Walking down the hotel corridor, Matthew Horner noticed that many of the people coming and going were of African descent, and some seemed to recognize him, watching curiously as he passed through the hallway.
He subconsciously straightened his tie, his gaze sweeping over the room number to his front left, confirming he hadn't come to the wrong place. He walked over and knocked on the door. The door was pulled open from the inside, and a woman around thirty years old peeked out and glanced at Matthew Horner.
"Hello, Mr. Horner."
The woman clearly recognized Matthew Horner, willingly stepped aside from the doorway, and said, "Ms. Theron is waiting for you."
Matthew Horner smiled and nodded at her, then entered the room. It was a luxurious business suite. Charlize Theron, dressed in an off-white evening gown, was standing in front of a mirror.
"Hi, Sally." Matthew Horner walked up behind Charlize Theron and waved at her reflection in the mirror. Charlize Theron turned around. The moment she saw Matthew Horner, a flash of joy crossed her face, and she asked, "What brings you to Munich?"
Matthew Horner looked her over and said, "Came to see you."
Charlize Theron smiled and said, "It's getting late. Let's head down to the ballroom."
She reached out and took Matthew Horner's arm, and they left the suite together. They took the elevator to the second floor, where the dinner banquet, convened by the German Football Association, was being held in the grand ballroom.
"The Confederations Cup is this summer."
As they walked toward the ballroom, Charlize Theron said to Matthew Horner, "This is a rehearsal before next year's World Cup. Germany's hosting experience is very important to South Africa, and the South African team will remain here to observe."
Matthew Horner nodded. As he entered the ballroom with Charlize Theron, he noticed many people he had previously seen online, such as German football superstar Ballack, and the old man named Kaiser whose name he couldn't recall.
Naturally, culture and sports are intertwined globally, and there were quite a few entertainment stars present. He also saw Diane Kruger.
Matthew Horner didn't go over to greet anyone. He followed Charlize Theron and sat at the table designated for the South African Delegation. The other people at the table were South African officials. After Charlize Theron introduced him, they exchanged a few polite pleasantries, but he spent the rest of the time mostly chatting with Charlize Theron.
He wasn't planning to develop his career in South Africa, nor was he participating in the South Africa World Cup, so there was no need to get acquainted with these South African officials.
"How many years did you sign with Mercedes-Benz for?" Charlize Theron asked curiously.
"Three years." Since this didn't involve confidentiality clauses, Matthew Horner answered honestly. "Mercedes-Benz didn't want to sign too long a contract with me, and Helen Herman and I didn't want to be easily tied down to Mercedes-Benz either."
Charlize Theron lowered her voice slightly. "I started endorsing Dior after the Oscar ceremony. The response seems good over the past year, and Dior is preparing to sign a ten-year long-term contract with me."
"It's not just 'good response.'" Matthew Horner had seen the data collected by Angel Talent Agency. "Dior J'adore perfume sales have soared. If I were Dior's decision-maker, I would also sign a long-term contract with you."
He reminded her, "According to the information collected by my agency, many people in the industry believe that your endorsement truly allowed Dior J'adore perfume to shine."
Charlize Theron smiled but said nothing.
Matthew Horner added, "You can ask for a higher endorsement fee."
"My Agent is still negotiating." Charlize Theron leaned close to Matthew Horner's ear. "It probably won't be less than $4 million."
An annual endorsement fee of $4 million is indeed not a huge amount, but having a long-term contract like the one with Dior is very beneficial for a celebrity maintaining their status. Even if Dior is only considered a second-tier luxury brand, Dior J'adore perfume is merely an introductory product among luxury fragrances.
Matthew Horner had seen clearly over the past few years that the shelf life for female stars is much shorter than for male stars. A-list actresses need more than just good work to maintain their status, especially since Hollywood currently produces far too few genuine female-led films.
Scarce resources mean fierce competition, and roles might be unattainable. Hollywood's speed of replacement is rapid; while male stars are said to become more popular with age, the turnover rate for female stars is practically instantaneous.
An A-list actress might go just one year without a standout project, only to look back and find a whole swarm of younger stars rushing forward.
At times like this, A-list actresses naturally have to find ways to secure their position when their filmography is lacking.
Of course, this also applies to male stars. Helen Herman specifically discussed this matter with Matthew Horner.
To maintain their status, Hollywood actresses have several 'magic weapons.' The most representative ones include packaging themselves as Feminist Activists, securing luxury brand endorsements, and becoming United Nations Goodwill Ambassadors, among others.
It is generally recognized in the industry that as long as a star has a first- or second-tier luxury brand endorsement, they won't easily fall from grace.
"Hasn't your Agent contacted any clothing brands?" Charlize Theron whispered to Matthew Horner. "Given your physique and fame, there should be some room for negotiation."
