Chapter 298: Letter Of Recommendation

Upon his return to Los Angeles, Martin received a call from Aniston. He decided not to rush home and instead headed to the designated hotel to meet her first.

In a suite at the Four Seasons Hotel, sparks ignited as soon as the two of them reunited.

The tale of teenage lovers and the goddess on live-action posters entered a new chapter.

Eventually, Jennifer Aniston seemed content and reclined on the sofa. She pondered for a moment and then asked, "I have a doubt."

Martin embraced her and inquired, "What's on your mind?"

With a perplexed look in her eyes, Jennifer Aniston lovingly asked, "Tell me honestly, was your place really covered in posters of me?"

Martin knew he had to stick to his story; altering it would jeopardize everything he had shared before. So, he replied, "Of course, but they disappeared later."

Aniston inquired, "Why did they disappear?"

Martin placed a finger on Aniston's lips and explained, "They all got damaged. Turned into holes. I felt embarrassed about letting anyone see them, so I took them down."

Aniston feigned annoyance, saying, "You're really a bad boy."

Martin, who had often done this to real people, confidently remarked, "I can't help it. My talent has been strong since I was a child."

Aniston wasn't interested in hearing Martin boast, so she grabbed her bag, retrieved a sealed paper bag from it, and handed it to Martin. "Here's my personal letter of recommendation from Deputy Dean Diana at the California College of the Arts. I've already informed her about it."

Martin accepted it gratefully, saying, "Thank you."

Aniston quipped, "Just 'thank you'? No actions to follow?"

Martin understood and expressed his gratitude through a passionate kiss.

Aniston then asked, "Will you stay with me tonight?"

Martin replied, "Yes."

Aniston became particularly affectionate in response.

Martin had initially come down because Black wasn't in Los Angeles. Being a star actor, he was frequently away filming and promoting his work.

After her divorce, Aniston had grown disenchanted with marriage and sought a long-term relationship with someone like Martin, someone strong, low-key, and uninterested in her wealth.

The next day, after having lunch together, Martin and Aniston left the hotel separately.

Returning to the Cotis community, Martin coincidentally encountered Mr. Jones, who was driving home next door.

Jones honked his car horn and pulled over. Martin stopped his Escalade and lowered his window to hear Jones say, "I've got the recommendation letter for you. Can you come over to pick it up?"

Martin agreed, and Jones waved before driving to his home.

Martin exited his car and walked to the neighboring house. As soon as he rang the doorbell, Jones's voice came through the intercom, inviting him in.

The iron gate opened, allowing Martin to enter and find Mr. Jones waiting at the villa's entrance. Mr. Jones gestured for him to follow and led him into the living room.

Jenna, clad in sportswear, quickly emerged from the hallway and greeted Martin, explaining, "I was in the middle of exercising, so I didn't have time to change. I apologize."

Martin smiled and assured her, "It's no problem."

Jenna continued, "I have a high hormone secretion, so I need to exercise regularly. I heard that you also work out regularly. Maybe we could exercise together sometime."

Martin responded noncommittally, "Perhaps, if the opportunity arises."

Mr. Jones handed a sealed bag to Martin, saying, "This is a letter of recommendation from the director of the Museum of Modern Art in Los Angeles. He's one of the renowned alumni of CalArts."

Martin accepted the letter, expressing his gratitude.

Mr. Jones added, "Last time, you granted Jenna the rights to direct and star in the 'San Francisco Valley' version of 'Wanted.' The film is already out and doing well."

Curious about its performance, Martin asked, "Is it performing well?"

Mr. Jones beamed with pride, "Indeed. It's set a sales record for a movie starring Jenna, surpassing the sales data for 'Pirates of the Caribbean' during the same period."

Martin congratulated them, and Jenna added, "Thank you. If you have time, feel free to visit the set."

Having accompanied Bruce to visit Jenna's film set when he first arrived in Los Angeles, Martin didn't find it particularly intriguing. He exchanged polite words and took his leave.

The Joneses escorted Martin all the way to the courtyard gate.

Upon returning home, Martin quickly packed his bags and settled down for some much-needed rest.

Aniston, in her thirties, displayed remarkable combat skills. He had a restless night without much sleep.

After catching up on some rest, Martin and Bruce went out again, heading to the North Hollywood Fitness Center. On the way, they contacted Mene once more.

The female personal trainer at the fitness center, known for her well-developed gluteus maximus muscles, had resigned and reportedly returned to Mississippi for her wedding.

