Chapter 428: Rescuing Martin

In May, New York's fashion and entertainment scene anticipates the Metropolitan Museum of Art's charity dinner, the grandest event. The allure lies in the eccentric and bizarre appearances of celebrities and supermodels.

Here, avant-garde designs and extraordinary decorations abound, pushing the boundaries of beauty and ugliness.

Following Bruce's suggestion, Kim Kardashian adorned herself with plastic tape, showcasing the "Kardashian" logo across her body, creating a red carpet sensation.

Celine Dion opted for a towering feather headdress, necessitating her to protrude from the car's sunroof due to its size.

Men in skirts, women as cats, and various other eccentric outfits added to the spectacle.

Amidst the array of peculiar ensembles, Taylor Swift, dressed as an angel in a simple white dress, seemed rather ordinary.

Standing out amidst the extravagant crowd was no easy feat.

On the multi-story steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, reporters buzzed with discussions.

"Alessandro Ambrosio boldly sported angel wings on the red carpet."

"Kim Kardashian's tape suit is attention-grabbing. I bet there's a mastermind behind Kim."

"The video seems manipulated. We should uncover the person responsible."

"Celine Dion appears overshadowed this time. Who can surpass her?"

"Rumor has it that the infamous Hollywood trio is in New York and might grace the red carpet tonight."

"Nicholson? Martin? Leonardo?"

"Look, a massive car is approaching!"

Indeed, a yellow bus advanced towards the main entrance on Fifth Avenue.

Reporters, accustomed to sedans and convertibles, marvelled at the unprecedented arrival by bus.

Inside the bus, Martin, Mene, Bruce, and Leonardo, donned in black silk formal suits, stood holding onto the armrests to prevent wrinkles.

At their feet, a peculiarly shaped European-style coffin rested.

Nicholson's voice emanated from the coffin's air holes: "Are we there yet? You fools aren't planning to bury me alive, are you?" Martin assured him, "We're almost there; wait for me to give you the signal."

Nicholson quipped, "I must have met Satan before lying in a coffin on the red carpet."

Leonardo countered, "Think about it, old man. Since red carpets began, who walked on one while lying in a coffin?"

He exaggerated, "No one has done it before, and even if someone does in the future, they'll merely imitate you."

Bruce, sceptical, glanced between Martin and Leonardo, finally settling his gaze on Nicholson's coffin, deeming them all unreliable.

Mene, eager to showcase the chosen feather crown, anticipated carrying the coffin to the red carpet and finding Celine Dion.

The bus halted at the red carpet, prompting Martin to declare, "Here we go, guys."

The four lifted the coffin, prompting Nicholson to quip, "Slow down; I'm going to vomit."

Martin chided, "Show some professionalism, Jack. It's not time for you to speak yet. Haven't all your Oscars come from water?"

Nicholson fell silent.

Amidst the astonishment of onlookers, the bus's wide rear door opened, revealing four men in black silk dresses lifting a coffin.

Although peculiar in shape, reminiscent of the European Middle Ages, it undeniably was a coffin.

With Martin and Leonardo leading, they carried the coffin, drawing the surprised gazes of hundreds of spectators.

Media reporters went wild, ignoring the restrictions of the media area. They rushed out, gathering in front of the red carpet, frantically pressing camera shutters to capture this extraordinary scene.

Forget the tape outfits, feather heads, and angel wings; this unprecedented occurrence shocked North American fashion and entertainment circles.

"Where's Nicholson among Martin and Leonardo?"

Reporters held cameras and speculated, "Why is one trio member missing?"

"Is Nicholson lying in the coffin?"

"Is Nicholson dead?"

"As expected of a troublemaking trio!"

Not only media reporters and red carpet spectators but also the Metropolitan Museum guests poured out to witness this astonishing sight.

Under countless gazes, Martin and Leonardo carefully placed the coffin with Nicholson on the multi-level steps of the red carpet.

