At the Long Beach dock, a crowd of media reporters gathered. Warner TV even dispatched a satellite truck to cover the event.
In front of the cameras, a massive container ship was docked, and towering gantry cranes hoisted container after container, loading them onto the ship.
Ilena Boyar was on-site herself today, directing her two cameramen as they filmed. Pointing to one of the containers being lifted, she instructed, "Focus on the markings on the container."
On the red container, the blue UNHCR logo and the white M&H emblem of the Matthew Foundation stood out prominently.
"How many containers have been loaded so far?" a senior reporter muttered as he clicked his camera shutter.
The younger reporter, who had been carrying a video camera, responded, "I've been counting. There seem to be forty-five containers loaded onto the ship so far." He then pointed towards the road leading to the docks, where more trucks were arriving, "The convoy is still bringing more."
The older reporter marveled, "Matthew Horner really knows how to invest big."
Ilena Boyar glanced at her two colleagues but didn't comment. She understood a basic principle: high investment usually leads to higher returns.
Besides, she suspected that Matthew probably wasn't using his own money.
It appeared that his two foundations had successfully raised significant amounts of charitable donations.
For some reason, Ilena Boyar's thoughts wandered to a certain blonde woman around Matthew's age, a shrewd and skilled operator in commercial ventures.
Being in the media industry herself, Ilena had kept an eye on the activities of Matthew's two charitable foundations. This woman wasn't the most famous among Hollywood stars but was still in the second tier, recognizable to many.
If her guess was right, this woman had orchestrated the entire operation.
One truck after another arrived, each container bearing the logos of the UNHCR and Matthew's foundation.
Ilena Boyar observed closely. The UN officials seemed genuinely excited, some even engaging in conversations with Matthew, though she couldn't hear them from a distance.
However, the discussions among her fellow reporters were crystal clear.
"I never expected it. A Hollywood star actually doing something substantial instead of just giving speeches."
"Matthew is way better than those who only talk and never act."
"He has a sense of responsibility and integrity. That's a real man!"
"Social responsibility is crucial for celebrities."
Even the young reporter next to Ilena added, "I've always felt that celebrities have a huge social influence, and when they do meaningful things for society, it can really draw attention to important issues."
Ilena, who knew Matthew well, was aware that his motives weren't entirely altruistic. Nonetheless, she acknowledged that his actions would indeed help many people. Even those inclined to criticize him would have to stay silent on this matter.
The current state of American society seemed increasingly baffling to her. Matthew's shipment was headed to conflict-ridden, predominantly black regions in Africa.
"Matthew, I've coordinated with the peacekeeping forces," said Guterres, the UNHCR High Commissioner, as they stood on a vacant lot near the docks. "They'll escort the supplies to their destination. Rest assured."
Matthew shook hands with the Portuguese official, "Thank you."
"No, no…" Guterres quickly shook his head. "It's us who should thank you. You're going to help a lot of refugees."
After a few more polite exchanges, Guterres left the Long Beach port. As the UNHCR's top official, he had a packed schedule, making his visit here a significant gesture.
Amanda, sporting her trademark blonde hair, approached Matthew. Removing her sunglasses, she glanced at the cargo ship and said, "The film crew you and Helen discussed will depart in a week. They'll meet the supply convoy in Africa and then travel to the refugee camps to interview people receiving the supplies."
Matthew nodded, "Keep an eye on them."
"Don't worry," Amanda assured. "They're experienced war zone journalists used to navigating Africa." She then gestured towards the reporters being held back by security, "Many of them want to interview you."
"I think it's better if you handle it," Matthew shook his head slightly. "It wouldn't be right for me to boast about myself. You're much better at praising me."
Amanda, accustomed to Matthew's antics, smiled, "I'll make sure your good deeds are known worldwide."
They had already discussed the interviews extensively on their way over this morning. It wasn't appropriate for Matthew to face the press directly this time.
After all the containers were finally loaded, Amanda instructed security to allow the reporters into the pre-designated interview area. Facing the cameras and microphones, she began to extol Matthew's virtues.
"We understand that any one person or organization has limited capabilities, but Matthew always tells me that we should do our utmost to help those in dire need."
