Chapter 89: Forming an Alliance

The large bar fell into silence as the melodious tunes of Irish flute suddenly filled the air, accompanied by the deep voice of a woman singing. The patrons could easily recognize the origin of the song, yet in this underground strip club, it seemed oddly out of place.

Seth Logan, having tipped generously, returned to the second floor. Many patrons looked up from the dance floor, catching sight of a chubby figure standing by the railing.

With closed eyes, the chubby man stretched his arms horizontally, as if soaring in the wind or awaiting something.

A handsome young man appeared behind him, exuding charm with a hint of roguishness in his smile, incredibly captivating.

The sound of the Irish flute gradually intensified, and the low voice of the woman singing grew more fervent.

"Hurry up!" Murphy shouted towards the railing, "James, what are you waiting for?"

James Franco stepped forward, pressing close to Jonah Hill's back, hands firmly gripping his waist, leveraging his height advantage as he leaned over Jonah's right shoulder.

He gazed at Jonah's profile.

"Wow!" A chorus of cheers erupted in the bar.

Most eyes were fixed on the affectionate pair on the second floor, anticipating their next move.

Fuelled by alcohol, Murphy and Seth Logan's teasing, and the bar's cheers, James Franco found the courage. He spoke loudly, "Do you believe in me, Ruth?"

Jonah Hill turned his head, looking deeply into James's eyes. "I believe in you, Jack."

"Get up there," James Franco urged, pushing Jonah forward while his hand remained on his waist. "Close your eyes tightly, no peeking."

Extending his foot, Jonah stood on the railing. Perhaps due to his weight, the metal railing seemed to tremble.

James Franco pressed against Jonah's back. "Do you trust me?"

As they both adopted a flying pose, Jonah shouted, "I trust you!"

Opening his eyes, he turned to James Franco. "I'm flying, Jack!"

James Franco also gazed at him, the two locked in a tender gaze. He declared loudly, "Let's fly together, Ruth!"

Their faces drew closer, their eyes and lips inches apart.

Amidst the bar's laughter and screams, with the accompaniment of the Irish flute, James Franco and Jonah Hill were about to kiss when suddenly they separated, James stepping back, turning to his left, while Jonah jumped off the railing, turning to his right.

Both of them gagged.

"Your breath stinks!" James Franco pointed a finger at Jonah Hill, who shook his head, "Yours does too."

The spectators, expecting a spectacle, erupted into laughter once again.

"That doesn't count! That doesn't count!" Seth Logan protested indignantly. "You two haven't kissed yet!"

Jonah Hill's gagging wasn't just from the taste of alcohol in James Franco's mouth. He turned his head, raising a middle finger. "Screw you, Seth!"

James Franco returned, sitting next to Seth Logan, downing the beer in his glass, feeling somewhat relieved. "Seth, if you want to kiss Jonah, go ahead. I can't stand his fat face."

"What's wrong with being fat?"

Despite the laughter in the bar, Jonah Hill returned, visibly displeased with James Franco's comment. "I'd rather be a decent-looking guy than a shameless jerk!"

James Franco, Jonah Hill, and Seth Logan continued their banter, exchanging profanities and dirty jokes like mad dogs.

The four of them stayed at the bar until close to 1 a.m., consuming countless beers. Realizing they were in no condition to drive, Murphy called a taxi. They leaned against his black Ford, waiting for it to arrive, continuing their idle chatter.

"Where do you live?" Murphy asked Jonah Hill, planning to drop them off separately.

Jonah Hill stumbled a few steps towards them, sitting on the curb, belching. "I... I... I live in West Hollywood, sharing an apartment with others."

He pointed to his chest. "With two other actors. I sleep on the couch."

Seth Logan walked over, sitting next to him, patting Jonah Hill's shoulder heavily. "I sleep on a couch too, but it's in James's small apartment."

The economic situation of all of them wasn't great. Murphy had some money but faced investment pressure. James Franco had a bit of fame, but at this stage, actors often struggled financially despite appearances.

They were all struggling in Hollywood, trying to make a name for themselves in the industry.

Perhaps due to excessive drinking or their personalities, James Franco suddenly clapped his hands loudly, attracting the attention of Murphy and the others. He loudly declared, "I..."

*Burp* He belched. "I have a proposal. I think the four of us get along very well. We should form an alliance and help each other when needed."

He was the oldest of the four but not the most reliable.

Although drunk, Seth Logan and Jonah Hill were considering it, their eyes involuntarily turning to Murphy.

Compared to James Franco, they believed Murphy was more stable and reliable, better suited to be the leader.

Leaning against the driver's side door, Murphy approached James Franco, Seth Logan, and Jonah Hill, extending a hand with the back facing up. Due to the alcohol, his brain was slowing down, struggling to find the right words. He ended up blurting out, "Let's form an alliance, support each other!"

James Franco was the first to step forward, placing his hand on top of Murphy's. Then Jonah Hill and Seth Logan also stood up, adding their hands on top.

"Let's form an alliance, support each other!"