Bab 363: Chapter 363: Leonard's Determination
After finishing her busy work for the day, Emma Thomas left the studio and headed to a nearby dessert shop for a quintessential British afternoon tea.
As she entered the shop, she found Mene waiting for her.
Emma ordered a black tea and settled down at a table.
With a warm smile, Mene said, "I've ordered the cake for you, with double sugar."
Soon, the black tea and cake arrived, filling the air with a delightful aroma. Emma was in high spirits and remarked, "It's wonderful that you understand my preferences and join me. After all, afternoon tea is at its best when shared."
Mene also requested a slice of cake, saying, "Who says we can't savor the same flavors?"
He took a big bite of the sweet and rich cream cake, despite any initial discomfort.
As Emma savored most of her cake and was in great spirits, Mene picked up his teacup and said, "A cup of English black tea can always soothe my anxieties." Concerned, Emma inquired, "What's happened?"
Mene explained, "I was quite alarmed by a missing person notice sent by Leonardo. I thought the boss had disappeared, but it turns out he was just hiding in a hotel."
Emma, who had been occupied with work all day, asked, "What's the whole story?"
Mene elaborated, "Our boss locked himself in the Four Seasons Hotel to thoroughly study the role of the clown and cut off all external contact." After providing a detailed account, Mene praised, "He's incredibly dedicated. Last year, for his role in 'The Departed,' he spent time with the Boston Police and even joined detectives on raids." Under Mene's influence, Emma had grown fond of Martin. This time, she was even more impressed, saying, "Given the huge project and the pressure, choosing dependable lead actors is crucial."
Recently, Emma had been meeting with Mene quite often. It was not because of excessive stress. With $180 million invested, any unexpected setback could jeopardize her and Nolan's future.
When she discussed Martin with her husband, Nolan, on the phone, she shared, "Have you heard? Martin Davis locked himself in the Four Seasons Hotel for 20 days to deeply study the clown role. Even his close friend, Leonardo, had to file a missing person report."
Nolan acknowledged, "I've heard Orlin mention it." Despite his recent reservations about Bell, he added more objectively, "Martin Davis's dedication is nearly on par with Balel's."
Emma recalled how Bell had fluctuated in weight recently and remarked, "Bald is indeed committed, but Martin is no slouch either. Many Hollywood stars attain fame and then indulge themselves. Some other audition candidates..."
Nolan interrupted, "Let's wait to see the results of the audition. It's a significant $180 million investment."
Emma, however, was more optimistic. She said, "Martin is exceptional. He loves stirring up trouble, but his commitment is well-recognized in the industry."
Mene concurred, "My boss is extremely hardworking. When he was wanted, he even honed his marksmanship and combat skills. That's how he saved lives at Burbank High School." After their afternoon tea, Emma wrapped up her downtime and returned to the studio before heading home to Los Angeles with Nolan after work.
In the suite's living room at the Four Seasons Hotel, Martin's enthusiasm was infectious as he talked about the upcoming audition, "When someone has a crush on another person, especially someone with above-average abilities, even their flaws seem charming. It's almost as if they can justify any action!"
As he paced around, Martin's red lips held a mischievous grin. "I may not be the best actor out there, but for a massive $180 million project, the audition is the real game-changer. Fair competition is everything."
Bruce chimed in, "Because you've already put all your cards on the table."
Martin turned towards Bruce, leaning in, and said, "My dear friend, I'm just ensuring a level playing field in that audition room."
Thomas, their agent, observed Martin's antics with a mix of amusement and bewilderment, "The audition will undoubtedly be fair and square."
Martin pointed at Thomas and laughed, "See how clearly my agent sees it? I'll conquer all opponents in a just and honest audition. As for someone who won't even make it to the audition, they've left a bad impression with the crew themselves. That's not our concern."
Thomas, understanding the industry, nodded in agreement, "Makes sense! This is what auditions are all about."
Though the audition itself might last only minutes, the preparation leading up to it could span months.
Martin continued with his mischievous tone, "An audition is like a duel. The true victory comes when your opponents are vanquished even before entering the arena."
Thomas couldn't help but caution, "Are you sure you're talking about acting and not something else? Don't let this mindset consume you even before you step into the role."
