Chapter 287: Valentine Gift

In February 2006, as the weather in New York gradually warmed up, the film crew, with the coordination of Warner Bros. and WMA, successfully overcame logistical challenges and was able to shoot outdoor scenes on the streets of the city.

Their first location was Central Park, primarily to ensure the Wollman Ice Rink didn't thaw.

Due to the association between Martin and Aniston, the crew garnered significant attention from media reporters, who eagerly observed and followed the filming.

The exposure for "Limitless" was already substantial, eliminating the need to actively generate more publicity.

The filming process progressed smoothly, with only a few complaints about road closures as minor inconveniences.

Over the weekend, Martin found time to visit Fifth Avenue.

Upon arriving at Tiffany's, he perused the merchandise briefly and then made clear his choices, saying, "I'd like this and this."

His shopping was swift and direct, devoid of meandering or verbosity.

Martin completed the purchase, including a ruby and sapphire necklace, and immediately sent them to Los Angeles and Atlanta, each designated for Louise and Kelly.

Next, he acquired a three-piece set consisting of necklaces, earrings, and bracelets, sending them to Atlanta for Elena.

For his other acquaintances, Martin didn't opt for the same brand and visited Cartier and Chanel separately.

At Chanel, he bought a necklace as a Valentine's Day gift for Blake Lively during her visit to Louisiana.

From Cartier, he selected a pink diamond bracelet, intended as a gift for Aniston.

As for Jolie, she had temporarily slipped his mind.

Jolie had continued her journey in the footsteps of the Virgin Mary. After the DVD release promotion for "Wanted," she had embarked on on-site investigations of refugee issues in locations like Afghanistan.

Martin contacted her, and Jolie's future roles remained closely tied to maternal and child themes. Her upcoming film, "The Lost Son," directed by veteran filmmaker Eastwood, was destined for acclaim during the awards season.

Jolie's future trajectory was clear, portraying a modern-day Madonna.

Martin's generosity in selecting gifts for five people amounted to over $100,000.

When the occasion demanded, generosity took precedence over frugality.

This was a lesson Martin had learned from Leonardo. Others' opinions might not always be reliable, but this dedicated superstar had maintained dozens of formal and informal relationships, and none of his past partners had criticized him or spoken ill of him, a feat unique in Hollywood.

After completing the necessary procedures for mailing the gifts, Martin and Bruce packed their purchases and returned to the hotel.

Bruce drove out of the parking lot and remarked, "You're incredibly generous. You're different from the Martin I know!"

Martin responded, "It's mainly because I was sick before and never got cured."

Bruce inquired, puzzled, "Why didn't I know you were sick?"

Martin offered a simple explanation, "You were broke! You only had a few hundred thousand dollars. Who dares to spend over a hundred thousand on gifts for women? I'm not exactly a romantic person."

Bruce seemed to accept the reasoning, "That makes sense."

However, after passing through an intersection, a realization struck him, and he cut to the heart of the matter, "Heath Ledger paid you! He gave you $200,000!"

Martin countered, "Isn't the mental replenishment fund he gave me my money? Didn't I swipe the card?"

Bruce couldn't refute that point.

Martin then inquired, "What gifts did you give the Kardashian sisters?"

Bruce playfully responded, "crocodile's Fang pendants and horn carvings, clown-themed statue."

In response, Martin promptly raised his middle finger in front of him.

Bruce admitted, "Kim and Khloe each received a designer handbag." He was a mischievous individual with numerous ideas, "I asked Kim if her whole family should receive the same gift. Kim said it wasn't the right time for it."

Martin finally understood, "No wonder I sometimes come across as extravagant. It turns out you've been subtly influencing me!"

Bruce replied, "You've clearly influenced me too."

The two jested about their mischievous behavior and arrived back at the hotel.

Martin entered the suite and found Aniston had returned from visiting friends.

She had changed into comfortable clothing and was holding a gift box.

Seeing the Cartier handbag in Martin's hand, she couldn't help but laugh, "Do we think alike?"

Martin teased her, "It's not a gift for you."

Aniston, unfazed, responded, "You do have a girlfriend." Disregarding Martin's comment, she reached for his left hand, removed the watch from his wrist, and placed it on the nearby sofa.

Martin inquired, "A Valentine's Day gift for me?"

Aniston opened the gift box, revealing a Patek Philippe men's watch, and placed it in Martin's hand, saying, "I have a sweetheart who spoils me every day with hundreds of millions. With Valentine's Day approaching, I had to give something back to my sweetheart."

Martin rolled up his sleeves.

Aniston then presented him with the watch, revealing an inscription on the back of the case in elegant cursive writing: "Martin, Jennifer, you will always be remembered."

Aniston gracefully took the watch and placed it on Martin, her words coming with a touch of playful realism, "Don't get too carried away. We're just lovers, not boyfriend and girlfriend, and we can't get married."

