Chapter 175: A Good Person

In a Michelin star restaurant, Anne savored a delightful French meal while Martin, seated across from her, exhibited thoughtfulness and grace, attending to her every need.

With a piece of baked shrimp on her fork, Anne extended it toward Martin, saying, "This is your reward."

Martin accepted it with a joyful expression and reciprocated by feeding Anne a piece as well.

Between bites, Anne inquired, "When I called you last time, were you in East Asia?"

Martin maintained his composure and replied, "I was in Hong Kong, seeking investment."

Considering the movie project, Anne inquired further, "Don't you have sufficient funds in Atlanta? Why go overseas for investment?"

Martin provided a vague response, "It's another project, not related to funding. I'm involved in a different, high-investment project with confidentiality clauses, so I can't divulge details at the moment."

Annie, understanding the need for discretion with larger investments, offered her understanding, taking Martin's hand, and saying, "It's okay, big ventures often come with intricate terms."

Concerned about Martin's success, she asked, "How did your trip go?"

Martin nodded and explained, "It went well. Several potential investors will be coming to Los Angeles to attend the premiere of 'The Hills Have Eyes' soon."

Seizing the opportunity, he invited, "Annie, would you accompany me to the premiere?"

Anne readily accepted, stating, "I will definitely be there."

Martin presented her with an elegant gift box adorned with a starry sky pattern, encouraging her to open it to discover the surprise.

With expectations of diamonds, Anne hesitated, "Can I open it?"

Martin gestured graciously, "They're yours to unveil."

Upon opening the box, Anne found a certificate, an intricately detailed star map, and a stunning crystal star—unlike the diamonds she had envisioned.

Despite the surprise, she was overjoyed to find that Martin had purchased the naming rights of a star for her. Overwhelmed, she covered her mouth and exclaimed, "You... you've named a star after me?"

Martin confirmed, "Through the Atlantic Astronomical Society, I secured the naming rights to this star."

He continued, conveying a heartfelt message, "When I was in Hong Kong, I missed you terribly. After speaking with you, that longing grew stronger. I wondered if there was a way to see you just by looking up at the night sky."

Touched, Anne's eyes welled with tears as she confessed, "I love you, Martin. My love for you will be as enduring as that star."

Martin, knowing the truth about the star naming, remained steadfast in his affectionate display. The heartfelt exchange deepened their bond.

The moment was genuine, and Anne genuinely cherished the unique gift. She placed it carefully into her bag, stating, "This is the most precious gift I've ever received."

Martin assured her, "Annie, you deserve all the wonderful things in the world."

Anne, however, felt compelled to offer her financial support, saying, "Your continuous investments in films must be financially draining. If you ever need it, I have some funds available."

This offer caught Martin by surprise, and he responded promptly, "There's no need, Annie. I can still manage the financial aspect."

Anne affirmed, "You can always count on me if you do."

With the reassurance of Anne's support, Martin felt grateful and replied, "Thank you. Financially, I'm managing well."

Later that evening, as they walked together, hand in hand, their affection was evident. Aware of their public image, they continued to stroll through the park, stopping occasionally for passionate kisses.

The extensive promotion of "The Hills Have Eyes" was well underway. As the paparazzi followed them, the couple played along, providing a romantic spectacle for the cameras.

After their playful public display, Martin purchased an astronomical telescope and took Anne to the nearby Ritz-Carlton Hotel, where they disappeared from public view.

Overwhelmed by the celestial romance and Martin's charm, Anne found herself agreeing to many of Martin's unconventional requests during their private time together.

The following morning, as they left the hotel, they were captured by paparazzi who had been waiting for them. These entertainment reporters followed them all the way to the entrance of Warner Studios.

Martin, seeking Anne's further cooperation in the film's publicity, wanted to boost her confidence. He understood that revealing his modest savings would be counterproductive and potentially discouraging to Anne.

Upon arriving at the small studio rented by the Wanted crew, Mene took the initiative to greet the boss, Martin. He introduced her to Anne, saying, "This is Mene, my brother."

Anne smiled and replied, "Hello."

In the glass office on the other side, screenwriter Mike Brandt hurriedly came out. Martin introduced him to Anne.

Brandt, without looking at Princess Anne, stated, "I need a professional action director. Some script scenes require action coordination."

Martin replied, "I came here today specifically for action guidance."

Chad Stahelski, whom Martin had met at Winslet's party and who had just finished working on the "Constantine" crew last month, arrived at the studio shortly after. He joined Martin and Brandt in their discussion.

Just in time, Bruce also arrived.

Martin and Chad's ideas for the action scenes were demonstrated directly by Bruce, who was highly agile due to his training with Martin.

Before noon, Martin had decided to hire Chad as the crew's action director. Chad and Martin shared similar ideas and were eager to start this new job.

Bradt looked forward to having a professional action coach and suggested going out for lunch.

Martin asked Anne, "Are you getting bored? We've been talking about work."

Anne, having witnessed the studio's progress, reassured Martin, saying, "Men who are dedicated to their work are the most attractive. Don't worry about me; I'll go to the set soon. You can continue your work."

Martin agreed, "Alright, I'll treat you to lunch, and then we can head over."

"Sounds good," Anne replied, eager to be a part of Martin's life.

After lunch, Martin dropped Anne off at the Hilton Hotel, where her crew was filming in the afternoon. Martin then headed to meet Craven for an afternoon road show.

Following the New Year, the promotion of "The hills Have Eyes" went into full swing, with posters, advertisements, and promotional articles flooding in.

The Nevada Nuclear Test Declassification website continued to release scheduled information, some true and some false, using any information that could generate attention.

Warner Bros. interviewed veterans who had worked at nuclear test sites, gaining significant attention through their stories.

Movie marketing, both real and sensationalized, continued to create a buzz, using documents labeled "Top Secret" to reveal stories of residents and veterans near the test site.

This publicity reached Washington, and a reporter from Warner TV raised questions about it during a White House press conference. The spokesman denied the claims and stated they would consult Hollywood.

Official denials had little impact, and the situation escalated as more missing person notices related to the nuclear test site were posted online.

People familiar with Hollywood marketing recognized it as a promotion for a movie, similar to the viral marketing tactics used in films like "Blair Witch" and "The Matrix."

Just after Washington responded, the Nevada nuclear test declassification website changed its homepage image to a missing person notice featuring Bob, the protagonist played by Martin in "The Hills Have Eye."

To counter any potential backlash, Warner Bros. launched a FLASH game on the website, titled "The Hills Have Eyes." Players assisted Bob in his quest, clearing levels, and finding the baby kidnapped by the murderer caused by nuclear testing.

Completing the game before the deadline made participants eligible for a souvenir from the crew, with ten super lucky winners receiving an invitation to the premiere of "The Hills Have Eyes" in Los Angeles, all expenses covered by the crew.

For formal publicity, Martin prepared to appear on a talk show.