Chapter 601: A Russian Comedy!

"I mentioned in the car that there was a Citroën following us," Martin reiterated his previous thoughts, leaning in with determination. "If there's a FSK operative in that car, using the party to approach us, they'd ensure the party's success. We need to alert the people tailing us to get rid of Tom Hardy."

Bruce nodded in agreement. "That makes sense."

Martin delved further, "But who is the FSK operative's target?"

"First off, we can rule out Nicholson," Bruce began. "He's in a semi-retired state, barely involved in politics."

Martin concurred, "Leo's unlikely too. Despite his environmental advocacy, he seldom directly engages in politics."

Aware of the implications, Martin continued, "So, I'm the most probable target." Recalling last night's events, he couldn't pinpoint anything suspicious. "It could be Natalia, Sasha Ruth, Marina, or Svetlana, but who?"

Bruce pointed out, "Leonardo had mentioned organizing this party at the end of last year. Word might have spread."

Martin nodded in understanding. "Leo could easily make preparations with his resources."

Displeased with being observed covertly, Martin declared, "I'm going to catch this spy and subject her to seventy-two kinds of torture!"

With that determination, the two men sought updates on the situation.

The crew had contacted the police, and the Paris authorities had officially taken up the case. Yet, Tom Hardy remained unreachable, leaving his whereabouts unknown.

Martin and Bruce fell into a contemplative silence.

During dinner, Martin joined Nolan and Emma Thomas at a table.

Emma Thomas explained, "We've informed the Madrid team that we'll have to delay. While they weren't thrilled, they understood our situation."

She cautioned, "We can only postpone for a day. If we don't have news by tomorrow, we'll have to leave in the afternoon. Canceling evening activities would adversely affect the film, and the crew could face contractual penalties."

Nolan was too preoccupied to eat. "Regardless of the situation, we're leaving after lunch tomorrow. We'll leave an assistant here to help Tom Hardy's agent."

Emma Thomas concurred, "It's our only option."

Nolan turned to Martin, "I overheard your call earlier, someone was looking for you. Attend to your matters, just be back in the morning."

Martin assured, "It's nothing, just Leonardo checking on last night's party. I'll stay with the crew for now."

Nolan admired Martin's ability to maintain authority. "If Tom Hardy could learn even a fraction of your diligence, he wouldn't have frequent mishaps."

Nolan couldn't help but recall Tom Hardy's previous accidents during the Los Angeles shoot. "All he needed to do was heed Bruce's advice on the streets of Los Angeles to avoid risks. But this time, he got reckless..."

Emma Thomas subtly kicked Nolan under the table, signaling him not to discuss sensitive matters in public.

Nolan had reached his limit and declared, "Emma, starting now, Tom Hardy is officially on my collaboration blacklist. He won't be part of any of my future projects or cast in any roles."

Emma Thomas responded quietly, "I understand."

Martin didn't say much. After dinner, he and Nolan exited the restaurant. As they passed through the hotel lobby, a small man unexpectedly emerged nearby.

Bruce swiftly stepped forward, blocking the man's path.

With an Eastern European accent, the small man called out in English, "Martin, Martin, I'm an actor, Vladimir Alexandrovich from Ukraine. Can we have a moment to talk?"

Martin, recognizing the man but still cautious due to last night's events, turned to Nolan and said, "I've run into a friend; I'll chat with him for a bit."

Nolan nodded and moved on.

Martin and Bruce entered a nearby coffee house with Alexandrovich in tow.

Alexandrovich hadn't gone through Natalia's side; instead, he had determined the whereabouts of the "Inception" crew and gone directly to Martin's location.

He had learned that Martin had an independent film production studio and could secure investments for filming and production projects.

Once seated, Alexandrovich eagerly presented a script from his briefcase, placing it respectfully in front of Martin. He explained, "This is a film I'm planning with a director and screenwriter friend. It's a comedy about Napoleon."

Martin glanced at him, noting that Alexandrovich wasn't well-known and hadn't played a role as prominent as a president.

Alexandrovich offered his brightest smile. "This is truly a creative project..."

Martin raised a hand to halt his boasting and said, "I'll read the script first."

Alexandrovich promptly fell silent, breathing softly, as if afraid to disturb Martin.

