Chapter 15: Making Preparations

Hearing the question, Matthew turned his head to see who it was. The first thing he noticed was a face resembling a bitter melon, one that seemed ordinary and aged. If he hadn't seen this face in numerous blockbuster films, he would never believe it belonged to a Hollywood superstar.

"You are…" Matthew took a step back to get a clearer view, "You're Matt Damon."

"Are you Matthew Horner?" The man with the bitter melon face didn't respond to Matthew's recognition but took it as affirmation.

Matthew nodded, "Yes, I am." He was surprised that Matt Damon was seeking him out, especially since Matt was an Oscar winner, seemingly a bigger deal than Angelina Jolie.

"Yesterday, Winona might have had a little misunderstanding with you," Matt Damon spoke politely, a tone suggesting courtesy. "She has been upset since then, and she wouldn't tell me why."

Matthew immediately became defensive.

Matt continued, "I just wanted to ask what happened. It's unlike her to lose her temper like that."

"You and Miss Winona Ryder…" Matthew eyed Matt Damon.

"Winona is my girlfriend," Matt Damon said, also looking at Matthew. "And you and Miss Jolie?"

The night before, Winona Ryder had furiously labeled them a misbehaving couple.

Matthew shook his head, "I have no relationship with Miss Jolie."

"Sorry about that," Matt Damon chuckled good-naturedly, "It seems I was mistaken."

Matthew, however, sensed something more behind that seemingly simple smile, "Just say what you want to say."

Still smiling, Matt Damon was straightforward, "I'm just wondering if there's been some misunderstanding between you and Winona?"

"There's nothing…" Matthew started to explain, considering Matt Damon's status, "Just a minor issue, I…"

He stopped mid-sentence, remembering he had signed a confidentiality agreement. Disclosing any details could lead to serious trouble.

"What is it?" Matt Damon looked eager, his sincere demeanor making him hard to refuse.

Matthew quickly changed the subject, "It's just a trivial misunderstanding."

Given that Matt Damon was Winona Ryder's boyfriend, and they were likely very close, Matthew was cautious. Even though Matt was reputedly one of the good guys in Hollywood, who knew what he was like in private? What if he was setting Matthew up? Speaking out could breach his NDA and the penalties would be unaffordable.

Having been in Hollywood only two days, Matthew knew better than to take anything lightly.

"A trivial misunderstanding, huh?" Matt Damon was still smiling, no trace of celebrity arrogance, "Since it's minor, Mr. Horner, being a gentleman, perhaps you could take the first step and apologize to Winona? That would clear up the misunderstanding."

Matthew kept up his cheerful façade, "I'm just a small-time extra, not a gentleman." He self-deprecated, "Lots of folks say I'm a hick from Texas."

Matt Damon's smile slowly faded, and his face gradually turned back into a real-life bitter melon.

"It's not that I don't want to reconcile," Matthew didn't want to start a conflict with Matt Damon. "You should probably ask Miss Winona Ryder directly."

From what he remembered, Matt Damon and his famous friend had clawed their way up from the bottom, not the type to be haughty or arrogant.

Matt Damon's expression soured even more, unable to comprehend how a star and powerful producer like Winona Ryder could have a conflict with a mere extra, and even end up being the one upset.

Thinking it over, he looked at Matthew again. Other than being somewhat handsome, there seemed nothing special about him.

"I'll talk to Winona," Matt Damon decided, then added, "She's my girlfriend, after all."

He suddenly changed his tone, "I'll remember you, Matthew Horner."

Matthew could only offer a smile, grateful that Matt Damon wasn't the brainless, haughty type of star—that would have been real trouble.

But then again, considering the fierce competition in Hollywood, it wasn't likely that someone could survive on just a pretty face without some backing; those who made it to the top were probably not fools.

After a few more lukewarm exchanges, Matt Damon excused himself and left. As soon as he was gone, not many in the crew paid much attention to Matthew anymore; after all, he was just an extra.

