Chapter 49: A Shortcut

"Filming is about to start."

Seeing someone approaching, Matthew said to Britney, "We can chat more later."

Britney took Matthew's casual comment seriously, "Sure! Next time, I'll invite you to my party."

Their shared dislikes made chatting enjoyable for her, "Give me your mobile number."

Matthew wrote down a series of numbers in his notebook, tore out the page, and handed it to Britney, then walked back to his seat.

The crew was almost ready to start filming, and Britney's assistant came to fetch her for the shoot.

The first scenes to be shot were Britney's with the dance troupe. Britney left to join the dancers, leaving Matthew alone under the tent. The brilliant sunlight made it impossible for him to wander around without risking his makeup getting ruined.

After sitting alone for a while, his agent Helen Herman approached him.

"I thought you had left," Matthew said casually.

Helen pulled up a chair and sat next to him, "Britney seems to think highly of you?"

Matthew didn't deny it, "It's okay, I guess."

"You actually have a shortcut right in front of you," Helen said, looking towards Britney. "If you could date her, your fame would skyrocket in the short term."

"I know," Matthew admitted, feeling unsure about his chances. "But why would Britney be interested in someone like me?"

Helen seemed to encourage him, "Why not give it a try and see?"

"Would that really help me?" Matthew asked seriously.

If things continued as they were, without a stroke of luck, becoming a star might take years.

"Fame is always useful, even if it's concocted by the media," Helen explained. Her thinking was simple; if well-managed, this could significantly speed up her plans. If not, at worst, Matthew Horner would just be another small actor overwhelmed by media backlash.

Matthew seriously considered Helen's suggestion but was undecided.

"I heard Britney Spears is currently single," Helen added.

"Oh…" Matthew responded reflexively, not knowing what else to say, "I've never really chased a girl."

While he had his share of casual flings like many others, he had never seriously pursued a girlfriend.

"Here's what we'll do," Helen stood up, ready to leave, "When you have some time, prepare a detailed emotional resume for me."

With Matthew's changed circumstances, she viewed him differently, "And if you start dating, no matter who it is, you must tell me, your agent, first."

To an agent, even a small-time actor was enough for now, as Matthew was still far from being a star.

After Helen left, Matthew was again alone under the tent. He watched Britney on the beach, dressed in low-rise pants and a crop top, exposing her white waist and delicate navel. As the music started, Britney began to move rhythmically, her enticing waist twisting to the beat, capturing the attention of many, including Matthew.

"Maybe… maybe…"

Watching Britney dance provocatively in front of the camera, Matthew found himself pondering, "Is Helen's idea actually viable?"

But he shook his head slightly, doubting his chances with Britney, the pop princess.

Having never had a girlfriend either abroad or at home, and unsure how to pursue a girl, especially someone as high-profile as Britney, seemed almost an impossible task.

Was it true that without money, status, or influence, pursuing a girl was nearly impossible? Matthew hadn't tried, so he wasn't sure.

However, he thought that chasing someone from his own social stratum might be feasible, but someone like Britney Spears was a Herculean challenge.

Matthew sighed. Perhaps these weren't things he should be pondering right now.

Still, if an opportunity arose, he might as well try. Even if he failed, there wouldn't be much lost—maybe he'd even gain some experience.

The dance for the shoot had been rehearsed well in advance by Britney's regular backup dancers, making the filming go smoothly. Most shots were completed in just two or three takes, and soon it was Matthew's turn.

Having been involved in three film shoots previously, Matthew was confident at least in not being nervous or looking at the camera unintentionally. His recent acting classes hadn't been for naught, and he managed to perform the simple actions required without issue.

The crew moved to the edge of the beach, and Matthew stood barefoot just out of reach of the waves.

A makeup artist touched up his face, and a stylist adjusted his clothing.

Director Zack Snyder instructed from behind the camera.

"Roll up your trouser legs to the knees!" he shouted to the stylist. "Show off those calf muscles!"

The stylist quickly kneeled on the wet sand, rolling up Matthew's white casual trousers to expose his muscular calves.

