"Whenever I think of my wife, I always think of her brain."
This sentence marked the beginning of the manuscript that Martin laid his eyes on. The perspective shifted to the male protagonist in subsequent descriptions.
The title of the manuscript, "Gone Girl," revealed a book within the book, featuring the heroine as the protagonist of an illustrated serial novel titled "Amazing Amy."
Martin swiftly confirmed this as David Fincher's "Gone Girl," a film he was familiar with from his past life.
Gillian patiently awaited Martin's feedback on her work.
From the moment she discussed creativity with Martin, Gillian had strategic plans. The previously introduced "Dark Fields" had been successfully adapted into a movie, grossing nearly $400 million globally, propelling its original author, Alan Glien, into Hollywood stardom.
Gillian's ascent surpassed even Alan Green's achievements.
Marriage and divorce reshaped Gillian's fate, and now she saw her work and collaboration with Martin as the keys to further change.
Having carefully studied Martin's preferred style, Gillian crafted a novel with a dark, intriguing theme, rich in twists and turns.
After a quick perusal, Martin laid down the printed document.
With a hopeful tone, Gillian asked, "Martin, how did I do?"
Martin, always direct, stated, "The plot is compelling, though it diverges from Hollywood's mainstream."
Gillian chuckled sheepishly, acknowledging, "Sometimes, I feel the theme and human nature are too dark."
Yet, she held to her writer's conviction, adding, "I believe even the most intimate lovers harbor chilling secrets, kept deep within or surfacing unexpectedly, turning it into something terrifying."
Aware of Gillian's divorce, Martin recognized the eerie chill and dark humor as the work's most charming aspects.
Despite the gloomy atmosphere and vividly written violence, the work remained thrilling, interesting, and humorous.
Expressing genuine appreciation, Martin admitted, "I also appreciate the thrilling and dark style." He proposed, "Gillian, as old friends, with 'Limitless' originating from your introduction, I suggest Davis Studio invest in acquiring the film and television adaptation rights. We'll also allocate resources for its promotion and widespread distribution."
Unspoken was the fact that Martin didn't need to consult Ben Affleck about this decision.
Having anticipated this moment, Gillian readily agreed, "I'm willing to cooperate with Davis Studio. Adapting the work into a movie has always been my dream."
Martin cautioned, "You'll have to wait until you finish writing, and the novel is published. The adaptation may take several years after hitting the market."
Understanding the industry well as an "Entertainment Weekly" reporter, Gillian assured, "No problem. I promise to complete the remaining parts of the novel within a year."
Martin concluded, "Have your agent contact my studio for negotiations."
Gillian nodded, "I'll call my agent when I get back."
As a Writers Guild member, she relied on the association to recommend suitable agents and protect her interests.
Having left a portion of the manuscript behind, Gillian returned home jubilantly, opened a bottle of champagne, and celebrated her long-awaited moment.
From her second-floor vantage point, she gazed at Martin's house across the road, sighing that destiny had finally shifted in her favor.
Putting away the manuscript, Martin called Jessica to explain, arranging for someone to deliver the manuscript to her the next day.
Lily, having packed her belongings, descended the stairs and inquired, "What's the plan for dinner?"
Martin checked the time and said, "You can find a place to eat. Bruce and I have an appointment in the evening." He emphasized, "Go back to your dormitory tonight. Stay there."
Lily pouted, dissatisfied: "I have to secretly bring a woman back."
"What do you mean secretly? I do it openly!" Martin grabbed the car keys and walked out. "Elizabeth is my public girlfriend."
Lily boldly stated, "You have more girlfriends in Los Angeles who are not open to the public."
Martin shook his head, "Don't slander people; Julie and Aniston are just lovers who get together for fun after thinking about it."
Lily thought better of speaking as she saw Martin raising his fist, obediently shutting her mouth. She had experienced too much of the iron fist of care in the past few years.
Martin drove a car randomly from the garage, leaving the house with Bruce, who was driving alone.
Lily picked up her car keys and noticed cups, coffee pots, beer cans, and other things on the living room coffee table. The originally tidy living room was a little messy because Martin came back.
