In the following week, "Twilight" performed better than expected. With Thanksgiving approaching, and considering that the current movies like "Quantum of Solace" weren't significantly better than "Twilight," many families chose "Twilight" as their first choice for movie watching, especially those with teenage girls, contributing significantly to the box office during the Thanksgiving holiday.
On Thanksgiving Day, "Twilight" saw its daily box office surpass $15 million again, bringing its North American box office total to $128.54 million.
The worse it was perceived, the more people seemed to love it, becoming a unique hallmark of "Twilight." Despite the external noise, criticism, and scorn, the fans remained steadfast.
A large gap had emerged between the popularity of "Twilight" and its actual quality: on one side, the relentless fans, and on the other, the media, critics, and adult male viewers who unanimously condemned it. There was a significant disconnect between the tastes of teenage fans and the opinions of the media regarding "Twilight."
Ultimately, the cultural elites, who held the power of discourse in the media, looked down on the "cultural commoners" who controlled the box office.
Another phenomenon was the unbelievable rise to fame of several young actors.
On Thanksgiving evening, as he was alone, Matthew accepted Helen Herman's invitation to join her at her home for Thanksgiving dinner, enjoying a traditional turkey feast.
To his surprise, Helen Herman had invited several other guests. These included her two most trusted deputies at Angel Agency, as well as Elena Boyar and Amanda. Amanda had also brought her friend Alexandra Daddario. Interestingly, all the guests were women, and like Matthew, they were all single and alone in Los Angeles for Thanksgiving.
As the host, Helen Herman presided over the turkey carving, and the atmosphere gradually became lively.
"Helen, the turkey tastes great," Matthew said, raising his glass to Helen Herman. "You didn't cook it yourself, did you?"
"Not me," Helen Herman pointed to the woman with short blonde hair. "This is Amanda's handiwork."
Matthew looked at Amanda, his expression exaggerated. "No way? You can cook too?"
Amanda raised her glass towards Matthew, "It's an honor for Matthew Horner to taste my roast turkey! We must have a toast."
She downed her glass of wine, and Matthew did the same.
Elena Boyar, sitting next to him, refilled his glass and then clinked her glass with his. "Cheers."
Matthew had no choice but to drink another glass.
Just as he put his glass down, Elena Boyar refilled it again. Across from him, Alexandra Daddario smiled and said, "Matthew, it's been a while. Let me toast you."
Looking into Alexandra Daddario's mesmerizing blue eyes, Matthew clinked glasses with her and drank another glass.
After three consecutive glasses, even though it was wine, Matthew started to feel a bit uneasy. Then, the two executives from Angel Agency each had a drink with him as well, making his stomach churn slightly.
"You're not drunk, are you?" Elena Boyar asked in a low voice.
Matthew shook his head. "No." His gaze swept over the women sitting around the table, and he leaned closer to Elena Boyar, whispering, "I just feel a bit out of place, being the only man among so many women."
"What's so special about that?" Elena Boyar suddenly laughed. "Do you feel like you're in a harem?"
Matthew gave her a look. "Don't joke around, here…"
He was about to say that the women here were all his colleagues and friends, but he noticed Alexandra Daddario whispering with Amanda and swallowed his words.
Following his gaze, Elena Boyar commented in a low voice, "It seems like Daddario's chest has gotten bigger since last time. I'm tempted to check it out myself."
Matthew looked away from Alexandra Daddario. "You're such a rogue."
Elena Boyar clinked her glass with his again, "Still not as bad as you."
After dinner, they left the dining room, and Helen Herman led them on a tour of her mansion. Located by the Malibu beach, the property spanned nearly two acres and was a recent purchase by Helen Herman, who had become one of the wealthiest people in the entertainment industry.
After the tour, they returned to the living room. Everyone scattered around, casually chatting, with no one in a hurry to leave.
Matthew found Alexandra Daddario. "Long time no see, Anna."
Alexandra Daddario looked slimmer than before, which made her more prominent features stand out even more.
"I attended the premiere of 'Twilight' just last week," Alexandra Daddario said.
"Sorry," Matthew lightly tapped his forehead. "I was too busy to notice."
