Chapter 240: What Goes Around Comes Around

In the studio, Martin found solace with his eyes closed, seeking relaxation. Bruce, the prop master, efficiently inspected all the props. As he passed by, he whispered a reminder audible only to them, "Be cautious with the ashtray."

Martin's gaze shifted to the glass ashtray on the desk, committing the reminder to memory.

Across the room, Matt Damon engaged in a unique ritual, spinning in circles to prepare himself mentally.

The upcoming scene to be filmed involved a physical confrontation between Colin and Ding Konan after Kuinan's murder by a gangster.

Damon opened his eyes, frowning when he spotted Martin across from him.

Despite his lack of interaction with Martin since the latter initiated conversation on set, the animosity in Damon's heart hadn't dissipated.

Sometimes, it doesn't take much to harbor dislike for someone.

The two were about to film a physical altercation scene.

As Damon's eyes drifted across his handsome opponent's face, an urge to strike him arose.

Recalling his extensive training for the Bourne films, Damon's eyes involuntarily darted towards the ashtray on his desk.

Suddenly, Damon felt uneasy, then noticed Martin gazing at him with an inexplicable grin on his face.

That smile evoked memories of a video Damon had seen, where Martin triumphed over a fierce gunman, shattering glass Coke bottles over the man's head.

Promptly, Damon abandoned those unwelcome thoughts.

After all, it was just a role, nothing more.

The crew was ready, and following the script, filming commenced.

A heated argument unfolded between Martin and Matt Damon. Damon took the initiative, turning the argument into a brawl. Seven or eight actors intervened to separate the two, with Mene, portraying Colin's black police officer, stepping forward to push Damon away.

The two were pulled apart and subjected to punches and kicks, making it appear as though they were genuine adversaries.

"Cut, that's a wrap!" Scorsese applauded. "Both of you did an excellent job."

Martin adjusted his costume, glanced at Damon, and left the scene.

Mene followed, saying, "Boss..."

Martin waved him off, saying, "As usual, keep an eye on him."

Mene nodded and walked away.

With the crew transitioning to the next scene, there was an extended break. Bruce approached Martin, handing him his phone and mentioning, "Blake."

In a quieter area, Martin called Blake Lively. "I was just filming."

Blake cut to the chase, asking, "Can you make it back to Los Angeles for my birthday?"

Martin, a stickler for his principles, recognized the limitations of reality. "The crew's schedule is quite tight, and arranging leave isn't feasible. You know I can't easily break my three nos principle."

Though Blake sounded slightly disappointed, she hid it in her voice. "It's alright, I'll come to New York to see you."

Martin noticed Leonardo quietly approaching and told Blake, "I'm waiting for you. Something's come up here; we'll talk later."

As Martin ended the call, Leonardo inquired curiously, "Which supermodel are you planning to establish a long-term relationship with?"

Martin denied it, saying, "No, it's not like that. It's for a friend who's turning 18 soon. Help me think of a suitable gift."

Leonardo considered for a moment and suggested, "Turning 18! So you have a secret one hidden away, huh? Well, personal advice, if she's not yet an adult, the best gift is helping her transition into one."

Martin handed the phone to Old Bu, saying, "Leo, let's be serious."

Leonardo feigned surprise, "Really? You, a ladies' man, want a serious relationship?"

Martin wasn't amused, retorting, "I've had fewer affairs than you, so don't call me a ladies' man."

Leonardo suddenly had an idea, maintaining a straight face as he offered genuine advice, "If she's in the industry, luxury gifts are the way to go—the more expensive, the better. Trust me; I'm an authority on this." Martin knew that Leonardo had been embroiled in numerous scandals since he was sixteen.

"As for an unforgettable coming-of-age celebration, aside from helping her become an adult, consider a special ceremony or event. After all, you're a prominent figure." Leonardo's words were sincere, "Since you can't make it back, why not throw a party in New York? Jack and I will assist, and you can personally invite Scorsese. This way, she'll have both gifts and prestige, making it even more splendid." He lowered his voice, "It's how I won over Gisele. Do you know who I snatched her from? Football superstar Ronaldo! The courting ritual I performed made her famous enough in the first two years to turn a blind eye to my scandals." In the end, Martin heard him and said, "I'm not well-connected in New York."

Leonardo assured him, "I'll introduce you to an event planning company; they can make it happen for $50,000."

With money and confidence, Martin was now reassured. "Alright."

Apart from his Coca-Cola endorsement, compensation from the News of the World, and the Hilton Hotel's reimbursement, half of his $1 million upfront salary for "Wanted" and $1 million from "The Departed" had already been received.

Both expenses and investments were tax-deductible. As Martin began to accumulate wealth, he ventured into stocks, in addition to his real estate and vehicles.

