Chapter 504: Chanal No. 5

The Cannes Film Festival, which had been an extravaganza of cinema, unexpectedly culminated in chaotic turmoil, a battle of epic proportions between two revered Isabelles. This dramatic clash would undoubtedly be etched into the annals of film history.

Martin, still reeling from the events of the previous night, made his way back to the hotel. News of the scandal continued to spread like wildfire, but the Cannes organizing committee worked tirelessly to pacify Adjani, preventing the matter from escalating to a legal dispute.

In truth, Adjani had suffered no physical harm, and it was later revealed that she had been feigning distress during the confrontation.

Martin anxiously waited until late into the night for Mene to return to the hotel before he could find some solace.

The following morning, Martin arranged to have breakfast with Mene. Seated at the table, Martin deftly peeled an egg and inquired, "Are you alright?"

Mene grinned sheepishly, "Just a ruined outfit, nothing more."

Bruce chimed in, "You were a real hero last night."

Unfazed by Martin and Bruce's presence, Mene candidly admitted, "I could have separated Huppert and Adjani, but I wanted to make a lasting impression on Huppert, so I stepped in."

Martin offered Mene a thumbs-up, impressed. Bruce added humorously, "I didn't expect you to be such a schemer!"

Mene scratched his head, "I learned from you, remember when you suggested going to meet the Kardashian sisters…"

"Enough!" Bruce cut him off, irritated.

Martin glanced at Bruce, curious, "Sisters? What did you initially say, old Basterd? Only one Khloe."

Bruce explained with a hint of exasperation, "Kim insisted on joining, and Khloe didn't want to hurt her feelings by refusing. What could I do?"

Swiftly changing the subject, Bruce inquired, "Huppert didn't mention anything to you, did she? After all, you went to great lengths."

Mene responded, "She intends to introduce me to the French director, Jeanne LaBrune, this afternoon and recommend me for the lead role in her upcoming film."

Concerned, Martin asked, "Are you prepared for it?"

Mene replied nonchalantly, "I'll be playing the male lead, so I think I can handle it." He took a sip of milk and continued, "Huppert believes that the themes of our performance align with the current social climate in France, white women and black men."

Martin nodded thoughtfully, "A literary film, I assume?"

Mene elaborated, "Huppert's character is a high-end call girl, a bohemian who initially loved her profession but grew weary of it. She seeks to reignite her passion and turns to the male protagonist, a psychiatrist, for help."

Bruce, who had been keeping up with Cannes Film Festival happenings, remarked, "Your literary and artistic goddess's role doesn't sound like a run-of-the-mill character."

Martin, picturing the film's tone and style based on Mene's description, nodded in understanding. European literary films had a distinct flair, and this project seemed to be no exception.

Mene explained further, "Filming won't commence until the latter half of the year, and it won't conflict with Nolan's new film schedule. I believe it's worth a try, especially with Huppert on board. It'll be an opportunity to connect with more European filmmakers."

Martin, knowing Mene should make this decision for himself, refrained from interfering, saying, "You should make the call."

Bruce, ever the joker, teased Mene, "You're just hoping to meet more European literary and artistic goddesses, aren't you?"

Mene flashed a bright smile, showcasing his gleaming white teeth. "Bruce, I'll introduce you to some, then!"

Just as they were deep in conversation, Thomas entered the dining room in a hurry and approached Martin. Martin gestured to an empty chair, "Take a seat, and tell us what's so urgent."

Bruce promptly poured him a glass of water, ready to listen to Thomas's news.

Seated at the table, Thomas conveyed the urgent news to Martin, "I received a call from the company. Chanel has just contacted them, and Karl Lagerfeld wants to meet you."

Thomas, clearly flustered, took a sip from his water glass and explained, "I reached out to Chanel headquarters using the contact information provided by the company. I've confirmed that it was Karl Lagerfeld's assistant who called, and Lagerfeld himself is currently in Cannes. He wishes to meet with you this afternoon."

Curiosity piqued, Martin inquired, "Why does he want to meet me?"

Thomas replied, "For an advertising endorsement! He wants you to become the face of Chanel No. 5."

Martin, still puzzled, raised a valid question, "But isn't Chanel No. 5 a women's perfume? Why would they seek a male spokesperson?"

Thomas shared his confusion, "I honestly don't know."

Frowning, Martin couldn't help but wonder, "Could it be that Karl Lagerfeld has taken a liking to me? After all, he's seen and worked with countless extraordinary individuals."

Thomas added, "I suppose we'll find out when you meet him."

Martin continued, "Has Chanel No. 5 ever had a male spokesperson before?"

"No, never," Thomas asserted confidently. "After Nicole Kidman's contract for Chanel No. 5 expired, Chanel declined to renew it. They considered her box office poison, and her endorsements weren't performing well."

After hanging up the call, Thomas dug for more information, "This time, Chanel plans to appoint both a male and female spokesperson. The female spokesperson is said to be Audrey Tautou, who portrayed Coco Chanel in the film 'Coco Chanel: Fashion Pioneer.'"

Audrey Tautou was a name that didn't immediately ring a bell for Martin. He inquired, "Has she starred in any other renowned films?"

Thomas replied, "She's also known as Amelie."

The latter name triggered Martin's memory, linking it to the film "Amélie."