Matthew's tall frame and defined muscles didn't just fit the look—they enhanced his robust and masculine appearance.

"Clear the set!" Zack commanded. "Let's shoot a test."

This was Matthew's solo close-up shot, with no other actors involved.

"Sometimes! Take three!" an assistant announced, positioning the clapperboard in front of the camera, "And action!"

Matthew stood sideways to the sea, with reflectors on his left and the camera on his right. Ignoring these, he casually placed his hands in his pockets, looked up slightly, and showcased his naturally and acquired physical advantages.

David Astor, a teacher at the Los Angeles Art School, had once criticized him for being superficial and overly reliant on his looks, saying most of his performances felt like just showing off.

This scene, however, required exactly that—showing off.

Suddenly, the wind machine turned on, sending a strong gust that tousled Matthew's hair backward.

He stood in the sunlight like a marble statue, with waves gently lapping at the sand around his feet and occasionally splashing over his well-defined calves…

"Cut!" Zack seemed very pleased. "Good! That's a wrap for this shot!"

As the reflectors were removed and the camera repositioned, Matthew followed the crew to the next shooting location.

Under the tent, the dancers watched the ongoing shoot, particularly the girls who kept their eyes on Matthew.

"He's so handsome!"

A brunette expressed her admiration, "Mature yet youthful, very manly!"

Another girl disagreed, "Handsome? Are you blind? His face is as stiff as a rock, and all those muscles are not attractive at all! Leonardo DiCaprio is much better."

"That's a different type altogether!" a blonde intervened as she put down her water bottle. "Haven't you noticed? This guy is completely masculine, which is what a real man should be like."

Just as men often discuss women when together, women also enjoy discussing men.

"Alright, enough chit-chat!"

The choreographer entered the rest area and raised her voice, "You're up soon, get ready."

The four girls and four boys in the rest area immediately quieted down and lined up for makeup touch-ups.

By the side of the wooden pier, the crew had already prepared the next shooting location. As soon as Matthew and Britney arrived, Zack Snyder had everyone finalize preparations.

He approached the pier next to them, personally explaining the scene to Matthew and Britney.

"Miss Spears, after we start shooting, you'll walk forward from where I'm standing, slightly slower than your normal pace. I want to see hesitation and concern in your movement," Zack instructed Britney, who nodded in acknowledgment.

Zack walked a few steps forward to Matthew and continued, "You stay here, don't move. When Miss Spears starts walking, you look at her face with a bit of surprise and joy."

Finally, he positioned himself between the two, "When the leading lady reaches this spot, you two lock eyes, give me some sparks."

He looked at them both, "OK?"

"Sure," Matthew responded.

The scene was straightforward, simpler than many of the impromptu performances he'd practiced in class.

The shoot started promptly. Matthew's role was simple; as Britney began moving, he watched her intently, then fixed his gaze on her face.

Both looked good, though their expressions were somewhat bland. However, for an MV, their appearance was enough.

Britney reached the predetermined spot, looked up at Matthew, and their eyes met. They stared at each other as if seeing only the other in their eyes.

From behind the camera, Zack saw that their interaction was a bit flat, but the visual appeal of the MV didn't need much more.

"That's a wrap for this take!"

Hearing the director's satisfied voice, Matthew felt the day had gone unexpectedly smoothly with surprisingly low demands from the director.

"Your eyes are really bright!" he told Britney, who smiled and leaned closer, whispering, "I'm wearing contact lenses."

"Britney!" someone called from the pier, "Change your shoes and touch up your makeup, we're continuing!"

Matthew smiled at her, "Go ahead."

His scenes were done for the morning, and he wouldn't be needed until later in the afternoon.

He retrieved his work bag from the rest area and drank some water before leaving the tent. He planned to return to the temporary makeup room in the restaurant to remove his makeup. As he walked onto the wooden pier, filming resumed by the sea.

This was another dance scene featuring Britney and her backup dancers.

Just as Matthew was about to head to the makeup room, a scream suddenly pierced the air from the shooting area, followed by shouts of, "Quick! Get a doctor!"