Chapter 583: Scumbag Quotes!

Within the serene confines of the set's rest area, Charlize took a delicate sip of water, her gaze fixed on Martin as she remarked, "Someone questioned me, Martin, why would I choose to entangle myself with a playboy like you?"

"Entangle?" Martin inclined his head, his tone earnest. "Sally, are you referring to verbs?"

Charlize set her water aside, exhibiting an uncharacteristically unfeminine gesture by raising her middle finger in Martin's direction. "I told them I wanted to reclaim the nine years I'd lost."

Martin playfully pushed down her raised finger. "Him? Keanu Reeves?"

"It's Keanu." Charlize clarified, playfully altering her phrasing. "Keanu genuinely can't fathom why I'd choose to be with you."

Martin retorted with a smirk, "Allow me to provide a standard response: because I possess strengths such as being sexy, handsome, gentle, humorous, influential, and capable of offering you profound emotional fulfillment. Regardless of your needs, I can effortlessly meet them."

Charlize lapsed into silence for a moment, pondering the truth of his words. She'd indeed found these qualities in Martin, which had evoked immensely pleasant emotions within her.

Refusing to be entirely dominated, even in conversation, she mused, "Is this your latest scoundrel motto?"

Martin chuckled, "This isn't your typical scoundrel motto."

Charlize nonchalantly shrugged and, suddenly changing the topic, inquired, "Have you never considered settling down?"

Martin hesitated for a brief moment before responding, "The inception of any romantic relationship between a man and a woman is invariably the sweetest phase. However, when it culminates in marriage, everything can devolve into chaos."

Unbeknownst to Martin, Charlize had taken out a pen and notebook, jotting down his words.

He quirked an eyebrow and asked, "Is that necessary?"

Deliberately, Charlize explained, "Recording scoundrel quotes can be rather helpful in spotting scoundrels. Perhaps it'll assist me in finding true love someday."

Martin probed further, "So, Sally, what are your thoughts? Marriage?"

"I've never really contemplated it," Charlize replied. She had survived the trenches of a brutal matrimonial conflict during her youth, nearly becoming a casualty of war.

With a certain degree of thick-skinned audacity, Martin suggested, "Consider this – neither of us have considered marriage. We're capable of providing each other with the utmost emotional fulfillment. Wouldn't it be most fitting for us to be together?"

Though it sounded audacious, Charlize found herself surprisingly receptive to the idea. Her mind briefly flashed back to something she'd said while acting alongside Martin: "A mischievous girl deserves a scoundrel."

Martin added with a grin, "For eternity."

Their conversation was interrupted by the Assistant Director, who informed them it was time to prepare for the upcoming shoot.

Martin led the way onto the set, a meticulously crafted library scene. Charlize donned her coat and followed closely behind.

Seated behind the director's monitor, David Fincher swiveled around in his chair along the tracks and inquired, "Do we need to clear the set?"

The scene about to be filmed was a high-intensity action sequence.

Martin didn't see the necessity for it.

Drawing from her extensive experience with large-scale scenes, Charlize chimed in, "No need to clear the set; let's proceed as usual."

The various departments of the crew made their final preparations.

Martin inquired, "Is there anything specific I should be mindful of?"

Charlize's voice lowered as she cautioned, "You're well aware of my sensitive spots. Avoid them at all costs. We can't afford to halt filming over here. Now, get back to your trailer."

Martin quirked an eyebrow, responding, "I'm one of the bosses here. If I ask them to wait, they'll wait."

Charlize rolled her eyes, retorting, "You may not mind losing face, but I certainly do."

The camera operator made some last-minute notes, and the shooting commenced.

A passionate and intense battle unfolded before their eyes.

The shoot progressed exceptionally smoothly, concluding in a single take.

One of the photography assistants couldn't help but whisper, "It seems like Martin and Charlize are in their prime."

The director of photography concurred, stating, "Every day, they're either towing trailers on set or rehearsing at the hotel. They're exceptionally skilled."

The photography assistant nodded in agreement, adding, "Indeed! I can't help but envy Martin. Charlize is the kind of woman Hawking couldn't have dated in countless parallel universes, and yet Martin managed to win her over."

Theresa, the costume designer, overheard the conversation and chimed in, "With Martin's wealth, physique, appearance, fame, and commercial appeal, anyone might have a chance. But the crucial factor is that you must possess Martin's qualities and be capable of certain things, knowing when and how to do them. Otherwise, even if you spend a night together, there won't be a second night."

The photography assistant sought further clarification, "Is that so?"

Teresa, primarily responsible for the women's attire department, smiled as she confirmed, "Absolutely. I heard it directly from Charlize Theron herself."

The crew was divided in its opinion, the rumors abounding.

One week after filming commenced, the other two leading actresses joined the production.

Léa Seydoux reported to the set to portray Nick's sister in the film. Another actor played the role of Nick's cheating mistress, who happened to be a client of WMA. Her manager accompanied her to introduce her to the cast and crew.

Before Martin could discern her face clearly, he was momentarily blinded by the powerful headlights.

Léa Seydoux was certainly no small presence, yet this new arrival dwarfed her in comparison.

Martin had read the original novel and knew that Gillian's description of the character Andy emphasized her ample bosom.

