Chapter 344: Heavy Snow

In the VIP room of a nightclub, located at the Face Gang's headquarters in Los Angeles, Leonardo, Nicholson, and Wes Craven had just completed facial cleansing services. They lounged on a single sofa, savoring the smooth sensation.

Nicholson broke the silence, saying, "It feels like something's missing."

Wes Craven seemed half-asleep and remained silent.

Leonardo replied, "The biggest asshole is missing."

Taking advantage of this absence, Nicholson asked, "Martin has crossed both you and me, but we haven't truly crossed him."

Leonardo admitted, "I've tried, but it didn't go well."

Nicholson suggested, "Next time he's with another woman, we'll expose him and let the world see his true colors!"

"Great idea!" Leonardo applauded before expressing concern. "But this guy doesn't engage in public affairs. He's either at home or in a five-star hotel. It's not easy."

Nicholson proposed, "We'll catch him off guard!" Turning to Leonardo, he inquired, "What's he up to now?"

Leonardo pointed eastward, saying, "He's in New York, attending the premiere of his new film today."

Nicholson recollected, "'Limitless,' right?"

Wes Craven, who had been silent until then, chimed in, "This film is very crucial for Martin."

Leonardo affirmed, "Yes, this is the movie that could truly elevate Martin's career. I've seen it. In Warner's test screening, Aniston was a supporting actress at best, and Martin was undoubtedly the lead."

Being Hollywood veterans, they understood the significance of such a film for the leading actor.

Wes Craven added, "If this film succeeds at the box office, Martin's career will take a giant leap, solidifying his place among the top-tier actors."

Nicholson, being pragmatic, said, "But if it flops, he might struggle to ever overcome that hurdle."

Leonardo recalled a recent newspaper article: "Heavy snow has been hitting New York, and the entire Northeast is paralyzed. The box office there will be affected in the coming days."

Wes Craven reassured, "As long as the film is appealing, these issues won't matter."

...

On Long Island, New York, Christian Bale held an umbrella as he crossed the snow-covered road. He arrived at a secluded house and shook off the snow from his umbrella, forming a small snowy hill.

Inside the house, Michelle Williams greeted him and exclaimed, "You came in this heavy snow?"

Bale hung his coat and asked, "Where's Heath?"

Michelle replied, "He's in the study upstairs, watching the snow."

Bale inquired about Heath's well-being, to which Michelle shared her concerns. "He hasn't been attending the support group for a while. I fear...," her voice wavered, "he's losing his grip, and I don't know how to help him."

Bale reassured her, "Once he gets back into his career, his mood will improve, and he won't dwell on this."

They entered the living room, and Michelle mentioned, "After the incident with Martin Davis and Jennifer Aniston, everyone knows about his on-set behavior. Few crews are willing to work with him now."

Bale, loyal to his friends, asserted, "I'll figure something out." He had been helping Heath through his rough patch.

He asked about Heath's whereabouts, and Michelle directed him to the study.

Upstairs, Heath Ledger was standing on the balcony, watching the snowflakes fall. Bale noticed that Heath had lost weight again after gaining some during withdrawal, and his face was as pale as the snow.

Bale questioned, "Do you plan to work again?"

Heath turned and offered a wry smile, "It's not that I don't want to; no one is hiring me."

He glanced at a newspaper on the desk, which mentioned the premiere of Martin Davis' new film in New York.

Bale couldn't help but think of Pinewood Studios and felt a peculiar sensation. The incident attributed to Nicholson and Streep but involving Martin had raised suspicions.

The three of them were close friends, often seen together at Pinewood Studios. There had to be a connection.

Heath nodded, "It's best if everyone stays indoors. If they go out, all the malls and cinemas are closed."

Heath's mental state had improved slightly, but he hadn't secured any work since last year. The continued struggle had taken its toll.

Heath mentioned, "The bad weather might affect the box office of Martin Davis' new movie."

Bale recalled that the film had received positive feedback during test screenings. The only thing that could impede its box office success was unfavorable weather conditions.

