Chapter 607: A Public Apology!

Inside the police station's interview room, Martin and his companions, accompanied by their legal representatives, sat across from Justin Bieber's lawyer and manager, Scott Braun.

Upon spotting Martin and Taylor, Scott immediately approached and extended his hand in apology, saying, "Justin deeply regrets his actions and has repeatedly asked me to convey his apologies to you. Please allow me to offer his sincere apologies on his behalf. The fault lies entirely with us."

Martin shook his hand without saying much.

After Taylor stepped aside, Selena Gomez chimed in, "Your client should also apologize to Selena."

Scott once again conveyed his apologies to Selena.

Lawyers from both sides then delved into the matter.

Relaxing in his chair, Martin turned to his colleagues and inquired, "What do you all think?"

Chad offered a straightforward opinion, stating, "Apologies are easy to say, but sincerity is another matter."

Taylor joined the discussion, adding, "The director makes a valid point."

She consulted with her fellow artists, beckoned their lawyer over, and provided a general overview.

In the interview room, Justin Bieber's lawyer grew increasingly concerned.

He sought information from an acquaintance within the police station. It became clear that Justin Bieber and his group had initially harassed individuals such as Taylor Swift and Selena Gomez. When Martin and his team intervened to stop them, a scuffle ensued, culminating in some of the troublemakers being injured.

The situation had taken a troublesome turn.

They were facing off against the most prominent Hollywood star, a director with a background in martial arts and stunt work, an action director who held national titles in karate and martial arts competitions, and a former Navy SEAL with a background in life-or-death situations.

For an average person, it would be unwise to provoke such a group, yet Justin Bieber had done so willingly.

Reflecting on it, his lawyer found it less surprising considering this was the same young man who had engaged in public misconduct at the age of 16.

The lawyer beckoned Scott to discuss the matter, saying, "The other party has video evidence, and the NYPD has also obtained surveillance footage that doesn't bode well for Justin."

The agent, also exasperated, responded, "Let's resolve this swiftly, as long as the other party's demands aren't excessive..."

"He needs to be reined in because his misdeeds are escalating," the lawyer cautioned, even though he earned a substantial fee for representing Justin. The singer's repeated foolish actions were causing him embarrassment as a legal professional.

The agent nodded in agreement, stating, "I understand. Let's address the immediate issue."

He, too, was an experienced entertainment agent who could see things clearly. "Martin Davis is not to be trifled with."

The lawyers from both sides then entered the meeting room to discuss the matter.

Taylor, demonstrating her maturity, took a moment to express her gratitude to Bruce, Mene, Chen, Chad, and Marcus, who were waiting without any tasks.

As for Martin, she whispered to her friends, "Tomorrow night, let's find a more heartfelt way to thank him."

Karlie contemplated the box of gifts she had prepared for this occasion.

Selena, meanwhile, realized that there was still room for improvement in her singing voice.

Cara was convinced that she would attain the highest level of fandom.

Martin and the others waited patiently for a while, and the legal teams swiftly reached an agreement. Justin Bieber would publicly apologize to Martin, Taylor, and the others in a prominent New York newspaper, commit to not harassing Selena Gomez further, and provide compensation as a token of goodwill. It was a relatively minor matter, and Martin, Taylor, and their group soon exited the police station.

The news had already spread, attracting a throng of reporters and paparazzi in front of the police station. Martin and his party declined interviews and separated into two cars.

Since Selena, Kaie, and Cara had recently turned eighteen and couldn't enter bars in New York, Taylor opted for a high-end restaurant and treated Martin and his group to a late-night meal. Taylor was adept at handling things and had seamlessly navigated the entertainment industry for the past two years.

At the police station, Justin Bieber grew irate upon hearing his manager's report on the negotiation outcome. "A public apology? Absolutely not!"

He displayed his bruised wrist to Scott, exclaiming, "All these injuries are courtesy of Martin Davis, and I'm not finished with him yet!"

Scott cautioned him, "Do you realize who he is? He's Martin Davis!"

Justin Bieber, stubborn and defiant, retorted, "I'm still Justin Bieber, a musical genius unmatched in history!"

Scott was momentarily at a loss for words.

The media already had the story, and refusing to cooperate would only solidify Justin's harassment charges. Involving Mitu and his group would spell disaster.

Facing off against Martin Davis was no joke. Hollywood was rife with legends about him. Brad Pitt currently resided in a California State Prison, and Ben Affleck had been admitted to the hospital's proctology department.

Scott brainstormed, trying to see things from Justin Bieber's perspective. He finally came up with a plan. "If we don't settle with the other party promptly, you could end up in NYPD custody for assault. Even if we secure bail, it'll take a while."

Justin Bieber appeared nonchalant.

Scott emphasized, "Think about it, a few days without weed and alcohol..."

