Chapter 320: Millionaire

Burbank, the heart of Pacific Film and Television Production Company.

As Martin stepped into the reception room, an enthusiastic middle-aged man rushed over, vigorously shaking Martin's hand. Louise, on the other hand, simply stood there, amused by the scene.

The man was Wu Maoting, an investor from Southeast Asia. In his accented English, he praised Martin for his role in "The Departed," calling it both thrilling and sensational. Martin, with a smile, replied, "Mr. Wu, thank you." Wu Maoting then expressed his gratitude for the investment opportunity provided by Martin and Louise, which allowed him to expand his business to the United States.

Martin, before responding, exchanged a quick glance with Louise. He understood that even though "The Departed" had achieved great success at the box office, Hollywood often had its own ways of accounting.

Louise subtly winked, indicating that this was about taking a long-term and rational approach.

Wu Maoting continued, acknowledging Martin's vision. He emphasized his trust in the partners he had worked with before, hinting at future cooperation.

Louise assured him, "There will be more opportunities for collaboration."

Wu Maoting signaled for his assistants to approach, each holding a mahogany box. He handed one to Louise and the other to Martin, saying, "A small gift as a token of respect." The atmosphere was jovial as the meeting continued.

After Wu Maoting's departure, Louise and Martin returned, eyeing the mahogany boxes on the table. Louise wondered, "Could it be another emerald?"

Martin, opening his box, revealed a stunning emerald. It was almost entirely green, and its quality was exceptional. Louise's box held an emerald bracelet set in white gold. She estimated, "This could be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars."

Martin remarked, "To a mine owner and warlord, this is just a trinket. I believe his family is wealthier than us."

Louise playfully pushed up her black-rimmed glasses, saying, "It must be thicker than yours."

Martin picked up the box, preparing to leave. "I'm heading to the agency."

Louise, taking the initiative, invited him, "Join me for dinner at my place in the afternoon. Oh, by the way, my bedroom has been renovated. Would you like to see it?"

Now single again, Martin agreed, "Sure, I'll give you a call when I'm done."

Louise smiled, "I'll be waiting for your call."

It had been three and a half years since Martin and Louise first met. Louise had remained relatively unchanged, while Martin's life had transformed drastically. From a struggling actor, he had become a star with immense appeal.

As Martin left Pacific Pictures and headed to Century City, he encountered welcoming smiles in the WMA front hall. People, whether they knew him or not, greeted him as he walked to Thomas's office. Brokers in the lobby even asked about his new projects and if they could assist their clients.

Martin mostly gave vague responses, attributing this attention to Thomas. Thomas carried the weight of managing Martin's career and didn't seem to mind.

In Thomas' office, Martin received a piece of information from Warner Bros. The projects he had collaborated on were achieving success. Warner Bros. was willing to share some insider news. As Martin unfolded the document, he discovered Frank Miller's "The Dark Knight Returns."

Thomas explained, "You asked me to keep an eye on Christopher Nolan, and I received reliable information that the Nolan brothers have almost finalized the storyline for the Batman sequel. It's based on 'The Dark Knight Returns.' Emma Thomas has confirmed this."

Martin inquired, "Are there any other details?"

Thomas continued, "The film centers on Batman and the Joker, featuring a duel between these two iconic characters, much like 'The Wire.' If 'The Departed' continues its success at the box office, Warner Bros. and DC Comics won't pose many obstacles."

Cutting to the chase, Martin said, "Get the script as soon as possible."

Thomas nodded and adjusted his recently transplanted hair. "This is a commercial masterpiece, and I hope to secure a salary for you exceeding $10 million."

Martin agreed, "Let's hope both of us strike it rich."

Thomas expressed his enthusiasm, saying, "I'm absolutely committed to it."

They had a lengthy discussion about strategies for competing in awards during the awards season.

Martin's public relations involvement was usually limited. As an actor, his primary role was to increase exposure, maintain a positive attitude at promotional events, and leave the lobbying to professional public relations teams. Of course, a significant part of this involved spending money.

Thomas highlighted an essential aspect of their PR plan, mentioning, "The company is in the process of setting up a charitable foundation, which can offer tax benefits, and a substantial portion of the raised funds can support the foundation's activities."

Understanding the importance of expediting the procedural matters, Martin stated, "I realize we need to get these procedures in place as soon as possible." Thomas was about to decline, as it wasn't typically an agent's responsibility, but considering Martin's potential earnings for a single film, which could soon exceed $10 million, he chose not to.

As a future millionaire, Thomas felt that putting in extra effort was a small price to pay, especially with Natasha as his assistant.

Continuing to the general atmosphere of WMA's office, the reporters were not allowed in. Despite past scandals during their collaboration in the film "Limitless," Martin and Aniston didn't mind the public's curiosity.

Aniston noticed the changes in Martin and asked if he had something significant going on. Martin questioned her about her current projects, to which she replied that she didn't have any pressing commitments.

Leaving the building, Martin instructed Bruce to take them to the underground parking lot. Steve, his manager, wanted to intervene, but when he saw Aniston's radiant smile, he thought otherwise.

They got into the car, and Bruce drove to a nearby five-star hotel without needing Martin's instructions. Sometimes, actions speak louder than words.

As they arrived at the hotel, Aniston admired a poster on the wall featuring Martin. She referred to it as the ultimate form of fan idolization - "happy worship."

Just as a song finished playing in the car, Martin's phone rang. He checked the screen, revealing Julie's name.

Aniston suggested he take the call, even playfully restraining him. Despite her waning interest in competing with Jolie, she seemed to enjoy the mischief.

Martin answered, saying, "Hi, Angie, are you okay?"

Angelina Julie immediately inquired if Martin was with Aniston, to which he neither confirmed nor denied.

Angelina Julie demanded to speak with Aniston, and Martin handed her the phone.

Aniston stated firmly, "Martin and I are together. Do you want to know where he is?" Before Julie could reply, Aniston hung up.

She turned to Martin and teased, "Have you ever considered talking to both Julie and me at the same time?"

Martin replied, "Never really crossed my mind."

Aniston didn't quite believe him, but Martin just continued listening to the Eagles' music.

At the end of the workday, Martin headed home alone, changed into more comfortable attire, hopped into an inconspicuous car, and drove to the South Hillside.

Life could be quite demanding, especially when it required frequent travel, which took a toll on one's back.

Arriving at Louise's mansion, he found her behind the bar, preparing drinks. He took a seat and sighed, "Men are naturally weak in this department."

Changing the subject, he asked, "Are you planning to attend the International Bartenders Conference this year?"

Louise proudly pointed to her medals and certificates in the glass display case, saying, "How can we miss the only female bartender master?"

Martin nodded and added, "I've recently created a new cocktail called 'Hole-in-One.'"