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Martin's embrace sent the girls at the back of the line into a frenzy.
They eagerly anticipated their turn, longing for a hug from him.
European and American girls often mature quickly, and at just fifteen, they were at their most exuberant age. To them, Martin was not only handsome but also exceptionally talented—he was the embodiment of their adolescent dreams.
However, Martin soon realized he might have stepped into a whirlwind of trouble.
The requests from the girls escalated, not just for hugs but also for kisses. They wanted autographs on their bras, and some even insisted that he sign directly on their skin. Of course, Martin declined, even if a few of them were strikingly beautiful.
On the sidelines, the fans were reveling in the chaos.
Then came the sneak attacks.
One girl, a stunning blonde around fifteen or sixteen, stood out. Tall and alluring, she exuded the aura of a popular girl. While Martin was focused on signing a copy of *The Twilight Saga* she had brought, she suddenly leaned down, swiftly cupping his face in her hands before planting a quick kiss on his lips.
She snatched the signed book and dashed away, leaving only laughter echoing in her wake, while Martin was left in shock.
"Well…"
It wasn't until later that Martin fully grasped the situation. Touching his lips, he widened his eyes in disbelief. He had been tricked! If he hadn't been so exhausted from the day's signing, he would never have let that happen. Thankfully, her beauty softened the embarrassment somewhat.
The ripple effect was significant. Every girl that followed was inspired, eager to try their luck, and a few even attempted to replicate the bold move.
But Martin, now mentally prepared, dodged with agility, ensuring he wouldn't fall victim again.
The staff, too, heightened their vigilance, blocking any further attempts at unexpected kisses.
Yet the girls had their strategies. If they couldn't steal kisses, they could certainly seize opportunities during hugs.
When American girls become bold and uninhibited, even a seasoned charmer like Martin found it overwhelming. He was pinched and poked in all directions, but he decided to endure.
Fortunately, the boys remained respectful and reserved.
After over six hours, Martin had signed more than 7,000 autographs, finally clearing the line.
Rubbing his wrist, he made his way toward the lounge. Jeff, looking concerned, asked, "Martin, is your hand okay? Should we get it checked? Do you need to take a break for the signings tomorrow and the day after?"
"No, I can push through!" Martin insisted, rejecting the suggestion.
That night, news of the events at Martin's book signing made headlines—his hugs, the unexpected kiss, and the ensuing chaos became the talk of the media.
In the hotel, Taylor slammed a pillow in frustration. "Damn, those girls are so shameless! Why didn't I think of that? It's infuriating!"
Several girls in Los Angeles shared her sentiments.
Scarlett, fresh off the set of *Ghost World*, had arranged to meet Jessica for dinner. They had first crossed paths at a party thrown by Martin's friend. Initially, they hadn't gotten along, but after being enchanted by Martin's charm, their animosities faded.
"What about Lindsay? Why didn't she come?" Scarlett asked, noticing Jessica was alone.
Jessica sighed. "Lindsay's been having it rough. Her mother is pressuring her to impress the producers, her father keeps taking money from her, and they're getting a divorce!"
Jessica shook her head, feeling sympathy for Lindsay's plight.
"What a misfortune to be born into such a family!" Scarlett mused. Although she and Lindsay were not particularly close, she couldn't help but feel for her.
They soon shifted their conversation to more serious topics.
"Jessica, you received the script from Martin, right?" Scarlett asked.
"You mean *Charlie's Angels*? Yes, I got it!" Jessica replied, smiling. Martin hadn't forgotten his promise to write a script for her.
"What do you think?" Scarlett inquired.
"I really like it! It's a cool concept for a women's secret service!"
"Don't you think it's a bit too commercial?" Scarlett questioned, her brow furrowing.
When she was younger, she had aspired to be a more artistic actress, but now she found herself leaning towards commercial blockbusters.
"Commercial? What's wrong with that?" Jessica countered, puzzled by Scarlett's concerns. "At our age, we should focus on business. It'll be time for art and literature once we're famous and financially secure!"
"Well, you have a point." Scarlett nodded, considering Jessica's perspective.
Jessica then asked, "What do you know about Drew Barrymore?"
Jessica had assumed that Martin would cast one of the girls from the party as one of the female agents, but instead, he chose Drew Barrymore, whom she had never met.
"I met her once; she's incredibly powerful," Scarlett recalled. At that party, Drew had charmed producers and directors alike, effortlessly navigating the room. She had a knack for sidestepping unwanted advances without anyone feeling slighted.
Scarlett shook her head, realizing how inexperienced she felt in comparison. Looking at Jessica, she noted how youthful she appeared.
"You don't realize how lucky you are in the midst of all this!" Jessica thought, feeling a twinge of envy.
Scarlett sneezed, "Who's talking about me?"
---
New York
Casting Office for *The Princess Diaries
A group was sifting through photos and resumes.
"Anne Hathaway is impressive. She really stood out during the audition; there's a natural nobility about her."
"Oh, is she the one who resembles Audrey Hepburn?"
"Yes, that's her."
"She's definitely a strong contender, but—"
The casting director pulled out another resume. "This girl isn't bad either."
"Lindsay Lohan? I think I recognize that name!"
"*Island Cry*," someone chimed in.
"Ah, right! She played the daughter, and Martin Meyers was the son."
"She's friends with Martin Meyers?"
"Apparently so. Let's keep her in the running."
"Well, it's up to the director! Interestingly, it was Kevin Johnson, not Martin, who recommended Lindsay Lohan this time."
"Kevin Johnson? That Universal Pictures executive? What are her parents thinking? Martin is currently working with Disney on the *Pirates* series. Now is when he has the most influence. Wouldn't it be smarter for him to weigh in?"
"Who knows? I've met her mother; she doesn't seem very savvy!"