Chapter 185: Won't Breakup

In a restaurant on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, the waitstaff served dishes one by one while keeping their distance from the booths.

Julie raised her wine glass and clinked it with Martin. "Louise mentioned that it was your idea for me to play the heroine."

Martin, smiling, took a sip of wine and replied, "I've always been a fan of Lara Croft, and in my dreams, I hoped to collaborate with my idol and goddess like you."

Julie was taken aback. While she had initially regarded Martin's words as mere compliments, they now seemed more sincere.

Martin initiated a toast, "To Lara."

Julie finished her wine and motioned for Martin to continue eating. "You're in charge tonight."

As they chatted over dinner, sharing industry anecdotes, Julie inquired, "I heard that the leaked selfie scandal was your idea?"

"I'll certainly deny it if asked," Martin said playfully. "I was the one who suggested it initially, but I can't execute it alone. Warner Brothers played a significant role."

Julie probed further, "So, is the house od wax incident involving Paris Hilton also related to you?"

Martin replied vaguely, "It depends largely on my friend."

Julie gazed at Martin with admiration; his acting skills and understanding of manipulation were impressive. In Hollywood, while handsome faces were common, those who truly grasped the art of influence were a rarity.

Julie decided to broach a topic related to media public relations and publicity, one that wasn't necessarily negative but involved a scandalous twist regarding romantic relationships. "Is there a high chance of creating explosive news that could potentially benefit my situation? Much like the house of wax incident or 'The Hills Have Eyes.'"

She was clearly pondering how to address the rumors of Brad Pitt's alleged affair behind his wife Aniston's back.

Martin and Louise had discussed Julie on multiple occasions. They had even contemplated waiting for a suitable moment before having Julie initiate the scandal, secretly enlisting someone to expose it.

This was precisely the opportunity Martin had been waiting for. "I've heard that Paris Hilton is looking to establish her own brand, leveraging her existing popularity and supporters."

Julie pondered for a moment and then replied, "Clearing her name won't be easy."

Martin needed to fan the flames, and he continued, "In today's era, the internet has brought people closer together, magnified scandals and gossip, and heightened the public's fascination with prying into celebrities' private lives. Scandals aren't always detrimental; with proper handling, they can serve as an accelerant for promotion."

Julie recalled an incident where Aniston had terminated a pregnancy the previous year.

"This guy is a true genius, a genius at stirring up trouble!" Julie couldn't help but gaze at Martin, silently acknowledging, "How much of what's reported about him is true? Perhaps thirty percent? People like him are perfectly suited for the entertainment industry."

Martin added, "This is Hollywood, and the public has grown accustomed to infidelity, divorces, and romantic entanglements. If you recall carefully, you'll find instances where female and male stars who cheated during their marriages were celebrated and praised by the media. Packaged as genuine love, family, and children, even bad situations might not stay bad."

Julie remembered there were indeed precedents, but she remained concerned. "I... there have been some unfavorable rumors."

Martin pretended to be surprised, "You're doing wonderfully now, why not continue on your path?"

Julie suggested, "Adopting children?"

Martin quickly concurred, seeing that Julie was trying to rebuild her image. "That's a great idea."

Martin knew that Americans were generally forgiving of prodigals, and Jolie could easily be marketed as a virtuous figure.

Julie probed further, "Just children might not be enough, right?"

For the sake of their future endeavors, Martin decided to impart the ultimate trick. "You could visit Afghanistan or Iraq to console the local refugees."

Julie's transformation had only recently begun. "From what I understand, these people have lost their homes, families, and, in some cases, even limbs. When they see Americans..."

Martin interjected with a single statement, "Despite having nothing, they have their freedom."

Julie's eyes sparkled, and she discovered the true meaning of freedom. Excitedly, she said, "Martin, you should be a publicist, not a star!"

Martin shrugged. "Wiping people's butts isn't as easy as it sounds."

Julie didn't mind Martin's frankness at all; instead, she regarded him with a newfound trust, as if she had found a kindred spirit.

