The richest actor in Hollywood.

Hearing the question, Matthew didn't respond immediately but remained silent for a few seconds. 

Give some advice and guidance to newcomers? There are undoubtedly many answers, but in this context, he needed to say something high-class and unique.

Matthew quickly found his answer, slightly adjusted his tone, and seriously said, "For any actor, acting... creating a character is a complex art. Becoming a good actor, especially in a place like Hollywood, is not just about good acting skills."

He paused to gather his thoughts and continued, "In simple terms, take every opportunity and don't be afraid to act in bad movies."

"Why?" a journalist asked softly.

"Newcomers don't need to worry about bad movies affecting them. It's unnecessary," Matthew explained. "For a newcomer, any role is worth playing. Even if you mess it up, at least you gain experience and get paid. I have a friend who always waited for good movies. He always said, 'You can't take that role, it's a bad movie.' I said, 'I need to learn how to act in movies.'"

He smiled and added, "This friend of mine kept waiting for good movies and good roles to come to him. But things are not that simple. Work is a necessary practice. A director picked him a few years ago, and he thought it was a good opportunity. But when filming started, he stood in front of the camera, completely at a loss."

Matthew then pointed to a middle-aged female journalist sitting on the grass.

"I'd like to ask," the middle-aged female journalist stood up and said, "Matthew, your movies are always filled with violence. Do you like violence?"

Matthew didn't answer directly but instead said, "Violence is an important element in movies—war, police, gangsters, kung fu. Many genre films contain violence." He laughed, "Aside from being an actor, I'm just a regular moviegoer, a 25-year-old young moviegoer."

The journalists suddenly realized that the Hollywood A-lister sitting before them was born in 1980.

"I'm sure everyone knows what type of films most viewers in this age group like and what elements they enjoy in movies..." Matthew spread his hands and said bluntly, "I like the violence in movies."

The surrounding journalists laughed, resonating with his words. They, too, liked such elements when they were younger.

The Hollywood star before them no longer seemed distant and masked but appeared very genuine.

Having worked his way up in the industry for a few years, Matthew continued, "I don't mind the depiction of violence in movies. It's just a film, not real life. I enjoy violent stories and have always loved Hong Kong films. A significant part of my life was spent watching action movies, which is relaxing for me. I also read novels with violent elements—spy, suspense, crime, horror novels. I've always liked these since I was a child."

After their individual interviews, Matthew and Keira Knightley gathered again. Naturally, the media asked if they had reconciled, which both denied, insisting they were just good friends.

This was true. Since returning from the Dominican Republic, Matthew and Keira Knightley had ended their fling and returned to being good friends.

The picnic ended, and on the way back to the hotel, Matthew and Keira Knightley shared a car again.

The crew had a generous budget, booking them rooms at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Manhattan, located near Central Park and the United Nations Headquarters. Approaching the hotel, they encountered a traffic jam.

Their vehicle was stuck on First Avenue.

"Mr. Horner, Ms. Knightley," the driver reminded them, "Please don't get out of the car. I'll roll up the windows."

Keira Knightley nodded immediately, "No problem."

Matthew turned to look through the front windshield and asked curiously, "What's happening?"

The driver watched for a while and replied, "There are protesters near the UN building blocking the road."

"The UN is having a meeting again?" Keira Knightley asked.

"Not sure," the driver shook his head. "I don't really know."

He reminded them again, "Protesters often march along First Avenue. Please don't get out of the car."

"We know," Matthew nodded lightly, "Safety first."

The car was stuck and unable to move. Since neither had any urgent business, they waited patiently.

"Are you going back to Los Angeles tomorrow?" Keira Knightley asked.

Matthew thought for a moment and said, "I might stay here for a couple more days."

Keira Knightley turned to him and said, "Will you accompany me to Long Island tomorrow to meet someone? I'll introduce a beautiful woman to you."

"Tomorrow?" Matthew had other plans for this trip. "Who are we meeting?"

"Have you seen the 'Star Wars' prequels?" Keira Knightley saw Matthew nod and said, "Padmé Amidala, I was her stand-in."

Matthew nodded, "You mean Natalie Portman." He suddenly remembered something, "Last year, you were competing for the Chanel Coco Mademoiselle fragrance endorsement, weren't you? Your competitor was Natalie Portman, right?"

"Yes, it was her," Keira Knightley said with some irritation. "I lost the endorsement to Natalie Portman."

"Then why are you going to meet her?" Knowing Keira Knightley's personality, Matthew found this surprising, "Don't tell me you two are good friends."

"Friends with her?" Keira Knightley snorted, "Who would be friends with her!"

She continued, "Natalie Portman knew I was in New York for an event and called to arrange a meeting. I guess she wants to show off since her career hasn't been as smooth as mine these past few years."

Matthew asked curiously, "Why do you want me to go with you?"

Keira Knightley spoke directly, "Natalie Portman will definitely show off and make some snide remarks. You know me, I can't catch all the insinuations. You're good at this. If Natalie Portman mocks me, you can retaliate for me."

"You two are really childish," Matthew didn't want to waste time on actresses' petty fights. "You don't need me to go. I'll give you a good idea."

Keira Knightley, knowing Matthew had beaten many competitors to rise, eagerly asked, "What idea? Tell me quickly."

"It's very simple and very effective," Matthew leaned closer to Keira Knightley's ear and whispered, "If Natalie Portman mentions the Chanel endorsement, just slap her in the face!"

Keira Knightley widened her eyes, "Is that a good idea?"

Matthew spread his hands and asked, "Is there anything more satisfying and relieving than that?"

"That's a terrible idea!" Keira Knightley complained but then thought for a moment. "Although I really want to slap Natalie Portman, it wouldn't look good if someone photographed it."

Matthew suggested, "Move the meeting to a place where journalists can't photograph, like a private room at the Ritz-Carlton or a secluded private club."

"How about this," Keira Knightley grabbed Matthew's arm, "Come with me to meet Natalie Portman tomorrow. Find a chance and you slap her."

"Me?" Matthew pointed at himself, "Are you crazy, Keira?"

Keira Knightley pinched his arm hard, "You're my good friend. Shouldn't you help me when I'm wronged?"

Matthew shook his head repeatedly, "I'm a man. Men hitting women is too disgraceful."

"You don't have to hit her!" Keira Knightley had great confidence in Matthew. "Your words alone could drive Natalie Portman crazy."

Matthew still shook his head, "I'm not going."

"You're no fun!" Keira Knightley let go of his arm, "Coward."

"Say whatever you like," Matthew wasn't swayed by her taunts, "I'm not going."

Even if Natalie Portman had taken Keira Knightley's endorsement, he wouldn't stoop to hitting a woman. Besides, Keira was just venting.

Moreover, he had plans for tomorrow. This time in New York, he had ample time, unlike previous rushed visits.

Matthew intended to contact Alexandra Daddario.

___________________

(Support with power stones, comments or reviews)

If you guys enjoy this story, In support me on Patreon and get access to +200 advance Chapters

Read Ahead

Patreon.com/INNIT