Chapter 35: Mutual Benefits

Matthew was aware of Britney Spears' fame; securing an audition for the music video of such a high-profile star, especially for the male lead role, was unexpectedly good news for him. Essentially, he was still a minor figure in the grand landscape of Hollywood, and this opportunity hadn't changed his modest self-perception.

"Are you really going to audition for Britney Spears' music video? As the male lead?"

After Matthew put away his phone, Eilena Boyar probed, "And it's for the male lead role?"

Matthew knew she had overheard the conversation and didn't deny it. "Yes, the audition is tomorrow."

Eilena glanced toward the heavily guarded gates of the estate, suddenly losing interest in the British actors inside. Compared to the skyrocketing fame of Britney Spears, what were those tidbits worth? If she could scoop some exclusive news on Britney Spears, why bother lingering here?

Her mind raced, recalling her interactions with Matthew. He had mentioned his agent had significant resources, which seemed to be true given this development.

Eilena, though quick-tempered, was sharp-minded. Working in an industry tied closely to Hollywood, she knew well that securing such an audition opportunity for a part-time actor was no small feat. It wasn't something just any agent could manage, suggesting perhaps that the audition might be more than mere formality—it might be a setup, with this guy right beside her playing a role.

Crossing her arms and tapping her fingers on her knuckles, Eilena took a moment before speaking. "Britney is hot right now. The role of her video's male lead will be highly contested."

Matthew simply watched her, sensing that what would follow might not be entirely positive. He kept his guard up but maintained an oblivious facade, replying, "I know it's a great opportunity, but how do I seize it? I don't know the director or the producer, nor do I know Britney Spears."

"You could get photos with Britney during your time on the MV set," Eilena coached, "Then give them to me, I'll write an article saying you're the male lead in Britney's video... hmm, maybe even her boyfriend. That way, you'll get attention and become famous!"

"So, hype it up," Matthew realized her intent. "Become famous through publicity stunts..."

Eilena clapped her hands together, "Matthew, which star hasn't been hyped up? Many stars were made famous through publicity."

Matthew frowned in thought. Indeed, such tactics might work to gain fame, but they didn't seem like the right choice. Even if Britney Spears might be somewhat naive, would her record label and management team really allow someone to use her fame for such blatant promotion without consequences?

Moreover, Eilena hadn't even stated her terms yet.

"You're offering all this..." Matthew suddenly asked, "You're not planning to do this as a favor, are you?"

Eilena spoke offhand, "Consider it a pre-investment. I think you have the potential to make it big. Once you're famous, just feed me some exclusive news now and then, and that'll be enough for me."

Matthew felt there was more to it. "Is that all?"

"Of course, there's a little favor you could do for me."

There it was—the strong-willed fox showed her tail. "If you could take some photos of Britney Spears for me, preferably without makeup, or anything else that's special."

She added, "Oh, and if you hear or see anything about Britney, share that with me too."

Matthew didn't respond right away, taking a moment before speaking, "You want me to gather news for you?"

"Pretty much," Eilena couldn't deny this simple fact. "It's mutually beneficial."

She made it sound easy, but Matthew felt uneasy. Such actions could ruin his chances in Hollywood. Though he didn't have a clear strategy, his instincts told him that helping a journalist to spy on a famous star might make him a pariah in the industry.

However, he didn't outright refuse, only remaining silent.

"Here's my business card." Eilena pulled out a card and handed it over. "Call me if you change your mind."

Matthew accepted the card without hesitation.

"Goodbye." Eilena waved at him, miming a phone call, "We'll be in touch."

She left the Ford and didn't linger, driving off in the yellow Chevrolet, seemingly having lost all interest in Johnny Lee Miller's party.

Matthew watched the Chevrolet depart, flipping over the business card which bore only Eilena Boyar's name and a phone number. He tucked it into his wallet.

He certainly wasn't planning to sneak photos of Britney Spears, especially not sensitive ones. However, this journalist might prove useful in the future.

Eilena's proposal made Matthew think about other aspects of celebrity and

 publicity. He remembered the smartphone era, when gossip was rampant across social networks. He had followed numerous celebrity gossip stories, both domestic and international, including international superstars like Tom Cruise and Britney Spears. The authenticity of such stories was debatable, but the widely spread ones likely had some truth.

For instance, he had read about Britney Spears' tumultuous periods, her shaved head, whirlwind marriages, car smashing, and a rivalry that featured constant public spats.

What was the name of that rival? He tried to recall but couldn't remember the full name, only that they had both been in a club called the Mickey Mouse Club as children.

He would look it up later; she was also a famous singer.

The question was, how could he use this information to his advantage? Accepting Eilena's card was merely keeping an option open.

Due to Eilena's presence, Matthew found himself unable to sleep. He checked his old Nokia phone; it lacked entertainment functions, had no 4G connectivity, and was devoid of social apps...

Social networks? Blogs? Those were influential once, right? He'd have to check if blogs had made their appearance yet when he had access to the internet.

Since his arrival, Matthew had been too busy to even surf the web.

Cars continued to arrive at the estate across the street, signaling the start of another lavish party.

Matthew was accustomed to his job and no longer felt envious as he had before. With nothing urgent to handle, he reclined the seat back and lay down to rest. After all, he had an important audition the next day.

The next morning, after picking up the weary models from the estate and sending them home, Matthew cleaned up at Red Penguin and headed to the Burbank Angels Agency early.

"Hi, Amanda!"

Upon entering the agency, Matthew greeted Amanda familiarly, "You look really nice today."

"Do I?" Amanda touched her face, clearly pleased, "Thanks. Matthew, it's always a pleasure to see you."

She pointed to a glass door by the lobby, "Go wait in the conference room. Helen and the other actors haven't arrived yet."

Hearing there were other actors involved, Matthew leaned toward the front desk, whispering, "It's not just me, then?"

"Of course not," Amanda said nonchalantly. "There are about a dozen actors, I think."

Realizing it wasn't as simple as he thought, Matthew inquired, "A competition for a role?"

Amanda nodded, "You could say that."

"Can you give me a hint?" Matthew edged closer, lowering his voice further, "You always have the best info in the office."

Amanda laughed, "It's no big deal. Helen secured an MV audition using actors signed with Angels, but who gets picked depends on how you perform."

Matthew got the information he needed and, seeing a computer at the front desk, asked, "Can I use your computer to check something online?"

"Sure," Amanda allowed.

She trusted him; after all, they were practically friends, and there was nothing confidential on her computer.

Matthew found the information about the Mickey Mouse Club after searching Britney Spears' background online.

"Thanks!" After chatting briefly with Amanda, he headed to the conference room.

As time passed, actors trickled into the conference room, mostly young Caucasian men, including three Matthew had seen during his signing. He had no interest in greeting them, opting instead to sit quietly and rest.

Close to nine, over ten people had gathered in the conference room, including a familiar face—Michael Sheen.

Michael noticed Matthew as he entered, furrowing his brow before relaxing and sitting next to him. Just as he was about to greet Matthew, Helen Herman entered the room.

Matthew nodded to Michael and turned to Helen, who clapped her hands to capture everyone's attention and announced loudly, "Angels Agency has secured an audition for the male lead in Britney Spears' new music video. Whether you get the role depends on your performance coming up."

She checked her watch, "Alright, we're heading out now!"