On the afternoon of Wednesday, June 15, 2011, a typical weekday, a massive crowd gathered outside the Grand Theater in Magic City. Countless movie fans and media reporters had converged since the morning, creating a lively scene rivaling the opening of the film festival just days earlier. The global premiere of Fast & Furious 5 was being held there.
At that time, Hollywood had a considerable advantage in promotional strategies compared to other countries and regions around the world.
The scale of this premiere was no less impressive than the film festival's opening ceremony.
Disney's Greater China Division had made the necessary arrangements, selling the rights to stream the premiere to several major web portals, including Penguin and JiuLang.
"Good afternoon to all our online friends! This is a live broadcast from Penguin News at the Grand Theater, where the global premiere of Fast & Furious 5 has officially begun."
Standing at the head of the red carpet, Lin Feng, a reporter with a screen name that went viral online, addressed the camera. "I'm sure everyone's been eagerly awaiting this film, and luckily, we're getting an early look at Fast & Furious 5 before fans in the rest of the world."
Since Penguin was a premiere partner and sponsor, Lin Feng had an excellent spot in the media area, and the premiere staff were available to assist him.
Lin Feng adjusted his earpiece and, listening to the director's cue, quickly began his report. "Fast & Furious 5 is directed by the renowned Chinese-American Hollywood director Justin Lin and stars superstar Matthew Horner. Main cast members from previous films, including Paul Walker, Gal Gadot, Jordana Brewster, Daniel Wu, and Tyrese Gibson, have all returned. Additionally, a young actress from our country, Nini, plays a significant role in the film…"
The first guest's car appeared in the distance but stopped about ten meters to the left of the red carpet, seemingly timing its arrival.
Lin Feng kept talking to avoid any dead air. "Fast & Furious 5 brings together a dazzling cast and is the first in the series shot in IMAX format. Reportedly, 90% of the car chase scenes were filmed on location on the streets of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, using over a hundred real vehicles, with a production budget of 150 million dollars!"
The first guest car finally pulled up to the red carpet. Penguin's camera turned to the car door as a tall actress, dressed in a new-style qipao, stepped out.
"Oh, what a surprise!" Lin Feng's voice-over echoed, "First up on the red carpet is Nini! As a newcomer, it's incredibly fortunate for her to star in Fast & Furious 5. Here's hoping her Hollywood journey continues onward…"
The red carpet event proceeded as more stars and directors made their way down the carpet, including notable local figures like Director Zhang, Director Chen, Bald Brother, and Hero Hu.
Even the chairman of this year's film festival committee attended.
When Matthew finally stepped onto the red carpet, the crowd's excitement surged. The thunderous roar of the fans nearly drowned out Lin Feng's voice-over, forcing the director to reduce the background noise and increase Lin Feng's volume.
Practically shouting, Lin Feng exclaimed, "Wow, wow, wow…do you see this?"
The camera locked onto Matthew Horner, and Lin Feng, his voice hoarse with excitement, shouted, "The one walking down the red carpet right now is none other than Matthew Horner, Hollywood's top actor and a global superstar! Just listen to the crowd chanting his name—that's the charm of Matthew Horner!"
"Matthew! Matthew! Matthew…"
The massive chants continued like relentless waves.
As Matthew approached the media area, Lin Feng had the cameraman zoom in on Matthew and continued, "Matthew Horner looks almost identical to his on-screen appearance—sharp features, gleaming eyes, a broad forehead. His brow sometimes furrows but relaxes instantly, leaving no trace. It's a classic Western face, rugged yet versatile, with distinct, exotic eyebrows."
On the red carpet, Matthew waved to the crowd on both sides, his smile dazzling, showing no trace of Hollywood pretension. He appeared to be everyone's old friend.
Lin Feng shouted, "Matthew Horner is one of the toughest men in Hollywood. He can take on three armed terrorists single-handedly and take them all down. He's also Hollywood's most successful man, famous, respected, with endless wealth, doing meaningful work and admired by many."