During his previous life, Martin had been part of a relatively closed performance circle, where people were so engrossed in the dream of stardom that they couldn't see beyond it. In this era, their minds were fixated on Apple, and little else.

Some actresses were even willing to travel great distances to Jiangling for a kidney transplant.

Leonardo chimed in, asking, "Could you tell me who she is? I'm quite curious about the woman who could make a scoundrel like you stop..."

Martin had no reservations, answering, "Blake Lively, the leading lady from 'The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants.'"

Leonardo sighed and shook his head, "You move fast..."

Blonde hair, long legs, and a figure sexier than a model were also right up Leonardo's alley. He suspected that with Martin's notoriety, something might have happened during the filming of the movie.

As the crew completed transition adjustments, Martin returned to continue shooting.

Leonardo sought out Nicholson, observed him carefully, and whispered, "I just got news that a girl Martin is pursuing will be coming to New York soon..."

He shared what he knew.

Nicholson responded straightforwardly, "With such a great opportunity, we'd be doing a disservice to God if we didn't mess with Martin!"

Leonardo agreed, saying, "I feel the same way. He always quietly pranks us, and we can only watch..."

Nicholson considered their options, asking, "So, what's the plan?"

"Do you remember the banner you pulled?" Leonardo recalled the celebratory slogan under the sun umbrella, saying, "You told me it was made by some miscreant on Martin's behalf."

Nicholson nodded, revealing, "Martin made it himself using equipment borrowed from the prop team."

Leonardo proposed, "Excellent, then we should also help him pull off a banner to celebrate him."

"That scoundrel needs to pay the price," Nicholson stated with a wicked grin.

Leonardo concurred, "This scoundrel must indeed pay the price."

After confirming Blake's arrival time, Martin sent formal party invitations to the key crew members, including director Scorsese, and even purchased a Cartier women's watch as a lucky draw prize. The party planning company provided several options for Martin to choose from.

Exiting the party planning company, Bruce drove them back to the hotel. "You've changed," he noted.

Martin knew what the old man meant. "Without money, you live a modest life. Only with money can you truly enjoy life," he replied. His tone then shifted abruptly. "You've taken commissions from me, and when it's time to spend, you must be generous and strive to reap the rewards as quickly as possible."

Bruce, surprisingly, asked, "Isn't this ethically questionable?"

Martin retorted, "Since when did you, a scoundrel, become moral?"

Bruce argued sincerely, "My plan is to first satisfy Kim, then break up with Kim, and then establish a meaningful relationship with Khloe."

Martin realized he had overestimated Bruce's moral fiber.

Bruce continued, "I heard Khloe mention something. She and Kim have a half-sister."

Martin raised his middle finger and placed it right in front of Bruce's eyes, saying, "You've completely lost your humanity!"

Bruce defended himself, "I'm just stating an objective fact; I'm not doing anything."

Martin regarded him with utter contempt.

...

In Manhattan, inside an ordinary Starbucks, Leonardo met Alessandro Ambrosio.

"You were absent from Heidi's wedding," she remarked directly. "We were quite upset."

Leonardo responded, "How is that my fault? You can't blame me for someone else's absence. Martin was supposed to be there."

Ambrosio crossed her arms and explained, "We had made elaborate plans, hoping for a wild time like the bachelor party, but no one showed up."

Leonardo asserted, "It's all Martin's fault! Jack and I warned him, but he chickened out, fearing that Heidi's husband would find out..."

Ambrosio added, "Heidi's wedding day wasn't the safest time, and she was willing to take the risk, so she wasn't pleased either."

Having been connected to the modeling industry for many years, Leonardo had seen plenty of peculiarities. He wasn't surprised by this and said, "My expectations were dashed."

Ambrosio commiserated, "I had high hopes too, but they were in vain."

"If only you had a chance to mess with that scoundrel Martin..." Leonardo mused and then asked, "Would you be interested?"

Ambrosio was taken aback but replied enthusiastically, "Of course! I can tell you for sure that aside from Heidi, who's on her honeymoon in the Caribbean and won't be back, I can round up at least seven people."

Curious, she inquired, "Did you come up with this idea?"

Leonardo replied, "No, it was Martin's idea."

Ambrosio didn't quite grasp the concept.

Leonardo clarified, "When I broke up with Gisele, he used this method to mess with me!"

Ambrosio's focus shifted, and she exclaimed, "That must have been quite the spectacle."

Leonardo asserted, "The entire crew was talking about it, so I won't let that scoundrel off easily."

Ambrosio agreed, "Alright, let's book a hotel room first. When the party's about to begin, you can give us a call, and we'll rush over. It's bound to be a blast."

Leonardo provided her with the time and location before leaving the coffee shop.

Ambrosio hurried back, already making calls on her way.