Chapter 348: Fire

Exiting the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, the trio of friends greeted Scorsese and hopped into the same car, making their way to Nicholson's place.

Nicholson's grand mansion stood on the Sunset Boulevard, boasting a separate storage room. Inside, he led Martin and Leonardo and revealed a treasure: "A brand new Gatling, ordered exclusively from Chinatown." Martin grabbed one, marveling at the refined design compared to the makeshift versions he and Bruce had concocted – it was almost identical to the Gatling from his past life.

Apart from the Gatling, a specially designed RPG fireworks launcher caught their eye. Shoulder-mounted, it was ready for action.

Leonardo glanced at the sun sinking beyond and suggested, "The goods are here, shall we find a spot to test them?"

Nicholson replied, "We'll wait until it's dark."

Curiosity getting the better of Martin, he asked, "Where are we headed, and are you genuinely concerned about stray bullets?"

Nicholson waved off his concern, "Don't worry, we'll be fine. I'm planning to greet some old pals."

Martin grasped that Nicholson intended to have a little fireworks show with his neighbors.

Meanwhile, Leonardo ascended to the roof and surveyed the surroundings. Nicholson's mansion stood elevated, granting them a view of the sprawling mansions below.

Many of Hollywood's elite resided along Sunset Boulevard.

When nightfall arrived, Nicholson guided Martin and Leonardo to the third-floor roof. Here, a mini golf course awaited, minus the fairways.

Martin instantly comprehended and pointed to the distance, asking, "Are we going downhill to play golf?"

Leonardo, picking up the cue, laughed, "I own a house down there. I visit occasionally, and golf balls often find their way into the yard. I didn't expect you to be a golfer!"

Nicholson chuckled, "I just have occasional misses. Golf can also serve as a means of connection."

Martin marveled at the nearby mansions, surprised that Nicholson hadn't been shot by his neighbors.

Nicholson pointed out two houses, saying, "Marlon Brando used to live there, and Warren Beatty and Annette Bening are over there. When I need to reach them, I don't need to make a phone call. A round of golf, a ball in their yard, and they'll know."

Impressed, Martin commented, "You've mastered this art of diplomacy."

Nicholson laughed, "Marlon Brando has moved on to the afterlife. The only one who can endure my bombardment is Warren Beatty."

With an RPG firework on his shoulder, he looked to Martin, urging, "Light it up!"

Martin didn't smoke and had no lighter, so Leonardo stepped in with his own.

Martin playfully slapped Nicholson on the head, pointing towards Warren Beatty's mansion, and exclaimed, "Old rascal, unleash your Italian cannon, fire away!"

Nicholson took aim.

Boom! A brilliant firework bomb soared over the yard wall, landing in Warren Beatty's domain, exploding with a bang.

Martin recognized the fireworks instantly; they contained flash mines from his past life.

The RPG Nicholson wielded was still smoking, and he shouted in excitement, "Fire! Fire!"

Another explosion echoed as a firework bomb found its target.

Martin wondered, "Is no one at home?"

Leonardo joked, "I think Warren Beatty and Annette Bening have gone for their guns."

Nicholson beamed, "Keep it coming!"

Flashes and thunder danced across the sky until the sky was empty.

As Nicholson discarded the RPG, movement could be seen from the other side.

Martin spotted a woman climbing high into the house, holding up an electronic loudspeaker.

In a voice like thunder, she bellowed, "Jack, you damn scoundrel! Just you wait, Warren and I are going to shatter the windows of your house!"

Nicholson yelled back, "Come over here, we've got three men waiting for you!"

Annette Bening retorted, "I'm not afraid of three more!" and then headed downstairs.

Nicholson called out, "Let's head downstairs and prepare for a drink."

Martin and Leonardo followed suit.

Before long, Warren Beatty and Annette Bening arrived at Nicholson's door.

True to her word, Annette Bening had smashed two windows at Nicholson's house.

The five of them gathered in Nicholson's bar, ready for a drink.

Within half an hour, some seasoned Hollywood gentlemen arrived.

Martin and Leonardo weren't naive; they knew that Nicholson was helping them expand their network among the older white men in the industry.

Warren Beatty, who currently held a position within the academy and had just received the Lifetime Achievement Award, shared a piece of news with Martin and Leonardo: "The Oscars organizing committee has already reached out to Spielberg, Scorsese, Francis Coppola, and George Lucas, inviting them to present the Best Director Award at this year's ceremony."

Martin recalled, "Scorsese is gunning for an award already?"

