Chapter 2 Fifty Thousand Dollars
I am done with this," Matthew interjected, "You may seek someone more capable.
However, Morris did not notice these changes, believing that everything was under control, and was about to reach out to pat Matthew on the shoulder
I ... ... I ... ...
Morris's eyes widened even further, as if he could not understand Matthew's words, "What did you say? Don't use that damn Texas hick accent!"
He gradually pulled his gaze away from the blonde woman, his expression becoming more resolute, and the flush on his face quickly receded
Being stared at by such eyes, Matthew felt the hair all over his body stand on end, instinctively clenching his legs together, while inwardly lamenting that fortunately the previous person had not yet done anything irreversible
As a person who has endured for twenty years, the temptations of money and beautiful women are undeniably great for Matthew. He swallowed hard and said, "Of course I want it!"
His voice turned cold, "You have to pay a large sum of money!"
I have no money! Matthew just checked, and there are only a few dozen dollars in the wallet in my pocket
I quit! Matthew said directly
Then, he keenly noticed that Matthew's throat was rolling continuously, his face slightly flushed, and his eyes were constantly drifting towards the door.
You ... ...
Having finished speaking, he prepared to leave immediately
In this industry, it is quite common to have temporary replacements during filming. Even when an actor suddenly withdraws and a suitable replacement cannot be found, the director himself will step in to perform. Although this young man is exceptionally talented, he is even less willing to waste precious time
Matthew felt a surge of passion rushing to his head, with the impulsive hormones in his body seemingly urging him to nod in agreement. However, he was not a naive young man just entering society. After years of struggling at the bottom of the social ladder, he was well aware that behind the allure of fame and fortune, one might have to pay a lifetime of painful consequences.
Prepare fifty thousand dollars! The company has always kept its promises!" Morris blocked his way, "Kid, I will make you bankrupt, and then you will come begging me!"
Sitting dazed in the chair, more memories surfaced in Matthew's mind, confirming that the film crew was preparing to shoot a romantic action film
The director, who also served as the producer of the crew, immediately looked at Morris. Morris shook his head, indicating that it had nothing to do with him, but the face beneath the bald head was almost twisted with anger. The director pointed at Matthew and said to him, "Take care of him"
Morris's eyes widened instantly, and before he could say anything, Matthew interjected, "I like money and I also like beautiful women"
This will certainly not be an exception
Dong! Dong! Dong... ...
It is evident that he needs to adapt to American English
Matthew walked over, opened the door, and glanced at the bald white man wearing glasses outside. Relevant information immediately appeared in his mind; this was the deceptive agent, Morris.
The director left, and Matthew shrugged at Morris, saying, "Goodbye"
For someone like him, who lacks education and skills, becoming an actor may be a way out, but being this kind of actor is undoubtedly a dead end
"Whatever." Matthew, now barefoot and unafraid of those in shoes, said to Morris, "Los Angeles is so vast, do you really think you can cover the sky with one hand?"
Hmph! Morris snorted, it is no longer the 1970s or 1980s, some matters cannot be handled recklessly, this is inherently a sensitive industry, and it could easily lead to enormous trouble
Do you know how powerful this production team is? Morris is clearly a seasoned guy, the largest shareholder of the company that owns the production team is General Electric! Dealing with someone like you is as easy as crushing an ant.
Morris pulled open the door and turned to take a glance. From the room, he could see the tall and alluring Jessica Derrick, and he could hardly believe that this barely twenty-year-old young man could possibly endure it
Seeing Matthew in this state, Maurice was convinced that he had regained control. He began to contemplate whether this disobedient fellow should be pushed into a production of extremely intense and unconventional content once the audience's novelty wore off
Morris suddenly adopted a strange tone, "Jessica Derrick is widely recognized as a beauty in the industry. You can have her right away, indulge yourself completely, not only without spending a dime, but also earn a substantial amount of money. Is there anything more wonderful than this? If it weren't for the crew looking down on me, I would be willing to do it!"
@ # # ! ''
What is going on? the director asked as he entered.
He patted Matthew on the shoulder again, "Money and beauty are right in front of you, don't you want them?"
This voice seems somewhat angry, "Did I not say to come out in fifteen minutes? Now..."
My meaning is very simple!" Matthew pointed to his chest, "I quit!"
As for the reason, it is, of course, for money
"What?" Morris's eyes widened even more, "What did you say?"
The sound spread throughout the studio, and countless people turned their heads to look. The middle-aged director wearing glasses walked straight over.
Matthew couldn't help but roll his eyes; even someone like him, who was not familiar with Americans, knew that after making such a film, it would be impossible to become a Hollywood star. It is likely that the individual in question is not unaware, but rather blinded by money
As an agent who relies on deception and manipulation to entice young people, Morris is well aware of how to impress these youngsters. "With money, you will no longer have to be a driver delivering female models! You can have others deliver female models for you to enjoy! As long as you have money, you can do anything you want. The opportunity is right in front of you now; if you miss this chance, it will not come again!"