Martin kicked the coffin three times, and Nicholson, with a press of a button, triggered a loud bang. The lightweight plastic lid exploded, falling to the sides of the red carpet.

"Welcome to your lord, Earl," Martin exclaimed.

Leonardo echoed, "Welcome to your lord, Earl."

A hand with pale skin and long nails emerged from the coffin. Initially eerie under the camera flash, a closer look revealed its chubby appearance, eliciting amusement.

Nicholson, slicked-back hair, a large black cloak, red inside, and two long fangs, sat up from the coffin, a classic Count Dracula look.

While common at Halloween parades, climbing out of a coffin on a red carpet was unprecedented.

Nicholson, the contemporary chubby Count Dracula, steadied himself with Martin's quick support as he stood. Bruce assumed a protective stance, while Mene headed towards Celine Dion.

Nicholson pulled out sunglasses, donned them, and called to Martin and Leonardo, "My servants, come, let's take a photo together." The trio posed on the steps for hundreds of cameras.

The red carpet chaos ensued as reporters and spectators flooded the area. Security personnel intervened to restore order. An organizer's supervisor approached Martin, Leonardo, and Nicholson, whispering a few words. The trio halted and ascended the steps together.

The organizer's media interview area awaited them on the platform.

Surrounded by cameras, a New York host exclaimed, "Jack, you look fantastic today!"

Nicholson, assuming the trio's leader role, replied, "Certainly, the three of us are the ultimate partners, the coolest and most stylish supergroup."

The host inquired, "Who orchestrated all of this?"

Leonardo and Nicholson thrust Martin forward, declaring, "These are all Martin's ideas. He's the master planner and idea expert of our trio!"

The host handed the microphone to Martin, asking, "How did you conceive these ideas?"

"I believe history, fashion, magic, and legend can be effectively combined. It turns out the effect is excellent," Martin responded, adding, "I drew inspiration from Nolan's 'The Dark Knight,' which integrated these elements." He concluded by mentioning the film's July release.

The host segued to Leonardo and also brought up Gisele Bündchen, present at the event.

Leonardo navigates such issues more effortlessly when he's sober.

The host inquired about the rumoured conflict between Nicholson and Martin.

"My personal bond with Martin has never been an issue. We're best friends and ultimate partners. We simply have differing perspectives on the Dark Knight role," Nicholson redirected according to the script, putting his arm around Martin's shoulders. "He didn't heed my advice; he's too immersed in the clown role, leading to some psychological and spiritual challenges."

Martin nodded in agreement. "Entering the joker role is no easy feat, and breaking free is even more challenging. My psychiatrist even mentioned that a hidden personality has surfaced."

Nicholson gestured toward the lightweight plastic coffin taken away under the steps. "I'm over sixty; why do I join Martin and Leo in fooling around? Because I want him to genuinely relax and find happiness."

Seizing the moment, he boasted, "This nonsense has a positive effect. See, Martin's smile has loosened up."

A loyal individual, Nicholson's narrative resonated, and Martin cooperated, revealing a more relaxed and carefree smile than recent public appearances.

Leonardo chimed in, "Jack and I came to New York, one of the goals being to rescue Martin."

Placing a hand on Martin's shoulder, he gazed affectionately and declared, "Brother, you must triumph in this battle with the clown and break free completely."

Touched by the support of his two close friends, Martin nodded repeatedly.

In this moment, Nicholson and Leonardo's characters transcended, climbing to the moral high ground while standing on Martin's shoulders.

Post-interview, the trio entered the Metropolitan Museum's front hall together.

Their previous commotion made them the immediate focal point.

Many onlookers anticipated a night of revelry with the trio.

Of course, some harboured resentment, perceiving them as stealing the spotlight and casting envious glances.

Unfazed, the thick-skinned trio, with resilience akin to the Met's supporting walls, paid no heed. Instead, they sought out intriguing diversions in the lively atmosphere.