Chapter 152: Halloween

On South Boreal Street in Burbank, the very shop where custom clothes had been prepared for the last art party, Anne trailed behind Martin into the dressing room, curiosity piqued. She inquired, "Do you have a surprise prepared? What is it? It's not going to be a murderer's look, is it?"

She added a preemptive remark, "Martin, even if it's Halloween makeup, I'd rather not transform into an ugly monster."

Martin replied with charm, "You're so beautiful and elegant that even God wouldn't dare to mar your looks, Annie."

The 50-year-old designer, Hannah, welcomed them, saying, "Please come this way."

Anne noticed a dark black leather coat hanging on a hanger, long high-heeled leather boots standing next to it, and a black double-ear hairpin and goggles on the shelf above.

Curious, she asked Martin, "Who am I supposed to be?"

Martin, naturally, had chosen the character that he knew Anne admired the most and replied, "Selina Kyle."

Anne furrowed her brow, thinking for a moment before tentatively asking, "Catwoman?"

Martin affirmed with a nod, "Exactly. Let's give it a try."

Anne approached the outfit and accessories, remarking, "It seems quite different from Halle Berry and Michelle Pfeiffer."

After considering for a moment, Martin clarified, "The authentic version of Catwoman."

Anne turned to him and asked, "And you're Batman?"

Martin smiled and confirmed, "Of course."

Anne pursed her lips, adopting a thoughtful expression, and then settled into a makeup chair. Two stylists approached her to assist with her transformation.

Meanwhile, Martin followed Hannah into another dressing room.

In hushed tones, Hannah inquired, "Where's Mene? Why hasn't he come over?"

Martin realized that Mene had been preoccupied lately and responded, "He's been quite busy recently, but you can give him a call if you miss him."

Hannah confessed, "I really miss him... and his humor." She quickly added, "Mene has a charming way with words."

Bruce had mentioned to Martin a couple of days ago that Mene had been spending time at a bar, getting involved in passionate altercations with a woman.

Once inside the dressing room, Martin donned his Batman attire. It wasn't the version with the bat emblem on the chest, like George Clooney's, but rather one resembling the costume seen in the new Batman trailer, similar to Christian Bale's.

In the studio's front hall, Bruce checked the time and stepped out to find a public phone booth. He took out his address book and dialed the first number.

"Hello, American Rumors?" Bruce began, "I have important news for you. Martin Davis and Anne Hathaway will be participating in today's Halloween parade. I have it on good authority that they'll make an appearance at the open-air theatres a couple."

The other end replied, "Thank you for the information. Would you mind leaving your name and mailing address for us?"

Bruce quickly responded, "No, I'm just an enthusiastic citizen," before hanging up. He then dialed another number, this time the hotline for another gossip magazine, The Hollywood Daily, sharing the same "scoop" about Martin and Anne Hathaway.

The stage was set, and the audience of reporters and paparazzi couldn't be missed.

Bruce made more than a dozen calls in quick succession, notifying not only gossip publications but also some freelance paparazzi.

In the afternoon, the Hollywood Halloween Parade was about to commence.

As Martin and Annie exited the car and approached the amphitheater, their striking appearances as Batman and Catwoman immediately drew the attention of countless reporters and photographers.

Anne's portrayal of Catwoman, in particular, left a lasting impression.

Walking beside Anne, Martin offered some encouragement, saying, "Relax and let go. Forget about the princess for now; that was just a role. Today, you're a sly and captivating thief, stealing everyone's hearts."

Listening to Martin's encouraging words, Anne naturally relaxed and cast aside her princess persona. She adopted a feline stride, confidently advancing.

Martin continued to lavish her with compliments, "Annie, your alluring charm will undoubtedly captivate everyone."

Anne responded with a charming smile, while Batman, played by Martin, cut a dashing figure beside her. Regrettably, he lacked one of Bruce Wayne's most crucial abilities, Wealth.

Martin removed his Batman cowl.

As a seasoned star, Anne automatically adjusted her goggles without needing a reminder. They were perched on her eyes, secured by the hairpin on her head, resembling cat ears.

Max, a reporter from Entertainment Weekly, couldn't help but admire as he snapped photos, "These two are incredibly cool! One is tall and strong, radiating charisma; the other possesses a stunning figure and oozes sensuality. They're the perfect pair."

At the Hollywood Open-Air Theater, many participants in the Halloween parade could be described as a motley crew of demons and monsters.

In this sea of bizarre characters, Martin and Anne stood out like beacons of light.

Reporters and paparazzi approached for a closer look and more photographs.

Anne basked in the media attention, relishing the feeling of being a true princess.

Max from Entertainment Weekly approached for an interview, positioning the microphone between Martin and Anne. He inquired, "Martin, Anne, you both look incredibly stylish and cool. Martin, you're Batman, right? Anne, is this your take on Catwoman?"

