The University of Southern California (USC), commonly known as USC, is the oldest prestigious private research university on the West Coast of the United States and a world-renowned institution. Its campus is located in Los Angeles.
Many of USC's schools rank among the top 10 in the nation, with its School of Cinematic Arts and School of Journalism consistently rated as number one in their respective fields.
Jeremy Kleiner, a young Hollywood producer and former student of USC's School of Cinematic Arts, arrived on campus early this morning with a carefully prepared briefcase. He was here to attend a donation ceremony involving numerous students and alumni.
After meeting with his assistant and entering the auditorium, Jeremy Kleiner found a seat and sat down, looking toward the stage, which was still empty.
"Boss," his assistant whispered beside him, "do you think it's appropriate to come to a place like this to find Matthew Horner?"
Jeremy Kleiner sighed with a hint of helplessness. "I don't have a choice. This is the only way." He let out a long breath. "Matthew Horner is a top player in the industry. I'm just a small producer. It's almost impossible to meet him through normal channels."
"True," the assistant agreed.
"I've made several official requests for a meeting," Jeremy continued, shaking his head, "but the response is always the same: Matthew Horner doesn't have time." He sighed again. "To be fair, he's incredibly busy—filming a new movie in Australia and then promoting American Sniper after returning. He probably genuinely doesn't have time."
The assistant hesitated. "But do you think he'd be interested in this type of project?"
Jeremy pondered this and replied, "We had an interested investor initially, but Plan B fell through. Since then, how many companies have we approached for funding?"
"Fifteen," the assistant replied wearily. "All said no."
Jeremy smiled bitterly. "One more rejection won't hurt. Opportunities are made, not handed out."
People began filling the auditorium, and it wasn't long before the nearly 1,000-seat venue was packed.
"What a generous move," the assistant remarked, recalling the information they'd gathered. "Donating $5 million to the School of Cinematic Arts and the School of Journalism as scholarships—just a fraction of that could fund our movie."
Jeremy shrugged. "That amount is probably less than a tenth of the profits from The Hunger Games." He couldn't help but sigh. "Matthew Horner keeps showing us that making money through movies really isn't that hard."
The assistant muttered, "If only we could find someone to invest in us."
Suddenly, the room erupted in applause. Jeremy Kleiner turned his gaze to the stage, where Matthew Horner and several others were stepping up. The ceremony, hosted by a USC president, officially began.
Jeremy wasn't particularly interested in the formalities of the event. Instead, his eyes stayed on Matthew Horner's familiar face as he brainstormed ways to impress this rising star of Hollywood investment.
When Matthew stepped up to the microphone to give a speech, Jeremy's mind wandered to the currently trending American Sniper. A thought struck him—his project bore certain similarities to American Sniper and The Hunger Games.
Both films' success showcased Matthew's uncanny ability to sense and capitalize on societal trends.
Onstage, Matthew stood behind the microphone. As the donor, he was expected to say a few words, but he didn't plan to talk much. At his level, donations were more about social standing. The act itself needed to be publicized, but there was no need to overdo it.
"I simply hope to provide more people with the opportunity to receive a good education," Matthew said calmly, his voice steady. "A solid education ensures that more people won't struggle with poverty their whole lives. But it takes hard work—studying diligently and working tirelessly to build one's own career."
He didn't say much more. After a slight nod, he concluded with, "Thank you."
As he stepped down from the podium, USC's president approached to greet him. From the other side of the stage, a tall, blonde girl carrying a certificate-like item walked over as well.
"Thank you very much for your donation."
The president took the certificate from the blonde girl and handed it to Matthew. The two shook hands firmly, and a flurry of camera flashes erupted from the journalists in the front row.
For Matthew, the idea of doing good anonymously had never appealed. Publicizing such acts was, in his view, an effective way to promote them.
"I hope this can help more students," Matthew said politely. With the blonde girl leading the way, he headed toward the exit of the stage. He had an appointment with Christopher Nolan later and didn't plan to linger at USC.
As they walked out, Matthew's gaze naturally fell on the girl leading him.
