The Most Famous Actor in Hollywood

In the hotel room, Matthew stood in front of the dressing mirror. The stylist who had come all the way from Los Angeles tied his tie and then stepped back to take a look, pinning the UNHCR badge on his suit lapel.

Having cut the long hair he grew for "Pirates of the Caribbean" and shaved his beard clean, the stylist also thickened and emphasized Matthew's eyebrows and highlighted the not-so-obvious wrinkles on his face, creating a mature and steady image.

For attending a UN meeting, attire and styling were more important than for an Oscar ceremony.

This meeting, aimed at addressing and aiding African refugees, would be attended by important leaders from several countries, the rotating president of the EU, the president of South Africa, the UN African envoy, representatives from the five permanent members of the Security Council, and the UN Secretary-General himself, all gathering at the Sandton International Convention Centre in Johannesburg today.

It was no exaggeration to say that this was a highly significant international political meeting, attended by people with substantial influence from various countries and regions.

For entertainment stars, this was undoubtedly the best venue for elevating their status. Just attending the meeting could highlight a star's high standing, not to mention delivering a speech urging world leaders to address and solve refugee issues, as Matthew would.

Matthew looked at the reflection in the mirror, seeing a man in an ordinary yet perfectly fitting dark custom suit, a plain white shirt, a dark blue tie, and a subtly elegant Rolex watch.

"This outfit looks very reassuring," Helen Herman walked over, nodding approvingly at the stylist. "Matthew, you look full of security."

Matthew turned around. When learning the British accent, he also received some gentlemanly training, which was a required course for Hollywood stars. Being an experienced actor, he now exuded maturity and reliability, making him look like an honest and trustworthy figure at first glance.

At this moment, he looked more like a political figure than a Hollywood star.

In fact, the stylist had designed his outfit in a typical political style. Nowadays, political figures adopt the most basic and minimalist dress code, like solid-colored ties, usually blue or darker, paired with navy suits and ubiquitous white shirts.

This combination is often joked about by the media as symbolizing "purity," usually to imply reliability and stability.

"For a public servant dedicated to serving the public, fashion and styling may not be of interest," Helen Herman said, "but in this era where image speaks louder than words, where a perfect photo can deal a significant blow to opponents, it's naive not to care about one's appearance."

She glanced at the stylist, who, understanding her cue, left the room with his assistant.

Helen Herman gave Matthew some final instructions, "Later, you will meet many political figures. Maintain your manners, but don't try to ingratiate yourself with anyone. You need to show that you can stand on equal footing with any political figure in front of the cameras, even a national leader."

"Don't worry," Matthew showed no sign of pressure, appearing very relaxed. "I don't understand politics, and I don't know many political big shots. To me, they're just a bunch of stars skilled in performing."

"Stars skilled in performing?" Helen Herman thought for a moment and agreed, "That's not wrong. Their ability to put on a show far exceeds that of Hollywood stars."

Matthew told Bella Anderson, who had been silent in the room, "Notify the car to come over." He checked his watch, "It's about time. Let's head down."

Once downstairs, Matthew and Helen Herman got into the car provided by the South African government and headed to the Sandton International Convention Centre.

In front of the convention center, a large number of journalists gathered, with countless cameras aimed at the entrance.

After getting out of the car, Matthew walked forward amid the flashing lights. Political journalists were clearly not as frenzied as entertainment reporters, maintaining good order in front of the convention center.

Helen Herman followed closely behind him. As they approached the entrance, she whispered, "There are CNN reporters ahead. Accept their interview."

CNN reporters had also spotted Matthew. Compared to others, American media were more interested in local figures, so they immediately approached with a cameraman.

"Hello, Matthew Horner."

A middle-aged female reporter with long brown hair stepped forward, extending the microphone to Matthew, "I'm Louise Laner from CNN. Can I ask you a few questions?"

Matthew smiled and replied, "Hello, Louise." He nodded, "Of course, feel free to ask."

Louise Laner immediately asked, "It's said that you will be serving as the UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador. Is that true?"

"It is true," Matthew answered seriously, "I am already the Goodwill Ambassador for the UNHCR."

Louise Laner followed up, "Why did you take on this position?"

Matthew responded solemnly, "Today, conflicts and wars are happening all over the world, causing countless people to be displaced and struggling for basic survival. We can't pretend not to see this. We need to assist these people through difficult times, helping them return to normal lives and rebuild their homes. I believe anyone who can help should step up and lend a hand to those in urgent need."

Saying these insincere words didn't make him blush at all.

Helen Herman had previously told him that the UNHCR was, to some extent, a tool in America's hands.

This was one of the reasons she had pushed for him to get the Goodwill Ambassador title; it could significantly raise his standing among Hollywood's liberal elite.

It's well known that Hollywood has always been a haven for liberals.

Of course, being a Goodwill Ambassador for the UNHCR meant he had to disguise himself as a philanthropist.

For a Hollywood actor, such a disguise wasn't difficult at all.

Louise Laner then asked, "Will you be calling on countries to work together on this issue?"

"I will!" Matthew's expression was very serious, "I have a speech opportunity at today's meeting, and I will call on the participating countries to do their best to help all refugees."

He paused for a moment, carefully choosing his words, and added, "Not just calling. I will take practical actions to show the international community that the refugee issue is urgent. I will soon establish a refugee charity fund and a children's charity foundation, raising funds to help those in need. Twenty percent of my film earnings will be donated to these foundations, dedicated to charity activities."

Louise Laner nodded repeatedly, "I hope your good deeds can attract more people to join."

Matthew smiled, "I also hope to get help from more like-minded people. After all, one person's power is limited."

The words he just said were a mix of truth and falsehood. He indeed planned to donate 20% of his future earnings to the soon-to-be-established charity foundations. As for how much would actually be used for charity, that was another matter.

Many Americans donate to their own charity foundations, which is an effective and legal way to avoid taxes. This was one of his goals. Moreover, once the foundations were established, most of his expenses would go through them. Since the accounts wouldn't be public, he could organize fundraising events annually and donate a portion of his money to charity.

Like wealthy individuals such as Gates and Buffett, and big stars like Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Cruise, he would be doing the same.

Charity activities, even within legal boundaries, could be quite elaborate.

"Apart from the charity foundation, I will also visit some areas in Africa to see the refugees there personally."

Matthew continued to speak confidently to CNN's camera, as if he were a saint descended to earth, "I hope to use my influence to attract more media and public attention to the refugee issue, showing that refugees truly need help."

Louise Laner nodded again and said solemnly, "I hope you can help more refugees."

After the interview, Matthew turned and walked into the convention center. A UNHCR staff member came to lead the way, taking him to a waiting room to await the start of the meeting.

There was no one else in the waiting room. As Helen Herman had told him, politics was very different from Hollywood. Even chatting for a few minutes in the same room with political figures could be a big deal, so they were very cautious about private meetings.

From entering the waiting room until the meeting was about to start, no one else entered Matthew's waiting room except the staff. He was quite self-aware; those attending this conference were unlikely to take a Hollywood star seriously.

Matthew didn't mind. He came here to build his profile, elevate his status, and use the UN to expand his fame, not to curry favor with those politicians.

Soon, after being notified by a staff member, Matthew entered the large circular conference room where the meeting would be held. The room was filled with over a hundred people, with five or six cameras set up.

He sat down at his designated seat and, after the meeting started, listened with a serious expression to the speeches of the black Secretary-General and the current High Commissioner for Refugees. Then it was his turn to speak.

The UN set up these ambassador roles to leverage celebrity influence.

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