Chapter 819: Destined For Hell!

Martin had already toyed with the idea of traveling to Ukraine, contemplating the official routes to make the journey. His chance came when he learned of an official cultural exchange group based in Washington. This group, with the backing of Hollywood, was planning a visit and was eager to include some leading stars. The White House had even reached out to Martin personally, recognizing the value his involvement would bring.

With this prestigious invitation, Martin saw his opportunity to secure an official capacity for his trip. He immediately phoned Thomas, instructing him to get in touch with the Washington organizers. The gears were set in motion.

After taking a brief respite, Martin immersed himself in his latest project, joining the crew of "The Town." Alongside the film's main creators, he embarked on an extensive global publicity tour. Despite its modest budget and R-rating, the film had already garnered positive reactions from media and theater managers during Disney Pictures' two preview screenings.

The promotional strategy for "The Town" was traditional, leaning heavily on Martin's growing fame and appeal. His rigorous and widespread publicity efforts were expected to draw fans in droves, mirroring the successful campaigns of many Leonardo DiCaprio films.

However, the spotlight that summer was not on "The Town," but on the highly anticipated "Fast and Furious 6." Over the past month, countless events had been held to mourn the loss of Vin Diesel, a central figure in the franchise. Led by Paul Walker, the cast transformed into a surrogate family, tearfully recounting their memories with Vin during interviews and public appearances.

Vin Diesel's influence and legacy far surpassed that of Paul Walker. In death, any negative rumors about him faded away, especially with the poignant backdrop of the song "See You Again." The media and public showed remarkable leniency and reverence for the deceased, much like they had for Heath Ledger in the past.

While "The Dark Knight Rises" had paid tribute to Ledger, the campaign in Vin Diesel's honor for "Fast & Furious 6" was even more impactful. The film was marketed with the tagline "Official Farewell to Vin Diesel," leveraging the power of his posthumous fame. This strategy proved highly effective, as "Fast & Furious 6" launched the 2013 summer film season with a bang, raking in $135 million in North America and $320 million globally over its opening weekend.

The film's explosive success had industry executives taking note. Some, in their more cynical moments, might have wished for a similar fate for their own leading actors, hoping for a tragic event that could catapult their films to sensational success. With the first week's box office results in, Universal Pictures wasted no time in announcing the green light for "Fast and Furious 7."

That scene from Martin's previous life replayed in his mind, every time a new film in the "Fast & Furious" series hit the theaters, Vin Diesel's memory would be resurrected as a tribute.

In comparison to "Fast & Furious 6," which Universal Pictures had meticulously planned for over six months, the upcoming release of "The Town" seemed to lack the same fervor. Nevertheless, Walt Disney Studios was determined to make an impact, hosting the film's premiere at the iconic Boston Opera House, midweek.

The choice of location was significant. Boston, the heart and soul of the film's story, provided a fitting backdrop. As Martin stepped onto the red carpet, he was greeted by the enthusiastic cheers of thousands of Coca-Cola cult members. These devoted fans lifted their cans in unison, chanting, "Forever Coke God Cult! Forever Coke Cult Master!" Martin, playing along with a grin, took a few sips of Coke before handing the can to Bruce and swiftly ascending the wide steps of the opera house.

Awaiting him in the media area were several outlandishly dressed individuals, figures who seemed plucked from the pages of a fantasy novel. There was a man in drag, a flamboyant young man, a young woman dressed as a dapper gentleman, and a pair of girls in lace, their fingers intertwined.

The eclectic group rushed forward, flashing their emblems of the Coke Cult. "Martin, we are your followers," they declared with fervor.

Martin, ever the professional, smiled warmly and shook hands with each of them. "Thank you for your support. Your support is the biggest motivation for my work!" he said, masking his true thoughts with a practiced ease. He suspected this spectacle was orchestrated by Disney Pictures, eager to leverage the current equal rights movement for publicity.

Just then, the event host approached Martin and asked, "Martin, do you have anything to say to them?"

Martin paused, feeling the weight of the situation. If not for the trouble he'd stirred up in New York, he might not have been in this predicament. The eager eyes of the five devotees bore into him, especially the cross-dressed individuals, whose gazes held a mixture of admiration, love, and something more elusive.

Summoning his actor's prowess, Martin delivered his lines with heartfelt conviction. "Guys, I know you must have encountered criticism and unfair treatment. It is not easy to get to where you are today."

The five nodded, hanging on his every word.

"Everyone is unique, with unique gifts and values. It is most important to follow your heart, live your life well, and realize your own value. There are always many shadows in life, but..."

He embraced each of them warmly, then raised his voice to a triumphant pitch. "But each of us has the right to stand in the sun and shine brightly!"

The crowd erupted into applause, and Martin could feel the moment's gravity, knowing he'd played his part well. Disney's strategic move to include representatives from various marginalized groups had paid off, and Martin had successfully navigated the delicate balance between sincerity and performance.

