Chapter 356: Foot Gang

Beneath the veil of night, a stretched Lincoln driven by Nicholson cruised along Sunset Boulevard, with its passengers—Martin, Leonardo, and Wes Craven.

Addressing Martin, the veteran actor commended, "You've outdone yourself, securing yet another North American box office champion. 'Wanted' is on track to cross the 100 million dollar mark in North America. Back-to-back films exceeding 100 million in North America— you're ascending like a rocket."

In response, Martin, ever humble, acknowledged, "The Sisterhood of Traveling Pants" didn't exceed 100 million."

Craven held a different perspective, reasoning, "You weren't the lead in that film, and strictly speaking, it can't be counted as a commercial box office achievement since you weren't the producer."

Nicholson chimed in with a touch of disdain, "This little rascal knows how to stir up some hype."

Leonardo joined the conversation, saying, "I heard Jolie call you 'teacher,' Martin. Those things Jolie's hyping up, weren't you the one who taught her? The more I think about it, the more it seems that way."

He reflected further, "Before she joined the 'Wanted' cast, Jolie was more like a chaotic figure, clueless. Her ability to create trouble wasn't so evident. However, from the moment she was confirmed for 'Wanted' at the beginning of the year, she transformed. It's as though she's become a different person, rushing to self-promote as a modern-day Virgin Mary."

Martin, of course, denied any involvement, stating, "It has nothing to do with me."

Nicholson responded with a smirk, saying, "Based on my vast experience, you and Jolie are definitely having an affair or some kind of peculiar relationship. Don't deny it. Perverts recognize fellow perverts, and as an old pervert, I can spot little perverts like you from a mile away."

Martin countered with a grin, "If I weren't in such a good mood today, I'd toss you out of this car and let you spend the night face down with the asphalt."

The car arrived at a nightclub frequented by Martin, and Craven made a phone call before driving into the back entrance. The four of them entered the club and each selected dancers who suited their tastes.

Upon exiting, they crossed paths with a group of people led by Harvey, who promptly greeted them. "Good evening, Leo, Jack, Wes, and Martin."

Martin, maintaining a façade of ignorance, nodded and exchanged a few words with them. Behind Harvey were Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, and Brad Pitt.

Once the two groups passed by, Martin lingered at the rear. Harvey unexpectedly congratulated him, saying, "Martin, congratulations on another box office champion."

Remaining polite in front of the others, Martin deflected the praise, "Compared to what you've accomplished, my achievements are rather insignificant."

Harvey glanced at him with a knowing smile.

Pitt interjected, "I heard you say that, Jack."

Martin acknowledged, "Brad, I wanted to thank you for recommending me for the second lead role on the set of 'The Departed Walker.' Without your assistance, I wouldn't have landed the role."

Damon's eyes darted to Pitt but he remained silent.

Pitt replied, "Plan B isn't just mine."

Martin expressed his gratitude, saying, "Regardless, I appreciate your help."

Pitt responded with a charming smile.

Martin followed Nicholson as they headed upstairs. On their way up, Harvey invited them to select their preferred dancers, with Tarantino and Rodriguez awaiting their arrival.

Ten minutes later, the group entered a VIP private room where two directors and two dancers were already present. Quentin Tarantino was speaking animatedly while Robert Rodriguez was fully engrossed.

Dancers chosen by Martin and the others soon arrived, and Quentin looked up, his peculiar grin suggesting that he had been engrossed in other matters. His disheveled state hinted at something more sinister, "You're all here."

Brad Pitt welcomed the two directors, and Harvey took a seat on a sofa, explaining, "We've built a network of mutual support in Hollywood, and we've been helping each other till today."

Pitt, well-acquainted with such organizations in Hollywood, was unsurprised.

Harvey made a formal introduction, stating, "Today, we welcome a new member— Brad Pitt."

With a nod of acknowledgment, Pitt accepted the honor.

Harvey continued, "Brad, we welcome you as well, but there's a small initiation ceremony before full membership."

Peter expected a ritual similar to those in the Coca-Cola Cult or the Church of Scientology and promptly agreed, "Let's proceed then."

Harvey clapped his hands, and the dancers who had accompanied them removed their high heels, took seats on a sofa, and crossed their legs and feet.

Quentin, the eccentric, stretched out his arms and declared, "Enjoy this!"

At almost the same time, in another VIP room located far from their own, Martin and Leonardo were experiencing a peculiar sensation as rubber wheels pressed against their faces.

