Chapter 53: My High Cost-Performance Ratio (Please Bookmark and Support)

"Hey, Anthony, Happy New Year!"

In the study, Richard put down the documents in his hand and looked at Anthony, who squeezed through the door.

After a short holiday, this guy had gained more weight, and his down jacket's zipper was tightly stretched by his belly. Considering Kathy's illness hadn't improved, Richard could only say this guy had a pretty good mindset to still be gaining weight.

"Richard, Happy New Year! You look great. Did something good happen?"

Anthony leaned on the table, staring at his face, blinking his small eyes.

"Yes, good things happen every day, especially this year. What are you holding?"

Richard asked.

"Oh, this is a New Year gift Kathy asked me to bring you."

Anthony lifted a small box and placed it on the table.

"What gift?"

"All food, like fruit pies, muffins, and meat pies. I told her we could buy these here, but she insisted I bring them over."

Anthony curled his lips as he spoke.

"Haha, thank Kathy for me. Is she feeling better?"

Richard took a small beef pie, eating as he asked.

"Recovering well, her voice for scolding people is louder than before."

"Did you get scolded again?"

Richard teased.

"No, it was Nick. Recently, Nick often went to the lakeside bar to play billiards. My mom suspects he has an affair."

"So, does Nick have an affair?"

Richard asked curiously.

"I don't know, but there are a lot of hot girls in that billiard room."

"You went there too?"

"Kathy asked me to follow Nick, I had no choice but to go."

Anthony spread his hands as he spoke.

"Alright, how are the movie roles you were following last year?"

Richard asked.

"Yes, I came over early just to tell you about this."

Anthony took out two scripts from his work bag, one titled "Deadly High School" and the other "Dangerous X Game."

"Dangerous X Game?"

Richard picked up the second script, "Is this script healthy?"

"Very healthy, it's about a pair of half-siblings making a small bet, where the brother has to seduce a girl who publicly opposes premarital sex at school."

"Uh, is that healthy?"

Richard raised an eyebrow.

"Haha, read it yourself, it's quite interesting."

"OK!"

Richard read through it, and the script was pretty much as Anthony described. 

Katherine bets with Sabas, asking him to seduce Annie. In the end, Sabas succeeds.

"This movie isn't bad. Sabas is a flirtatious character but very serious when he finds true love. I like this role. When is the audition?"

Richard put down the script and asked.

"Wait, Richard, you are not auditioning for the lead role but for the third male lead, Fairmont."

"Fairmont? Is this character in the script?"

"Yes, the male lead's friend. The highlighted parts are Fairmont's scenes."

Anthony pointed to the script.

Richard opened the script and saw that Fairmont was just a small character with only three scenes.

"This role has too little screen time, less than my appearance in 'In the Name of Love.' I've already worked with Oscar winners Lewis and Michael Douglas. Why should I play small roles in such small productions?

I believe the lead role Sabas suits me better. Has this role been decided yet?"

Richard tapped the script and asked.

"Let me ask!"

Anthony took out his phone, made a call, and after a brief conversation, answered Richard's question.

"It's not decided yet, but the female lead Katherine will be played by Sarah Michelle Gellar. 

You know, last year, the TV series 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' was a hit. Sarah is the lead actress, her popularity has soared, and she has become a well-known rising star in the industry, currently a B-list actress. The male actors working with her are at least C-list.

And you only had a brief appearance in 'In the Name of Love,' not even reaching the E-list actor standard. They are unlikely to choose you."

Anthony shook his head.

"I don't think so. Since my debut, I've participated in two high-budget productions, one with Oscar winner Daniel Lewis and another $30 million production with Oscar winner Michael Douglas and A-list actress Gwyneth Paltrow. Just with these, even Sarah Michelle Gellar can't compare.

Anthony, I think you need to have a serious talk with the producers, telling them to look at the issue from a developmental perspective.

Although I am unknown now, what about after 'A Perfect Murder' is released?

With Mr. Douglas and Gwyneth participating, the box office can't be too bad.

By then, as a major supporting actor, will I still be an E-list actor?

So, while I am on the rise and my pay is still low, they should actively cooperate with me instead of chasing already famous young actors."

Clap clap clap~

Anthony clapped his chubby hands a few times.

"Richard, that was great. If I were the producer, I would definitely choose you without hesitation."

"Cut the nonsense. Now we have a good hand. Collaborating with two Oscar winners and participating in two high-budget productions proves my strength.

These are all favorable conditions. We must fully utilize these conditions to pave the way for the future.

If I take that small role, we are on a downward path. If we get the lead role, our path is upward.

If we achieve this step, becoming the lead actor, our path will get wider and wider, turning into a stairway to heaven. Do you understand?"

Richard grabbed the fat man's collar and shook him.

"I understand, I understand. I'll go talk to them in a bit."

Anthony broke free from his grip, gasping for breath and looking at him unhappily.

"You used to live quite casually. Why the sudden ambition?"

"I need money! I was planning to move in with Bundchen, but this building isn't renovated yet and is too far from Manhattan, not suitable as our love nest.

I want to earn a lot of money to buy a mansion near Central Park. I also want to become famous. When I become a big star, it will be easier for Bundchen to develop using my fame. Do you understand?"

"Why is it always Bundchen? No other reasons?"

"These reasons are enough. As Bundchen's boyfriend, I am responsible for giving her a better life and obligated to help her. Forget it, you haven't been in love, so you wouldn't understand."

"Nonsense, I'm twenty-five and have been in love."

Anthony retorted unhappily.

"I mean real love, not casual relationships."

"Of course, I had a girlfriend in college. We dated for three years. I understand the taste of love better than you."

Anthony sighed.

"Three years? What happened then?"

Richard asked curiously.

"Incompatible personalities. We broke up the year we graduated."

Anthony said indifferently.

"Incompatible personalities but lasted three years?"

Richard didn't believe it.

"Anyway, we broke up."

Anthony scratched his chubby face, "Here's another script, the third male lead, a football player role. You can take a look, there are more scenes."

Richard flipped through it. It was a horror film about a high school where the teachers turned into monsters, and several students defeated the monsters, saving the world.

"Is the lead role decided? If not, talk to them, tell them I've worked with two Oscar winners, my acting skills are fine, and I've participated in two big productions, currently in a dormant period. My cost-performance ratio is super high, it's a bargain to use me now."

"Okay, I'll try to talk."

Anthony patted the armrest of the chair and stood up.

"By the way, Richard, were the condoms we sent last time suitable?"

Anthony suddenly smirked.

"Screw you!"

Richard rolled his eyes.

"Haha, congratulations on finally leaving the nest."

Anthony laughed heartily and walked downstairs.

Richard shook his head. Only five extra-large ones in a box, I still have to go out and buy more. They underestimated me.

Ding-dong~

The phone rang.

"Dear, are you coming over tonight?"

Bundchen asked.

"What time do you get off work? I'll come pick you up."

Richard smiled.

"Then you should start now, let's go back early."

"Are you craving something?"

Richard smiled.

"Jerk, I'm not as lustful as you. I meant go back early to make dinner."

"Alright, alright, I'll do whatever you say."

"Hmph, jerk, I don't want to talk to you anymore."

"Haha, I'm coming right now!"

After putting away the phone and saying goodbye to Susan, Richard drove off.

"Little Richard's spring has arrived."

Susan smiled as she watched the car drive away.

——

(End of this chapter)