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"That guy?" Winona Ryder turned to look at Matthew and asked, "What's your name?"
She probably wanted to remember it, Matthew thought sarcastically, but still answered, "Matthew, Matthew Horner."
Winona Ryder nodded. "Matthew Horner? Alright, I'll remember you."
Matthew forced a casual smile, pretending not to care, though deep down he wished Winona Ryder would forget about him by tomorrow.
"I'll find you a suitable role," Winona Ryder said.
"It has to have lines," Angelina Jolie interjected—they had already discussed this beforehand. "And better pay!"
Winona Ryder's expression darkened. "All the named roles were cast long ago. You know very well they can't be changed on a whim."
Matthew didn't expect to get a major named role anyway—that would be pure delusion. Besides, even if they gave him one, with his current skills, he wouldn't be able to handle it. He'd only embarrass himself.
Angelina Jolie continued with what they had agreed on. "As long as the role has lines, that's enough." She glanced at Matthew—ambitious, but he knew his limits. That left a decent impression. This guy had helped her out a lot, so after thinking for a second, she added, "And his name must be listed in the end credits."
Hearing that, Matthew slapped his forehead—such a rookie mistake.
That was something an agent should have negotiated for him. But as for his agent… Matthew shook his head. He didn't have the clout yet, so for now, it'd have to do. As for that Dennis Coulter? Better to forget about him.
"Alright, all of that is acceptable," Winona Ryder said, her demeanor gradually returning to its usual aloof calm. "I can agree to your terms."
Bingo—
Angelina Jolie snapped her fingers. "Okay, problem solved."
She turned to leave, and Matthew stood up too, but Winona Ryder called out, "Wait!"
"What now?" Angelina Jolie stopped and asked.
"I agreed to your conditions," Winona Ryder said quickly. "But how do I know you won't spill the beans?"
"Why would I?" Angelina Jolie said. "What would I gain from it? I've already got what I wanted—why would I cause a scandal that could ruin this movie? That would only hurt me too. All the things I just secured would be worthless."
Winona Ryder thought for a moment, then gave a slight nod. "I can trust you."
Then she turned to look at Matthew. "But what about him?"
"I promise I won't say a word!" Matthew quickly said.
"I don't believe you," Winona Ryder replied bluntly. "I don't trust people like you."
Matthew helplessly spread his hands. "I have a great track record! Miss Jolie can vouch for me."
"I can't vouch for anything!" Angelina Jolie immediately distanced herself. "I barely know you."
These people—once they're famous, not a single one is naive.
Matthew frowned slightly and asked Winona Ryder, "Then what do you propose?"
"Simple," Winona Ryder said, standing up. "I'll have a lawyer draft a non-disclosure agreement for you to sign."
Matthew hesitated and looked at Angelina Jolie. He didn't know much about American law, and besides Jolie, he had no one to ask.
But Angelina Jolie asked, "Aren't you worried about bringing another person into it?"
"I'll simply have the contract prohibit him from mentioning anything related to me during a specific time period," Winona Ryder said, clearly prepared. "No need to mention any details."
"That could work," Angelina Jolie nodded.
Matthew had no objections. As long as Winona Ryder kept her word, he'd be stupid to go around talking about the bookstore incident.
Once the terms were settled, the rest went smoothly. Both women called their lawyers. Though their earlier words sounded noble, they still signed private agreements.
As for Matthew, with the help of Angelina Jolie's lawyer, he also signed a contract: if he got a role in the film but leaked the bookstore incident, he'd owe a large sum in damages.
As he left the office, Matthew glanced back. Even a production crew with relatively simple personnel was full of hidden knives—how fierce must the competition be in Hollywood at large?
Everyone else soon left, leaving Winona Ryder alone. She pulled out her phone and dialed her agent. "It's me. Go to that bookstore outside Universal Studios and buy all their surveillance footage. And make sure you go in person!"
After hanging up, Winona Ryder felt a bit lighter. She turned to look out the window again, that infuriating guy still in her mind. A mere extra had backed her into a corner!
Her already pale face grew even paler. Then her phone rang—it was her boyfriend.