Alexandra Daddario shook her head slowly, "It's okay."
Matthew smoothly changed the subject, "How's work going? Which production are you with now?"
"A few small productions." Alexandra Daddario smiled. "Helen got me a lead role in a low-budget film and a recurring role in a TV series."
Since "I Am Legend," her career had not been going smoothly. With her limited acting skills, Angel Agency couldn't invest the same amount of resources in her as they once did with Matthew.
Just as Matthew was about to speak, Amanda approached them. Her originally chestnut short hair was now dyed platinum blonde, making her look quite striking.
"What are you two talking about?" She pulled up a chair and sat next to Alexandra Daddario.
"Work," Alexandra Daddario pointed to Matthew. "Matthew and I were discussing work."
"Work?" Amanda looked at Matthew and said, "By the way, the United Charities of America is planning to award you the Outstanding Contribution Award. Remember to add it to your schedule and go to receive the award."
Matthew nodded slightly. "Send the specific date to Bella Anderson."
Amanda agreed. "No problem." She then added, "The UNHCR sent an invitation, asking if you could find time next year to visit Africa again to assess the living conditions of women and children among the refugees."
"Coordinate with them," Matthew didn't refuse. "Have them set the specific dates, itinerary, and plans."
He then asked, "The UNHCR seems to be quite high-profile in recent years, frequently making moves."
Amanda smiled and lowered her voice slightly, saying, "The High Commissioner, Guterres, has his eyes on the Secretary-General position."
Matthew instantly understood. "To get the top spot, you need to make some accomplishments."
While not an expert in politics, Matthew had some level of understanding.
After Amanda joined the conversation, Alexandra Daddario sadly realized she had no place in their discussion. The topics Matthew and Amanda were talking about were far beyond her reach. The gap between her and these two was growing wider.
After listening to them for a while, Alexandra Daddario excused herself, claiming she needed to use the restroom, and left the area.
Not long after she left, Helen Herman came over.
"There are some projects you should pay attention to," she said, naturally bringing up work. "Negotiations for the salaries of Nina Dobrev, Lily Collins, and Liam Hemsworth should be started early."
Matthew nodded. "I know. Sean Daniel will begin negotiations with them next month."
"Good heavens…" Amanda turned to Helen Herman. "Dear, this is a Thanksgiving party. Can't you talk about something other than work?"
Helen Herman asked indifferently, "What were you two talking about?"
Amanda paused for a moment, then replied, "Uh… we were discussing our noble aspirations to aid African refugees."
Helen Herman ignored her and continued talking to Matthew, "After the success of 'Twilight,' Suzanne Collins has been persistent, calling me repeatedly, hoping we can start adapting 'The Hunger Games' soon."
Matthew thought for a moment and said, "Tell her we'll start preparations next year."
The success of "Twilight" was not the end of teen-oriented fan films but merely the beginning. Using a formula that combined a teenage-targeted novel or story with teenage stars and a comprehensive production and marketing strategy, it was possible to create a massive wave in the current movie market.
This movie formula would soon be studied, understood, and implemented by more and more companies. In this sense, the "post-Twilight era" had just begun.
It was time to launch "The Hunger Games."
However, the sequel to "Twilight" would take priority over "The Hunger Games."
After all, the series already had an established team. Besides the main cast, Sean Daniel and Sofia Coppola would also continue their roles.
Moreover, Matthew and Sofia Coppola had agreed to replicate the style of the first movie: MTV-like shots, silly dialogue, strange romances, and inexplicable hatred.
This fast and efficient movie model had inexplicably succeeded, so there was no reason not to continue it.
Both the "Twilight" series and the upcoming "Hunger Games" series could be executed according to this formula.
As the party ended, before Matthew left Helen Herman's mansion, he made a point to find Alexandra Daddario.
"I noticed you didn't drive here," he asked tentatively, "I'm passing by Burbank. Do you want to ride with me?"
Having had a long intimate relationship with Matthew, Alexandra Daddario clearly understood the meaning behind the invitation. Matthew was clearly looking for some fun.
She hesitated for a moment but eventually agreed. "Sure, I have something to talk to you about anyway."
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