At this moment, Brad Pitt was no longer entertaining and had lost his charm.

But Julie was no ordinary woman; she wasn't one to be swept away by a sudden infatuation. Martin's status and net worth were far from enough to captivate her.

Julie raised her glass, toasting, "Martin, here's to you."

The meal was an enjoyable feast, with Julie raising her glass multiple times to express her gratitude to Martin. At one point, she even suggested that her Cambodian son recognize Martin as his godfather, but Martin politely declined.

During their conversation, Martin casually mentioned that he was vying for the second lead role in Martin Scorsese's upcoming play. It would be great if Julie could assist, but if not, that was alright too.

Julie had just gained a lot of respect for Martin and decided to take the matter to heart. She had heard Pitt's mention that Plan B was the second-largest investor in Scorsese's new play. So, when the right moment arose, she could lend a hand to Martin.

Julie was skilled in the art of persuasion.

The extensive publicity campaign for "The Hills Have Eyes" had concluded, and Martin no longer needed to be heavily involved.

His focus shifted to two new projects, "Wanted" and "The Departed."

For the former, Warner Bros. would participate, but it would be led by Pacific Pictures. They carefully planned the shooting schedule to ensure it didn't conflict with Martin's bid for the latter role.

Martin's Boston accent lessons increased from twice a week to five times a week, and he gradually became somewhat fluent.

Additionally, he arranged a dinner with Kate Winslet, who was busy with award season campaigns. Leveraging their friendship and connections was crucial at this stage.

Martin and Kate were old friends, and during the dinner, they mentioned their auditions for "The Departed."

Kate assured Martin, "While I have a good relationship with Leo, we rarely discuss work. I'll bring up your situation when I see him. I can't guarantee the outcome."

Martin replied with a smile, "Your help is already beyond imagination."

Kate didn't hesitate to say, "In that case, you owe me another favor."

Martin remembered that Kate had assisted Craven when they first met, so he readily agreed, "Whatever you need, just say the word."

Building and maintaining relationships often involved exchanging favors.

Kate subtly indicated that there might be more opportunities in the future, which Martin understood.

Switching topics, Kate said, "You've been making quite a splash lately."

Martin responded half-seriously, "I didn't have a choice. I'm not famous enough, so I had to resort to unconventional methods. But you can only use such tactics sparingly."

Kate mentioned, "I've attended some parties, and I've heard that some people are considering copying your approach."

Martin was generous, saying, "I won't charge them a fee for this lessons."

Before parting ways, Kate inquired about Her chances of winning an Oscar.

Martin, concerned for his friend's success, asked, "What are your odds of winning?"

Kate admitted, "I've been nominated for Best Actress, so as long as I invest more in public relations, I shouldn't have any trouble."

They chatted about the Oscars a bit more before saying their goodbyes.

After leaving the restaurant, Martin headed to the Hilton Hotel to find Anne.

In the car, Bruce asked, "Have you thought about it?"

Martin replied, "What can a man do when faced with true love?"

Bruce chuckled, "You're a rogue. Can't you come up with better ideas?" They had discussed this topic earlier, and Bruce felt his intelligence was being insulted. "Has she passed the test?"

Martin replied earnestly, "When true love presents itself, there's only one path to follow."

Bruce wasn't about to let Martin off easy, "And that is?"

Martin clarified, "To cherish it deeply. I won't betray our love."

Their banter continued, with Bruce calling Martin a "scumbag," and Martin playfully asserting " I never breakup with anyone if they want to leave then I can do nothing about it.

Upon arriving at the Hilton Hotel, Martin went up to Anne's floor. He knocked on her door, entered, and greeted her with a passionate kiss.

The two embraced, quickly succumbing to their desires.

That night, true love flourished, with Martin showering all his passion on Anne.

As dawn broke and the sun rose, Martin's phone buzzed. He picked it up and, leaving the bedroom, stepped into the living room to answer the call.