Martin chuckled helplessly, "Can't you let me indulge in a few more seconds of fantasy? I was just imagining marrying a billionaire named Aniston, and from now on, I could lounge around all day without having to work hard."

Aniston, with sisterly care, adjusted Martin's sleeves as she responded, "If you lounged around, the world would lose a billionaire."

Martin had more to offer, "I'd like to thank you for your wise advice." He unveiled a Cartier gift box, revealing a bracelet adorned with pink diamonds, and placed it on Aniston's wrist.

With a warm smile, Aniston replied, "Actually, the gift you gave me last time was wonderful." Curiosity got the best of her as she inquired, "Who is Lily Carter?"

Martin explained, "I have a sister in Atlanta. She's incredibly talented in sculpture and plans to apply to the California Institute of the Arts this year."

The thoughtful woman in her thirties considered all angles, and Aniston continued, "The sculpture department there is excellent. Would you like me to write a recommendation letter for you? I have a good relationship with Vice President Delena of CalArts."

Martin was quick to respond, "Of course! Jennifer, you are the best lover in the world."

Despite having letters of recommendation from his neighbor, Mr. Jones, a few from celebrities couldn't hurt.

Aniston added, "Most importantly, Lily Carter's sculptures are outstanding and very versatile."

Martin had witnessed how Louise and Kelly had used the sculptures, so he understood instantly.

"Would you like to see it?" Aniston opened a suitcase and retrieved the clown sculpture.

Without a word, Martin pulled her into the bedroom.

Anyone with some knowledge of Hollywood wouldn't miss the chance to watch a movie star like Aniston in action.

On the eve of Valentine's Day, the film crew enjoyed a special holiday, and crew members scattered in all directions.

Even the amiable Robert De Niro had to rush home to tend to his seventh "gold-eating" offspring.

Martin first went to Atlanta and subsequently flew from Atlanta to Louisiana. He spent three consecutive days managing and exploring before returning to New York, where he recovered with over ten hours of sleep, restoring his energy.

As Martin gave out gifts, he also received four brand-name watches. He couldn't quite fathom why women had a penchant for gifting watches.

To avoid any mix-up, Martin thoughtfully marked the watch boxes to indicate the giver, ensuring he wouldn't wear them incorrectly.

Aniston, having completed her scenes, returned to Los Angeles to address the termination of her contract with CAA.

Thomas made another visit to New York, delivering release plans from WMA and Warner Bros.

Based on samples of Martin's role in "The Departed," Ari Emanuel recognized its award-worthy potential, and thus, preparations for the awards season were set into motion.

Thomas provided specific details in the suite, explaining, "The North American awards season traditionally began in December during the early 1990s. However, starting in the mid-1990s, the Toronto Film Festival marked the beginning of the awards season, and there are even films competing for awards as early as the Cannes Film Festival in May. But the influence of European film festivals on the Oscars is limited, so we can largely disregard them."

Martin had heard Louise discuss the awards season in the past.

Thomas continued, "Warner Bros. and Scorsese believe the Toronto Film Festival is the ideal venue for the world premiere of 'The Departed.' From the Toronto Film Festival onwards, WMA will dedicate resources, utilize its connections, and generate momentum for you."

Seeking more specifics, Martin asked, "What exactly is involved?"

Thomas responded, "Once Ali finalizes Aniston's contract, he'll engage with Warner Bros. and the crew to allocate a portion of the crew's promotional and marketing budget to support your Oscar campaign. This will include media and online resources as well as an additional $1 million for lobbying and public relations."

Martin recognized the significance of funding in the Oscars' operation and inquired, "Will I need to contribute to the expenses?"

Thomas candidly stated, "Parties, lobbying, advertising, and gifts all require funds. If you don't invest money, you won't reap rewards at the Oscars. The Oscars are primarily about fame and fortune, not art."

Martin had already made some preparations and shared, "I spoke with Coca-Cola about the Oscars, and they mentioned sponsoring me if the endorsement proves effective in securing the award."

Unsurprisingly, Thomas welcomed this development, as it was common for brands to support their endorsed celebrities during award campaigns.

His agent volunteered, "I'll get in touch with Coca-Cola."

Martin agreed, "Then I'll leave it in your hands."

Thomas added, "Warner Bros. has confirmed that 'Limitless' is scheduled for an early release next year."

He emphasized one more point, "I'm not sure about Leonardo's plans for the upcoming awards season. It's better to have a conversation with him. You've established a good relationship with him; let's avoid any potential conflicts."

Martin assured, "The crew is wrapping up filming soon, and once I return to Los Angeles, I'll get in touch with Leo."

As he concluded the discussion, Thomas reminded Martin, "He left last night, and it's been less than four days since he fell ill."