Matthew just blurted out a phrase that sounded awkward even to himself, and he couldn't help but cough softly a couple of times. After a brief adjustment, he finally said, "I... I... mean... I quit"
"Then stop talking nonsense, stop fooling around!" Morris's tone gradually softened, "This contract will earn you eight thousand dollars! With such favorable conditions, you will surely become a big star and make a lot of money! In the future, earning fifty thousand dollars or even one hundred thousand dollars for a film will not be a problem!"
Matthew, follow me, and you will become a big star, earn a lot of money, drive the best cars, and be with the most beautiful women
"Do you know the consequences of breach of contract?" Morris's face darkened completely, "You will have to pay a hefty penalty for breach! You will be liable to compensate ten times the cost of the costumes, props, and safety equipment customized for you by the production team! Furthermore, do you think you can easily walk away..."
Moreover, that agent deceived him, claiming that this was a pathway to Hollywood, a backdoor to Hollywood films
The director and producer suddenly said, "You can choose not to do it, but I will demand a penalty five times the amount of your contract, plus the expenses incurred by the crew on you. I will have the company's legal advisor claim fifty thousand dollars from you!"
Matthew would rather be hit by a hammer and fall flat than star in such a film
Because his conditions are indeed quite good, he is tall and strong, has a sunny and robust appearance, and also harbors a dream of becoming a star
This is a somewhat old denim outfit, faded from washing, but when Matthew wears it, he feels a sense of peace. Moreover, while changing clothes, he discovered a detail about why that agent had deceived the previous guy
What do you want to do
More importantly, the innate talent and internal resources are exceptionally substantial
No, it should be getting ready to start. Isn't the filming yet to begin?
I said... Matthew adjusted himself again, feeling that he could speak smoothly now. He adopted a very serious tone and said, "I quit! This is not a joke!"
Having confirmed this, Matthew looked at his body clad only in a large pair of shorts. He searched around the dressing room and, combining it with the memories in his mind, quickly found his clothes and changed into them without hesitation
"Are you quitting?" Morris took Matthew's words as a joke, "Stop rambling, hurry up and change your clothes, the entire crew is waiting for you"
Matthew suddenly interrupted him, "You don't need to scare me, I have nothing, I am a complete pauper"
Moreover, the previous individual was not only informed and voluntary, but also signed a formal contract
His hand, which he had extended, halted in mid-air, as the shoulder had already shifted to one side, and its owner seemed to be quite unwelcoming of this hand
Upon hearing this, Morris burst into laughter. How many of these poor country boys could resist such temptation? In the past, there were indeed some who had second thoughts at the last moment, but under threats and inducements, none failed to obediently take off their pants.
The person who came to Los Angeles a few months ago had a very difficult time. Aspiring to be an actor, he couldn't even land a background role. With little money and a lack of resources, his ambitions dwindled. Coupled with the misleading guidance from a certain agent, he, like many young people, acted impulsively and embarked on this irreversible path
Seeing Matthew dressed in the same clothes as before, the bald man named Morris first uttered a curse word starting with the letter F, then entered and closed the door, glaring as he said, "What are you doing?"
Thinking of this, Matthew also felt a sense of relief. If such a film were really made and widely distributed, how would he ever have the face to meet anyone in the future
Morris extended a finger, pointing at Matthew, who suddenly raised his voice and shouted, "I quit!"
For someone who has been impoverished for twenty years, to the extent that even having enough to eat became a problem, the allure of wealth and beautiful women is simply unimaginable
He smiled faintly, and then his tone changed, "But not in this way"
The urgent knocking on the door sounded again, and the voice I had heard before came through the door, "Matthew! What are you doing?"
I will have the company's legal advisor claim this amount from you!" The director and producer said lightly, as if Matthew's last-minute change of heart was a trivial matter. He turned and walked outside, and just before leaving, he threw a remark at Morris, "Next time, find someone more reliable!"
He pulled out his phone from his pocket and waved it in front of Morris, "As long as I press this button, it will dial the emergency services. I remember this is a bustling area of Los Angeles, right? Do you want to deal with the police?"
Matthew knew he was referring to that blonde woman and unconsciously nodded his head
His gaze shifted downward, landing between Matthew's legs. "Not everyone has such a good opportunity as you do." A large hand patted Matthew on the shoulder, "Don't waste your talent!"
The stick has been used up, and Morris threw out another sweet date. "When you came in, I introduced you to Jessica. Do you think she is beautiful and sexy?"
Morris looked up at Matthew's face, confirming that this was real, his gaze instantly turning cold, "Are you crazy? This is not your driver's job, you can't just resign with words! You have a contract with the crew, if you breach it..."