Chapter 105: Hello, I'm FBI

In the corner of the bar, Richard slammed his glass on the counter, "Another Icelandic Red Tea!"

"Sure thing!"

The bartender poured him another drink.

Richard downed it in one gulp, letting out a long breath.

"What's up? Something on your mind?"

A medium-built, average-looking, sturdy middle-aged man walked over and patted him on the shoulder. This was his uncle, Frank Campbell.

"Yeah, there's something, but it's solved now, though I'm still a bit annoyed."

Richard shrugged.

Frank smiled and didn't ask further.

"How are things going? Getting used to LA?"

"It's okay, but it's too noisy here. I still prefer New York."

"Haha, I get it. You've always been different from other kids. When other kids liked to play, you didn't. You've grown up the same way. Young people love the entertainment capital, LA, but you prefer the less lively New York. It's not good; you lack the youthful energy."

"That's why we can sit and chat like this, right?"

Richard smiled.

"True!"

Frank grinned, a bit helplessly.

Richard had never been very lively, always brooding like an adult. Considering his childhood experiences, Frank had arranged for many psychologists to counsel him, but nothing changed. He remained the same.

"Frank, did you have something to discuss with me?"

Richard ordered two more drinks, pushing a beer to Frank. Frank, due to his job, never drank hard liquor.

"Yes, three things."

"Three?"

Richard was surprised.

"Haha, don't worry. First, accompany you for a drink."

Frank raised his glass and smiled.

"Sure!"

Richard laughed and clinked glasses with him.

"Second, how's the task I gave you before coming to LA? Many feminist organizations complain that we're not doing anything.

The entertainment industry is murky, with unspoken rules, sex transactions, casting couches—all gray areas. Without criminal evidence, we can't intervene.

Like last year, when Rose McGowan faced sexual harassment, the matter was quickly settled with money by the perpetrator, leaving us no room to act. Now that you're in the entertainment industry, you're one of us. I hope you have some progress."

Frank asked.

Richard smirked, "I'm just an outsider. Don't expect too much from me. But there is some progress. I'm getting close to a key witness, hoping she can help."

"Take your time. The Weinstein brothers have deep connections in both the entertainment industry and politics. Even presidents have ties with them. Dealing with them requires patience. There's no deadline, treat it as a long-term mission."

Frank spoke solemnly.

"Alright! Even if I wanted to hurry, I couldn't. Also, I'm not one of you FBI guys. I'm doing this just to help you."

"Haha, you're wrong. You've been one of us for a while now."

Frank smiled and pulled out a wallet from his pocket, pushing it to Richard. Richard raised an eyebrow, "Open it!"

"What?"

Richard opened it slightly, revealing an oval-shaped golden badge with an eagle on it.

Seeing it, he immediately recalled many movie scenes and a classic line, "Hello, I'm an FBI agent."

"Why give me this? To drag me into the water?"

Richard pushed it back, not wanting to get involved in politics.

"Haha, keep it. You did well at the Viper Bar last year. Your assessment was positive. The New York office is satisfied with your performance, so you've been one of us for a while."

Frank smiled.

"I only did it for you, and where's Martin? He shot me last year without any explanation."

Richard touched his shoulder.

"He's dead, caught in crossfire with drug dealers."

"May God bless him!"

Richard touched his forehead.

Frank crossed himself, "This belongs to your father. I've kept it for you. I taught you those things to bring you in, but you didn't want to. Now, take it and work as a secret agent. Only a few of us know your identity."

"Okay!"

Richard accepted it, then suddenly smiled, "What's my annual salary?"

"No salary. You don't have to take missions or be scolded by bosses, and you want a salary?"

"That's stingy. You use taxpayers' money; why so tight?"

"Haha, don't worry. Though there's no salary, there are bonuses. When the case is solved, we'll pay you a bonus based on your contribution. The bigger the case, the bigger the bonus, sometimes tens of thousands, hundreds of thousands, even millions. So, work hard."

"Haha, big carrot, treating me like a donkey."

"Hahaha~"

Frank had two beers and left.

This guy was always busy, had been for years. Richard shook his head, ordered another Icelandic Red Tea, and left the bar slightly tipsy.

Outside, the sun was scorching, the asphalt street emitting a burnt smell.

Richard donned a baseball cap, looked around, and realized he was near Charlize's home. Missing her, he hadn't seen her in days.

He bought a bouquet of five-colored tulips from a flower shop and drove to West Ninth Street.

---

Ding-dong~ Ding-dong~

Before coming, he didn't call ahead. After the last incident, Mrs. Matiz still hadn't forgiven him, and it was rumored that she might not even let him in if he showed up.

So he decided to take his chances: if the door was open, he would go in; if not, he would leave the flowers and go away.

Click~

After a moment, the door opened.

The person who opened the door was a middle-aged woman in her forties or fifties, wearing glasses. Her features were somewhat rugged, with characteristics typical of people of German descent, and she looked a bit stern with her eyebrows furrowed.

