As soon as Matthew's announcement hit, the auditorium buzzed with excitement. Many people suddenly realized that Matthew Horner wasn't just a Hollywood actor; he was also an investor and producer.
Chen Datou quickly asked, "Is that confirmed?"
"Absolutely," Matthew replied after a moment. "The Fast & Furious franchise is about building a family. In my vision, this family will be composed of members from all around the world."
He glanced at the audience, "We'll be selecting this actress during the preparation for Fast & Furious 5. The selection process will be announced on Disney's Chinese website. If any of you are interested, you can apply and experience the Hollywood production process firsthand."
Once again, the hall erupted into a flurry of chatter. The film students, in particular, were brimming with excitement. Even if they were just vying for a supporting role, being a supporting actor alongside Matthew Horner would be a huge boost for their careers.
"Auditioning for a female role?" Nini's eyes lit up. "Is this a chance to break into Hollywood?"
Who wouldn't be tempted by such an opportunity? Even playing a minor role in a Hollywood movie was a big deal. There was already precedent in the country—Zhang, an international star, had become a top-tier celebrity after playing minor roles in Hollywood.
Besides, she was just playing supporting roles for regular Hollywood stars. Acting alongside Matthew Horner? The opportunity would be ten times better, if not more.
"Nini, you should give it a try," Bai Xue nudged her. "Haven't you been looking for opportunities? The Hollywood selection process should be more transparent than the mess we have here, right?"
Nini didn't answer. She had heard rumors that Hollywood could be just as chaotic as the domestic industry.
She had always wanted to become an actress and had worked hard toward that goal, but finding the right opportunity had always been elusive. The dream of stardom still seemed so far away.
Her eyes fell on Matthew Horner on stage. His good looks surpassed those of the domestic heartthrobs. Then, she thought of all the gossip she'd read online about Matthew—his private life was rumored to be among the wildest in Hollywood...
Maybe this really was an opportunity.
Nini clenched her teeth, a hint of resignation in her eyes. Even if she was willing to go all out, it wouldn't matter. Someone like Matthew Horner was far beyond the reach of someone like her.
"What's wrong, Nini?" Bai Xue asked again. "Aren't you going to give it a shot?"
Nini's mind sparked with an idea, and she leaned in, lowering her voice. "Bai Xue, doesn't your fan club have a connection to Matthew Horner?"
Bai Xue nodded. "Yeah," she said proudly. "We've got a lot of members."
Feigning nonchalance, Nini asked, "Since your fan club is one of the biggest in the country, haven't you guys interacted with him?"
"We have," Bai Xue responded without hesitation, since Nini was her friend. "Tonight, a few of us are going to present him with some gifts on behalf of the fan club."
She glanced at her phone to check the time. "We're meeting at the Capital Hotel at six, and Disney staff will take us to see Matthew Horner."
Nini's hand tightened into a fist, though she kept her composure. With a performance honed from her acting classes, she put on a look of eager excitement. "Bai Xue, I really want to meet Matthew too! He's my idol!"
Bai Xue looked a bit conflicted. "Adding an extra person last minute might be tricky…"
Nini grabbed Bai Xue's arm with both hands, gently shaking it. "Please, Bai Xue! Just this once! I'm a huge fan of Matthew Horner too! I'll just tag along, and I won't even say a word, I promise!"
"Well…" Bai Xue was still hesitating.
"We've been best friends for ten years!" Nini pressed on, continuing to sway her arm. "Just this once, okay?"
Reluctantly, Bai Xue gave in. "Alright, I'll try contacting the organizer and see if they can make an exception."
Nini beamed with delight. "You're the best!"
Smiling, Bai Xue pulled out her phone and began sending texts to the fan club organizer, asking if they could add an extra person to the meeting.
Meanwhile, on stage, Matthew and Chen Datou were still discussing Fast & Furious 4, going through the typical promotional talking points. Nini, however, was focused on Bai Xue's texts.
After sending several messages, Bai Xue finally sighed and looked a bit disappointed. "The organizer agreed."
"That's amazing!" Nini could barely contain her excitement.
"My autograph book is doomed, though," Bai Xue said, shaking her head. "She wants Matthew Horner's first Chinese signature in exchange."
Losing that autograph felt like a knife to her heart.
