Chapter 261: Framed

As dusk settled in, a beach bonfire illuminated the gathering. After an eventful afternoon, Martin and his companions decided to leave the models to enjoy themselves and instead engaged Danny Boyle, who had joined after dinner, for a drink and a chat.

Leonardo took it upon himself to introduce Martin and Boyle, sensing that the two had matters of importance to discuss. Everyone else, well aware of this, tactfully kept a slight distance.

"The first time I heard about you was because of 'the Hills Have eyes'" Boyle remarked, raising his beer bottle and clinking it with Martin. He continued, "I saw you with a baseball bat and a dog, giving the American 'Road Killer' a run for their money. Impressive stuff."

He took a sip of beer and added, "You're even more dashing than McGregor in 'Trainspotting.'"

Martin chuckled, saying, "I'm not much into that."

Boyle went on, "For our next film, the possibilities are endless. Our male lead takes smart drugs and gains strength."

Martin responded simply, "So, I need a director who can transform our male lead from a rogue low life into a smart, powerful character. The process should be enthralling for the audience."

Boyle, not your typical British director, chimed in thoughtfully, "In fact, the best approach is to have the audience step into the lead's shoes. Through the male lead's first-person perspective, the audience can experience the transformation. They enjoy and achieve what he does. It's a bit like getting something for nothing and climbing to the top without working hard. Our protagonist fits this role perfectly."

These words aligned with Martin's and Bradt's initial thoughts, leaving Martin with the impression that Boyle might be a suitable collaborator.

If their fundamental ideas didn't match, there'd be no need for further discussion. For instance, if Martin wanted a commercial film and Boyle had artistic, philosophically deep intentions, it would be a futile partnership.

Martin cut to the chase, asking, "Danny, you've been in touch with my agent, Thomas. I'm sure you have opinions and insights about the adaptation?"

Boyle understood the importance of aligning concepts and responded, "This is a commercial adaptation. Since it's a commercial film, we must first determine our target audience. Who are the people eager to see this movie, and what do they expect from it?"

Martin gave a slight nod. He was a pragmatic director.

Boyle continued, "Smart drugs are a means to an end, not the end itself. I believe what the average audience truly desires is witnessing the protagonist's remarkable performance after gaining strength, and the intricate chain reactions that follow. What he acquires through smart drugs, the challenges he faces, and how he overcomes them—these are the focal points."

Martin raised his beer bottle, saying, "We share very similar ideas."

Boyle smiled, saying, "It appears I've passed the interview."

Martin nodded and replied, "Whenever you're ready, come to Warner Studios' Davis Studio. You, me, producer Louise Meyer, screenwriter Bradt, and action director Chad need to discuss this further."

This was a necessary step. A film crew had more than two pivotal roles: the director and the lead actor. Boyle needed further validation.

Boyle pondered for a moment and said, "I'll need to revisit the novel in the next three days, organize my thoughts, and then come over to your place."

Martin agreed, "No problem. Just give me a call before you head over."

Boyle raised his beer for a toast, saying, "I hope we can make this collaboration a reality."

Martin took a sip of his beer, replying, "I hope so too."

Over the past two days, Martin had revisited Boyle's films like "Trainspotting," "The Beach," and "28 Days Later." Danny Boyle was undoubtedly a competent director, and his film style was more accessible and commercial.

Leonardo approached and inquired, "Are you done with your conversation?"

Martin shrugged, saying, "We've wrapped up."

"Fantastic!" Leonardo exclaimed, "Let the night's festivities begin!"

Martin quipped, "Is your surprise party just a repeat of this afternoon's water gun contest? Who can get wetter, you or me? Quite thrilling, I'm sure."

Leonardo was brimming with enthusiasm, "The next step is the carefully planned water gun competition."

Nickerson jestingly remarked, "What else can you do besides water guns?"

"A water gun competition like no other!" Leonardo called out to the distance, "Ladies, are you ready? Come on over!"

A lively group of women flocked over, more than a dozen of them sporting targets strategically painted on their bodies, with a unique bullseye location.

Since he had promised a water gun party, Leonardo was well-prepared. Despite his earlier drenching by Martin and a troop of models, he sought to save face with a distinct water gun competition in the evening.

The partygoers were in high spirits, and the revelry continued well into the night, before gradually winding down.

Had this raucous event occurred on the beaches of Malibu, Beverly Hills, or Sherman Oaks, the neighbors might have called the police.

The next morning, the party's organizers arranged for the models they had hired to be picked up and leave.

