"Yes, Neo, can you give us a moment," you said to the client with a sarcastic smile. That was not his name. You know who he is now that you sat down. His name is Thomas Anderson, and he graduated from the same college as you. You and Thomas even attended many of the same cla.s.ses and competed in many of the same contests. As such, you have a sort of rivalry with him.

"It will not be long," the agent added, seeing how Thomas was reluctant to leave the table. "You can use this time to think over the contract."

Once Neo left the table, you became much sincerer. You and your agent were friends, and there were many times in the past that you used your connection to your mother to help him get ahead. Hopefully your agent will remember those favors. There was a moment of silence as your client took a sip from his coffee cup. You couldn't as the waiter hadn't brought you yours yet.

"I need a new contract," you said calmly.

"Sorry, no can do," the agent responded. He put down his coffee cup and gave a small smile. "Look, I might not have stated it clearly over the phone, but I did not come here for you. I came here to mainly discuss a brokerage contact with Mr. Anderson."

You snickered. It was just funny the way your agent referred to Thomas.

Your agent was not amused. He paused a little and said unceremoniously. "The CAA will evaluate each of my clients. Your acting is appalling, and there is no progress whatsoever after all these years."

That was true, but then again, you weren't studying to be an actor. You wanted to be a director. You said exactly what was on your mind.

Your agent shook his head. "Sorry, I don't see any chance of success in you being a director. Neither will the CAA, so I will not renew the contract. There is just nothing in it for me."

You looked at your agent in a slightly strange way. So that was how it was. Once your usefulness was over, you have nothing of value. Your agent no longer needed you to further his career, and you have been kicked to the curb.

"Very sorry," the agent reaffirmed and continued to enjoy his coffee, waiting for Thomas to return.

"Please," you said slowly and lowered your head slightly. Your hands gripped your thighs tightly under the table. "Just give me another chance, for everything I have helped you in the past. Just a letter of recommendation from you will do –

"The management of the company has officially invited me to be one of the partners," your agent said without looking at you. He was now looking at the newspaper to the side. "Next, I will cross-manage some famous actors. The work and resources in the hands will increase. There is no time and energy, planning for the future of those who don't have any hope…"

Your agent looked at you as you steeled your heart. You want to curse him for cursing your future – who said you have no hope? Your mind is full of ideas, and you just needed an opportunity to let them loose into the world.

You took a deep breath. "I might not have any acting potential, but with what I know and have learned, I will be a d.a.m.n good –

"You will not amount to anything," your agent said and placed his cup on the table. "Listen to me, you are not suitable for this industry and continuing will be the waste of my time and energy. You have played how many characters so far? How many of them have dialogue?"

You narrowed your eyes. Why would your agent ask you that? You didn't have any dialogue because your agent didn't do his job properly and get you one with a dialogue. Besides, you were using those roles to study film productions and become a director in the future.

"I'm a waste of your time and energy?" You questioned if you have heard it correctly.

"Yes," your agent said firmly. "I should have dropped you years ago. That was my mistakes. Now, can you please leave, as I have business with a real actor."

Hearing the cue, Thomas Anderson smirked and rejoined the table. It seemed that he had won this contest with you. "So, I heard that you are not suitable for Hollywood. Even the best emerging agent couldn't do anything for you. Now, can you give us a moment?"

Your agent nodded and paid his undivided attention to your rival. There was a rage burning within you as you watched your agent talked calmly and nicely to Thomas.

"Sir, your coffee," the waiter brought your coffee. You looked at the pitch-black emptiness in the cup as you felt your future in Hollywood is bleak.

"Don't worry, it's on me," Thomas said. "I know that you will be unemployed soon."

"Thanks," you said and picked up the cup. "Cheer to your future career, hope it will be bright as mine."

Your agent raised an eyebrow as you drank the whole cup in one gulp. It was scolding hot, but you didn't care as you slammed the cup on the table. "I will be the f.u.c.king best director in Hollywood or die trying!"

You stomped out of the café after and heard a voice in your head.

[System accepts the wager: I will be the best f.u.c.king director in Hollywood or die trying.]

[New Quest: Be the best f.u.c.king director in Hollywood! (See conditions)]

[Failure: Your life is forfeit.]