Chapter 312: Tolerance is Not Indulgence

The walls of many rooms in the Warner Bros. studio, which had been standing for a long time, were only partitions and offered only mediocre soundproofing. Without even trying, Matthew could discern that the arguing voices were Charlize Theron's and Stuart Townsend's. However, Charlize Theron's voice was low, while Stuart Townsend's grew increasingly louder.

Suddenly, the argument ceased abruptly, followed by the loud sound of a door slamming.

As Matthew exited the makeup room, he saw Stuart Townsend's figure disappearing at the end of the hallway, likely the one who had slammed the door.

Not every man, especially an unknown actor, can calmly accept his girlfriend being an Oscar-winning actress.

With a thought in mind, Matthew approached Charlize Theron's makeup room and gently knocked, asking, "Sally, may I come in?"

"Just a moment," came Charlize Theron's voice from inside, soon followed by, "Please come in."

Matthew pushed the door open and saw Charlize Theron sitting in front of the makeup mirror, her exquisite face still bearing a trace of aloofness.

"Are you okay?" Matthew set down his backpack, pulled over a chair, and sat next to Charlize Theron, expressing his concern, "What happened this time?"

This wasn't the first time he had seen Stuart Townsend and Charlize Theron arguing on set, but the previous instances were never as intense as this one.

Charlize Theron shook her head slightly. "It's nothing." She managed a weak smile, "Thank you, Matthew."

Matthew gently patted her arm and chose not to pry further, instead saying, "We're friends, after all."

Regardless, Stuart Townsend was still Charlize Theron's boyfriend, and it would be easy for Matthew, as an outsider, to provoke resentment if he commented too hastily.

That wasn't his intention. If he were to intervene, it would need to be at the right moment. For now, Charlize Theron was clearly still tolerating Stuart Townsend.

Charlize Theron then stood up, quickly gathered her things, and said, "Let's go."

Matthew picked up his backpack, opened the door for Charlize Theron, and they walked together toward the exit of the studio.

The long corridor was very quiet, but as they walked, Matthew could see curious eyes peering from some open doors.

Charlize Theron noticed too and pulled the hood of her sports jacket over her head.

Once outside the studio and not far from the studio's entrance, they decided to walk. Charlize Theron also put on a pair of sunglasses.

"How long have we known each other, Matthew?" she suddenly asked.

Matthew thought for a moment, "Over two years now, not as long as you've known Keanu or Depp."

Charlize Theron kicked a small stone off the path with her sneaker, seemingly speaking out of nowhere, "He wasn't like this in our first two years together."

Matthew knew she was referring to Stuart Townsend and didn't interrupt as it seemed she had more to say.

"Then I started getting famous," Charlize Theron continued on her own, "and his career didn't really take off. Gradually, a lot changed."

She sighed, "Specifically, the failure of 'The Tenth Soldier' completely changed our lives."

Since Charlize Theron was willing to bring it up, Matthew took the opportunity to say, "People change, you and I are changing, but one must adapt to these changes, adapt to the external environment, rather than expecting the environment to adapt to us, which is impossible."

Charlize Theron chuckled, "If he could have your mindset, things wouldn't be like they are now." She put her hands in her pockets and added, "What one strives for, tries hard to maintain, always seems to go awry, never quite following the path one imagines."

"Have you thought about taking a different path?" Matthew asked.

Hearing this, Charlize Theron stopped and turned to face Matthew, who looked back calmly, as if he were looking after a close friend, "Sally, you consider me a friend, and as your friend, there are some things I've been holding back on saying, not sure if I should."

"Go ahead," Charlize Theron had always had a good impression of Matthew.

"I'm not trying to interfere with your personal life, just that I feel somewhat indignant," Matthew lowered his voice, "Last time at the entrance to Depp's bar, I saw Stuart Townsend raise his hand to you in the car. If it hadn't been for the distance and his quick car start, Depp and I would have pulled him out of that car…"

He didn't finish, but he was sure Charlize Theron understood.

Matthew looked directly at her, "You know Depp and I don't tolerate that sort of thing. You're our

 friend, but he isn't. If someone lays a hand on you in front of me, I..."

He waved his hand dismissively, "Never mind, let's not talk about this anymore. Sally, to me, you are a strong, independent woman and a very accommodating person."

Charlize Theron was silent throughout, but didn't find Matthew's words grating; on the contrary, she felt he truly cared, much like Keanu Reeves had in the past.

Matthew sighed lightly, "Sally, whatever you decide, as a friend, I'll support you. But remember, tolerance is not indulgence."

Charlize Theron nodded, "I know."

Matthew said no more. Charlize Theron, older than him and certainly not inexperienced like Lily Collins or Alexandra Daddario, appreciated his restraint even in this open discussion.

Moreover, Charlize Theron clearly took his words to heart, making further discussion unnecessary.

Reaching the parking area at the entrance to Warner Bros. Studios, Matthew suggested, "How about we grab a drink at Black Mamba?"

"Another time," Charlize Theron shook her head, "I need to think things over."

Matthew opened his car door and added, "Call me anytime if you need to talk."

Charlize Theron smiled, nodded, and got into her car.

In the following days, Matthew and Charlize Theron continued their cooperative shooting at the home square. Stuart Townsend no longer visited the set, and during casual conversations, Charlize Theron revealed that she had used her connections to secure an important role for Stuart Townsend in a project titled "Ultimate Good Men."

Matthew didn't comment further, continuing to work in sync with Charlize Theron on set, often chatting, drinking tea, and dining together.

During a weekend break from shooting, Matthew interviewed several assistant candidates who had emailed him, but he didn't find a suitable match, adhering to a principle of quality over quantity, given how much personal assistants could learn about a star's private life.

Additionally, his personal inbox received several emails from Lily Collins, mostly filled with a fan's adoring imaginings and greetings, along with inquiries about whether he would attend the Young Hollywood Awards ceremony.

Matthew ignored most but responded to Lily Collins, confirming his attendance at the ceremony.

Having signed a contract last year with Disney Studios for two "Pirates of the Caribbean" sequels, part of his obligation was to participate in promotional activities, although the sequels wouldn't start filming until the following year. Disney was diligent in its preliminary promotions.

Not only was he expected to attend the Young Hollywood Awards, but his co-stars were also rallying for "Pirates of the Caribbean". Johnny Depp would be at the Teen Choice Awards, and Keira Knightley at the MTV Movie Awards.

Disney planned to fully leverage the fame of the three leads at these awards ceremonies to create buzz.

As the "Pirates of the Caribbean" series grew in influence, with increasing DVD sales and television broadcasts, even Disney parks planned to revamp their Pirates of the Caribbean attractions.

Walt Disney owned a vast promotional platform and industry chain, and a teen-oriented blockbuster could generate revenues far exceeding its box office through various merchandising and promotional activities.

For instance, the figures and dolls of Jack Sparrow and Will Turner alone were huge sellers. At the end of June, Matthew received a $1.58 million payment from Disney Studios for his share of royalties on Will Turner merchandise, reflecting the crazy side income Disney could generate.

A blockbuster not only brought sustained revenue to its producers and distributors but also ensured long-term earnings for its principal cast.

According to Matthew, many stars who had featured in several major blockbusters could lead comfortable lives thereafter, provided they didn't sabotage their careers.

Unfortunately, such examples were rare. Most stars, accustomed to extravagant spending during their peak, struggled with financial and psychological issues once their incomes dwindled.

Matthew had heard too many such stories and knew to take heed.

At the end of July, the Young Hollywood Awards ceremoniously opened in Los Angeles, with Matthew arriving early as per agreement, stepping onto the red carpet.

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