No one expected that a highly sensitive question would conclude with such an answer. Whether or not people internally agreed with Matthew's remarks, everyone outwardly displayed approval. Political correctness is a reality in this world, and the women's rights movement is also being carried out here in its own form.
Matthew successfully shifted the majority's focus from the "hidden rules" to the women's rights movement.
For someone with such a unique background, how could Matthew not remember the saying "Women hold up half the sky"? There was even a program called Half the Sky.
The things he had just said would certainly win him more female fans.
After once again successfully positioning himself as a champion of women's rights, Matthew suddenly wondered if he could leave a notable mark on the movement for gender equality.
Perhaps fearing someone might bring up another sensitive topic, Chen Datou quickly announced the end of the event.
As soon as the live stream ended, comments flooded the message board on Penguin Live.
"Just for Matthew's last words, I've decided to support him!"
This was clearly a comment from a female viewer.
"I've always felt that Matthew Horner is different from other Hollywood stars. He's so real, he says what he feels. Look at him, he even admitted he was terrified of the terrorists. Not like some people who act all cocky, as if they're the best in the world."
For a celebrity to successfully establish a "genuine" persona is no small feat, but it's very effective. Matthew had already left the audience here with the impression of being "authentic."
"He's Chinese! Don't forget, Matthew is of Chinese descent! Even though he doesn't look like it, he's so much better than those 'banana people' who can't even speak Chinese. Not only is his Chinese fluent, but he also understands our culture so well! What does that show? He truly loves this place and values the Chinese blood in his veins!"
Many people, though they don't often express it, have a natural bias toward celebrities with Chinese heritage.
"How many big Hollywood stars have Chinese ancestry? And how many of those are like Matthew? I can't think of any reason not to support him."
Back in the auditorium, the journalists in the front row began packing up their equipment, ready to head back and write their articles.
Some reporters exchanged words privately.
"So, have you decided on the tone for your report today?" someone asked.
A reporter with gold-rimmed glasses responded, "Of course. The event was live-streamed online, so we can't just make stuff up. The tone will definitely be positive."
Another bald reporter leaned in and whispered, "I just got a hint from the movie channel. Their report will focus on Matthew Horner's Chinese language skills and emphasize his familiarity with and love for our culture."
"Got it," the reporter with the gold-rimmed glasses said. "It's safest to follow their lead, and besides, Matthew Horner really did leave a great impression."
The reporter who had asked the first question added, "Even we journalists couldn't help but like him, let alone the average viewer. This is the kind of tone the audience wants to see."
The group silently nodded and got back to work.
Matthew exited the stage and headed to the backstage lounge, with Brown Williams following closely behind, looking as if he were on high alert. He had been stationed at the backstage exit, ready to jump in if anything went wrong.
Matthew didn't say much to him, as he understood that not everyone was as familiar with the situation here as he was.
Living in this city, Matthew had never been concerned about his safety.
This is arguably the safest city in the world—certainly one of the safest.
Compared to the poor security in Los Angeles, this place made L.A. seem like a wreck.
The event had gone particularly well, and Sean Tang, the head of Disney's Greater China division, came over to congratulate Matthew. Matthew exchanged a few polite words with some of the organizers, always mindful of maintaining his image.
Afterward, he sought out Chen Datou. Today, this famous host had been not only cooperative but had also given him crucial reminders at key moments.
"Miss Chen, thank you for the reminders," Matthew said politely as he shook hands with her.
"It's nothing." Chen Datou, who was very thin, looked even more top-heavy. "You handled it brilliantly."
Matthew smiled modestly. "Your reminders made me aware of how sensitive the issue was, so I was cautious in my response."
He added politely, "If you ever run into trouble in North America, feel free to contact me."
As a seasoned host, Chen Datou was skilled at creating a pleasant atmosphere. Seeing Matthew make such an offer, she joked, "Is this your way of saying thank you?"
Matthew hadn't expected her to put it that way but nodded, "Something like that."
Chen's gaze shifted from Matthew's face downward, her eyes darting about before she suddenly asked, "Matthew, since you know so much about Eastern culture, have you studied ancient Chinese poetry?"
"Poetry?" Matthew was puzzled by her question. Why was this famous host asking about poetry? Nonetheless, he replied, "I know a little, like from the Tang dynasty poets Li Bai and Du Fu."
"You know Li Bai?" Chen's lips curled into a mysterious smile. "If you really want to thank me, how about 'A Thousand Miles to Jiangling'?"
