America Tycoon: The Wolf of Showbiz

Chapter 196: Chapter 196 Love and Family

Last year, Martin had successively participated in the shooting of three movies. The wax museum and The Hills Have Eyes had already been released, and The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants had also set its release for the summer slot.

In the film's first trailer, Martin's part seemed quite significant, as if he were the male lead.

The production team specifically sought out Martin.

Producer Brad made a point to introduce the situation to Martin and Thomas, "After The Hills Have Eyes was released, we adjusted the post-editing to give Martin a heavier role."

There was no way around it, given that Martin was now the hottest actor among the cast.

The North American box office for The Hills Have Eyes had already reached 88.5 million US dollars, and Martin's scandal with Annie-Hathaway was well known to all.

The production crew had picked up a great deal, and Brad was not about to let that go unused.

The contract stipulated that Martin needed to cooperate with the promotional efforts of the production crew and participate in at least three public promotional events. He didn't have the capital to make more demands from Warner Bros., "Just give the promotional plan directly to Thomas. If he reviews it and finds no issues, I will cooperate with the production crew."

This indicated that the agent would take the blame, but that was indeed the responsibility of an agent. Thomas asked, "Do you have a specific plan?"

Brad said, "Originally, the production team wanted to create some buzz around both Martin and Blake..."

Thomas immediately rebutted, "If I remember correctly, Blake won't turn 18 until August, and this is California."

Brad changed his tune, "Good friends are always fine, right?"

Thomas looked at Martin and nodded, "That's fine."

Brad said, "In a few days, the production is going to organize a party, and then there's a school event. The location will be at Burbank Middle School, where Blake studies. The production has sponsored a match between them and North Hollywood Middle School."

Martin picked up the conversation, "I have no issues on my end."

Brad prefaced his remark, "During the promotion, there will be sponsored articles featuring some reports about you, and they may mention your relationship with Annie-Hathaway."

Thomas stealthily gave Martin a look, and Martin did not respond.

It was natural for the agent to deal with potential conflicts. Thomas said, "We demand to review any promotional articles involving Martin before they are published."

Brad considered for a moment and agreed.

Just then, Martin's phone vibrated. He took out his phone and said, "Sorry, I have an urgent call."

Once Martin had left, Thomas and Brad talked in detail, discussing matters like a negotiation, which was best done without the actor present.

If things got too heated, they could always put the blame on the agent.

Outside, Martin checked the text message on his phone, which was from Louise, telling him that Kelly had also bought a new phone with unlimited calling for the whole night.

Martin thought to himself, the code was so obvious, he could only go alone to the meeting.

Although he himself had to work like an ox plowing the field, he wouldn't be the most uncomfortable one.

Martin put away his phone and went to the lounge at the studio's front hall, finding a place to sit and wait for Thomas.

Recalling what the producer had just said, the reason he kept encountering so many rotten people and situations was not that he himself was rotten, but because the upper echelons of the circle were corrupt.

Hollywood's top brass were corrupt, and he, a minor actor, had no choice but to rot along with them.

In another corridor, the door to the post-dubbing room opened, and Blake Lively finished her day's dubbing work. With a black backpack slung over an orange sweater, she walked along the corridor towards the front hall.

Just as she turned the corner, she saw Martin sitting in the lounge area.

Dressed in a very ordinary casual shirt, jeans, and sneakers, complemented by a perfect figure and handsome face, he looked genuinely easy on the eyes.

Blake awakened memories of her male idol, and she quickened her pace towards him.

Martin heard the rapid footsteps and turned his head, first seeing a pair of straight, long legs, followed by an impressively curvaceous figure.

These were enough to satisfy most of a man's beautiful fantasies about women. If a full score were ten points, giving her a nine would not be out of line.

But upon looking up further and seeing the overly mature face, the score would have to be reduced by at least 1.5 points.

It wasn't just memories of a male idol that Blake had awakened; it was also the production crew's sycophantic instincts, which turned her quick walk into a jog.

She wished Martin would stand up, open his arms, and give her a hug.

Martin turned his head back, simply looking at Blake and smiling, "Long time no see."

Blake ran over and stopped, "Martin, you're even more handsome and charismatic than before."

"Thanks, you're looking more beautiful too." Martin pointed to the chair opposite him, "Sit down and let's chat."

Seeing that Martin was firmly seated and wouldn't stand to pull out a chair for her, Blake had to turn around and sit herself down.

Martin asked casually, "Haven't seen you for a while, what have you been up to lately?"

Blake took the opportunity to explain, "I've been doing post-dubbing for The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants these days. Since coming back from the set, I've been engrossed with my studies. I'm preparing to apply to colleges. It's a critical time now, so I haven't been in touch with you."

Martin followed her lead, "Which college are you planning to apply to?"