After watching one more scene being filmed, Matthew felt uncomfortable with the makeup on his face and quickly headed to the makeup trailer to remove it. During the time he spent in the makeup trailer, the flamboyant makeup artist complained about the delay. Knowing his place as an extra was akin to a menial laborer, Matthew said nothing, cleaned up, changed into his own clothes, and left the Universal Studios lot.

Once outside, he called Dennis Kurt, who was still networking in the studio offices, claiming that his paycheck would

 be processed soon and he'd notify Matthew when it was ready.

Two hundred dollars wasn't a lot, but it was not an insignificant amount for Matthew either.

At his regular job with Red Penguin Company, he made only about fifty dollars a day, slightly above the minimum wage standard in Los Angeles. Including night shift differentials, he didn't even make $1,800 a month.

That job could disappear at any moment. If the fallout from Angelina Jolie and Johnny Lee Miller's divorce escalated, and Johnny's side decided to track down the origin of that video, it wouldn't be hard to link it back to him. A single complaint call from Johnny would mean Matthew could pack up and leave Red Penguin without a fuss.

However, Matthew had no regrets about his actions. After all, they not only opened the door to Hollywood for him but also landed him a role with lines!

According to Dennis Kurt, most extras who come to Hollywood dreaming of stardom struggle for years without even getting such an opportunity, often ending up as just another face in the crowd.

Given a choice between wasting years and taking a calculated risk, most would choose the latter.

Riding the bus to Hollywood Boulevard and having some time before work, Matthew grabbed a quick lunch and strolled down the boulevard, pondering his next steps.

Now considered an experienced extra, finding work should be relatively easier for him, Dennis Kurt had said. Even minor roles with lines were worth a shot.

However, that morning's shoot had made it clear that Matthew's professional skills were lacking—severely lacking.

Improving his skills through professional training and learning was essential.

Fortunately, Angelina Jolie had already agreed to help find a suitable acting school for him. Although sometimes impulsive, she seemed reliable enough based on his observations.

Another thing on his to-do list was finding a new agent.

It was normal to encounter power dynamics in the entertainment industry, and while he had some influence himself, Dennis Kurt seemed too opportunistic.

Matthew believed that, given the chance, Dennis would sell him out for even a modest profit, and from yesterday's experience, he knew he couldn't rely on him when needed.

What use was such an agent? Essentially, he was a ticking time bomb.

If not for the lack of better options, Matthew wouldn't want to work with him at all.

Though he didn't have the luxury of choice, Matthew knew from previous memories that there were many temp agencies in Los Angeles. He could easily find another.

And since he wasn't worried about breaking any contract—extras, especially non-union ones, typically signed only temporary contracts with such agencies—he wouldn't face any penalties for leaving.

For instance, his recent gig on "Soul Transference Girl" would have made switching agents complicated if it were still ongoing. But now that it was over, there were no issues.

After spending the afternoon getting familiar with the area, Matthew bought a few newspapers near his company, greeted the receptionist, and went into the driver's lounge to check the employment sections.

This was also a way of preparing for the future; maintaining his daily reading habit while scouting for job opportunities in industries hiring abundantly and suitable for someone like him. He also looked for agencies like Starlight Company that recruited extras.

The previous Matthew had found his job at Starlight through a newspaper ad, unfortunately running into Dennis Kurt, an exceptional case.

Flipping through the newspapers, he didn't see any ads for crew recruitment but noted three small agencies hiring temporary actors. He jotted down their numbers and called each, receiving similar responses: come in, provide personal information, photos, and a resume for their records, and they'd contact him if something fitting came up.

Matthew planned to visit these agencies after work the next day.

Packing away the newspapers, he realized not having a car was inconvenient. Public transport in Los Angeles was underdeveloped compared to the places he had lived before. Buses were infrequent, and it was rare to hail a cab on the streets unless you called one.

Matthew considered buying a used car but, given his current circumstances, decided against it.

Not to mention the lawyer from that "Tarot Card" crew who had already contacted him; Angelina Jolie had promised to find him a suitable acting school, which would be a significant expense. The rest of his funds might not even cover it.

He'd call Dennis Kurt the next day to find out when the $200 would be available. Until then, he decided not to confront him.