The Best Movie Actor In Hollywood!

Chapter 181

Nashville, situated on the banks of the Cumberland River, is the capital of Tennessee and a mecca for pop and especially country music in the United States. It possesses a relaxed atmosphere that the entertainment hubs of New York and Los Angeles lack, and many artists come here for a time to recharge before releasing an album or going on tour.

Matthew had been to Nashville several times because of Britney, but unlike his previous visits, on the evening of his arrival, the good mood he’d felt after landing the role of Will Turner vanished without a trace. Britney had taken the time to meet him, only to suggest they break up.

It wasn't because either of them had cheated or because of a third party; it was purely due to time and distance. Over the past year, they had seen each other less than ten times, and their feelings had naturally faded.

Perhaps thanks to his constant reminders and guidance over the last two years, Britney had matured considerably. There were no arguments, no conflict, and no ill will between them. It might be an exaggeration to say they could remain friends after not being a couple, but they certainly wouldn't become enemies.

The atmosphere during their meeting was exceptionally calm and amicable.

Matthew hadn't expected this outcome the moment he flew in to visit Britney, but in retrospect, he didn't truly blame her. Both of them were responsible. As the number of calls and the frequency of their meetings dwindled, neither of them did anything to stop it. Perhaps unconsciously, the relationship had gradually grown dull and lifeless.

Time and distance were objective realities that couldn't be ignored.

His mindset was to save it if he could, but reality was different. In Britney's words, since the affection was gone, staying together any longer would be a form of torture and an act of irresponsibility toward each other.

Hearing her say that, Matthew even felt a certain sense of relief. Over the past two years, Britney had genuinely changed a great deal under his influence, and the changes had been for the better.

They parted ways amicably, and deep down, he still hoped she would emerge and become the pop super-diva she was meant to be.Since he was scheduled to leave soon for preparatory work on "Pirates of the Caribbean," Matthew met with Britney one more time the next day for a final conversation. After confirming that things were truly over, he returned to Los Angeles. A man like him certainly wasn't the type to cry his eyes out over such a thing, but a certain heaviness lingered in his heart.

The one good thing was that although he and Britney had been dating for two years, they had never deeply integrated into each other's lives. And since they saw each other so infrequently, very few people knew about their relationship.

On Matthew's side, the only person who knew everything was Helen.

"I have some news for you."

In Helen's office, Matthew didn't hide the dejection on his face. "Britney broke up with me."

"Oh?" Helen replied nonchalantly, seeming not the least bit surprised. "We're in Hollywood. Breaking up is normal here."

Matthew said nothing. He was a normal person, and he needed time to process these emotions.

"Some advice," Helen said bluntly. "Next time you date someone, don't choose a popular singer. They're either clueless or preparing for concerts year-round. They're much busier than actors."

Matthew knew Helen was speaking the truth, but he still retorted, "What the hell? I'm heartbroken. Why aren't you consoling me?"

Helen raised an eyebrow at his words. "Do you need my consolation?"

Before Matthew could answer, she continued, "Alright, then I'll give you the best consolation you can get: you've lost one tree, but now you have a whole forest to choose from."

"What kind of nonsense is that?" Matthew went to make himself a cup of tea and said to Helen, "I feel like I've lost something."

Helen was a little surprised. "I didn't think you were actually—"

"Oh, please!" Matthew cut her off. "It was my first love! My first!"

"You'll get over it." Helen rarely lingered on this topic. Her goal was simple: get Matthew back to normal as quickly as possible. After all, he was about to head to the set of "Pirates of the Caribbean." "There are plenty of beautiful women in Hollywood. Once you're famous, they'll be jumping into your bed in droves. You'll forget all about Britney soon enough."

Matthew shrugged. "Maybe."

Helen added, "Besides, you actors have stressful jobs. Look at society today. Who doesn't fall out of love a few times before getting married?"

Matthew had to agree. It was common enough back home, let alone in the notoriously open culture of America.

"Alright, stop wallowing," Helen finally remarked. "It's not like you."

Matthew took a sip of his hot tea and said no more.

After a moment, he took the initiative to change the subject. "I've found a suitable personal assistant. Help me draw up a contract, and don't forget to add a confidentiality clause."

"Okay," Helen replied, then asked, "Are they reliable?"