Anne responded playfully, "This is the Catwoman look that Martin specifically chose for me. He said it complements my figure and temperament perfectly."

Martin seized the opportunity, asking, "Don't you think Anne looks even more enchanting than the Catwoman in the comics?"

The exchange garnered admiration and the sound of camera shutters

Anne was more than capable and expressed, "Actually, Martin and I have become very good friends. Martin is exceptionally talented and outstanding."

After acknowledging their current friendship, she didn't forget to sprinkle a bit of hope, saying, "As for the future? Who can predict what lies ahead?"

Martin, always in high spirits, stood by her side, wearing a cheerful expression like an eager dog.

Paparazzi reporters went wild, capturing images that made his smile even more radiant.

As Martin and Anne entered the open-air theater, Anne occasionally, perhaps intentionally, brushed her hand against Martin's arm.

Several times, she even hooked her arm through his and then quickly released it.

Later, Max stowed away his camera and was about to find a new subject when a burly man approached him.

Bruce remained courteous and requested, "May I have your business card?"

Max, being experienced, understood the implication and handed over his work card.

Just as Bruce was about to leave, he noticed a familiar face, the female paparazzi who had been spotted under the North Hollywood apartment.

Jody also recognized Bruce, who was with Martin. When he approached her, she questioned, "What do you want?"

Bruce pointed towards a nearby roadside parking lot and replied, "Let's have a chat."

Jody stashed her camera and followed him. By the curb, Bruce invited her into the car.

Jody took the passenger seat, getting straight to the point, "Do you have valuable news? What do you want in return?"

She studied Bruce, who appeared far more appealing than the overweight landlord from the North Hollywood apartment.

Bruce inquired, "I heard you collaborate with various media outlets?"

Jody nodded, saying, "I run an entertainment blog and contribute to numerous entertainment newspapers and magazines."

Bruce recognized her specific focus, stating, "Your articles tend to align with Martin's perspective. When there's news about Martin, we'll contact you first."

Jody contemplated seriously, considering the sensation that the house of Wax had stirred up at the box office, Martin's association with Annie, a renowned young actress, and his upcoming film release. She handed Bruce her business card, saying, "You can reach out anytime."

Bruce reiterated, "Remember, your articles and photos should be biased in Martin's favor. You can see that Martin's career is on an upswing, and there will be plenty of intriguing news."

These words sparked Jody's interest. She thought back to the series of headlines generated by the Wax Museum's incredible success. Could it be linked to Martin?

She suddenly realized the critical factor: Mene, the audacious man who constantly trailed Martin like a shadow.

Now, with Anne Hathaway, recognized by the entertainment media as one of the top actresses among the post-80s generation, if Martin intended to partner with her, their combined appeal would be greater than the sum of its parts.

Jody swiftly declared, "I'm a staunch supporter of Martin."

Bruce responded, "That's what I wanted to hear."

Jody exited the car and departed.

Afterward, Aquaman Bruce went in search of the next paparazzo.

Martin's pond was expanding, and it could accommodate numerous fish.

Jody left the car, found a secluded spot, and pulled out her voice recorder.

For a paparazzo, news was ubiquitous.

Jody pressed play against her ear and was met with a cacophony of sound.

"Damn!" She glanced back to search for that bastard, but when she didn't find him, she couldn't help but feel resentful. Sooner or later, she would have to strike a deal with that man and make him willingly provide insider information.

The annual Hollywood Halloween Parade was in full swing.

It was a grand event for regular folks and a platform for celebrities to create buzzworthy moments.

As Martin and Anne strolled hand in hand down Hollywood Boulevard, they occasionally waved to the crowd and exchanged quiet words, displaying an intimate and joyful connection.

While Batman's costume was impressive, Anne's Catwoman attire, although not revealing, was undeniably attention-grabbing.

Occasionally, fellow parade participants approached them for photos.

Some passersby even joined the parade, eager to capture images with the two celebrities.

Martin and Anne were incredibly approachable, welcoming everyone who came their way.

A few paparazzi continued to trail Martin, documenting the evening's events.

The Halloween parade extended into the evening hours, and shortly before ten o'clock, Anne took the initiative to bid farewell, saying, "Martin, please take me back." Martin replied, "I'll have someone bring the car around right away."

Anne cast a brief glance at the Bentley parked on the roadside but refrained from commenting further.

Martin noticed her gaze and, taking Anne's hand, led her away, saying, "This way."

As they walked, Anne shared, "Today has been the happiest day I've spent in Los Angeles." Martin turned to her, locking eyes, and stated, "There will be even happier moments in the future."

Encouraged, Anne responded, "Then I'll be waiting."

Bruce pulled up in his car, and Martin guided Anne inside before joining her. He then returned promptly, understanding the need to maintain professionalism and ethics, controlling the pace, and considering the jobs of the reporters and paparazzi following him.