Chapter 244: Master of Time Management

Martin expressed his admiration for a true artist like Jones and shared a drink with him.

"Art is a belief that can help people transcend the world," Martin mused.

Bruce playfully nudged Martin from behind and pointed out, "Look to your front left, it's Jennifer Aniston."

Martin turned his head to see Aniston engaged in a conversation with someone and inquired, "What's she doing here?"

Bruce explained in a hushed tone, "Aniston is originally from Los Angeles, born in Sherman Oaks. After her parents' divorce, she moved to New York. However, once she became famous, her mother moved back to Sherman Oaks."

Martin chuckled, "You're remarkably well-informed."

Bruce looked innocent, stating, "Well, I thought you might need it. So, I made sure to remember details about Aniston."

Martin acknowledged, "You truly are a capable manager." He extended his hand, "Pen and notebook, please."

Bruce reached into his bag and handed over a signature pen and notebook. These were props Martin often used and frequently carried with him.

As the person they were observing walked away, Martin confidently approached and used his classic opening line, "Excuse me."

Aniston turned around, recognizing Martin after a moment. Although they hadn't met before, they both knew who the other was.

Aniston greeted him with a smile, "Hello, Martin."

Martin presented the pen and notebook, admitting, "This might be a bit presumptuous, but since 1994, you've been my favorite female star—more than just an idol, you're my goddess."

Aniston graciously accepted the pen and notebook, signing them, and curiously asked, "Do you live in the Coty community?"

Martin nodded, "I moved here at the end of June." As he didn't know Aniston well, the conversation shifted to their shared profession, "Apart from 'Friends,' have you worked on anything recently? I'd definitely support it."

Aniston put down the pen, handed the notebook to Martin, and revealed, "I was set to film a movie, but it got delayed due to some unforeseen circumstances."

Martin understood the underlying meaning and didn't press further. Instead, he shared, "I feel like 'Friends' ended too soon. I'd love to see a reunion episode every year and watch you on screen even as I grow old."

Aniston's words carried a hint of nostalgia as she responded, "Someday, we'll have to bid it farewell."

Martin proposed, "Actually, we could shoot a reunion episode every year. I'm sure the audience would love it."

Aniston was intrigued, "That's a great idea. I'll suggest it to the production company."

Martin took the initiative, "Leave me your contact information, so I can stay updated on any developments."

Aniston handed Martin her personal business card, and Martin reciprocated by giving her his.

As Martin walked away, Aniston suddenly remembered something. Back in April and May, gossip tabloids had been buzzing with rumors about Martin and Jolie, but Pitt had divorced Jolie for her. Shaking her head, she pushed the negative thoughts aside.

Harold from the community committee introduced Kane, the owner of the Angel Shooting Club, to Martin. Kane approached and offered a toast, inviting, "I've heard Mr. Davis is quite interested in shooting?"

Martin clinked glasses with him and replied, "I grew up in the slums of Atlanta, where the sound of gunfire never stopped. But for self-defense and protecting our families, picking up a gun was sometimes the only option."

Kane handed over a membership card, a one-month pistol shooting experience, saying, "The Angel Club offers comprehensive services."

Martin examined the card, asking, "Is the club in Sherman Oaks?"

Kane elaborated, "It's by the seaside, very close to the community. Our annual community shooting competition is hosted at the Angel Club. Next month will be the annual competition."

Martin teased, "Can I reserve the championship in advance?"

Kane revealed, "I'm also a community member and will participate in the competition."

Harold chimed in, "Kane served in Afghanistan. Many returning soldiers often visit the Angel Club. Martin, practicing shooting there will be a valuable experience."

Martin smiled, "I'll definitely visit as soon as possible."

Since the shooting gallery in North Hollywood was limited in size and somewhat far, Martin didn't mind trying out a different location.

The wine tasting continued into the evening before Martin and Bruce departed.

On their way back, they encountered Jones and his daughter Jenna once more. Jenna hung back slightly and told Martin, "I overheard Caiden talking about you."

Martin was momentarily puzzled but then recalled Caiden, thinking, "I filmed 'Zombie Stripper' with Jenna. She knows a lot of artists."

The latter title had been quite useful for Jenna. She discreetly slipped a business card into Martin's hand, saying, "If you ever need a large number of young and beautiful girls for a party, you can contact me." Martin understood the subtext; she was attracting clients. In Hollywood, even some political bigwigs frequented Sacred Valley actresses. The technology there was simply extraordinary.

