Chapter 341: Malibu Wildfire

Upon his return to Los Angeles, Martin's first priority was to engage in discussions with Coca-Cola regarding a new endorsement opportunity. In comparison to Brioni and Cadillac, the collaboration with Coca-Cola held greater significance.

Fortunately, Coca-Cola had no objections to the partnership, with their exclusivity limited to beverages.

Subsequently, Martin met with Brioni and Cadillac separately, successfully negotiating the terms of endorsement agreements with both parties. Brioni agreed to a three-year contract with an annual endorsement fee of $6 million, along with various brand collaboration activities. Cadillac, on the other hand, signed a two-year contract with an annual endorsement fee of $10 million, with plans to shoot their first advertisement in January.

Before the New Year, a grand signing ceremony was held in Los Angeles to formalize the partnership with Cadillac. In the press hall of the Hilton Hotel, a throng of reporters gathered for the event. Martin signed the sample contract and then exchanged contracts with Johnson, the Cadillac representative, to resounding applause.

As the curtain behind the signing table unveiled Cadillac's flagship SLS 2007 model, Martin and the entire team posed for a group photo with the new car as the backdrop. Thomas, among the audience, cheered and applauded. While the applause echoed, he brushed his hand over his receding hairline, feeling the thinning hair strands. Nevertheless, he didn't mind, given the significant earnings these two endorsement deals secured for him as an agent, combined with Martin's other commissions, amounting to millions annually.

Only a handful of Hollywood entertainment agents achieved such remarkable success.

In the midst of it all, Thomas contemplated the reflection of his hair on his mobile phone screen, pondering whether he should embrace a bald look or consider a hair transplant.

During the ceremony, a Cadillac spokesperson announced that the brand would fully sponsor the premiere of Martin's upcoming film, "Limitless," and supply cars for all public events. Producer Louise Meyer, representing the film crew, also signed a sponsorship agreement with Cadillac. With just a month remaining before the film's release, the crew was making the most of every opportunity to promote it.

Martin, during the press conference, responded to various questions from reporters. One question from Judy of TMZ, prepared in advance with Bruce, revolved around gossip: "There are ongoing rumors in the media and on various websites suggesting you're romantically involved with Jennifer Aniston and Angelina Jolie. Are you dating them simultaneously?"

Martin promptly refuted the rumors, stating, "Do you really think that's possible? Both Jennifer and Angelina are independent women, and we're good friends..." The video of the press conference was uploaded on TMZ's website that noon.

Meanwhile, Brad Pitt, confined at home due to travel restrictions, watched the video. Frustration had taken its toll after days of isolation, and he vented his anger by smashing the mouse. "Some friend he is! Can't believe he'd throw a buddy under the bus like that. Martin, you scoundrel! I'm going to get you!"

Unkempt and disheveled, his beard overgrown and hair greasy, Brad Pitt looked like a madman.

On the same computer screen, another news article revealed that Cadillac and Brioni had officially signed contracts with Martin Davis, making him the global brand ambassador for both companies. Seeing the photo of Martin posing beside Cadillac's SLS flagship car, Brad Pitt felt nothing but bitterness.

Two endorsements worth tens of millions had slipped away from him. In frustration, Pete picked up his phone and called his agent, Maggie. When she answered, he declared, "I want to sue Cadillac for a unilateral breach of contract!"

Maggie offered a different perspective, advising, "Brad Pitt, forget about it. You should lie low, keep quiet. It's a time when many are coming forward with #MeToo allegations, affecting not only actors but also directors and screenwriters. If you make a fuss now, it'll only draw more resentment. Stay low and wait for an opportunity." Pete ended the call in frustration.

Given that many stars and directors at CAA had joined the #MeToo movement, they were considering parting ways with Brad Pitt.

The year 2006 quietly ended amidst the fervor of the #MeToo movement, and 2007 ushered in Martin once more. He used the New Year holiday to take a well-deserved vacation, coinciding with a New Year's fireworks display organized by the Koti community. Martin and Bruce went to New Chinatown to buy fireworks and stopped by the hardware store to pick up steel pipes and tools.

