Chapter 107: Orphan

Jaume spoke to Martin as if he were chatting with his screenwriter friend, David Johnson.

"She might have suffered from a pituitary disorder or something, which made her look like a ten-year-old child even in her twenties," Jaume recollected. "An immigrant couple adopted her, but tragically, a fire broke out in their home. Everyone except the girl perished."

Martin felt a sense of recognition and listened attentively.

Jaume continued, "Following investigations, the police discovered that this girl had a history of involvement in the deaths of her adoptive families. After extensive efforts, they determined her true age. She's a psychopathic adult!"

Martin, with his vast exposure to movies and TV shows, was reminded of a creepy character with twin tails. He recalled a translated title, "Orphan," although he couldn't remember the character's name and time of film release. He figured he must have watched it after 2010.

He asked, "Jaume, are you planning to adapt this into a movie?"

"I have that idea, a psychological horror film," Zomi smiled. "David and I discussed it last year. I was just a commercial and music video director, and David was one of Darabont's many assistants. He studied screenwriting but never wrote a script independently. Even if we come up with a script, it won't garner much attention."

Having been in Los Angeles for a few months now, Martin nodded in agreement, saying, "Screenwriters don't get much recognition."

Jaume took a sip of beer and explained, "So, I accepted Joe Silver and Susan Levin's offer to direct the film. With this credit, if David and I develop a new script, producers will pay more attention."

Martin concurred, "When ' House of Wax' is released, you'll be a well-known director. By then, even Warner Bros.' top executives will take notice."

Jaume chuckled, "I hope so. Hollywood has no idea how many scripts have been collecting dust for over a decade."

Martin added, "I heard Susan mention that there are scripts bought out in the early 1990s still sitting in Warner Bros.' warehouse. Maybe the authors sold the scripts and forgot about them."

Zomi added insightfully, "It's tough for newcomers outside the Writers Guild to sell a script for $10,000."

Martin raised his bottle, proposing, "Jaume, if your project takes off and there's a suitable role, we should continue working together."

Jaume clinked bottles with Martin, agreeing, "That's exactly what I was thinking, Martin. Except for those two days during filming, your performance was exceptional. A director can achieve a lot with actors like you."

Martin replied, "The key is your professionalism, your clear direction, and ensuring I know what to do."

Pondering about the future of their project, both newcomers to Hollywood expressed uncertainty. Jaume said, "The earliest I can pitch it to Susan or Warner Bros. is after 'House of Wax' is completed."

Martin asked, "Is the script finished?"

Zomi shook his head, saying, "David and I have only discussed the framework and story direction. He's currently sorting out the information and outline."

Martin suggested, "Once the script is complete, consider letting me read it. I happen to know a few investors."

Jaume, aware of Martin's potential connections, agreed, "No problem. I'll reach out once the script is ready."

They clinked their bottles again, enjoying their wine. Soon after, Mene rushed over, exclaiming, "What are you guys doing here? There are so many hot girls dancing over there. I didn't even notice them during the day. Molly has an incredible figure!" Martin pointed to the crowd, saying, "Mene, you better hurry over; you might miss your chance to meet some girls."

But Mene retorted, "Boss, don't be joking. If anyone wants Uncle Mene to serve them, they'll have to pay!"

Over the next two days, besides hunting, the four of them indulged in various enjoyable activities.

Martin, equipped with protective gear (especially a crotch protector), engaged in a kangaroo boxing match. Kangaroos didn't adhere to martial ethics, often targeting vital areas with their powerful hind legs.

Compared to Mene, Martin was physically stronger and more agile. His background as a martial artist from his previous life, coupled with extensive fitness and training, allowed him to eventually defeat the 1.7-meter kangaroo, causing it to flee in panic. The kangaroo may have wanted to run, but humans were faster.

Three days later, the quartet returned to Los Angeles on the same plane, bringing back souvenirs like crocodile teeth and bison horns processed by the hunting club.

Jaume was picked up by his screenwriter friend, David Johnson.

Mene, residing in North Hollywood, boldly hopped into Martin's car.

Bruce, driving the car, continued reminiscing about Australia, saying, "Next time someone crosses me, I'll make friends with them and then invite them to travel and hunt in Australia."

Mene felt a chill, asking, "Bruce, are you talking about me?"

Martin casually remarked, "Don't worry, Bruce and I are both civilized individuals."

Mene couldn't shake the feeling that Martin's notion of civility had a distinct meaning.

Martin's phone rang, and it was his agent, Thomas, on the line. "I've landed and I'm heading back," Thomas informed him. "I'll take a couple of days to rest before contacting you the day after tomorrow."

