Chapter 167: Going Abroad

The Volkswagen sedan zipped along the road, veering into the southern hillside region of Sherman Oaks. Martin eased off the accelerator slightly and spotted a girl walking her golden retriever up ahead. She waved to him as he approached.

Elizabeth Olsen noticed Martin's car from a distance.

Martin's car pulled over to the side of the road, and he lowered the passenger window. "Need a ride?" he offered.

Elizabeth shook her head, smiling. "Thank you, I woke up from a nap and didn't see you again that day."

"You're welcome," Martin waved. "I've got some errands to run, so I should get going."

The golden retriever suddenly barked towards the car.

Martin drove off.

Elizabeth waved as the car departed.

Martin's car arrived at Louise's house, and the automatic gate opened to allow the car to enter the villa's parking area.

Mary was waiting by the entrance, and her eyes conveyed relief when she saw Martin approaching.

"Where is she?" Martin inquired.

Mary pointed inside. "She's still drinking, and I can't seem to stop her."

Martin nodded and, as he passed by Mary, he quickly glanced at her before entering the villa.

Louise, dressed in a sleek dark business suit and black-rimmed glasses, lay sprawled across the bar, pouring herself another drink.

After downing a glass, she reached for the bottle once more, but a large hand came down to stop her.

Martin glanced at the two empty wine bottles next to her – one large, one small – and sternly told her, "No more drinking."

Louise belched and reached out to grab Martin's clothes, pulling him closer. "You've arrived just in time, Join me for a drink."

Martin picked up the bottle, moved around the bar, and fetched two fresh glasses. He unscrewed a bottle of mineral water and poured it into the glasses.

Louise propped herself up on one arm, chin resting on her hand as she stared at Martin. "Why are you here?"

"Mary called me," Martin replied. "I was worried something might have happened to you."

Louise picked up the water glass, noting the absence of alcohol, and set it back down. "Bad boy, I'm on the brink of going bankrupt."

Martin repeated his earlier words, "If you go bankrupt, I'll support you."

In the past, Louise had taken such statements as jokes, but now, hearing Martin say it earnestly, she felt a strange mix of emotions.

Martin took a sip of water.

"I want to drink, I feel uneasy without wine." Louise protested, pushing the water glass away half-jokingly. "Do you know how many investors have called me to terminate our cooperation? Fifteen companies! Do you realize what this means?"

Martin, not reaching for the wine, asked softly, "One failure and you're giving up? That's not the resilient Louise I know."

He pulled out a chair and sat across from her. "No matter how tough it gets, can it compare to when I was in Atlanta? I'm a guy from the slums who made millions. It can't be harder for you to start over than it was for me back then, can it?"

Louise gazed at Martin. "People always chase success."

Martin responded, "Some of us value friendships like I do."

Louise suddenly burst into laughter, her head resting on the table. Today had been particularly depressing, and the conversations with Kelly and Martin brought some much-needed lightness.

When people were going through tough times, even a glimmer of hope could feel exceptionally bright.

Martin pushed the water glass toward her again. "Have some water to help with the hangover."

"Take me upstairs," Louise demanded, her arms outstretched.

Martin circled around, lifted Louise, and headed upstairs.

Louise lay on his shoulder and unexpectedly let out a burp.

Martin was taken aback. "Wait until you're upstairs and use the bathroom if you need to vomit."

However, Louise leaned closer to his ear and whispered, "Don't worry, I occasionally get car sick and sea sick, but I've never been air sick."

In moments of distress, a hearty flight could lift one's spirits.

Louise used to find Martin handsome and practical, but now, she found him even more attractive and useful.

---

In Century City, at a Starbucks, Thomas waited for his target.

Ron Armas, Martin Scorsese's top assistant to producer Graham King, was the person he was waiting for. Thomas and Ron had been classmates, and they'd kept in touch over the years. After Thomas learned that Ron had become Graham's assistant, they had maintained their connection.

Ron pulled out a chair and sat across from Thomas. "You seem eager," he remarked.

Thomas responded, "I don't know how many people are keeping an eye on Martin Scorsese's project." He inquired, "Do you have any more specific updates?"

"I attended a meeting with Graham this morning, and there were two screenwriters and directors from the port city," Ron began, opening his briefcase and producing a box of discs. "This film has gained immense popularity in East Asia. Director Seth is quite interested and plans to adapt it into an American version."

Thomas accepted the disc. Its title was "Infernal Affairs," and it revolved around police and gangsters.

Ron provided some insights, saying, "The story will be set in Boston, with Scorsese's signature gangster backdrop. The two central characters are both undercover agents – one is an Irish gangster undercover in the police force, and the other is an undercover police officer infiltrating the Irish gang. The latter character is the absolute protagonist, and we've already confirmed Leonardo for the lead role."