"Yes, she's reliable." Matthew drained the last of the tea from his cup. "It's Mira, the girl who was my temporary assistant on the sets of 'The Scorpion King' and 'The Mummy Returns'."

Helen seemed to approve. "Not a bad choice."

It was already approaching noon, but Matthew didn't leave. He invited Helen to lunch and then made a special trip to Universal Studios to meet with Sean Daniel. The producer had contacted Helen a while back to offer Matthew a role in a new film he was preparing. However, after they discussed it, Helen had turned him down, citing their commitment to "Pirates of the Caribbean."

It was a romantic comedy, which didn't fit his current brand. According to Helen, he was on a rapid ascent with plenty of opportunities ahead, so there was no need to think about expanding his repertoire or transitioning to a new genre. It wouldn't help and would only slow his current momentum.

If he wanted to do other types of films, he could wait until he was an A-list actor who could afford a flop or two before branching out and transforming his image.

At his current status and with his current capital, he couldn't afford a failure.

After being turned down by Helen, Sean reached out to him to arrange a meeting at Universal Studios.

In any case, Sean had always been good to him, so Matthew readily agreed.

At Universal Studios, Matthew met Sean, who was busy preparing for the new film.

A shoot was in progress inside the studio, so the two stood by the doorway and chatted for a few minutes.

"Sean, Helen didn't want to turn you down," Matthew, of course, chose his words carefully. "We've worked together on two films now, and I'd love to continue working with you if circumstances hadn't gotten in the way."

"So you're really going to be in 'Pirates of the Caribbean'?" Sean asked.

The cast wouldn't be officially announced until early July, but Matthew nodded in response. "Yes, one of the two male leads. I'll be on set starting next month for prep and then shooting in the Caribbean."

Sean nodded. "I understand."

He changed the subject, pointing to a nearby studio. "Stephen's 'Van Helsing' crew is prepping over there. Want to go have a look?"

Matthew thought for a moment and said, "Sure."

"Great." Sean glanced back inside the studio. "I'll head over later."

After saying goodbye to Sean, Matthew went to the other studio. He spoke with the staff at the door and was allowed in without any trouble. Stephen Sommers wasn't there; he had apparently gone to scout locations in Eastern Europe. Only the lead actors were undergoing action training on a temporarily converted set.

Matthew spotted Orlando from a distance, just as he was taking a break, and walked over to say hello.

"Hey, Orlando," he greeted.

Orlando saw Matthew and immediately asked, "Matthew, you didn't just come here to see me, did you?"

"Of course not, what would I want with you?" Matthew replied nonchalantly. "I was here on business and decided to drop by."

As soon as he finished speaking, someone standing behind Orlando suddenly said, "Matthew?"

Hearing his name, Matthew turned and saw a very well-built young man he'd seen a few times at Nibora's gym.

"Hey, Fox," he said with a smile. "What are you doing here?"

It was Fox Sherman, the genuine tycoon Nibora had mentioned.

"I came looking for someone." Fox made no attempt to hide it, looking directly across the training area to where a tall woman with long brown hair stood.

Matthew followed his gaze and recognized Kate Beckinsale, who had starred in "Pearl Harbor" and was playing the female lead in "Van Helsing."

After Fox exchanged a few words with Matthew, Kate Beckinsale walked to the other end of the lounge area, and he hurriedly followed her.

"That Fox," Orlando said, watching his retreating back. "He invested in a film starring Kate Beckinsale and seems to be trying to woo her."

Matthew nodded, not particularly interested, and asked, "How are things? Tired from training?"

Orlando smiled. "Not at all."

There was a hint of smugness in his tone. "The lead in a $160 million production. I'm thrilled, one way or another."

He still felt a twinge of guilt talking about it, and asked with concern, "What about you? Have you found a new project yet?"

Matthew thought for a moment, weighed his words slightly, and said, "Just signed a new contract. Disney's 'Pirates of the Caribbean,' one of the two male leads."

Orlando had heard of the project but wasn't particularly interested. He was just happy for Matthew. "Congratulations!"

This made him feel a little better.

They talked for a few more minutes, and Matthew took the initiative to leave when he saw they were about to start training again.

He was no longer concerned with "Van Helsing"; his mind was solely on "Pirates of the Caribbean."