Nini, however, consoled her. "It's okay, the autograph is still yours in spirit."
Bai Xue smiled weakly. "I guess that's the only way to look at it."
Nini breathed a sigh of relief but suddenly felt a bit guilty. She knew how much Bai Xue valued that signature. But the chance to meet Matthew Horner was too important to pass up, even if she never got to speak to him.
In the end, opportunities had to be fought for. If she didn't seize this chance, she might never get to meet Matthew Horner.
From the stage, she heard Chen Datou ask, "As a world-famous Hollywood star, does fame and fortune make you feel like you've lost your sense of innocence?"
Nini froze at the question, then shook her head. Who needed innocence when you had fame and fortune? With enough money and status, anyone could easily fake being innocent.
Bai Xue, on the other hand, was deeply curious about the question and quickly put away her phone to focus on the answer. After all, the domestic entertainment industry was notorious for being a cesspool, and Hollywood was said to be no different.
"Yes," Matthew admitted frankly. Given how transparent information was nowadays, claiming innocence while being surrounded by scandals and rumors would be as ridiculous as someone saying, "I drink, smoke, and party, but I'm still a good person." It would be a childish lie.
He nodded and said, "I do feel like I've lost some of my innocence."
Before Chen Datou could ask another question, Matthew continued, "But it's not just actors. As people get older, everyone tends to lose some innocence."
It was a hard truth to argue with. People inevitably grow up.
Sensing that Chen Datou wanted to dig deeper into this philosophical topic, Matthew countered by asking, "What about you, Miss Chen? Do you feel like you've lost your innocence?"
Rather than waiting for her to answer, Matthew subtly reminded her that this wasn't her personal interview show. There was no need to dive into heavy philosophical discussions. The audience wasn't likely interested in such deep reflections on human nature.
"I think I've lost some of it too," Chen Datou answered smoothly, showing her experience as a host. Then she shifted back to the main topic, "As an actor, what do you do when the director keeps calling for retakes?"
Matthew answered immediately, "I try to prepare thoroughly and finish the scene as quickly as possible. But if it's still not working, I collaborate with the director to solve the issue rather than getting nervous. I think communication helps you understand the character better."
Sticking to the script, Chen Datou asked, "As a public figure constantly in the spotlight, is it hard to get used to?"
Matthew handled the question with ease. "Overall, it's not too bad. Most of the time, people are very kind. They smile when they see you and often show their affection, sometimes even offering free perks. But there's a downside—sometimes you feel like you're always being watched."
The event went on for over an hour and was nearing its end. Like any successful blockbuster, it had a strong beginning, a steady middle, and now it was time for a grand finale.
According to the program, the final part of the meeting was the Q&A session with the media and audience.
However, the media was only allowed to ask two questions.
Looking over the sea of raised hands, Chen Datou had no choice but to call on a well-known host from the national TV movie channel. This was an unspoken rule in the industry, and no one openly objected.
The movie channel host, a woman known for her professionalism, took the microphone and asked seriously, "Mr. Horner, what are your thoughts on the future of U.S.-China film collaborations? What do our films need to reach Hollywood's global influence?"
Hearing this broad, high-level question, the other journalists couldn't help but feel frustrated. Was this kind of question really necessary? With only two questions allowed, this one felt like a waste.
At such an entertaining event full of witty moments, was there really a need for such a lofty, grandstanding question?
Even Matthew, who was used to navigating tough questions, was momentarily stumped. How could he possibly answer such a complex issue like what the local film industry needed to surpass Hollywood?
Fortunately, having lived in the country before, Matthew had learned the art of official responses. "The U.S. and China have great potential for collaboration. Hollywood should definitely strengthen its partnership here—it's a win-win situation."
The journalists exchanged glances. Matthew was not only down-to-earth but also seemed to have mastered the art of
delivering diplomatic, newsworthy responses.
Matthew added, "For the local film industry to grow, it needs to expand internationally."
With that, he had nothing more to say on the matter, so he gave Chen Datou a look, signaling her to move on to the next question.
She quickly called on another journalist.
This time, a reporter from an online media outlet stood up and took the microphone. "Matthew, there's a viral video online of you in a shootout with terrorists. North American media has also been covering it. Were you scared when you faced those armed criminals?"
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