Chapter 119: Saturn Awards

In the villa's living room, Louise perched at the bar, leisurely sipping her wine while occasionally glancing at the live broadcast on Warner TV.

The moment when Jamie Lee Curtis, the guest of honor, set aside her card and announced, "The Best Young Actor award goes to Martin Davis for 'Zombie Stripper'!" was met with thunderous applause.

Louise raised her wine glass towards the TV and toasted, saying, "Congratulations."

Putting the glass down, she picked up a notepad filled with Martin's recipes, jotting down a fresh entry. A sly smile crossed her face; it seemed that Martin had already settled his debts.

No matter what roles or accolades he achieved in the future, they would all add to the new tally he owed her, a debt to be paid in innovative recipes until it was fully repaid.

As for what lay beyond that, neither intoxicated women nor deviants contemplated it too deeply.

Meanwhile, in Atlanta's Clayton neighborhood, Lily's face contorted when she heard Martin's victory announced. She longed to leap up and cheer but found herself strangely heartbroken.

Was Martin's win a good or bad thing?

It was all Martin's fault for pursuing the heartless Hall.

With her body already tense from Elena's training over the years, Lily clenched her fists and started pounding away at Hall, her younger brother, who yelped in pain.

Lily felt a strange relief and began to grasp why Elena enjoyed asserting dominance violently. Not only did it vent anger, but it also offered a sense of empowerment.

Lily swiftly decided that whenever something unpleasant occurred, she'd take it out on Hall.

Feeling better and done with her grumbling, Lily sneaked into her room, retrieved the secret mobile phone she'd bought, and sent a clandestine text message: "Congratulations on your win!"

At the Marietta Community Theater, a crowd of hundreds, including directors Jerome and Robert, had gathered to watch the Saturn Awards ceremony.

When Martin was declared the winner, Jerome was the first to rise, applauding energetically. Robert joined in with loud cheers, opened a bottle of 2003 Coke, and sipped half of it.

The taste of the 2003 Coke was exceptional.

The theater resounded with applause as Jerome took the stage, blocking the TV, and recruited new members on the spot.

"Did you see that? Martin Davis, a rising star in Hollywood, started right here at the Marietta Theater Company!" He waved his arms, speaking passionately. "Do you want to be the next Martin Davis? Join the Marietta Community Theater, and the opportunity is right in front of you!"

Jerome wasn't just making empty promises. "Gray Studio signed a contract with Warner Bros., and several future film projects will be shot in Atlanta, including a $150 million investment in 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.' The Marietta Theater Company will have priority in providing actors and extras for the crew. Don't underestimate yourselves. Martin Davis, like you, started as an extra..." A flood of extras clamored to join the troupe.

Upstairs, Robert went to his office alone. He observed the desk and the Coke on it, carefully recalling every detail, and recorded everything in his notebook.

This was a successful experience!

In Los Angeles at the Avalon Theatre, Martin high-fived his agent, Thomas, then walked toward the stage.

At that moment, every eye in the audience focused on Martin, and all cameras and lenses were trained on him. The Warner TV broadcast featured a close-up of Martin.

Receiving the trophy from Jamie Lee Curtis, Martin expressed his gratitude and stood before the award podium.

"A year ago, I was repairing roofs in Atlanta, and now, a year later, I'm standing here holding this trophy—it's like a dream," he said. "I want to thank the Academy of Science Fiction and Horror and all those who supported me."

Martin wasted no time: "I'd like to thank my friends in Atlanta, the Carter siblings in the Clayton community, and the Marietta Theater Company. Jerome and Robert, thank you. Thanks to Gray Environment, Lionsgate Pictures, and my agent Thomas!"

Martin wasn't one to forget his agent's efforts and pointed to Thomas in the audience: "Thomas is right there, my invaluable partner!"

The camera turned toward Thomas, who smiled and raised his hand, pleased with the recognition.

Even agents needed to build their reputation.

Martin continued, "I also want to thank the other dancers in the movie, especially Hart, you're the best dancers, and my brother, Bruce, a true gentleman. Oh, and Mel from Pacific Pictures, you gave me the opportunity to star in a movie..."

With time running out, Martin hastened to conclude his speech: "My heartfelt thanks go to the Hulk Mansion Strip Club in Atlanta. Vincent and Sophia, the owners, provided us with shooting locations and facilities. 'Zombie Stripper' was filmed there, and for this convenience, I'm truly grateful."

Martin made every second count during his 45-second acceptance speech before leaving the stage when the prompt signaled him to do so.

As they arrived at the locker room door, Bruce took the trophy to Martin and handed over Martin's mobile phone in return.

