Chapter 493: Have fun and be safe

"Is Martin really here at this party?"

Navigating through the throngs, Tom Cruise inquired of his trailing assistant, "Are you sure?"

The assistant affirmed promptly, "Absolutely. I went to the entrance and asked. Martin arrived with Leonardo and Nicholson."

Suddenly, a burst of cheers drew Tom Cruise's attention. Not far away, amidst a cluster of more than 20 women, three men garnered attention.

Amongst them, sandwiched between a cluster of women, was Martin Davis, one of Hollywood's most adored male stars.

In terms of popularity, Tom Cruise wasn't far behind, holding his own from the previous year to the present.

Yet, despite his long tenure in Hollywood, Cruise hadn't lost his charm, a testament to his astuteness.

Seizing an opportune moment, Tom Cruise approached, greeting, "Hey, Martin."

Turning at the sound of his name, Martin, somewhat surprised, adjusted the bra he had just untangled from his belt. He stepped forward, extending a hand, "Tom, you're my idol."

He'd uttered this phrase countless times before, making it sound somewhat artificial. "Top Gun almost led me to join the air force. And Mission: Impossible made me consider the CIA, but alas, they wouldn't take me due to lack of education; otherwise, I'd be in a fix!"

Tom Cruise smiled, "Your recent films have been thrilling; I'm a fan now."

"Are we fans of each other?" Martin gestured toward the women surrounding him. "Want to join in? It's quite fun."

Tom Cruise waved dismissively, "Let's find a quiet spot for a chat?"

Handing the bra back to Holly, Martin said, "You guys enjoy. I know a good place to talk. Care to join?"

Following Holly, Martin and Tom Cruise moved to the backyard, a stark contrast to the front's bustling ambiance. It offered serenity, dotted with tables and chairs for relaxation.

Holly flagged down a waiter for wine and glasses, placing them on a table beneath the pavilion. "I'm right over there if you need anything," she gestured to a distance.

As Holly moved away, Martin leaned in, questioning, "Tom, what's on your mind?"

Cruise opened a bottle, pouring two glasses of wine, "I'm interested in learning from your success."

Martin, surprised, exclaimed, "But you're Tom Cruise! I look up to you!"

In his three-decade career, Cruise had seen it all. He smiled, "That doesn't mean you haven't surpassed me in the last three years."

Raising his glass, Cruise toasted, "Countless examples prove that success comes from emulating successful traits."

Martin reciprocated the gesture, sipping the wine. "Everything I do is just plain obvious."

Seeing Martin's receptiveness, Cruise delved, "Your action sequences in 'John Wick' were outstanding. Did you perform those difficult scenes yourself?"

"Difficult?" Martin pondered. "The truly tough stunts are performed by stunt doubles. Insurance won't allow me to take such risks."

Cruise frowned, "Impossible, those long shots..."

"Did all those long shots yourself, huh? Rehearsed them several times. Not a big deal," Martin mentioned.

Cruise grasped the disparity in their perception of difficulty in movement. What seemed exceedingly tough to him was a breeze for Martin, perhaps so effortless that even the insurance company didn't object.

"I figured. You didn't hype your performance in those challenging action scenes during promotions," Cruise remarked.

Martin smacked his head lightly, realizing their oversight. "We overlooked this. Could've been good publicity."

Cruise discerned the rationale behind it, "Warner sees it as routine for you, so does the crew. Hence, nothing deemed extraordinary to market."

Reflecting on it, Martin acknowledged the truth. He poured wine for both and toasted Cruise, "Thanks for the reminder."

Cruise clinked glasses, noting, "You'd have realized it sooner or later."

As the conversation flowed, Martin observed Tom Cruise's humble demeanor.

A veteran superstar for nearly three decades, Cruise, unlike others, hadn't succumbed to controversies. He naturally held some merits in sustaining his popularity.

Cruise mulled over, "Given my age and physical state, how do I create a selling point akin to 'John Wick' action scenes?"

For the past decade, Hollywood had exhausted most action routines after adapting the Hong Kong action model. 'John Wick' stood out as a new classic in action movies.

Martin, aiming to offer advice, inquired, "Any plans for a 'Mission: Impossible' sequel?"

Cruise chuckled, "The fourth installment is in the pipeline."