Thomas immediately focused on the main supporting role, asking, "Is the supporting role suitable for my client?"

Ron explained, "First and foremost, they need to have exceptional acting skills. Secondly, they should have a certain level of fame. Scorsese's crew rarely casts unknown newcomers these days. They prefer working with established actors. With all due respect, your client Martin Davis isn't famous enough. When it comes to Scorsese's projects, as soon as the news is out, there's never a shortage of star actors."

Thomas acknowledged this but knew that there were only a few quasi-A-level projects he could connect his client with. Scorsese's project wouldn't just entertain audiences; it would also broaden Martin's acting range and roles. But competition for such roles would be fierce.

"Martin has a new movie coming out after the New Year, a horror-thriller by Craven. That will boost his fame," Thomas mentioned, but he felt it might not be enough. "Ron, you've been involved in two of Scorsese's projects, 'Gangs of New York' and 'The Aviator.' You're familiar with how Scorsese's team operates. If Martin wants to secure significant supporting roles, is there any way to increase his chances?"

Ron explained the simplest and most direct approach, "If he has excellent acting skills, brings funding to join the project, or secures a key production role with the backing of the film's investors, his chances naturally increase. Scorsese's gangster films have substantial budgets, and the return on investment isn't necessarily high. Most profits come from long-term endeavors, so the financial pressure is substantial. Even artists sometimes make concessions when faced with substantial investments."

Thomas inquired, "Is this how Leonardo established a long-term collaboration with Scorsese?"

Ron nodded, "Titanic's global impact completely transformed Leonardo's career. He has numerous options and attracts significant overseas investments. He can easily secure tens of millions in funding and has a strong appeal. Which director wouldn't want such a lead actor?"

Thomas, frowning, asked, "Tens of millions in funding?"

Ron clarified, "At least. Don't forget, this is provided the acting skills are up to par. Look at me; I almost forgot the easiest route. If you can get Graham, Scorsese, or Leonardo on your side, everything becomes easier!"

Thomas realized that it might not be that difficult. Scorsese wasn't a client of WMA, and although Ari Emanuel had tried to poach him multiple times, he had been unsuccessful. Thomas questioned, "Don't you have any influence?"

"I'm at most an associate producer and assistant director on the crew," Ron admitted, acknowledging his limitations. "For minor roles, I can certainly help, but for top-ten characters, I have no say."

Thomas recalled how Martin had not abandoned him when faced with A-level projects from renowned director Ridley Scott. He now felt determined. "Among those three, who's attracted to men? I'll go approach that one!"

Ron had seen Martin's image data – he was handsome and had a great physique. He joked, "Are you interested in becoming a pimp?"

Thomas shook his head. "No, it's me! I'll handle it myself!"

Ron chuckled as he looked at Thomas's receding hairline and shiny forehead. "Don't joke around. It's not something you can resolve by selling yourself." For the first time, Thomas felt helpless.

Ron offered a reminder, "The script hasn't been written yet, and the crew won't be casting external actors in the short term. The news hasn't spread much, so act quickly. If you're late, there won't be any opportunities left."

After the meeting with Ron, Thomas moved on to his next appointment, a lunch meeting with a Warner Bros. production executive. During their conversation, Thomas learned that Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston's Plan B Pictures had struck a deal with Warner Bros. to invest in Scorsese's new project, alongside Warner Bros. and Leonardo's Appian Trail Productions.

Thomas felt an overwhelming sense of urgency; he was willing to go to great lengths to secure this opportunity.

Fight for it; there was still hope. If he didn't take the initiative to fight for it, he'd have no chance at all.

---

Meanwhile, in the luxurious Sherman Oaks villa, Martin slept soundly with his head resting on Louise's ample bosom. The gentle rise and fall of her chest tickled his face, and he woke up early.

When Louise shifted, Martin stirred awake as well.

He checked the time and suggested, "Let's go out for breakfast."

Louise was too comfortable to move. "I can have the kitchen prepare something."

Martin playfully quipped, "You're going bankrupt, so it's better if I pay for our meal outside."

Louise sighed, ruining the mood, "I can't afford to play like this for now. Large-scale projects are too expensive."

Martin raised his head, kissed her passionately, and then said, "Then let's complete that Wanted project. If we succeed, it might help you recover financially."

Louise, however, had other plans in mind. "How about a vacation for the New Year? We can go to Hong Kong and Southeast Asia."

Martin wondered if she intended to attract investments overseas. "Are you planning to seek investments?"

Louise explained, "The International Bartenders Association is headquartered in Hong Kong, and they have an event there. My father used to do business in the Philippines and Malaysia, and there are many wealthy individuals there willing to invest in North America."

Martin understood, "Away from North America, where 'Alexander the Great' had the least amount of impact."