"Hi, Matt..." After listening for a moment, she said, "I've got to work late tonight. Don't come pick me up... In a bad mood? Yeah, I ran into a real pain—a background actor named Matthew Horner. He messed with me! I'll explain everything when I get home. What about dinner? You're eating with Ben? Okay, say hi to Ben for me."
After hanging up, she picked up the desk phone and called director James Mangold to discuss the shoot.
Meanwhile, Matthew had just exited Universal Studios when Angelina Jolie's driver pulled up to the gate.
Her assistant Vanessa opened the car door. As Angelina Jolie prepared to get in, she saw Matthew heading toward the bus stop and asked, "Where are you going?"
"Hollywood Boulevard," Matthew replied. He was headed to the Red Penguin company—his night driving shift was starting.
"Get in," Angelina Jolie said, stepping into the car. Matthew hesitated for a moment, then walked over, opened the door, and climbed in.
"Thanks," he said politely.
The luxury car's back seat had two separate chairs. Jolie sat on the right and had already flipped open a magazine, not even looking at Matthew. "Don't mention it. You helped me too."
Matthew smiled. "I was helping myself."
Jolie glanced at him. "You're the type who fits right into this industry."
"Really?" Matthew said confidently. "I think so too."
"I don't like owing people," she added, revealing her real reason for offering him a ride. "So tell me, what do you want?"
Matthew immediately understood—Angelina Jolie saw this as a transaction.
He didn't expect a Hollywood A-lister to treat a nobody like him as an equal. Today's events made it very clear: people in this business were calculating.
"I want formal training," Matthew said seriously. "Miss Jolie, you're a seasoned professional—I hope you can recommend a good acting school."
Angelina Jolie was a bit surprised. She thought he'd ask for money or another job. Instead, he asked for something meaningful—professional development. That showed some brains.
That wasn't a problem. After thinking a moment, she nodded. "Alright, if I find a good one, I'll have Vanessa let you know."
With that, she returned her full attention to her magazine and didn't speak again. Matthew wisely kept quiet too, gazing out the window until the car approached a spot near the Red Penguin company, where he asked the driver to stop.
"Goodbye," he said politely.
Angelina Jolie merely nodded.
After getting out, Matthew walked to the company, picked up the keys and his assignment from Lester, and when evening fell, started his usual route driving the Ford van—picking up and dropping off people all night.
As night descended, Hollywood Boulevard lit up in neon and noise. Dennis Coulter, with his bloated body, squeezed into a nightclub, sat at the bar, and ordered a dark beer. Thinking about the afternoon's events made him even more annoyed, and he downed a big gulp.
The film's lead actress and co-producer, Winona Ryder, clearly had it in for that idiot. Coulter had just managed to establish a few connections in the crew—now that might all go to waste.
He sighed and drank again, only for his phone to suddenly ring.
Annoyed, he pulled it out. But when he saw the caller ID, he immediately slapped down a bill and rushed outside the noisy bar, finding a quiet corner before picking up.
"Dennis!" It was casting director Rubin on the line. "Matthew Horner is your client, right?"
"Uh..." Coulter really wanted to say no to avoid trouble, but the production had already logged his name—he couldn't deny it. "Yes! But, Director Rubin..."
He hurried to distance himself. "I left early this afternoon. Did something happen with Matthew Horner?"
Coulter was a bit nervous, worried the incident would cut off this valuable contact.
"Nothing happened," Rubin's tone was calm. "Just letting you know—bring Matthew Horner to set tomorrow to sign an updated contract. His role's changed. He now has two lines, and his pay is raised to $200 a day..."
"What…" Dennis Coulter couldn't believe his ears. "What did you say?"
"You didn't hear me?" Rubin raised his voice. "Bring him tomorrow! The scene's being shot right after the contract is signed. Don't be late!"
Coulter stared, stunned. "I... I understand."
He hung up, standing frozen in place. What just happened? This was way too fast...
He tried calling Matthew, but got no answer. After several attempts, he finally got through. Matthew sounded busy and brushed him off, just confirming they'd meet at the set tomorrow.
Dennis Coulter stood in the street, dazed. Did that background actor have some hidden side to him after all?