Chapter 325: Breaking A Leg

As Martin addressed the situation, his network of allies sprang into action:

Thomas promptly engaged with the TV station to schedule an immediate television interview for Martin.

At the studio, Jessica and Emily led a team working around the clock to monitor online public opinion.

Martin personally dialed Alan Gylnn and spoke about the rumors asking if she knew anything.

In Atlanta, Sofia orchestrated efforts to support Martin.

Upon Martin's arrival at the Burbank studio, videos and related records from the location had been emailed.

Bruce took charge of a portion of the video and headed to meet Judy.

Martin awaited Alan Gylnn in his office.

A gray car departed from the Los Angeles bureau of Empire magazine and headed directly to Burbank.

Alan, who was at the wheel, gathered the pertinent information and rushed to meet with Martin.

Because of "Limitless," Alan's interests and losses were closely tied to Martin as both an actor and producer. The success of the film would directly impact his income and reputation.

Upon reaching Davis Studio in Burbank, Alan encountered Martin and disclosed, "I found out that the article was penned by a newspaper editor named Richard Kross. I'm sure he met Brad Pitt on the day he wrote the article."

The mention of the familiar name didn't surprise Martin, "Brad Pitt, an old acquaintance of mine."

Alan had observed the feud between Martin and Pitt and harbored envy for Martin's connections with figures like Jolie and Aniston.

Martin warmly shook Alan's hand, expressing gratitude, "Man, thank you for the news."

Alan returned the sentiment with a smile, "I hope I can assist you."

After seeing Alan off, Martin returned to his office, pondering the situation involving Pete.

Though not on par with Leonardo, Peter was a Hollywood superstar with considerable influence. Dealing with him through means beyond the law would be particularly challenging.

Martin thought of "Babel," still showing in theaters with Peter as the lead actor. It was expected that Peter would strive for a Best Actor nomination through this film.

Sighing to himself, Martin contemplated whether a good person like himself should resort to tarnishing someone's reputation.

Meanwhile, at the entrance of Warner Studios, Judy alighted from her car, located her target vehicle, and occupied the passenger seat.

As usual, Bruce sat in the passenger seat.

Judy inquired, "What's the big news?"

Bruce handed her a copy of American Rumors.

"I read it," Jodi remarked, referring to the relevant news from earlier that morning. "What they wrote is highly problematic."

Bruce fetched the laptop, played a video, and allowed Judy to watch. The video featured various individuals recounting Martin's past, highlighting his encounters with gangsters and drug dealers in the Clayton community. They detailed how Martin had used a gun to protect his home and community, ultimately injuring the gang leader.

The video also presented photos of documents regarding the APD's handling of related incidents.

Judy recognized the value immediately and declared, "I want these."

Bruce unplugged the USB flash drive and handed it directly to her.

Judy gazed at Bruce in a state of wonder, finally inquiring, "I feel guilty for not compensating you for such a significant story."

Bruce remained focused ahead, as Judy's slender figure appeared like a lamppost by the roadside.

Judy expressed her helplessness, "How can I repay you?"

Bruce reached for a hairpin from her hair and replied, "That should do it."

Holding the USB drive, Judy disembarked from the car.

As she observed Bruce driving away, she could only release a long sigh, wondering why she couldn't win him over.

Frustrated once again, Judy drove back to TMZ, pondering the prospect of conquering Bruce to gain a news channel that could penetrate the heart of Hollywood.

Back at TMZ, Judy swiftly reviewed the information, compiled the news, and published it.

In the Davis studio, upon the discovery of TMZ's news release, Jessica promptly instructed her team to widely disseminate it on the internet. She also reached out to familiar media outlets, urging them to review the relevant video as soon as possible.

The video was additionally uploaded to Martin's personal blog and the official website of the Coke God Cult.

Many individuals who had read the American Rumors article left messages in response.

"The tabloids are trying to spread rumors, taking a positive story and twisting it."

"I also grew up in a tough neighborhood. Overcoming adversity like Martin isn't easy!"

"So, Martin was a hero before becoming famous."

While these comments wouldn't impact the major awards during the awards season, they deepened the public's favorable perception of Martin.

Thomas contacted numerous traditional media outlets, including Warner Television, which would subsequently broadcast the news.

In the studio, Jessica knocked on the door of Martin's office and conveyed, "Ms. Jolie is here."

Martin acknowledged her message and proceeded to meet Jolie.

Shortly, Jolie, donning sunglasses, entered the room, seated herself on a single sofa, and greeted Martin with a smile. "I heard you've been the target of a smear campaign."

Martin joined her in the reception area and responded, "You're always following me."

