Afterwards, Aziva Gosman, Orlando Bloom, and Stephen Sommers among others came to offer their congratulations. Matthew Horner and Charlize Theron had to handle over a dozen groups of people before they could continue their earlier conversation.
"We're getting engaged today," Matthew whispered to Charlize Theron. "Do you think it's appropriate to discuss this topic now?"
Charlize Theron responded coolly, "It's very appropriate." She directly asked, "Have you thought of a suitable reason for us to break up?"
Matthew shook his head. "No." Since they had a high-profile romance and engagement, they obviously couldn't just split without a good reason as it could potentially cause negative publicity. He thought for a moment and then suggested, "If we can't find a good reason, we might as well keep things as they are."
"That's impossible." Charlize Theron glanced at Matthew. "You know me, I know you; let's not joke about this."
Their relationship had been a facade from the start, a mere show, strictly speaking, there wasn't even a question of breaking up.
If she took a show seriously, there would definitely be something wrong with her.
"I'm serious," Matthew emphasized.
Charlize Theron shook her head. "Can you guarantee fidelity to your partner? Don't lie to me, Matthew."
"I..." Matthew hesitated for a while, "Maybe in the future."
Even if he said he could, Charlize Theron wouldn't believe him based on her understanding of him.
During a previous drink with Charlize Theron, Johnny Depp, and Keanu Reeves, they had discussed this topic. Matthew had revealed his initial aspirations when entering Hollywood and was very certain that those aspirations wouldn't change.
He had dug his own grave, and ultimately he would have to fill it himself.
To be honest, he had never intended to deceive Charlize Theron. Just like when he genuinely got together with Britney, he stopped giving her nonsensical advice and instead tried to guide and influence her to avoid making low-level mistakes.
The developments to date proved that his actions were fruitful. Britney's career had been thriving up to now, and she hadn't caused any serious messes.
Although they could never return to how things once were, deep down, Matthew still wanted to see Britney succeed.
Noticing Matthew zoning out, Charlize Theron nudged him, "What are you thinking about?"
"Just some things from the past," Matthew responded offhand.
After handling more congratulatory guests, Charlize Theron whispered, "Actually, I've thought of a reason, and it's very appropriate. It shouldn't damage either your reputation or mine."
Matthew didn't respond, his mind conflicted. On one hand, he didn't want to give up his original aspirations; on the other, he was genuinely attracted to Charlize Theron.
But he was well aware that Charlize Theron would never tolerate his so-called initial intentions.
Charlize Theron was neither foolish nor infatuated. In Hollywood, once one partner in a celebrity marriage had an affair, it almost always ended in divorce or separation. Those who turned a blind eye had reached some sort of understanding and lived separate lives.
Regardless of whether Matthew responded, Charlize Theron leaned in and whispered a few words in his ear.
Hearing her words, Matthew's lips began to tremble slightly. His usually impassive face unexpectedly showed a trace of embarrassment.
"Sally, you're joking, right?" He turned to look at Charlize Theron. "This can be a reason for breaking up?"
"Why not?" Charlize Theron was serious. "I wouldn't joke about this."
She emphasized, "I've thought about it for a while, and this reason is harmless."
Matthew was still a bit embarrassed. "I know it's harmless, but is this really okay?"
Charlize Theron shrugged slightly. "Do you have a better reason?"
Matthew thought for a moment, then slowly shook his head.
Charlize Theron added, "You could discuss it with Helen Herman. Anyway, we still have some time before we break up."
Matthew didn't respond, because he saw Robert Iger, the new CEO of Walt Disney, approaching.
"Hi, Matthew. Hi, Charlize," Robert Iger greeted them before adding, "Congratulations."
"Thank you," Charlize Theron said with a smile.
Matthew responded with similar congratulatory enthusiasm, "We should also congratulate you, Bob. Congratulations on becoming the helmsman of Walt Disney."
What exactly happened in Disney's internal power struggle was not clear to him, but it must have been fiercely competitive. Robert Iger's success in securing the CEO position proved that this Mickey Mouse figure was no ordinary character.
It was beneficial to maintain a good relationship with such a person.
