Chapter 41: Full Cooperation

The sun had just risen from the horizon, and some studios at Disney Productions were already bustling with people coming and going. Matthew, wearing a baseball cap and holding a newspaper, showed the entry pass he had obtained at his first audition to the studio's security guard and entered the production studio.

It was still early, and apart from a few studios, there weren't many people around. He picked up a golf cart from the parking area and drove towards the studio rented by the "Sometimes" MV crew.

Matthew hadn't really listened to Britney Spears' songs beyond her hits, honestly speaking. His taste in music was still stuck in the pop songs of the 90s from Hong Kong and Taiwan. He had heard very few foreign songs, the most memorable being Ricky Martin's "Cup of Life" and Celine Dion's "My Heart Will Go On."

Not to mention Britney Spears, he hadn't even listened to Michael Jackson's songs, despite knowing his name.

For the audition, he had specifically bought a Britney Spears album. Although he couldn't say much about it, he could tell that "Sometimes" was somewhat softer compared to the lead single "Baby One More Time" from the album.

The song was also about the little things in young love.

Arriving at the studio, Matthew parked the golf cart and walked towards the studio door. He had sneaked in a few days ago using his audition entry pass to scout the place. The studio wasn't large, but it was fully equipped, even boasting several lounges.

According to the latest information he'd gathered, Martin Jackson wasn't planning to shoot on the beach but intended to do all filming within the studio and add the background later.

"You're here early?"

Just as he reached the studio door, a person turned out from the corridor—it was an assistant from his first audition. Matthew smiled naturally, "Morning, York."

York, the assistant, nodded, "Morning."

He remembered Matthew was an auditioning actor but forgot his name.

"I'm Matthew." Matthew acted familiarly, "We chatted in the corridor last time."

"Oh, right." York slapped his forehead, recalling. "You were the fifth one in the audition room."

Matthew nodded, "You were cheering me on then."

That was something Matthew added intentionally to build rapport.

York, smiling warmly, invited Matthew inside, "Come on, I'll open the door for you."

"Thanks." Matthew followed him, talking as they walked, "You must be one of the earliest to arrive today?"

"Yeah, it's my turn to be on duty today." York glanced back at Matthew, "You're the second earliest."

Matthew turned into the corridor where the lounges were located, saying, "Thinking about the audition today, I couldn't sleep. Figured I'd come early."

York advised, "The more nervous you are, the worse you perform. Try to relax."

"Yeah." Matthew passed Britney Spears' dedicated lounge, casually asking, "Britney stays in there when she rests?"

"Yeah." York assumed Matthew was just curious, "Stars, you know, they get special treatment. That's her personal lounge, aside from Britney, her assistant, and her manager, no one else is allowed in."

They passed the lounge and walked further into another area, reaching the lounge they had been in before. York pulled out his key to unlock the door, telling Matthew, "You can wait here. If you're bored, there's yesterday's newspaper on the rack. I've got to go now."

Matthew entered the lounge, turning to say, "Alright, you go ahead. I'll be fine here."

York quickly left, and Matthew stood at the lounge door, observing his surroundings before walking back to Britney Spears' personal lounge door. He straightened the newspaper he was carrying and slid it under the door gap.

This was just a preliminary measure. If it didn't work, he had a backup plan.

Matthew had very limited resources and could only think of two plans that depended on luck. If they didn't work out, it wasn't anyone else's fault.

He then returned to the lounge, picked up yesterday's newspaper, found a spot to sit, and started reading quietly.

After finishing the newspaper, sounds of movement started outside the lounge. He checked his phone; there was still some time before the audition.

Time passed, and soon, the lounge door opened and Amanda walked in.

"You finally came." Matthew sighed in relief, "I thought you were going to stand me up."

"I couldn't help it, Helen asked me to wait for her," Amanda sat next to Matthew, "I also had to gather some info for you."

Matthew kept his complaints brief, asking, "Is Britney coming today?"

Amanda nodded, "Definitely. She should be here around nine."

Matthew continued, "Which number am I for the audition? Does Helen know?"

"Unless there's a surprise, you should be the second."

The time Matthew had spent on cultivating a relationship with Amanda was not wasted, as she now seemed to genuinely consider him a friend. "The first one is James Blunt, you're second, and Michael Sheen is last."

She thought for a moment and added, "According to Helen, James Blunt's chances are very slim. The final choice will definitely be between you and Michael Sheen."