Martin swiftly scanned the script, discovering it was in English with the title "Lazewski vs. Napoleon," featuring the names of the two protagonists.

The main plot revolved around Napoleon, a passionate maniac, invading Russia, with Russian lieutenant Razevsky disguising as a woman to seduce Napoleon for a special mission. Unintentionally, Napoleon falls in love with "her."

It even involved Leo Tolstoy...

Martin read less than half of it, skipping to the end, and closed the script after a brief moment.

Alexandrovich couldn't help but inquire, "What do you think of the script?"

Martin pondered for a moment, then asked straightforwardly, "Is this intended to be a Russian-language film?"

"That was the original plan," Alexandrovich replied, demonstrating flexibility. "But if I could secure Hollywood investment, I'd certainly make an English version."

Drawing from his experience in the industry, Martin warned, "The English version would pose problems with numerous background settings. American audiences might not find it engaging. Napoleon might pique their interest, but the story involving Russians isn't a subject of high interest to them. To be more precise, most American audiences don't have much enthusiasm for Russian history."

Alexandrovich was puzzled, "But the entire script and story settings are based in Russia. Changing it would be quite the overhaul."

Martin suggested, "American audiences are generally more interested in British affairs. You could adjust the background and make it a story between the British and Napoleon."

This would require significant revision of the script, making Alexandrovich hesitate.

Martin had no intention of investing in a Russian-language project, even with his substantial financial resources. He prioritized a favorable return on investment.

Filming the script as is would cater mainly to the Russian and former Soviet Union markets. While it might generate some profits, there was no guarantee of substantial returns.

Martin had no interest in legal disputes and had already entertained the notion of a Russian operative infiltrating last night's events. Investing in such a project seemed imprudent.

Shifting the story's focus to British-French relations would undoubtedly appeal more to American audiences.

Alexandrovich asked once more, "Are you certain about changing it?"

Martin was direct, stating, "If you want my studio to invest, and you want the film to be released in North America, you'd better make some changes."

Alexandrovich, his excitement building at the thought of a U.S. release, hesitated. He responded, "I need to discuss it with the screenwriter and director. I can't make that decision alone."

He then implored, "Could I have your contact information? If they agree to the modifications, I'll get in touch with you."

Martin shook his head, but Bruce stepped in, handing over the studio's contact information.

"Thank you," Alexandrovich replied, carefully tucking it away.

Martin rose and extended his hand. "I look forward to seeing you in Los Angeles. I'm quite optimistic about you and this comedy."

Alexandrovich nodded earnestly, stating, "I'll do my best."

With that, Martin nodded in return and left the coffee house with Bruce.

Alexandrovich stashed the script, making a quick exit. While walking, he booked a flight, eager to return and persuade his two collaborators.

America was his dream destination!

Meanwhile, Martin returned directly to his room and answered a call from Leonardo.

The rascal informed him that he and Nicholson had chartered a yacht, planning to set sail from Monaco with 178 bikini-clad beauties for a Mediterranean vacation.

Martin felt envious but couldn't join them, as he still had to fulfill his obligations for the lengthy promotional campaign of "Inception."

This overseas promotional tour spanned Western Europe, Europe, East Asia, Southeast Asia, Australia, then onward from West Asia and South Africa to Latin America before heading north to Los Angeles.

Part of a movie star's generous salary covered these expenses, and Martin, despite his occasional arrogance, never shirked his responsibilities.

Upon returning to the room, Bruce inquired, "Is there anything special about that Russian... no, Ukrainian comedian?"

Martin, cryptic but intrigued, replied, "There might be something special. It could be a potential source of fortune for us in the future. If he contacts you and wants to come to Los Angeles, he's a highly talented comedian."

Bruce nodded knowingly, saying, "I understand."

In the past two days, first, it was the enchanting Russian models, and now, it was the comedian from Ukraine. Martin couldn't help but wonder if he had a unique connection to that place.

Did he want to catch a possible swallow?

In his imagination, the beautiful Russian spy would seduce the unwavering American national hero. With fearless determination and a spirit of sacrifice, he would test spy's loyalty and will be paid billions to capture the spy.

In hindsight, Martin thought this experience could be adapted into a thrilling movie, and it was incredibly politically correct!

The following morning, the Paris police informed the crew that the missing Tom Hardy had been located.