Chapter 48: A Lifelong Rival

Golden sunlight streamed down from the sky, shining over the shrubs near the edge of a cliff. Below the shrubs was a hidden crescent-shaped beach. At one corner of the beach, a long wooden pier stretched far into the blue ocean.

This beautiful beach was known as Paradise Bay in Malibu. It was leased by a restaurant and usually required a ticket for entry.

But today, the beach was closed to the public. Instead, dozens of reporters with long lenses were crowding the cliffs behind it.

The beach had been temporarily rented by Britney Spears's record label for the shooting of her music video Sometimes.

Matthew had arrived early in the morning with the crew. The label didn't just rent the beach, but also included the restaurant nearby.

Several rooms in the restaurant were turned into temporary dressing rooms and lounges.

Thanks to Helen Herman's efforts, Matthew, as the male lead of the video, got a private room all to himself.

"I didn't expect you to come in person," Matthew said, sitting in front of the makeup mirror while a makeup artist worked on his face. He glanced at Helen Herman, who was sitting behind him reading a newspaper. "I thought you'd just leave me to the crew."

Helen didn't even lift her eyes. "I don't have anything urgent right now. And you're not just their choice—you're mine too."

Matthew paused for a second, a bit puzzled, but then understood. "Oh... So I'm your most important client?"

He remembered Amanda once told him that Angel Agency wasn't very big. Helen wouldn't have many resources to manage, and would only focus on a few clients.

"You haven't shown that kind of potential yet," Helen replied flatly.

Matthew glanced at her reflection in the mirror, but her face was completely hidden behind the newspaper.

After makeup was done, he changed into a fitted white T-shirt. The tight shirt hugged his strong build, highlighting the smooth lines of his muscles.

His body wasn't the result of gym workouts. It came from years of hard, physical labor. So unlike the exaggerated bulk of bodybuilders, his physique looked more like a taller version of Tom Cruise—lean, strong, and natural.

Since the shoot would be on the beach, barefoot, Matthew slipped on some flip-flops, picked up his work bag, and left the dressing room without bothering Helen. He crossed the wooden bridge leading to the beach.

From the bridge, he could see the shaded tent area where the cast rested. Finding his chair, he sat down and looked toward the ocean. A group of seven or eight young dancers were doing their final rehearsals under the guidance of a choreographer.

Matthew didn't know much about dance or music, but looking at those young faces, he guessed they were doing something trendy for teenagers.

"Miss Spears... this way, please."

A voice came from nearby. Matthew turned and saw Britney Spears walking into the tent, dressed in a white crop top.

As the female lead of the MV, her seat was very close to his.

Director Zack Snyder was still busy setting up the shot, so Britney sat down patiently to wait.

Matthew had prepared for this moment. Noticing no one else around, he pulled a notebook and pen from his bag, stood up, and walked over.

Britney looked at him, a little surprised. Matthew scratched his head and gave a bright, slightly shy smile. "Hi, Miss Spears. I'm a big fan. I've always wanted your autograph, but never got the chance."

They hadn't rehearsed or even spoken directly before.

"Could you...?" He offered the notebook and pen awkwardly. "Help out one of your loyal fans?"

Britney remembered him from somewhere and took the notebook happily. "You're Matthew Horner, right?"

"Just call me Matthew," he said with excitement, like being remembered by her was the greatest moment of his life. Then he added shyly, "Can I call you Britney?"

"Of course," she said, signing her name with a smile.

Then she suddenly paused, curious. "Who's your least favorite singer?"

Matthew nearly wanted to knock his head on the sand. What kind of question was that?

But looking at Britney's innocent face—so different from her sexy image—he started to get it. She was just a simple girl, probably lacking real-world experience. From what he knew of the gossip, Britney had always matured slowly.

So he replied with a smile, "I'm not a fan of Christina Aguilera."

He figured it was best to keep things simple.

"Why?" Britney asked curiously.

Matthew had barely listened to any of Christina's songs and didn't know much about her. But thinking fast, he softened his words compared to what he'd said during his audition.

"I just find her... odd. Her voice is strange, and when I listen to her songs, I get goosebumps—like I ate something that made me sick."

"Like gross food?" Britney burst out laughing. "That's so cool!"

She scribbled quickly in the notebook and handed it back. Matthew looked—and his eyes twitched. She hadn't just signed her name. She'd also written a bizarre little note.

To Matthew Horner, who hates Christina Aguilera—may you be happy every day! —Britney Spears

What was this? The kind of childish stuff girls scribbled in middle school when they hated a classmate?

Matthew was now certain—Britney might be a genius on stage, but when it came to real-life interaction, she wasn't even average.

And someone like her... if provoked, might not even realize what she's doing until it's too late.

"Thanks, Britney," Matthew said, closing the notebook. "I can totally show this off in acting class now!"

Britney misunderstood. "So they also hate Christina Aguilera?"

Matthew's thoughts became clearer. Britney and Christina already had deep issues, and with the media constantly fueling the fire, it was no wonder they were lifelong rivals.

"No!" Matthew said quickly. "Some of them like her—they're even her fans."

Britney frowned in annoyance. To keep the mood light, Matthew added, "But I never got along with those guys. I even said in class that anyone who likes Christina Aguilera must have something wrong with their head—and should be put down!"

Britney laughed out loud. "Yes, put down! Her too!"

Matthew acted surprised. "Wait, you don't like Christina Aguilera either?"

With everything already said, Britney didn't hide it. "It's not just dislike. I hate her. Really hate her!"

Matthew grinned shyly. "Wow, what a coincidence. Honestly, I meant hate too—just said dislike to be polite."

Britney waved her hand. "It's okay. When it comes to hating Christina, we're totally on the same page."

"Exactly! We're the same!"

Matthew could tell Britney rarely talked about this with others. So he probed gently, "Is it because you think she's ugly? Or that her voice is annoying?"

"No," Britney shook her head, then added angrily, "We've known each other since the Mickey Mouse Club. She's just a..."

Seeing no one else nearby, Britney suddenly opened up, pouring out all her old grievances with Christina. It was mostly silly drama—two prideful teenage girls trying to outshine each other.

Matthew just listened, nodding occasionally and throwing in a few supportive grunts. He never once interrupted.

When she finally finished, he looked serious and said, "Wow, Christina Aguilera sounds awful. She's such a b*tch!"

Britney nodded hard. "Exactly!"

Matthew added, "You better be careful around someone like that."

"I know!" Britney agreed, then looked at Matthew with new warmth. She smiled and said, "You can call me Bubu. My friends all do."

In less than ten minutes, thanks to Matthew's effort, the friendliness between them had skyrocketed.

At the edge of the wooden pier, Helen Herman stood silently, watching everything unfold—from the autograph request to the cheerful conversation. She didn't interrupt at all.

By the end, even she was a bit impressed. To connect so well with someone as simple and emotionally clueless as Britney Spears... Matthew really had some skills.

"Maybe idiots really do speak the same language," Helen muttered to herself.