Martin could feel Liv Tyler's passion.
And he didn't refuse.
Only fine wine and beautiful women should never be wasted.
He smiled brightly at Liv Tyler.
"It's an honor, Miss Tyler, that you like my book. I'm also a fan of yours. Your performance in The End of the World was outstanding."
This wasn't just flattery from Martin. Although Liv didn't have a major role in The End of the World, her brief screen time stole much of the spotlight from Bruce Willis. Not just because of her beauty, but because she portrayed the protagonist's sorrow and vulnerability with such depth.
Strangely, despite swinging between commercial and independent films, Liv's career had fluctuated, often due to her lack of a clear direction. She was, in many ways, quite willful.
Peter seemed to notice the chemistry between the two, smiling knowingly at Martin, before excusing himself and leaving.
Martin continued to chat with Liv Tyler.
"Call me Liv," she said. "Martin, would you like to come to my room tonight? I'm a huge Harry Potter fan, and you have to sign a book for me."
"Of course!"
By the way, Martin, what's going on between you and Ben Affleck? Is it really because of Charlize, like the newspapers say?"
Liv Tyler and Ben Affleck had worked together in The End of the World. They got along well, but it wasn't anything serious. At the time, Leonardo DiCaprio was pursuing Liv, and the two were in competition. Naturally, Liv didn't think much of Ben Affleck, who was neither as famous nor as handsome as DiCaprio.
However, the two had broken up peacefully in 1998—the previous year.
Having grown up surrounded by the rock scene, Liv was open-minded about many things. She'd even claimed in an interview that she lost her virginity at 16 to the son of an unknown rock guitarist.
"Yeah, that bastard got his hands on Charlize," Martin replied.
"Oh my God, I didn't expect Ben to be that kind of person," Liv said, surprised. Then, she asked the question she really wanted to know: "Martin, you must be really strong. How else could such a tall and strong guy like Ben be knocked down by you?"
Martin chuckled.
"I told you, I was born with supernatural powers. Do you believe me?"
"Really? How do you prove it?"
Liv Tyler's eyes sparkled with playful curiosity, and her charm was overwhelming.
"Have you ever tried lifts?"
"Do you want to lift me? I'm not light!"
Liv Tyler stood at 1.78 meters and weighed 64 kilograms.
"Trust me!" Martin said as he extended his hand. "Place your hands in mine, and then jump as high as you can. Don't worry, I'll never let you get hurt."
"I'm not scared!"
Liv laughed, pressing her hands into Martin's palms.
His hands were warm, and she subconsciously licked her lips.
Then, she jumped as hard as she could.
With one hand, Martin effortlessly lifted her high into the air.
Liv's eyes widened in shock. Martin was lifting her with just one hand!
The people nearby also noticed and gasped in awe.
Orlando Bloom was the loudest, "Wow, Martin is so strong!"
Martin laughed, still holding Liv.
Peter Jackson, who was nearby, shook his head in mock annoyance. "Damn it, Martin, you're playing the Elf Prince, not Aragorn. You don't need to show off your strength—just let your handsome face shine in front of the camera!"
This not only praised Martin's strength but also subtly complimented his looks.
Martin gently lowered Liv Tyler back to the ground, and her sea-blue eyes shone with admiration.
At that moment, Cate Blanchett, who played the Elf Queen Galadriel, walked over.
"Martin, may I call you that?"
"Of course."
"I've heard Nicole mention you, and I've seen your performances in The Sixth Sense and The Island. You're really talented," Cate said as she studied him closely.
Whenever Nicole had talked about this young man, she always felt something was off in his expressions—slightly too excited and concerned. Little did Cate know that there was something more to the story.
But now, standing before Martin, she found nothing unusual. When he mentioned Nicole, his expression was completely natural.
"Nicole's acting is also exceptional. We had a great time working together," Martin replied.
"By the way, how did she talk about me? Did she say, 'Oh, that little guy Martin is so annoying. He always overshadows my scenes and keeps adding extra scenes for himself'?"
With perfect imitation, Martin mimicked Nicole Kidman's tone and gestures, making both Cate and Liv burst into laughter.
Cate smiled, recalling that she and Nicole had once played mother and son in a film. Nicole had just suffered a miscarriage before that role, so Cate couldn't help but wonder if she had misunderstood something.
"No, no, no," Cate laughed. "Nicole only told me that you're the best child actor she's ever worked with and praised your screenwriting talent!"
"Well, I'm a little sad now," Martin responded playfully. "You should tell Nicole next time that, when praising me, she should drop the 'child star' part and just say 'actor.'"
Cate laughed even harder. "Okay, I will!" she said, wiping tears from her eyes. "You're so funny, Martin."
"Well, make sure you add that sentence too!" Martin said with a straight face, making the two women laugh again.
Cate Blanchett was more formidable and strong-featured, not your typical sweetheart. She wasn't an exquisite beauty, but her presence was undeniable. In period costume, she exuded the majesty of a queen.
Peter Jackson walked over at that moment, curious. "What are you all talking about so happily?"
Martin pretended to be disgusted. "Please, Peter, we're just having a family chat. Why are you barging in?"
Peter paused, then laughed. "Okay, okay, you're all elves, a family! Can I leave now?" he said with mock sadness.
Just as Peter tried to walk away, Martin called him back with a smile. "Peter, are the filming arrangements for my scenes ready?"
"Don't worry, July will be free for you—oh, and September too," Peter replied.
Liv Tyler, intrigued, asked, "What are you going to do in July and September?"
"I'm going to Michael Jackson's concert in July and the premiere of Hide and Seek in September."
"Michael Jackson?!" Liv exclaimed, shocked.
[•———•——•———•]
𝙥𝗮𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙤𝙣(.)𝙘𝙤𝙢/𝙂𝙤𝙙𝙊𝙛𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙧