In the reception room of Angel Brokerage Company, Matthew had completely put Miranda Kerr out of his mind. Amanda and Helen Herman were discussing the latest updates.
"This is the reply from the United Nations Refugee Agency." Amanda handed a formal document to Matthew. "Most of the aid we sent to Africa has been distributed. As long as you don't provoke those people, no one can accuse you of racial discrimination."
Matthew skimmed through the document, which mainly contained phrases like "thanks" and "high praise." However, the reply was signed by both Anbei and Gutierrez.
Amanda then added, "A small portion of the supplies didn't reach their destination."
Matthew looked at her in confusion, and Amanda explained, "Where there is politics, there is corruption. Politics and corruption are brother and sister."
Matthew understood the implication and nodded. "Got it. What's next?"
Amanda handed him a thick plan. "This is the donation and fundraising plan for the two foundations over the next two years."
Matthew set it aside for a more detailed review later. "Summarize it for me."
"Our donation plan remains divided between the wealthy and the public. It's best to hold a large charity fundraising event annually," Amanda explained seriously. "Additionally, we should have two public donations each year, one for each charity foundation. We can control the scale, avoiding the high profile of the first donation... In terms of publicity, we should keep it balanced to avoid criticism."
After considering for a few seconds, Matthew said, "Agreed."
Amanda continued, "For fundraising, we should think of new ideas. Effective ones can help you as well."
Matthew couldn't think of anything at the moment. "Amanda, Helen, keep an eye on this."
Both Amanda and Helen Herman nodded.
Amanda then said, "After the New Year, I'll have a detailed annual report."
Helen Herman added, "This time, the charity foundation helped us avoid a major crisis, but it might not work next time." She cautioned seriously, "Matthew, you've seen the social trends and changes in Hollywood over the past two years. We must go with the flow."
"Yes." Matthew fully agreed with Helen Herman. "I know the social environment in North America is undergoing major changes. Topics about homosexuality, bisexuality, and race can spark controversy."
Amanda shook her head. "It's self-inflicted."
Helen Herman gave Amanda a look and said, "Enough complaints." She turned to Matthew, "I suggest we find a suitable black organization or individual to support in your name. This will prevent many future problems."
She sighed, "In the eyes of many black people in North America, African blacks are completely different from them."
Matthew had heard Spike Lee's take on this and knew Helen Herman was right. "You select a suitable target."
Helen Herman took note. "There's no rush. We need to find the right opportunity." She then asked Matthew, "What about that female model in the entertainment room?"
Matthew casually replied, "A friend."
Helen Herman understood the implication and nodded. "Is she the one from today's newspapers?"
"Yes," Matthew responded.
"There are many reports about her today, different from before." Helen Herman adjusted her glasses and said plainly, "My assistant collected some this morning. Most seem to be using you to boost her profile. It could be intentional hype."
Matthew frowned slightly, thinking for a moment before saying, "Elena called me this morning, saying someone tipped off multiple gossip media last night..."
He didn't continue, but Helen Herman understood. It wouldn't cause Matthew much trouble, and she didn't want to intervene too much. "Handle it well. She might just be trying to climb the ranks using you."
Amanda suddenly interjected, "Hey, Matthew, you have great luck with women."
Matthew pretended to be proud. "Of course! I'm a ladies' man for all ages."
Amanda silently gave him the finger.
Helen Herman changed the topic. "Did you ask David Ellison about the progress of the 'Fast and Furious' series last night?"
Matthew had previously discussed the idea of the 'Fast and Furious' series and the sequel to '300' with her.
"David is still having market prospects evaluated..." Matthew suddenly remembered what happened before the Victoria's Secret show. David Ellison was clearly unhappy with Vin Diesel. "David might have some new ideas."
"Matthew, there's something you need to be aware of." Helen Herman said slowly, "I just got some internal news from CAA before coming over. Vin Diesel's contract expires after the New Year, and he's expected to sign with CAA. Someone from Universal has contacted CAA to push for a new 'Fast and Furious' sequel using CAA's power."
"Oh?" Matthew was puzzled. "Didn't Universal put that series on hold?"
Helen Herman explained, "That's the action of a few high-level individuals at Universal. My analysis suggests that David Ellison's initial contact with Universal made some people realize the series still has value. Another possibility is that Universal is pretending to continue the series to negotiate a higher price."
Business is full of deception. Matthew, relatively inexperienced, could occasionally make suggestions, but he knew he was no match for the experienced professionals at Universal or even David Ellison.
Matthew thought for a while and said, "If it's the second possibility, we can just pay Universal's asking price to get the rights. The first possibility is more troublesome."
Helen Herman agreed. "Yes. If CAA is interested and pushes the project, Universal is likely to cooperate with them."
She thought for a moment and added, "This is preliminary information and doesn't mean much yet. I'll continue to investigate and consult with David Ellison."
Matthew nodded, knowing his limitations in business operations.
In the afternoon, Helen Herman gathered more information. Vin Diesel's move to CAA was confirmed, but the contact between the Universal executive and CAA was still in the early stages, with significant doubts from CAA without Universal's backing.
However, Matthew called David Ellison, who came to Angel Brokerage Company. They discussed until nightfall before leaving.
Compared to before, David Ellison was less resistant and more open to Matthew's suggestion. His initial investment in the series was mainly due to Matthew. With Matthew's character dead, making a sequel seemed ten times riskier.
Of course, as a businessman, David Ellison wasn't easy to sway. Despite his good relationship with Matthew, he wouldn't give up easily just based on a few words.
Matthew decided that if David Ellison couldn't make a decision in the next few months, Helen Herman should approach Universal to negotiate directly, possibly collaborating on the project.
Moreover, he could garner support from the original lead actor, Paul Walker.
Paul Walker was a co-lead in the first film and the main lead in the second. Although he didn't star in the third, he was widely recognized as the lead of the 'Fast and Furious' series.
Matthew recalled many things from the 'Fast and Furious' set, where Universal was dissatisfied with Vin Diesel's difficult behavior. Paul Walker had mentioned that if not for Vin Diesel securing major investment, Universal would have dropped him long ago. Universal had decisively let Vin Diesel go for the second installment.
Even if Helen Herman's first scenario was in play, Universal might still be wary of Vin Diesel's behavior.
Matthew's main concern was Vin Diesel securing funding and returning to the series.
Universal wouldn't turn down money. Losing others' money and keeping the profits was a deal anyone would take.
Before leaving Angel Brokerage Company, Matthew called Paul Walker. Vin Diesel had secured funding for 'Fast and Furious' and 'xXx'...
Was Vin Diesel really Spielberg's illegitimate child? Matthew couldn't help but wonder, given Vin Diesel's knack for securing investments.
As he left the company, Matthew was surprised to see Miranda Kerr still waiting in the entertainment room. On their ride back, he noticed paparazzi following them again.
In the past two years, Matthew's playboy reputation had spread throughout North America. Paparazzi typically dispersed after confirming he spent the night with a star. However, now during the award season, when his attention was relatively low, so many paparazzi following was unusual.
Remembering Elena Boyar and Helen Herman's words, Matthew glanced at Miranda Kerr beside him and decided to talk to her.
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