Warren Beatty, raising his glass, replied, "The odds are quite favorable."

He clinked glasses with Martin as the night continued.

Annette Bening chimed in, "It seems Al Pacino and Robert De Niro will be presenting the Best Picture award."

Leonardo quipped before Martin had a chance, "You're not even in the running for Best Picture."

Warren Beatty directed a comment at Martin, "Don't overthink it. You've only been nominated for an acting award three years into the industry. If you look at Oscar history, that's quite a feat."

Martin, considering the new Oscars of the century, pondered, "From a perspective of sharing the success, shouldn't other crew members also receive recognition?"

Warren Beatty nodded, "Indeed, the Oscars are essentially about sharing the glory."

Nicholson, serving wine all around, interjected, "Alright, let's not dwell on these gloomy thoughts. Let's drink!"

Conversations shifted towards more lighthearted topics as they continued to enjoy their wine.

The next morning, Martin found himself at WMA.

Thomas accompanied him for a meeting with Ari Emmanuel, the senior partner.

Ali extended his hand to Martin and congratulated him, "Your new film is a hit, and I've secured my first Oscar nomination as well." Martin responded with a smile, "The company has been a great support."

As they settled in, Ali shared, "For Best Supporting Actor, Alan Arkin seems to be the front-runner in popularity and nominations, he will most likely win."

Martin inquired, "How are my chances?"

Ali simply stated, "You're in third place. Many voted for you, but mainly in second or third positions."

Martin graciously acknowledged, "I'll be content with the nomination. It's my first time."

Ari, however, spoke candidly, "If you were thirty and had been in Hollywood for over a decade, I'd have the confidence to help you secure that Best Supporting Actor award."

Thomas added, "Martin's public relations activities have ceased."

Ali nodded, explaining, "Academy rules prohibit PR after the nomination list is out. However, most nominees make moves behind the scenes. But since you're not a frontrunner, there's no need to create a bad impression with the Academy."

Martin thought about the other member of the trio of friends, "For actors like me, a bad impression can quickly make you the next Leonardo."

Ali observed Martin, growing more pleased with his maturity. Martin didn't let fame get to his head and remained humble, which was quite unusual in Hollywood.

Even Leonardo went through a period of arrogance after Titanic, and even James Cameron commented that he'd let fame get to him.

Ali was keen on bringing Martin under his wing but noticed Thomas's presence and kept his thoughts in check.

Thomas recognized Ari's enthusiasm but remained composed. After more than three years of working together, he understood Martin's needs and knew how to do his job well. As long as he performed well, Martin wouldn't switch agents easily, even if it were someone like Ari Emmanuel.

Ali also discussed Martin's upcoming projects, "The North American box office for 'Limitless' will surpass $100 million this week. Do you have any new projects or roles in the pipeline? WMA could suggest some supporting actors for such a successful movie, beneficial for expanding your portfolio."

Martin vaguely responded, "I have two projects in the works, but they're in the planning stage. Scripts might not be ready until the latter half of the year, and shooting may start next year. Also, I'm interested in Christopher Nolan's new project, if possible, the company will facilitate it."

Ari assured him, "No problem." He looked at Thomas and continued, "A few days ago, Thomas and I had a conversation with Barry Meyer and played golf with Alan Horn."

After a brief chat, Martin glanced at Thomas and used an excuse to step out of Ali's office, stating that he needed to make a phone call.

Once outside, he dialed Louise's number.

Louise, answering the call, said, "Congratulations on your Oscar nomination." She added with a hint of annoyance, "I invited you over last night; where did you disappear to?"

Martin explained, "I was at Nicholson's place, enjoying a drink and meeting some old movie stars."

Louise inquired, "Why the call?"

Martin got to the point, "Nolan and Warner are gearing up for a Batman sequel. Is Pacific Pictures interested in investing?"

Louise responded with a smile, "Warner has already reached out to Pacific Pictures and Legendary Pictures. The initial investment is quite substantial, and Warner aims to share the early risks."

Martin pressed further, "How much are they planning to invest?"

Louise replied, "Not less than $180 million. That's why Warner Bros. approached me."

Martin inquired, "I'd like to see the script for this project. I heard Jonathan Nolan will be submitting the first draft to Warner Bros. and DC Comics this month."

Louise picked up on Martin's intention, "I'll arrange for the script. It won't be difficult to get a copy under Pacific Pictures' name."

After a few more words, Martin ended the call.

Meanwhile, in Ari's office, Thomas and Ali engaged in a discussion.