### Chapter 122: The Newcomer
On November 26th, *Dangerous X Games* was released in the United States. Being an indie art film with only moderate star power among its three leads, it opened in just 1,886 theaters, a stark contrast to contemporaries like *A Bug's Life*, *You've Got Mail*, and *The Sixth Sense*.
In its first week, *Dangerous X Games* grossed $14.35 million, ranking eighth and performing decently.
Initially, the movie's reception was lukewarm. Some critics complained about its weak plot, others about its frustrating ending where the protagonist is hit by a slow-moving car, and some questioned why Richard, a boxing champion, kept starring in such films.
However, as the box office numbers rolled in, the reviews became somewhat more favorable.
"Popular beauties Sarah and Reese, paired with rising boxing star Richard Brad, make a charming trio worth watching," stated *Premiere* magazine.
"The three leads have great chemistry, creating captivating sparks throughout. It's a youth film that's worth savoring," praised *Total Film* magazine.
"There are many explosive performances in the movie. Richard Brad and Reese Witherspoon play a couple, and their bold, fiery performances keep the audience on edge," commented *The Hollywood Reporter*.
"See, the movie reviews aren't bad," Richard said, putting down the newspaper under the parasol.
"You only read the positive reviews, of course you think it's good. What about these negative reviews? Why don't you read those?" Reese Witherspoon pointed to a taller stack of newspapers beside him.
"Why read reviews that criticize us? Why look for trouble?" Richard shrugged and continued reading the positive reviews with a smile.
Reese rolled her eyes at him. "Only listening to compliments and ignoring criticism—how will you ever improve?"
"Do I need to? With my level, is there even room for improvement?" Richard laughed.
"Ugh, you're so shameless." Reese covered her mouth, laughing.
"Thank you for the compliment!"
"Hmph!" Reese picked up a newspaper. "Since you don't like criticism, I'll read it to you to give you a reality check. This one is from *The Chicago Tribune*, saying your acting is terrible, unprofessional, and needs significant improvement."
"Haha, please continue!" Richard chuckled.
"*The American Express* says your real-life identity conflicts with your movie roles. Your primary job is as a boxer, a boxing star, yet you keep doing art films. It feels off."
"I've heard this countless times, nothing new. Pass!"
"*The Hollywood Reporter* suggests you should take on more action roles and pursue a career as an action star."
"That's obvious. I know I'm suited for action films, but there are so few made each year, and the lead roles are dominated by a few action stars. I want to act but don't get the chance," Richard shook his head.
"Don't worry. You've just won the championship belt. Many film companies haven't reacted yet. By next year, plenty of offers will come your way," Reese reassured him.
"I hope so," Richard smiled.
"Hey, are you two going to play or not? We came here to play tennis, but you're just sitting there!" Anthony shouted from the open-air tennis court in downtown Los Angeles, holding a racket.
"Isn't Mike enough to play with you?" Richard laughed, taking a sip of water.
"No way, Mike's even weaker than me. After a few rounds, he's lying on the ground, tongue out," Anthony grinned.
"Phew, Richard, I can't do it anymore. I'm exhausted," Mike panted heavily on the red rubber court, his sports shirt drenched.
"Mike, you should train more," Richard shook his head, picked up his racket, and walked onto the court.
"Anthony, serve!"
"Okay!"
Anthony tossed the light green tennis ball and hit it hard. He had been training for half a month, lost over two pounds, and was more active than before, but still not a match for Richard.
Thwack! Richard returned the shot forcefully, aiming at the backhand area.
Anthony rushed, gripping his racket with both hands, barely sending the ball back.
Thwack!
Richard hit another hard shot, this time not aiming to challenge Anthony but hitting his forehand, a comfortable spot.
"Good shot, just like that!" Anthony grinned and easily returned the ball.
"You like that kind of shot? Then I'll give you a few more."
Richard smiled slightly and started feeding the ball to Anthony continuously.
One, two, three, all the way to thirty or forty.
Thump~
Anthony's legs suddenly gave way, and he collapsed onto the rubber floor, hands propping up his body, arms trembling.
"Huff~ puff~, I can't take it anymore, I'm going to cough up blood."
"Haha, not bad. Your physique used to be similar to Mike's, throwing up after less than ten rounds. You lasted sixteen rounds today, which shows that training is still effective."
Richard handed him a bottle of water.
"The effect is quite average, I exercise every day, but the fat on my waist hasn't reduced at all. It's really discouraging."
Anthony said, sitting on the ground.
"Half a month is nothing, if you keep it up for half a year, there will definitely be results."
Richard patted his shoulder.
"Hey, Reese, it's your turn."
"Alright, but we agreed beforehand, don't hit the ball too high, don't bully me."
Reese walked over with her racket, wearing a blue T-shirt and a white skirt, looking like a girl next door.
"No problem, I'll be very gentle with you."
"Jerk!"
Reese jumped up and slammed the ball over.
Richard laughed and gently lifted the ball back, hitting it right in front of Reese so she could catch it effortlessly.
Thwack!
"Good job, one more!"
Reese shouted.
"OK!"
The two went back and forth, playing over twenty rounds. Ms. Reese was also exhausted, sticking out her tongue, the bangs on her forehead damp with sweat.
"Hey, beautiful Reese, smile!"
Richard shouted, holding a camera.
"What?"
Reese looked up.
Click~ click~ A photo of a beauty sticking out her tongue was taken.
"Ah, jerk, delete it!"
Reese chased after him, swinging her racket.
---
At four in the afternoon, the four of them went to a hot spring hotel for a bath and had a Japanese meal. Reese was too tired and went back to the hotel to rest after eating.
Richard and Anthony went to the CAA company on the adjacent West Hollywood Avenue to talk about work.
"Richard, the company has recently selected five promising newcomers, do you want to take a look?"
In the office, Anthony took a folder from the shelf and placed it on the table.
"All newcomers? Are you planning to cultivate stars?"
Richard opened the folder and looked through the information, a total of five people, all handsome men and beautiful women. He looked carefully, switching between names and photos, but surprisingly, none of them were future stars.
"We're a new agency, we can't attract big-name actors, so we can only choose a few good newcomers and practice our skills first."
"That would be very costly."
Richard shook his head, "Did you find Jessica Alba, the one I mentioned last time?"
"No, Los Angeles is so big, and without contact information, it's hard to find someone."
Anthony said helplessly.
"It was my mistake, I should have asked for her phone number."
Richard shook his head.
"Yes, you were too shy."
Anthony chuckled and took out another folder, "These are the action movie projects that will be casting soon, you can take a look."
"Alright!"
Richard opened it and looked, "Universal Soldier," "Sudden Attack," "Mysterious Puzzle," "Air Traffic Jam," "Fight Club."
"Fight Club? Sounds like it would suit me well, can you find the script?"
Richard asked.
"I had the same thought as you. When I saw this project, I immediately paid attention to it. I inquired about it, but unfortunately, the male lead and second male lead have already been confirmed. The male lead is Edward Norton, who has been nominated for an Oscar."
"What about the second male lead?"
"Brad Pitt, do you want to compete for it?"
Anthony laughed.
"Forget it, I can't compare to him yet, I can only give up. You can contact the other projects, after 'The Kiss' is finished, it would be best to take on a new role right away."
Richard closed the folder.
"Okay!"
(End of Chapter)