The richest actor in Hollywood.

After delivering the speech for the foundation's establishment, Matthew stepped down from the auction stage amidst enthusiastic applause. Next, the UNHCR commissioner, Guterres, would give a speech. During the preparation for the establishment of his two charitable foundations, he had received substantial support from the UNHCR. How could such a moment go without a speech from the top UNHCR official?

As soon as he stepped down, Bella Anderson approached and said, "Quentin Tarantino and Harvey Weinstein just came looking for me. They hope you can join them at their table if it's convenient."

Matthew looked towards the back left of the banquet hall. Since they had arrived the latest, Quentin Tarantino and Harvey Weinstein were occupying a table by themselves.

"Alright," Matthew nodded, "I understand."

Since the UNHCR's top commissioner was still giving his speech, he couldn't leave now. Standing in the host's position, he occasionally applauded warmly in sync with Guterres's speech.

He waited until Guterres finished his speech and the banquet officially began. After greeting some important guests, Matthew headed over to Quentin Tarantino and Harvey Weinstein's table.

Matthew exchanged pleasantries with the two and then sat down in the chair next to them. He had interacted with Harvey Weinstein a few times before, but he had only heard of Quentin Tarantino's name without meeting him.

"Harvey, Quentin." Matthew was very busy tonight and couldn't stay long. He got straight to the point, "Do you have something to discuss?"

"Yes," Harvey Weinstein, always somewhat arrogant when dealing with actors, pointed to Quentin Tarantino. "He has something he wants to discuss with you and specifically asked me to introduce you."

Matthew glanced at Harvey Weinstein, feeling a bit annoyed by his demeanor and tone, but he didn't show it. After all, he was the host now.

Quentin Tarantino, a quirky character, unlike Harvey Weinstein, kept smiling while facing Matthew and said, "I've watched several of your movies and felt quite inspired."

His words almost made Matthew think Quentin was a homosexual.

"I was wondering if we could collaborate once?" Quentin Tarantino was clearly not joking, "How about a psychopathic killer?"

Matthew had seen "Reservoir Dogs," "Pulp Fiction," and "Kill Bill," and knew Quentin's movies never followed the usual rules, making him a maverick in the independent film industry.

Of course, his "maverick" was meant as a compliment, not an insult.

Quentin's movies were very special, loved by those who loved them and hated by those who didn't. Matthew happened to belong to the former group.

When he was on the other side of the Pacific, he had watched most of Quentin's movies, like the one about killing Hitler, which was quite exhilarating.

What stood out most in his memory was Quentin Tarantino's personal interpretation of Madonna's song "Like a Virgin."

"A woman who was a 'fuck machine' finally met a man with a big enough dick to make her feel pain down there, something she hadn't felt in a long time. This pain reminded her of her first time, hence the song: 'Like a Virgin.'"

Seeing Quentin's face, which looked like it could be attached to a plow and used to till the fields, Matthew couldn't help but think of this line.

"A psychopathic killer?" Matthew asked curiously, "Can you elaborate?"

He was very interested in Quentin's movies but had significant doubts about playing such a role.

Quentin Tarantino was quite enthusiastic, "Robert Rodriguez and I plan to collaborate on a grindhouse movie. Robert will direct a zombie film, and I'll direct a psychopathic killer film."

Hearing this, Matthew suddenly thought of "Planet Terror" and "Death Proof."

These two films had left a deep impression on him, primarily for two reasons: they were extremely dark and absurd, and the production quality was very crude.

If "Kill Bill" and "Dawn of the Dead" were considered B-movies, then these two films were like subpar products from a small workshop.

Quentin Tarantino, regardless of what Matthew thought, continued enthusiastically, "The main character in this movie is a not-so-successful Hollywood action star who, after certain stimuli, becomes a bloodthirsty psychopathic killer, specifically targeting and killing promiscuous young girls."

Matthew listened to Quentin Tarantino and thought for a moment. He didn't know how these two films performed at the box office, but from their circulation, they certainly weren't major blockbusters. Moreover, Quentin's films had a limited audience and weren't particularly successful at the box office. His most successful film to date seemed to be "Pulp Fiction," which had just surpassed $100 million in North America.

However, this $100 million box office was accumulated over two releases in the '90s and early 2000s.