Matthew Horner leaned close to Charlize Theron's ear. "CK contacted Helen Herman, but they chose someone else later. This also depends on the opportunity."
Charlize Theron nodded. Just as she was about to speak, someone suddenly approached Matthew Horner's left side and whispered a few words in English to the black South African man sitting there. Matthew Horner didn't catch what was said, but the South African official willingly gave up his seat to the newcomer.
"Hello, Mr. Horner." The man greeted Matthew Horner proactively, then looked to Matthew Horner's right. "Hello, Ms. Theron."
Matthew Horner turned his head to look left. It was a middle-aged man with short blonde hair, around forty years old, with a fleshy, intimidating face.
"I am Uwe Boll," the man introduced himself. "A director."
"Hello," Matthew Horner responded politely.
Charlize Theron also smiled. "Hello, Director Boll."
Uwe Boll was completely unreserved. Ignoring the other South African officials present, he pointed to a table diagonally opposite and said bluntly, "I was just sitting there and saw you two. I sincerely want to praise God; God has sent the two best actors right to me."
Matthew Horner was confused and didn't recognize the man. Listening to the English heavily accented with German, he couldn't help but glance at Charlize Theron. Recently, Charlize Theron had been traveling frequently between South Africa and Germany, so she might know this German director.
Charlize Theron discreetly gave Matthew Horner a look, and Matthew Horner immediately understood that Charlize Theron didn't know the man either.
"Mr. Horner, may I call you Matthew? Ah, Matthew..."
The German director was completely familiar, acting as if they were old friends. "And Charlize. You two are the most outstanding movie stars in the film industry today, possessing both acting skill and good looks."
Hearing this, Matthew Horner didn't know how to respond, as neither he nor Charlize Theron were particularly renowned for their acting skills in Hollywood.
Director Uwe Boll was still rambling on, so Matthew Horner simply interrupted him. "Director Boll, is there something you need from us?"
"Yes, there is something." Uwe Boll smiled, the flesh on his face trembling. "I am currently planning a magical epic blockbuster, and I have already raised $60 million in funding..."
When Matthew Horner heard the figure of $60 million, he instantly became wary. Either this director was highly capable, or he was a complete bullshitter.
In this era, films produced outside of Hollywood with an investment level of $60 million are extremely rare.
Charlize Theron seemed to have a similar thought, as she secretly squeezed his hand under the table, clearly giving him a warning.
Uwe Boll continued, "I have been searching for my lead actors, but haven't found suitable candidates until I saw you two." He put on a serious expression. "Matthew, Charlize, you are the ideal male and female leads I've been looking for!"
Matthew Horner nodded and asked, "Can you tell us more details?"
"Are you familiar with *Dungeon Siege*?" Uwe Boll asked. Seeing Matthew Horner shake his head, he added, "It was a popular computer game a few years ago."
"You're not planning a video game adaptation, are you?" Matthew Horner immediately asked.
Uwe Boll admitted directly, "That's right! I plan to adapt the game *Dungeon Siege* into a film."
Originally, although Matthew Horner was wary, he had been somewhat interested, as successful European commercial films were not unheard of. But upon hearing 'video game adaptation,' his interest vanished instantly.
"I apologize, Director Boll." Matthew Horner politely declined. "I cannot discuss work matters when my Agent is not present."
Charlize Theron quickly added, "Me too."
Uwe Boll still wanted to say something, but Matthew Horner spoke first. "How about this: if you truly want to invite me, please send a formal letter to my agency."
"No problem!"
Perhaps due to a language barrier, Uwe Boll seemed to misunderstand Matthew Horner's implication. "I'll go back right away and prepare to send an invitation letter to your agency."
He then said to Charlize Theron, "And Ms. Theron."
With so many people present and the formal setting, coupled with their status as established celebrities, Matthew Horner and Charlize Theron had to maintain their image and couldn't say much more. Uwe Boll could send invitations freely; they were perfectly free not to accept.
After Uwe Boll left, Charlize Theron specifically found someone to inquire about him. The guy was indeed a director, somewhat known in Germany, and had directed several horror films whose critical reception was poor but box office performance was decent.
When the banquet ended, Charlize Theron asked, "Are you interested?"
Matthew Horner shook his head. "Video game adaptations..."
He didn't elaborate, and Charlize Theron didn't press him further.
Over the next few days, the two visited various famous attractions in Munich. Before long, Entertainment Reporters began following them. Matthew Horner and Charlize Theron didn't try to avoid them, continuing their sightseeing tour of Munich hand-in-hand. During this time, they also went to the Olympic Stadium to watch a Bayern Munich football match.
In this highly developed information age, news and photos of Matthew Horner and Charlize Theron traveling together in Germany quickly spread back to North America, and rumors about the two starting a relationship gradually emerged.
When they returned to Los Angeles together, the paparazzi, who had received the news beforehand, blocked the exit of the international airport.