Chapter 817: What's the Price?

In April, Justin Bieber became the most talked-about figure in the United States, dominating headlines across the many media outlets. The singer, once adored by legions of fans, now found himself at the center of a storm of criticism that sparked protests and marches nationwide.

Supporters remained, but mainstream public opinion turned harshly against him. Black, gay, and transgender groups publicly condemned Bieber, urging a boycott of his work. While ordinary fans and the general public seemed indifferent, mainstream media had already branded Justin's actions as unforgivable.

Prominent figures wasted no time in voicing their disdain. Apple CEO Tim Cook declared that Justin lacked basic respect, Magic Johnson's son demanded a global apology, and Ellen DeGeneres invited Justin onto her talk show for a live debate, further shaping public sentiment against him.

The entertainment industry, leaning increasingly left, swiftly took action to distance itself from Bieber. Apple announced the removal of all his songs from iTunes, YouTube blocked some of his paid content, and numerous online channels severed their ties with him. In just a week, Justin Bieber's star plummeted, transforming him from a beloved icon to a pariah.

Despite a public apology under pressure from his agency and record company, the backlash intensified. A persistent group of shapeshifters, using Buff to track Bieber's whereabouts, maintained around-the-clock protests, harassment, and surveillance. The situation escalated when Justin, caught purchasing drugs, was apprehended alongside his dealer.

Recovering his former status as a singer seemed an impossible task without years of dedicated public relations efforts. The fallout also had a ripple effect, bolstering the rapid development of LGBT rights movements. Although QIA had limited immediate impact, the momentum of these emerging groups grew steadily.

...

"I have a feeling, Martin," Nicholson said, his tone serious as he lounged on a sofa in a VIP room near the airport's private apron. "It seems like the three of us have unleashed Pandora's box, pushing society into an unknown abyss."

Martin shook his head in disagreement. "You give us too much credit, Jack. This trend was inevitable, with or without us and Justin Bieber. It might have surfaced a year or two later, but it was unstoppable."

Leonardo, in a particularly good mood this week, flashed a constant smile. "Jack, have you forgotten Martin's drunken ideals? Maybe it won't be long before we see Martin and his army of shapeshifting beauties storm Washington, take over the White House, and sit in the Oval Office."

Martin, ever the cynic, couldn't resist taking a jab. "Seen Gisele Bundchen recently, Leo?" he asked, his tone dripping with mockery.

Leonardo's good mood vanished, his round face hardening as he gritted his teeth. "You're such a bastard, Martin!"

Nicholson leaned back, watching the exchange with interest. "Do you want me to take your side, Leo?"

Leonardo, wary, eyed Nicholson. "What's the price, Jack?"

Nicholson's smile was sly. "Marry Lorraine."

Martin clapped Leonardo on the shoulder, grinning. "Looks like we're on the same team, Leo."

Leonardo sighed, conceding. "When it comes to Lorraine, we are indeed allies."

At that moment, Bruce approached, announcing, "The plane is ready."

Martin checked his watch and nodded. "You guys should board. I need to get back to Brooklyn Studios for work this afternoon."

Nicholson grabbed his bag, giving Martin a nod. "Let's head back to Los Angeles and keep enjoying the show."

As Martin escorted them out, he cautioned, "Just watch the drama unfold, don't get involved. Especially you, Leo. Don't even think about making an LGBT-themed film to chase awards. It's not fair play."

Nicholson smirked, glancing at Leonardo. "If it came to an honest competition, Leo, you wouldn't stand a chance. Despite chasing an Oscar for over a decade, your PR skills are as sharp as a butter knife."

Leonardo's eyes sparkled with determination. "Then let's make a deal. Martin wins Best Director, and I take home Best Actor. That's fair."

Nicholson snorted. "With Martin's mediocre films, I'd be chatting with God before that happens."

Martin couldn't resist a retort. "God wouldn't want to see you, Jack."

Nicholson laughed heartily. "True, I've got no interest in meeting God either. Hollywood and American society are more entertaining than ever. There's so much drama, I could live another fifteen years just on that excitement."

Leonardo nodded. "With how things are going, the future's only going to get more thrilling."

Martin saw them off onto his Global 6000 business jet, watching as it soared into the sky before heading to Brooklyn Studios to continue filming "John Wick 3".

The past ten days had been a whirlwind, with the crew shooting over 30 outdoor scenes across Manhattan. Only a few scenes in Morocco and two large-scale action sequences remained. One of these was a fierce fight in a glass building, where Martin and Blake Lively would battle side by side.