As an entertainment-focused network host, Lin Feng's praise for Matthew Horner couldn't be more effusive.
"Now, Matthew Horner is 31, yet he doesn't seem to have aged a day in the past decade," Lin Feng said, revealing his extensive preparation for today's livestream. "In those ten years, he has grown from a promising young star to an international icon—a producer, philanthropist, business owner, and social activist. He's got a face that young women adore, but that's only a fraction of his appeal."
Lin Feng was fully immersed, almost as if he were describing himself. "Matthew Horner seizes every opportunity life presents. I think he understood early on how short life can be, which has largely shaped him into the person he is today."
Seeing Matthew pass by just two meters away, Lin Feng resisted the urge to ask for an autograph or photo, continuing to shout, "Charlize Theron once said that Matthew Horner might be the most beautiful man alive, but he never considers himself handsome. He's the finest actor of this century, unparalleled."
Matthew's figure gradually disappeared as he reached the end of the red carpet, and Lin Feng faithfully carried out his role as Matthew's biggest fan. "Hollywood's star producer Jerry Bruckheimer once said that when they were casting Will Turner for Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, he initially didn't want Matthew. He didn't possess the qualities Bruckheimer was looking for, so he didn't make a strong impression. But after meeting him, he quickly grew fond of him."
"He can captivate an entire crowd without any showboating. The second time I met him, I was sold. I could feel myself growing more and more fond of him. On screen, he has boundless energy. Matthew has a rugged, resilient quality perfect for survival—it's pretty cool."
Watching Matthew disappear into the theater, Lin Feng wrapped up his broadcast. "Matthew Horner is a true actor, a real star. If I were a woman, I'd definitely be in love with him, but alas, I'm a man, so I can only admire him."
As he finished, he heard a pause signal in his earpiece. Lin Feng turned off his mic, and the cameraman gave him a thumbs up.
Lin Feng smiled. Those words came straight from his heart; Matthew Horner surpassed his praises in every way.
Matthew Horner was like a king.
In reality, though, outside of movies, Lin Feng barely knew him, yet he felt as if he did. Matthew seemed to have crafted a pure emotional world for himself, doing meaningful work and choosing engaging friends. He could make movies how he liked, select his directors, and pick his co-stars. He could go anywhere he wanted. Not only was he talented, but he wielded his talent effortlessly, excelling in everything he undertook, and even those uneducated could learn a lot from his story.
As Matthew entered the theater, guided by the staff toward the VIP suite, Gal Gadot, who had followed him in, approached.
"It seems that outside of work," Matthew said, glancing at Gal Gadot, "you're hard to catch."
Gal Gadot smiled, "I live in Tel Aviv, you live in Los Angeles—it's natural, isn't it?"
Matthew waited for her to catch up, and they continued walking. "Your career's here in Hollywood."
Gal Gadot turned her head, looked at Matthew earnestly, considered her words, and decided to be direct. After all, there were many women in Hollywood who had turned down Matthew without issue, and they'd never had trouble from him.
In this regard, Matthew had an excellent reputation.
"Matthew, you're the ideal guy in every woman's eyes," she said quickly, in a low voice that only he could hear. "But for me, you're a great friend. You're just…not my type."
"We're good friends," Matthew replied easily.
He hadn't expected to be friend-zoned, but he took it in stride. Gal Gadot had mentioned their friendship early on, and he had agreed then. His interest had recently been piqued by Helen Herman's suggestion that a long-term relationship might be beneficial. Gal Gadot would have been a fitting choice.
But she didn't want it, and she certainly wasn't obligated to go along with his wishes.
Matthew didn't force anything. It's not like he was one of those deranged types who seek revenge for rejection, nor would he assassinate a president just for a glance back.
His composure and thick skin kept any awkwardness at bay. Laughing with Gal Gadot, he entered the VIP suite, exchanging greetings with international guests. Suddenly, a stranger approached him.
"So, you're Matthew Horner?"
There was a definite edge to the stranger's tone.
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