"Universal Pictures confirms standalone 'Scorpion King' film with a budget of 40 million US dollars. Stephen Sommers returns as writer and producer, along with young actor Matthew Horner, whose portrayal of the Scorpion King in 'The Mummy Returns' was highly acclaimed..."
The day after the press conference, many newspapers and magazines featured news related to 'The Mummy Returns'.
"Renowned director Chuck Russell joins the film, collaborating with the Scorpion King, Matthew Horner, to usher in a new chapter for the 'Mummy' series."
A newspaper with a partnership with Universal Pictures also briefly introduced Matthew.
"Texas-born actor Matthew Horner, at only twenty-one years old, is recognized as one of Hollywood's most outstanding young actors. He has worked with numerous famous stars and big-name directors, with his first work being the Oscar-winning film 'Girl, Interrupted', and his second being the Oscar Best Picture 'Gladiator', directed by Ridley Scott. He then starred as the male lead in pop sensation Britney Spears' music video, and further advanced his career by playing Ronald Speirs, the fourth company commander of E Company, in the epic war masterpiece 'Band of Brothers'. He finally made a splash with his role as the Scorpion King in 'The Mummy Returns', and will now star as the lead in the standalone 'Scorpion King' film..."
In an ordinary detached apartment in downtown Los Angeles, Lister sat at the dining table, putting down the newspaper he was reading, lost in thought.
Beside him, his ten-year-old son picked up the newspaper and began to read.
A middle-aged woman brought breakfast over and placed it in front of Lister and his son.
"Dad..." The son, having read the article, asked in confusion, "You like the Scorpion King too?"
Lister looked at his son. "I don't like him. I've just met this actor."
His son was even more puzzled. "You're a fan too?"
"No." Lister shook his head, recalling the former young driver.
The middle-aged woman took the newspaper from his son, glanced at it, and asked, "Didn't you used to have a subordinate named Matthew Horner?"
"That's him." Lister pointed to the newspaper. "See the accompanying picture? I can't be mistaken."
His son's mouth dropped open in surprise. "Dad, your former junior employee became a Hollywood star?"
Lister hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "You could say that."
Even though more than a year had passed, he still clearly remembered that young driver from Texas. At the time, he often took leave for filming, and the two idiots in the same office always mocked him, while Lister himself was happy to watch the show. But who would have thought that now he was starring as the lead in a 40-million-dollar production?
In just two years, he climbed from a small-time driver to a leading actor. Those who mocked him must be the real joke, right?
His son seemed to say something else excitedly, but Lister, focused on his own thoughts, didn't hear it. Now that Matthew Horner had gone from a small-time driver to a leading actor, he would have money. Could he develop him into a client for the company?
Securing a Hollywood star as a client could mean a significant commission.
Lister felt he should try, and decided to look for Matthew Horner's contact information later.
In northern Burbank, Matthew closed the script and was about to take a stroll in the yard when he suddenly received a call from Helen Herman.
"I had someone indirectly deliver Elena Boyar's payment to her," Helen Herman said, speaking entirely about work matters. "Don't worry, it was cash."
Matthew walked into the yard with his phone. "When will the first payment for 'The Scorpion King' arrive?"
According to their agreement, his salary was to be paid in three installments.
The first installment of $200,000 was to be paid within ten days of signing the agreement, the second $200,000 upon joining the crew for filming, and the final $100,000 after all his scenes were completed.
There were also restrictive clauses, such as the crew having the right to deduct his salary if Matthew was involved in a scandal like drug abuse.
This was also a common restrictive clause in Hollywood.
"It'll be within the next few days, no more than ten," Helen Herman continued on the phone. "Elena Boyar is coming to your place. She has a column on Yahoo Entertainment next Monday, and we just gave her a generous payment. She decided to give that spot to you. She should be there soon. I'm preparing for auditions for other roles and can't get away. You can discuss the specifics with Elena Boyar first, and we'll talk on the phone at noon."
"Alright." Matthew then asked curiously, "Do you have a choice for the female lead yet?"
Helen Herman's answer was somewhat unexpected. "An agent managed to get through to Stephen Sommers, and Sean Daniel didn't object. The female lead is pretty much decided. I couldn't get the female lead, but as compensation, the crew will use clients from Angel Agency for several other important supporting roles."
