Chapter 172: Always With You

In front of the Pasadena Theater in Los Angeles, Matthew stood in line with the other actors, allowing the crowd of photographers opposite them to snap away. The dozen actors stood shoulder to shoulder, resembling the comrades in arms who never give up, just like in the promotional poster for "Black Hawk Down."

In the lineup, the lead actor Josh Hartnett stood in the center, flanked by Johnny Lee Miller and William Fichtner, reflecting the importance of their roles in the film.

Matthew, positioned next to William Fichtner, maintained a practiced, friendly smile for the cameras.

After the photo session, journalists swarmed Josh Hartnett, whose starring role in "Pearl Harbor" had already made him famous despite the film's mixed reviews. Compared to seasoned actors like William Fichtner and the dwindling career of Johnny Lee Miller, Josh Hartnett was more appealing to the reporters.

Seeing no journalists approaching him, Matthew headed inside the theater. Upon reaching the entrance, he saw producer Jerry Bruckheimer surrounded by reporters, shining like a superstar. Indeed, in the realm of commercial cinema, Jerry Bruckheimer's influence was comparable to that of a mega-star.

Not immediately entering the screening room and noticing he still had time, Matthew decided to visit the restroom first. Since it wasn't a premiere, he hadn't paid much attention to his preparations, but having drunk two cups of tea at Angel Talent Agency earlier made a bathroom visit prudent, especially considering the potentially long film duration.

The men's room was empty. After using the facilities and washing his hands at the sink, Matthew heard hurried footsteps approaching the restroom. Turning around, he saw Johnny Lee Miller entering.

Upon seeing Matthew, Miller's intention was clear.

"Matthew Horn, you're here!" He fixed his gaze on Matthew.

Matthew, unfazed, greeted him, "Long time no see, Miller."

"It has been a while," Johnny Lee Miller stepped forward, immediately questioning, "Where's that tape you talked about? Why have you been avoiding me? Not even answering my calls?"

Matthew remained calm, well-prepared for this confrontation.

Johnny Lee Miller, his voice low but filled with anger, pressed, "Matthew Horn! There was never such a tape, was there?"

Matthew blinked, "Do you want the truth or a lie?"

"You'd better tell the truth!" Miller, having worked with Matthew for several months, had no intention of getting physical, "Or you'll regret it."

"Miller," Matthew got straight to the point, "You've guessed it already, why need my confirmation?"

"You..." Johnny Lee Miller stepped closer, incredulous, "You dared to play me?"

Pushing Tom Hardy out of the production had already caused Miller's agent great dissatisfaction.

"You seem to have the order mixed up," Matthew retorted, "If it wasn't for your attempt to set me up and film it, would I have mentioned such a tape?"

Knowing there was no simple resolution, he stated, "There's no tape, no tape at all. So, Miller, rest assured, there won't be any romantic action movie about you leaking."

Wishing to end the discussion, Matthew walked past him, adding, "Let's consider the tape matter closed. We're even now."

"Don't even think about it!" Miller blocked Matthew, "This isn't over yet!"

Matthew spread his hands, "Act like a man, stop nagging like a woman."

This nearly infuriated Miller, who couldn't believe Matthew's audacity.

"Miller!" Matthew didn't give him a chance to respond, proposing, "If you think this isn't over, fine! After the screening, I'll wait for you in the alley behind the theater. Just the two of us, man to man."

Miller hesitated, recalling Matthew's formidable performance during filming.

Shaking his head, Matthew left without looking back.

Miller realized too late; Matthew was playing the rogue.

After dealing with Johnny Lee Miller, Matthew entered the screening room filled with film critics and journalists. Knowing Miller wouldn't dare cause a scene there, this was Matthew's best response strategy. With "The Scorpion King" nearing promotion, he couldn't risk a physical altercation.

Matthew had James McAvoy inquire about Miller, who seemed on a downward trajectory, possibly returning to the UK soon, thus ending their conflict.

Entering the screening room, Matthew found his seat in the front row. Despite the absence of his usual companions, James McAvoy and Ben Foster, he soon greeted a familiar face.

"Long time no see, Orlando," Matthew greeted Orlando Bloom.

Bloom, smiling, acknowledged, "Heard you became a lead actor? Congratulations, Matthew."

"Just a small production," Matthew downplayed, comparing it to Bloom's imminent fame with "The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring" based on its trailers alone.

As Jerry Bruckheimer approached, Matthew continued chatting with Bloom but kept an eye on Bruckheimer, seizing the opportunity to impress him with his recently practiced British accent by reciting a monologue from "The Lord of the Rings" trailer, adding, "Aragorn is always with you!"

Bruckheimer, passing by, noticed and complimented Matthew's British accent. Bloom and Matthew's conversation shifted to the possibility of attending "The Lord of the Rings" premiere, a chance for Matthew to network further.

Bruckheimer took the stage, addressing criticisms of "Black Hawk Down" and highlighting the film's intention to showcase American solidarity and the importance of not being isolationist, especially post-9/11.

As the film began, its realistic portrayal of the Battle of Mogadishu and the emphasis on brotherhood and never leaving a comrade behind captivated the audience, aligning with the broader societal mood and Bruckheimer's close ties with the military.

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