The richest actor in Hollywood.

As soon as Natalie Portman and Matthew Horner started talking, Corina followed them. She inconspicuously trailed behind them, listening attentively to their conversation. She saw Matthew Horner and the Wachowski siblings chatting animatedly. The Wachowski siblings are directors, screenwriters, and producers, so why would they seek out an actor?

Seemingly casually drinking water and resting, Corina was actually eavesdropping on every word. Were the Wachowskis planning to invite Matthew Horner to star in their new movie? Would Matthew agree? What was the project?

These were not only Corina's professional concerns but also her personal curiosity.

However, the people at the next table were all discussing "V for Vendetta," talking about abstract topics. Lana Wachowski was particularly enthusiastic. Although the movie was adapted from a comic, she and Andy had incorporated many of their own ideas during the adaptation process.

"I believe the most outstanding aspect of this film is that it speaks to many people's hearts," she said passionately. "People shouldn't be afraid of their governments. Governments should be afraid of their people."

Matthew didn't respond. He had already spoken a few words earlier and knew that he couldn't keep up with the Wachowskis in a discussion about politics and philosophy. His past experiences taught him to avoid deeply political topics, especially since he and David Ellison were preparing to invest in a sequel to "Fast and Furious," which would definitely blur political backgrounds to appeal to a wider market.

Meanwhile, Lana Wachowski continued her spirited discussion. Matthew, apart from nodding in agreement, was mostly lost in his own thoughts. According to the Wachowskis, in front of the White House, the American people were nothing, but what was the White House to the people?

His knowledge of American politics was limited. He suddenly remembered a passage he once read online: The government is like a boyfriend to the people. First, why don't you care about me? Then, why are you interfering in my life? Finally, explain yourself! And also, I don't want your explanations. I don't believe you! Lastly, look at other people's boyfriends!

As Matthew considered finding an excuse to leave, the Wachowskis finally ended their high-level conversation.

"Matthew, we had Natalie find you because we have a project we'd like you to be involved in," Andy Wachowski said more directly than Lana. "I'm planning a sci-fi film."

He looked at Natalie Portman, who spoke up, "Back in 2005, while shooting 'V for Vendetta,' I came across David Mitchell's novel 'Cloud Atlas' and recommended it to Lana. Lana and Andy became very interested in the story."

Matthew nodded but remained silent.

Lana Wachowski continued, "Andy and I successfully acquired the novel's rights from David Mitchell and have completed the screenplay adaptation." She glanced at Natalie Portman. "Nat will play the female lead and recommended you for the male lead."

At this point, Andy Wachowski opened a briefcase, took out the script, and handed it to Matthew.

Matthew glanced at the script. The Wachowskis were clearly prepared. 

"You can read the script first," Lana Wachowski gestured. "This is just a draft. Andy and I will continue to discuss and revise it, but the main framework won't change."

Corina heard every word. Seeing Matthew pick up the script, she adjusted her position slightly to get a better view.

As Matthew quickly browsed the script, Andy Wachowski explained, "This project is still confidential. The script cannot be leaked, so we brought it here for you to read on the spot." He knew this project would be challenging to get off the ground. The script had already been reviewed by Warner Bros., but their review committee had concerns about the high investment and the complex plot.

Moreover, the two sequels of "The Matrix" had not met Warner Bros.' expectations, especially the last one, which made Warner Bros. less supportive of the Wachowskis.

So, following Natalie Portman's suggestion, the siblings approached Matthew Horner, Warner Bros.' current favorite.

The story of "Cloud Atlas" was too appealing to them to give up.

As Matthew quickly browsed through the script, he recalled how, in the past, he had to fight hard for roles. Now, even without trying, roles were being offered to him. Helen Herman once said that a superstar or a top-tier actor never lacks roles or movies, much like when Steve Jobs was successful, everyone called him a genius and followed his every move. When he was ousted from Apple, those same people thought he was washed up, and he couldn't even find funding for Pixar without signing a near-sellout contract with Disney.

People chase after success but ignore failure. That's the business world. No one wants their project to fail; they try to gather all factors for success, just like the Wachowskis.

Lana Wachowski added, "The novel features grand depictions of time and human nature. It tells six relatively independent but interconnected stories, spanning from medieval Europe to a futuristic utopia. The characters range from knights to gangsters to musicians and journalists, making it a perfect fit for a film."

Like most Hollywood scripts, the one Matthew held was quite thin. Given the time constraints, he skimmed it quickly. However, this script was different from the typical straightforward Hollywood scripts. Whether it was because he skimmed it too quickly or due to his limited cultural background, he found it confusing.

"The script is composed of six interwoven stories," Lana Wachowski explained, noticing the confusion on Matthew's face. "Each actor plays different roles in the stories, with varying identities, races, and genders."

She proudly added, "Both the script and the film will showcase a depth rarely seen in Hollywood blockbusters, only discernible to truly intelligent people."

Hearing this, Matthew closed the script, deciding against it. From the conversation, it was clear that Natalie Portman and the Wachowskis were not on the same wavelength as him in terms of film. Moreover, the script seemed convoluted, and Lana Wachowski's remarks about its depth implied it was overly complex. Such commercial films, he felt, were bound to fail.

Nonetheless, he asked, "Lana, Andy, are you two directing?"

"Yes," Andy Wachowski nodded. "We will definitely direct this film."

Matthew lost any remaining hope. He recalled an old gossip article stating that the Wachowskis' movies post-Matrix were all box office flops.

"Lana, Andy, and...Nat," Matthew remained polite and enthusiastic, "can I go back and think it over? My agent isn't here, and I can't decide on my own."

"Of course," Lana Wachowski handed him a business card. "Here's our number. We hope to hear good news from you."

Matthew accepted it, putting it away carefully. "I also hope to work with you two," he said, looking at Natalie Portman, "and you, Nat."

Corina, overhearing this and seeing Matthew's enthusiastic smile, thought he seemed genuinely interested. David Mitchell's novel? "Cloud Atlas"? She decided to look into it later.

She then saw Matthew stand up to leave, with Natalie Portman exchanging a few low-voiced words with him that she couldn't catch.

As she stood up to leave, she heard Andy Wachowski speak again.

"If Matthew Horner agrees to be the male lead, it will be easier for us to get Warner Bros. funding."

Lana Wachowski, sounding disdainful, said, "I wouldn't approach him if it weren't for the investment. He can't even understand the script; he's too lowbrow!" She sighed. "This project needs at least $100 million. Without Warner Bros.' full support, we'll have to delay it and work on the boring animated adaptations they push on us."

From these words, Corina quickly gathered that the Wachowskis lacked funding and didn't genuinely like Matthew Horner. They sought him out solely because he was currently Warner Bros.' favorite.

As the conversation shifted to trivial topics, she left to find Brad Pitt.

"Matthew!" Helen Herman emerged from the crowd, waving at Matthew. "Over here."

"What are you doing here?" Matthew walked over quickly.

Helen Herman didn't answer, pointing to a balding middle-aged man in the direction he came from. "I've been watching him for a while. He was eavesdropping on your conversation with the Wachowskis."

Matthew followed her finger, seeing the man get up and leave the Wachowskis' table.

Helen Herman lowered her voice, "If I'm not mistaken, he's Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie's manager."

"Them?" Matthew frowned.

Helen Herman whispered a bit more, then Matthew's phone vibrated. He took it out and glanced at it. "Anna's here but was stopped at the entrance because she didn't have an invitation. I'll go get her."

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