Chapter 43: I Don't Like Him

"Alright, you can go now."

Michael Sheen's audition lasted less than twenty minutes. At the intervention of the record company's representative, Martin Jackson called a stop and said, "We'll notify your agent of the results of the audition."

After the makeup audition ended, the photographer shut off the camera and everyone else began packing up their things, paying no further attention to Michael Sheen. Michael stood still, hoping for some sign from Martin Jackson, even just a glance, but the director was busy talking to the photographer and didn't look at him once.

"Let's go."

Seeing that Michael was still standing there, York, the crew assistant, came over to urge him, "You should go get your makeup off."

After speaking, York pulled open the door of the audition room.

Michael gave Martin Jackson one last look, but the director still showed no sign of acknowledgment.

York frowned slightly, finding the actor too clueless. The audition team was about to meet to discuss, and his lingering was disruptive.

Compared to Matthew, this Michael Sheen was far less adept at handling people.

"Come on!" York had to speak up again, "Don't just stand there!"

Michael turned around to see York looking exasperated. He was about to say something when York urged him again, "Hurry up!"

With no other option, Michael awkwardly followed York out of the audition room. The results weren't out yet, so there was still a chance he could be the winner.

"Longer audition time doesn't necessarily mean getting the role!" Michael comforted himself, "Maybe it's already decided in my favor, and the audition was just a formality…"

Back in the makeup room to remove his makeup, Michael noticed that Matthew hadn't left yet.

"Hey, Mike." Matthew was quite interested in this approach of blending performance into real life, "Did it go well?"

Standing in front of the makeup mirror waiting for the makeup artist to return from the restroom, Michael responded, "I don't know." His gaze flickered as he asked, "How about you? Why did it take so long for you?"

Matthew stayed to wait for Michael's return; if Michael ended up winning, so be it. But if Matthew himself won, would Michael accept it after such a sacrifice?

"It was supposed to be over in ten minutes." Matthew relayed his prepared response, "Director Martin Jackson held me back, wanted to add a scene."

He shook his head, "I can't really say what happened."

Michael was momentarily confused. What was Martin Jackson planning? Did he still have designs on Matthew Horner? If that were the case, what about his own promise?

In the audition room, representatives from the actors' union and several assistants left one after another, leaving only Martin Jackson, the record company's representative, Britney Spears, and her agent.

The final decision on the makeup audition rested in the hands of these three, with Britney's agent present to protect her client's interests.

"What's your opinion, Martin?" the record company representative asked, "Who do you prefer?"

Martin Jackson had already settled on his preferred choice, saying, "Michael Sheen! I think Michael Sheen is the best…"

"No! He's not suitable!"

Britney interrupted him before he could finish, "We can't choose him! His walking posture is terrible! He walks like a duck!"

Being interrupted and contradicted by a teenager left Martin Jackson somewhat embarrassed. Although MV directors usually can't override the record company and the star backed by the company, he didn't want to give up just yet, especially since he had promised Michael Sheen and received payment.

"Why?" Martin asked, "You thought Michael Sheen was good yesterday."

He had seriously recommended Michael to both the record company and Britney, and although they hadn't agreed outright, they had tentatively accepted his choice.

"Why the change of mind after just one day?"

"I watched today's audition." Even if Britney was a bit simple-minded, she wouldn't reveal the real reason, "I think his walking posture is just too ugly! Matthew Horner is better."

Usually, Britney's word would have been enough for Martin Jackson to back down.

But having taken payment, he had to make an effort, "Matthew Horner has only played three roles so far and hasn't even been an actor for four months. Michael Sheen has been struggling in the acting circle for three years and has far more acting experience than Matthew Horner. Moreover, from the audition results, he performed better than Matthew."

Martin Jackson, as the director, had the final say in who performed better during the audition.

Everyone looked to Britney, especially the record company representative.

However, the record company said nothing, facing the upcoming task of renewing Britney's contract; her wishes were paramount.

