Chapter 310: Fireworks

Martin found himself on the set, a meticulously designed prison restaurant backdrop. With his coat draped over his arm, he walked forward confidently, his face bearing the marks of countless life experiences, showing a restrained demeanor.

At first glance, it was evident that this was an elderly man carrying the weight of his thoughts.

Across from him, Kate, now gray-haired, sat at a table. Her aged countenance had transformed, and one could barely recognize her as Kate Winslet. She watched the man from her past approach with a mix of embarrassment and inferiority in her eyes.

Hannah's life's ups and downs were etched on her aging face.

Their eyes met, as if decades had passed. Martin nodded slightly, pulled out a chair, and sat across from Kate. Their eyes locked, and as Kate nervously extended her hand, Martin held it.

"Stop! This scene has passed," Sam Mendes, the director, loudly announced. "Kate, change positions and shoot again with your back to the restaurant's door." The entire crew shuffled back into their positions, and Martin found himself at the restaurant's entrance, preparing for another take.

The morning had been devoted to shooting prison scenes, and by noon, Martin and Bruce went to a restaurant for lunch. Pinewood Studios was bustling with more crews, including those working on "The Bourne Supremacy" with Matt Damon.

The restaurant was packed, which increased the likelihood of conflicts. As Martin entered, he witnessed Emma Watson and two other individuals in a heated argument with Saoirse Ronan. Words like "Irish Bitch" were exchanged before someone intervened and took Saoirse away.

Emma Watson, appearing victorious, strutted to the food area. Martin and Bruce got their plates and joined the food collection line, where the crowd made it a bit cramped. In the chaos, Bruce accidentally touched Emma Watson's arm and promptly apologized.

Emma Watson, still agitated from her earlier argument, didn't hold back. "You rude American hillbilly, please be careful," she retorted, leaving Bruce displeased. Martin, overhearing, immediately came to Bruce's defense. "Hey, Emma, watch your words."

Bruce suggested, "Let's not act like children." They picked their food, found an empty table, and sat down to eat.

During their meal, Bruce commented, "I feel like she's been spoiled." Martin explained, "Her commercial value is high, and she can generate massive profits. Everyone, from the crew to the audience, adores her. Even Warner Brothers spoils her..."

Meanwhile, at another table, Emma Watson was grumbling. "That Irish girl is a bitch, and the two American hillbillies are no good either," she lamented. One of her followers, Carly, suggested taking action against the two. However, Emma Watson, not wanting to harm her image, advised, "What's the use of dealing with those country bumpkins? It tarnishes my style." She turned to another follower, Cheryl, and said, "Cheryl, keep an eye on Saoirse and seize an opportunity to expose her."

Cheryl was eating, but Carly urged her, "Didn't you hear what Emma said?" Cheryl hastily replied, "I heard, I heard."

After lunch, Martin headed back to his trailer to rest. While passing the studio, he noticed Kate sitting alone, engrossed in her script, trying to understand her character.

Kate spotted Martin and waved him over. "Come and chat with me for a while," she invited. Martin entered the studio, found a chair, and sat down across from her. Bruce, leaning against the door inside, sipped water.

Martin and Kate engaged in conversation about their scenes. Kate was deeply committed to her role. "Michelle and Hannah have a lot to express when they reunite, but they don't know how to express it," she explained.

"Michelle is silent and reserved, especially in middle age," Martin added. With his back to the studio door, he comfortably sat in the chair, gestured, and continued, "When we meet again, our communication will be through our eyes and expressions, with as few words as possible."

Kate nodded, "Hannah needs to maintain her humble dignity..."

Suddenly, she stopped and exclaimed, "Someone is eavesdropping!" Without delay, Bruce rushed out of the studio door to investigate.

Martin stood up and noticed Bruce pulling a girl by her sleeve into the studio.

"I...I didn't do anything!" Saoirse Ronan raised her hands above her head, a digital camera hanging around her neck, and explained to Martin, "I was just taking a sneak peek. I recognized you, even with the makeup transformation."

Martin asked, "What are you doing here?"

Saoirse quickly replied, "I had some free time after lunch, so I wandered around and ended up here. I thought you might be here, so I came to check."