Blake said, "A college in California probably, but it depends on the exam results. My family suggests that if The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants does well, I should take the path of performing arts directly. You know my family's situation. My father told me that while his connections and influence are still there, it could help me avoid some detours."

She looked at Martin, "What do you think?"

This involved someone else's life decision—how could Martin casually give advice? He said, "I'm an academic underachiever, lacking knowledge and experience in this area."

"Blake!" A woman and Thomas walked over together.

Thomas introduced to Martin, "This is Milly, the company's agent."

Blake took over the conversation, "My agent."

Martin shook her hand, remembering that Blake had a different agent the last time they met.

Milly politely said, "Mr. Davis, please cooperate with us during the upcoming event."

Martin responded with a courtesy, "Sure thing."

Blake asked, "Milly, which promotional event is Martin attending?"

Milly replied, "The school competition day promotion."

Blake turned to Martin, "Welcome to visit my school."

The two chatted for a bit and soon left separately.

Walking on the sidewalk of the film studio, Thomas specifically reminded Martin, "Don't forget, she's not yet 18 years old."

Martin pointed to his head, "I won't get confused."

Having lived through Hollywood's storm in his previous life, he was very aware of the seriousness of such matters.

After leaving the film studio, Martin met up with Bruce.

Old Cloth didn't immediately drive off, instead, he handed a magazine to Martin, "Take a look at this."

It was "Vanity Fair," which had significant influence across America; Brad Pitt graced the cover, and Martin flipped open to Pitt's interview.

Everything revolved around one theme: Pitt's longing for children and the warmth of a family.

But he didn't have children now.

Bruce then handed over a gossip newspaper, "US Rumors."

Martin glanced at it and saw Jennifer Aniston's photo with a piece of news printed in bold beneath it.

The article reported that Jennifer Aniston had several miscarriages, some of which were deliberate and that the most recent one was last year. According to reliable information leaked by insiders, despite her husband Pitt's strong opposition, Aniston decided to terminate the pregnancy, leading to fierce arguments between the couple and a period of estrangement.

Bruce asked, "Is this groundwork for a publicity stunt?"

"When the opponent is evil, our side naturally appears righteous." Martin picked up another newspaper, where Brad Pitt was visiting an organization for children, squatting among seven or eight kids, with an exceptionally radiant smile.

Another picture showed Pitt holding a child in each arm, almost spilling happiness out of the photo.

Clearly, they were preparing to play the card of children and family.

Martin had heard that Aniston indeed had a miscarriage last year, whether voluntary or forced was unknown, but once the hat was on, it was very difficult to take off.

Pitt had made his move, and it was unknown when Jolie would follow suit.

Martin put away the newspapers aside, saying, "If I keep reading, I might lose belief not only in love but also in kinship and family."

Bruce spoke from a professional perspective, "Yet kinship and family can indeed suppress love."

The two drove off, circled around without spotting any paparazzi, and entered an underground parking garage in North Hollywood. Martin was planning to switch cars at the garage before spending the night at Louise's place.

Bruce pulled down the sun visor and checked his appearance in the mirror.

Martin drove up, parked beside him, and asked, "What, got a date?"

"I've got dinner with Kim." Bruce, that scoundrel, didn't tell Martin that Kim's sister Khloe would also be there.

Martin, curious, specifically asked, "Aren't you guys filming your tapes anymore? I'm waiting to buy the DVD or tape!"

Bruce simply said, "Kim is still getting quite a bit of attention, having been on several shows recently. I advised her to wait until the hype completely dies down before filming."

At this point, he brought up something else, "If it weren't for the release of your and Annie's personal video, which caused such a stir, I wouldn't have told her to wait. First, it was Paris, and then you and Annie; another scandal with Kim Kardashian so soon would diminish the impact."

Martin gave him a thumbs-up, "Old Cloth, you're getting more professional."

"With your ability to mess things up, if I don't get professional quickly, how am I going to clean up after you?" Bruce restarted the car, "Don't call me tonight unless it's urgent."

Martin asked, "Got the gifts ready?"

Bruce casually replied, "I've brought two pieces of jade."

"Two pieces?" Martin gave Bruce the middle finger, "Old Cloth, I really despise you!"

Bruce didn't mind and drove to Venice, arriving at the agreed-upon hotel, and went to an Italian restaurant, where he met Kim Kardashian and Khloe Kardashian.

The latter was just over 20 years old, nearly half a head taller than the former, with a voluptuous figure.

The downside was that her face was not quite as attractive.

But Bruce considered a woman's face to be the least important feature.

The waiter brought the menus.

Bruce handed them to the women, saying, "What'll you have? Choose anything you like."

Kim and Khloe didn't hold back, ordering their meals in succession.

The three of them enjoyed a very pleasant atmosphere, dining as if they were family.