Matthew was confused. "Li Bai's 'A Thousand Miles to Jiangling'?"
Seeing someone approaching, Chen smiled and said, "We'll talk another time. I have to go now."
As Chen's frail frame walked away, Matthew frowned, trying to figure out what she had meant.
Fortunately, he did know the poem. It was one of the required texts he had to memorize in school. He vaguely remembered it went something like, "Leaving White Emperor City at dawn amidst colorful clouds, I travel a thousand miles to Jiangling in a single day. The cries of monkeys on both shores never cease as my light boat sails past ten thousand mountains."
What did this poem have to do with thanking someone?
After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Matthew, prompted by Brown Williams, headed out of the lounge, preparing to return to the Capital Hotel.
There was a fan event scheduled for later that evening, where fans would present gifts.
Sitting in the back of the Mercedes, Matthew kept thinking about "A Thousand Miles to Jiangling," muttering to himself, "A thousand miles to Jiangling in a single day... A thousand miles to Jiangling in a single day..."
Suddenly, he had an epiphany. This Chen Datou was quite something—she'd hinted at it using an ancient poem!
But thinking about Chen's frail body and oversized head, Matthew couldn't help but shiver. Perhaps it was best to pretend he didn't understand.
If it had been one of the most beautiful women here, not just a thousand miles, even ten thousand miles would've been fine.
Maybe he was overthinking it. Perhaps the host was just joking.
As expected, the Mercedes got stuck in traffic again. Surrounded by countless cars, Matthew patiently waited, having grown used to it over the past few days. With so many people and cars here, traffic jams were the norm.
New York and Los Angeles also had notoriously congested areas. It was a global problem.
By the time they arrived back at the Capital Hotel, it was nearly 4:30 p.m. Matthew went upstairs to change clothes, preparing for the fan event at 6:00 p.m. After the event, he planned to invite the participating fans to dinner.
Of course, the entire process would be documented by the media.
All of this was, after all, part of the promotional campaign. To truly break into the market and make people feel like he was an old friend, large-scale promotion was indispensable.
Meanwhile, Nini and Bai Xue had arrived at the meeting point.
Since it was close to the film academy, they had arrived a bit early, and no one else had shown up yet.
Nini stood in the shade, taking out a mirror and makeup kit to touch up her face. In her early twenties and naturally beautiful, she looked stunning.
"People are staring at us," Bai Xue pointed out. "You're already beautiful. No need to touch up."
Nini put away her mirror. "This is an important event. I just wish I had more time to get ready."
Bai Xue was puzzled. "What's so important?"
Realizing she had said too much, Nini quickly replied, "We're meeting our idol, of course!"
Bai Xue nodded, though she still felt that something was off with Nini today, though she couldn't quite put her finger on it.
Unlike Bai Xue, Nini had some experience in the entertainment industry and knew about all the shady things that went on. Having encountered many scammers posing as directors and producers, she had yet to find her way in.
There were far too many stories of people being tricked into losing both their bodies and their opportunities.
Some of those doing the deceiving were even well-known figures in the industry, making it all the more dangerous.
Nini was unsure if she would have the chance to speak up tonight or what Matthew Horner was really like. She felt anxious and uncertain about her future.
Looking around, she spotted an electronics store and suddenly had an idea.
If she got the chance to get close to her target, she'd need some sort of security, right?
Unlike the straightforward Bai Xue, Nini's experience in the industry had made her more calculating.
"Wait here for me," Nini told Bai Xue. "I'm going to buy something. I'll be right back."
Bai Xue, busy texting, reminded her, "Hurry up
. The others will be here in a few minutes."
Nini nodded. "I'll be back in two minutes."
With that, she quickly walked toward the electronics store, where she found the owner, exchanged a few words, paid, and slipped a small black voice recorder into her handbag.
As she left the store, Nini breathed a sigh of relief and felt for the recorder in her bag. Even if she didn't get to speak with Matthew Horner tonight, the recorder might come in handy in the future.
She had been around the industry long enough to know that a girl as pretty as she was would need to sacrifice something to get an opportunity.
Returning to the meeting spot, Nini and Bai Xue waited for a few more minutes before a six-seater van pulled up. A young man about their age in the passenger seat waved them over.
"They're here!" Bai Xue grabbed Nini's arm. "Let's get in."
The two of them climbed into the van, which sped off toward the Capital Hotel. Despite encountering a few traffic jams along the way, they still arrived before the scheduled 6:00 p.m. appointment.
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