Chapter 18: Debt Collection

Perhaps Angelina Julie wasn't stellar in other aspects, but she was reliable. Within just a couple of weeks, she had secured Matthew a spot at a reputable acting school in Los Angeles—a city teeming with such institutions, most of which simply required payment for admission. This particular school, however, maintained certain entry standards.

According to Vanessa, the school was called the Los Angeles School of Performing Arts and primarily trained actors for two major agencies: Creative Artists Agency (CAA) and William Morris Endeavor (WME).

Actors not represented by these agencies needed a recommendation from someone influential within the industry to be considered for admission.

For example, without Angelina Julie's referral, it would have been very difficult for Matthew to gain entry to this caliber of acting school.

Much like the numerous training facilities back where he used to live, most were merely out to take your money, with only a handful being genuinely reputable.

Having gotten off in North Hollywood, Matthew easily located the Los Angeles School of Performing Arts after asking around briefly.

"Hello, sir."

At the open gateway, a security guard stopped Matthew, "This is private property."

"Ah, hello," Matthew quickly responded, "I'm here to register for the acting classes!"

The security guard glanced at Matthew, pulled out a list, and politely asked, "May I have your name, please?"

"Matthew Horner."

After checking his list, the guard nodded, "Please come in, Mr. Horner." He directed further, "Take a left up ahead, then straight on for about two hundred feet to a white building. The registration office is on the first floor, you'll see it as you enter."

Grateful for the courtesy, Matthew replied, "Thank you!"

He soon found the registration office as instructed, but just as he was about to speak, his phone rang. It was a call from Angel Talent Agency.

"Excuse me," Matthew said to a middle-aged woman ready to assist him, offering an apologetic smile, "I need to take this call."

He stepped out of the registration office and answered, "Hello, this is Matthew Horner."

"Hello, Matthew."

The familiar, crisp voice on the phone belonged to Helen Herman.

Matthew instantly recalled the astute agent he had met.

She spoke quickly, "I have a job for you that might be suitable. If you're interested, come to the office by ten tomorrow morning. We're leaving promptly at eleven. Remember to bring all your ID, luggage, and a change of clothes!"

Though uncertain about the details of the job, Matthew immediately accepted. As a minor actor, he wasn't in a position to be choosy.

After hanging up, he returned to the registration office and told the middle-aged woman, "Hello, I'm Matthew Horner. I was notified to register today."

The woman sifted through a stack of papers, found a thinner one, and handed it to him, "Check if everything is correct here."

Matthew looked it over. It was all basic information he had provided during his time on the "Soul Transfer Maiden" set, "It's correct."

"Hmm." The woman handed him a form, "Fill this out, please."

Fortunately, the form required only simple information, which was a relief for Matthew.

Perhaps because of Angelina Julie's influence, everything went smoothly. As Matthew filled out the form, the woman added, "The acting course lasts six months, with no less than twenty-two hours per week of study and practice. The school also provides audition opportunities. If you perform well, we will recommend you to major agencies to help secure a formal acting contract."

Matthew nodded slightly, impressed by the program's thoroughness.

But then the woman got to the crucial part, "The total fee is six thousand dollars!"

Matthew's head shot up, surprised by the figure.

The woman quickly added, "You can pay in installments."

That made sense. Most students here were likely struggling actors; for them, six thousand dollars was not a trivial amount, and installment payments would ease their financial burden.

"Two thousand dollars due at registration today," the woman continued. "Another two thousand before classes start in May, and the final two thousand in September."

Matthew did some quick calculations. Between Angelina Julie's deal, his pay from the "Soul Transfer Maiden" set, and his first month's salary from the Red Penguin Company, his total income amounted to $7400.

His expenses included six months' rent totaling $2400, recent living costs, and spending on numerous professional books and newspaper subscriptions to improve his reading skills.

Currently, his bank account held just under four thousand dollars.

He could easily pay the first installment today. By May, he would have additional earnings from the Red Penguin Company, and with some budgeting, the second payment shouldn't pose a problem.

Others were registering as well, some faces vaguely familiar, possibly from movies, but Matthew couldn't place their names and had no interest in

 socializing just then. After completing his registration and paying the first installment of two thousand dollars at the financial office upstairs, he collected some textbooks and left the Los Angeles School of Performing Arts, awaiting the start of classes in May.

Returning to Westwood, Matthew bought two newspapers and went straight to his apartment building. He had the night off from the Red Penguin Company and had no plans to go out, opting instead for a restful evening at home.

Upon reaching his apartment on the second floor and opening the door, he noticed an envelope on the floor near the entrance. The envelope's contents immediately dampened his mood.

Debt collectors had come knocking at his door!

Sitting on the sagging middle of his sofa, Matthew flipped through the contents repeatedly. Although he wasn't entirely sure of the specifics, he guessed it was some sort of legal notice, signed by Chris Walker, the lawyer who had called him twice. The content was similar to the calls, citing breach of contract and demanding a $50,000 penalty.

"These guys!" Matthew tossed the notice aside, "They actually found where I live!"

After a moment, he wasn't particularly surprised; after all, his information was genuine, and he hadn't tried to hide his whereabouts. In modern society, locating someone wasn't too difficult.

"I should consult a lawyer."

Since he was technically the one in breach, there was no avoiding this. "Maybe we can settle out of court."

From what he had seen in Hollywood films, out-of-court settlements usually involved paying much less than the amount initially demanded. But Matthew still frowned with worry; even if the "Forbidden Tarot" production and the studio behind it agreed to halve the penalty, it would still amount to $25,000.

The arrival of the legal notice added urgency to his situation, and he felt increasingly impoverished. If he had $100,000, he could easily throw $50,000 at those deceivers to see if they would finally leave him alone!

Being broke was truly distressing.

Matthew decided to wait until after visiting Angel Talent Agency the next day to see what the job entailed before finding time to consult a lawyer.

He then spent the remainder of his evening reading, making the most of his limited time to increase his skills. The following morning, after a run and dressed in his only suit, he packed his luggage prepared the night before and took the bus back to North Hollywood's Angel Talent Agency.

"Hello..."

As soon as he entered, a young woman approached, "Are you here for the acting job?"

"Yes," Matthew replied politely, "I'm Matthew Horner. I was notified by Miss Helen Herman yesterday."

"Please have a seat," the girl noted in her book. "Just wait for a while."

Matthew entered the lobby, which unlike his last visit, was bustling. Over sixty men, all appearing young and fit, were scattered across various benches, some grouped together whispering.

Clearly, they were all temporary actors like him.

"Hey, Matthew!"

Someone suddenly stood up and waved at him, "Over here, come over!"

Turning, Matthew recognized the young face of the mover he had helped before, Michael Shane.

Matthew walked over and greeted, "Hi, Michael."

"Call me Mike," Michael Shane invited Matthew to sit, saying, "I was just wondering if I'd see you here."

"It's been a while since I got a role," Matthew shrugged. "Just trying my luck."

"How about you?" he asked.

"The usual," Michael sighed. "Mover by day, background actor in small productions."

Matthew smiled, "Hang in there, it'll get better."

Michael looked the part for a youthful idol-type role with his sturdy build and striking features, but that was just Matthew's opinion.

"Yeah!" Michael nodded vigorously, "I've been in LA for three years, and I have to make it big! I will be a star!"

"When you make it," Matthew joked casually, "don't forget about me."

Michael laughed.

Clap—clap—

Suddenly, someone clapped loudly in the lobby, and both Matthew and Michael turned toward the staircase where Helen Herman, who had previously assisted them, now stood.

With everyone's attention on her, Helen spoke loudly, "Gentlemen, we have a job that might last a week..."