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The crisp clicking of high heels echoed through the hallway. Crew members walking back and forth instinctively stepped aside, making way as Britney Spears, dressed in sunglasses and escorted by her assistant, turned into the corridor leading to the lounge.
She may have only been famous for half a year, but she already carried herself like a proper star.
At the door to the lounge, her assistant stepped ahead, opened it for her, and followed her inside.
Just as Britney entered, she stepped on something. Looking down, she saw a newspaper lying on the floor, with a big, bold headline that instantly caught her attention:
"Shocking — Britney Spears' New MV Male Lead Is a Diehard Fan of Christina Aguilera!"
The name Christina Aguilera made her freeze. Memories from their time in the Mickey Mouse Club came flooding back — and not the good kind. The two had constantly clashed, fighting for attention and spotlight.
Britney bent down, picked up the paper. It was a tabloid feature from American News Report, and right below the loud headline was a photo. She recognized the guy — one of the three shortlisted for the music video lead role, the same guy director Martin Jackson had strongly recommended.
"He's a fan of that b**?"** Britney's mood instantly soured at the thought of Christina Aguilera. "A diehard fan?"
Fuming, she crumpled the paper and tossed it into the bin. She dropped onto the sofa without saying a word.
Her assistant, startled by her sudden anger, quickly poured her a glass of water and quietly retreated to one side. Dealing with celebrities was always walking on eggshells.
Sitting there, Britney's thoughts went back to the old Mickey Mouse Club days and the petty fights with Christina. Especially last year, when Christina rose to fame and had the nerve to call her — just to brag.
Suddenly—
"Hey, wait up!"
A girl's voice came from outside the lounge.
"Matthew Horner, you forgot something!"
Then came a man's voice — calm and a little loud on purpose:
"That's not mine! Why would I ever like Christina Aguilera? She looks like a toad and sings like a dying cat. Only fools buy her albums!"
"Looks like a toad"? "Sings horribly"? "Fools buy her albums"?
Hearing this, Britney's mood instantly flipped. This guy outside — he was speaking her mind!
"Matthew Horner, really not yours? I'll just throw it away then."
The girl's voice faded as they walked off.
"Yeah, dump it in the trash. Just seeing Christina Aguilera makes me want to vomit."
Britney blinked. Yes! Christina really is disgusting.
"Hmm… Matthew Horner… that name sounds familiar," she muttered to herself. A moment later, she remembered. "Oh! He was at the last audition."
Her assistant glanced at the clock and gently reminded her, "Your audition is about to start."
She found it strange — Britney had gone from angry to cheerful so fast, and now she was even smiling?
Outside, Amanda was walking with Matthew Horner toward the makeup room.
"How was I?" she asked.
Matthew gave her a thumbs up. "Perfect!"
The makeup room was just ahead.
"I'll head off now," Amanda said.
"Sure." Matthew nodded and waved goodbye before stepping into the makeup room. He found a corner to wait.
To be honest, his plan wasn't perfect — maybe even a bit obvious. But if he was dealing with someone older and more experienced, it might not have worked. Britney Spears, though, was only eighteen. All the gossip he'd read made one thing clear — she was emotional, impulsive, and easy to influence.
He was betting on one thing — that she really, truly hated Christina Aguilera.
If that was true, his chances of landing the role were way better.
After all, he had nothing to lose. He wasn't some super-genius, and he definitely wasn't anyone important. But he could take risks.
At 9:30 sharp, an assistant named York entered the makeup room to call in James Blunt for his audition. On the way out, York gave Matthew a small nod.
Michael Sheen, watching from the side, took note of this. He was clearly jealous — even the crew assistant seemed chummy with Matthew. But at the same time, he couldn't help but admire Matthew's networking skills.
"This guy really knows how to make connections." Michael shifted uncomfortably. Even now, days later, his rear still burned from what he'd endured.
But he stayed confident. "No matter how good you are at networking, I'll be the one getting this role."
He walked past Matthew with a strange gait. Matthew smiled and asked with concern, "Still limping?"
Michael forced a smile. "It's okay. Almost healed."
Then quickly changed the topic. "Why did Helen Herman call you earlier?"
"She scolded me." Matthew said with a fake sigh.
"Why?"
"After lunch with you the other day, I called her and said I wanted to quit the audition. But she wouldn't let me. She forced me to show up today, and just now she gave me an earful."
He shook his head dramatically. "Come on, the role's already yours. What's the point of me being here?"
Michael was moved — just a little. "You're a real buddy, Matthew. If I make it big, I'll definitely help you."
Matthew smiled. To him, hanging around Michael was just practice — training his acting skills.
"I'm sure that day will come soon."
Michael grinned too. In his heart, he thought: If I become famous, I'll keep Matthew around — as a background character. No lines though… He's not lead material.
The two chatted idly. Just ten minutes later, York returned and opened the door.
"Matthew, you're up."
"Coming." Matthew quickly followed him out.
Michael looked at the closing door and sneered. "Same as James Blunt — just here to go through the motions."
James walked back in, visibly disappointed.
"Give him ten minutes," Michael muttered, checking his watch. "He'll be back just like James."
Minutes passed. Ten… fifteen… Matthew didn't come back.
Michael shifted on his feet again. Still, no Matthew.
"What's going on? This should've been a quick audition." He was starting to panic. "Did something go wrong?"
He rubbed his behind again.
"No way. Director Martin Jackson promised me!"
But as time ticked on — twenty, thirty, forty minutes — Matthew still didn't return.
Michael's face darkened. He was growing anxious. He had paid a price — a big one. What if it was all for nothing?
"I gave everything… I must get something in return." he muttered, gripping the chair tightly.
Inside the audition room, Director Martin Jackson leaned over and whispered to the record label rep, "Can we wrap it up now?"
The rep looked at Britney, who lifted her chin slightly — a subtle nod.
"Yes. We're done." he replied.
"Cut!" Martin called out. "You can come over now."
To be honest, he'd wanted to dismiss Matthew Horner after just ten minutes. But Britney had insisted on continuing, so he had no choice.
Matthew stepped down gracefully from the beach-themed set. Whether it was Martin Jackson or the label rep, he faced everyone with calm, humble poise — as if that incident at the hotel had never happened.
Martin leaned in again, "Anything else?"
He was eager to send Matthew off.
But Britney suddenly spoke up, "I have a few questions."
Without waiting for Martin's approval, she asked, "Are you Matthew Horner?"
"Yes," Matthew nodded. "That's me."
"Before the audition," she asked casually, "did you throw something away in the hallway?"
"Uh…" Matthew chuckled sheepishly. "Someone handed me a CD, but it wasn't mine. I just tossed it away."
Britney's eyes lit up. She knew it!
"That's all. You can go now."
Martin gestured for him to leave. Matthew turned and walked toward the door.
Just as he stepped out, he heard—
"York, bring in Michael Sheen."