Hearing this, Justin Bieber's resolve wavered. He asked, "You won't smuggle any in for me?"

Scott, unsure of Justin's genius beyond music, pointed to the NYPD badge on the wall. "Do you think I can pull that off?"

Contemplating a seaweed-free existence, Justin Bieber relented, discarding his last vestiges of stubbornness and dignity. "Send a statement of apology and arrange for compensation. Just get it done."

Scott summoned the lawyer and had Justin Bieber sign the settlement agreement.

Meanwhile, outside the restaurant after their midnight snack, a convoy of cars had arrived.

Taylor leaned in close to Martin and whispered, "Tonight's a girls' night; we'll see you tomorrow when your car picks you up."

Martin replied, "I'll be waiting at the Upper East Side apartment."

Taylor exited the restaurant first, followed by Cara and Selena. Karlie Kloss, trailing behind, suddenly turned and blew a kiss to Martin.

Standing a little farther away, Chen turned to Chad and remarked, "Director, I think it might be better to reschedule the high-intensity action scenes slated for the day after tomorrow."

Originally, these high-intensity action scenes were planned for the weekend, considering that the actors would have just rested and be more energetic for the shoot.

Chad weighed the situation and concurred, "Let's reschedule the scene between Martin and Mene for Monday. You didn't hear this, but Mene has an appointment with Celine Dion tomorrow."

Chen couldn't help but express, "I wouldn't mind being in Mene's shoes."

Chad nodded in complete agreement, saying, "Who wouldn't?"

After bidding farewell to Taylor and her group, Martin inquired, "So, should we head back and rest or continue with some drinks?"

Chad suggested, "Let's call it an early night. I have to discuss roles with the new actors in the morning, so I can't stay out too late."

Martin concurred, "Alright, let's head back to the hotel."

Upon returning to the hotel, Martin didn't immediately retire for the night. He contacted the film crew's publicity director and discussed the events of the previous night in detail.

Tomorrow's headlines were sure to feature the incident, and appropriate communication with the media could leverage it as valuable promotion for "John Wick 2." Even a successful sequel required publicity and hype.

The next morning, as Martin stepped out of the bathroom, he received a call from Chad.

"The new actors have arrived and wish to meet with you this morning," Chad informed. "Are you available?"

Martin glanced at the wall clock. "It's ten o'clock."

Chad acknowledged and hung up the phone.

Martin headed to the restaurant for breakfast, where Bruce handed him some newspapers. "Last night's incident made headlines in several publications."

Taking the newspapers, Martin skimmed through the coverage. Most of the relevant news found its place on the front page or within the second page of the entertainment section.

"Rising singer Justin Bieber harasses Taylor Swift, Martin Davis comes to the rescue!"

"Justin Bieber launches surprise attack on Martin Davis, pays the price!"

The majority of the reports mentioned Martin and the cast and crew of "John Wick 2," effectively serving as promotion for the film.

There was also Justin Bieber's public apology statement.

Videos captured at the scene had been posted online, particularly on TMZ.

TMZ's video merged public surveillance footage of Justin Bieber and his group harassing Taylor and Selena with the footage shot by Bruce.

The news piece bore a headline: "Justin Bieber and His Crew vs. 'John Wick 2' Main Creative Team."

The video edited by Judy also provided introductions for the "John Wick 2" crew, showcasing their formidable skills. In the face of Justin Bieber's attempted ambush, they swiftly neutralized the threat, rendering it a one-sided encounter.

Chen's back-to-back attacks, in particular, garnered astonishment.

The video went viral that day, igniting discussions among netizens.

"I dare say Justin Bieber and his crew are the most overconfident gang on the planet!"

Someone chimed in, "The 'John Wick 2' creative team is undoubtedly the most capable in Hollywood!"

Another individual humorously commented on the dog: "Thank goodness Justin Bieber provoked Taylor Swift and not Martin's dog. Otherwise, his life would've been in jeopardy!"

This was an encounter marked by a vast power imbalance and no suspense. Observers had discerned the outcome when Justin Bieber charged at Martin.

The coverage, videos, and discussions bestowed a modicum of popularity upon the "John Wick 2" crew. Taylor also received considerable attention. Even Selena, Karlie, and Cara's identities were revealed and repeatedly reported on.

Following a brief break after breakfast, Martin adhered to his customary training routine in the hotel's gym. Subsequently, he returned to his room to change clothes before heading to the hotel's conference room rented by the film crew.

Chad had already arrived, accompanied by the two newly arrived actors.

One was a middle-aged man with brown hair, while the other was a blonde girl.

Upon seeing Martin enter, Chad introduced them. "This is Alec Baldwin, who will be portraying the role of the Continental Hotel's manager in Rome."

He then presented the blonde girl. "And this is Alec's niece, Hailey Baldwin, who will also be playing the role of the Continental Hotel's manager in Rome. She has a role in the film as well."