"Walking posture can be adjusted." Martin was baffled; it had been so long, how was that man not healed yet?

"I

 just don't like him!" Britney showed a hint of impatience, giving a very strong reason, "I don't want him to be the male lead in my MV."

"Uh…" Martin was speechless.

He couldn't find any words to counter Britney's reason.

"That's fine, let's go with Matthew Horner then," said the record company representative immediately. He turned to Martin, "Notify Matthew Horner's agent, we'll sign the contract this afternoon."

Making Britney happy was crucial for getting her to sign a long-term record deal with the company.

With the record company and singer in agreement, Martin Jackson had no room to argue. After a moment's hesitation, he said, "Alright, I'll have someone call Helen Herman later."

Britney left with the record company people, and Martin summoned his assistant, instructing, "Call Helen Herman, inform her about the audition results."

In the makeup room, after removing his makeup, Michael walked out with Matthew toward the studio's exit.

"I wonder when the audition results will come out." Michael's anxiousness was evident on his face.

Matthew remained calm, "It should be soon, after all, it's just a MV, not a feature film."

As they reached the studio door, Amanda and Helen Herman came towards them, with Amanda signaling to Matthew from a distance.

Matthew immediately understood that he had won the audition!

He felt a bit excited, even thrilled, but didn't show it.

"Just in time, I was about to look for you," Helen didn't even glance at Michael, speaking directly to Matthew, "Don't go anywhere. After I talk with the crew about the contract, you need to sign."

This effectively announced the audition results.

"Me?" Matthew glanced at the stunned Michael beside him, feigning shock, "How could it be me?"

Amanda gave Michael a quick look, then winked at Matthew.

Michael looked at Matthew, confused and surprised. Was this an accident? Or...

Helen didn't pick up on Matthew's feigned surprise, simply stating, "Come with me, we're going to discuss the contract."

She nodded at Amanda, "Let's go."

Amanda and Matthew followed Helen into the studio.

"How could this be?"

Once they had left, Michael came out of his daze, "Why is Matthew Horner the winner? Not me? Martin Jackson promised me!"

He turned around, but the three had already disappeared into the studio.

Where exactly did things go wrong?

Suddenly, he recalled what Matthew had said in the makeup room—that Martin Jackson had specifically added an audition scene for him!

Martin Jackson, as the director, had significant influence in selecting the actor, and usually, the record company and singer would respect the director's choice.

Michael pondered more on the path Matthew had laid out: why did Martin Jackson add scenes for Matthew? Was he still not over him, still interested in him? Like in normal relationships, the unattainable is always more desirable?

And Matthew, that guy could be presenting one thing outwardly but harboring another agenda internally. Maybe he had connected with Martin Jackson that night, just dangling him along…

Those bastards!

Walking through the studio, Matthew glanced back; Michael Sheen was no longer visible. He couldn't tell exactly what Michael was thinking, but he could guess his feelings were tumultuous.

Previously, he had just wanted to see if he could provoke Michael into an emotional reaction, especially if Michael ended up empty-handed after such a great sacrifice. Ideally, this could push Michael to confront Martin Jackson directly.

Michael might not react as Matthew hoped, but there was no loss if he didn't; if he did, it might allow Matthew to vent some of the frustration from that night at the hotel.

Outside the studio, Michael's face flushed with the shock of the outcome.

Accept this? How could he accept it? Clenching one fist while the other subconsciously touched his backside, enduring such humiliation for this result? Martin Jackson had kicked him aside to chase a new prospect after making a promise.

"He promised I'd get the role," Michael muttered to himself, "He promised!"

Compared to Matthew, Michael harbored deeper resentment towards the man who had exploited him and broken his promises, leaving him with unprecedented humiliation without paying the promised dues.

Bastard!

Feeling the discomfort in his backside again, Michael recalled everything from that night, his body trembling as he turned back into the studio.