Matthew remembered Jerry Bruckheimer once describing Robert Iger: always very calm, rational, and empathetic
, skilled in leveraging others to accomplish tasks, not needing to rule with an iron fist in management.
After exchanging pleasantries, Robert Iger naturally turned the conversation to work. Disney was finally putting years of disputes behind and was beginning to clear up a long list of issues left by Michael Eisner and Michael Ovitz, ready to accelerate development once more.
Film production was always a key business for Disney.
"Matthew, Disney has collaborated with you on several films, all of which have been successful," Robert Iger said with a Mickey Mouse-like smile. "I hope we can continue our cooperation."
"I feel the same," Matthew said timely. "With Disney's support, it's hard not to succeed."
Thinking of "300 Spartans," he continued, "Bob, I'm planning a new project with Zack Snyder, director of 'Dawn of the Dead'. We haven't found a suitable distributor yet."
Robert Iger, having just returned to the main Disney branch and being well-versed in the film industry, probed, "In the project, you are..."
"I'm the lead actor," Matthew understood his hint. Considering Disney's child-friendly operational strategy, he added, "It will likely be an R-rated movie."
Hearing that Matthew was the lead, Robert Iger immediately said, "Then, I'll have someone from Touchstone Pictures or Buena Vista International contact you."
He spoke of contact, not rashly making any promises.
Matthew was well aware that a CEO wouldn't directly manage a specific film's execution or make decisions based on a few flattering words. The response from Robert Iger was satisfactory.
As Matthew and Robert Iger were talking, Aziva Gosman approached Helen Herman, who was hiding in a corner of the banquet hall.
"Why are you alone here?" Aziva Gosman sat across from Helen Herman. "Aren't you going to congratulate Matthew?"
Helen Herman pushed up her glasses and seeing no one around, spoke frankly, "This is just a show. Don't we both know that?"
Aziva Gosman laughed, "There are many media outlets outside; the effect should be good."
"We've spent so much resource," Helen Herman stated calmly. "We even pulled in Dior and Mercedes-Benz. If there were no effect, we might as well quit Hollywood."
"That's right," Aziva Gosman suddenly changed the subject. "Helen, does Matthew have any schedule arrangements around 2007?"
Helen Herman thought for a moment, then shook her head. "Not at the moment." She asked, "Do you have a new project?"
"Yes," Aziva Gosman said directly, "I plan to invite Matthew to be the lead actor in my new project."
His new project had already begun scriptwriting. He had mentioned this to Matthew before, just giving a heads-up without any particular implication. Now, with "Mr. & Mrs. Smith's" first-week box office success almost assured, his commercial success reinforced his desire to cast Matthew as the lead.
Originally, his screenwriter, Marco Potosevich, had wanted to cast a Black actor as the lead to align with current Hollywood trends, but after seeing the first weekend box office results for "Mr. & Mrs. Smith," he decisively dismissed Potosevich's suggestion.
The lead actor's box office appeal was crucial, and Matthew Horner had once again proven his commercial value.
For the next project, he needed a producer and distributor. With a star like Matthew Horner, who truly had box office appeal, joining would surely make the process much smoother.
Helen Herman had heard about this from Matthew before. She thought for a moment and said, "We've collaborated and succeeded before. If your next project is suitable, Matthew will definitely consider it first."
Aziva Gosman knew that Helen Herman wouldn't just agree to anything after a few words. He added, "Once the script is finished, I'll send you a copy."
"Don't worry," Helen Herman, an old friend of his, responded. "I'll definitely pass it to Matthew immediately."
Aziva Gosman looked towards Matthew and Charlize Theron, still in conversation with Robert Iger. It was clear, as each of his films succeeded one after another, Matthew Horner was gradually becoming a guarantee of success in the eyes of major Hollywood studios.
For the next project, how much salary would it take to entice Matthew Horner?
As the evening wore on, guests gradually began to leave, and Matthew and Charlize Theron stood at the entrance of the banquet hall, bidding farewell to each guest. Each guest received a Dior gift bag before being chauffeured away by a Mercedes.
Only at midnight did the last guest leave. Matthew called for Charlize Theron to rest. The staff from Lister would soon come in to wrap up, and with security personnel and the mansion's servants watching, they needn't worry.
What concerned Matthew more was how effective this grand show had been.
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