Chapter 139: The Olsons

On the villa's terrace, Louise donned an elegant silk suit that accentuated her figure. Seated at a small dining table, she relished a steak dinner with Martin.

Martin sliced into a piece of barbecue and savored it before remarking, "The chef is truly skilled, and the meat is exquisite."

Louise, eating daintily, nodded and swallowed her food. "Italian Quinine Steak. I know you're a meat lover, so I had the chef prepare it for you."

Appreciating the succulent meat, Martin expressed gratitude. "I'm really not sure how to thank you."

Louise, her appetite more modest, picked up a napkin to dab her mouth and then casually inquired, "Did you bring me a souvenir?"

Martin, his hand fumbling in his pocket, tightened his fist and extended it toward Louise.

Anticipating a gift, Louise leaned forward.

However, Martin released his hand, causing a cord to fall. Attached to the cord was a polished, white, and sleek crocodile tooth.

Louise's irritation was evident, and she seemed ready to strike someone. "You've given this to me before."

Martin defended himself, explaining, "It's different. The one before was from an Australian crocodile. This one is from a Morelet crocodile."

Louise raised her wine glass, glaring at Martin as though she might splash it in his face.

Martin decided to stop teasing her and took back the pendant. He also produced a notepad and pushed it in Louise's direction. "Currently, there's only one type available." He retrieved a small charm and a note. "It's a Meyar lucky charm."

Louise took the notepad, glanced at it, and broke into a broad smile. "Martin Davis, you've repaid a small portion of the debt you owe me."

Martin quipped, "Can I clear the entire debt tonight?"

Louise dismissed the notion, saying, "Get lost," and focused on studying the new cocktail recipes provided by Martin.

Leaving the international bartender to his work, Martin continued to enjoy his meal.

As the night grew darker, Martin finished his dinner and reached for a wet towel to clean his hands. At that moment, lights illuminated a neighboring villa, and he glimpsed someone entering the tennis court.

From a distance, no sound could be heard, only indistinct silhouettes were visible.

Louise closed her notepad, turned back to Martin, and said, "Do you know my neighbors, the Olson family? Ashley Olson and Mary Olson? This is the house they purchased."

Martin shifted his attention. "Of course, I've heard of the famous Olsen sisters. I recall reading in gossip media that they have a younger sister?"

Louise confirmed, "That's right, Elizabeth. She's in middle school."

Martin stood up and suggested, "Enough about them. Shall we go downstairs?"

Louise approached, took Martin's hand, and they descended together.

Martin inquired, "I've read the Screen Actors Guild charter. Is it true that any member who plays a supporting role in a particular work is entitled to share in the film's post-production earnings every year?"

Louise clarified, "That's part of the agreement between the Screen Actors Guild and the Producers Alliance. Even without a specific sharing agreement with the production crew, as long as a union member's role in a project meets the criteria, they're entitled to the post-production earnings outlined in the agreement. The share is relatively small, but post-production copyright revenue for films can be substantial. To put it in perspective, last year, the North American box office was less than 10 billion, but copyright revenue exceeded 100 billion."

She added, "Do you know who was the first to benefit from this? Ronald Reagan, during his tenure as chairman of the Screen Actors Guild, before he was nearly assassinated by Jodie Foster's admirer."

Martin noted, "Reagan and Schwarzenegger are two of the most successful actors turned politicians."

Louise nodded thoughtfully. "Schwarzenegger faces a more challenging path ahead. He wasn't born in the United States." Playfully teasing Martin, she asked, "Do you have ambitions to reach the White House?"

Martin chuckled, "When the time comes, I'll press the nuclear button, and boom—"

Louise leaned on the stairway railing, teasing, "Am I going to have to eliminate you beforehand to save the world?"

Martin playfully tilted his head back. "Bring it on, I won't resist."

And so, the battle to defend the Earth began.

---

In the present year, Robert's income had risen, and he had gained recognition within Atlanta's actor community. He rented a new home in a middle-class neighborhood to the west.

After waking up and freshening up one morning, Robert brewed a cup of coffee, had a simple breakfast, opened his notebook, and reviewed his work for the day.

Hollywood crews were increasingly coming to Atlanta for filming, and Gray Films' studio had secured two major productions. While the lead roles were decided in Los Angeles, many minor roles and extras were cast in Atlanta, further boosting the local actor market.

The Mariette Community Theater was on the verge of transformation, with its leader, Jerome, planning to transition into a talent agency. Robert would take on the role of training director in the new company.

In essence, his job remained unchanged; he would still be coaching actors.

After drinking most of his coffee, Robert closed his notebook and retrieved another small notebook with the word "Coke!" inscribed on the cover. He read it daily as he had a somewhat forgetful nature.

Whether it was due to Coca-Cola's influence or that the audition roles predominantly came from Gray Films and its affiliates, the success rate of the ritual was an astounding 100%.