The girl, dressed in a snug jacket and ripped jeans, bypassed her agent, hurried to Martin, and exclaimed excitedly, "I finally get to meet you, boss!"

Before Martin could utter a word, the girl unzipped and removed her jacket, revealing a red button-up blouse underneath. The two uppermost buttons of the blouse appeared to be equipped with springs, causing them to burst forth exuberantly, bouncing with enthusiasm.

Martin had never encountered such a buxom newcomer before, and he couldn't help but be impressed.

The girl promptly confirmed her identity and introduced herself, "I'm Kate Upton, a young model and actress."

Her voice carried, making her introduction audible to everyone nearby.

Several photography assistants couldn't help but mutter amongst themselves, "And they call these 'young' models and actresses? What defines 'big' then?"

Martin understood that she was a part of the Coca-Cola Cult, and he nodded in acknowledgment, saying, "Hello, Kate."

Kate, though not overly seasoned, was not lacking in intelligence. Her agent had advised her accordingly. She took this initial meeting as an opportunity to establish her position, stating, "Master, I am your disciple. If you ever have any needs or instructions in the future, don't hesitate to reach out to me."

Martin smiled warmly at her and replied, "Enjoy your time filming."

Kate responded enthusiastically, "Certainly."

Her agent, who had followed her closely, stepped forward to shake Martin's hand. "Do you remember me, Martin?"

Martin, with a grin, recollected, "Green, your desk used to be not far from Thomas's, and we would occasionally gather for a chat. You even helped fetch water and make coffee."

Green's face lit up with recognition. "Yes, that's me! It's great to see you again, Martin."

Martin patted Thomas's shoulder, saying, "I asked Thomas to provide you with this opportunity."

Of course, this was a staged encounter, but Thomas knew his role well.

Afterward, Martin swiftly departed from the area.

Green, standing beside Kate Upton, gestured toward his forehead and eyes, advising her, "On the set, observe more, think more, and speak less."

Kate Upton nodded earnestly.

Green emphasized, "Remember, Martin is the linchpin here. A single sentence from him can change your life and future."

Kate Upton, not lacking in astuteness, replied, "I understand."

Green sighed, "I had to insist. At the time, Thomas's resume wasn't as impressive as me. If Martin had chosen me, Thomas would be in my position now."

Green believed that Thomas's abilities were no better than his own, yet he never actively sought projects and jobs for Martin. He merely followed along but ultimately became a partner at WMA.

Green even felt that sometimes, choices were more crucial than abilities.

Meanwhile, Martin stood at the edge of the set, observing David Fincher and Charlize discussing a scene. In this particular scene, the heroine would shatter a glass table, spattering fake blood across the floor to simulate a murder.

Léa Seydoux approached from behind and inquired, "You have quite the fan following here, brother."

Martin chuckled, replying, "There's no avoiding it. Being a leader comes with its perks."

Léa Seydoux continued, "Can I join the Coca-Cola Cult?"

"Of course. It's a pan-faith organization," Martin replied, adding, "The Coca-Cola Cult has now become a platform. After joining, you'll have the chance to connect with more people at our gatherings."

Léa Seydoux nodded appreciatively, saying, "I'll purchase a commemorative Coke later and register on the official website."

"Next time we have a gathering in Los Angeles, I'll have someone notify you in advance," Martin assured her.

In the afternoon, the film crew relocated to a site outside the city.

The once-quiet small town now buzzed with excitement.

Seeing a Hollywood crew filming on location was undoubtedly a rare sight, and with the names Martin, Charlize, and David Fincher attached to the project, the moment the crew arrived near the Mississippi River, they were engulfed by media reporters and curious onlookers.

The scene resembled a chaotic duck farm, with people bustling about.

As Martin exited the makeup trailer, the clamor around him grew louder.

"Martin, over here!"

"Martin, we love you!"

Some men shouted, "Charlize Theron, you're my goddess!"

"Marry me, South African diamond!"

Hundreds of people had converged around the set, threatening to disrupt the filming.

David Fincher was also troubled by the situation and called several assistants, instructing them to quickly address the media reporters, police officers maintaining order, and the curious public.

In Los Angeles or Atlanta, such matters could be resolved through effective communication.

The first assistant to return reported to David Fincher, "The media reporters are fine, but they request that we provide some substantial news."

This was a common method employed by film crews, and David Fincher nodded in agreement, saying, "Alright."

The individual who had spoken with the local police chief returned and explained, "Chief Hampton mentioned that there's little they can do. This isn't Cape Girardeau; it's just a small town. The police department has only a few officers on duty, and they've all been dispatched here..."

Martin joined the conversation, glancing at the police officers present. "The youngest among them is nearly 50."

Additional crew members returned with discouraging updates. Most of the curious onlookers were men, many of them quite young. After contemplating the situation, Martin suggested, "Their curiosity led them here. If we lose their interest, there won't be as many next time."

David Fincher had been focused on maintaining efficiency since the start of filming, planning each day meticulously. He furrowed his brow and asked, "Will this afternoon go to waste?"

Martin surveyed the crowd, noting that most of the onlookers were young men. After a moment of contemplation, he proposed, "I have an idea that might just work."