Chapter 389: So Shameless

At the press conference, even Leonardo and Nicholson, who were watching the live broadcast, were taken by surprise. The operation was quite audacious. The hacker threatened to expose a video, but I managed to post it before they could, preventing its release. Are you not afraid of such a video going viral worldwide?

The two immediately suspected it might be Paris Hilton's former assistant, who once criticized Paris Hilton. They realized the person didn't seem to care.

Leonardo took a sip of wine and commented, "There's a master of publicity and hype behind this woman."

Nicholson, well-informed as always, pondered, "Why do I feel this is an elaborate scheme? Blackmail by a hacker to gain attention, followed by a calculated release of the video to create an image of an independent woman who doesn't compromise with evil forces. It's a clever method."

Leonardo agreed, "The approach is ruthless, but it's precisely suited for someone like Kim Kardashian."

Martin raised his glass, and the others followed suit. Nicholson then humorously remarked, "Why does this audacious move remind me of Martin?"

Leonardo shook his head, "This woman doesn't fit Martin's style. Those exposed hairy legs in the picture are definitely not his."

Nicholson nodded in agreement. Martin decided not to engage further; it wasn't worth clarifying with these two.

Nicholson commented, "Kim Kardashian is about to become even more famous after this. But those behind her are incredibly shameless even more shameless then Hollywood executive, they can learn a thing or two from these guys."

Martin muttered to himself, "They're talking about Bruce, they're talking about Bruce..."

During the live broadcast, as the press conference concluded, Kim Kardashian, with teary eyes and a determined look, received warm applause from the audience. She embodied the kind of resolute and independent woman that the public admired, and her sensational video fueled even more media interest.

Entertainment reporters knew they had a wealth of stories to cover in the coming days, and their applause reflected their anticipation.

Kim Kardashian, still crying, bowed deeply and left the stage. In the dressing room, she called out, "Quick, get some water to wash my eyes," and her assistant promptly provided it.

After rinsing her eyes and feeling better, Kim Kardashian retrieved a gift from Bruce, a tear-inducing ointment, to enhance her acting skills when facing the media.

On another front, Kim's mother took charge of negotiations with TMZ and Sacred Valley's companies. TMZ was the first to strike a deal, purchasing a slightly shorter version of the video for $50,000.

Later, Jenna personally traveled to Venice and engaged in lengthy negotiations with Chris. The San Francisco Valley company's strength was undeniable. By midnight, they had secured the sole distribution rights, with an $800,000 base fee and a 35% share, ensuring a release within a week. They would claim to have obtained the video from a hacker, further fueling the hype.

In the future, public backlash didn't concern this family. In fact, they saw it as an opportunity to generate more buzz and attention.

In Nicholson's mansion, three slightly intoxicated friends, having just finished lunch, made their way to the tool room. There, they grabbed two ladders belonging to Nicholson, leaned them against the side wall, and used them to climb over the wall into the neighboring home of Len Beatty and Annette Bening.

Upon landing, Nicholson playfully kicked a ball towards the house, ignited it, and sent it soaring.

The explosion caught the attention of Warren Beatty, who shouted from inside the house, "You three rascals, get out of here quickly! If you ruin my yard again, I'll shoot!" The three of them headed towards Warren Beatty's living room.

Annette Bening, being a gracious host, instructed the servant to prepare a pot of black tea, remarking, "You boys have had a bit too much to drink."

Martin, who had indeed indulged in some drinks, grinned and explained, "Warren is my idol. I came here today to get a photo with him."

As he spoke, he sat down next to Warren Beatty and asked Leonardo to take a picture of the two of them.

Warren Beatty, who had also enjoyed some noon-time drinks, had been interacting more with Martin and Leonardo lately due to Nicholson. He draped his arm around Martin's shoulders and said, "I envy your acting achievements."

Martin promptly disagreed, saying, "No, I envy your success with women."

Warren Beatty and Annette Bening didn't shy away from the topic, as both had only settled down in marriage after their share of fun.

Martin inquired further, "Rumor has it you've had affairs with nearly a thousand women in the industry?"

Warren Beatty chuckled, "Not quite that many, a few hundred, perhaps."

Pride shone in his eyes, and he continued, "Let me put it this way: many of the famous Hollywood actresses of my generation have been in my company."

