The Number One Star in the Interstellar Era

Chapter 762: DINNER AFTER THE FINAL SHOOT

THE camera slowly moved closer. Astrid stood on a wide, grassy hill that rolled gently under a clear sky. The green grass was thick and dotted with small white and yellow wildflowers. As the lens found him, he turned and looked directly into it. A stunning smile spread across his face, reaching his eyes and making them sparkle with a warm light. His whole expression softened, radiating a pure and captivating joy that was impossible to look away from. He looked completely beautiful in that moment, filling the frame with his presence.

"No, young master," he said. His voice carrying a clear sense of promise. "This is only the beginning."

Director Evans clenched his fist tightly as he watched the shot on the monitor. A wide grin nearly broke out on his face. It was a perfect take. He could already picture how the audience would react when they saw it.

"Okay, cut!" he yelled.

Astrid closed his eyes and took a slow, deep breath. This marked the last scene he needed to film for the movie. With its completion, his work was officially done. He felt relieved that he had managed to stay on schedule and wrap up all his filming within the week.

Jordan walked over to him with a big smile. "Great take, as always."

Astrid returned the smile. "Thank you. You too."

"Are you and Ellis leaving right away?" Jordan asked as they walked toward the dressing area. "Can you stay for dinner? Jean has organized a farewell dinner for you. I’m sure Logan and Zoey would like to have a meal with you before you go."

Ellis had already talked to him about this, so they had planned to leave the next day. Over the past week, he had filmed several scenes with Logan and Zoey, the actors playing Hunter and Callie. Just like Jordan, they were both very easy to work with. This did not come as a surprise. After all, the three of them would likely not have stayed on the same project for so long if any of them had attitude problems.

Astrid nodded. "Of course."

***

That evening, Director Evans organized a dinner for all the cast and crew who were still on set. He reserved a large private area at a restaurant close by. The place let you grill your own meat and vegetables right at the table. It also had a full bar, so everyone could order alcoholic drinks if they wanted.

The general staff members filled several tables, talking and laughing together. Ellis sat with the other agents and managers. Director Evans settled in with the key senior crew, the people who led the various departments. While Astrid, Jordan, Logan, and Zoey all shared a table.

Astrid had initially wanted to sit at the table with Ellis. However, she insisted it would be more beneficial for him to join the table with the three main cast of the film. She discreetly advised him to use the opportunity to ask if they would help promote his upcoming movie project. Which actually made him chuckle.

Following her advice, he focused on his tablemates. He took charge of the grill in the center of the table, carefully placing slices of marinated meat onto the hot surface. The sizzle filled the air around them as he started cooking for the group.

"Wow. Why does that look so much better than when Zoey was cooking?" Logan asked, his eyes fixed on the meat as he swallowed.

Jordan let out a laugh. "Anything would look better than Zoey’s cooking."

"Why are you both teaming up against me?" Zoey said, giving the two men a sharp look. Then she turned to Astrid and smiled. "Don’t listen to them. They’re just exaggerating."

Astrid chuckled softly. He then picked up a perfectly cooked piece of meat with his tongs and placed it on Zoey’s plate. "I believe you."

Zoey looked down at the piece of meat on her plate. She had to admit that Logan was right. It looked perfectly cooked, just like something made by a professional chef. She swallowed before picking it up and taking a bite.

The moment she bit into the meat, a strong, savory taste spread through her mouth. The smoky flavor from the grill mixed perfectly with the sweet and salty marinade. The texture was incredibly tender and easy to chew. Astrid obviously cooked it to perfection.

"This is so good," she said, unable to hold back her praise. "How are you this perfect?"

"Not perfect," Astrid replied with a helpless smile. "Cooking is just a hobby of mine."

Seeing Zoey’s clear enjoyment, Logan’s interest grew. He looked at the sizzling meat and felt his own mouth water. "Can I have a piece, please?"

"Sure," Astrid said, gesturing to a clean plate. "I’ll put all the cooked pieces right here so everyone can just help themselves."

He used his tongs to transfer the cooked pieces of meat from the grill onto the empty plate. As soon as he finished, Logan and Jordan both reached for the plate at the same time, each quickly picking up a piece for themselves.

And just like Zoey, both men were visibly surprised by how delicious the meat tasted. Their eyes widened slightly as they chewed, clearly not expecting it to be that good.

Logan quickly reached for another piece of meat, and then another right after. "Thish sho good," he said, the words coming out slightly muffled as he spoke with his mouth still full.

"I apologize for Logan acting like such a pig," Jordan said, shaking his head. "But he’s right. This is superb. I had no idea you’re such a skilled cook."

Astrid simply chuckled at the comment. Then, from the corner of his eye, he noticed Ellis stand up and walk out of the private room. He frowned slightly because Ellis looked worried. He wondered what could have happened.

"Please excuse me for a moment, I need to use the restroom," he said to the three of them.

"Of course, go ahead," Jordan said, nodding to him as he continued to enjoy his food.

Astrid then stood up and walked out of the room to find Ellis.