Martin replied, "I brought you a gift. I'll give it to you when we meet."

In the company's partitioned space, Thomas felt touched. The usually brash client wanted to bring a gift for his agent, a rare occurrence.

In the car, Mene asked, "Boss, do you have a new gig? If there's a suitable opportunity, don't forget your loyal Mene."

Martin calmly replied, "I'm not sure where the next job will take me."

Mene sighed, "I'm tired of sweet-talking the old ladies. I feel like my tongue and lips will rot if I keep it up."

Martin quipped, "At least it's better than Sucking on something for old men."

Menei slumped, saying, "Well, I guess I'm still fortunate. At least, my cover hasn't been blown." He accepted the reality, stating, "Until my acting income can cover all my expenses, I'll continue working as a high-end escort."

Bruce chimed in, saying, "It's actually quite a promising profession."

Both Martin and Bruce didn't look down on this line of work, as many of their friends in Atlanta, such as Hart and Carrington, were candid about pursuing similar careers.

Upon reaching the parking lot, Mene left alone with his bag.

Martin and Bruce carried their luggage back to their apartment building. As they arrived, they spotted a burly figure seated beneath a sun umbrella, sipping an ice-cold Coke.

Antonio waved to Martin, saying, "It's been a while since I've seen you."

Martin replied vaguely, "I've been on a business trip."

In a hushed tone, Antonio asked, "Are you truly an actor? You've been gone for so long..."

Bruce's expression suddenly tensed, and he warned, "You know too much."

"I don't know anything!" Antonio regretted not bringing his "Gun of Friendship" and quickly raised his hand, saying, "I really don't know anything."

Martin opened his bag and handed Antonio a "Zombie Stripper" DVD, saying, "You're overthinking it."

Antonio examined the disc cover and noticed that the male lead bore a striking resemblance to Martin. He joked, "Are you the male lead?" Pointing to the character on the cover, who wore extremely short shorts that left little to the imagination, Antonio quipped, "I see, you've been to the San Francisco Valley!"

Martin simply responded, "It's a B-level movie." He then presented Antonio with a crocodile tooth pendant, saying, "Bruce and I went to Australia to shoot a film. This is an Australian souvenir. It's for you."

Antonio accepted it, asking, "Wolf tooth? I thought Australia only had wild dogs."

Clearly, Antonio had a higher level of knowledge than Mene.

Martin exaggerated slightly, "It's from a five-meter-long crocodile. Quite rare."

Antonio tucked it away and remembered something else, saying, "On the second floor, in the corridor over there, the innermost room is vacant."

Bruce suggested, "Let's go check it out."

Struggling to get up from his chair, Antonio, who had a robust figure, made his way upstairs.

Martin and Bruce put down their luggage, walked to the end of the corridor, and entered the room that Antonio had opened.

The apartment's layout was almost identical, furnished and equipped with appliances. Bruce decided to move in there after signing the lease and paid for the rent himself, saying, "I've got the assistant's fee from the crew, so I'll cover my own rent."

Martin responded, "You're my manager. When all the earnings come in, I'll pay you the manager's fee."

Antonio added a reminder, "No parties allowed in the room. Last time, the woman you brought made quite a racket. Next time, keep it under control."

Martin acknowledged, "The first time in a new environment can be thrilling, but it won't be the same next time."

Antonio picked up the DVD, saying, "I'll watch the movie upstairs. Hopefully, it's a good one."

Bruce teased, looking at Antonio's ample belly, "You might have low self-esteem."

Antonio tried watching the movie upstairs but promptly turned it off after only seeing the opening scene. It was too detrimental to his self-esteem.

In the opening scene, he couldn't escape seeing the male lead in explicit scenarios, which left him feeling inferior.

Martin helped Bruce tidy up the apartment, and they went out to grab a meal together. Upon returning, Martin arranged for courier bags to send items he brought back from Australia to Atlanta.

Most of the crocodile teeth were divided between Martin and Jaume. Martin packaged four sets for the Carter siblings, with two sets each for Robert, Jerome, and Kelly.

Bruce couldn't contact his acquaintances in Atlanta, so Martin sent a package to the owners of the Strip club in his own name.

Martin had been keeping in touch with Sophia and Vincent, and when they competed for leading roles in significant projects, the unique gifts from Australia might come in handy.

During the filming of "House of Wax," Paris Hilton's acting skills were subpar, but no one on set, from the director to the producer, dared to criticize her.

Why?

Because Paris Hilton happened to be the representative of the third-largest investor in the project.

After sending out the courier packages, Martin had a day to rest and recover from jet lag. He then arranged to have dinner with his agent, Thomas.