Matthew nodded appreciatively, "Thank you, Amanda. You've been a great help."

Amanda smiled sweetly, "We're friends, aren't we? I hope it's you who gets it in the end. Michael Sheen is such a nuisance."

"Hmm?" Matthew queried, intrigued.

Amanda huffed, "He thinks he's so good-looking. He actually tried to hit on me a while ago."

That was news to Matthew. He guessed that Michael Sheen, like him, was trying to build relationships but had gone about it the wrong way.

In his experience, unless one was exceptionally attractive and charming, coming on too strong was often met with disdain rather than interest.

Matthew never intended to pursue these women romantically; unlike Michael Sheen, his motives were more carefully hidden.

Seeing Amanda still visibly upset, Matthew leaned in and whispered conspiratorially, "I'll tell you something, but don't share it with anyone else..."

He murmured something into her ear. Amanda's eyes widened in surprise, her mouth fell open, and then she quickly covered it with her hand to stifle her shock.

"Really?" Amanda was incredulous.

Matthew nodded solemnly, "When have I ever lied to you?"

Amanda's laughter broke through her shock, her earlier displeasure swept away, "He's really despicable! Will this affect you? After all, the director might support Michael Sheen."

"That's why..." Matthew looked at her earnestly, "I need your help, or I'm doomed."

Amanda slapped Matthew's arm affirmatively, "Don't worry, I've got your back. We can't let that awful guy win."

Matthew gave a thumbs up, "I knew you were the most reliable friend."

If there was any doubt about Amanda's willingness to help him out of mere politeness before, it was now clear she was fully committed.

As the corridor outside started bustling, and the other two actors also entered the lounge, Matthew greeted Michael Sheen, who seemed to still be recovering from an injury, limping slightly.

Michael nodded back, his expression a mix of unease and discomfort, especially when he saw Amanda. He found a spot to stand rather than sit.

"I'll be at the studio door," Amanda said, seeing Michael Sheen's discomfort, and volunteered, "I'll let you know as soon as Britney arrives."

"Alright," Matthew nodded and checked his phone again, "Looks like it's almost time for makeup. Do you know where to find me?"

They spoke in hushed tones, audible only to each other. Amanda waved dismissively, "Don't worry, I know this place better than you do."

After Amanda left, Matthew and the others waited for about twenty more minutes. Then, Helen Herman came with a studio assistant to take them to the makeup room to prepare for their screen tests. They entered the makeup room, and Helen left shortly after.

The three of them shared the same makeup room. James Blunt went first for makeup while Matthew and Michael Sheen went to try on clothes. The studio had prepared casual, light-colored sports outfits which were quite comfortable.

The makeup artist worked quickly since it was just basic foundation, not the extensive process required on sets like "Gladiator." By nine o'clock, all three were ready, styled appropriately though they had to stand to avoid wrinkling their outfits.

The screen test wouldn't start until 9:30, so Matthew had to wait inside the makeup room.

After a while, there was a knock on the door. The makeup artist opened it and after a brief exchange, turned to Matthew, "Matthew Horner, your agent is looking for you."

Matthew stepped out, careful not to mess up his makeup or outfit, as the stylist reminded him.

"Be careful with the clothes and makeup!" the stylist called out.

"I'll be very careful!" Matthew assured her.

As he left the makeup room, Michael Sheen appeared visibly uneasy. Why was Helen Herman looking for Matthew now? Could it mean something was changing?

Impossible, he shook his head. Just yesterday, he had spoken with director Martin Jackson, who had assured him that he was recommended to Britney and her record label, and neither had objected. He was sure to land the lead role.

Outside the makeup room, Matthew walked with Amanda towards the actor's lounge. With no one around, Amanda spoke softly, "Britney has arrived, she'll be here in two minutes."

"Great!" Matthew nodded, "Let's head to the lounge first and come back later."

They quickly entered the now empty lounge, with Matthew waiting inside while

 Amanda kept watch at the door.

"Where's Helen?" Matthew asked curiously, "She doesn't seem too concerned with the audition."

"She's with the record company's executives," Amanda shrugged. "Helen told me yesterday not to worry about the audition. No matter who wins, the chosen one will be her client. What difference does it make?"

Matthew pondered her words, realizing she had a point.

"Here she comes!" Amanda suddenly alerted, "Britney is coming!"