The Box Office King of Hollywood

As evening approached, Matthew and Britney left their room for dinner at the same restaurant as before, but this time they were lucky not to encounter anyone like Christina Aguilera causing trouble.

"You wouldn't believe it, Matthew," Britney said excitedly, "I ran into Christina Aguilera again recently. She tried to provoke me, but I told her my bodyguard was outside, and she immediately scurried away."

Matthew encouraged, "Dear, you did great! Don't pay attention to Christina Aguilera's provocations. There's always a way to retaliate, right?"

Britney smiled happily, "Yes, you're right." She scratched her fair cheek and asked Matthew, "Do I sometimes act without thinking?"

Matthew thought for a moment and decided to be honest, "Sometimes, you do."

"And when I do," Britney said a bit awkwardly, "Matthew, you have to remind me, okay?"

"Don't worry," Matthew patted Britney's hand on the table, "I will."

The dishes arrived one after another, and they continued to chat while eating.

Britney seemed troubled, "You don't have to go out of town for filming recently, right?"

Matthew swallowed the food in his mouth, "Not for now. I'll be in Los Angeles for a while. I have some things to take care of."

"I have to leave again…" Britney's fork clattered against the plate, "I'm going to Nashville."

Matthew had heard her mention it earlier in the suite and comforted, "Once you finish recording the songs, won't you be back?"

That was easy to say, but he didn't know if he'd be off to another location by the time Britney returned from Nashville to Los Angeles.

Talking about these matters made them both a bit melancholy. After dinner, like always, Britney quickly went home, and Matthew returned to his apartment to continue packing. After living there for two years, he had accumulated quite a bit, especially books and videotapes, filling three large boxes.

After participating in HBO's two events for "Band of Brothers" in Los Angeles, he planned to look for a new place to live.

Matthew thought living there temporarily was fine, but Helen Herman disagreed, arguing that the old apartment no longer matched his income and actor level.

In Helen Herman's view, creating a star was a systematic project, and maintaining a presentable appearance was crucial, regardless of the reality. An aspiring star must look the part, externally at least.

Of course, Helen Herman wouldn't push him beyond his means, which Matthew wouldn't have agreed to anyway.

Helen Herman suggested that Matthew should rent a small, independent house on the outskirts of Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, or Burbank, or if that wasn't possible, a refined apartment in a higher-end community in Westwood or North Hollywood.

Matthew left the house-hunting to her, as she was a native Los Angeleno with a natural advantage.

Although there was no specific news from Helen Herman's end, Matthew started preparing for the move.

Initially, Matthew considered buying a house rather than continuing to rent, understanding the longing for a home felt by people across the Pacific, but he ultimately decided to save his earnings from "The Mummy Returns" and "Black Hawk Down," minus Helen Herman's cut. With tax season in April and spending generously with Britney, it was wise to save.

Over two days, Matthew intermittently packed his belongings, and then Helen Herman found a promising property. Guided by a real estate agent, Matthew visited houses in Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, North Hollywood, and Burbank.

Matthew was initially interested in a luxurious, spacious apartment in North Hollywood, but the steep $2500 monthly rent made him hesitate.

After five days of house hunting, he found a suitable place in a suburb north of Burbank, near the San Fernando Valley and North Hollywood. The one-story brick house with an attic was designed to block the intense midday sun of Southern California. With about 100 square meters of indoor space and elegant European decor, it was perfect for Matthew.

The house had a private yard surrounded by evergreen ivy, creating a pleasing view.

Its quiet location, slightly remote with the nearest neighbor thirty meters away, ensured privacy, ideal for discreet visits from Britney.

Additionally, the location offered easy access to major roads and shopping areas, making it convenient for daily needs and trips to Los Angeles or North Hollywood.

And the rent was affordable at $1200 a month.

Given the price, Matthew suspected there was a catch.

After inspecting the house, he asked the real estate agent directly about any issues, given its below-market price.

The agent revealed that the house had been the site of a murder several months prior, where the female owner was killed by her boyfriend in the yard.

Matthew, unaffected by the property's history, negotiated the rent down to $1000 a month, agreeing to pay a year's rent upfront.

After finalizing the lease and paying the deposit and rent, Matthew hired a cleaning service to tidy up the house and moved in, finding the location more convenient for his agency and potential jobs in Los Angeles.

Despite considering hosting a housewarming party, Matthew realized he had no friends in Los Angeles at the moment, including Britney.

With no work in early May and Helen Herman unable to find suitable roles, Matthew continued practicing acting, reading, writing, and maintaining his fitness.

He recognized his strengths and was gradually building his acting resume, crucial for an aspiring actor.

If he had a wealthy father willing to invest or came from an influential showbiz family, his path might have been different.

In late April, Helen Herman briefed Matthew on upcoming promotions for "The Mummy Returns" and advised him to upgrade his wardrobe, suggesting hiring a stylist for a tailored look.

Matthew agreed, understanding the importance of presentation for the film's premiere, especially with Universal inviting the "Fast and Furious" cast, including Vin Diesel, to leverage the movie's attention.

Helen Herman hinted at internal dissatisfaction with Vin Diesel at Universal, suggesting they were unlikely to work with him again.

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