After connecting in Atlanta, Jolie's flight continued westward, gradually approaching eastern California.
A flight attendant approached Jolie, holding out a newspaper, saying, "Ma'am, the newspaper you requested."
Jolie offered a slight nod and accepted a thick stack of American newspapers.
The flight attendant seemed a bit excited as she said, "You're an inspiration to women."
Jolie responded with a friendly smile.
Over the past three months, from June until now, Jolie had journeyed through numerous countries in the Middle East and Africa. She delivered frequent public speeches under the United Nations banner, championing freedom and democracy. During this time, she had also adopted a third child. All these efforts had finally earned her recognition and support from the American public.
As the flight attendant departed, Julie's thoughts turned to her mentor, Martin.
From the failure of "Alexander the Great" last year to her current status, Jolie had experienced significant ups and downs in her life. She credited Martin as the key to her resurgence.
Following Martin's guidance, Jolie had applied her own understanding, establishing herself as a prominent figure in America.
The initial transformation, from her previous image to a respected public figure, was now complete.
However, Jolie felt that as a student, she should be prepared to pay her teacher more than just tuition.
Yet, having witnessed the on-and-off relationship between Louise and Martin during the filming in Atlanta, Jolie couldn't help but sense instability.
Jolie also noticed that Martin had refrained from contacting Louise or Kelly Gray at that time.
Jolie was gradually losing her emotions. The bond between teacher and student alone couldn't satiate her newfound desires as she evolved into a different person.
While flipping through the newspaper, Jolie's pace slowed abruptly when she spotted a gossip report featuring a photo of Martin and Blake Lively sharing a kiss.
"Martin and Blake: Growing Together, Becoming Better Together!"
The official announcement of their relationship thrilled Jolie. She didn't even hear her child beside her trying to get her attention, reaching out to grab her. Jolie gestured to the nanny, who quickly comforted the child.
At that moment, Jolie couldn't focus on anything else.
She eagerly read on.
An interview with Martin and Blake was featured in the new issue of Entertainment Weekly.
Blake described how Martin had been her idol, hero, and best friend before they started dating. She gushed that every day with Martin felt as joyful as their first meeting.
Martin, in turn, spoke of Blake as his ideal companion, capable of making everything beautiful.
Jolie closed the newspaper and gazed out of the plane window. Los Angeles was not yet in sight, and impatience began to brew within her.
At this moment, Jolie longed to possess a magic wand to hasten their arrival in Los Angeles.
Jolie's allure to Martin had resurfaced in full force.
Thoughts of Brad Pitt crossed her mind once more, and she couldn't help but shake her head.
Nearly an hour later, the flight touched down smoothly at Los Angeles International Airport.
Jolie had already informed the media of her arrival. Upon exiting the airport terminal with her family, she was swarmed by numerous reporters, including those from the Los Angeles Times and People magazine.
After more than three months of transformation into a Madonna-like figure, Jolie had made significant strides in her style.
The prodigal had transformed into a virtuous figure, receiving widespread support from the American public.
A crowd of reporters blocked J9lie's path as she exited the terminal.
Airport security arrived to maintain order, and interviews with Jolie began.
After addressing questions regarding liberal democracy and her children, Damian, a reporter from People magazine who had arranged a prior interview with Julie, posed a loud question, "Why didn't Brad Pitt come to pick you up at the airport? He didn't accompany you to the Middle East and Africa. Is there trouble brewing between you?"
Jolie replied solemnly, "I've chosen to let go of that relationship and remain friends with Brad. Brad is a good man who loves children and family. Both he and I have invested significantly in this relationship." She even alluded to moments when she had called Pete during business engagements with Martin: "However, this journey to the Middle East and Africa made me realize that there's more to life than just love. There are many things more important than love." Jolie extended her hand, and the nanny handed her the newly adopted third child. She continued, "Things like children, peace, democracy, and freedom. From now on, I'll dedicate more of my limited energy to charity work and advocating for the rights and well-being of refugees worldwide."
She proclaimed loudly, "No one is born a refugee!"
Silence descended upon the area, but Damian was the first to applaud, and soon, the surrounding reporters joined in, clapping in support of Jolie's decision.
"Thank you," Jolie said, and she boarded the commercial vehicle that had come to pick up the crew from the airport, along with her family.
Others followed suit, piling into the cars behind.
As the vehicle set off, Jolie turned her attention back to the reporters trailing behind her. Her mentor, Martin, had charted an impressive path of development for her.
She pulled out her mobile phone, found Martin's number, and dialed. "I'm back."
Martin, somewhat puzzled, responded, "Congratulations on completing your transformation."
Jolie glanced at her three children and then handed the phone to the nanny, saying, "I want to meet you."
Martin replied, "It's not convenient right now. I'm helping someone move."
Jolie immediately suspected the truth. "Is it Blake Lively moving in with you?"
"At the age of eighteen, she's reached the point where she should leave home and become independent, but she had nowhere to go," Martin explained. "I had to take her in."