Jolie inquired, "Who's responsible? Have they been identified?"

Martin nodded, "It's Brad, and there may be others behind him. For now, we can only focus on tracking down Brad Pitt."

"Do you want to seek revenge?" Julie leaned in close to Martin, almost whispering in his ear, "From what I know about Brad Pitt, if you hold me with one hand, Aniston with the other, and kiss us both in public in front of Brad Pitt, it'll drive him crazy for sure."

Martin understood her intentions, "Then let's stir things up first."

Jolie chuckled, "Pitt had a history of domestic violence, but it wasn't Aniston who hit him, it was the nanny." Thoughts that had emerged during her time in the Middle East resurfaced, "One day, you ask Aniston out, and I'll have a chat with her. Both of us dislike Brad Pitt, and we can find common ground."

"We'll discuss it after a few busy days," Martin stuck to his principles, "I won't force Jennifer."

Angelina Julie rose from her seat, ready to leave, "I'll call you again."

Martin added, "I recently had an interview, please give me some good words."

Jolie's eyes darted, "Why are you boasting?"

Martin waved it off, "We'll discuss it another day."

Jolie left swiftly.

At that moment, Thomas entered and said, "I just received a call. Ellen DeGeneres wants you back on her talk show."

Martin had a contentious encounter with her last time and declined, "Deny it as planned. Stick to Warner's 'Helen Show.'"

Due to the Burbank High School incident, Warner TV's determined female reporter, Helen, had risen to fame. Last year, she started her own talk show on Warner TV with impressive ratings, even surpassing Ellen's show.

Thomas immediately suggested, "I'll go discuss the format and script with Helen."

The theme of the talk show was soon decided, focusing on Martin's humble background and hard work. Youth and inexperience were his vulnerabilities, but he could make the best of other aspects.

Meanwhile, Jolie, on her way to Warner Bros. for work, attracted reporters' attention at the studio entrance. They asked a few questions about gossip and her new film "Substitute." Guided by Jolie, one reporter inquired, "You've worked with many actors. Who impressed you the most?"

"Martin Day... Wes!" Julie went all out in praising Martin, "In all my years in the industry, I've never encountered an actor as talented as Martin. He fully commits to a role, even studying in his free time to perfect it."

She knew that Martin needed positive words, "I can't speak for others, but in my eyes, Martin is a talented and excellent actor."

Simultaneously, WMA arranged for Aniston to have an exclusive interview in Century City, where Martin was also mentioned. Aniston acknowledged, "While filming 'Limitless',' Martin not only delivered a stellar performance but also guided me in my role. Although I entered the industry earlier, Martin, in terms of performance, is on par with me. He taught me new methods and knowledge."

...

At the California Institute of the Arts, in the Sculpture Hall, the afternoon class was coming to an end. Students packed up, and a group of girls approached Lily. The overweight girl in the group asked, "Lily, should we head to the apartment or the restaurant first?"

Lily smiled brightly, "Let's go to the restaurant first, and I'll treat you to a nice meal."

The plump girl laughed, "Sounds good!"

The group of students prepared to leave.

However, two nearby girls whispered to each other.

The blonde girl remarked, "You really know how to win people over and form cliques, don't you, Lily? Have you heard about Martin Davis?"

The girl with brown and red hair raised her voice suddenly, "Did you not read today's newspaper? That Martin Davis Weiss is no good. He's involved with gangs and drug dealers, and he's going down soon!"

Lily reacted immediately, approaching the two with a stern expression, "What did you just say?"

Lily didn't care about much, but when it came to Martin, she was protective.

The sisterhood she formed in Los Angeles stood behind her.

The brown-red-haired girl started to explain but quickly shut up when she saw Lily's dexterity with a carving knife, twirling it between her fingers like a pro.

Lily spoke calmly, "I once considered medical school, so I practiced knife skills. My middle school biology taught me one thing: how to avoid vital points when using a knife. Stabbing someone fifty times still results in minor injuries, but the pain they experience is unforgettable."

The blonde girl intervened, "Let's not escalate this, we were just talking casually."

She grabbed a handful of the brown-red hair, and the girl stammered, "I didn't mean any harm. I'm sorry."

Lily continued twirling the carving knife and asked, "Which newspaper did you read this in?"

"American Rumor."

Lily nodded, picked up her bag, and left.

After leaving the sculpture gallery, a young girl bought a copy of American Legends and returned.

Lily read the report and grew furious. She wanted to help but didn't know how.

Being relatively new to Hollywood and the entertainment industry, she called Louise to explain, "I want to do something to help Martin, but I'm not sure what to do."

Louise replied, "I'll pick you up, and we can discuss it together."