"Philip, this is Matthew."
In the reception room of the Horner Estate, Helen Herman solemnly introduced Matthew to a tall, middle-aged white man wearing glasses. "Matthew, this is Mr. Philip Grande, Deputy High Commissioner of the UNHCR."
Hearing the latter part of the sentence, Matthew immediately extended his right hand and warmly shook hands with the middle-aged man, speaking neither obsequiously nor arrogantly, "Hello, Mr. Grande, it's a pleasure to meet you."
Helen Herman had told him yesterday that the visitor coming today was related to the United Nations goodwill ambassador position that Angel Talent Agency had been seeking for him.
"Hello, Mr. Horner." The middle-aged white man named Philip Grande was quite polite. "I've seen many films you've starred in; they are very impressive."
Matthew said thank you and invited Philip Grande and Helen Herman to sit wherever they pleased.
Facing this UNHCR official, Matthew behaved with great refinement.
After the three were seated, the maid immediately brought coffee. After the maid left, Matthew had just exchanged a few pleasantries with Philip Grande when Philip Grande got straight to the point.
"I came uninvited this time specifically to express my gratitude on behalf of the refugees in Africa." Philip Grande's words were quite polite and official. "Thank you and Miss Charlize Theron for donating 1.5 million US dollars to the UNHCR for African refugees."
Matthew said earnestly, "I have always been concerned about the situation in Africa and want to help those whose homes have been destroyed by war there. Any person with a conscience, after seeing everything that has happened there, would make the same choice as me."
After he and Charlize Theron sold the exclusive media rights for their engagement ceremony to TMZ, they donated the 1.5 million US dollars they received to a Charity Fund under the UNHCR, specifically for helping African refugees.
This was mainly in accordance with Charlize Theron's wishes; she is African and has a special affection for Africa.
Helen Herman interjected at the appropriate moment, "Matthew is very concerned about the plight of refugees. He has repeatedly inquired about the situation of African refugees and has donated to African refugees more than once."
Whether in Hollywood or in politics, the ability to lie through one's teeth is a fundamental skill.
Philip Grande nodded seriously, as if convinced that everything Helen Herman said was true.
"The primary purpose of the UNHCR is to protect the rights and health of refugees." Helen Herman continued to 'fly the plane,' "Mr. Grande, your organization has always strived to ensure that everyone has the right to seek asylum in another country, find safe haven, and voluntarily return home, and also seeks permanent solutions to their plight."
Philip Grande responded, "This is the mission of the UNHCR." He said solemnly, "We have always been committed to thoroughly eradicating the refugee problem."
Hearing him say that, Matthew spoke again, "I also hope to contribute to such a great cause."
"Mr. Grande..." Helen Herman did not beat around the bush this time and said directly, "Matthew, like your organization, is very concerned about the refugee issue and wants to do practical work for refugees. If we cooperate, we can certainly help more people and bring more attention to the refugee issue worldwide."
Matthew had already communicated with Helen Herman before.
At this point, he said, "I plan to establish two charitable foundations in the near future: one to help refugees traumatized by war, and the other to provide better living and educational guarantees for refugee children."
When it came to acting, that was his profession. Matthew said with a heavy expression, "No one is born a refugee; refugees are the evil consequence of war."
Helen Herman glanced at Matthew. From what she knew, Matthew didn't care whether African refugees lived or died, but now it seemed that this guy Matthew's acting skills had improved significantly.
He sounded and looked as if African refugees were his own family.
Philip Grande agreed wholeheartedly with Matthew's words, "Mr. Horner, what you said is very accurate: no one is born a refugee."
"Every day, war tears apart thousands of families." Matthew spoke very eloquently, "They may be forced to leave their loved ones, or they may be separated in the chaos of war."
He emphasized, "Children suffer the most among them."
"The refugee crisis is a global problem." Philip Grande nodded in agreement, "It requires everyone's concerted efforts."
Matthew again said mournfully, "If it weren't for war, no one would be born a refugee. All refugees deserve respect and sympathy."
He didn't know why, but when he said this, he suddenly thought of Optimus Prime. If there really were transformers in the world, Brother Prime would definitely be a very peculiar existence, willing to let his own people suffer to ensure the best enjoyment for the 'masters' of other races.