Robert had eaten his fill and had his share of coffee. After reviewing the notes, he stashed the notebook away, stood up, stretched, and mumbled, "Should I start the Coca-Cola sect? Have I tasted the intoxication of leadership before?" These thoughts were all he entertained for now. He grabbed his bag and headed out for work.

Just as he closed his front door, a sleek Cadillac pulled up on the road—his favorite model.

The car stopped, and a young man not yet 20 years old stepped out of the driver's seat. He seemed familiar to Robert, as if he had seen him somewhere.

Harris recognized Robert immediately, thanks to his distinctive large head. He approached and greeted, "Good morning, Robert. My name is Harris. Martin sent me."

Robert recalled the encounter. "Hello, what can I do for you?"

Harris conveyed, "Martin asked me to deliver something to you."

Robert was momentarily taken aback but then glanced at the Cadillac.

Approaching him, Harris extended the car keys. "The car is yours. The necessary paperwork is in the glove compartment."

"It's too extravagant," Robert murmured, his eyes fixed on the Cadillac. "This... it's too valuable."

Harris insisted, giving him the key. "Martin wanted me to emphasize that, thanks to your relationship, his audition success rate will increase by at least 50%. You must accept it."

Reluctantly, Robert held the key and surrendered. "Alright, alright, I'll take it."

Harris concluded, "The delivery is done. It's time for me to go." He departed without lingering and climbed into a black BMW 7.

Robert recognized that car; it used to belong to Martin.

Thinking of Martin, Robert contemplated making a call. Calculating the time difference, he deduced that Martin was likely still asleep and postponed the call.

He drove both the new car and the old one into his garage.

Within the next couple of days, he resolved to find an appropriate moment to drive the new car to the theater troupe.

Sitting in the car, Robert remembered one crucial task. He dialed a contact for a Coke dealer and made a request, saying, "Please collect the Coca-Cola produced in Atlanta in 2003 and acquire as much as possible." The recipient on the other end sounded puzzled. "The Coca-Cola produced in Atlanta in 2003? What's so special about that Coca-Cola?"

Only Robert and Martin were privy to the secret of the Coca-Cola God, and Robert had no intention of disclosing it to anyone else. He quickly improvised, "Last year's batch of syrup had an exceptional flavor, resulting in an extraordinary Coca-Cola."

...

In Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles, the sun had just risen. Martin and Louise, sporting athletic attire, embarked on a morning jog along the southern slope road.

After a circuit around a nearby park and while returning along the road, Louise stopped, hands on her knees, panting heavily. "I can't go on, please wait for me a moment. I need to catch my breath." Martin turned back and retraced his steps to help her up. "Don't stop, just walk slowly."

Louise allowed him to guide her and, while walking, offered excuses, "I was active last night and burned a lot of energy; otherwise..."

Martin playfully suggested, "Next time, should I take a photo to accurately calculate who covered more distance?"

"I warn you, don't get cheeky," Louise retorted. "You're younger and more physically fit. It's only natural."

Suddenly, Martin had a thought and said seriously, "Drink less; excessive alcohol consumption accelerates aging..."

These words unleashed a torrent of indignation, and Louise couldn't hold back. "What are you implying, that I'm getting old?"

Martin, with a kind-hearted smile, clarified, "I'm just reminding you not to become a heavy drinker."

At that moment, a car pulled up and parked nearby. The passenger window rolled down, revealing a blond girl in the driver's seat who waved at Louise. "Louise, it's a rare sight to see you up so early."

Louise glanced at the girl, who still had some baby fat, in the passenger seat. "Has Hall Middle School started?"

Mary Olson pointed toward Louise. "Elizabeth, Louise is our neighbor."

Elizabeth greeted politely.

The sisters soon departed, and their car headed toward North Hollywood.

After breakfast, Martin and Louise headed to Warner Studios together. Louise would continue her involvement in the post-production of "Alexander the Great" to ensure the film's commercial success.

Martin proceeded to another post-production studio, where "House of Wax" had reached the stage of adding opening and closing credits.

To his surprise, he bumped into Thomas as soon as he entered.

Martin retrieved the Mayan lucky totem that Louise disliked and handed it to the agent. "A small gift with a Mexican touch."

Thomas accepted it, and although the item wasn't extravagant, he appreciated the gesture. "It's quite nice. I'll find a place for these. When you become a big star, they'll become valuable."

Martin asked, "What brings you here?"

Thomas replied, "I came for a promotional meeting. Paris Hilton's agent is pushing for her name to be listed second in the credits. That's absolutely unacceptable! Elisha Cuthbert is the sole female lead, but your role as Nick is the most pivotal from now on."

Martin concurred, "You have to fight for what's rightfully yours. I trust you with this." Such negotiations were the domain of an agent, and Thomas was fulfilling his role. "Rest assured, I won't let them succeed."

Encouraged, Martin cheered him on, "Go for it! Knock them down!"

With a determined fist, Thomas entered a conference room, as if he were entering a battlefield.