"It's confirmed?" Matthew continued to ask, "Who is it?"
"I'm not sure who it is specifically." Helen Herman seemed to have something else going on. "We'll know in a few days. I'll hang up now."
As soon as she finished speaking, Matthew heard the dial tone. He shook his head, went back to his room to boil water, and then wiped down the newly acquired wooden table and chairs in the yard, preparing to entertain Elena Boyar, who was coming to him.
About ten minutes later, the doorbell rang. Matthew went to open the door, and the tall Elena Boyar stood before him.
"Long time no see, Elena."
He invited Elena Boyar in and asked, "Inside? Or outside?"
Elena Boyar looked around and said, "Outside, the air is nice here."
This community was located in the hills above the San Fernando Valley, with excellent greenery, making it a pleasant place to live.
Matthew went inside to brew tea, brought it out, and placed it on the wooden table. He gestured to Elena Boyar, "This is imported green tea I specifically bought in Chinatown. It has a different flavor from the black tea we usually drink."
Elena Boyar wasn't interested in tea. She took a sip and asked, "Did Helen Herman call you?"
"She did." Matthew picked up his teacup, looked at Elena Boyar, and asked, "It's rare for you to think of me for something so good."
Elena Boyar shrugged. "I've made a lot of money from you recently, so consider this a discount." Her tone turned serious. "This is the front-page column of Yahoo Entertainment. My power is limited, so for now, it can only be on the page for one day."
"One day is good too." Matthew seemed quite content.
"Right now, you're barely a hot topic in entertainment." Elena Boyar glanced towards the gate. "When I came over, there were even paparazzi staking out."
Matthew casually joked, "It would be bad if they mistook you for my girlfriend."
Elena Boyar didn't care. "Let them. Let's discuss the content of the column report."
"Okay." Matthew nodded and asked, "What does Helen mean?"
"She thinks it should report on you personally." Elena Boyar took another small sip of tea. "Especially to show your positive and hardworking side to the public."
Hearing her say that, Matthew had an idea. "How about this: I've been working out and doing boxing and combat training to prepare for filming. Can we take some photos of me going in and out of the gym and training hard inside the gym, and post them on the website?"
"Absolutely." Elena Boyar considered for a moment and said, "Currently, you're just starting to gain some fame, and you lack news value. From my perspective, besides these, there's nothing better."
Matthew asked, "Are you free this afternoon? I'm going to the gym this afternoon, why don't we go together?"
Elena Boyar shook her head. "Not today. You'd best go talk to the gym owner first today and get his permission. We'll go shoot tomorrow."
This place emphasized private rights, and some things could cause trouble if not handled properly. Matthew realized this and said, "Alright, the major shareholder of the gym is my boxing coach. I'll go talk to him first."
Nebula was not only a coach at the club but also a major investor.
Elena Boyar looked at her watch. "Then it's settled. I still have to go to the editorial department later, so I'm leaving now."
Matthew didn't stand on ceremony with her either. He said, "I also need to say hello to Helen. Wait for my call."
He saw Elena Boyar to the door, then suddenly remembered something and said, "Oh, by the way, if it's appropriate, please include my blog in the column report."
"Blog?" Elena Boyar was slightly confused. "Are you still updating your blog? No one pays attention to it."
Matthew smiled and said, "Just do it as a favor to me."
This wasn't a big deal, so Elena Boyar agreed. "Alright, I'll mention your blog."
Matthew then saw Elena Boyar off, and after she left, he specifically checked his blog again. It was still the same old story, with little attention.
After lunch, he called Helen Herman and briefly explained the situation. Helen Herman had no objections.
Afterwards, Matthew went to the gym in Westwood to continue his daily fitness and training. By now, he was considered a regular and a celebrity there. During breaks, many people would come over to greet him.
His fame came partly from his acting career and partly from his sparring matches.
In recent sparring matches, apart from Nebula, a professional-level presence, all the other boxers at the gym had been defeated by Matthew.
As some people put it, Matthew had indeed chosen the wrong profession.
An afternoon of training passed in a flash. As fewer people remained in the gym, Matthew approached Nebula and brought up the matter of using the gym for filming. He was now a significant client there, and Nebula readily agreed, but stipulated that the gym's sign must appear in the photos.