Martin chuckled, "Next time, just come and find me directly. No need for sneak peeks. I thought you might have a bit of a voyeuristic streak."

Pointing at her camera, he inquired, "Again, candid photos. What did you capture?"

Saoirse shook her head, "No, I just came here, and I was discovered as soon as I arrived."

She murmured to herself, "It's not suitable during the day; it's better at night, so dark that it's hard to spot."

Kate chimed in, "Do you two know each other?"

Martin introduced Saoirse, "Saoirse Ronan from 'Atonement,' a British or Irish actress."

Saoirse clarified, "I'm Irish but developed my career in the UK."

Turning to Kate, she eagerly asked, "Madam I am a big fan of yours, can I take a photo with you?"

For Martin's sake, Kate smiled and agreed, "Of course."

Saoirse handed her camera to Martin and stood beside Kate.

Before taking photos, Martin checked the camera and noticed there were no unauthorized pictures. However, he did see a candid photo of Emma Watson near a restroom. It was clear that Saoirse had been secretly snapping pictures.

Martin didn't bother addressing it and raised his camera, saying, "Ready, 1, 2, 3..."

He took several photos in quick succession, and Saoirse was thrilled. She held Kate's hand and said, "You're the actor I admire the most. When I grow up, I want to be just like you!"

Kate smiled and encouraged her, "You'll achieve great things."

When Sarah suddenly appeared, Martin and Kate left the studio to return to their trailers for some rest.

Not far from the trailer, Martin noticed Saoirse still following him and asked, "Aren't you going back?"

Saoirse inquired, "I heard that Bale was injured and hospitalized. I don't know what happened that day; no one told me."

Martin nodded and said, "You're a good girl."

Saoirse didn't just happen to be there; she had a specific purpose. She asked tentatively, "Those fireworks set off in the woods, do you still have them?"

Martin turned to her and questioned, "What do you want to do with them?"

Saoirse went silent and lowered her head, but then tried to look up. Seeing Martin's kindness, she explained, "There are a few bullies on the 'Harry Potter' crew, older than me. They make fun of me because I'm Irish."

Martin understood, "So, it wasn't a coincidence when you showed up at Pinewood."

Saoirse realized she had let something slip and quickly covered her mouth.

Martin gave Bruce a knowing wink, who then retrieved a box from the trailer.

Martin handed the box to Saoirse, cautioning her, "Don't use these recklessly, and don't point them at anyone."

Saoirse accepted the box, opened it, and realized the fireworks were smaller than what she had seen. She commented, "These are quite small."

Martin explained, "The larger ones were already used, and the smaller ones were hidden by Leonardo. Don't tell anyone. If he finds out, he'll keep you quiet."

Saoirse remembered Leonardo's actions that day and initially gasped, then covered her mouth, nodding in agreement.

Martin waved his hand, saying, "Let's go."

"Thank you, Martin," Saoirse said with a slight bow. "You're a good person."

She hugged the box and hurried away.

Martin turned to Bruce and asked, "Have you tested the power of these things?"

Bruce replied, "They're relatively small. If a ten-year-old lit one in their hand, it might sting for a bit, like crew fireworks, more for fun than anything."

Martin nodded and returned to his trailer to rest. In the afternoon, the crew continued filming as usual, and Martin relocated to the church area of the set, where a temporary cemetery was set up for the shoot. One of the graves belonged to the character Hannah, played by Kate.

Aside from its commercial goals, this film primarily served Kate's quest for an Oscar. Her character had to be a tragic figure, as she had survived a concentration camp but had to end her journey with death.

Martin, accompanied by Felicity Jones, who portrayed his daughter, walked through the cemetery on set. Although Felicity was similar in age to Martin, she looked much younger in terms of temperament.

This scene was one of the few shot on location.

Director Sam shouted instructions as the two actors stood in the cemetery.

Felicity glanced at Martin and said, "If I hadn't known better, I wouldn't believe you're only 25 years old."

Martin, no longer in character, replied, "Perhaps I've experienced more."

Felicity pondered for a moment and said, "Talking to you, I feel like you're just like my father."

Martin chuckled, "I hope my daughter will be as beautiful as you when she grows up."

Felicity's laughter was cut short when Kate approached, sensing that something was amiss.