Chapter 108

Four days had passed since the opening weekend.

Little Island, which had initially been criticized by the media and film critics at its premiere, unexpectedly earned $29 million at the box office.

Although the media and critics had been harsh on the film's structure, comparing it to The Sixth Sense, the audience seemed to love it.

At the same time, with the public relations efforts of Miramax, Meyers Pictures, and Cruise Pictures, some positive reviews began to surface.

Los Angeles Times: "Little Island is a psychological thriller that inherits the spirit of Hitchcock's Butterfly Dream and Kubrick's The Shining. It avoids relying on cheap gimmicks and advanced computer effects."

"This work, written and directed by American genius Martin Meyers, like his previous film The Sixth Sense, injects fresh creativity into the step-by-step Hollywood model..."

America Today: "The film may seem like an excellent indoor piece, with only one setting and a few characters, but its rich details leave viewers constantly pondering. The casting and performances are both remarkable. The two young actors, Martin Meyers and Lindsay Lohan, perform well beyond their years, vividly portraying helplessness and confusion."

"Nicole Kidman's performance is also notable. Whether it's breathtaking lines or hysterical outbursts, the Australian beauty nails it. In this film, she portrays the perseverance and madness of Lady Macbeth, the firm belief and self-repression of the heroine from The Scarlet Letter, and the vulnerability lurking even deeper…"

New York Daily News: "The success of The Island lies in its ability to realistically create a terrifying search for the truth, only to completely overturn it in the end, taking viewers on a psychological and intellectual rollercoaster."

Nicole Kidman read the reviews again and again with a smile. Her husband was not home today, and her mood was entirely different from the last time.

Maybe I should find someone to share this with?

Nicole thought back to when she had been so anxious about The Island. She had spoken to Martin about it, and the young man had been full of confidence when comforting her.

"Nicole, controversy isn't a bad thing. You know, the only thing worse than being talked about is not being talked about!"

"Look at it from another perspective: they're actually promoting our movie."

"Time will prove everything, Nicole. Don't worry, don't be afraid. Go home, get a good night's sleep, and you'll succeed. I'll succeed, and the movie will be a success!"

For some reason, after speaking to the young man, Nicole's anxiety had eased considerably.

Her face flushed again, thinking of the night she had gone home, fallen asleep alone, and had a beautiful pink dream... She and Martin...

She tugged at her collar, revealing a piece of fair skin tinged pink. Her body… was feeling a little hot.

Nicole picked up her cup and drank some water. After setting it down, she picked it up again. She scrolled through her phone's contacts, found Martin's name, and pressed dial.

Beep... beep... beep... After three beeps, the call was answered, and Martin's clear voice came through.

"Hello, Nicole, what's up?"

Nicole tried to sound calm, but she didn't realize that her hand holding the phone was already sweaty.

Evening

"Dad, Mom, I have plans tonight and won't be home for dinner."

"Who is it? Lindsay, Jessica, Dorothy, or that Scarlett?" Grant joked.

"No, it's Nicole Kidman. We're going to discuss the post-production promotion of the movie," Martin explained.

"Wow!" Grant's eyes lit up as he exchanged a secret glance with his wife.

He noticed she was reading the newspaper, which praised their son's work.

He whispered to Martin, "That's a real beauty. Damn, I'm a little envious. You're going to her place tonight, right?"

"Of course. What else would I do?" Martin responded, his innocent face showing a hint of confusion.

Grant coughed awkwardly. He'd spoken too quickly and realized that his son, mature beyond his years, often made him forget he was still only 14, just turned that September.

He quickly corrected himself, "No, I mean, go home early and don't stay out too late!"

"I know, Dad. I'm leaving."

As Martin left, Grant turned around and saw his wife standing in front of him, hands on her hips. He was startled and swallowed nervously.

"Linda, what's going on?" he asked.

"What do you mean?" she replied, grabbing his ears.

"Is that a real beauty? Walking tall?"

The ears turned forty-five degrees.

"Envious? Walking tall?"

The ears turned ninety degrees.

"Not going home tonight? Walking tall?"

The ears turned one hundred and eighty degrees.

"Hiss, that hurts, that hurts... I was wrong, dear!"

Not to mention how severely Grant was punished at home.

Meanwhile, Martin had asked Gordon to choose a car that had never been seen by the media, and they drove out at night.

An hour and a half later, the car parked in front of a small villa by the sea in Malibu.

This villa was located in a secluded area, surrounded by tall palm trees, offering great privacy.

"Nicole made an appointment with me to have dinner at a place like this?" Martin thought as he looked around, smiling charmingly.

"My little red riding hood is really playing with fire!"

"The wolf grandmothers are all after me, wanting to devour me!"

"What?" Gordon, who was sitting in the driver's seat, didn't quite catch that and thought Martin was speaking to him.

"Oh, nothing. I just meant you can wait for my call at a nearby spot and then pick me up."

"Do you need me to stay close?" Gordon asked, a little worried.

"No, this is Nicole's place. It's safe."

"Alright."

Martin got out of the car and rang the doorbell.

Click. The door opened.

Nicole, dressed in a white dress, appeared in front of him.

The orange light behind her made the dress almost translucent, gently outlining her curves. As she stepped aside to let Martin in, the play of light and shadow was almost mesmerizing.

Martin glanced over, and he immediately noticed Nicole wasn't wearing much underneath—at least on the upper half. That was clear.

He walked toward the house, appearing calm and innocent.

Nicole led the way, introducing the house to him.

"I bought this villa the second year I came to Hollywood. Although it's not large, I decorated everything inside myself. It feels very special to me."

"Have you seen that sofa? I got it at the Flammy Flea Market. Mickey's look is adorable, don't you think?"

Martin walked and listened, but his eyes often strayed to Nicole's swaying figure—her back, hips, waist, and legs...

Nicole blushed as she spoke.

Though she couldn't see him, she had the distinct feeling that Martin was secretly watching her.

She suddenly felt glad she hadn't wasted her afternoon choosing clothes.

[•———•——•———•]

𝙥𝗮𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙤𝙣(.)𝙘𝙤𝙢/𝙂𝙤𝙙𝙊𝙛𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙧