Chapter 11 - 11: A New Rivalry
Chapter 11: A New Rivalry
With his back against the haystack, it seemed impossible for Martin to avoid Kiefer Lee's relentless thrust.
Then, to everyone's surprise, Martin made an unexpected move.
He planted one foot on the side of the haystack, barely seeming to exert force, and suddenly soared into the air like a bird. In a graceful arc, he flipped backward, landing effortlessly atop the haystack. From his elevated position, he gazed down at Kiefer.
Before Kiefer could recover from his shock, Martin leaped once again. In mid-air, he thrust his fencing sword three times in rapid succession, each strike landing preciselyโon Kiefer's helmet, his chest, and finally, his stomach. Martin landed lightly back on the ground.
"Mike, you're dead!" Martin declared, delivering a line that wasn't in the script but perfectly suited the scene.
As he spoke, Martin twirled his sword in front of him like Zorro, then casually stuck it into the haystack beside him.
Behind his helmet, Kiefer's face flushed red. How had he lost to an amateur?
Seeing Martin's triumphant grin only fueled Kiefer's anger. Overcome with rage, he completely lost his self-control. Without warning, he charged at Martin, sword raised, intent on striking.
"Stop!" Nancy shouted angrily.
But even as she spoke, Martin acted with lightning speed. He plucked the sword from the haystack, deflecting Kiefer's blade with a deft block, twist, and flick. Kiefer's sword spun out of his grasp and flew off to the side.
"Whoa!"
A chorus of gasps and cheers erupted from the watching kidsโMartin's move was pure "Zorro."
Many of the boys and girls looked at Martin with admiration and amazement. Being children, their jealousy was fleeting, and witnessing Martin's skill left a lasting impression that would stay with them for years to come.
Clap, clap, clap!
Jessica started clapping, and soon everyone joined in, their applause filling the air.
Nancy walked over quickly, first smiling at Martin. "That was a fantastic performance!"
Then her face hardened as she turned to Kiefer. "You can leave. You've made a foolish mistake."
She turned to the crew. "Go find his guardian."
Kiefer left, dazed and humiliated.
"Director, can we use that footage?" Martin asked. He never called Nancy "Aunt" on set, respecting her wish to keep their relationship professionalโa gesture she deeply appreciated.
"Of course we can. That 'fantastic' was no exaggeration." Nancy smiled. "Kiefer's stunt was reckless, but it actually turned out for the best. That scene is going to be a classic."
"Good to hear." Martin smiled, his face radiating with warmth.
"You can take a short break; the next scene will be ready in ten minutes."
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Nancy, worried the confrontation might have rattled Martin, gave him time to collect himself.
Martin didn't need it, but he accepted her kindness. "Thanks, Director."
As Martin headed toward the trailer, Jessica gathered her courage and jogged over.
Seeing Jessica's approach, Nancy's face softened with an auntly smile. Her little Martin was growing up, starting to exude a magnetic charm that attracted girls' attention.
The other young actors noticed Jessica's movement. Some rolled their eyes, some scowled, some were envious, and two especially pretty girls muttered "brat" under their breath. Jessica remained oblivious to the judgment of her peersโor, if she did, she didn't care.
Jessica had been in the industry for four years, doing commercials, appearing in the film Camp Nowhere, guest-starring on the popular show The Secret World of Alex Mack, and acting in several indie films.
Last year, she landed the role of Maya in Flipper, a show currently airing, though its ratings were modest.
Although Jessica wasn't well-known to the public, her sweet looks and extensive experience had already made her a recognizable option for casting directors and producers.
Nancy hadn't even needed to interview her; a quick look at her resume was enough to cast her.
As a young "veteran" in show business, Jessica had learned an important lessonโopportunities needed to be pursued, sometimes by any means necessary.
Right now, Martin was a promising "opportunity" in her eyes.
Unlike most young actors, Jessica had already established connections. Her agent had briefed her on Martin's background and advised her to build a good rapport with him on set.
Jessica, however, had plans beyond that.
Girls in their early teens often matured quickly, especially those like Jessica, who had spent four to five years navigating the entertainment world. She'd seen and heard more than most kids her age, and she definitely didn't think like a child anymore.
Martin, younger than her by over two years, was handsome, came from a good family, and was already proving himselfโhe'd published a book at 11, written a screenplay, and was now starring in its adaptation. Compared to the pudgy, creepy producers and casting directors, Martin seemed like a dream.
Jessica was open-minded about the industry's realities but still had her limits.
"Hey, Martin, could you wait up for a second?"
Martin turned, smiling. "Hey, Jessica."
He'd noticed this girl long ago. She would go on to become a major star, beloved as "Hollywood's sweetheart" and known as the "Chocolate Beauty," particularly admired in China, where her looks were well-regarded.
Though not yet the voluptuous beauty she'd become, Jessica's youthful charm was already evident.
Today, she wore a short-sleeved T-shirt, jeans, and sneakers, her look casual yet lively. Her long brown hair bounced as she jogged up to him, giving her an irresistibly cute appearance.
With a hint of shyness and nervousness that made her seem like a typical young girl, Jessica's mixed-race features added a layer of unique beauty.
For most boys, her charms would've been overwhelming, irresistible.
But Martin was no ordinary boy.
He was a succubus. Only he seduced others; Jessica had no chance of seducing him.
"Is there something you need, Jessica?"
Martin stood still, his gaze warm, and his subtle charm instantly filled the air.
Jessica, taken by his smile, found herself momentarily dazed. It wasn't until Martin asked again that she snapped back to reality, her face reddening genuinely this time. Shyly, she stammered:
"Martin, I... I really like your book, Kung Fu Panda. Could you sign it for me?"
"Of course! But I don't suppose you brought a copy with you?"
Jessica grinned sheepishly. "I did! I hid it so it wouldn't get caught on camera."
She lifted her shirt slightly, revealing a smooth, chocolate-toned waist, and pulled a book tucked into her jeans' waistband.
"Good thing I have a slim waist, or it wouldn't have fit," she joked.
As she withdrew the book, she twisted slightly, playfully showing off her slender figure, which made Martin chuckle to himself.
Nice try, he thoughtโbut a bit immature!
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๐ ๐ฌ๐๐ฃ๐ฉ ๐ฉ๐ค ๐ฉ๐๐ ๐ ๐ ๐ข๐ค๐ข๐๐ฃ๐ฉ ๐ฉ๐ค ๐๐ญ๐ฅ๐ง๐๐จ๐จ ๐ข๐ฎ ๐๐ง๐๐ฉ๐๐ฉ๐ช๐๐ ๐ฉ๐ค ๐ฉ๐๐ค๐จ๐ ๐ฌ๐๐ค ๐จ๐ช๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ค๐ง๐ฉ ๐ข๐ ๐ค๐ฃ ๐ฉ๐๐๐จ ๐๐ค๐ช๐ง๐ฃ๐๐ฎ. ๐๐ค๐ช๐ง ๐๐ค๐ฃ๐ฉ๐ง๐๐๐ช๐ฉ๐๐ค๐ฃ๐จ ๐ข๐๐ ๐ ๐ ๐ง๐๐๐ก ๐๐๐๐๐๐ง๐๐ฃ๐๐!
๐ฆ๐ฝ๐ฒ๐ฐ๐ถ๐ฎ๐น ๐๐ต๐ฎ๐ป๐ธ๐ ๐๐ผ:
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