Annette Bening chimed in, "Those from a later generation, like me, haven't escaped his charm either."

Martin praised, "Warren, I'm truly envious of your experiences."

Nicholson couldn't resist taking a playful jab, "Don't be too envious; he's not about quality like you. Leo here is quite selective."

Warren Beatty proudly pointed to himself, "When people talk about Hollywood's top playboy, it's me, Warren Beatty, not old rascals like you or the old coot Malone."

Nicholson chimed in, "Indeed, who hasn't heard of Warren Beatty? He was a Hollywood superstar and a legendary playboy in his youth. Then, as he got older, he married the lovely Annie and almost became the Academy president."

Warren Beatty lamented, "I was so close. We actors aren't as shrewd as those producers."

Leonardo finally joined the conversation, "Your influence is undeniable."

Warren Beatty glanced at Leonardo, then at Martin, and revealed, "You two young lads, climbing over the wall wasn't just for fun. I had a plan."

Martin chuckled, "Award season is coming up, and I wanted to ask, Warren, are want to ask if you'd be willing to support the younger generation."

Warren Beatty pointed at Martin, recalling their previous discussions, "You're the one with the unique idea, right? Portraying a character from youth to old age."

Martin affirmed, "Yes, 'Reader'."

Warren Beatty turned to Annette Bening and waved, saying, "Fetch those two bottles of fine wine. I want to have a drink with these gentlemen."

Annette Bening headed to the wine cellar to retrieve the requested wine.

Warren Beatty remarked, "When your crew starts distributing DVDs or movie tickets, be sure to give me a heads up, and I'll bring a group of old-timers to watch. But let's make one thing clear: if you cast a middle-aged man as a young guy in his 20s, don't blame us for a scathing review."

Martin replied confidently, "No problem, just give me your feedback after watching. I'm quite confident in the film."

He had already previewed a sample of the movie, and the character was solid.

Annette Bening returned with the wine, and they all gathered at the small bar in Warren Beatty's mansion to savor his collection of fine wines.

The conversation shifted from Oscars to gossip, and Annette Bening, who had indulged in a massive melon earlier, commented, "Modern publicity and hype methods far surpass our time. Those who orchestrate hacker video stunts must have bizarre ideas in their heads."

Leonardo chimed in, "It's all nonsense."

Martin poured him another glass and said calmly, "The wine is exceptional; have more."

Leonardo, already a bit tipsy, lifted his glass and praised, "Excellent wine!"

Martin continued to refill his glass.

Warren Beatty mused, "Honestly, as entertainers, people from our era were probably more shameless than today's crowd."

Leonardo added, "Indeed, the person behind this hype has no shortage of audacity."

Martin raised his partly full glass and clinked it with Leonardo, saying, "This melon is incredibly sweet and pairs beautifully with wine."

Leonardo raised his glass and drank, saying, "This juicy gossip is worth more drinks. Cheers!"

Martin poured him another glass.

Leonardo pondered, "I'm curious when that video will be released. I really want to see it."

Not only he but also Nicholson and Warren Beatty nodded curiously. This held true not just for well-informed veteran celebrities but for a vast audience of gossip enthusiasts.

After indulging in drinks until mid-afternoon, the three of them left the villa and retraced their steps, using the ladder to climb back over Warren Beatty's wall.

Upon reaching the top of the wall, Martin, who had been observing, made a playful move. He swiftly removed the ladder just as Leonardo was about to descend, leaving him hanging.

Leonardo, in his drunken state, furrowed his brow and exclaimed, "Martin, you rascal!"

Perched on the wall, Martin watched as Leonardo dealt with the unexpected situation.

Nicholson, who had already descended, returned to the top of the wall to enjoy the spectacle.

Leonardo, in a tipsy state, threatened, "You guys wait; I'll come around and settle the score."

Martin was prepared for this and shouted loudly, "Gisele Bündchen is here!"

The trio of friends, known for their excessive drinking, gathered around. Martin was well aware of Leonardo's weakness when he was inebriated, he couldn't resist the allure of Gisele Bündchen.

As expected, Leonardo muttered, "Giselle, my Giselle!"

He then sat down on the ground and began to cry dramatically, "Gisele Bündchen, my favorite, wow..."

Nicholson cheered him on, "Leo, let it all out! Your voice isn't loud enough to prove that Gisele is your favorite!"