America Tycoon: The Wolf of Showbiz

Chapter 234: Chapter 232: Marriage is a Man's Nightmare

Sherman Oaks, Cody Community Committee.

Chairman Harold came out of his office and headed to the front entrance on the ground floor, just as an Escalade came to a stop in the parking space to the left of the building.

Martin and Bruce got out of the car, and Harold walked out to greet them and shake Martin's hand, "Mr. Davis, welcome to the Cody Community."

"Just call me Martin," Martin said with a smile. "I'm old friends with Antonio, he's spoken of you before."

Harold smiled too, "I'm envious of him, he retired early." Leading the way inside he said, "Please, come in."

Once inside the committee's office building, Bruce went to handle the registration process while Harold stayed with Martin and chatted.

There were actually quite a few stars living in the Cody Community, and Martin was certainly not the biggest name, but he had the most impressive aura.

An honorary citizen of Los Angeles, recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and he had just caught three Russian spies.

Harold showed Martin around the committee's exhibition room and gave a brief introduction, "The Cody Community has over twenty thousand residents, all with high incomes. We hold many events each year: community theater performances in January and February, a dance festival in March, music festival in April, camping festival in May..."

Martin understood—there was a major event or community festival every month, as well as irregularly scheduled competitions, and even a weekly wine tasting day.

The high-end community was completely different from the slums.

Put another way, the upper-class taxpayers and those scraping by on social welfare lived in two different worlds.

Martin also inquired about the community's funding sources, besides donations raised from residents, most came from tax-related rebates.

The property tax returned 1.6 cents for every US dollar, personal property tax returned 4 cents for every US dollar, and other revenues like public parking lots, most of which were under the community's control.

The community committee had to be a non-profit organization, so all that money had to be spent.

Harold stopped in front of a theater model and said to Martin, "We also have a community theater and troupe, mainly for children and young people who like to perform. You are highly praised for your acting—would you be interested in joining to guide the kids?"

Bruce, who had just finished the paperwork, overheard this as he walked in and couldn't help but mutter to himself that Martin, that scoundrel, directing children might well teach them to become little deviants.

Martin agreed without hesitation, "No problem." He then asked, "Is there a Neighborhood Defense Alliance in the community?"

"Of course, are you interested?" Harold replied. Read captivating tales at m v l e mpyr

"I have a legal firearm license and a concealed carry permit." Martin had done his research; joining the Alliance could make things less troublesome if an incident occurred within the community and he needed to use his gun.

Turning to Bruce, he pointed and said, "The two of us aren't bad shots, and we have some vigilance and defense capabilities. We'd like to join."

"That's easy," Harold responded. "Fill out a form later, and I'll take it to the Canyon Branch for the record."

Bruce went off to fill out more paperwork grudgingly—such tasks were a real pain for those not academically inclined.

"There's a shooting range in the community; we hold shooting competitions from time to time," Harold added, evidently on purpose. "You can check it out if you're interested and have time."

"I'll take a look later," Martin said.

After a few more words and seeing Bruce returning, Martin prepared to leave. Before departing, he formally invited Harold, "I'm planning to have a housewarming party at my new place this weekend, and I'd like to invite people from the community committee to attend."

Harold considered this and said, "I will certainly be there."

Martin and Bruce left the community committee, and once home, they went with gifts to visit the neighbors, mentioning the housewarming party and extending a polite invitation.

The house on one side was currently vacant, while the other was occupied by a middle-aged couple in the art business.

The owner of the house opposite was a woman in her thirties, rather plain-looking.

Upon seeing Martin after opening the door, she was pleasantly surprised, "Martin, how did you find me here?"

Martin didn't remember knowing her; he smiled and pointed across the road, "I've just moved in."

"Oh, I see." The woman suddenly remembered, realizing that Martin did not know her, she quickly introduced herself, "I'm Gillian Flynn, I work at 'Entertainment Weekly' and I've been to the premieres of The Hills Have Eyes and jeans, but sadly never had the chance to interview you."

Martin offered the small gift he had prepared, "We are neighbors now."

Gillian accepted it and said, "Thank you." She stepped aside, "Would you like to come in and sit for a while?"

Martin declined gracefully, "I mainly came to meet the neighbors. I'm planning a housewarming party for this weekend and would be honored if you could attend."

Gillian said with a smile, "As long as the timing allows, I will be there."

Martin bid farewell and crossed the road back to his own house. Bruce commented, "I've inquired about them at the community committee."

"Hey, Old Cloth, you're not falling for her, are you?" Martin, the scoundrel, couldn't help but be off-color with his words.

Bruce replied irritably, "I'm worried about you getting played!" He gave the basic rundown: "She's a Master's in Journalism from Northwestern University, the deputy editor of the celebrity section of 'Entertainment Weekly,' an amateur novelist specializing in short stories, and the house came from the assets divided in her divorce."

