The Box Office King of Hollywood

"It's only been two years," Rachel McAdams said in the restaurant, looking at Matthew across the table. "And you've changed so much."

Matthew responded with a smile, "Do you mean I've become more handsome?"

"You've matured..." Rachel pondered for a moment before adding, "And you have something very special about you that makes you stand out. I guess that's what they call presence."

They had just finished lunch but didn't leave, choosing instead to chat there.

"When did you come back?" Matthew asked.

"I've been back for about half a month," Rachel replied, picking up her glass of water. "I've just settled down in a rented place and thought of you, my old friend."

Matthew guessed, based on their previous conversations, "In North Hollywood?"

"Yes," Rachel confirmed, pointing behind Matthew. "Near Burbank, to the east."

"That's a coincidence." Matthew also gestured behind him. "I live in a community on the west side of Burbank, near North Hollywood."

Rachel smiled, showing her dimple. "We must be neighbors. You should come over sometime."

Matthew nodded nonchalantly. "Sure, why not."

"You're filming Disney's big project, 'Pirates of the Caribbean', right?" Rachel seemed curious, as she had read in the newspapers.

Matthew confirmed what the media had already reported. "Yes, next week I'm heading to the Caribbean for the location shoot."

Rachel couldn't hide her envy. "I'm so jealous you got such a great opportunity."

Matthew humbly replied, "I'm just lucky to have a good agent with a wide network."

Rachel disagreed, "If you didn't have the skills, you wouldn't get the role. Disney wouldn't risk such a big project on someone incapable."

Changing the subject, Matthew asked, "What about you? Found any suitable work?"

"I made some contacts before coming over," Rachel said, apparently prepared for her return. "I also got a small part in a Disney film, but just as an extra."

Matthew tried to comfort her upon seeing her slightly downcast. "Things will pick up. There's always a chance."

Rachel shrugged slightly, resigned. "I guess there's not much I can do. I'm not a priority client for any agent, so getting better opportunities is tough."

As Rachel looked at Matthew, there seemed to be an unspoken expectation in her eyes.

Matthew wasn't sure what to say. It wouldn't be right to suggest she join Angel Agency and ask Helen Herman for help.

At Angel Agency, resources were currently focused on him. If Rachel joined, it would create a direct conflict of interest between them, and they wouldn't be able to sit and chat so freely as they were now.

Noticing Matthew didn't pick up on her hint, Rachel didn't press further on the topic. Instead, she remarked, "I hear the Caribbean is beautiful."

"The weather's a bit unpredictable, though," Matthew replied, mentioning the frequent strong winds.

After chatting for another half-hour, Matthew checked the time. "I should get going, Rachel. I have a gym session and training later."

Rachel nodded in understanding.

Matthew paid the bill, and they left the restaurant. Outside, Rachel mentioned, "Just drop me at the performing arts school. I need to pick up my bike."

Since Rachel's bike wouldn't fit in Matthew's car, he didn't insist and drove her to the school entrance.

Rachel unbuckled her seatbelt and was about to leave the car when she suddenly turned back.

"Is there something else, Rachel?" Matthew asked.

After a brief hesitation, Rachel said, "Matthew, you're now in contact with more film crews and scripts. If... I mean, if you come across a suitable opportunity, could you recommend me? Even for a small supporting role."

They had been close during their time at the acting school, and although it had been two years, Matthew remembered. He thought for a moment and replied, "If I find a role that suits you and I have a say in it, I'll definitely recommend you."

He knew, however, that such opportunities were rare, especially for a relatively new actor like himself.

Rachel got out of the car, and Matthew watched her enter the school before driving off toward Westwood. He reflected on their meeting, sensing that Rachel had changed since they last saw each other two years ago.

But then again, two years is enough time for many things to change.

Arriving at the gym, Matthew headed straight to the second floor. Niebola wasn't there, but the free-fighting coach was idly standing by, as the gym, catering to high-end clients, was relatively empty on a weekday.

After changing and warming up, Matthew was joined by an assistant coach wearing full protective gear, who served as his temporary sparring partner.

About ten minutes into his practice, someone called out to him from outside the training area.

"Matthew! Matthew!" It was Niebola's voice. "Take a break!"

Matthew took off his gloves and wiped off his sweat before looking toward Niebola, who was beckoning him over, accompanied by a sturdy young man carrying a briefcase.

Matthew recognized him as Fox Sherman, the wealthy heir he had met not long ago.

After leaving the training area, Matthew first grabbed a towel to wipe off more sweat before approaching them.

"Hi, Matthew," Fox Sherman greeted him first. "We meet again."

Matthew nodded politely, "Hello, Fox."

"Fox has been looking for you, couldn't get your contact information," Niebola said succinctly, clearly not interested in their conversation, and quickly left.

Fox Sherman waited for Niebola to leave before speaking to Matthew. "Can we talk in the first-floor lounge?"

"Sure," Matthew replied, curious about his intentions.

They went downstairs to the leisure area, which was empty due to the low turnout at the gym that day.

"Would you like something to drink?" Fox asked as they sat down.

"No, thanks," Matthew declined and went straight to the point. "You wanted to see me about something, Fox?"

"It's nothing major," Fox began casually. "I heard you landed the lead in Disney's 'Pirates of the Caribbean' and wanted to congratulate you."

Matthew politely thanked him, suspecting there was more to this visit.

Fox glanced at Matthew and asked, "Do you have any plans after 'Pirates of the Caribbean'?"

Matthew shook his head, "No, I want to focus on this film and not get sidetracked."

"How about after this film?" Fox pressed on. "Wouldn't it be better to dive into another project right away?"

"I don't have time for auditions," Matthew started to understand Fox's intent. "Nor can I prepare adequately for a new role."

Fox Sherman waved off his concerns. "None of that matters." He opened his briefcase, pulled out a script, and slid it across to Matthew. "You might have heard from Niebola that I'm investing in the film industry. I've partnered with Lakeview Studios to fund an action movie they're producing. The female lead and some supporting roles are already cast, but we're missing a leading man..."

Fox smiled, waiting for Matthew to speak, but Matthew remained silent, letting him continue.

Matthew knew of Lakeview Studios from his agency's records – a Beverly Hills-based mid-tier production company known for independent and B-movies, with titles like "Sky Cops" and "Runaway Bride."

Fox's investment in such a project indicated considerable wealth.

Seeing Matthew still silent, Fox continued, "Most of the cast and crew are in place, except for the leading man. Matthew, I know you're focusing on 'Pirates of the Caribbean,' so you won't need to audition or prepare specifically for this role. The crew is still preparing; by the time they're ready, your part in 'Pirates' should be wrapped up..."

He made a convincing case, seemingly valuing Matthew highly, "Even if you're not done with 'Pirates', that's okay. The crew can wait for you to finish before shooting scenes involving the lead."

Matthew finally spoke, "That sounds good. But can you make that call?"

"Of course!" Fox assured confidently. "I'm the major investor in this project, and the producer reports directly to me and Lakeview Studios. I'm the main financial backer."

He lowered his voice, "Honestly, the studio and crew would be thrilled to have an actor of your caliber."

While Fox talked, Matthew was deep in thought.

He knew better than to accept an unexpected offer without considering potential traps. Why had Fox chosen him among so many actors in Hollywood? They knew each other, but that wasn't the real reason.

Matthew figured it out quickly. As the lead in "Pirates of the Caribbean," with Jerry Bruckheimer's track record, the film had a high chance of success, making him a more prominent star. Then...

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