Chapter 307: 40 Years Experience

Leonardo joked, "I doubt it, his face is too iconic; at most, he'll get a good beating, not half to death." It was all in good fun, and they didn't want Nicholson to actually get into any trouble. Martin decided to call Bruce and ask him to keep an eye on Nicholson's whereabouts.

Before dinner, Kate Winslet contacted Martin about rehearsals. Martin considered his schedule and replied, "Let's postpone it until tomorrow. I have plans tonight and might be late returning." There had been no shooting for Martin in the last couple of days, so Kate agreed to talk tomorrow after work.

As Martin drove back from Pinewood Studios, Kate was left to contemplate the challenges of her role. The scenes scenes first to allow the lead actors more time for rehearsal.

Kate, being a seasoned actor, had no qualms about exploring challenging roles. She even considered the methods used by some in the Hollywood industry. This film was of great importance to her, and she aspired to win the Best Actress Oscar. To achieve this, she knew she had to make a breakthrough performance.

After returning to her hotel, Kate planned to discuss matters with her husband, Sam Mendes, who was also the director of the project.

...

As the evening approached, Martin received a message from Bruce. It seemed Nicholson was driving with Meryl towards Pinewood Studios. Leonardo suggested, "Let's go watch the show."

The weather was mild, and as the sun began to set, Martin and Leonardo put on hoodies and made their way towards the studio. Martin clarified, "We're not here to cause trouble; we're just looking out for our friends."

Leonardo, donning his hoodie, playfully remarked, "You're such a kind soul, my friend. In fact, we're so noble that we should be bestowed with royal honors."

The two of them headed downstairs to find Bruce waiting with a car. They set off for Pinewood Studios. Martin inquired, "It's quite late. Are there many people at the studio?"

Bruce filled them in, "There are a lot of crews filming night scenes tonight. Even the 'Harry Potter' crew has been shooting night scenes recently."

At the studio entrance, they spotted Nicholson's car. They drove inside the studio and then took a battery car straight into the pine forest.

Pine Forest Studios had been around for decades, and some of the equipment was showing its age. Near Pine Forest, some streetlights were damaged, while others cast a feeble yellow light.

Nicholson emerged from behind a pine tree and picked up a steel pipe, eagerly remarking, "Be careful, and don't press the wrong button."

Meryl ignited two fireworks and loaded them into the steel pipe. A deafening explosion and a burst of colorful smoke followed.

"Ha-ha," Nicholson laughed. "This is fun! Quick, reload the shells!"

Meryl, usually poised and ladylike, had a completely different demeanor behind the scenes, especially when following Nicholson. She loaded the cannonballs and shouted, "Fire! Blast those shameless hooligans!"

In contrast to Martin and Leonardo, who had caused quite a stir earlier in the day, these two were firing randomly, creating explosions in all directions.

Amidst the ear-piercing screams, a young couple emerged from a distance, running towards the lights.

Nicholson, a mischievous old man, pointed them out as he fired, "Look who's here, Hermione and Malfoy!"

Meryl, who had been frustrated during the day, was now excited and unleashed her pent-up emotions. She shouted, "Keep going, don't stop!"

Within the dark pine forest, clouds of red smoke suddenly filled the air.

Suddenly, someone shouted, "Those troublemakers are over there! Hey, don't run away, let's teach them a lesson!"

"Teach them a lesson!" Six or seven figures dashed towards Martin and Leonardo.

Nicholson, wise enough not to get into a confrontation, called to Meryl, "Run!"

The two of them swiftly turned and fled. Their battery car was parked not far away, and Nicholson stepped on the accelerator as they made their escape.

But after covering a mere hundred meters, three cars were already chasing them, followed by more.

Chaos erupted in the northern part of the studio. Martin and Leonardo, wearing their hoodies, joined the pursuit, shouting and adding to the excitement.

"There are two of them!" yelled Malfoy from the leading car, "Stop them! Beat those two rascals until they don't recognize their parents!"

Leonardo shouted with enthusiasm, "Break their legs!"

Martin chimed in with a British accent, "The men can break a third leg, and the women can have a bean party until they go crazy!"

The leading battery car reached an area with bright lights, and Malfoy was surprised, "Jack Nicholson! Meryl Streep! How could it be them?"

Upon hearing their names, Nicholson accelerated.

Martin and Leonardo laughed, knowing that The Sun would have a field day with this story.

These three mischievous companions were accustomed to spending time together. In their lives, making money was for enjoyment, and having fun was just another form of enjoyment.

Nicholson fixed his gaze on Martin. "Jack, I'll admit it – Leo and I set off the fireworks," Martin confessed as he maneuvered the conversation through the storm. "Originally, we just wanted to set off some fireworks from a distance as a gift for you. We thought it'd be a fun way to celebrate your... enduring love story with Meryl."

Leonardo chimed in, trying to hold back his laughter, "Yes, a 'silver love' gift."

But Nicholson was skeptical. "Keep writing," he quipped, "I'll help you get into the Writers Guild, and maybe you'll win an award for best screenwriter."

Martin, with a sincere tone, insisted, "We genuinely intended to give you a gift. However, when we arrived, we found those two scoundrels, Bale and Blanchett! Do you know what they were doing?" He continued, "They followed you, watched you secretly, and then... engaged in some intimate activities."

Leonardo, this time not acting at all, added, "A member of the Atonement crew named Saoirse informed us. Jack, you can ask her if you doubt us."

Martin went on, "How could we allow those two rascals to get away with such mischief? You're the leader of our trio. If someone is going to have fun with you, it should be us. Those other two don't have the privilege. So, we fired some fireworks at them!"

Leonardo attempted to soften the blow, "Martin and I were there to protect you, after all."

But Nicholson remained unconvinced. "So, you decided to bombard me in the process? Very well, you wait; as your boss, I'll prepare a special gift for you."

Martin grinned, "My dear friend, no need to be so polite."

Leonardo added, "Yeah, just keep it for yourself."

Nicholson, however, had his mind set on something else. He marveled at how these two could launch fireworks into the sky, creating spectacular displays. He leaned back on the sofa, crossing his legs, and stated, "Hand over your weapons, and I'll believe you."

Martin pretended to be reluctant, "These are our homemade secret weapons..."

Nicholson pressed, "I want to contact a reporter from The Sun."

Without hesitation, Martin agreed, "You're the boss, and we'll follow your lead."

Leonardo, the trickster, gave Martin a discreet wink, which he understood.

Nicholson urged them to hurry, and Martin phoned Bruce.

Before long, Bruce delivered two black bags to their room. Martin opened one of the bags to reveal the two fireworks, while Leonardo pulled out the homemade mortar and rested it on his shoulder.

Nicholson recognized the fireworks. "These laughed as he contemplated, "With something this fun, how could you resist?" He continued, "Jack has been a troublemaker for forty years; he wouldn't want to miss this opportunity."

Martin, concerned for Nicholson's safety, questioned, "But what if Jack gets caught? Could it lead to serious trouble?"