Martin's focus was completely off-track, "Divorced and got a standalone villa worth over two million dollars, marriage really is a nightmare for men, huh."

When Bruce asked, "What if you married Louise Mel?"

"When?" Martin replied without a moment's hesitation, "I'd go and sign the marriage certificate with her right away, and then just coast through life."

If he could hook up with a wealthy woman of similar age, he wouldn't bother working so hard, constantly embroiled in these messy dealings.

Bruce talked about the other neighbors: "The Jones couple is in the art business, they have a daughter working in Sacred Valley."

Martin was somewhat surprised, "Doing the same work as Jenna?"

Bruce nodded. "Yes, and this couple isn't shy about it. Sometimes they even talk to people about it. According to them, their daughter has an overabundance of hormones."

Martin could only say, "Indeed, those engaged in artistic work are not ordinary people."

After a short break, the two of them went out shopping again, calling Mene, Jessica, and others to help.

The weekend came quickly, and by noon Martin had begun preparing for the party. In addition to hiring a professional party company, he also called on Mene, Thomas, and Jessica to help.

The barbecue grill next to the annex was lit, and around the pool in the front courtyard, several tables and chairs were set up, along with a self-service area for drinks.

Just after four, Craven, Aga, and Zomi were the first to arrive.

Martin took the red wine they brought and asked Emily to put it in the living room.

Craven glanced around and said, "It's lacking beauties."

Martin laughed, "This is a serious party."

Crewe pointed to the pool, "Even so, you should invite some swimsuit-clad beauties to boost the fun."

Aga said, "After the party, let's all go wash our faces together."

Martin said, "I probably won't have time today."

Louise and Kate Winslet arrived in the same car.

"Nice house," Kate glanced at the yard and villa. "Very beautiful."

Martin purposely said, "The price is also frightening."

Louise followed up with a smile, "It's a pity there's no lady of the house."

Martin replied directly, "If you're willing to be the lady of this house, I would welcome you with open arms."

Louise just looked at him and laughed without responding.

Martin smoothly changed the subject, "Has the schedule for The Chase been set yet?"

"It's set. You and Jolie both have high popularity now, and Warner Bros. wants to release it soon," Louise spoke succinctly. "It airs in November, so let's work hard at making news then."

Martin sighed, "More trouble to stir up."

Kate laughed heartily at this, "Our generation of actors just followed the promotional plans of the production. Times really have changed."

"After Titanic, you achieved financial freedom. The sponsorships you get from the luxury goods industry every year ensure you don't have to follow a commercial route," Martin led them inside. "I'm still poor and prioritizing making money."

Louise said, "A millionaire calling himself poor?"

Martin shrugged. "In Hollywood, where the average income is hundreds of millions, what else would you call it but poor?"

Kate burst into laughter again, "You're getting funnier." She inquired, "When you have time one day, give us a good talk about your spy activities."

Martin nodded toward the door, "More guests have arrived, please make yourselves at home."

He went to greet them; it was the LAPD's head of public relations, McLain.

Martin's gun permit and concealed weapons permit had both been arranged through him.

As for the higher political levels in Los Angeles, he was not yet able to reach them.

Robert Patrick and a few other friends from the film circle also arrived gradually.

An executive from Warner Bros., Daniel, came as well.

After five, Harold, the chairman of the community committee, came in with three members of the committee.

Martin introduced each of the guests to them in turn.

Harold immediately went over to cozy up to McLain, inwardly delighted at the fruitful visit that day.

For management personnel employed by high-end communities like his, it was crucial to have a good relationship with the local police.

The center of attention on the scene wasn't Martin, the host, nor was it Louise and Kate, the beautifully dressed elegant ladies.

It was Mr. and Mrs. Jones, Martin's neighbors.

Mr. Jones talked to everyone about his daughter, "She's excellent, from primary school to university, she attended top schools. But God is fair. He gives a person an outstanding brain and looks but doesn't grant a reasonable hormone secretion."

Craven, worldly and understanding, responded, "That's also an artistic choice."

"Not just an artistic choice, it's also a job that keeps her alive," Mr. Jones was unashamed. "Some have mocked me for this, and I told them, I'm proud of my daughter! I asked them right then and there, how much money did your daughters make from ML? Not a penny! Yet my daughter has made tens of thousands, even millions."

He also appealed, "Friends, Sacred Valley is also an artistic masterpiece. Be sure to support the genuine version!"

Not far away, Louise whispered to Martin, "Your neighbor is quite interesting, much more so than the boring Olsen sisters. I'm staying the night."

Martin said, "You can be the lady of the house if you like."

"I'm not interested in being the lady of the house," Louise murmured softly, her voice tinged with a hint of flirtation: "But the first shot in your new home, that will definitely be mine."