Matthew was now a top-tier star, and Quentin's invitation was a commercial collaboration. Since it was a commercial collaboration, he had to consider his own earnings.

Quentin's movies didn't gross high, and their budgets were relatively low, meaning his pay would also be reduced.

On this aspect alone, Matthew couldn't accept it. Moreover, playing a psychopathic killer didn't fit his style and image.

With these thoughts in mind, Matthew had already made his decision. He liked Quentin's film style very much and didn't want him to waste time on him. He said directly, "Sorry, such a role doesn't fit my image."

Quentin scratched his head but didn't say anything. Although he wanted to collaborate with some popular stars, being refused was not new to him.

Seeing Matthew refuse, a trace of displeasure flashed across Harvey Weinstein's face. He immediately interjected, "Matthew, won't you reconsider?"

Matthew didn't want to provoke Harvey Weinstein but wouldn't gamble with his future either. He firmly refused, "No need, Harvey. I have to shoot 'I Am Legend' in the second half of the year, and my schedule is already full."

Harvey Weinstein continued, "The schedule can be adjusted. If you take on this role, you could gain Weinstein Company's friendship."

Matthew stood up. As the host of the evening, he remained courteous, "I'm sorry, Harvey."

After saying this, he didn't stay any longer, greeted Quentin, and went to entertain other guests.

He specifically sought out Britney, whom he didn't usually contact.

"I'm happy you could come," Matthew said, even though Britney's agency had confirmed their first love relationship and made a big deal about her being a virgin, he didn't mind, "I hope we can still be friends."

When Britney broke up with him back then, he would be lying if he said he didn't feel any resentment. But so many years had passed, and he had long gotten over it. Perhaps it was the right decision to move on from that relationship, as he was very much enjoying his current life.

The last time they met, Britney seemed very mature. The once naïve girl had indeed grown up. She looked at Matthew and said, "How could I not come to support you?"

She gently patted Matthew's arm, "I want to witness another Hollywood superstar."

Matthew shook his head with a smile, "Years have passed, but I'm still not as successful as you. You're now the hottest pop diva."

After chatting for a few moments, Britney added, "You're the host tonight. Don't waste time here; go greet other guests."

Matthew didn't linger. He soon left and joined Amanda, making rounds at the tables.

"Let me introduce you."

Arriving at Helen Herman's table, Helen introduced, "This is Scott Borchetta, an executive at Big Machine Records. Scott was the CEO of DreamWorks and left last year to start his own company."

Matthew shook his hand, "Nice to meet you."

Just as he greeted Scott Borchetta, a blonde girl sitting beside him eagerly stood up and introduced herself, "Hello, Matthew."

The girl looked about sixteen or seventeen, with upturned eyebrows, almond-shaped eyes, and curly hair. Matthew hadn't noticed her when she was sitting, but now that she stood up, he saw she was quite tall, nearly six feet. Perhaps due to her height and slimness, she had a slight hunchback.

The curly-haired girl was very enthusiastic, gripping Matthew's hand tightly and saying excitedly, "Matthew, I really, really like you and your movies. I've watched each of your films at least five times."

Matthew smiled politely, "It's my honor." He glanced at the tall girl and asked, "May I know your name?"

"Ah... sorry," the curly-haired girl blushed slightly, embarrassed, "I was too excited to meet you and forgot to introduce myself."

"No problem," Matthew responded generously.

The curly-haired girl quickly introduced herself, "I'm Taylor Swift, a signed singer at Big Machine. I'll be releasing my first album this year." Her face reddened again, "You can call me Taylor."

Matthew nodded, "Nice to meet you, Taylor." He added politely, "I wish your album great success."

"Can we take a picture together?" Taylor Swift immediately took out her phone and asked with clear eyes, "Is that okay?"

"Of course," Matthew displayed the grace of a host.

Then, he and Taylor Swift stood together while Scott Borchetta took a photo of them with Taylor's phone.

As Matthew left, he took another look at Taylor Swift. Compared to Hollywood movies and stars, he didn't know much about the Western music scene. He knew early famous stars like Britney and Madonna, but Taylor Swift's name seemed vaguely familiar.

The girl gave a very good first impression, looking pure, natural, and a bit shy.

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