Chapter 199: No Woman Doesn’t Love Gossip!

Martin and Leonardo, two grown men, were gossiping together.

Meanwhile, some lesser-known individuals were circulating the party, desperately seeking opportunities for themselves.

For big names like Martin and Leonardo, this party was irrelevant. They already had almost every top Hollywood contact and connections throughout the industry.

However, for those who were newly famous or still striving for recognition, this party held significant value.

People often wonder how some seemingly unknown actors suddenly become key members of major productions after Oscar night, or why certain "ordinary" actors suddenly attract media attention after the Oscars.

The truth is, many deals are sealed right here, at this glamorous party.

For instance, while Martin and Leonardo were chatting, several people approached them—there were glamorous actresses showcasing their charm and actors shamelessly handing out business cards.

In just about twenty minutes, Martin and Leonardo each collected over a dozen business cards.

But these cards would likely end up in the trash!

However, approaching them wasn't easy.

To attend such a luxurious party, one must first secure an invitation. Without it, there's no entry.

It was certain that anyone who managed to get into the party, despite their lack of fame, had paid a price—whether in money, their body, or some other form.

Last year, Martin heard that the going rate for an Oscar night invitation was about fifty thousand dollars in the backroom deals.

"Martin, I'm going to say hi to someone I know," Leonardo suddenly said.

"Alright, I've spotted someone too," Martin replied with a smile.

The two of them went their separate ways. Martin noticed Leonardo heading toward a curvaceous, beautiful woman.

Kate Winslet!

They had met in 1996 while filming the blockbuster Titanic, playing one of cinema's most iconic couples, Rose DeWitt Bukater and Jack Dawson.

As a major beauty fan, Kate was immediately struck by Leonardo's looks when she first saw him.

She even once admitted in an interview: "While filming, I was distracted by Leonardo's good looks several times, and I kept thinking, 'Oh my god, he's so handsome—what if I fall in love with him?'"

But Kate Winslet never actually fell in love with Leonardo.

Besides being a beauty lover, Kate was also a true art lover. While she admired beauty, she valued talent even more.

Back then, Leonardo was indeed beautiful—but just beautiful!

So, their relationship evolved into a pure friendship, one that lasted over two decades and remained strong.

In fact, at Kate Winslet's wedding to Ned Rocknroll, it wasn't her father who walked her down the aisle, but Leonardo.

"He's my friend, my true close friend," Winslet said. "We are forever connected."

Interestingly, when Martin glanced at Leonardo, he noticed that Leonardo was also looking at him.

Leonardo had spotted Martin approaching a beautiful woman in a pale green dress with blonde hair.

She was tall, with long legs and a delicate face—exactly Leonardo's type.

At first, Leonardo thought about it, but upon seeing her face clearly, he lost interest.

Charlize Theron.

It was said that Martin had once beaten up Ben Affleck over her.

"What are you looking at?" Kate Winslet asked, following her friend's gaze.

"Speaking of which, did you know there's an online poll?" she asked.

"A poll? What kind of poll?" Leonardo asked, confused.

"A poll about whether people support you and Martin as a couple. A lot of people voted yes, ha-ha, I voted yes too."

"Shit, is that some gay poll someone started?" Leonardo groaned.

Meanwhile, Peter Jackson, who was far away in New Zealand, sneezed loudly.

"Who's thinking about me?"

He quickly instructed his online army, "Make this post viral. I need it to stay hot for at least a month..."

At the party, Kate Winslet mischievously eyed Martin and asked, "I never thought you'd be friends with someone so much younger than you. Don't you have a generation gap?"

Leonardo immediately objected, "Hey, what do you mean 'so much younger'? I'm only ten years older than him."

"Eleven years," Kate corrected.

"Alright, eleven years, but that's nothing. I look young."

"Ha-ha, well, that's true. Don't worry, Leo, you're still handsome."

"I know!" Leonardo said proudly, straightening his bow tie.

Then he added, "I think this guy and I are similar. We get along well, so we're friends."

"Really? You think you're similar? You don't have his talent!" Kate said, her eyes glimmering with admiration.

"Damn, I meant in other ways, like—"

"Women?"

"How did you know?"

"Hey, it's obvious, isn't it? Look at the girl Martin just hugged—her name's Charlize, right? This young guy's tastes are just like yours."

"We're not the same. I'm more loyal. I only like tall, slender blondes, but this guy likes blondes, redheads, brunettes, and blacks... tall, curvy, long-legged, busty... he's way too fickle!"

Kate burst out laughing.

Then she heard Leonardo offer, "Kate, how about I introduce you to him? With your figure, you're definitely his type."

"What do you mean? Are you calling me fat?" Kate angrily pinched Leonardo's waist.

"Ouch, no, I mean, beautiful Kate, I just think that Martin would definitely fall for your charm."

"Now that's more like it."

Meanwhile, Charlize asked Martin curiously, "What were you talking to Leonardo about? You two seem to get along well."

Martin nodded, admitting, "Yeah, we get along. Leo's a good guy. We just had a casual chat, and this guy knows a lot of gossip from the industry. It's pretty interesting."

"Oh, what kind of gossip?" Charlize asked, her eyes lighting up.

Of course, no woman can resist gossip!