Chương 764: Chapter 764: Commemorating Love
As Brandon meticulously packed his belongings, the weight of his expulsion from the crew at Hilton Garden Hotel settled heavily on his shoulders. He trailed his agent out of the lobby, resigned to the prospect of downgrading to a budget motel.
As they slipped into the car, the agent, a steadfast companion through both professional and personal challenges, broached the grim reality. "The media's buzzing, and 'The City' crew made it official. It's going to be tough landing significant gigs after this."
Brandon's expression mirrored his shattered spirit. "I feel like a withered plant," he mumbled.
The agent, knowing Brandon's worth in the industry, refused to let despair consume them both. "Big productions shouldn't be so quick to judge. Don't disregard smaller gigs. They're your lifeline now."
With a half-hearted nod, Brandon replied, "I get it."
As the car edged out of the parking lot, the agent couldn't stifle his curiosity. "Is there more to this mess than meets the eye?"
Brandon's face, etched with both defeat and frustration, revealed a hint of resignation. "No, really. I was just... lost in my thoughts. It was a mistake, a stupid one."
Though skeptical, the agent let the matter rest. But Brandon's desperation was palpable. "Why won't you believe me? It was an honest error, I swear."
Meanwhile, a nondescript Toyota tailed them discreetly, its occupants silently observing their every move until they reached a nondescript suburban motel.
...
In a makeshift bar within the photo studio, the scene was set for drama. Blake Lively, adorned in provocative attire and heavy makeup, engaged in banter with Martin.
Cameras captured their interaction from various angles, focusing on Blake's radiant demeanor. She draped an arm over Martin's shoulder, leaning in with a suggestive tone. "Feeling adventurous?"
Martin, nonchalant yet intrigued, signaled the bartender. "Get her a Long Island Ice Tea."
Blake wriggled closer, her gaze smoldering. "Exercise, huh?"
Martin slid a wad of bills into her cleavage. "Indeed, I did."
But Blake, with a coy smile, pushed the money back. "No, you didn't. I'm just here for the cigar."
Martin, unfazed, countered, "You'll need one with a filter."
With a mischievous grin, Blake replied, "I prefer them unfiltered."
Jeremy Renner approached from behind, enveloping Martin in a bear hug with one arm and pulling Blake Lively into the embrace with the other, his laughter echoing through the studio. "Let's share a drink, shall we?"
Martin extricated himself gently, a hint of obligation in his tone. "I've got some unfinished business."
"Hold on! We're done for now!" Director Villeneuve's authoritative voice cut through the chatter. "The actors need a forty-minute break."
Blake Lively, momentarily lost in thought, regained her composure and looped her arm through Martin's. "Let's catch up in the lounge."
Having arrived just that morning to join the afternoon shoot, Martin glanced at her briefly. "Been hitting the gym lately? You look great."
"Thanks," Blake replied with a deliberate wink. "Had to shed a few pounds to fit into that cramped room you mentioned last time."
Martin shrugged. "It's more spacious now."
Jeremy Renner, standing nearby, couldn't hide his envy. Among the crew lodging at the Hilton Garden Inn, Martin was known for his transparency, giving them glimpses into his personal life.
As one set of sisters departed, another Queen S arrived.
"I recall, didn't you two split?" Jeremy Renner, having grown close to Martin, teased. "Back together?"
Martin shook his head. "Just friends now."
Blake, overhearing, chimed in. "Who says exes can't share a friendly moment to reminisce and celebrate past love?"
Jeremy furrowed his brow. "Is that even a thing?"
"Absolutely," Martin chimed in, his tone light. "It's therapeutic, trust me."
Jeremy scratched his head. "I've only heard of post-breakup rebounds...in bed, not this commemoration stuff."
"It's my invention," Blake declared proudly. "What do you think? Fun, right?"
Martin clapped Jeremy on the back. "Give it a shot if you run into your ex. Worst case, you'll get an earful."
Jeremy's expression turned solemn. "I'd rather never see my ex Jesse again. She's a nightmare."
The trio made their way to the lounge together.
Just then, as the studio doors swung open, a field manager ushered in a visiting team.
Among them, shorter in stature but oozing confidence, was Scarlett Johansson. Despite her petite frame, her curves rivaled Blake's, her presence unmistakable. Martin's eyes widened in recognition: Scarlett Johansson!
Jeremy Renner approached with a grin. "Fancy seeing you make time for a visit."
Scarlett Johansson returned the smile. "The Avengers had a gig in Boston, and with everyone tied up, Marvel sent me off. Figured I'd swing by and say hi."
After a gentle hug exchanged between Scarlett and Jeremy, she turned to Martin with a warm greeting. "Hey, Martin, been too long."
Martin gestured for her to take a seat, introducing her to Blake Lively.
Scarlett's attention seemed to gravitate more toward Martin than her former Avengers comrade. As they chatted, she delved into nostalgia, prompting Martin, with a distant gaze, to reminisce. "We met on the beach of a private villa in Malibu during the first season of 'Entourage.' You were playing yourself, and I was... well, a sand sculpture."
Scarlett chuckled. "I can't believe you remember that."
"Of course," Martin replied earnestly. "I had a friend who was a huge fan of yours back then. I even borrowed a Polaroid camera to snap a few shots of you. Still have them. I was hoping you'd sign one."
Scarlett struggled to recall. "It vaguely rings a bell."
"What year was it?" Martin inquired.
"I think it was the end of 2004," Scarlett recalled.
"2004 indeed," Blake, a product of Hollywood herself, interjected. "Eight years have flown by. Who knew you two go way back?"
Scarlett, seasoned by her stint as a child star, caught the subtle undertone in Blake's words. "Back then, I was sort of the poster child for Hollywood actors born in the '80s. Even Martin couldn't resist asking for an autograph."
Despite the setbacks from "Escape from Clone Island," Scarlett's career found new life through Marvel's superhero ventures. In terms of celebrity status, Blake couldn't hold a candle to her.
Navigating a conversation between two blonde bombshells known for their allure was bound to be tricky. Martin, preferring to avoid any potential drama on set, steered the topic toward safer waters. "Any word from Marvel about a standalone 'Black Widow' flick?"
Scarlett shook her head. "Not yet. Seems they're still skeptical about a female superhero carrying a blockbuster solo."
Martin shook his head with a tinge of regret. "Such a shame, your portrayal of Agent Romanoff in 'Iron Man 2' was the standout moment."
He gestured animatedly. "Especially that fight scene, it was electrifying."
Blake noticed Martin's discomfort with the topic and chimed in, attempting to lighten the mood. "Oh yeah, the male fans were mesmerized. The Widow's moves had them watching on repeat."
Subconsciously, Scarlett straightened her posture, a hint of pride in her expression.
But unable to resist dropping a bombshell, Jeremy Renner interjected, "Because those male fans didn't realize those sultry fights were mostly performed by a stunt double."
Martin's memory was jogged by the gossip he'd heard.
Blake, always eager for gossip, pressed for details. "What's the scoop?"
"Scarlett's close-up shots as Agent Romanoff were the real deal," Jeremy admitted candidly. "But the action scenes? Mostly a male stunt double."
Blake burst into laughter, leaning on Martin's shoulder. "So those fantasies were actually about a guy?"
Martin turned to Scarlett, seeking confirmation. "Is that true?"
Scarlett shrugged. "I wanted to do the stunts myself, but some moves were beyond my skill set."
"These are minor details," Jeremy added. "Wait till the DVD extras for the behind-the-scenes scoop."
"And remember that factory scene where Agent Romanoff gets kidnapped?" Jeremy continued. "Aside from the close-ups, that was also the stunt double."
"If I get the chance, I'll hire a female stunt double," Martin mused. "It'd make headlines."
Scarlett nodded in agreement. "Finding skilled female stunt doubles is a challenge. The few who can match the requirements often lack the femininity to appeal to audiences."
"Thankfully, I stuck to acting," Blake quipped. "I'd be wiped out if I had to do all those stunts."
The quartet chatted until it was time for filming to resume.
As they prepared to head back to set, Jeremy made a proposition. "Let's grab dinner together after we wrap up today. My treat."
Scarlett readily agreed, and Martin and Blake nodded in agreement.
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