"Good afternoon, Mrs. Matiz. I'm Richard Blade, a friend of Sally's. Is she home?"

This woman was indeed Mrs. Matiz, Selene's mother.

"Please come in!"

Mrs. Matiz stepped aside to let him in.

"Thank you!"

Richard walked into the living room, but didn't see Selene around.

"Please have a seat!"

Mrs. Matiz poured a cup of coffee and said.

"Mrs. Matiz, is Sally at home?"

Richard asked again.

"She's out buying groceries and will be back soon."

"Oh, okay!"

Richard sat down on the sofa.

Mrs. Matiz also sat down across from him and looked him over, "Mr. Blade—"

"Mrs. Matiz, please call me Richard. Sally and I are friends," Richard said.

"Mr. Blade, may I ask when you and Sally met?"

Mrs. Matiz inquired.

"Last October, when 'The Devil's Advocate' was released, Sally was doing promotions in New York. We were introduced through a friend. We didn't have much interaction before, but in February, I came to Los Angeles on a business trip, and Sally took me out to dinner. Last month, when I was in Los Angeles for promotion, we talked a few times."

Richard answered honestly.

Mrs. Matiz nodded, looked at him a few more times, and then asked, "Do you like to drink?"

"Oh, not really. I don't drink much. I'm an athlete, a professional boxer, so I can't drink much. Today I had a few drinks with my uncle at a bar."

Richard answered honestly again.

Mrs. Matiz gave a slight hum and then glanced at the bouquet on the table, "Are you pursuing Sally?"

"Sally and I are friends. Last time Sally invited me to her home, I noticed the flowers in the living room vase were wilting, so I bought a fresh bouquet on my way here to see her."

Richard explained.

Mrs. Matiz nodded slightly and picked up her coffee, saying, "Mr. Blade, please have some coffee!"

"Sure!"

Richard took a sip of coffee, put it down after a few small sips, and waited. Seeing that Selene hadn't returned yet, he was about to get up to leave when he heard a cheerful sound of footsteps outside.

"Mom, I'm back. Oh, Richard, what are you doing here?"

Selene, carrying two large bags, was followed by her assistant.

She was wearing a plain dress, her blonde hair was loose, sunglasses were perched on her head, and her blue eyes sparkled, perhaps due to coming from the sun. She had a sunny glow about her, which was quite charming.

"I just came out of the West 8th Street Bar. I happened to pass by your place and thought I haven't seen you in a while, so I came to see you."

Richard said with a smile.

"Really? Did my mom interrogate you?"

Selene blinked and smiled.

"No, Mrs. Matiz was very welcoming."

"Welcoming?"

Selene glanced at him and smiled slightly.

---

A little while later, in the small living room, with Mrs. Matiz gone, Richard let out a long sigh of relief.

"Ha ha, were you that nervous?"

Selene teased.

"Too nervous. Your mom has such a strong presence. I was more nervous facing her than a train coming straight at me."

Selene laughed heartily, peeled an orange, and handed half of it to him.

"That's not really my mom's fault. The issue is with you. You're a big guy, and you drank. It's actually quite warm of my mom not to kick you out. You're lucky."

"Got it. I must have come off as a drunkard. It was a terrible first meeting."

Richard shook his head.

"No worries. How did your auditions go these past two days?"

Selene leaned on the sofa, swinging her legs.

"Not great. I've auditioned three times and only got the role of the fourth male lead in 'The Talented Mr. Ripley.'"

"That's still pretty good. Anthony Minghella's film won't be lacking in box office or critical acclaim. Being the fourth male lead in his film is better than being the second male lead in other films."

Selene said, eating some fruit.

"What about you? Did you pass the first round of auditions for 'The Cider House Rules'?"

"Yes, but getting the role is very difficult. The female lead in this film has no special requirements; being beautiful is enough, so the range of candidates is vast and the competition is fierce."

"But in the entertainment industry, is there anyone more beautiful than you? No way!"

Richard shook his head.

Selene smiled slightly, "Just being beautiful isn't enough. The important thing is connections. My agency is negotiating with two producers from FilmColony, but the Weinstein brothers have more say in the production. You've heard of that fat guy with a double chin, right? He's known for making things difficult. If someone is willing to accept his rules to get a role, my efforts will be in vain."

Selene shrugged.

Richard nodded, pondered for a moment, and asked, "Has he harassed you?"

"Of course. I'm so beautiful. Even you come to harass me, so how could he not notice? But I refused him, and now there's no hope for the role," Selene said, shrugging.

"That guy is really a cancer in the industry."

Richard shook his head and took out his phone to call Norman.

"Richard, what's up?"

Norman's voice was loud and sounded like he was at a party.

"Norman, you messed up my role in 'High School Horror' last time. The producer of that film is the Weinstein brothers. Do you know them?"

"Hehe, how did you know I used to have connections with them? My family runs an advertising company, and we've worked with them before, so I know them."

Norman said.

"Is that so? I'm dealing with a tricky situation related to the Weinstein brothers and need your help."

Richard explained the situation regarding Selene's new role.