Upon returning home, they launched into DIY mode. While Martin provided ideas, Bruce excelled in the hands-on work. After two days of hard work, they had modified several fireworks and setting-off tools, successfully testing them in the yard. Martin invited Leonardo and Nicholson, and together they embarked on a thrilling adventure, driving to the community square where hundreds of people had gathered.

Setting up a safe area, they handed out fireproof boxes and packs of fireworks to the neighborhood children, with Aniston taking charge of distributing the fireworks sticks. As darkness fell, the square became a hub of excitement, with property owners and the community organizing their own fireworks displays.

Martin, Bruce, and Aniston shared additional fireworks with the children, creating a sense of unity and joy.

A group of children encircled Aniston, their gleeful expressions captivating her as she realized just how adorable these kids were. However, her attention was soon diverted to the mischievous trio.

Martin opened a box and retrieved a thick iron pipe filled with multiple slender fireworks tubes, resembling a Gatling gun. Leonardo, holding a similar contraption, inquired, "What's this new thing? It looks like a Gatling gun."

With a smile, Martin responded, "It's called a Gatling."

Since they couldn't find a ready-made Gatling, Martin and Bruce had taken it upon themselves to modify the fireworks.

"Jack, help me light the fuse," Martin asked as he picked up the Gatling.

Nicholson obliged, igniting the fuse. Martin pointed the Gatling's muzzle skyward, and with a burst of burning smoke, bright fireworks streaked into the night like Gatling firing tracer bullets.

"This is fun!" Leonardo exclaimed, urging Nicholson to light one for him.

Nicholson was equally excited and, paying no heed to Leonardo's complaints, he shouted, "You'll get your turn. Pass me some."

The two bastards wouldn't give in to each other, engrossed in their competition.

Aniston brought a heart-shaped fairy wand and offered, "I'll light the fuse for both of you."

With her wand, she set fire to the Gatlings held by the two rascals. Nicholson resembled a quirky grandfather, shouting and laughing as he aimed and fired into the sky. Such moments of delight were exclusive to men.

Martin received a fresh Gatling and invited Aniston, "Do you want to give it a try?"

Aniston declined, "It's more beautiful to watch."

You can relish the beauty of fireworks without having to set them off yourself. Before the fireworks display concluded, a group of people approached and inquired about the fireworks.

Nicholson, with one Gatling emptied, promptly replied, "These are available for takeout, $50 each."

Someone bought two, attracting more onlookers due to the lively display. Nicholson, being a cheeky old scoundrel, delighted in selling the fireworks fashioned by Martin and Bruce, taking satisfaction not only in the profit but in the joy of offering others something special.

He then announced to Martin and Aniston, "I'm treating you later. You'll need a face wash."

Aniston was puzzled, "A face wash? Are you suggesting a beauty treatment?"

Martin chimed in, "Don't pay attention to Jack. He's not being sensible."

The three of them continued to sell fireworks together, and the remaining boxes quickly found new homes. With just one box left, Nicholson seated himself on it, declaring, "This box is mine!"

Leonardo inquired, "What do you want it for?"

"It's for Malibu. Those mountains are famous for secret rendezvous," Nicholson quipped, "Leo, let's head there in a few days and set off fireworks amidst the wild lovers!"

Leonardo agreed, "Great idea. We'll see how many end up in the hospital."

The two rascals engaged in an animated discussion, but Martin quickly interjected, "I've just realized something."

Nicholson frowned, "What have you realized, you scoundrel?"

"So, this is the real reason behind the Malibu wildfires!" As the eldest and the wittiest of the trio of rascals, Martin finally unraveled the mystery, leaving the other two astonished.

Malibu was notorious for its wildfires, and Nicholson sighed, "I guess we'll have to stick to the studio for fireworks."

Leonardo added, "Every studio will blacklist you."

Nicholson, undeterred, stated, "I'll be retiring soon, and I'll make sure to set off fireworks in every famous studio before I do!"