158: AN ALMOST IMPERCEPTIBLE SMILE

AN ALMOST IMPERCEPTIBLE SMILE

THE reason why Grant was confused was because he was certain that his only appointment at this time was with Ellis Payne.  So, what were these two also doing in his office?  There was only one reason he could think of.1

His expression became severe as he asked, "Does Lauren have another scandal again?"

Lauren immediately felt wronged when he heard this accusation.  "President, is that how you see me?  A walking scandal?"

Grant only raised one of his brows at the young man.  As if saying 'yes'.

Chris quickly stepped forward before this little ancestor said something that might just irritate the president.  Besides, he didn't want to appear like he was just some kind of useless agent who didn't have any control over his artist's actions.  Especially not in front of Ellis Payne.  This was his idol!  How could he leave such an image during their first meeting?

"President, that's not it.  Our Lauren here had been very behaved lately," he quickly said.  "If the president has an important meeting, then we won't disturb you any longer."

He was about to pull Lauren out of the office but this guy just had to stop and whisper to him;

"Didn't we come here to tell the president about Astrid?  With how busy the president is, if we leave now, we might not have another time today to talk to him."

It would be best if Astrid could sign today or at least agreed to sign.  Once the other finished his tour, what if the other decided that Polaris was not the company for him?  So, they needed an agreement, whether it's a contract or simply a verbal one.  And who would be the best for that job?  Of course, it's the president.  – Lauren thought.

In Polaris, signing an artist was mostly the job of the agent.  They would invite an artist and offer them a contract.  Once both parties were satisfied, then the signing would follow.  Those newcomers who wanted to be part of the company but weren't personally scouted could apply for the company's training program.  Once they passed the grueling trials, then they would be offered a contract.  That's how Polaris could maintain the quality of most of their artists.

But Lauren didn't want Astrid to go through any of those two processes when there was a more convenient way.  If the president invited the other, then the chance of him agreeing would definitely be much higher.

He knew what he was doing right now looked very much exaggerated.  Considering that he and Astrid had only known each other for such a short period of time.  He wasn't even sure if the other thought of him as a friend.  But, at least, on his part, he wanted to be friends with the other.  In his heart, he probably already considered Astrid as one.

And yet, a part of him was whispering that those were not the only reasons why he wanted Astrid to be on the same company as him.  As if on cue, an image of a tall teenager with a pair of teal-gray eyes flashed in his mind.  He was shocked by that thought.  He even had goosebumps.

He quickly shook his head.  He must have just imagined that.  Yes, that's definitely the case.  And besides, it would be such a shame just to let Astrid be part of another entertainment company.  It would be a huge loss for Polaris.  He nodded.  He must have just imagined that flash of image.  Or he must have gone temporarily insane for a moment.

Chris almost facepalmed.  Did this brat forget that their president had an SS level physique?  There was no use in whispering because the other could definitely hear what he just said. 

Sure enough, the president said next, "Who is this Astrid?"

Lauren didn't panic hearing the president's question.  He was even glad that he asked and that he heard what he said to Chris.  "He's a newcomer.  He acted with me and Sister Sienna in that movie we just finished filming – [The Sleeping God]."

A frown appeared on Grant's face.  "You want me to meet a newcomer?"  He glanced at Chris.  "Did this artist of you get duped again?"

"It might look like that, but I assure you President, it's not.  The newcomer Lauren was talking about is indeed very talented.  I saw him during filming and I can say with all honesty that his talent in acting is very extraordinary.  With the right training and resources, he'd be a force to reckon with in this industry," Chris answered honestly.

"Brother Chris is right.  Astrid is really super super good!" Lauren seconded.

Grant was a bit surprised hearing such a straightforward compliment from Chris.  After all, this guy was very critical when it came to things like that.  He thought back to the details of the film the other mentioned.  This movie was directed by Director Trevane.  Someone who's very particular with the artists appearing in his movie.  If this 'Astrid' could pass that director's standard, then he was sure that the other had some talent at least. 

But could he really be as good as Chris described?

Lauren was nervously waiting for the president's response when a notification bell sounded from his Terminal.  It was a notification for a video call.  He planned to reject the call but when he saw that it was from his assistant – the one who's acting as Astrid's tour guide right now – he quickly answered it.  Because he told the other earlier to immediately call him if there was an emergency.

In an instant, the anxious look of his assistant appeared on the virtual screen.  "Boss, not good.  Astrid's in trouble!"

Lauren furrowed his brows when he heard that.  "Explain to me what happened first."

Then the assistant proceeded on telling him what happened.  At the end, when he finished recounting the events leading to this 'trouble', the expression on Lauren's face was already too stinky to be described.

"I'm sorry, President.  I think I should deal with this," Lauren said through gritted teeth.

"What are you saying?  I should be the one to handle this," Chris immediately said before this brat could do something that would just worsen the situation.

Ellis, who had been quiet until now, turned to them.  If one observed her carefully, they could see that the corner of her lips was slightly raised in an almost imperceptible smile.  "Can I go with you?"

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