Even though he hadn't taken a close look earlier, just a glance or two had been enough to notice her exceptional beauty. Even by Hollywood standards, she was stunning.
Estimating her height, Matthew guessed that even without her heels, she was close to six feet tall—a striking combination of height, long legs, fair skin, and an impeccable figure.
Dressed in a short red cocktail dress, her straight legs and impressive curves highlighted her femininity in a way that was hard to ignore.
"Mr. Horner," the blonde said as they reached a junction connecting two hallways. She gestured politely. "This way."
Matthew nodded slightly. "Thank you."
She led him to the exit of the auditorium but then stopped abruptly. Turning around, she gave Matthew a bright smile.
It was a sweet and captivating smile, full of youthful energy, enhanced by her flowing blonde hair. At that moment, her vitality was almost palpable.
The girl suddenly pulled out an iPhone and asked, "Matthew, can I take a picture with you? I'm a big fan."
Matthew, accustomed to such requests, didn't hesitate. He stepped closer, and the girl snapped a photo of the two of them with the auditorium's exit as the backdrop.
Standing beside her, Matthew became even more aware of her remarkable appearance—her stunning face, elegant figure, and those endlessly long legs…
He caught himself. His thoughts had wandered.
It was an old habit. Whenever he saw a beautiful woman, certain ideas naturally surfaced. Fortunately, he managed to keep them in check most of the time, confining them to his imagination.
Otherwise, he mused, he could very well become the next Harvey Weinstein.
"Thank you," the blonde said, putting her phone away. She smiled warmly. "Thank you, Matthew."
Matthew returned her smile. "You're welcome." He glanced at his watch, preparing to leave. Almost instinctively, he asked, "It was nice meeting you. Can I know your name?"
The girl looked at him and replied, "I'm Abby Hornacek. Just call me Abby."
"Nice to meet you, Abby." Matthew extended his hand, and the two shook hands briefly. With his signature charming smile, he asked, "Are you a student here at USC?"
Abby nodded lightly. "I'm studying at the School of Journalism."
"I always wanted to attend USC and study at the School of Cinematic Arts," Matthew admitted, weaving his words skillfully to his purpose. "But my grades were too poor."
Abby, too naive to detect any ulterior motives, responded admiringly. "I've read about your donations and heard how many people you've helped. I'm sure they're all incredibly grateful to you."
Matthew sighed dramatically. "I wanted to tour USC, but unfortunately, my schedule is too tight this time."
"That's okay." Abby's smile grew brighter. "USC isn't going anywhere. You can visit anytime."
Matthew nodded and asked naturally, "If I come back, could you be my guide? The campus looks huge, and I'd probably get lost…"
Abby, simple and straightforward, agreed instantly. "Of course! Just reach out to me whenever you're here."
Matthew pulled out his phone. "Let's exchange numbers then."
Abby recited her number without hesitation, and Matthew saved it before calling it to confirm. Abby's phone rang, and she smiled.
"Great." Matthew smiled back. "Next time I'm here, I'll get in touch."
"I'd be happy to show you all the interesting spots on campus," Abby said cheerfully.
Matthew checked his watch again. "I have an appointment with Director Nolan today, so I can't stay longer. Let's chat more next time."
"Goodbye!" Abby waved warmly.
She watched as Matthew walked away, thinking that the top Hollywood star was as approachable as rumors suggested. He lacked the arrogance typical of many big-name celebrities, making interactions with him unexpectedly pleasant.
In the past, Abby had seen other Hollywood stars and directors visit USC, most of whom carried themselves with unbearable airs.
"Oh no!" Abby suddenly smacked her forehead, rushing off. "I got so caught up talking to Matthew that I forgot my main task! I'm definitely going to get complaints later!"
While her beauty was an advantage, it often led to undue scrutiny and unnecessary trouble at school.
At the parking lot, Jeremy Kleiner leaned against a palm tree, eyeing a nearby Mercedes van. "The event's over. Why hasn't he come out yet?"
His assistant elbowed him. "Boss, look! Matthew Horner's coming!"
Jeremy turned quickly to see Matthew heading toward the Mercedes. He slung his briefcase over his shoulder and said, "Let's go. We need to catch him!"
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