Jenna hadn't finished her sentence when she added, "I can even connect you with young female models."

Martin acknowledged her offer with a nod. Los Angeles was filled with countless individuals and companies offering similar services, making it a highly competitive market.

Upon arriving home, Martin checked the time, then dialed Atlanta's number and engaged in a conversation with Elena for a while. He then requested to speak with Lily.

Elena was straightforward in her inquiry, asking, "Why do you want to talk to her?"

Martin explained, "I consulted an expert in the art world about Lily's sculptures. They believe she has immense talent."

Elena, concerned about her sister's future, handed the phone over to Lily without further ado.

Lily, in the Northville community, responded, "CalArts, right? I also plan to apply to a university in Los Angeles next year, but my social engagement isn't great..."

Martin offered, "I'll find someone to help you write a letter of recommendation." He added, "In the meantime, I'll send you a batch of horn carvings as an early 17th birthday gift." Lily, trying to conceal her excitement, mumbled, "Sure, send as many as you want."

"Great, that's settled," Martin said, ending the call promptly.

Lily listened to the busy signal and muttered to herself, "Go ahead, carve your clowns to be even more evil."

Elena, curious, inquired, "Are you sure you want to apply to a college in Los Angeles?"

Lily nodded firmly, "Absolutely."

Elena suggested, "Local universities in Georgia or Ivy League schools would also be good options. With Martin's connection to Coca-Cola, finding a suitable internship for you would be easy."

Lily held her ground, stating, "I want to go to Los Angeles."

Elena stared at her with clenched fists, and Lily noticed her sister's tension. Lily raised her hand and punched herself, asking, "Are you satisfied now?"

Elena remained silent.

Lily punched herself again, adding, "Until I graduate from middle school, you can punch me five times a year until you're content."

Elena eventually relented, saying, "You have the freedom to choose your own future."

Lily moved closer to Elena, hugged her, and whispered, "We're family."

Elena looked up and realized that Lily, now taller than her, had tears in her eyes.

Lily put away her phone and retreated to her room.

As she ascended the stairs, Hall, who lived downstairs, suddenly appeared, saying, "By 'family,' you must mean that idiot Martin."

Elena glared at him fiercely, warning, "Get back to your homework. If your grades don't improve, I'll hire a tutor for you."

Hall inquired, "A female tutor?"

Elena, unyielding, grabbed a nearby baseball and hurled it at him. Hall quickly dodged, and the ball whizzed past his head.

When Hall reappeared, he found his other sister, Lily, standing at the staircase corner, clutching an oak bat.

Brothers have no rights!

Hall had no choice but to return to his room and tackle his homework. Compared to plotting mischief, studying seemed impossibly difficult.

*****

In the Coty Community, Martin concluded his call and realized he had managed his time efficiently. He decided to call Blake Lively.

However, negotiations for the movie script were proving difficult, and it seemed like it would take more time to reach an agreement.

In Los Angeles, many aspiring screenwriters harbored high hopes of fame and significant financial returns for their work. Each script represented their creative child. Nevertheless, the reality was harsh, with screenwriters often being taken advantage of by producers.

Martin had spent over an hour on the phone before ending the call. He contemplated Julie's return from Africa, where she had been immersed in discussions about democracy, freedom, and saving children. He assumed her departure might be imminent, which was something he looked forward to.

As Martin hung up, he noticed Bruce sitting on the sofa, engrossed in a book.

Martin inquired curiously, "Are you enjoying it that much? Is Alan's novel really captivating? Can you even understand it?"

Bruce, ever the diligent manager, replied, "I'm your manager, and it's part of my job."

Under normal circumstances, a manager's primary responsibility was to help clients select projects and roles. However, Martin's situation was unique, and he had never sought Bruce's assistance in that regard. Bruce played more of a gatekeeper and problem-solver role.

Martin had spent a significant part of the day on various matters and was ready to retire for the night. He told Bruce, "Read it carefully and let me know your thoughts and experiences after you've finished."

Bruce responded, "You'll have to give me a couple of days."

He closed the book and made his way to the guesthouse. "My reading level isn't quite up to par with yours."

Martin understood and said, "Although my writing might not make much sense, reading books and scripts is not an issue for me."