Chapter 194: Teacher Martin

Action director Chad Starsky, brandishing a prop bone-cutting knife, engaged in close-quarters combat with Martin.

Chad also had a role in the film, playing The Butcher in the League of Assassins.

With swift agility, Martin rolled on the ground, seized the bone-cutting knife, and deftly parried Chad's attacks. Their choreographed moves flowed seamlessly, each knowing their part well.

Martin skillfully matched Chad's movements, their prop knives clashing loudly.

Compared to regular stuntmen, these two exhibited impressive skills, not only executing the action effectively but also looking good doing it, adding a touch of flair to their fight.

Julie changed into her training attire and emerged from the locker room. Spotting the two men on the training field from a distance, she hastened her pace and arrived at the edge of the training area, keenly observing Martin.

In the hearts of many women, there was an inclination to compare familiar men.

Jolie couldn't help but shake her head inwardly, thinking that compared to Martin's nimble performance, Brad Pitt during the filming of "Mr. and Mrs. Smith" had seemed quite clumsy.

As Martin paused for a moment, he noticed Julie looking in his direction and gave her a slight nod.

Julie nodded back, and Martin gestured to Chad, indicating their intention to discuss how to improve this action scene.

Director Leterrier also joined the conversation.

Chad elaborated while gesticulating, "The top assassins of the League of Assassins can trigger an adrenaline rush, simulating a bullet-time effect. This scene needs to be executed at a brisk pace."

Martin, with his professional martial arts experience from his previous life, had honed his skills through rigorous training since arriving here. He was confident, stating, "As long as we devise a solid routine, speed won't be an issue for me."

Chad waved his hands, saying, "I can't keep up with you."

Director Leterrier, experienced in handling action scenes, chimed in, "We can incorporate long lenses where necessary and use slow-motion shots to capture both the audience's perspective of absolute speed and the character's relative slow-motion view. It's an art."

Martin deferred to the director's expertise, stating, "In terms of shot design, you have the final say."

Leterrier continued, "Apart from the action's impact, we must also consider one crucial factor—coolness! Remember, this is a movie, not real combat. When the audience watches the final product, we want them to shout 'cool.' That's what will make our film a success."

Everyone present was eager to create a stunning and memorable showdown between Wesley and The Butcher, and they were determined to achieve brilliance.

After brainstorming, Leterrier developed a more comprehensive plan for the scene. Chad used a prop knife to demonstrate, and Martin offered his input on improving the action design. Once they'd made progress, Martin took a break and walked over to Julie.

Julie was engaged in stretching exercises with Chad's assistant when Martin approached her.

In contrast to her future appearance in "Maleficent," Julie's current figure was more in line with the average person's aesthetic standards.

Martin approached Julie and thanked her for her role in casting him for "The Departed."

Julie modestly replied, "I didn't do much, just mentioned you casually."

She then added, "You helped me a lot during our discussions."

Martin smiled and said, "As long as you find those ideas useful."

Julie asked, "If I encounter any issues in this field in the future, could I come to you for advice?"

Martin understood the competitive nature of Hollywood and readily agreed, "You can come to me anytime."

Julie glanced at Martin's training attire and suggested, "How about we have a little friendly competition?"

Martin was slightly surprised, asking, "You and me?"

Julie nodded confidently, saying, "Don't underestimate me. Before filming 'Mr. and Mrs. Smith,' I underwent two months of training at a secret service school."

Martin offered a friendly warning, "I won't hold back."

Julie stepped back and boldly challenged, "Let's go!"

Onlookers nearby saw Martin and Julie preparing to spar and gathered around to watch.

Martin took a step back and signaled for Julie to make the first move.

"Begin!"

Julie took a bold step forward and threw a tentative punch.

In Martin's eyes, her movements were a bit slow, and her punches lacked force.

With quick reflexes, he grabbed Julie's wrist and expertly used both his feet and hands to unbalance her. Julie found herself on the ground before she could react, but Martin swiftly helped her back up.

Julie firmly grasped Martin's arm to steady herself and admitted with a smile, "There's quite a difference in skill levels."

Martin responded, "The main issue is your lack of strength."

Julie nodded in agreement, saying, "I don't want to turn into a bodybuilder like Hilary Swank; that's not my goal."

Due to their previous candid discussion about scandals and whitewashing, Julie felt a closer connection to Martin. She even joked, "I don't need a fake story to compete for the Oscars."

Martin responded, "You can become a top star without an Oscar."

Julie wholeheartedly agreed with this sentiment. After all, Hollywood boasted influential superstars like Leonardo, Brad Pitt, and Will Smith, who hadn't won any Oscars themselves.

