บท 100: Chapter 101: A Man's Ultimate Dream

However, as the nominal main lead, Naomi Watts' fame has increased significantly. She's no longer an unknown figure and can now barely be considered a C-list Hollywood actress.

By the time *Gifted* breaks through the $130 million mark at the box office, she will officially secure her spot as a C-list actress.

This success made her appear quite pleased during today's audition. Under the glow of stardom, she seemed even more radiant and glamorous.

"Congratulations, Naomi!"

Annie, who had also come to audition, couldn't help but feel envious.

Since the protagonist had changed from "Frank" to "Lawrence," from male to female, the elementary school teacher character she portrayed, "Betty," naturally lost its status as the female lead and was demoted to a fourth-tier character.

Moreover, her limelight was completely overshadowed by Naomi, Dakota Fanning, and Susan Sarandon, who played a stellar grandmother-granddaughter trio.

Her rise in fame was negligible, almost embarrassingly small.

So even though she hadn't received an "inside tip" from Wayne this time, she still managed to secure an audition through her agent and showed up to give it a try.

And coincidentally, the role she was auditioning for was the same one Naomi Watts was trying for—*Resident Evil 2's* female reporter.

The implication was obvious.

Even though Naomi knew all this, she remained composed, continuing to exchange pleasantries with Annie, her face displaying a gentle smile. Clearly, she was much more calculating than Annie.

Unlike Annie.

Had it been Annie starring as Lawrence in *Gifted* and achieving such success, there's no way she'd even consider competing for a tertiary role like this.

But Naomi, who wasn't getting any younger and had spent years struggling at the bottom of Hollywood, cherished every opportunity to act and make money.

So, she would still go all out in this audition, giving Annie no chance to outshine her.

Both women had different motives: one was in it for the money, and the other for revenge. Undoubtedly, another fierce battle was about to begin.

Meanwhile, Megan Fox, also preparing to audition for the reporter role, was left stunned by the powerful aura exuded by both women.

"Damn! You've already played the female lead in *Gifted*, and you're still competing for a third-tier role? Seriously?!" Megan muttered to herself.

This time, her "good friend" Liu Yifei wasn't with her for the audition, leaving her to sit alone in the corner, feeling somewhat lonely.

Luckily, at that moment, Zhang Ziyi arrived.

"Ziyi!"

Megan immediately stood up and walked over to Zhang Ziyi.

To be honest, Megan had originally looked down on Zhang Ziyi, especially after learning she had also slept with Wayne. She had silently cursed her countless times as a backstabber.

But despite her dislike, Megan had gotten to know her through Liu Yifei.

Moreover, Zhang Ziyi's film *Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon* had now grossed $140 million worldwide, with over $80 million coming from North America alone.

So, even though Megan wasn't thrilled, she still had to greet her with a smile. Megan, though young, understood this much about survival in Hollywood.

Similarly, when Naomi saw Zhang Ziyi, she ended her subtle rivalry with Annie and walked over with a bright smile.

"Congratulations, Ziyi! I watched *Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon*, and your performance was absolutely stunning."

"Thank you, Naomi, but I should be the one congratulating you! *Gifted*'s success is on par with *Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon*, and you were the lead, which is far better than my supporting role."

The two women, who had only met briefly at a previous screening, now chatted like old friends of many years.

Megan, observing from the sidelines, couldn't help but feel she was learning something.

Meanwhile, Annie, who had been "left behind," frowned slightly, suddenly realizing that she seemed to be getting excluded.

Naomi, Zhang Ziyi, and Megan were all clients of Mike's, while she was the only one who wasn't. This led her to once again consider changing agents.

However, the biggest problem was that even if she was willing to give up CAA's resources, she couldn't forget that her agent held the most incriminating "dirt" on her.

If Wayne ever found out what she had done, the consequences would be unimaginable. At the very least, she would lose everything she had now.

And without Wayne's resources, her agent might even abandon her once she became worthless.

Thinking about it made her regretful.

In fact, nothing had really happened between her and that old man. He was married, and just as they got to the hotel and undressed, his wife called. His face changed, and he quickly left.

But how could she prove that now?

And she had foolishly gone to the hotel with him! Didn't that count as betrayal?

"Damn it! If only I had been as decisive as Naomi and switched to Mike Jones as my agent!"

Just then, Mike walked into the waiting area.

Of course, he wasn't alone. He had brought along Eva Green.

Since it was Eva's first time in America and in Los Angeles, and she hadn't been to Hemera Films before, the thoughtful Mike made sure to personally pick her up to avoid any delays for her audition.

This scene, however, did not go unnoticed by Naomi and the others, who immediately exchanged glances, quietly scrutinizing Eva Green.

"She's pretty good-looking. And being personally escorted by Mike—she must be another one of Wayne's women, right?"

"Probably."

"Wayne's been in Europe shooting a film and hasn't returned to LA yet. So, this woman must be from Europe. She looks like a newbie too."

"I wonder what role she's auditioning for?"

"I heard from Mike she's auditioning for 'Valentine,' the female supporting lead in *Resident Evil 2*."

"Starting off as the second lead? Wayne must really value her!"

"Naomi, you don't need to be jealous, right? After all, you were the lead in a multi-million-dollar production from the start."

The three women's quiet chatter soon ended as Mike approached them with Eva Green.

"Let me introduce you. This is Eva Green, one of my clients from France, personally selected by Wayne for the role of 'Valentine.'"

The three women exchanged quick glances, all thinking, "Just as expected."

They soon began chatting and quickly got acquainted, at least on the surface, appearing to get along harmoniously.

Watching this scene, Mike couldn't help but sigh. If only he could have so many women at once and still keep them all so peaceful with each other. That would probably be one of the ultimate dreams of most men.

(End of chapter)