Martin, as always, had a witty response, "Of course not. I'm just exploring ideas, not executing them." He then shifted the topic, asking about Lily, "How is she on set?"
Thomas answered, "She's adapting well and knows how to handle herself. Everyone on set knows she's here on Louise's recommendation. Nobody dares to mess with her."
He scratched his head and shared, "I heard from the crew that she's quite a tough character. She's even demonstrated how to handle a carving knife without causing harm."
Martin expressed his satisfaction, saying, "Impressive, she's a clever girl."
Bruce took the initiative, reassuring them, "No need to worry; Mene has already influenced key figures in several departments."
At this moment, Martin had deep admiration for Uncle Mene.
Thomas offered a reminder, "The joker audition is coming up."
Martin instructed, "Before the audition, arrange for the stylist and costumer who have signed agreements to meet."
Despite all his preparations, Martin was still giving it his all. For a project of this magnitude, no one was willing to take chances with an actor who didn't perform well in the audition.
Thomas added, "Everything is set. They'll be there on time for the audition."
Bruce inquired, "What about the others?"
After a moment of thought, Martin responded, "We'll discuss contract negotiations with Nicholson after the audition. We won't celebrate prematurely."
Thomas was curious about the discussion between Martin and Nicholson, to which Martin replied, "I'll share the details if the audition goes well. I made an agreement with Nicholson last year."
Nicholson, with time and resources to spare, was willing to engage in a game of manipulating people's emotions alongside Martin. When you have the luxury of both time and money, fun takes center stage.
With that, Thomas bid his farewells and left.
Bruce reminded Martin, "You owe a substantial favor to Leonardo and Nicholson this time."
Martin acknowledged, "I'm well aware of the debts I owe to those two rascals."
With a sudden change in tone, Martin playfully asked Bruce, "What do you think I should gift them? Two strong men in black, or perhaps a short, impoverished black woman?"
Though he knew Martin was joking, Bruce couldn't help but envision Leonardo and Nicholson's reactions, and he simply advised, "Be humane."
But Martin had an inkling of what the other two rascals might be plotting, "They're probably thinking of ways to play a prank on me, so before they get the chance, I want them to savor a bit of ground time, flying in style and enjoying the finer things in life."
In the Avalon Bar, Leonardo and Nicholson sat, enjoying their drinks.
Nicholson inquired, "Martin asked us for assistance this time. We should find a way to get something in return."
Leonardo casually spun his wine glass and mused, "How can we get back at him in a fun way?"
Nicholson leaned in and lowered his voice, "He shared some ideas with me last year. If he passes the audition and gets that role, we'll drive him crazy."
Leonardo responded, "No matter how much of a rascal Martin is, he's still our brother. At most, let's push him to his limits... among women."
Nicholson clarified, "I didn't mean it that way. Let's drive him to the brink of madness from sheer frustration."
Leonardo leaned closer, "Do you have a plan?"
Nicholson answered, "We have some initial ideas; we'll adapt them to the situation. When the time is right, we'll make Martin's life a living hell. But let him suffer in style."
Leonardo was in high spirits, patting the table, "I believe Martin will appreciate this kind of ending."
Together, these three rascals could turn the film crew upside down. Leonardo and Nicholson, when teaming up, believed they could truly torment someone.
Leonardo took a sip of his wine and suddenly remarked, "Jack, Orlando Bloom is here!"
Nicholson, experienced in such matters, placed a hand on Leonardo's arm and advised, "We're not in the business of enforcing our will anymore. Let him be for now. We'll have plenty of opportunities to have our fun in the future."
Leonardo leaned in and shared a secret, "You know, I have many connections in the modeling world. I found out that Miranda Kerr did accept Orlando Bloom's advances after last year's Victoria's Secret show and became his girlfriend." He chuckled, "It seems Martin might have found out too."
Nicholson responded, "This is typical of Martin, always pursuing other people's women."
Leonardo concurred, "That rascal Martin is quite the character." He sighed, "Ordinary women simply won't do for him. He craves extraordinary tastes."
Nicholson with a hint of relief, "Luckily, I'm not tied down with a wife or girlfriend."
Leonardo had an epiphany, "For the sake of our brotherly bond, I've decided to remain wife-free from now on!"
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone