Chapter 288: Chapter 288: Almost Died
At JFK Airport in New York, most of the crew found themselves meandering through the terminal, gripped by boredom while awaiting an improvement in the weather.
A sudden heavy downpour had led to widespread flight delays, leaving the crew's chartered flight temporarily grounded.
Martin stood by the window, where raindrops incessantly drummed against the glass. The Boeing passenger plane just a short distance away was barely visible due to the dense rain.
Bruce approached with a bottle of water.
Martin accepted it, opened it, took a sip, and quipped, "Only those civilian pilots from the polar bear family dare to take off in such dreadful weather, right?"
Bruce shrugged and replied in a typical American tone, "Who knows? They might go crazy and start drinking antifreeze."
Chad, concerned about the rain, hurried over and mumbled, "When will this rain stop?"
Martin inquired, "Is my girlfriend waiting for you in Los Angeles?"
Chad clarified, "I'm single, no girlfriend. Remember Marcus we met at Kane's Angel Shooting Club?"
The name jogged Martin's memory. After a moment's recollection, he said, "The soldier who served in Afghanistan?"
Chad nodded, "Yes, that's him. Marcus has a keen interest in the film industry and wants to transition into a stuntman and action director after retiring. We've stayed in touch."
He paused briefly before continuing, "In December, I lost contact with him. I reached out to others, and only last week did I learn that the SEAL team Marcus was a part of was ambushed during a mission, and he was the sole survivor."
Bruce added, "He's fortunate. What's the use of being alive in a forsaken place like Afghanistan? They're all tough as nails."
Martin remained indifferent to the life and death of the SEAL team.
Chad elaborated, "Marcus retired from the military and decided to settle in Los Angeles. He's experienced a lot of psychological trauma. I had plans to meet up with him as soon as we landed."
Martin reassured him, "Don't worry, this kind of severe weather usually passes as quickly as it comes."
After nearly two hours of waiting, the crew finally boarded their charter flight back to Los Angeles.
Martin requested a blanket and settled in for some sleep.
Meanwhile, Bruce and Chad engaged in conversation about their experiences in Afghanistan.
Returning from the cold and damp atmosphere of New York to the sunny climate of Los Angeles, the crew's spirits were inexplicably lifted.
This was especially true when a blonde beauty with a stunning figure dashed over, pleading for a hug, making everyone feel even better.
After a passionate kiss, Martin and Bruce hopped into Blake's Mercedes-Benz G.
As Bruce drove them back to the Cotis community, Martin and Blake gathered their belongings from the car just as the doorbell rang.
Bruce answered the door and found their next-door neighbor, Jenna, waiting outside.
Jenna, with her blonde hair tied in a ponytail, greeted Bruce with a smile, "Hello, Bruce." She peered inside the house, asking, "Is Martin back? I've visited a few times, but he was never home. I heard some commotion today..."
She gestured towards the house, "I've visited a few times."
Blake interjected, "Come in, let's chat."
Jenna looked at Blake's well-toned figure and inquired, "What's with you, Blake? Are you into working out?"
Blake led Jenna inside and explained as they walked, "It's a combination of genetics and training. I've been a cheerleader since sixth grade, so I've always been active."
Martin invited Jenna, "Would you like to stay a while in the living room?"
Jenna declined, "No, I'm headed to San Francisco Valley right away." She retrieved a square box from her shoulder bag, saying, "I have a sample of the 'Wanted' poster. What do you think is the best choice? Since I know this series, I sent you a sample to help review if there are any improvements needed."
Martin took it and handed it to Blake, expressing gratitude, "You're very considerate."
Jenna smiled and replied, "It's no trouble. I can't secure the rights for the remake, so I can't capitalize on the popularity of 'Wanted.' But when the film is ready, I'd like you to see it first. I know you weren't at home during my previous visits."
Martin kindly assured, "I'll definitely watch it."
Jenna quickly added, "I'm off, but we'll catch up later."
After seeing Jenna off, Martin and Blake carried their luggage into the villa. Lao Bu took a look and went straight to the annex.
Once their luggage was in place, Blake couldn't resist opening the square gift box. As expected, it contained a beautifully packaged CD.
It was the "Wanted" version from San Francisco Valley!
The cover prominently featured the heroine, Jenna.
Blake, being only 18 years old, couldn't help but wonder, "Who ack for help, to research this kind of film?"
Martin took the CD and placed it on the coffee table, saying, "I'll show it to Bruce later."
Curiosity got the better of Blake, "What if we take a peek?"
Martin led him upstairs, "Let's watch it in the bedroom."
The following morning, after breakfast, Blake headed to Burbank for an accent class to practice his New York accent.
Martin and Bruce hopped into the Escalade and left the house.
Upon turning onto the road, Bruce spotted Mr. and Mrs. Jones strolling nearby.
Mr. Jones waved them over, prompting Martin to ask Bruce to halt the car. Martin exited the vehicle, greeted them, and inquired, "Is there something you need?"
Mr. Jones smiled, "Jenna sent a sample to you. Are you prepared?"
Martin nodded, "It arrived yesterday."
Mr. Jones expressed great concern about his daughter's new project and inquired, "How's the filming going? Is it proceeding well?"
This question placed Martin in an awkward position. He contemplated several ways to respond, but each one seemed uncomfortable.
However, Mr. Jones appeared unperturbed. He approached the matter with utmost seriousness, as though discussing a profound artistic subject.
"This is an art form!" Martin silently reminded himself and replied, "The filming is progressing splendidly; it's a masterpiece. I believe Jenna has a chance to win a major award this year."
Mr. Jones beamed with satisfaction, remarking, "If she indeed wins a major award, it would be considered a masterpiece. We would have made a significant achievement."
Martin decided to conclude their conversation, saying, "I have some matters to attend to. We can continue our discussion when we have more time."
Mr. Jones proposed, "When Jenna returns, I'll invite you, Bruce, and Blake for a gathering at my place. We'll have tea, and you can offer your professional insights on the film."
Martin waved a hand and hastily entered his car. Bruce stepped on the accelerator, quickly distancing them from the scene.
Bruce inquired, "How did your research go?"
Martin responded solemnly, "Challenging a single opponent can be difficult, but it becomes significantly easier in other respects."
Bruce muttered, "When can I challenge two opponents?"
Martin couldn't be bothered with this question and pulled out his phone to call Leonardo. "I'm back in Los Angeles. Where are you? Let's catch up!"
Leonardo, sounding rushed, replied, "I just found out that old Jack is in the hospital. I'm on my way to see him."
Martin raised his voice in concern, "What happened to him?"
Leonardo explained, "I'm not sure. He's at the University of California Medical Center. Come over when you have time."
Martin instructed Bruce, "Head to the University of California Medical Center!" He then told Leonardo over the phone, "I'll be there shortly."
The trio of troublemakers wasn't becoming a duo. Was there more to this?
Martin rushed to the medical center, found Nicholson's ward, and entered to find Leonardo already there.
Nicholson lay on the hospital bed, appearing quite fatigued.
Martin lowered his voice, asking, "What's happened?"
Leonardo, with a serious expression, pointed at Martin and declared, "It's because of you!"
Confused, Martin inquired further.
Nicholson elaborated, "Yes, it's because of you. I took that magic potion you gave me, and it nearly killed me."
Staring at Nicholson and then at Leonardo, Martin was baffled. "How could this happen?"
However, he sensed something was amiss with Leonardo, who seemed off. Martin took two steps back, his hands trembling, and his voice quivering, "How could this happen?"
Leonardo frowned and scolded, "You, think of a way to make amends!"
Nicholson shook his head and teased Leonardo, "You're too cruel, with so many shortcomings."
Leonardo hadn't even begun to speak, but Martin swiftly approached, embraced him by the neck, and inquired, "Have you tried it?"
Nicholson perked up, saying, "He's a coward and wouldn't dare."
Leonardo pointed at Nicholson, attempting to retort, but Martin had already grabbed him by the neck, exclaiming, "Your legendary three-hit combo is out; I can't believe your acting skills are so pitiful!"
Ignoring Leonardo, Martin addressed Nicholson, "Why are you in the hospital? Did you overindulge at a carnival party?"
Jack Nicholson explained, "It was a basketball game. The referee was targeting the Lakers, and I kept yelling behind him to be fair. He took it too far..."
Martin quickly reassured him, "Calm down, calm down."
Nicholson continued, "I got so angry that my blood pressure shot up, and my heart started acting up. But it's nothing serious."
Leonardo chimed in, "You're the Lakers' mascot, Nicholson. If you berate the referee, he can't do anything to you as a spectator. He can only take it out on the team."
However, Nicholson retorted, "You don't know much about basketball; you don't understand it."
Leonardo shrugged, giving up on further discussion.
Martin advised Nicholson, "Rest up and don't worry too much."
When Nicholson couldn't find himself listening, Martin resorted to humor, "You don't want to be stuck watching as Leo and I have fun in the future, do you?"
Nicholson vehemently opposed, "Absolutely not! I'm going to fight for another ten years. I want to take revenge on Naomi Campbell!"
Leonardo chuckled, "Martin, you rascal, you've still got things to do!"
Nicholson dismissed them, "You two rascals, leave and don't disturb my rest."
Martin consoled him, "Have a good rest. Call Leo or me if you need anything."
Leonardo added, "The three rascals will be awaiting your recovery."
Nicholson seemed irritated, "I have a minor issue, and you're making it sound like I'm on my deathbed."
Leonardo ushered Martin out of the ward.
Martin proposed, "How about we find a place to have a drink and chat?"
Leonardo agreed, "Let's go."
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