Entertainment: Starting as a Succubus, Taking Hollywood by Storm

Martin set down the newspaper, quietly pleased by Pauline Kael's praise. The legendary critic, untouched by PR and retired for years, had spoken from the heart. Her status in the industry was immense, and her words carried weight. Unbeknownst to Martin, in the original timeline, Kael died in 2001. Some quirk of this timeline kept her spry, maybe even bound for 100.

"Sweetheart, I'm ready—let's go!" Jennifer Lawrence, in a stunning evening gown, twirled before Martin. "What do you think?"

"Wow, breathtaking. I want to rip it off right now."

She giggled. "This dress is too expensive for that! Didn't you say it's gorgeous?"

"Nah, I said you're gorgeous. The dress is just a prop."

Jennifer beamed, loving Martin's teasing.

…

At the Hollywood & Highland Theatre, Will Smith strode toward Martin, grinning from afar. "Bro, The Avengers is killing it! When's the celebration party?"

As he reached Martin, he extended his hand. Martin hesitated, recalling the recent rumor, then awkwardly shook it.

"Come on, man, I'm straight, alright?" Will groaned.

"My bad, my bad," Martin said, chuckling. "As for the party, it'll have to wait. I'm prepping a new film."

"What? Another one?" Will exclaimed.

"What? Another one?" echoed Leonardo DiCaprio, approaching with Blake Lively.

Leo teased, "You're a real workhorse, Martin."

Martin shrugged. "Filmmaking's my passion." or how else would I wield my magic?

"What's the new film about? Any roles for me?" Will asked earnestly.

Martin smiled, shaking his head. "It's a simple story: two astronauts, Ryan Stone and Matt Kowalski, are repairing the Hubble Telescope when space debris destroys their shuttle, stranding them in orbit…"

As Martin spun the tale, Will and Leo were captivated. Martin's storytelling, infused with his innate charisma, made even a basic pitch mesmerizing. Finishing, he eyed them thoughtfully. Both could play Kowalski. Their fanbases would boost the box office far more than George Clooney did in the original timeline.

Will, tempted, considered the role. Though Kowalski dies early with limited screen time, his self-sacrifice was heroic. Plus, doing Martin a favor was worth it. He opened his mouth to speak, but Leo cut in.

"I want Kowalski," Leo declared.

"Hey, you've worked with Martin enough. My turn!" Will protested.

"I'll do it for free," Leo countered.

"So will I!" Will shot back.

Before Leo could respond, Jada Smith, standing by Will, interrupted. "Will, did you forget? You're booked for our son's project, After Earth. No time for Martin's film."

"I can make time," Will insisted.

"No, no, no," Jada said. "I want you fully focused on our son's first big commercial film. It's his future."

"Come on!" Will snapped, frustrated. Jada's bluntness was embarrassing him publicly again.

"Hey, no fighting," Martin interjected, diffusing the tension. "Will, don't let my project cause a rift. It's just a cameo. Let Leo take it this time. Next time, we'll work together."

Will glanced at a fuming Jada, sighed inwardly, and nodded. "Alright, shame though. Next time, bro."

As they parted, Jada smirked at Will. "Hehe, I saved you again. How do you thank me?"

"Huh?" Will looked baffled.

"I knew you were just being polite when Leo said he'd cameo. A role with barely any lines, no pay? You'd never do that. Martin totally baited you guys for free labor."

Will was dumbfounded, unsure whether to scold her. Sometimes, good intentions gone wrong were worse than deliberate sabotage.

Meanwhile, Leo said, "It's settled then. Next February, I'll make time."

"Great, thanks," Martin replied. "Will it clash with your project, The Great Gatsby?"

"Nah, that starts next month and should wrap by February. Not everyone's a speed-shooter like you."

"Pfft, I'm not that fast. Ask my ladies."

"Hey, jerk, Blake's right here!" Leo laughed.

Blake shrugged. "Keep going, don't mind me. I've heard it all in this business. Look at Jennifer—she's younger than me and unfazed."

Jennifer nodded in agreement, grinning.