Amanda, who had transformed from a receptionist into a seasoned professional over the years, continued, "Matthew has personally visited refugee camps in Africa and experienced the conditions there firsthand. That's what inspired him to establish these two charitable foundations and launch our series of charitable activities."
With a serious expression, she announced, "Matthew also asked me to share some news: starting with the upcoming release of '300', he will donate one-third of his earnings from each film to the charitable foundations to support those in need."
Among the reporters were some who genuinely cared about social responsibility. Upon hearing Amanda's announcement, they couldn't help but applaud.
Reporters from TMZ and Warner followed suit, and soon the entire crowd was clapping enthusiastically.
Amanda didn't linger to say more. She turned and headed towards the parked car, glancing back briefly at the still-energized reporters and shaking her head with a shrug.
Such charitable donations were primarily for a good reputation. In reality...
She was well aware that Matthew had carefully considered this decision. In Hollywood, salaries are typically pre-tax amounts, and charitable donations can be tax-deductible.
Even if Matthew didn't donate to his own foundation, a significant portion of his money would end up with the tax authorities.
But to the general public, this was undeniably a noble gesture.
Once inside Matthew's Mercedes, Amanda finally relaxed, saying, "I feel like my acting could win me a Golden Globe."
Matthew instructed the driver to start the car and then teased, "Why not star as the lead in my next film?"
Amanda responded with a question, "Your next film? Have you decided what it will be?"
Matthew wasn't embarrassed. "Not yet." He then turned serious, "Regarding my salary donations, don't keep all of it."
"Don't worry," Amanda reclined in her seat, "I'll ensure some of your donations go to genuine charity causes and make your financials look impeccable."
Matthew gazed out the window, "Bringing you into this sometimes makes me feel... a bit uneasy."
"Guilty?" Amanda guessed, then shook her head. "You, feeling guilty? At most, you're probably just a bit uncomfortable."
Matthew pondered for a moment, "Maybe." He looked at Amanda, who had remained vibrant and youthful over the years. "I still see you as the carefree, uncalculating receptionist from Angel Agency."
Amanda, feigning annoyance, said, "So you find it easier to manipulate me? Back then, I was easily swayed by a few sweet words and a handsome face."
Matthew wasn't the least bit ashamed, "At least it proves I was really good-looking."
Amanda laughed, her voice clear and joyful. Pointing at Matthew, she said, "I've known for a while now that your skin has thickened over the years."
"That's part of becoming more mature," Matthew pinched his cheek playfully, "One sign of maturity is developing thicker skin."
Amanda reflexively touched her own face, emphasizing, "I've matured, but my skin hasn't thickened."
Matthew chuckled, "Of course, you're the exception—uniquely different, Amanda."
Amanda shifted to get more comfortable and then said, "Fine, I admit it. That's how the world works, doesn't it? You need a thick skin to survive."
She then asked, "In Hollywood, do you think everyone needs to have a thick skin to make it?"
Matthew pointed to his own face, "Thick skin alone isn't enough."
Amanda, curious, asked, "What else do you need? From your experience, I mean."
Matthew took a moment to think, not hiding his thoughts from an old friend like Amanda, and said, "You need to be thick-skinned, bold, a bit ruthless, and lucky... Yeah, pretty much sums it up."
"Lucky?" Amanda was puzzled.
"Yes, luck is crucial," Matthew nodded earnestly. "Like meeting you, who helped me get the lead in Britney's music video; meeting Helen, who's been instrumental in my career. Without Helen's early efforts, I might have made it, but not this quickly."
Some opportunities he recognized as famous films would have been inaccessible to a resource-less newcomer without Helen's influence.
Matthew's current success was due to his efforts, exceptional luck, and a unique advantage in foreknowledge.
Amanda tilted her head, looking at Matthew, "So meeting me was your good luck."
"Absolutely," Matthew affirmed. "If you hadn't helped me, how could I have stood out among Angel Agency's numerous temp actors and caught Helen's attention?"
Amanda clapped her hands, "Then you owe me a big thank you."
"Of course," Matthew agreed. "I'll have to find a proper way to express my gratitude."
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