Chapter 809: Chapter 809: Best Director.
On a vibrant Sunday afternoon, the golden sunset was slowly consumed by the dense jungle of Manhattan skyscrapers, casting a warm glow across the bustling city.
At the entrance of the illustrious 54th Club in New York, a swarm of paparazzi had gathered, their cameras poised and flashing incessantly. They were abuzz with anticipation, awaiting the arrival of the night's main attraction.
Word had spread that Taylor Swift and her entourage would make an appearance at the renowned club tonight. Just the previous evening, concert-goers had captured photos of Martin Davis escorting Taylor Swift and her friends into a hotel, igniting a media frenzy.
Despite knowing this might be a calculated publicity move, the paparazzi couldn't resist the lure of a potential scoop and flocked to the club.
As a sleek business car rolled to a stop in front of the 54th Club, the energy among the photographers intensified. The car door swung open, and out stepped Karlie Kloss, followed by the ever-elegant Taylor Swift, and then Martin Davis, accompanied by the dazzling Blake Lively.
The flashlights exploded in a frenzy, capturing every moment. Amidst the chaotic scene, a reporter yelled, "Martin, are you dating them all at once?"
The question hung in the air, charged with intrigue. Though it was a matter of personal privacy, Taylor, Karlie, and Blake's eyes turned to Martin, seeking his response.
With a composed smile, Martin replied, "Do you really think that's possible? We're just friends."
Security personnel swiftly intervened, creating a barrier between the eager reporters and the celebrities, allowing the quartet to make their way inside.
This was part of Taylor's well-orchestrated routine, appearing in public post-concert to keep her presence in the media alive and buzzing. Having Martin with her only amplified the effect.
Once inside, as they settled into a plush booth, Martin's gaze caught a familiar figure in the distance. It was Gisele Bündchen, her statuesque frame unmistakable even from afar. They exchanged a brief, silent acknowledgment.
Martin, now comfortably seated, ordered a round of drinks and pulled out his phone. "We're here. When will you arrive?" he asked, speaking into the receiver.
On the other end, Leonardo DiCaprio's voice replied, "Ten minutes."
Martin couldn't resist a playful jab, "You came to New York for an event and invited me out for a drink, yet you're running late. How ungentlemanly!"
Leonardo chuckled, "You brought a female companion. I'm bringing one too. It's always a hassle when women are involved."
Ending the call, Martin gestured to Karlie and Blake. "Come over here, you two. Let's all sit together. Leo and his date will be here soon."
With laughter, Karlie and Blake slid over, squeezing in next to Martin and Taylor, their spirits high as they shared a drink.
Soon enough, Leonardo made his entrance, his arm around a striking woman of distinct elegance, her skin a deep, rich black. Martin noted the unexpected sight but maintained his composure.
The evening unfolded with a blend of camaraderie, laughter, and the intoxicating allure of New York nightlife, each moment captured by the ever-watchful eyes of the media, ensuring the night would be remembered long after the last drink was poured.
Leonardo stood with a broad grin as he introduced the latest addition to their circle. "Everyone, this is Rihanna..."
Taylor immediately stepped forward, her smile widening. "We've met," she said warmly, shaking hands with Rihanna. In the entertainment world, faces and names often intersect even if personal meetings are rare.
Martin signaled for more wine and snacks to be brought to their table. As the glasses were filled, he turned to Leonardo with a teasing glint in his eye. "So, are you two an item now?"
Leonardo, never one to shy away from drama, replied with a theatrical flourish. "Absolutely. I fell head over heels for Rihanna the moment I laid eyes on her."
Martin raised an eyebrow in mild surprise but quickly composed himself. He knew Leonardo's dating history, including his high-profile relationship with Naomi Campbell.
Rihanna, eager to affirm Leonardo's words, leaned in and kissed him passionately, leaving no doubt about their relationship. Not to be outdone, Taylor grabbed Martin and pulled him into a deep, fervent kiss.
Karlie Kloss and Blake Lively, caught up in the moment, joined in, showering Martin with affection. The sight of Martin surrounded by three stunning blondes was almost too much for Leonardo, who couldn't help but feel a pang of envy.
"Alright, that's enough!" Leonardo exclaimed, feigning indignation. "You all need to tone it down a bit. We don't want this to end up all over the tabloids."
Martin, always quick with a retort, shot back, "And you and Rihanna won't make headlines?"
Rihanna wrapped her arm around Leonardo's neck, playfully tracing circles on his chest with her free hand. "Not a chance," she purred.
Leonardo shook his head, raising his glass in a mock toast. "You're a jealous bastard, Martin!"
Rihanna glanced at Taylor, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Honestly, Taylor, I'm jealous of you."
Before anyone could respond, Martin lifted his glass, rallying the group. "To this delightful evening!"
They all clinked glasses, laughter bubbling up as they savored the moment. Martin's curiosity got the better of him, and he pressed Leonardo and Rihanna for details about their whirlwind romance.
As it turned out, their story was a quintessential Hollywood affair. They'd met at a glamorous party just a few weeks prior and had quickly become inseparable.
"I believe you two might just be the epitome of a 'love at first sight' couple," Martin remarked, remembering how quickly both Rihanna and Leonardo tended to change partners.
The conversation naturally shifted to their professional lives, and Leonardo turned to Martin with a knowing smile. "So, how's your directing coming along? When can we expect your debut film?"
Taylor's eyes widened in surprise. "Martin, you're directing a movie?"
Blake Lively, never one to miss an opportunity to shine, chimed in. "Actually, I'm the leading lady."
Leonardo seized the moment to stir the pot. "Aren't you worried, Blake? Working with a first-time director could be risky. If the film flops, it could tarnish your career."