Lily conscientiously put down the car keys, first picked up the trash, then tidied the sofa, and finally got a rag. It took nearly half an hour to finish.
She got into the red Cadillac, dialed her tutor's number, and said, "Ma'am, our exhibition will last for a few more days. Can you keep the booth vacated for selling the sculptures today for me?" Lily had gained some popularity after vigorously touting, and today she sold a work at a high price.
The instructor responded, "That booth is yours. As long as you have suitable works, send them over before the exhibition tomorrow." Lily thought of Cassie Affleck showing generosity today and asked tentatively, "Can the price be increased? I may have suitable customers here to buy it." The instructor, accustomed to artists being promoted, replied, "That's no problem. I'll communicate with the organizer."
Lily thanked the instructor in the sweetest voice.
The female instructor in her fifties made a request: "I heard that the famous stars Mené and Martin are good friends. Can you help me get an autographed photo of Mené?" Lily, familiar with Mené, agreed immediately.
Halfway through the car ride, Lily received a text message from Casey Affleck. After thinking for a while, she replied: "I'm going to shut down my phone and devote myself to my work. The college will continue to reserve a booth for me tomorrow. I have to finish carving a few works that are almost completed." She quickly received the message: "I'll go see your new work tomorrow."
Lily drove back, contemplating how to decide on a sum of money that wouldn't make Casey Affleck disappear in pain.
Because Bruce made an appointment with Kloue to watch the Lakers game, Martin came to the Griffith Observatory alone and waited for a while. After class, Elizabeth Olsen came to the appointed observation deck and almost ran to Martin.
Martin was already waiting with open arms.
Elizabeth, aware of Martin's physical strength, jumped up and threw herself into Martin's arms, wishing she could merge with him.
Martin hugged her, spun her around, and said, "You seem to be lighter than before."
Elizabeth, very happy, smiled like honey: "Really? I'm losing weight."
"Should I try other places to lose weight?" Martin kissed Elizabeth.
After a long, passionate kiss, the two went to a nearby restaurant with a view. They sat by the window, looking up at the stars without any obstruction and enjoying the most prosperous night view of Los Angeles. The taste of the food was secondary.
Couples seeking a romantic atmosphere choose this place.
Elizabeth peeled off a shrimp for Martin, apologizing, "I had an afternoon acting class at an acting school, and they invited Judy Dench..." Martin dismissed it, "It doesn't matter; we're not here for that."
Elizabeth playfully fed Martin a shrimp, smiled sweetly, and whispered, "I'll feed you now, and you have to feed me after you finish eating." After dinner, they headed back to Martin's home without stopping at the observatory.
Now it was Martin's turn to feed Elizabeth, with Bruce absent for the night. As darkness enveloped him, Martin hugged Elizabeth, and they went to the rooftop terrace to gaze at the stars.
Elizabeth poured a glass of wine for Martin, served it to him, and asked, "Is the house in Beverly Hills ready for renovation soon?" Martin assured, "It should be soon. I haven't been there." He suggested, "Let's go together tomorrow. Let's take a look?"
"Okay!" Elizabeth agreed.
The next day, around noon, they emerged from the house and headed to Beverly Hills together. Driving through the gate, they reached the villa where Schmidt, the construction leader, awaited them in the fountain square.
Schmidt greeted them, led the way into the villa, and explained that the main and auxiliary buildings were renovated, while the underground vault, storage room, and backyard were still under construction. Martin emphasized security upgrades and privacy.
Elizabeth explored the fitness room, recreation room, and indoor swimming pool, expressing a desire for a swim if the pool were filled. In the master bedroom, she envisioned filling the closet.
While Martin conversed with Schmidt, Elizabeth discreetly placed a framed photo of herself with Martin on the bedside table. Martin noticed but remained silent. The future would bring more houses.
As the construction sounds echoed, Martin called to Elizabeth, "Let's go; we won't be moving here for a while." They descended, and before leaving, Martin asked, "Have you said hello to the neighbor?"
Schmidt pointed, "The house on this side was vacant when Miss Lily Carter visited. The owner of the house, Charlize Theron, is filming, so she doesn't mind."