These wheels, pristine white and featuring incredibly soft rubber, provided an oddly pleasurable and refreshing experience.

Leonardo quipped, "I think I'm becoming addicted to this. Each pass of those wheels feels like a 10-point IQ boost."

Martin playfully removed his face from between the wheels and taunted, "It's because your IQ is only 10, Leo!"

A massive wheel was pressed over Leonardo's mouth, rendering him unable to respond, so he extended a defiant middle finger toward Martin.

Nicholson interjected, patting the backside of the dancer in front of him, "I finally understand why I didn't feel refreshed last time."

Craven, not in the know, inquired, "Why's that?"

With a smirk, Nicholson explained, "The color was all wrong!"

Before the conversation could continue, Martin switched the topic, asking, "Do any of you know the British director Danny Boyle?"

Leonardo raised his hand, waiting for the wheel to roll past his mouth and nose before he explained, "I worked with him on the adventure film 'The Beach' back in 2000. He's not a typical British director, far from conservative or rigid. What do you need him for?"

Martin disclosed, "I'm considering promoting a new project, and I need a suitable director. He volunteered himself."

Nicholson chimed in with admiration, "Even someone like you is attracting renowned directors to your doorstep."

Martin retorted, "Times have changed!"

Leonardo, who had become acquainted with Martin through the project "The Departed," knew that Martin could easily garner support for a medium-sized project with tens of millions of dollars in investment, along with Pacific Pictures' backing.

He concurred, "I see. The type of project matters. If it's an action film like 'Wanted' and you want Danny Boyle as the director, you're looking in the wrong place. But if it's a dramatic piece with a hint of exaggeration, then he might be a great fit."

Martin's vision for the new project indeed included action scenes, handled by Chad as an action director and assistant director. The story needed some checks, though.

Leonardo added, "Danny is different from your traditional British director. His works, like 'Trainspotting,' show his rebellious and unconstrained spirit, a blend of Kubrick and Quentin. On set, he's exuberant and uses exaggerated movements to set an example for actors. He never sticks to conventions."

Having recently shown Craven his adaptation project for the novel "Dark Realm," Martin agreed, "Yes, that's the one. I had Craven read the novel, and we've discussed some plot ideas. While he has extensive experience in directing, writing, and producing, his recent projects haven't been as rich in content."

Craven voiced his endorsement, "Based on what you've told me, I think he should be a good fit. I've read most of his works."

Martin decided to contact him personally, saying, "Leo, since you're familiar with Danny Boyle, how about inviting him for a chat?"

Leonardo agreed, "Sure, I'll invite him to join my party."

He extended an invitation to Craven, but surprisingly, Craven declined, citing health issues. He said he'd already had a full medical checkup, but his age was catching up with him.

Martin inquired, "When is the party going to be?"

Leonardo replied, "Be patient, I'm getting everything ready. It can't compare to your yacht party, but I'll ensure it's an unforgettable experience."

As they chatted, they continued to enjoy their face-wash service.

After half an hour, they exited the VIP room, making their way to the car parked in the backyard.

As the extended Lincoln started, Martin glimpsed Harvey, Brad Pitt, and the rest leaving the club and heading to the backyard. What caught his attention was that Harvey and Quentin were accompanied by two newcomers: Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez.

Martin also noticed Brad Pitt discreetly wiping his mouth with a tissue, which struck him as unusual.

Craven observed this and remarked, "It appears Brad Pitt has joined Harvey and Quentin's 'feet gang.'"

Surprised, Martin asked, "Feet gang? What is that?"

Craven elaborated, "It's a small group organization similar to the Bad Boys, with Harvey and Quentin at its core. They got this name because Quentin has an eccentric foot fetish."

Leonardo inquired, "Wes, did they invite you to join?"

Craven, scrunching his nose, replied, "I'm not interested in touching other people's smelly feet, even if they're soaked in perfume."

Nicholson interjected with curiosity, "So, they're known as the Foot Gang. What about us? Do we call ourselves the Face Gang? We can't just call it the Coca-Cola Cult; that's too modest for Martin!"

Drawing upon their shared playful spirits, Martin suggested, "Let's go with Face Gang."

Nicholson nodded in approval, "That name sounds grand, much better than their Foot Gang."

Martin laughed, concluding, "Then it's settled. We're the Face Gang."

All three comrades agreed with Martin's choice.