Chapter 30: Beachside Fun and Lessons in Ambition

Chapter 30: Beachside Fun and Lessons in Ambition

As Martin listened to Jessica vent her frustrations over the phone, he offered a few words of comfort:

"Jessica, you and I both know that in this industry, there's always some level of exchange involved. But some exchanges are balanced, and some aren't—that depends on how strong you are."

"Take Tom Hanks, for example. All he has to do is act, and he'll get the role. Now, look at Julia Roberts. Before she became famous, she supposedly slept her way through an entire film crew just to land a part."

"Wow, is that true?" Jessica asked, intrigued.

"Well, whether it's true or not isn't the point. The point is about choice and foresight."

"Julia Roberts took a chance with Pretty Woman, and it paid off massively. Only she can decide if it was worth it. But as for the girl who took your role, I'd say her choice was a mistake. First, it's not a standout role. Second, it's just a low-budget indie film, unlikely to see any real success unless it wins awards. And I assume she's around your age?"

"She's a year older," Jessica replied.

"But she's still a minor. Hollywood may be messy, but there are some lines best not crossed. Every choice leaves a trace, and things done now could easily become ticking time bombs later."

Jessica fell silent for a moment, then said, "Martin, if I ever do make a compromise for a role I really want… would you look down on me?"

Martin paused before answering, "I wouldn't judge you, but we probably wouldn't be more than just friends."

Jessica's voice turned determined, "If that day ever comes, I'll ask for your opinion first. As long as you say 'no,' I'll say 'no' too."

Martin smiled. "Relax. As long as I'm around, no one can force you to do anything you don't want to."

He was confident in himself. Maybe he didn't have the influence to protect her now, but in five years—ten at most—he was sure he would.

Hearing Jessica's cheerful thanks on the other end, Martin's grin brightened. As a demon, how could I let such beauty go to waste? I'd much rather have it for myself.

After hanging up, Martin returned to his study to continue writing Harry Potter.

Life settled into its familiar rhythm again: school, classes, weekend outings with friends. And wherever he went, if Lindsay joined, Dorothy would inevitably follow, and vice versa.

As June approached, Martin's name started appearing more and more in the media.

"Kung Fu Panda Author's Identity Revealed—And He's Only 11!"

"Martin Myers, the Young Prodigy—His Children's Story Kung Fu Panda Has Sold 120,000 Copies So Far…"

"The Untold Story of Martin Myers and Kung Fu Panda…"

With media attention increasing, Kung Fu Panda sales surged. The remaining 80,000 copies from the initial print run were sold out even before June. Fortunately, Random House had anticipated this and released an additional 500,000 copies.

Then came June.

Promotions for The Parent Trap kicked off.

"Martin Myers, not only a talented writer but also a gifted screenwriter and actor. Watch him in the upcoming family film The Parent Trap, releasing on July 12!"

"Disney's latest family movie The Parent Trap is coming to theaters this summer, featuring the exceptional talent of young author Martin Myers!"

"Martin Myers: Outstanding Student, Author, Screenwriter, Actor—proving that a true prodigy can do it all."

As The Parent Trap's publicity ramped up, Kung Fu Panda saw another boost in sales. Not only were children buying the book, but young adults without kids were also picking it up out of curiosity.

At the same time, the anticipation for The Parent Trap continued to build. Everyone was curious: what kind of big-screen story could an 11-year-old write? And what kind of performance could he deliver?

Reporters hunted for Martin, and TV talk show invitations flooded in.

Jeff was run off his feet handling all the inquiries. Amidst the flurry of media buzz, as the world's attention focused on him, Martin decided to invite a few friends to his family's private beach for a break.

Martin and Mark lay side by side on beach chairs under an umbrella, both wearing sunglasses and sipping chilled drinks.

Dorothy, Jessica, and Lindsay were splashing and laughing in the shallow waves nearby.

Watching the three girls playfully flinging water at each other, Martin leaned over to Mark with a smirk and said, "Sunshine, sand, and sea. In a scene like this, with three girls having fun in the water, do you know what boys like us should be doing?"

Mark, a bit confused, glanced at his soda, and then a realization struck. "Of course! Sitting back, enjoying our drinks, and admiring the view."

"Idiot, we should join them, obviously!"

With that, Martin sprang up from his chair, tossing aside his drink and sunglasses, and shouted, "I'm coming in!" as he charged toward the girls.

Water exploded in all directions as he splashed his way into their midst.

"Aah—!"

The girls screamed in surprise.

"Come on, girls, let's fight back!" Jessica laughed, scooping up a handful of water to fling at him.

Dorothy and Lindsay joined in, turning their splash attack on Martin.

One against three, and Martin showed no fear.

At first, he splashed water at them rapidly, then suddenly dove underwater, swimming stealthily until he found his target.

Moments later, he grabbed a pair of small, soft feet, prompting Jessica to squeal in shock.

He hoisted her up by her waist and, with a playful toss, sent her flying into the air. She splashed back into the water with a delighted scream and laugh.

"Me next! Me next!" shouted Dorothy.

"Me too!" Lindsay added, clinging onto Martin.

One by one, he tossed each of them into the air, their laughter ringing out across the beach.

From his chair, Mark watched in awe, mouth agape.

His first thought was, Wow, Martin is strong! His second, more wistful thought was, I wish I could do that.

The girls grew bolder with each toss, coming at Martin in waves, trying to tackle him. But he was quick and agile, darting through the water like a fish, evading their grasps effortlessly. Occasionally, he'd sneak a playful pinch to their cheeks or a tap to their backsides, leaving them blushing but unwilling to retreat.

"Come on, girls, we're going to catch him and take him down today!" Jessica declared.

"Oh yeah, we'll get him this time!" Lindsay cheered.

"Here I come!" Dorothy shouted.

Martin laughed, "Take me down? You three? Dream on. Prepare to be conquered!"

He was loving every moment of it.

Being human is amazing!