Chapter 174: Back Again

Several faxed documents lay scattered on the desk. Wu Maoting meticulously combed through them, well aware of the ease of acquiring relevant information nowadays, especially concerning hollywood movie stars and industry figures who had ventured into Hollywood.

First on the stack was information about Martin Davis, the man he'd contacted the previous night. Currently, Martin had starred in two theater movies, playing lead roles in both. His alleged scandal with Disney Princess Anne Hathaway had generated quite a buzz. Wu Maoting inspected a newspaper clipping photo and confirmed that it was indeed the young man he'd met last night.

Next was bartender Louise Meyer, the head of Pacific Pictures. Pacific Pictures had participated in numerous movie slates released by Warner Bros. As indicated on the DVDs procured by his staff based on the list, the company's logo prominently featured in the titles. Many of their previously invested films had been successful, although their latest endeavor, "Alexander the Great," hadn't fared well in the market. However, Wu Maoting wasn't too concerned as Louise was gearing up to participate in projects involving Leonardo and Martin Scorsese.

Zhuang and Mai personally affirmed that Pacific Pictures had consistently been a partner of Warner Bros. In recent days, they had officially entered into negotiations with Warner Bros. regarding investment in Martin Scorsese's upcoming project.

Wu Maoting was well aware of the dwindling prospects for Hong Kong films. The market was shrinking, audiences were dwindling, and there were limited new projects and fresh faces.

Understanding the volatile nature of his own business, he recognized that the status quo in Myanmar wouldn't last forever; it was only a matter of time before things took a downturn. Even from a risk diversification perspective, he couldn't afford to concentrate all his resources in Myanmar and Hong Kong. He needed industries that would secure a prosperous future for his daughter. At Wu Maoting's age, planning for future generations was only natural.

With the contact information he'd received from Martin the previous day, Wu Maoting called the provided number and invited Martin and Master Louise to join him for afternoon tea.

They convened on the 45th floor of the Four Seasons Hotel, renowned for its delightful kumquat afternoon tea.

At precisely three o'clock in the afternoon, Martin and Louise descended from upstairs and arrived on the 45th floor as scheduled. Wu Maoting and his daughter had already reserved a private room and were awaiting their guests.

This time, their interaction was notably different from the previous evening, marked by Wu Maoting's increased courtesy. Before afternoon tea was served, he presented Martin and Louise with thoughtful gifts: a green jade bracelet for Martin and a matching one for Louise.

Not well-versed in jewels, Martin couldn't discern its quality, but its value exceeded 100,000 Hong Kong dollars. He nudged Louise gently, prompting her to express her gratitude.

With a smile, Wu Maoting remarked, "It's a small gesture, nothing extravagant. Please accept it." He then broached the topic directly, inquiring, "In addition to my jewelry business, I've long harbored an interest in investing in Hollywood movies. My daughter is also quite intrigued by Hollywood. Last night, I heard Mr. Davis mention that you have a movie set for release. Would we, father and daughter, have the privilege of attending the premiere?"

Martin and Louise exchanged glances and swiftly confirmed, "The film wis filmed in early February last year and will hold its premiere at the end of January this year. You're both welcome to visit Los Angeles anytime. Once we return, I'll arrange for the crew to send you a formal invitation."

Wu Thant, his daughter, expressed her delight, saying, "That's fantastic!"

Like many individuals of her era, she held a deep curiosity about Hollywood and America.

Wu Maoting pushed the gift boxes toward them once more, insisting, "Please, do accept them."

Martin accepted the two gift boxes and stowed them away.

As afternoon tea was served, the atmosphere between both parties remained congenial. During their conversation, Wu Maoting discussed Hong Kong filmmakers in Hollywood and conveyed his investment intentions.

Naturally, Louise welcomed the prospect, and the two parties agreed to explore the matter further in Los Angeles following the premiere of "The Hills Have Eyes."

Martin primarily fielded Wu Thant's inquisitive questions during their exchange.

An hour later, the two groups parted ways.

Martin accompanied Louise back upstairs and remarked, "They won't truly feel at ease until they witness things firsthand."

Louise responded, "With investments exceeding tens of millions of dollars and an entire ocean between us, who wouldn't have reservations?"

Martin advised, "Be prepared for a thorough evaluation."

Louise assured him, "Pacific Pictures is already making preparations. Don't worry; I've been involved in numerous slates before."

She then inquired, "Are you planning to return to America tomorrow?"

Martin revealed his desire to stay with her, saying affectionately, "I'd love to stay, but Warner Bros. has a slew of promotional photos that need to be taken, so I must return."

Louise accepted his decision, sharing her plans: "I'm heading to Cambodia, where Julie has arranged a few meetings."

Martin expressed concern, cautioning, "You need to be careful; Southeast Asia is different from America their are many trouble here."

Louise reassured him, "We have bodyguards keeping a close watch."

Martin suggested, "Why don't we step out and admire the city's night view by the port?"

Louise playfully declined, saying, "I'm not interested." She took Martin by the hand and led him away, adding, "You owe me a big favor, so you better repay it!"

For Martin, who was deep in debt, repaying it without money would prove challenging he can only sacrifice himself to pay off the debt. For women the thirties were indeed a time of reckoning.

