Chapter 701: Martin's plans!

"Have you heard about the supposed curse haunting Disney Studios?"

The mention of Emma Watson's latest rumor sparked a flurry of chatter among the cast and crew of "Argo" during a break from filming. "First it was Amber Heard, and now Emma Watson..."

A hushed voice added, "Maybe it's not a curse, just their peculiar habit? These scandalous Hollywood women, they're all so unconventional. Amber Heard set the precedent, and Emma Watson seems to be following in her footsteps, or even surpassing her."

"And who's next? It's like Disney Studios has them under some spell!" remarked another, his voice tinged with skepticism.

A woman pulled out a vial of perfume from her pocket, discreetly dabbing it under her nose. "I make sure to wear this the moment I step onto the studio grounds. It's become a necessity."

Whispers continued, "Remember when Emma Watson was seen pursuing Martin the other day? Do you think he'll entertain her advances?"

"Would you entertain them?" countered another.

"Even if she's Hermione Granger, if such scandalous behavior surfaces, I'd steer clear," came the resolute reply.

The assistant director's voice cut through the chatter, signaling the impending resumption of filming. The comments dwindled as everyone refocused, not wanting to incur the wrath of director David Fincher.

As the male protagonist, Martin, took his place on set, curiosity lingered in the air. Would Emma Watson make another appearance, and how would Martin react?

Martin's performance was exceptional that day, with scenes shot seamlessly and repeatedly at Fincher's insistence on capturing various angles.

After a productive morning, the crew dispersed for lunch.

Inside the restaurant, Martin and Bruce noticed heads turning in one direction. Their gaze followed, landing on Emma Watson as she approached with her meal.

Saoirse Ronan, who had been waiting for this moment, swiftly intercepted, theatrically covering her nose as Emma neared. The tension between them was palpable.

Caught off guard, Emma hesitated, unwilling to face her nemesis' mockery. Despite her efforts to quell the rumors, the media and public remained unsympathetic.

"Don't come any closer!" Saoirse declared dramatically, brandishing a bottle of perfume. "We don't want to lose our appetite!"

Emma retreated, finding solace at an empty table, only to notice others veering away from her. It was a stark reminder of the fickle nature of fame.

Feeling ostracized, Emma's thoughts turned to her former co-stars, Daniel Radcliffe and Rupert Grint. Their once-loyal friendship had waned since the scandal, leaving her feeling isolated.

As lunch concluded, Emma made a swift exit back to the sanctuary of the "Noah's Ark" crew lounge, seeking refuge from the relentless scrutiny of Hollywood's unforgiving spotlight.

Emma Watson's mood was dark and heavy, casting a shadow over her usual demeanor.

As Alanna entered, Emma's plea cut through the air, "Do you have it? I need more."

Alanna swiftly retrieved a small plastic bag from her bag, passing it over without a word.

The moment Emma grasped it, a subtle transformation overcame her. Her spirit lifted involuntarily, hands trembling with anticipation.

...

Exiting the restaurant, Martin found himself trailed by Saoirse Ronan.

Engaged in conversation, Saoirse broached, "Martin, any free time lately? My mother's keen to host you."

Considering his schedule, Martin replied, "Not at the moment. Wrapped up with 'Argo' and diving into 'The Martian' promotions. Promised Elizabeth I'd be home every night."

Elizabeth's understanding was a constant, Martin's anchor in Los Angeles.

"Perhaps another time then," Saoirse conceded.

Martin glanced at her, "You're settling in well here. Plenty of opportunities ahead."

Saoirse nodded, a glimmer in her eye, "I learned a new song. Care to hear?"

"Go ahead," Martin encouraged.

Saoirse's soft hum filled the air, her eyes fixed on Martin. "In all the ups and downs, your love sustains me. Your patience, my everlasting refuge..."

"Beautiful rendition," Martin praised. "Who's the original artist?"

Saoirse beamed, "Adapted it myself."

"Impressive," Martin remarked casually.

Saoirse chimed in, "Wrote it with you in mind."

Martin's thoughts drifted to previous discussions with Taylor Swift. "You're quite the eager learner."

Saoirse, puzzled, finally asked, "Where do singing and dancing fit into my career?"

Martin pondered, "Commercial musical or a more literary one?"

Without hesitation, Saoirse replied, "Whichever you suggest."

For a former child star navigating adulthood, choices were scarce.

"Keep honing your skills," Martin advised.

In the days that followed, Emma Watson remained absent from the crew's studio.

Rumors circulated among the crew, painting a picture of Emma's capitulation whenever she crossed paths with Saoirse Ronan.

In this feud of mortal enemies, Saoirse held temporary sway.

As "Argo" neared its conclusion, Nicholson, Leonardo, and Lorraine paid another visit to the set.

After a scene, Martin ushered them into the lounge, where Lorraine presented him with a gift.

Perplexed, Martin questioned the unexpected gesture.

Leonardo interjected with a mischievous grin, "After their failed attempt on my property, Jack and Lorraine are now targeting you. Consider this Lorraine's peace offering." Martin's hand reached for the box before hesitating, eyes narrowing at Nicholson.

"Who's this old rascal?" Martin's disbelief hung heavy in the air, his gaze shifting between Nicholson and Lorraine.

Nicholson, unfazed, echoed Leonardo's proposal, "If you're keen on marrying Lorraine, I won't stand in your way. We could arrange the paperwork today and have the wedding by tomorrow."

Lorraine, accustomed to their antics, chimed in, "No objections from me."

"I do!" Martin interjected firmly, accepting the gift box and revealing an intricately crafted commemorative medal inside.

Lorraine explained, "I've made quite the profit following your lead. This is a token of my appreciation."

Martin accepted graciously, tucking it away, "Thank you."

Unfazed by formalities, Lorraine quipped, "Next time you're up to something, remember to invite me for photos and videos."

Leonardo, ever accommodating, assured, "Consider it done."

"When do I get my Pulitzer Prize?" Lorraine teased.

Martin countered, "Expose Jack's scandals, and you'll earn both cash and accolades."

Lorraine entertained the notion, "Great idea! I've got plenty of Jack's skeletons in my closet..."

Nicholson asserted his authority, "Believe me, I can cut off your trust fund at any time."

Lorraine's retort died on her lips.

Turning to Martin, Nicholson disclosed, "We've been discussing a project during this downtime."

Leonardo elaborated, "Not too challenging, but it's something."

"Don't push it!" Martin sensed trouble brewing, cautioning, "Pushing too hard can lead to psychological scars and paranoia."

"We're doing good deeds, not tormenting people like you," Nicholson reassured.

Martin offered refreshments, passing out bottles of mineral water as they settled in.

Leonardo revisited an old grievance, "People always ask us about our three Best Actor Oscars. It's getting tiresome."

Martin's response was succinct, "Enough already!"

Nicholson proposed a solution, "We've been strategizing to get you that missing Oscar."

Martin remained skeptical, citing his upcoming film roles.

Nicholson dismissed his concerns, "We'll figure it out."

Leonardo's enthusiasm was palpable, "Remember last year when you had me play a despicable character? This year, we'll flip the script and make you the Oscar winner!"

Martin's curiosity piqued, "What's the plan?"

Leonardo unveiled, "Martin's Misery Campaign."

Martin raised a skeptical brow, "Misery campaign?"

"Exactly," Leonardo affirmed. "We'll play up your rags-to-riches story, the epitome of the American Dream in Hollywood."

Nicholson encouraged, "Give it a shot. There's always a first time for everything."

Martin, touched by his friends' sincerity, couldn't bring himself to decline, despite their track record of unpredictability.