"Charlize Theron?"

Hearing this name, Norman immediately seemed distracted, "I know her. She's a big beauty. Haha, Richard, you're impressive. In New York, you have the spicy actress Bond, and in Los Angeles, you have the big beauty Selene. Compared to your girls, mine are nothing. I'm so envious!"

"Stop messing around. I'll introduce you to Selene when I'm back. She's a really cool girl."

Richard smiled at the cool Selene.

"Okay, the thing you asked is not hard to handle. But if I help Selene, your lead role is gone. Are you sure you want to trade?"

"No need to trade. Help me this time, and I owe you a favor."

"Ha ha, true love. It's settled then."

After chatting a bit more, Norman hung up.

Richard put away his phone and told Selene, "The guy is Norman Holiday, from the Knight's Hat ad agency. He agreed to help. Your role should be secured now."

Selene shook her head, biting her lip and said, "You don't need to do this. This is between me and my agency. It has nothing to do with you. We shouldn't waste your resources."

Richard smiled gently, "Selene, don't think like that. We're friends. Your issues are my issues. If I encounter difficulties in the future, you'll definitely help me. I'll do my best to support you."

"Why are you doing this?"

Selene looked at him and asked.

"We're friends, aren't we? We should help each other. If I face difficulties in the future, you'll definitely come to my aid."

"Not necessarily!"

Selene tilted her lips and said, "I'll sit by with snacks and watch, but I definitely won't help."

"Are you serious?"

"Yep!"

"Uh~"

Richard suddenly clutched his chest and fell onto the sofa, "My heart is broken."

"Is it really broken? Then we'll add another dish for dinner tonight, called 'Cold Pig Heart.' How does that sound?"

Selene laughed and said.

"."

Richard clutched his chest, shaking, and couldn't catch his breath, hanging up.

"Your acting is too exaggerated. No wonder there are so many negative reviews in the papers."

Selene walked over and kicked him.

Seeing that he was still unmoving, Selene leaned down and kissed his face, laughing, "How about now?"

"Much better!"

Richard smiled and sat up.

---

After a sumptuous dinner, Richard got up to say goodbye. Selene saw him downstairs, and they walked together in the twilight.

"Richard, thank you!"

Selene said, hands in pockets.

"Don't mention it. And thank you too for letting me experience Mrs. Matiz's cooking. It was truly delicious."

Richard smiled.

"If you like it and aren't afraid of my mom

's scrutiny, you can come often."

"Ha ha, I've been waiting for you to say that. I'm not afraid of your mom's scrutiny. Once we get to know each other better, your mom is a very friendly person. I enjoy chatting with her, especially when talking about how lazy you are. We always have common topics."

Thunk~ Before he could finish his sentence, he received a punch on the shoulder.

"Jerk, don't come again. I don't welcome you."

Selene said with a red face, recalling how her mom and Richard had been joking about her laziness at the dinner table, which had made her blush and feel embarrassed.

Richard laughed, "Selene, if you encounter any difficulties at work in the future, feel free to ask me for help. I won't let you down."

"Why ask you? We're just friends."

"Isn't that enough?"

Richard smiled gently and drove away.

Beep beep~

Selene stood quietly, watching the street in the distance. After a long time, she sighed softly and went back inside.

"Come here, I have something to ask you!"

Mrs. Matiz was sitting on the sofa, holding a cup of tea, looking graceful and relaxed.

"What is it?"

Selene poured herself a cup of tea, gulped it down, and wiped her mouth.

Mrs. Matiz shook her head, thinking her daughter was hopeless.

"Are you and Richard dating?"

"No, we're just good friends!"

Selene sat down and said.

"Just friends? Have you slept together?"

"No! It's a pure friendship!"

Selene rolled her eyes at her mother.

"Is there such a thing as pure friendship between men and women?"

"."

Selene didn't know how to respond, "I don't know about others, but our friendship is very pure… I guess?"

"Why are you just friends? Richard is good-looking, has a good personality, is steady and gentle, and is an athlete. Have you never thought of dating him?"

Mrs. Matiz asked.

"He has a girlfriend."

Selene pouted.

"Ah, what a pity. Why are all the good men taken?"

"Mom, don't worry. With my beauty, I'll definitely find a great boyfriend in the future."

"Finding one? Not likely. You're so lazy!"

"."

Selene's face darkened, and she snorted, leaving the living room. It was better to hit the gym and work off some of her recent weight gain.

---

In the evening, back at the hotel, Richard changed into his gear and swam a few laps in the hotel's outdoor pool.

Around eight in the evening, Bond called.

"Richard, when are you coming back?"

Bond's voice sounded lazy.

"Probably in another three to four days. I still have two more roles to audition for."

"That long?"

"Yes. Why, is something wrong?"

"No, I just miss you."

"I miss you too."

Richard lay on a lounge chair, looking at the sky. It had been over half a month since he left New York, "Darling, how about I come back earlier?"

"Ha ha, great. I'll pick you up at the airport when you return."

---

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(End of chapter)