This particular set, an elaborate structure of special glass costing nearly $4 million, was destined for dramatic destruction. Martin and the stuntmen would repeatedly shatter the glass during their intense combat scenes, making for an explosive climax to their hard work.

If the glass isn't shattered during filming, a specialized company will be hired to dispose of it later.

After a scene wrapped, Martin stepped gingerly over the broken glass, settled on the glass steps leading to the upper floor, and took a long, slow drink of water.

Chen, leading two lean stuntmen onto the set, announced the next scene: a one-on-two hand-to-hand combat between Martin and the stuntmen.

Martin stood, passing his water bottle to Bruce. Under Chen's guidance, he and the two actors began familiarizing themselves with the choreography.

Chen emphasized the key points: "Bart and Phil, your strengths are speed and agility. You move faster than the tall and strong Martin."

Bart and Phil, though taller than Martin, were much slimmer.

Turning to Martin, Chen continued: "Martin, your advantage is your size and strength. Think of it as a match between a heavyweight and a featherweight boxer. You can take more hits and deliver more powerful blows."

Martin nodded. "Got it."

Chen offered a vivid comparison: "Martin, you're like a lion. Bart and Phil are like two honey badgers. They're quick and troublesome, but the lion's counterattack only needs to connect once."

"We understand," the stuntmen replied in unison.

Chen Hu stepped back to the director's monitor. "Ready when you are."

Chad Stahelski, the director, called out, "All departments, get ready."

The script supervisor stepped in front of the camera with the clapboard. "Scene 32, take one." The clapboard snapped shut, and the action began.

For nearly thirty seconds, Martin fended off coordinated attacks from Bart and Phil, crashing through piece after piece of glass. The scene was shot in one continuous take.

When Chad finally yelled "Cut!" Martin opened his suit and shirt, letting several pieces of broken glass fall out.

Chen hurried over. "Are you hurt?"

Martin shook his head. "I'm fine. It just went down my collar."

Chen Hu checked with the stuntmen, confirming they were uninjured. "Okay, let's prep for the next scene. Martin, this time you'll launch a counterattack."

He walked the three actors through the essential movements, aiming for a single take to avoid the hassle of resetting the glass.

Filming proceeded intermittently, taking three days to complete the intricate action sequences within the glass building.

Later, Martin swapped partners, teaming up with Blake Lively, who joined the shoot with two fierce German Shepherds.

It was a tragedy sparked by a dog, casting a shadow over what had been a seamless production.

Martin and Blake's scenes were divided into two main parts: intricate action sequences shot in the studio, and a few horseback riding scenes filmed in the Moroccan desert. To prepare for the intense action, Blake had trained diligently for nearly six months. No one expected her to match Martin's prowess, but her commitment was commendable. Many of her scenes involved short takes and sequences that would be polished with editing and post-processing to achieve the desired effect.

The first two days of filming proceeded without a hitch. However, on the afternoon of the third day, a change of plans became inevitable. While filming a straightforward action scene, Blake misstepped and backed into the edge of a wooden table. The impact left her in excruciating pain, unable to stand.

Martin immediately called for an ambulance. Blake was rushed to the hospital, where X-rays revealed three fractured ribs, one severely broken. The doctor advised complete bed rest and avoidance of any strenuous activities.

Fortunately, Blake's action scenes were nearly complete. Despite her insistence on finishing the shoot, Martin refused to let her risk further injury, deciding instead to use a stand-in for the remaining shots.

The crew had to revise their plans for Morocco. They decided to wait until Blake's injury healed before setting up a green screen at Disney Studios in Burbank to film the necessary desert scenes. These few remaining shots could easily have their backgrounds replaced in post-production.

After wrapping up his scenes, Martin visited Blake in the hospital before leaving New York.

"How are you feeling?" Martin asked as he entered her room.

Blake, lying in bed, managed a small smile. "Much better. If I stay still, the pain is manageable." She paused before asking, "Are you ready to go?"

Martin nodded. "'The house of cards' is about to be released, and there are a lot of promotional events I need to attend. I can't stay here with you."

Blake understood, appreciating the time he had already spent with her. "I know. It's a luxury to have you here at all. It's just... with this injury, it might take me around two months to fully recover. Swimming and surfing lessons will have to wait."

Martin waved off her concern. "It's okay, there's always time for that."

Worried about the potential impact on her career, Blake looked at him with a hint of desperation. "Since I'm injured, can you wait for me a bit longer for the next project?"

Martin leaned in, his voice reassuring. "Don't worry, Blake. The heroine of this project will always be you."