Martin made up his mind, "Well, I'll meet with him this afternoon."

Thomas rose from his seat, stating, "I'll relay the message to them."

At precisely half-past two in the afternoon, Martin arrived at the Cannes marina and stepped onto a pristine white luxury yacht. Under the shade of the awning on the upper deck, Karl Lagerfeld and his boyfriend, Baptiste Jabiconi, rose to greet him. Martin exchanged a firm handshake with Lagerfeld and nodded in acknowledgment of Jabiconi.

Baptiste Giabiconi, relatively obscure a year ago, had seen his career skyrocket after a chance encounter with Lagerfeld. He had since become a sought-after male model in Europe.

With humor, Martin couldn't resist commenting, "Who would've thought I'd have the privilege of meeting Julius Caesar of the fashion world in Cannes?"

Lagerfeld responded with a warm smile, "Hollywood's top post-80s actor, truly living up to your reputation!"

He continued with compliments, "Congratulations on your Oscar win and the Best Actor award at Cannes. Very few young actors like you have managed to excel in both art and commerce."

In the presence of Lagerfeld's impeccable style, Martin eloquently responded, "I've been blessed with an exceptional gift from the heavens, and my hard work has allowed it to flourish. That's the crux of it."

Lagerfeld nodded appreciatively and shifted the conversation, "What are your thoughts on Chanel No. 5?"

Martin, adopting the tone of an artist, remarked, "It's one of the most iconic fragrances for women. It has the power to awaken their souls, evoking emotions and beauty beyond the ordinary."

His words carried weight, reflecting his experiences from past lives where many women had been willing to sacrifice their souls and bodies for a bottle of Chanel No. 5.

Martin then boldly addressed the lingering question, "Chanel No. 5 has never had a male spokesperson in the past. May I ask why you've chosen me, Mr. Lagerfeld?"

Lagerfeld responded calmly, "It might indeed seem unusual and even absurd for a man to represent the epitome of classic women's fragrance."

Martin patiently awaited Lagerfeld's explanation.

"But the essence of Chanel No. 5 is revolution, a departure from the world's conventions," Lagerfeld declared with conviction. His gaze, sharp and discerning, roamed over Martin's form. "You are a young man brimming with vitality, and time has bestowed upon you a unique mature charm. The fusion of youth and maturity within you is nothing short of captivating."

As Lagerfeld carefully studied Martin, a sense of unease crept over him, sending shivers down his spine. It was disconcerting to hear such words from a man who had a boyfriend, but Martin maintained his composure, offering only a knowing smile that exuded confidence.

Lagerfeld's praise continued, "Beneath your charming exterior lies a wild and unrestrained heart, and the masculinity you exude is bound to enchant countless women."

Martin couldn't help but feel discomforted by these words, but he maintained his stoic demeanor.

Lagerfeld emphasized, "A remarkable man like you, chosen as the face of Chanel No. 5, will convey the message that anyone would be forsaken for a chance to be associated with this fragrance. This will elevate Chanel No. 5 to legendary status."

Martin grasped the significance of Lagerfeld's proposal. In an age of information overload, even Chanel No. 5 needed to create buzz. Martin, well-versed in his dealings with luxury brands like Cartier, understood the need for cutting-edge marketing strategies.

With utmost politeness, Martin replied, "I am deeply honored by your interest."

Lagerfeld acknowledged Martin's response with a nod.

Martin continued, "However, Karl, I cannot provide you with a definitive answer at this moment. My agency and team need to thoroughly evaluate the pros and cons."

Martin had always been meticulous when it came to business dealings. The Cannes Best Actor winner had recently signed deals with five major sponsors, raking in a total of six million dollars. "I am currently engaged in commercial collaborations with several brands, and I need to consult with them," Martin explained.

Lagerfeld did not anticipate an immediate response. "Of course, Martin. We have concluded our business discussion. Let's shift our focus to something else," he proposed. "Would you be interested in a sea fishing excursion?"

Martin discreetly glanced at Bruce and Thomas before replying, "Certainly, I've never gone fishing on a luxury yacht before."

Soon, the yacht set sail from the dock, gliding smoothly into the open sea. Onboard, fishing gear was readily available, and although Martin wasn't an expert angler, he had dabbled in the past.

Before dusk, the yacht gracefully returned to the dock, and Martin bid his farewells.

Once back on the lengthy gangway, Martin climbed into the awaiting car and addressed Thomas, "You should head back to Los Angeles and discuss this matter with the agency. I'm uncertain about the potential ramifications."

Thomas, understanding the gravity of the situation, replied, "Should you decide to sign with Chanel No. 5, the impact will undoubtedly be significant. Are you concerned about potential negative consequences?"

Martin pondered the matter and replied, "If it doesn't align with my interests, I'd prefer to postpone it."

Thomas nodded in agreement. "There's no rush to make a decision. We'll monitor the situation."

Martin added, "Make sure to convey my regards to all the sponsors." With that, the trio returned to the Wuyang Hotel.

Mene called to inform them that he wouldn't be returning that night, arranging to meet them at the hotel's lobby front desk for checkout the following morning.

Early the next day, Martin and his companions parted ways with David Fincher and Thomas, embarking on a journey to Paris and onward to Morocco, where they would reunite with the Nolan film crew.