Heath Ledger dismissed the topic, stating, "Let's avoid discussing that rascal." He shifted the conversation, "I have an opportunity here, part of a Warner project. I'll be starring in it, and filming kicks off this year. The director is Nolan, someone I've collaborated with several times. If you're interested, I'd be thrilled to recommend you."

This unique camaraderie uplifted Heath Ledger's waning spirits, and he inquired, "Warner Brothers is considering me?"

Bale responded, "They want me to reprise my role as Bruce Wayne in the Batman sequel, but I do have some conditions to negotiate."

In the realm of sequels, the lead actor often has a say.

"Thanks, Chris," Heath Ledger acknowledged, fully aware of how rare this opportunity was, "I'll seize this chance, secure the role, and reshape how the industry perceives me."

Bale patted him on the shoulder, offering encouragement, "I believe in you."

...

At the Metropolitan Theatre, Ted was utterly engrossed in the film.

His companions around him shared this immersive experience. Ted couldn't quite explain it, but this movie had an uncanny ability to pull him in, making him feel like the downtrodden protagonist who was using his smarts to cheat his way to success.

He started with very little, but a chance encounter with a smart drug changed everything. The drug enhanced his abilities, allowing him to complete tasks with ease, earn his first paycheck as a writer, and invest in stocks successfully. He excelled in analysis and information gathering, rapidly amassing wealth.

He moved in high-end circles, charmed women, and outsmarted people consistently. He retained all the knowledge he acquired, learning new languages and skills within a day.

Despite the drug's side effects, the protagonist remained clear-headed. He invested in drug research, even learning chemistry and biology to conduct experiments himself.

The story introduced adversaries like gang members looking to cash in on the protagonist's success, and even wealthy individuals using the same drug, often meeting unfortunate ends.

The protagonist always outwitted them, even taking on Wall Street tycoons.

Ted felt like he was living the protagonist's journey, experiencing a life akin to having access to a cheat code, ascending smoothly and living out his dreams.

The film was a daydream, a never-ending daydream that drew the audience in. It lacked profound plots, philosophical musings, or high art but tapped into the daydreams of countless individuals.

Everyone present, including the wealthy, likely harbored the dream of skyrocketing through clever means countless times.

The original novel by Alain Gylnn depicted the struggles of a single individual, the male protagonist. However, the movie script underwent significant changes, aligning more with the cool web novels that Martin had read in his previous life.

The mainstream American audience didn't necessarily demand highbrow entertainment, and the film resonated with their desire for a simple and satisfying escape from reality.

Even the bathroom humor, which primarily appealed to the North American market, was well-received.

Martin's plan was straightforward. For ordinary viewers, immersion in the movie was the primary goal, sparing them from the complexities of life.

As for the critics' interpretations, Martin had no way of predicting, as their perspectives often diverged from those of ordinary viewers. They might decipher profound themes unconsidered by the screenwriter and director.

Kelly Gray, seated in the second row with Louise, remarked, "This film is fantastic. Even as a woman, I've had many of these daydreams since I was a girl..."

Louise agreed, "Me too."

Daniel from Warner Bros. sitting next to them chimed in, "Everyone wants to be the hero!"

Louise asked, "You've had these thoughts too?"

Daniel smiled, saying, "Of course! Going from an ordinary person to becoming incredibly wealthy and intelligent, living a life of luxury, easily handling powerful figures, even controlling them." Suddenly, warm applause erupted, joining the sound of the audience in the regular seating area.

In the front row, Martin embraced Jennifer Aniston, exchanged high-fives with Danny Boyle, and shook hands with the rest of the cast and crew. The audience's applause remained enthusiastic.

Led by directors Boyle and Martin, the crew and creative team took the stage before the screen for a curtain call.

After three consecutive curtain calls, the applause showed no signs of waning.

As the unending applause resounded, the heavy snow that had weighed on Louise's heart seemed to melt away. She commented, "Even if the box office in the Northeast doesn't perform well, this film is bound to succeed." Daniel concurred, "The heavy snow in New York won't hinder this film's unstoppable box office success!"