In the distance, at the edge of the office area, Mene handed a Coke to Bruce, who took a sip and noticed something peculiar. He asked, "What's the production date of this Coke?"

Mene reassured him, saying, "Don't worry, it's not expired." Then he glanced at Martin and Julie in the training area and remarked, "Bruce, it looks like spring has come early."

Bruce, amused, pondered, "Why do women prioritize appearances? Nobody seems to value substance like me."

Mene had a rare comeback, noting, "Well, aside from appearances, they also pay attention to the wallet!"

He continued, "The boss here is good-looking and has a bright future. Following your logic, he could set the world on fire. If I were a woman..."

Bruce contemplated for a moment. Originally, he had intended to relax and take a break, but it appeared he might be gearing up for damage control instead.

Thomas emerged from the back office, and Bruce intercepted him, pointing to Martin and Julie. "Prepare a publicity plan ahead of time."

Thomas settled into a nearby chair, questioning, "Do you think Martin will pursue Julie?"

Bruce replied, "No." He recalled Martin's less-than-ideal approach to relationships: "Martin's philosophy is 'Don't take the initiative, don't decline, and don't commit.' He's not one to chase after women."

As an entertainment agent, Thomas understood what Bruce implied. Crew romances were commonplace in Hollywood—actors and actresses often got together during shoots, regardless of their relationship status. When the project ended, so did the romance.

At noon, Martin and Julie left the studio together to grab a meal. Thomas mulled over strategies to maximize Martin's interests.

Inside the Smoke House restaurant, pianist Sebastian played soothing jazz piano music. Julie brought up a topic, "Have you noticed that since the crew announced my contract, the media has been attacking me?"

Martin, well-acquainted with the ruthless nature of American media, responded, "American media outlets will do anything for a good story. When I broke up with Anne Hathaway, they didn't spare me either."

Jolie, on the other hand, wondered why Martin and Anne Hathaway had split. Her perception of Martin seemed to change.

Julie sighed, "I've been receiving a lot of slanderous attention."

Martin grinned, "People who stand out tend to attract more scrutiny."

Julie felt that Martin was right. Her past relationships had indeed been tumultuous, and it was something she couldn't easily dismiss. "It's complicated, especially since my past relationships were quite messy."

Martin retorted casually, "Messy relationships? Angie, it's all just nonsense! We simply sleep with people we like!"

Julie's fork clattered onto the table, even though she was no stranger to such bluntness. In that moment, she couldn't help but feel slightly shocked.

She began to understand how Martin came up with some of his tactics. Compared to him, she felt a bit out of her depth.

So, Julie decided to seek guidance humbly. "Do you have any advice for me?"

Martin, though he had been joking earlier, pretended to consider her request seriously. "In this regard, you could definitely consider me your teacher." He couldn't help but find it strange. How had he become a teacher? Of what? The idea felt rather odd.

Julie extended her hand enthusiastically and shook Martin's with utmost respect. "Teacher Martin!"

Martin, baffled but amused, couldn't resist the enthusiasm and respect in Julie's gesture. After a brief pause, he said, "Let me think about it carefully."

It was an exciting moment with a self-proclaimed "slut" and a "bad guy" sitting at the same table.

Martin wasn't going to let this unique combination go to waste. After a while, he offered his advice, "Rather than being passive, it's better to be proactive. Angie, you've been in the industry for years and probably know many chief editors or editors-in-chief of entertainment media. Reach out to one who's willing to cooperate, and proactively share information about your past. Make sure the written expression is skewed in your favor, focusing on your personal growth."

Julie sought clarification, "So, it should highlight my transformation?"

Martin nodded, "Exactly. You're a mother now, a loving one at that. What can a loving mother possibly do wrong? Your past struggles are just embellishments to your inspirational journey." He continued, "By taking the initiative, you can control public opinion and even use it to your advantage. I'd suggest not giving this information away for free. Instead, approach media outlets and publishers. Consider publishing a book with a ghostwriter, continuing to reveal information about your past."

Julie listened attentively to every word Martin said. After all, she had heard about this strategy from him years later. Revealing dark secrets to the media and selling candid family photos were tactics to command high prices while retaining control over her narrative.

With Martin's guidance, Julie had all the insights she needed to succeed. Gratefully, she insisted on footing the bill for the meal.

But this was Hollywood, where people used one another for publicity, and the user could easily become the used.

The crew of "The Sisterhood Of Travelling Pants ," whose schedule had been confirmed, so the producer paid a visit to discuss publicity plans with Martin.