Chapter 1: Paradise for the Rich, Hell for the Poor
"Murphy Stanton, found guilty of breaking and entering and assault, sentenced to a $200,000 fine and twelve months' imprisonment..."
The side door of the California Chino State Prison opened, and Murphy Stanton and his companion, Ross, walked out into the fresh air. In that moment of freedom, Murphy's mind drifted back to a year ago. Perhaps he was the unluckiest reincarnate in the world. Coming from the other side of the Pacific to Los Angeles, he had not found the glamorous world he had hoped for; instead, he had faced a massive tragedy. Arrested by the Los Angeles police, facing multiple charges, he had ultimately been convicted and spent nearly a year in the state prison.
"What are you thinking?" Walking out with Murphy was a typical Latino man, strong and tattooed. He patted Murphy's shoulder and pointed to a car parked nearby. "Come on, our ride is here."
Getting a ride from the prison's outskirts wasn't easy. Murphy nodded and followed him to the car. The two men holding the car doors open welcomed Ross and Murphy with eager smiles.
Without hesitation, Murphy and Ross got into the car, which then sped off towards Los Angeles, fifty miles away.
The car moved quickly, especially once it reached the highway.
After a year in prison, Murphy's demeanor had toughened. In that environment, even someone like him, relatively decent-looking, had to toughen up to protect himself.
"What's your plan next?" The Latino man's gaze returned from the window, looking at Murphy. "Murphy, why not join me? I promise you money and pretty women..."
"Ross," Murphy interrupted, shaking his head, "do you want me to join you in selling drugs and guns? I don't want to go back to prison."
Their friendship formed in prison didn't require them to mince words. Taking a deep breath, Murphy said firmly, "I'll make money, and I'll date the most beautiful movie stars. My future is in Hollywood!"
"Poor kid..." Ross patted his shoulder again. "Haven't you woken up from your dream yet? Your house was confiscated to pay the fine. How do you expect to survive in Los Angeles? Every year, tens of thousands come to Hollywood to chase their dreams, but how many actually make it?"
Though just a student about to graduate from a mediocre film school on the other side of the Pacific, Murphy knew Ross wasn't exaggerating. Hollywood was notoriously tough to break into, and the reality was even harsher than Ross described.
Murphy had clear plans for his future, but he also understood the harshness of the journey ahead. Hollywood was his long-term goal; survival was his immediate priority.
"Let's not forget, Ross," Murphy said, acknowledging the harsh reality. "Every year, countless dreamers like me come to Hollywood. I may be a newcomer, but I'm determined to make it."
Ross had a point. Climbing the ladder in any industry was tough, and Hollywood was no exception. But Murphy had no intention of giving up on his dream.
"Take the next right..." Reminded of the route, Murphy instructed the driver. "I'll get off at the intersection ahead."
Though his house had been confiscated, Murphy still had his aunt's apartment, a makeshift studio where he could live and work.
As the car pulled up to the intersection, Murphy prepared to leave. But Ross stopped him, pointing to the man in the passenger seat.
"Give me your phone and wallet," Ross commanded.
The passenger hesitated for a moment but eventually handed over a Nokia phone and a black wallet. Ross passed the phone to Murphy and checked the wallet, handing over the two hundred dollars inside.
Normally, Murphy wouldn't accept such offers. But in his current dire situation, he had little choice. He hesitated for a moment before taking the money and phone, thanking the man in the passenger seat and promising to return the favor.
Exiting the car, Murphy turned to Ross, who had moved closer to the window. "If I can't make it in Hollywood, I haven't forgotten I have a friend like you."
Ross lowered his voice. "If we join forces, we can dominate the drug and gun markets downtown..."
"Just wait and see!" Murphy stood tall on the roadside, his brown hair shining in the sunlight. "You'll soon see the name Murphy Stanton spread across America."
As the car drove off, Murphy's gaze shifted from the receding vehicle to his surroundings. This was where he would live and survive, even as he chased his dreams in Hollywood.