The Box Office King of Hollywood

As the film scenes flickered by on the screen, Matthew waited with a mix of excitement, eagerness, and anticipation. After all, this was his first appearance in a movie!

Although Brittany's music videos, featuring many shots of him, were frequently played on major TV networks, Matthew felt that music videos were far less prestigious than movies.

Finally, Matthew saw himself on the screen.

He was walking from a patient's lounge towards the hallway; the camera gave him a long shot, his face vaguely visible. He then passed by Winona Ryder's lead character at the doorway of the first room. The camera's perspective shifted to follow Ryder, her gaze turning to follow Matthew's back until he entered a ward, and then it returned to Ryder's face.

But the close-up shot of Matthew's face that was filmed inside the room was cut, and his two lines of dialogue were turned into a voice-over…

Altogether, Matthew's character appeared for less than five seconds. Aside from himself, nobody would pay much attention to such a minor role.

Most of the audience was focused on Angelina Jolie and Winona Ryder.

However, Matthew thought to himself that having nearly five seconds of screen time in his first film role was quite an accomplishment.

Overall, he was in high spirits, enjoying the film immensely.

This good mood, extending from the episode with Kate Jeffrey, might seem contemptible in the eyes of moralists, but Matthew was not one to suffer in silence under bullying. Even his patience was part of a larger plan.

From another perspective, such actions might seem loser-like, but only those who experience such situations can truly understand whether they're cool or frustrating.

After watching the movie, Matthew left the cinema and overheard a conversation between what seemed to be film critics discussing the two actresses. They were positive about both Ryder and Jolie, with one even suggesting that Jolie could be a contender for an Oscar.

"An Oscar, huh…"

Walking towards the bus stop, Matthew pondered the Oscars. Having been in the industry for over half a year, he was well aware of the prestige and influence of the Oscars in Hollywood.

It wasn't an exaggeration to say that the Oscars were the most important awards in North America's film circle.

"When will I get an Oscar?"

Matthew inevitably harbored such aspirations, but considering the performances of Angelina Jolie and Winona Ryder in the film, he knew he had a long way to go. Moreover, these two actresses weren't particularly known for their acting prowess in Hollywood...

He was acutely aware that an Oscar was a goal for the distant future. For now, he should focus on reaching the level of a Hollywood star.

Becoming a Hollywood star would turn his life upside down, allowing him to achieve the goals he had set for himself.

Having watched "The Soul Transfer," Matthew felt he had fulfilled a personal milestone.

In the following days, he stayed busy. He visited the Los Angeles School of Performing Arts to return a compilation tape he had borrowed from his former acting coach, David Astor, and borrowed several new ones to continue his mimicry and practice.

To prepare for his upcoming role, Matthew specifically contacted Ronald Speirs, the real-life counterpart of the character he would portray. Although Tom Hanks would bring together veterans to the set, Speirs, being in poor health, would not travel to London.

Matthew had to visit him personally.

According to Helen Herman, the veterans' accounts were only for reference. Due to Speirs's poor health, Matthew only spoke with him for half an hour, focusing on the rumors about shooting German prisoners. Speirs did not respond, only offering a smile.

In the end, Matthew left without answers, and it seemed Speirs would take the truth of that event to his grave.

After meeting Speirs, Matthew returned to Los Angeles. With Brittany in Nashville, he would spend the holiday season alone. Fortunately, he was accustomed to solitude, and his apartment was stocked with videotapes and books to immerse himself in acting study.

Of course, his current focus was preparing for his role.

Matthew watched many war-themed tapes, specifically studying tough characters to compensate for his lack of experience.

He had re-read the "Band of Brothers" novel and the memoir copy, mastering the content.

He believed he was ready.

One morning before Christmas, Matthew received a phone call. After lunch, he set aside his current tasks and went to a nearby park for a meeting.

He walked directly to a stone table in the woods and found Elena Boyar, an old acquaintance, waiting for him.

"It's been a while, Matthew," Elena said, looking him over. "You seem different."

Matthew, thick-faced, joked, "Am I handsomer?"

"Not exactly," Elena rolled her eyes. "It's your demeanor. It feels different."

"I'm a soldier now," Matthew said casually, sitting across from her. "Or at least, I've been acting like one."

Elena seemed to understand the sub

text and scoffed, "Are you bragging to me?"

Matthew shook his head, "Do I need to?" He then asked, "Did you need something?"

"No." Elena's denial was transparent, "Just catching up."

She hinted, "Didn't Helen Herman tell you? I've reached an agreement with her."

"I know," Matthew said bluntly, "Are you here for information?"

Elena revealed her true intent, "Aren't you pursuing Brittany? How's that going?"

"When did I ever pursue Brittany?" Matthew countered, "That was fake news you made up!"

"Really? You're not pursuing her?" Elena found it hard to believe, "Brittany herself admitted you two are close friends."

Matthew, tired of the conversation, dismissed it, "Whatever you say."

Seeing Matthew not elaborate, Elena leaned in, "Really? You're not after Brittany? I was waiting for explosive news for a New Year's hit piece!"

"You're dreaming," Matthew stated flatly.

"You…" Elena covered her forehead, "How am I going to explain this to the editor?"

Matthew jokingly suggested, "Make it up! Isn't that what you're best at?"

"Are you trying to provoke me?" Elena slammed her hand on the table, "Fine! I'll just say you cheated on Brittany!"

"Stop!" Matthew quickly intervened, knowing Brittany might take such a story seriously. "I'm just a nobody who rode on Brittany's coattails. Who would read your story?"

Elena, who had spoken in anger, wouldn't really write that; it wouldn't even pass her editor.

As the New Year approached and she struggled to find a headline, she had turned to Matthew. She then asked, "Aren't you in a production with Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg? Got any news?"

Matthew shook his head, "The set has a gag order. I can't tell you anything."

Elena sighed, "If I don't find a story, I'll be fired. Then you'll lose a potentially cooperative journalist with prospects."

Matthew suggested, "You should talk to Helen Herman."

By his agreement with Helen, he couldn't share information with Elena without his agent's knowledge.

Besides, Matthew couldn't think of any juicy gossip on the spot, and he wasn't about to share his personal details with Elena.

Elena stood up, clearly upset, and kicked the stone bench. She even gave Matthew the finger before walking away.

"Wait! I have a great story idea!" Matthew called after her playfully.

"What?" Elena stopped.

Matthew smirked, "You admit to making up the news about me and Brittany, and apologize publicly in the paper. I bet lots of people would read that."

He was just teasing Elena in response to her middle finger. Surprisingly, she considered it for a second and muttered, "If I can't find anything else, that might work."

Matthew could only watch as Elena walked away, realizing she truly had no scruples.

After leaving the park, Matthew called Helen Herman to report his meeting with Elena. It was best to keep his agent informed about interactions with a gossip journalist.

For the next few days, including Christmas Eve and Christmas, Matthew continued to practice and study acting, immersing himself in understanding the character of Ronald Speirs. He didn't go out much, but felt fulfilled.

Once the holiday season ended, Matthew headed to Los Angeles International Airport, picked up the ticket arranged by the production, and returned to London's Hatfield Airport, now dubbed Hatfield Set.

The filming of "Band of Brothers" was about to begin at this newly constructed set.

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