During his stay in Hong Kong City, aside from participating in organized events and seeking investments, Martin allocated much of his time to settling his debts. Thankfully, his resourcefulness came in handy.

The following morning, Martin and Louise departed the hotel and arrived at the airport. They boarded separate flights, leaving the port city almost simultaneously. Martin flew first class to his destination but returned alone in economy class. Unfortunately, Martin had no room for negotiation.

Upon his return to Los Angeles, as he reached his apartment door, Harris informed him that the New Star Express had arrived.

Dragging his suitcase to the apartment's entrance, Martin readied himself for the next chapter.

Antonio remained seated under the sun umbrella, just as before. He inquired, "Didn't you go to East Asia? You're back so soon?"

Martin produced a small box and extended it to Antonio, saying, "Here's a souvenir for you."

Antonio responded, "You're quite polite." Martin shrugged and remarked, "I'm afraid you might sell me out to the paparazzi."

Antonio, untempted, quipped, "Don't worry, you're not worth a hundred thousand dollars, not in the short term, at least."

Martin felt compelled to agree, saying, "There's no denying that I'm not worth even a fraction of the price of Julia Roberts' twins."

He referred to the birth of Julia Roberts' twins the previous month, which had led to numerous gossip entertainment magazines offering millions of dollars for photos of the children.

As Martin lugged his suitcase upstairs, he noticed that the door diagonally across from his opened. Jessica emerged, holding an express package. She informed Martin, "Martin, it's from Atlanta."

Martin accepted the package and offered two small boxes, stating, "Little souvenirs for you and Emily."

Jessica, pleasantly surprised, exclaimed, "For me too? That's too generous! Thank you, Martin."

Inquiring about the studio's status, Martin asked, "What's going on at the studio? I was called back suddenly."

Jessica explained, "It seems some of the promotional photos are deemed inappropriate."

Martin nodded, about to return to his apartment. However, he remembered something and added, "How's your job?"

Jessica replied promptly, "It's significantly better than before, with a steady income and numerous opportunities."

Martin suggested, "If you're interested, after the film is released, you can join my studio."

Jessica, having contemplated a similar move during her most challenging times, responded with certainty, "I'm in."

Martin agreed, "I'll have Bruce get in touch with you later."

"Okay," Jessica acknowledged.

Returning to his apartment, Martin noticed Jessica also entering hers. She began sorting through clothes and props she'd purchased the previous year, packing them into a box for disposal.

These were the items she and Emily had once planned to use to seduce Martin.

Opening the express package, Martin discovered yet another human-shaped carving, this time crafted from stone rather than horn. It was still a clown modeled after him. Martin examined the soles of the clown's feet, where Lily Carter's name was engraved on each one.

It seemed Lily Carter had honed her craft further.

Martin collected all the carvings, along with the horn sculptures and the crocodile tooth pendant. He wondered how many months would pass before he'd present them to Annie. Perhaps by then, she'd have become Anna.

Regardless of the recipient, Lily Carter's artistry was truly exceptional. Her creations alone would suffice for Martin's gifting needs for a long time.

Deciding that when Wu Maoting and his daughter visited Los Angeles, they would procure a batch of ordinary jadeite and present it to Lily and Elena. This would stimulate Lily's creative initiative.

As for labor costs, Martin hadn't yet discussed his own image rights fees with her.

Around nine o'clock in the evening, Bruce returned home. Martin invited him to join him upstairs for a drink and updates on Jessica.

Bruce reclined on the rooftop guardrail and assured Martin, "Leave it to me."

Martin felt most at ease when dealing with Bruce and briefly recounted his experience in Hong Kong City. "In some time, potential investors from Southeast Asia may visit Los Angeles. The Pacific Ocean film industry may require collaboration. You need to liaise with them for details."

Bruce, in admiration, commented, "Man, I really admire you! You were bamboozled into going to Asia!"

Martin rapped on the metal railing, saying, "It's called providing investment opportunities; it's a win-win!"

Bruce remarked, "I get it. A win-win where you and Louise win twice."

Martin preferred not to engage further with Bruce on this matter, so he changed the subject. "What's going on over there? Are they capturing the footage?"

Bruce sighed, "There was an incident."

Martin was puzzled. "Isn't everything under your control?"

Bruce explained that earlier that afternoon, while resting at Kim's residence, her sister had paid a visit. He added, "Among ordinary women, the girl also belongs to the straightforward type. She's taller than Kim..."

Martin immediately grasped the situation, cautioning Bruce, "Bruce, be humane, don't do anything unethical. They're sisters!"

Bruce, somewhat disdainful, responded, "Who do you think I learned this from? I spend my days alongside a crook; what else can I do but learn to be crooked?"

Martin found no need to argue with him.

After their last practice session, Bruce had grown accustomed to the entertainment industry. He assured Martin, "Don't worry; I'll handle it pragmatically."

Early the next morning, Martin headed to Warner Studio to collaborate with the crew and photographers to shoot promotional material.

Simultaneously, the crew dispatched a formal premiere invitation to Wu Maoting and his daughter.

The crew primarily concentrated on promoting the male lead, keeping Martin busily engaged in his work.

During the lead-up to the New Year, Martin spent almost every day with the crew, participating in various routine promotional events.

As 2005 arrived, Martin had a surprise waiting in store. Just after the New Year holiday, Annie returned to Los Angeles from New York.