Helen Herman interjected again, "Only through the concerted efforts of all capable people can this global problem be solved, and Matthew is willing to contribute his part."
Matthew said solemnly, "I will do my best to help those who need help."
Philip Grande smiled and said, "The UNHCR has always been committed to uniting social forces. If Mr. Horner could join us, I would personally welcome it wholeheartedly."
He did not directly state his position. The position of UNHCR goodwill ambassador was not Matthew's only option, nor was it solely up to him.
Matthew naturally knew this. For the UNHCR goodwill ambassador position, he had a direct competitor: Angelina Jolie, who had adopted many orphans.
But he couldn't say anything directly. If he were to speak ill of Angelina Jolie in front of Philip Grande, it would only backfire.
So, he continued to discuss the issue of African refugees.
When filming black hawk down, Matthew had been to Morocco in Africa and had seen some black people displaced by war who had drifted to Morocco. Although he didn't feel anything in particular, when discussing this topic with Philip Grande, he appeared to have some insight rather than just being a smooth talker.
Overall, Matthew's meeting with Philip Grande, the UNHCR official, was always enveloped in a serious, earnest, and friendly atmosphere.
About forty minutes later, Philip Grande voluntarily took his leave. Matthew saw him off to the manor's fountain square, and Helen Herman got into the car with Philip Grande and departed.
Matthew knew very well that Helen Herman would do what he found inconvenient to say or unable to do.
"Mr. Grande..."
In the departing car, Helen Herman asked directly, "What do you think of Matthew?"
Philip Grande thought for a few seconds and said, "Very good. He has a healthy and sunny image and is very caring." He seemed to know what Helen Herman wanted to say and preemptively said, "Personally, Matthew is the best choice for goodwill ambassador, but Miss Herman, I am only a Deputy Commissioner and do not have absolute say. Some people at the UNHCR prefer Angelina Jolie; she has adopted many war orphans in recent years, which is her advantage."
Helen Herman knew that Matthew couldn't compare in this regard. If Matthew were asked to adopt orphans all over the world, he would probably rather give up the title of goodwill ambassador.
"I know." Helen Herman took a small file bag from her briefcase and handed it to Philip Grande, saying, "These might make many people change their minds."
Although a wealthy businessman from New York had acted as an intermediary and had had multiple contacts with Helen Herman, Philip Grande did not immediately take the file bag. Instead, he asked with a hint of caution, "What is this?"
Helen Herman knew what he was worried about and explained, "Some materials about Angelina Jolie." She said simply, "Jolie has a history of drug use, homosexuality, and scandals with her own brother. Her public image is extremely poor now; the media only mentions negative news about her. If the UNHCR invites her to be a goodwill ambassador..."
She shook her head and did not continue.
Philip Grande took the file bag, opened it for a glance, then put it away, saying, "I will not let the UNHCR become a laughingstock in public opinion."
If what Helen Herman said was true, then between Angelina Jolie and Matthew Horner, most people at the UNHCR would probably choose Matthew Horner.
Helen Herman added, "The fact that Angelina Jolie is still hiding from the media to this day also speaks volumes."
Philip Grande nodded slightly. He occasionally followed entertainment news and knew that Helen Herman's words were not false.
After saying these things, Helen Herman changed the subject and began to talk with Philip Grande about Amanda's father. It was through Amanda's connections that she had gotten in touch with this UNHCR official.
Originally, her planned target for Matthew was the ambassador of the United Nations Children's Fund, but in the past two years, the Iraq War and regional conflicts in Africa have been rampant, displacing tens of millions of people. Coupled with the ability to establish connections with UNHCR officials, it was easier to operate, so she ultimately chose the UNHCR goodwill ambassador.
The only thing that surprised her was that Angelina Jolie, eager to clear her name, was also vying for this goodwill ambassador position.
If Angelina Jolie were to get this goodwill ambassador role and then release two excellent works, clearing her name would probably not be difficult.
Unfortunately, for her own benefit, it's better if Angelina Jolie doesn't clear her name and continues to take the blame with Brad Pitt.
Anyway, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt's current predicament was orchestrated by her and Matthew, so letting them continue to suffer would not cause any psychological burden.