Martin quickly glanced through several text messages and sent brief replies to a few of them.

At that moment, Martin's phone buzzed, and a message from Vincent appeared: "Congratulations on winning the award! Your speech was fantastic."

Martin handed the phone back to Bruce and remarked, "The sponsor is extremely pleased and has informed Thomas about upcoming promotional activities. Finding such generous sponsors next time will be a challenge."

Upon opening the locker room door, they found only six members of the sportsman team inside.

Martin inquired, "Where are the others?"

Brian replied, "They went to the restroom."

Just as he said that, the remaining three team members stood up and said, "We'll go to the restroom too."

Martin checked the time and realized there was still half a day until their stage performance. After an hour, he cautioned, "Make sure to return promptly."

He entered the changing room and donned his custom-made performance attire.

Upon reemerging, Annie knocked on the door and entered, remarking, "They're quite nervous."

Hart, Carrington, and the others returned one by one.

Martin scrutinized their faces one by one. During rehearsals, they had been excited, but now, on the brink of their live performance, most of them seemed extremely anxious.

Without extensive experience performing on a stage like this, they might struggle with stiffness in their movements.

Martin asked, "Hey! Hey! Guys, what's wrong? Nervous?"

Hart admitted, "No, boss, it's just that thinking about the live broadcast makes me need to use the restroom."

Martin raised his voice, attempting to motivate them: "Come on, guys, you've faced a crowded club, participated in wheel wars, and filmed short videos for customers. Were you nervous then?"

"No!" The group chorused.

Martin continued, "Tonight, you're going to be on the Saturn Awards stage. Do you realize how many millionaires are sitting in the audience? Wealthy women? Do you know how many billionaires are watching this on TV? Huh? Tonight, if you perform well, your future clientele will be among them. Do you know the depths of their pockets?"

Martin's tone shifted to a reassuring one: "I've been in Los Angeles for six months now, and I've noticed that many affluent women are lonely. Money alone can't buy them happiness. But if you shine tonight, you'll become the top Stripper team in the United States. They'll fly to Atlanta, ready to spend whatever it takes."

Hart, Carrington, and the others began to laugh.

Martin's words didn't possess any magic, but the repeated mentions of money had a potent allure that could make even the gods submit.

Seeing the team's spirits lifting, Martin whispered the most motivating phrase: "For MONEY!"

The 18-year-old young men gradually regained their composure and chanted in unison, albeit somewhat bewildered, "For MONEY!"

Fifteen minutes later, an assistant arrived and informed them to prepare for their stage performance.

Martin led his team of eighteen dancers to the stage entrance, followed the assistant director's instructions, and stepped onto the stage.

As the music blared and laser lights dazzled, they launched into the zombie machine gun dance, a variation of MJ's iconic zombie dance.

While zombie dancing wasn't a novelty, Martin's ability to maintain a frenetic pace set him apart. It was as though he had an electric motor attached to his waist.

Astonished faces among the audience, including Nicole Kidman, Uma Thurman, Jennifer Connelly, and Kate Beckinsale in the front row, stared in disbelief.

This was extraordinary!

The live broadcast cameras zoomed in, ensuring that most of the viewers at home would remember Martin Davis's name and this performance.

The dance concluded, but Martin executed the machine gun dance once more. The eighteen handsome men rushed in from the sides, kneeling down and surrounding Martin like stars orbiting the moon.

As the performance drew to a close, applause erupted, and the female celebrities in the front row, well-versed in attracting cameras, stood and clapped enthusiastically.

The live broadcast switched angles again, elevating the atmosphere.

Martin took a bow with the stylish boy band and exited the stage.

Hart, Carrington, and the others, still exhilarated, walked backstage.

Hart excitedly exclaimed, "Did you see Nicole Kidman? She was totally eyeing me!"

Another added, "No, she was eyeing me for sure."

Carrington chimed in, "All I want is Jennifer Connelly. Have you seen her ride a rocking horse... God, it'd be amazing if she rode me."

Martin glanced at his ecstatic team and advised, "Guys, many people will be coming backstage. After the award ceremony, there'll be a grand party, and your success in mingling depends on your skills."

Upon reaching the locker room door, Martin changed out of his performance attire, returned the clothes, and reclaimed his cell phone from Bruce. He then sent a message to Thomas: "Tell the partners to get ready."

Thomas promptly replied, "I've already informed them. Hurry up."

Winning awards and performing live were just parts of Martin's Saturn Award strategy. Utilizing their generous sponsorship, he had instructed Thomas to reach out to numerous entertainment and online media outlets to build anticipation.

Plus, he had no intention of wasting time backstage and was fully committed to networking and making connections.