Applause erupted all around, enveloping Martin and the five diverse individuals who had just expressed their heartfelt gratitude. One by one, they stepped forward.

"Thanks for your encouragement, Martin, I will always support you!" said the man dressed in drag, his eyes shining with sincerity.

"You will always be our friend!" added the young woman dressed as a man, her voice firm with conviction.

"Martin, you are the epitome of a celebrity!" exclaimed the flamboyant young man, admiration dripping from his words.

"You gave us the courage to stand in the sun!" said one of the lace-clad girls, her eyes glistening with emotion.

Martin, ever the consummate performer, embraced the moment. He joined hands with the five and turned to face the media, a beaming smile on his face as the cameras flashed. The spectacle was bound to become a potent piece of promotional material.

He was acutely aware of the intricate dance of commercial interests, political demands, and class conflicts behind these social movements. Even with the collective efforts of the industry's biggest players, challenging these hidden powers would be a monumental task.

As he walked away from the media area towards the theater entrance, Bruce trailed behind. "I was worried for a moment that you might explode on the spot," Bruce confided, relief evident in his voice.

"Don't worry, these are just a piece of cake," Martin replied quietly. "None of these people claim to be rice cookers and shopping bags; otherwise, it would be more challenging."

He then asked, half-jokingly, "Old Bob, how do you compliment someone whose gender is a rice cooker or a shopping bag?"

Bruce, despite his extensive experience with nefarious individuals and dire situations, was at a loss. The complexities of modern social identities were a puzzle even to him. "It's difficult, too difficult!" he sighed. "All these people should be sent to the army, to Iraq or Afghanistan."

Martin chuckled. "The American military has become composed of people of ten genders? Maybe in a few years, it will be hundreds."

Bruce shook his head, feeling like he was living in a surreal, magical age.

Entering the foyer of the Opera House, Martin's presence was immediately noticed. Catherine Daddario, radiant in a black backless dress, hurried over. "Hi, Martin," she greeted warmly.

"Long time no see, Catherine," Martin replied, giving her a brief, appreciative glance. Her tall figure, fair skin, and long legs complemented her delicate makeup, but to Martin, she was merely beautiful.

The click of high heels announced another presence. Alexandra Daddario joined her sister, her husky eyes twinkling with a unique, icy charm. The reflection of sunlight on thousand-year-old ice crystals seemed to dance in her gaze.

Martin hugged Alexandra, then glanced back at Catherine. There was something about Catherine now, an increased allure that hadn't been there before. The Daddario sisters, standing side by side, each exuded a captivating presence that left Martin momentarily entranced.

Martin sighed inwardly, acknowledging that a woman's attractiveness often depends on timing, setting, and company.

He chatted with Alexandra for a bit, enjoying the casual conversation, when Catherine interjected with excitement. "Oh, I forgot to tell you! I passed the audition for 'House of Cards.' I got the role of a female reporter. Martin, thank you so much for your recommendation. I couldn't have done it without you."

Martin smiled modestly. "It was a small favor. Just a call to Netflix."

Catherine, her eyes sparkling, grabbed Martin's arm with one hand and Alexandra's with the other. "Shall we go back to the hotel together tonight?"

Martin, never one to refuse such an invitation, grinned. "Absolutely."

Alexandra added with a smirk, "We are definitely going to hell."

Martin laughed. "Since we're destined for hell, we might as well enjoy ourselves wildly while we're here on earth."

Catherine agreed eagerly, "You don't have any plans tomorrow morning, right? We're having a crazy three-person party tonight."

Alexandra nodded. "Since you all said so, I must join in."

Just then, the rhythmic click of high heels announced another arrival. Linda Henry, striking in a bright red dress, approached them. As the owner of the Boston Red Sox and a major sponsor of the film, she had been invited to the premiere.

"I heard there's going to be a party?" Linda asked curiously, her eyes twinkling. "Martin, are you hosting? Can I join?"

Sensing the potential complication, Alexandra quickly interjected, "We haven't seen Martin in a while. We need to catch up alone."

Linda glanced at the Daddario sisters, understanding dawning in her eyes. "I see. Well, I wish you all a pleasant night." She smiled and handed Martin a business card. "I've updated my contact information."

Martin accepted the card with a polite nod. "I'm still the same as before."

Linda gave a knowing smile and sashayed away, her departure as graceful as her entrance.

Once she was out of earshot, Catherine leaned in and whispered, "Martin, that woman has feelings for you."

Martin shrugged. "I'm only interested in the sponsorship and advertising fees from Fenway Sports, not her personally."

Alexandra chimed in, "Isn't she married? Her last name is Henry, as in her husband's name."

Martin sighed, exasperated. "Where do you hear these rumors? Why would I be interested in her when I have you two here?"

He glanced at his watch and gently urged, "Let's head into the screening room. There's a small media event before the screening. We shouldn't be late."

With that, the three of them made their way into the grand hall of the opera house, ready to face the evening's festivities.