Chapter 295: Give the Bride a Way Out

The bachelor party's pranks inevitably leaked out, but Robert Downey Jr. was prepared. To avoid paparazzi and unnecessary trouble, he rented a luxury yacht to hold the wedding at sea.

Since the explosion of "Deadpool," he had not only returned to the mainstream media's attention but had become even more notable than before.

On this sunny and calm day, Murphy, James Franco, Seth Rogen, and Jonah Hill, all dressed in sharp suits, stood as groomsmen behind Downey Jr. The bride's side also featured three bridesmaids, two of whom were Susan Levin's friends, and the other was Gal Gadot.

The yacht's top deck was crowded with guests, and a pastor, often officiating for Hollywood stars, was ready.

Downey Jr. and Susan Levin stood facing the pastor, awaiting the start of the ceremony.

"What did you say to the pastor earlier?" Murphy whispered to Jonah Hill.

Before the wedding started, Jonah Hill had specifically spoken to the pastor, causing some worry that he might have gone too far, considering this was a wedding, not a bachelor party.

Seth Rogen and James Franco also looked on curiously.

Jonah Hill winked mysteriously, "I changed the pastor's script in Downey's name."

"Changed the pastor's script?" The trio looked at Jonah Hill as if their glares could cut.

"Don't worry, don't worry..." Jonah Hill hurriedly assured, "No pranks, I promise it won't cause any trouble."

The wedding soon began, and Murphy heard the words Jonah Hill had the pastor change.

"Mr. Downey, will you love her in sickness and in health, in poverty or wealth, if she becomes sick, disabled, or even ugly, for as long as you both shall live?"

Without hesitation, Downey Jr. responded, "I do!"

The officiant usually would ask the bride the same question, but instead, he asked, "Mr. Downey, if you become poor, disabled, sick, or ugly, will you give the bride a way out?"

Caught off guard by the question, Downey Jr. hesitated, then nodded, "I do..."

Despite Jonah Hill's minor alteration, the wedding proceeded smoothly. After the vows, speeches were made by the groom and the bride's father, and then it was Murphy's turn as the best man.

This had been decided beforehand and voted on by the other groomsmen.

Different from the parents' speeches, the best man's speech aims to lighten the mood, convey blessings on behalf of friends and family, and invite everyone to toast the newlyweds.

Since the best man is usually close to the groom, the speech can playfully "disparage" the groom's past actions, cleverly tying it back to his love for the bride.

Murphy had spent an entire night writing his speech.

"Ladies and gentlemen, family, friends..." Murphy's gaze went beyond the deck to the sea, where paparazzi boats hovered, prompting him to add, "and others."

The guests turned, understanding Murphy's reference to journalists and paparazzi.

"Robert Downey Jr., my friend; Robert Downey Jr., my brother. When he asked me to be his best man, I was puzzled because a groom usually chooses..." 

Murphy glanced at where James Franco, Jonah Hill, and Seth Rogen stood, "someone less handsome than himself as his best man, not a handsome guy like me."

Laughter erupted on the deck.

"This guy..." Jonah Hill rolled his eyes, while James Franco whispered to Seth Rogen, "He's learned a bit of humor from here."

Murphy gestured for silence, and the laughter subsided.

"I admit, at first, I didn't realize he was asking me to be his best man. When I did, I told him I was honored and surprised, but I promised to do my best. This task was more challenging than any movie I've shot before. Also, I'm deeply touched by his trust..."

"I met Downey in jail. We lived together, fought together, and bonded over hardships as solid as the Rocky Mountains. I also saw many of Downey's talents."

Downey Jr. looked at Murphy, wondering what he was up to; he didn't expect outright praise.

"Downey is a lover of art, with remarkable talent," Murphy said earnestly, "I remember in jail, during dull moments, he created many not-safe-for-kids artworks out of mud, bringing immense artistic value to our dreary lives..."

Laughter rang out again.

As the mood lightened, Murphy suddenly changed tone.

"Downey, you've emerged from the darkness to find a girl worthy of true love. Susan, Downey can be petulant and sharp-tongued but has a heart full of sincerity. However, I don't want to congratulate you now..."

This caught many off guard, including Gal Gadot, who knew Murphy was playing coy.

"Downey is one of my most important partners, not just in life, but in work," Murphy continued, "Did you know? He told me he won't work for at least six months after getting married, instead focusing on traveling the world with Susan. This infuriated me because I've lost a partner for a long time!"

Old Robert Downey, sitting in the front, looked at Murphy with gratitude. If not for this young director, where would his wayward son be today? Meeting Murphy Stanton was his son's good fortune.

"I seek companionship not out of emotional need or whim, but because of his admirable qualities."

Murphy's tone grew more solemn, "I used to be the most detestable, rude, and ignorant person, a complete nuisance. Anyone who met me was unlucky. I despised virtue, ignored beauty, and didn't understand happiness. If I couldn't understand why he chose me as his best man, it's because I never thought I could be a good friend to anyone, let alone to the bravest, smartest, and most talented person I've had the honor to know."

Tears welled up in Gal Gadot's eyes, moved by Murphy Stanton's past struggles and grateful for his friends who helped him endure.

"Downey, I'm absurd. But your passion and loyalty to friendship saved me. Even though I'm your friend, I still don't want to congratulate you."

He turned to Susan Levin, "But I want to congratulate you, Susan. You deserve this man, and that's the highest praise I can offer."

Susan Levin nodded vigorously in agreement.

Murphy lifted his glass high, "Ladies and gentlemen, fill your glasses and stand to toast. Today marks the beginning of Susan Nicole Levin and Robert John Downey Jr.'s romantic journey."

After leading the toast, Murphy added, "Susan, Downey, the quest for a life partner is something I couldn't understand for a long time."

Looking at Gal Gadot, "But I've come to realize how magnificent it is. So, I hope the happiness you find in each other exceeds all the joy we could ever give you!"

"Thank you!" Murphy nodded slightly.

Applause filled the deck.

Knowing he wasn't the day's focus, Murphy stepped aside, joining James Franco, Jonah Hill, and Seth Rogen.

"That was touching!" Jonah Hill murmured, "Really touching. If I didn't know you guys, I'd suspect you and

 Downey were the true loves."

Murphy flicked him off without a word.

James Franco pulled Jonah aside, coming closer to Murphy, "That was a fantastic speech. You made Downey out to be the best man in the world. Hey, let's agree on something. When I get married, you have to give the best man speech, just like today."

Seth Rogen scoffed, "You and Lily? She's about to be left on the shelf."

"I wasn't asking you, Seth!" James snapped, "Shut it!"

Murphy looked at them, "All of you, shut up!"

As they bantered, one of Susan Levin's friends, also a bridesmaid, gave a brief speech, concluding the ceremony's formalities.

Tired of their nonsense, Murphy left to find Downey Jr.

"Congratulations, Downey."

He approached, embracing Downey Jr. warmly and whispered, "Ross couldn't make it, asked me to congratulate you on his behalf."

Though not as close to Murphy, Downey Jr. had known Ross well in jail.

He nodded, "Ross called me last night."

After sharing these words, Murphy gave Downey Jr. a meaningful look, seeing him finally settled.

"Hey, Murphy."

Hearing his name, Murphy turned to see Bill Rossi approaching. Whispering, Rossi shared, "Just got a call from Dwarf Chicken Publishing. They and George Martin are willing to negotiate the adaptation rights for 'A Song of Ice and Fire' with us."

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