Chapter 27: Free? No way! I must charge!

"Hello—"

As soon as Charlize Theron spoke in her raspy voice, excited chatter resembling a Gatling gun came through from the other end of the line—Mary's voice.

"Hemera Studios just called! They've already coordinated the filming schedule with the director. You need to go and sign the contract as soon as possible!"

"Oh my God! Three million dollars! This is the highest paycheck you've received since you broke into Hollywood! This is amazing!"

"That Wayne Anderson really keeps his word, unlike those jerks who go back on their promises after they've had their fun!"

"I love dealing with independent film investors. As long as you please them, you'll get what you deserve—unlike those big-budget studio films where everything is a messy mix of different interests."

"Alright, I'm coming to pick you up! Get ready!"

Mary went on for a full five minutes without even pausing to take a breath, leaving Charlize Theron standing there, mouth open, without a chance to get a word in edgewise.

"Alright, come over," Theron finally managed to say.

She had originally planned to tell Mary that it was already nearing six o'clock, and maybe they should wait until tomorrow morning to sign the contract. But with how excited Mary sounded, she had a strong feeling that if she suggested that, Mary would likely crash her car right through Theron's front door.

"Ding dong!"

Fifteen minutes later, the doorbell rang.

Charlize Theron, who had just changed into some comfortable loungewear and chugged a bit of milk from the fridge, had no choice but to go downstairs and open the door.

"Oh, what the hell! Why are you still dressed like this? And what's with your makeup? You look terrible!"

Mary had planned to whisk Charlize off the moment she arrived, but seeing her still in loungewear with messy makeup and an overall tired appearance, she couldn't help but curse.

"Blame Wayne Anderson for that," Theron replied lazily, leaving Mary thoroughly confused.

"Alright, let's not talk about it. Let's go!"

"Go? Are you insane? You're going to sign a contract looking like this?" Mary exclaimed. A celebrity's image is more important than their life!

"Relax, the contract won't fall through," Theron said confidently.

"We'll be quick—sign the contract and come right back. But we need to stop by a fast-food place on the way to get some burgers. I'm starving!"

Mary, a tough agent from CAA, usually managed every move Charlize made. But this time, she chose to back down. After all, Charlize had secured such a great deal without leaning on Mary or CAA's connections.

Even though *Happy Death Day* was just a $10 million indie film, as long as the paycheck was big, it was a great opportunity!

However, the burger stop didn't happen. In the end, Charlize gave up on the idea. After all, for a female star, weight was just as important as life.

"Hey Sally, do you think we could still land other roles? The auditions just ended, so if we act now, we might still have time," Mary mused, regaining her sharp agent instincts as they drove to Hemera Studios.

But Charlize just gave her a look and said, "Mary, it's not like it was ten years ago. CAA's package deals don't work anymore. *Happy Death Day* might be an indie film, but its budget is still $10 million—that's no small sum. And from what I can tell, Wayne Anderson is an arrogant, domineering guy. He won't let CAA mess with his movie. If you don't want to risk losing that $3 million, don't overstep."

Mary thought back to the audition, recalling how Wayne, despite being just a screenwriter and actor, had brazenly taken the head seat, making the producer and director look like his lackeys. She couldn't help but agree with Charlize.

As a competent agent, Mary could read people well. She had dealt with her fair share of rich kids funding their own vanity projects. Even though everyone knew the movie was just a vehicle for the rich kid, they still pretended to give the director and producer authority. But Wayne Anderson? He acted like he owned everyone.

Then again, Mary thought, why shouldn't he? He was funding the whole movie. His company, his money—he had the right to be cocky.

"There's a difference between arrogant and confident when you've got the means to back it up," Mary muttered to herself.

In Hollywood's cutthroat world, Mary's values had long been shaped by the industry. Like a drop of water falling into ink, she had been completely absorbed by it, taking on its color.

Meanwhile, Wayne had no idea his financial prowess had just saved him from a small plot.

After leaving Theron's house that morning, he called James Wan to adjust the filming schedule, and then took Annie out shopping. Poor Annie, who had just recovered some energy overnight, fell back into an exhausted sleep before dinnertime, while a refreshed Wayne drove back to his estate, ignoring his assistant Hannah's grumbles.

"Please, know your place! You're just an assistant... Mia and Jessie aren't even mad, so why are you upset?"

"Ugh, screw you!"

Angrily, Hannah lunged at Wayne, and another battle was about to unfold.

By September 9th, the *Happy Death Day* crew officially started filming at SCA (Southern California Academy).

Yes, the movie was set primarily on a college campus, and Mia, out of a bit of vanity, suggested they film at her school. SCA was happy to oblige since it allowed them to place some students in non-speaking background roles—like couples getting soaked by sprinklers or fraternity members running events.

These students were essentially playing themselves. SCA even reduced the location fees to practically nothing.

But Wayne wouldn't accept that. If SCA didn't charge them, how could he account for that in the production budget? How would he explain the missing expense? By adding extra chicken legs and chocolate cake to the student actors' lunches?

He had already maxed out the catering budget!

"Hey Sally, you're here."

"Director, Wayne, I'm really sorry about the schedule," Charlize apologized as soon as she arrived, already in costume and makeup.

"No worries, four days is plenty of time."

Since *G.I. Jane* was premiering on September 14th, Charlize had to leave by the 13th, giving her only four days to shoot. But that was more than enough for her role as Danielle, a somewhat arrogant but not entirely bad third lead.

If anything caused delays, it would probably be Jessica's performance. Thinking of her, Wayne's gaze drifted to a quiet corner of the set.

Jessica, already in costume and makeup, sat alone, focusing on her script and preparing herself emotionally.

"Are you sure Jessie can handle it?" Hannah, who was also Wayne's assistant and bodyguard, noticed his gaze and couldn't help but comment.

"I've read the script. I don't know what you were thinking, casting someone like Jessie, who's all sweetness, to play a total mean girl. Can she really pull it off?"

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