Hollywood: The Greatest Showman - Chapter 306: Diversionary Tactics

Chapter 306: Diversionary Tactics

“Leo!”

A voice, filled with excitement and joy, rang out. Leonardo’s muscles tensed up, and his eyes widened in disbelief—had their perfect disguise been uncovered? Had someone recognized him? What to do now?

Leonardo didn’t even realize that his first reaction was to turn and cast a glance at Renly—the Renly he had just met.

Although they had only exchanged a few words, and he had known Renly for less than five minutes, and even though this was their first meeting and he hadn’t even heard the name before today, during that brief encounter, Leonardo felt Renly’s sharpness and wisdom. The timing and well-chosen words left a deep impression.

Instinctively, Leonardo thought that Renly would surely be able to solve the current crisis.

But when he turned his head, he only saw two empty seats. Looking up, he saw Renly and Scarlett moving their bodies like ducks, each taking steps in the opposite direction. In the dim light, the shadows cast by the nearby bushes became the perfect cover—

Though Renly’s long legs folded awkwardly and a faint outline could be seen, it was still hard to spot. Moreover, no one seemed to notice the two of them leaving, right?

In other words, the shout of “Leo” was actually from Renly. They had become the scapegoats to divert attention. This… was truly unexpected.

Who would have thought that beneath that elegant gentleman’s exterior was such a scheming soul! People always say you can’t judge a book by its cover, but this was just too outrageous, completely unanticipated.

He should be angry, shouldn’t he? He should feel frustrated, embarrassed, and enraged, right? Yet, seeing Renly and Scarlett moving away awkwardly like ducks, Leonardo felt an inexplicable absurdity. His irritation from encountering the paparazzi was slightly relieved, and the corners of his mouth curved up.

Renly… truly was an unconventional character.

At that moment, Leonardo saw the two people stand up, with Renly turning around, placing his right hand near his forehead, and giving a salute. His smile, under the increasingly bright firelight, bloomed brightly. The gust of wind that blew made Leonardo almost laugh out loud—

If he were an observer, he would have applauded Renly.

Should he retaliate now by shouting “Scarlett Johansson” and dragging them into the mess as well?

In hesitation, Leonardo raised his right hand, displaying a clear middle finger in response to Renly’s greeting. Then smiles began to spread among the four of them.

Elliot couldn’t believe his ears. Someone had actually shouted “Leo,” which was Leonardo’s nickname. Reflexively, he turned around and saw Leonardo giving a middle finger.

This wasn’t surprising, was it? Leonardo had always been unfriendly towards paparazzi. Tonight was probably no exception.

However, the next moment, Leonardo turned around with a broad smile on his face, which made Elliot stunned. He realized that Leonardo’s middle finger had been directed elsewhere, so was Leonardo expressing anger towards the caller? Then what was with the smile? He wanted to thank the caller—

Leonardo DiCaprio and Blake Lively!

Elliot’s heart raced. Forget Renly, Scarlett, and the divorce; all thoughts were cast aside as the gossip flames ignited. This single piece of news would cover all his expenses for his three-week vacation in Hawaii!

On the eve of Christmas, the entire U.S. was immersed in the festive atmosphere. Every industry was adorned with holiday decorations, and Hollywood was no exception. Major newspapers and magazines released Christmas specials, inviting stars for cover shoots, adding to the festive cheer.

Among them, “US Weekly” unexpectedly skipped the Christmas special and instead delivered an exclusive news story that ignited the gossip of every American.

“Leonardo DiCaprio’s New Girlfriend: ‘Gossip Girl’ Blake Lively!”

Blake Lively, at just 23, had risen to fame in 2007 with the TV show “Gossip Girl,” instantly becoming a media darling. Her outstanding looks had made her a fashion icon, and this year she also starred in the highly praised “The Town.” However, people’s impression of her was still largely from “Gossip Girl.” Hence, the news headline.

One was a famous playboy, and the other a rising fashion star; one was a long-time top celebrity, and the other an emerging beauty. When these two came together, the interest skyrocketed!

Notably, since “Titanic,” Leonardo’s girlfriends had always been Victoria’s Secret supermodels, all young and beautiful. Blake broke this pattern, making this pairing the most surprising and sensational combination since 2010!

Moreover, Blake had previously never hidden her admiration and affection for Leonardo in interviews. Now they were actually dating. What could be more like a fairy tale?

“US Weekly” featured a striking headline and a photo with undeniable evidence, showing Blake sitting next to Leonardo, who leaned slightly forward with his left hand protectively around her, his face still smiling.

“Radiant with happiness and joy,” was “US Weekly’s” exact wording and their note on the relationship.

The article detailed their vacation in Oahu and the day’s events, even mentioning Leonardo’s previous yacht party, suggesting it showed his care and caution towards the relationship. Perhaps Blake was Leonardo’s true love.

This was an absolute exclusive. No other media had picked up on it before, and no one had linked Blake and Leonardo—just twenty-four hours ago, people were speculating whether Blake and Ryan Reynolds’ fake romance had caused Ryan and Scarlett’s marriage to break up. But now, it seemed they had overthought it.

Now, “US Weekly’s” explosive exclusive had undoubtedly created a sensation in North America.

Over 350 media outlets shared the news, online searches surged to the top, and social networks like Facebook, Yahoo Community, and photo walls were buzzing. Meanwhile, mainstream media in Germany, France, Italy, Japan, and other countries also picked up the story. Within twenty-four hours, the news spread globally like a virus.

The world’s attention focused on Oahu Island.

During this end-of-year period, the awards season news was always lively, dominating entertainment headlines. Oscar contenders surfaced, and each week had its share of hot topics. But amidst the usual art film news, “US Weekly” broke such sizzling gossip, instantly capturing everyone’s attention and breaking through the noise.

Rumor had it that “US Weekly” paid $300,000 for this exclusive but made back double the amount. Both the informant, Elliot Court, and the decisive “US Weekly” had earned a fortune from this news.

In the midst of this excitement, Renly and Paul quietly left Hawaii without attracting any attention, ending their vacation comfortably before the storm hit.

For Hollywood, excitement was never lacking. Renly and Paul were inconsequential. First, Scarlett Johansson and Ryan Reynolds’ divorce, then Leonardo DiCaprio and Blake Lively’s new romance, and next, the “Black Swan” stunt double controversy—it seemed that missing a day of news meant falling behind.

The news shelf life seemed to be measured in hours, highlighting the nature of the digital age to its fullest.