The Number One Star in the Interstellar Era [BL] - Chapter 764 - 764: AGREEING

KIRAN looked from Astrid to Ellis and back again. Their faces showed they were not joking around. He knew Astrid took his work very seriously and would not make up a story like this. It was clear they had a real problem and needed help fast.

Kiran thought about what Astrid had just told him. The composer they hired had created a track that was too similar to a music that already existed. This made him feel angry. As a composer, he couldn’t understand how someone could claim ownership of work they didn’t truly create. It seemed completely unethical to him. He knew deadlines could create pressure, but he believed that was never a good excuse for such behavior.

If they could not finish the work, they should have informed the production team immediately instead of plagiarizing. It might have solved the problem in the short term, but it’s bound to be discovered, eventually. Their own reputation would have been destroyed, and the people who hired them would have suffered as well. And that was exactly what was happening now with this film.

Kiran made his decision immediately. He didn’t need to think about it any further.

“I’ll do it.”

Relief washed over the faces of both Astrid and Ellis when they heard his decision. But then, a look of slight worry appeared on Astrid’s face.

“Are you sure, Kiran?” Astrid asked in a gentle voice. “I know we came here to ask for your help, but I don’t want you to make a quick decision just because we’re friends.”

Kiran chuckled. “Of course I’m doing this because we’re friends. But I’m also very interested in this kind of project. I’ve been thinking about trying something like this in the future. Since the opportunity is here now, I’m happy to take it. Especially if it helps you out.”

Astrid felt genuinely relieved to hear that. While he really wanted Kiran’s help, he hadn’t wanted it to happen just because of their friendship. He was glad that Kiran seemed to truly want to take on the project because he wanted to.

“I’ll contact your agency first thing in the morning to draw up a contract,” Ellis said, speaking in a firm and appreciative tone. “We will make sure the payment properly reflects the urgency of the situation. It will also account for the specialized skills needed for this kind of last-minute composition work.”

Astrid gave a firm nod, having already discussed this with Ellis before they arrived. He had insisted on increasing Kiran’s payment, even offering to cover the additional cost from his own savings. Ellis had assured him it wouldn’t be necessary, explaining she would secure a full refund from the previous composer to properly fund Kiran’s work.

Kiran felt a little uncomfortable. He never enjoyed discussing money with friends. While part of him wanted to say they didn’t need to pay him so much, he knew Astrid would refuse that idea. So, he just laughed it off.

He cleared his throat lightly, looking between Astrid and Ellis. “If it’s alright, I’d like to watch the full movie first. It’s important for me to understand the story and the overall feeling of the film before I can start writing any music. The soundtrack needs to fit the atmosphere perfectly, and I can only get that by seeing the complete picture.”

“Of course,” Ellis replied without hesitation. “I will pick you up early tomorrow morning. We can go directly to your agency to complete the contract. Immediately after that, I will drive us to Jimmy’s studio so you can watch the movie.”

Kiran nodded.

“But would your agency even agree to this?” Astrid asked, his voice laced with sudden concern.

He had just realized that Kiran’s agency might refuse the job. Even though Shir Atkins had founded the agency, it was still new. They might not want one of their new talents to take on such a risky project with a tight deadline.

Kiran winced. He hadn’t thought about that. He’s not a free agent anymore. All his work had to be approved by his agency first. But he still spoke with determination. “Don’t worry. I will convince them.”

“I will help as well,” Ellis stated. “I’ll make sure they see all the advantages of this job and not just the potential drawbacks.”

Astrid felt relieved to hear that. If Ellis got involved, the likelihood of Kiran’s agency agreeing would increase significantly. “I’ll come with you tomorrow as well.”

***

Just as they had discussed the previous evening, Ellis picked up both Astrid and Kiran early the next morning. Ellis had already been in touch with the representative from Resonance, the new agency Shir Atkins had recently established. They scheduled a meeting for ten o’clock, which gave the three of them enough time to have breakfast together first.

They arrived at the address thirty minutes before their appointment time. The building that housed Resonance was a five story structure situated in a prime city location. It had a clean, contemporary design with a facade made mostly of dark glass and steel. The entrance was sleek and uncluttered, giving the whole place a very professional and organized appearance.

Since they had an appointment, a staff member greeted them in the lobby and immediately guided them through the building. They were taken to a private room on one of the upper floors. The room was clearly a conference room, dominated by a long, polished table that could seat about twelve people. Comfortable chairs were arranged around it. One entire wall was a floor to ceiling window, offering a view of the city outside.

A staff member came in and asked if they would like coffee, tea, or water. She also brought a plate of assorted snacks and placed it on the table. Astrid was impressed by how polite and efficient the staff were.

The door to the conference room opened once again. They looked up, thinking it would be another assistant or the representative they’re supposed to meet. But the man who entered was not who they expected. He was tall and thin, with very long hair in a distinct shade of aquamarine.

It’s Shir Atkins!