Jolie, with excitement in her voice, asked, "You got a new place? Is it spacious? I'll come visit you, you know, help her settle in... or not disturb you, she can join if she wants, just this once!"
Martin, an honest man, couldn't be swayed by Jolie's suggestion. "Don't be ridiculous. I have a good relationship with her, and I intend to support her fully."
Jolie, not one to give up easily, replied, "You and she are busy moving today, so I won't bother you. Just wait for me."
In Burbank, Martin hung up the phone and placed it on the armrest of the Escalade. He glanced behind him and noticed at least two cars and three motorcycles following.
He asked Bruce, "Did you inform them? Why are there so few paparazzi here?"
Bruce navigated into a gated community and explained, "Most people know that Blake is moving in with you. Plus, the most valuable photos will be when she's carrying her luggage into the house with you. Most of them are waiting at Coty Community."
Martin received a text message from Thomas about Jolie and quickly read it. He commented, "Jolie's arrival will grab the entertainment headlines as soon as she's back. Since I'm the lead in Wanted, I can't let her steal all the spotlight."
Bruce added, "She's a popular actress, and her presence will attract more attention to Wanted."
Martin nodded, "That's a good thing for us."
Numerous cases in Hollywood have proven that an increase in the exposure of the lead actors on the eve of a movie's release can effectively boost the box office, as long as it doesn't involve scandal.
The Escalade stopped in front of an independent villa. Martin exited the car, glanced around, and could tell that many reporters and paparazzi were following him.
He asked, "Have you alerted the media? Why are there so few paparazzi?"
Bruce turned into the driveway of the villa and said, "Most people know Blake is moving in with you. The most valuable photos are of her carrying her luggage into the house with you. Most of them are waiting at the Cotis Community."
Martin's cell phone rang, but it was a text message from Thomas about Jolie. He read it quickly and said, "As soon as Jolie comes back, she will grab entertainment headlines. I am the leading actor of Wanted, so I cannot let her take away all the fun."
Bruce said, "She is a popular heroine and can attract many people to watch Wanted."
Martin nodded, "This is also a good thing for us."
As the Escalade pulled into the driveway, reporters and paparazzi started snapping pictures. Martin quickly approached Blake Lively, who was carrying a suitcase, and shielded her face with his body, as if trying to prevent the photographers from taking photos.
However, this didn't deter the paparazzi and reporters; in fact, it seemed to excite them even more, causing a frenzy of camera shutters clicking.
Martin placed their suitcases and a backpack into the Escalade's trunk. He turned to Blake and said, "Get in the car."
Blake smiled at him and entered the back seat of the car. Eric, Blake's brother, stood in front of the car door.
Martin asked, "Is there something wrong?"
Eric pointed at Martin and warned, "Be good to her, or you'll have to answer to me!"
Martin nodded, "I will."
Blake didn't appreciate her brother's stern warning and added, "You better find a gym to work out in."
Eric opened the door for her, and she got in.
As the Escalade drove away, at least two cars and three motorcycles continued to follow behind, capturing every moment.
Blake looked back and said, "This is fun. I find it quite interesting."
Some people crumble under the spotlight's pressure, while others seem born to thrive in it. Blake appeared to be the latter.
When the car entered the Cotis Community and stopped in front of Martin's house, paparazzi and reporters swarmed, snapping photos of the Escalade.
Bruce and Martin had a strong sense of professional ethics. While they ensured their own privacy, they also accommodated the reporters.
Bruce exited the car first and opened a small gate.
Martin and Blake stepped out from both sides, each carrying a suitcase, and walked side by side toward the entrance. Even from a distance, the sound of camera shutters filled the air.
The suitcases seemed quite heavy, causing them to walk slowly, almost like they were on a red carpet. During this process, Martin paused, took Blake's backpack, and slung it over his shoulders.
This move was met with more camera flashes and clicking sounds.
In fact, many reporters were supportive of Martin and Blake, allowing them to take pictures and even giving them thumbs up.
The couple who had saved the beauty were now officially living together, making their photos all the more valuable.
After a while of posing for photos, Martin guided Blake into the house. As the small iron gate closed, many reporters and paparazzi started to leave.
Some less determined ones remained, lurking from a distance.
Luckily, the homes in the Cotis Community were spaced far enough apart that this commotion didn't disturb the neighbors too much.
Entering the living room, Blake noticed that Bruce was heading towards the guest house. She asked, "Martin, I'm moving in with you, but I don't have money to pay rent. What should I do?"
Martin gazed at Blake's fit physique and replied, "You're a resourceful girl. I believe you'll find a way."
Blake grinned and suggested, "How about paying with a kiss each day? Treat it as my rent?"
Martin, being a good-hearted man, couldn't refuse and agreed, "Alright. Then let's settle the rent' first; otherwise, I won't be able to concentrate on my work."
Blake's eyes twinkled as she said, "Then let me pay today's '