryan asked once again.
Renly expressed his surprise, "I thought we were past that embarrassing chapter. Are we still discussing "The Illusionist"?" They didn't mind staying in the theater as they continued talking, but the staff came in to clear the room for the next screening. Renly reiterated his point.
"Even though I don't like French arrogance," Ryan deliberately gave Renly a deep look, as if mocking Renly's previous excuse. However, Renly was very composed, making Ryan smile again. "But we can't deny they've made quite a few excellent films, right?"
"That's all history now," Renly spread his hands. "Just like philosophy."
Similar comments, placed in different contexts, took on different meanings. Ryan's smile couldn't be contained. "If you said that in French, it would be dripping with irony." As the two left the theater, Ryan reached into his coat pocket, pulled out two candies, and opened his palm, offering them to Renly.
Renly looked down, then straightforwardly asked, "No milk candies?"
For strangers meeting for the first time, this was actually quite impolite. Out of courtesy, one should either pick one candy directly or decline after thanking. This was the etiquette in social situations. In normal circumstances, Renly would have politely declined, certainly not speaking so impolitely. However, after their brief interaction, the awkwardness and embarrassment had already been experienced. So, Renly relaxed slightly and half-jokingly said this.
Ryan laughed heartily and reached into his pocket again. He pulled out five or six candies, revealing them in his palm. Renly couldn't help but look surprised, "You actually have some left." Renly chose a milk candy from the pile, unwrapped it, and popped it into his mouth. "Actually, I'm not much of a candy eater; milk candy is the only exception."
This was a habit carried over from the previous life. Renly indeed didn't like eating candies. However, from childhood to adulthood, Ding Yanan had forbidden him from eating snacks. White Rabbit milk candies were the only exception. In his memory, these were few moments of relaxation.
"Luckily, I always carry various types of candies with me," Ryan also unwrapped a candy and popped it into his mouth.
He was a fervent candy enthusiast. He wouldn't leave the house without candies. Naturally, candies had become a way for him to make friends. He enjoyed sharing candies with others and categorizing them based on their reactions.
"Hey, Renly!" Suddenly, someone abruptly inserted themselves from the side, halting Renly and Ryan's steps. The person's face still held a lingering excitement, "Do you have a moment for a short interview? Just a brief one?"
Gavin Hunt seemed rather eager. After seeing Natalie and Benjamin enter the theater, he had split from Cornell. Cornell decided to enter the theater to gather more information, while Gavin chose to intercept Renly. It was a pity that he couldn't let go of his regret. He had been waiting here for over forty-five minutes, finally catching the end of "The Illusionist", but Renly hadn't left. He was worried he would miss his chance.
"An interview? This is my private time, and I don't think it's a good idea," Renly hardly hesitated and straightforwardly declined.
"But... hey, Ryan." Only now did Gavin notice Ryan Gosling standing next to Renly. Compared to the inexperienced Renly, Ryan was now a seasoned figure. He even had an Oscar nomination for Best Actor. However, this also meant that the mysterious aura around Ryan had faded. Despite that, Gavin was still more interested in interviewing Renly. "So, are you guys on a date?" Gavin's eyes sparkled, and the question slipped out of his mouth.
Renly burst into laughter at this. It was the same question he had just been asked about him and Natalie. Ryan, standing next to him, was completely bewildered, clearly not understanding the situation.
"Is this your standard question?" Renly countered, finding it amusing. Gavin also found it quite funny and chuckled heartily. However, he didn't relax his vigilance, continuing to inquire, "But seriously, don't you have any time? Ten minutes would be enough, just a simple basic interview. The audience is really curious about your background, your experiences, your story." Seeing Renly's unwavering expression, Gavin urgently changed his approach, "Five minutes, just five minutes!"
"As I said, I'm currently in my private time," Renly remained unmoved. "However, an interview is not a problem. You can contact my agent to arrange it." Renly was an outsider to these matters and didn't know much about them. But considering how things went with Chris Hemsworth, everything from interviews to work was handled by agents. Renly thought this should work, so he answered in this manner.
"An agent?" Gavin saw a glimmer of hope and immediately seized it.
"Andy Rogers," Renly thought for a moment. He didn't have Andy's business card on him, so he added, "Innovative Artist Agency."
"No problem!" Gavin's smile was incredibly bright. Although arranging with an agent was as troublesome, at least he had found an opportunity. Besides, Renly had an agent? This was the first time he had heard such news. There had been no news in the industry from the Emmy Awards until now, almost ten days.
This was the first breakthrough.
Renly turned his head towards Ryan, noticing that Ryan still had a look of shock on his face, as if he had been startled. "What's wrong? Is something amiss?"
Ryan glanced at Gavin, then back at Renly, swallowing a mouthful of saliva. "Nothing..." He denied, but as the negative words left his lips, a sense of absurdity washed over him. He couldn't help but burst into laughter. Ryan shook his lower lip and said with a mix of bemusement and tears, "I actually thought you were just a regular audience member or maybe a fan of mine."
"Haha." Renly was momentarily stunned, then burst into laughter as well. He realized the subtle irony in the situation: first, he had made a blunder and admitted to it, and now, the roles were somewhat reversed. The same situation had occurred twice in less than ten minutes. "I don't think that's a problem. As a newcomer in the acting industry, if you recognized me, that would be truly bizarre. In that case, I'd have to seriously consider that journalist's speculation."
Speculation? What speculation?
Ryan's smile froze at the corner of his mouth as he pondered, then suddenly realized the journalist's speculation of them being on a date. Ryan bent over, laughing uncontrollably, slapping his thigh, "You're an interesting guy, a really interesting guy."
Renly wore an expression that clearly said, "I don't know this lunatic," and quickly walked away. This made Ryan laugh even more exaggeratedly. He stumbled as he tried to catch up, finally managing to stop his laughter. He then extended his right hand, "Ryan Gosling, from London." Ontario, Canada also had a London, not far from Toronto.
Renly raised an eyebrow slightly, "Renly Hall, also from London." He shook Ryan's right hand. Ryan quickly caught on—it was the London in England. Both of them had a hint of surprise in their eyes, overflowing with jest and joy.
"You're in Toronto this time just to attend the film festival, or..." Ryan inquired, testing the waters.
"I have a movie premiering here. The release date should be on the twelfth or thirteenth," Renly said, somewhat uncertain. "So, how about it? Are you interested in attending the premiere? You're welcome to be our guest."
"Of course. It'd be an honor." Ryan responded with the enthusiasm characteristic of Canadians, cheerfully adding, "I mean that sincerely." This made Renly smile, and he continued, "Do you mind if Michelle also attends?"
"Given the wild speculations by the reporters? Of course, I'd love it." Renly quipped playfully. The "Michelle" here was most likely Michelle Williams. They co-starred in "Blue Valentine", which would have its global premiere at the Toronto Film Festival.
Ryan followed up, "Why don't you attend our movie premiere?" As he said it, he found the idea even more intriguing. "You know, you could bring a companion, come to our premiere, and say a few words in French to the journalists. Introduce "The Illusionist", this splendid work."
"I'm waiting for your invitation. You know, as a new actor, survival depends on exposure." Renly's playful remark made Ryan break into a bright smile. He snapped his fingers and exclaimed, "It's a deal then!"
"What are your plans this afternoon? Do you have any other film viewings?"
"I'm planning to watch "Biutiful". I've heard the performances in that movie are exceptional..."