Chapter 152: The Unexpected Twist

[Chapter 152: The Unexpected Twist]

After the three left, Matt Damon poured himself a beer.

"Ben, didn't you say you weren't bothered? Why are you so upset?"

"I'm not upset," Ben Affleck snapped back.

"Alright, so you're not upset. Can you tell me what's really on your mind?"

"Ugh! Link is so petty! He's a multi-millionaire, yet he holds grudges like a teenager."

Ben Affleck frowned, his expression clearly showing he wasn't happy.

"What does this have to do with Link?"

"Of course it does! Last time I said something bad about him, he got mad and made sure I flopped at the audition."

"Really?"

"Of course! Just now, out of the five of us, you four got the call, and only I didn't. That can't be a coincidence! He wanted me to look foolish in front of everybody!"

Ben Affleck was visibly irked.

If it were 1-3 people who got the call, he could brush it off, but being the only one left out was too embarrassing. It felt like Link was getting back at him.

"Link didn't even know we would all be together! He wouldn't purposely make you look bad. Plus, he's the director and investor for this movie. He'll pick the best person for the role. If you were right for it, he'd definitely choose you."

"Yeah, but you two got the cameo notice from Guess Pictures. Why didn't I? Can you really say that wasn't Link messing with me? Ugh, he's too small-minded! Even if I end up starving, I won't do another movie with him."

Ben Affleck got up to leave.

...

The next day, Matt Damon and Casey Affleck went to Guess Pictures to sign their contract, while Ben Affleck stayed home sulking and even kicked his dog, Teddy, who had come over to show him some affection.

...

On the third day, Matt Damon and Casey invited Ben to go out and meet some girls. Ben Affleck just lay lazily on the couch, flipping through magazines filled with articles criticizing Link.

He couldn't help but smirk at some of them.

Matt Damon and Casey shook their heads helplessly; Ben had clearly been in a funk since the audition disaster.

"Ben, why don't I back out of the role in Final Destination? We can try auditioning somewhere else together?"

"No need. You guys go do your thing with Link. I wish you both all the best, may the box office succeed and become superstars. Just don't mind me."

Ben Affleck turned back, focusing on his magazine.

"But you've been on that couch for two days. I'm worried you'll end up paralyzed!"

"Relax, I'm not going anywhere."

...

Ringing!

The phone rang multiple times.

Impatiently, Ben Affleck grabbed the phone.

"Who is this? What do you want?"

"Mr. Affleck, this is Guess Pictures. Congratulations! You successfully auditioned for a role in Final Destination."

"What?! Really? Why did it take you so long to call me?"

Ben Affleck shot up from the couch.

"What's going on?" Matt Damon and Casey asked hurriedly.

Ben waved his hand, signaling them to be quiet.

"Mr. Affleck, congratulations on your successful audition! The production team has decided you will play the fourth lead character, Billy. If you're interested, please come to Guess Pictures within two business days to discuss further."

"I'm interested! Are you still working? I'll come right now!"

Ben Affleck hurried to lace his shoes and put on a jacket to head out.

"Mr. Affleck, please consider this further. This role is quite unique and requires a lot of skill."

"No need to consider! I can handle anything!" Ben Affleck shouted back.

"Alright, if you're okay with it, please be at Guess Pictures to sign the contract within two business days."

"Count on it! I'll be there ASAP. Bye!"

After hanging up, Ben Affleck raised his fist in triumph.

...

"Ben, you passed?"

"Yep! They chose me for the fourth lead role of Billy."

"That's fantastic news! But why did they wait until now to tell you?"

"I asked. Turns out they missed my name when calling the actors. They only realized I was missing when completing the contract today, so they called me right away and apologized profusely. Their sincerity was evident; I'm not one to hold a grudge."

Ben Affleck chuckled heartily.

"But that day you said Link was mad and purposely didn't give you the role. How does he end up giving it to you?"

"Ha! I misunderstood. Link is a big-time director and multi-millionaire, and he's not going to be upset over something small like that."

"Didn't you say even if you ended up starving, you wouldn't work for him again?"

Matt Damon joked.

"What are you talking about? Link is our friend! He taught us so much on set and has been like a mentor. I could never say something like that! Not a chance."

"You even said--"

"Shut it!"

Ben Affleck pointed at Matt Damon seriously.

"Matt, remember this: don't speak ill of Link in front of me. Otherwise, we're done."

With that, Ben Affleck jumped into his car and drove away.

Matt Damon shook his head; this guy had thick skin.

...

"Is this really Ben? Seems like he's acting like a puppy desperate for attention."

Casey Affleck slowly came back to reality, amazed at the change in his brother since receiving that call.

"Link is just that remarkable. Ben admires him and wants his acknowledgment, even to learn about filmmaking from him. This success at the audition is the perfect boost for Ben."

Matt Damon smiled.

"Link is indeed impressive; he's a millionaire and one of the highest-grossing directors. He's only three years older than me."

Casey Affleck marveled.

...

When Ben Affleck arrived at the company to sign the contract, Link didn't come to meet him, as originally, the role was intended for Matt LeBlanc.

However, Matt LeBlanc had responded that he had just auditioned for a character at NBC's drama production center and landed an important role.

The filming for that series conflicted with Final Destination, so he had to regretfully drop out of the role of Billy.

Later, when Link chatted with Jennifer Aniston, she mentioned she received an invitation from Friends as well; they were both cast for the same show.

Friends had been in preparation for over three years, starting casting earlier in the year, and it took months to find the right fit.

Jennifer Aniston was the last of the six actors to join the cast.

However, she would still appear in Final Destination for a cameo since her part was minor, enabling her to drop by while filming the series.

Moreover, Jennifer expressed her love for acting in movies and her eagerness to work with Link.

*****

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