Blake, unfazed, replied with unwavering confidence. "I have no doubts. Martin is the best in the business." She turned to Taylor and Karlie, seeking their support. "Don't you both agree?"
Taylor and Karlie nodded enthusiastically, their admiration for Martin evident. The evening continued with animated discussions, each story and toast cementing the bonds of friendship and the undeniable charm of New York's nightlife.
Taylor smiled slyly, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "Absolutely, Martin is the best. I can vouch for that firsthand."
Leonardo suddenly felt a pang of inadequacy. Compared to Martin, he seemed to be lagging in both quantity and quality of achievements.
Rihanna, always perceptive, leaned in. "Being an actor and a director is a serious challenge."
Leonardo nodded, taking a sip of his drink. "It's true, but it's not unheard of in Hollywood. Plenty have made the switch, George Clooney, Mel Gibson, Clint Eastwood, to name a few. Interestingly, Mel Gibson and Clint Eastwood have both won Oscars for Best Director but never for Best Actor."
He turned to Martin, a playful glint in his eye. "You're not gunning for Best Director, are you?"
Martin shrugged, a modest smile playing on his lips. "Do you think I have what it takes to win Best Director? It's a lot tougher than acting."
Blake Lively, ever the inquisitive one, chimed in. "Has anyone in Hollywood ever won both Best Actor and Best Director?"
Martin pondered for a moment before looking at Leonardo. "I don't think so."
Leonardo furrowed his brow, deep in thought. "In the past thirty years, the closest would be Clint Eastwood and Roberto Benigni. Mel Gibson doesn't count 'Braveheart' won him Best Director, but he wasn't even nominated for Best Actor."
He continued, his passion evident. "Roberto Benigni was nominated for both Best Director and Best Actor for 'Life is Beautiful,' but he only walked away with one. And Eastwood... well, his story is the stuff of legends."
Martin saw where this was heading and cut in. "What's your point, Leo? You want me to swear an oath here and now to bring home an Oscar for Best Director?"
Leonardo pounded the table dramatically. "Dude, you need some ambition!"
A flicker of determination sparked in Martin's eyes, but he knew Leonardo was setting him up. Leonardo leaned in, eyes gleaming with challenge. "Martin, you're Leonardo DiCaprio's best friend. The members of our trio aren't just here to party. You're responsible for setting a new Hollywood and Oscar record!"
Martin wasn't about to fall into his trap. "Leo, if I remember correctly, you won Best Actor before I did. Why don't you set this new record yourself?"
Caught off guard, Leonardo stumbled over his words. "Well, you see, I'm very busy. There's always something on my plate."
Sensing the tension, Rihanna lifted her glass and smiled. "A toast to everyone."
They all clinked glasses, the camaraderie rekindled. The night carried on with laughter and shared dreams, each toast sealing their bonds of friendship and ambition.
Everyone clinked glasses once more, the sound of laughter echoing around them. But Rihanna, unfamiliar with the internal banter of the trio, looked slightly puzzled.
Martin, ever the instigator, grabbed Leonardo and gave him a playful shove. "Man, Jack has three Oscars, I've got two, and you?" He held up a single finger. "One! Just one! Whenever people ask me about the so-called century-old problem, I'm embarrassed to answer! It's humiliating!"
Leonardo's expression darkened. "That's not some century-old problem, it's just your fabricated nonsense!"
Undeterred, Martin addressed the group. "Hey, does anyone here know about the Hollywood Iron Triangle and the Oscars dilemma?"
Blake Lively jumped in, grinning. "Of course I know. It's all over Hollywood that someone is holding the Iron Triangle back..."
Taylor added, "I've heard it too."
Karlie Kloss nodded in agreement. "It's spread all over the fashion world as well."
Rihanna shrugged and looked at Leonardo with a sympathetic smile. "Sorry, love, I've heard it many times too. Can't help you here!"
With a smirk, Martin continued to rib Leonardo. "Leo, don't hold Jack and me back!"
He nudged Taylor, Karlie, and Blake with his foot, and all three women turned their gazes toward Leonardo, joining in the playful teasing. Even Rihanna couldn't help but join the chorus, adding to the pressure.
Leonardo, realizing he was on the back foot, tried to deflect. But he knew better than to challenge Martin without a solid plan. He raised his glass, returning Martin's triumphant gesture.
Leonardo thought for a moment and then proposed, "Alright, Martin, how about an internal competition? I'll win another Best Actor award, and you aim for Best Director. First one to win gets to gloat, and the loser can't refute or mock the winner in public."
Martin shook his head. "That's not fair. Let's compare Best Actor awards, first one to get a second wins."
Leonardo smirked. "Because I don't have as many tricks up my sleeve as you do. This competition is fairer."
He leaned in, squeezing Martin's shoulder. "Don't you like a fair fight?"
Martin looked him in the eye. "Leo, do you really want a fair fight?"
"Absolutely!" Leonardo felt a surge of confidence. He had managed to challenge Martin and bring him down into the pit of competition with him.
Martin chuckled darkly. "Do you know why I win every fair fight? Because I eliminate my opponents before the fight even begins."
They all burst into laughter, downing their drinks as the night continued. They polished off two bottles of wine, their camaraderie growing stronger with each passing toast.
As Rihanna excused herself to the bathroom, Martin leaned in closer to Leonardo, his voice low but dripping with mischief. "Leo, I just ran into Gisele Bündchen."
Leonardo's eyes widened slightly, but he maintained his composure, ready for whatever twist Martin had up his sleeve next. The night was far from over, and the game of wits between the two friends was only just beginning.
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