Martin donned his gloves and remarked, "I thought you'd develop a connection with her. She really fits your aesthetic." Bruce geared up, taking a hand target, and replied, "Forget about formal relationships in the personal training circle. To sell fitness courses, especially to high-end clients like us, they often treat themselves as gifts."

Martin bumped his fist and exclaimed, "Let's get started."

Bruce bent down and lunged, working in sync with Martin's training.

Outside the ring, Mene arrived, gestured from the stage, and then took a seat, waiting for the two to finish.

After their workout, Martin and Bruce went over to greet Mene.

With Bruce's assistance, Martin removed his gloves, held onto the railing to catch his breath, and casually commented, "You seem to have put on some weight." Mene scratched his head and replied, "Maybe I've been overdoing the nutrition?"

Bruce, sipping water nearby, almost sprayed it out in response.

Martin handed Mene a bottle of water and stepped out from between the guardrails.

Mene pointed toward the cycling area and said, "I have a membership here and come at least three times a week."

Bruce walked over and gave Mene a friendly punch on the shoulder. "Great job on body management. Many overweight people stumble at the first step."

Seeing Martin entering the locker room, Mene lowered his voice and confessed, "I gained weight because of Emma Thomas."

Bruce walked away from the locker room and asked, "Is it because of her..."

Mene reassured him, "No, not that. It's because Emma Thomas has a sweet tooth, and she keeps offering me all kinds of sugary treats. To gain her favor, I had to indulge just as much." He added, "Lately, she's been all about sweets, and she'd invite me for late-night snacks with her. Crazy sugary stuff. To keep up with her, I had to eat as heartily as she did."

Bruce concluded that it was Emma Thomas, a middle-aged woman who wasn't very concerned about body management, causing Mene to appear somewhat larger.

He nodded and wished him well, saying, "Thank you for your hard work."

Mene remained cheerful, considering Emma Thomas, who was not yet forty, to be the youngest among the female directors and producers he had dated. He took pride in his achievements, mentioning that he used to work part-time as an actor earning only a few tens of thousands of dollars annually. Now, as a young black actor in Hollywood, he was one of the few supporting actors and earned over $100,000 for a single film after a couple of years of development.

Bruce wished him success and jokingly said, "May you become the next Morgan Freeman soon."

Mene shrugged and replied, "I don't have any granddaughters, and I don't plan to."

Bruce suggested, "Keep an eye on the latest news about Emma Thomas, especially regarding the new Batman and Christian Bale."

Mene understood his role and confirmed, "I get it."

The two went to the rest area and waited for Martin, who soon emerged from the locker room with his bag.

Observing the time, Martin proposed, "Let's find a place for a drink, my treat."

The three of them left the fitness club and drove to a nearby bar.

They had a few drinks, and the evening concluded.

Upon returning home, Martin entered his study, powered up his computer and camera, and called Elena.

Within minutes, Elena and Lily appeared on the camera screen together.

Elena inquired, "What's the matter so late?"

Martin wasted no time and shared, "I have good news. I received a letter of recommendation from the director of the Los Angeles Museum of Modern Art and Jennifer Aniston."

Lily erupted with joy and cheered, "I can go to CalArts!"

She excitedly grabbed Elena's arm and shook it vigorously, exclaiming, "Elena, I can go to college in Los Angeles! Haha..."

But her laughter was abruptly cut short as Elena raised her hand and lightly struck Lily twice.

Elena had a stern look, and Lily fell silent.

After enjoying the brief moment, Martin continued, "Although you have the letter of recommendation, Lily, don't get complacent. Your test scores will still matter, and acceptance is not guaranteed."

Lily looked at Elena and confidently assured, "I've been working hard."

Elena, showing responsibility, stated, "I have saved up some money, which is enough to support Lily for her first year's tuition. She'll have to manage on her own afterward."

Lily nodded and added, "I plan to work part-time to earn money."

Martin kept it simple, knowing that people needed to face challenges to grow.

Lily shared her progress, saying, "I've recently completed a batch of artwork, and I think the carvings are better than before. I'll mail them to you tomorrow."

Martin accepted the offer, saying, "No problem. Next time my crew gives out souvenirs, I'll include your carvings."

Lily was elated, but Martin had another task in mind: "That batch of raw materials is nearly depleted, right? I'll get you more."

Lily's expression immediately turned sour.