Recognizing Cruise's influential status in Hollywood, Martin acknowledged the power of suggestion. He rephrased his thoughts carefully, "The styles of 'Mission: Impossible' and 'John Wick' differ vastly. Adopting the 'John Wick' action mode might diminish the effect."

Cruise nodded in understanding.

"Tom, my ability with those moves comes from years of rigorous training," Martin explained, drawing on his martial arts background. "If it's the impossible, why not take it more seriously? Scale the world's iconic landmarks, pilot a plane, or skydive. Publicize it yourself for a BOOM effect!"

Cruise mentioned a figure, "Jack Chen from Hong Kong City?"

Martin agreed, "Surpass him, aim for the world's best landmarks, modern transportation, high altitudes, mountains, and cliffs! How many jaws will drop when a superstar performs such feats?"

Seeing Cruise's receptiveness, Martin stressed, "It can reinstate your professional spirit and image."

This last point caught Cruise's attention.

For years, Cruise had weathered turbulent times. Post-firing his agent and amidst personal chaos, leaks and scandals plagued him.

Thus, the reboot of 'Mission: Impossible.' It was a stable option, a potential savior.

Cruise refilled their glasses, "Martin, here's to you."

Raising his glass, Martin responded, "Cheers."

Clinking glasses, Cruise added, "Consider it a debt owed."

Martin silently nodded and sipped his wine.

Tom Cruise initiated an exchange of personal business cards with Martin, stating, "Give me a call if you think I could be of any help."

Martin reciprocated politely, "Sure thing."

Swiftly, Tom Cruise departed.

Approaching from a distance, Holly inquired, "Finished chatting?"

Martin rose, invitingly, "Shall we return and resume our game?"

Walking back to the front yard, Holly suggested, "Let's play a few more games. I'll summon my pals, and we'll have a blast together."

Approaching them, a trio appeared disheveled.

The man sported only elephant-trunk shorts, comically swaying side to side. Holding onto two girls, they seemed to be in search of a discreet spot.

Martin sensed familiarity with the man but couldn't recall his name. Holly discreetly informed, "That's Charlie Sheen, a Hollywood star known for 'Platoon' and 'Two and a Half Men.'"

Recognizing the name, Martin connected the dots, "Charlie Sheen! Does he frequent this place?"

Holly casually replied, "He drops by occasionally, usually leaving with a few girls. Don't worry, I've never ventured with him..."

Inwardly cursing, Martin hastened to the front yard, but instead of joining the ongoing games, he located Bruce, observing from afar.

Directly addressing Bruce, Martin instructed, "If urgent, contact Chad, Marcus, and Thomas. Have them come to my nearby place. Inform the butler to prepare wine and midnight snacks. I'll find Leo and Jack."

Though puzzled, Bruce complied.

Holly queried, "Leaving already?"

Martin slipped a pre-prepared check into Holly's belt, "A token of appreciation for your service. I've had a great night, but I've got an urgent matter to attend to."

Holly retrieved the check, visibly content, "Remember me next time you're back."

Martin nodded nonchalantly and set off to locate Leonardo and Nicholson, hoping they hadn't been too captivated by the allure.

Upon hearing Charlie Sheen's name, Martin recollected widespread rumors from his past life about Sheen's AIDS diagnosis, causing apprehension among Hollywood circles.

Amidst a throng of women, he found Leonardo and Nicholson engrossed in revelry.

"Got something urgent. Care to join?" Martin seemed inquiring, yet he pulled them up decisively, "Let's head to my place for a drink. It's been a while."

Leonardo appeared perplexed, "What's going on?"

Nicholson, seasoned in such matters, perceived Martin's seriousness and rallied, "Let's go."

The trio bypassed Hefner, hopped into the car, and departed.

Curious, Leonardo questioned, "What's happening?"

Martin elucidated, "I witnessed several girls indulging without safety precautions in the backyard. This isn't an isolated incident. There were rumors about AIDS in the past in this circle. I believe it's wise to steer clear."

Turning to Nicholson, he queried, "Jack, can you handle a Jennifer Lawrence?"

Nicholson, with a casual response, "Hey, old man."

Addressing Leonardo again, Martin inquired, "Can you round up numerous supermodels?"

Leonardo acknowledged the rationale, "The quality here seems subpar."

Martin gestured, "We aim to have fun, but safety's crucial, right?"