Spotting Martin seated and sipping water, Leonardo exchanged a knowing look with Nicholson.

Nicholson approached and said, "Let's go, we're headed to the city for lunch."

Martin rose from his seat and followed the two out of the villa.

The ladies in front, upon seeing the trio, initially appeared ready to depart but kept turning back for more farewells.

Nicholson motioned to a vehicle outside the villa, saying, "My car's right there; hop in, and we'll go together."

Leonardo, showing particular concern, asked, "Danny Boyle left early this morning in Toby's car, didn't he? Have you reached an agreement with him?"

Martin walked alongside Nicholson and said, "We've pretty much agreed on some key concepts. A crew member will discuss the remaining details of salary and benefits with him."

Leonardo chimed in, "His salary isn't too high."

Nicholson added, "Danny Boyle isn't a high-profile director either."

The three conversed as they strolled through the villa's front hall, following a group of lovely young ladies. They exited the main entrance together.

As soon as they stepped outside, the sound of camera shutters filled the air. Martin glanced around and noticed at least three paparazzi snapping pictures.

The photographers had an ideal vantage point to capture images of him, Leonardo, Nicholson, and the group of women.

Leonardo and Nicholson didn't take it seriously and even playfully gestured at the paparazzi, causing more frenzy.

Unfazed, Martin boarded Nicholson's extended Lincoln. After the commercial vehicles carrying the models departed one by one, the driver started the Lincoln.

Leonardo and Nicholson acted as though nothing had occurred, minding their own business.

Pointing at the two culprits sitting side by side, Martin cut to the chase, "You two called the paparazzi, didn't you?"

Leonardo vehemently denied it, shaking his head, "You've got to be kidding. Why would we summon the paparazzi? We were just having a festive party last night."

Nicholson swiftly changed his position and sat opposite Martin, playfully stating, "You suffer from persecution paranoia, always assuming the worst about Leo and me."

Martin couldn't help but sneer, "You two good people? Well, in that case, there must be no bad people left in the world."

Leonardo shrugged, saying, "Why would we do that? Expose ourselves? Let rumors spread far and wide? How does that benefit me or Jack?"

At first glance, this argument seemed reasonable. After all, both Leonardo and Nicholson had also been photographed by the paparazzi.

However, Martin's reaction wasn't as swift as usual, but he quickly realized, "You two are bachelors. If you get photographed, you get photographed. At most, it's another addition to your long list!"

Leonardo couldn't help but laugh, "You're quite imaginative."

Nicholson, the old jester, suggested, "Don't pay him any mind. Martin put in a lot of work last night, and taking a break afterward messed with his head."

Deliberately, he quipped to Martin, "Do you need a hospital checkup? I've got a private doctor, he can examine both your lower and upper heads."

Martin raised his hands, extending two middle fingers, and retorted, "You think I'd be afraid of that? It's a joke. You don't know me well enough."

Until the fanfare dies down, this little incident means very little. Besides, he could spin it in his favor.

Leonardo and Nicholson exchanged glances, thinking, "Is it really going to work?" Martin, the rogue, had turned the tables on them, and they just wanted to set him right.

Finding a steady girlfriend was the best way to navigate romance.

Martin fell silent, his mind racing. He needed to find a way to get back at these two rogues.

Upon arriving at the restaurant, Leonardo and Nicholson entered first. Martin used a spur-of-the-moment phone call as an excuse to wait for Bruce, who was following him. He asked, "Do you have any menthol oil?"

Bruce nodded, "I have some at home."

"I'm going to eat," Martin gestured toward the restaurant, "you can move around freely."

The two men thought nothing of it and revealed their mosquito-repelling tools, which they had also received.

If they used it carelessly as he suggested, it would surely lead to hilarity.

Martin believed that unconventional methods were required to deal with these two rogues.

Shortly after lunch, on his way back to the Coty community, Martin received a call from Blake in New York, as expected.

She inquired, "I read the news online. Did you attend Leonardo's party last night?"

Martin replied, "Yes, I went to Leo's party, and we had a water gun fight. It was like a real-life game of Counter Strike on the beach, with a big group split into two teams, and the team I led won convincingly, leaving Leonardo soaking wet. I also discussed some important matters. We've initiated talks with British director Danny Boyle for a new project. As long as there are no major surprises, Boyle is set to direct the project."

After Blake's response, Martin asked her about her work, and the call concluded smoothly.

Two days later, Danny Boyle met with Martin. After interviews with several individuals, including Louise, at Davis Studio, the "Limitless" project was officially confirmed under Boyle's direction.