Chapter 197: bullying

In April 2005, "The Hills Have Eyes" surpassed the $100 million mark at the North American box office, with a global total of $147.52 million. To celebrate this milestone and further boost DVD sales, Warner Bros. organized a lavish event.

As Martin walked down the hotel's red carpet solo, countless cameras turned towards him.

"Martin, give us a smile!"

"Look this way!"

The reporters' enthusiasm was akin to that of a lively Latin dancer on Tijuana's bustling streets, eager to capture his attention.

Inside the hotel banquet hall, someone greeted Martin with a warm hug, draping an arm around his shoulder, and exclaimed, "Our North American box office has crossed the $100 million mark!" Laughter filled the room.

Martin, as elated as director Alexandre Aja, rejoiced, "We're now members of the $100 million box office club!"

In terms of fame, Martin and director Aja had greatly benefited from the film's success.

The atmosphere in the banquet hall was as vibrant as a volcanic eruption.

Later, Craven arranged to meet Martin and Aja for a post-party washup.

"You haven't hosted a party in a while," Craven remarked. "The last one was such a blast that I've lost interest in other people's gatherings." Aja chimed in, "I'll foot the bill, and you can come up with some creative ideas." Martin, considering his busy schedule, replied, "Organizing such a party requires time and planning, and there's so much on my plate lately. I'll be heading to Atlanta to shoot a new movie soon. How about we plan it for after I return?"

Craven agreed, "Alright, we'll wait."

Once they departed for other engagements, Daniel approached Martin.

Martin inquired, "What are the expected DVD sales figures?"

Daniel estimated, "Between $35 million to $45 million. Horror movie DVDs tend to sell well, and the rental market performance should be strong."

Martin asked because it concerned his financial interests. Although he hadn't personally negotiated a profit-sharing deal, the union's standardized agreement with the Producers Alliance entitled lead actors to a share of various post-production revenue.

Having starred in numerous blockbusters, Martin earned millions annually. One notable example was Morgan Freeman, who had played significant supporting roles in numerous popular films and had a share in post-production profits. Accumulating a significant net worth over time.

Daniel brought up another matter, "Warner Bros. has the option for a sequel. The production company is considering preparing one. Would you be interested?"

Martin declined, explaining, "The protagonist's story has been told. Neither Ajia nor I, nor Craven, have contemplated a sequel."

He added, "My schedule won't align either. By the time 'The Departed' wraps up, it'll likely be close to year-end."

Understanding his situation, Daniel sighed, "What a missed opportunity."

After the party, the three Martins managed to evade the paparazzi and went to wash up together.

Subsequently, Warner Bros. leveraged the film's success, with a box office exceeding $100 million, to promote the DVD release. The DVD even featured a summer advertisement for jeans.

On that day, the Red Box store in Burbank Commerce Plaza had yet to open, but a crowd of fans clutching Martin posters had already formed outside.

Among them were Jessica and Emily, with Rachel ensuring order was maintained as they waited for the doors to open.

Phoebe, approaching from behind, held up a book of autographs, saying, "I've brought another gift for Martin."

Jessica asked eagerly, "What is it?"

Knowing that Martin couldn't handle another massive signature book, Phoebe reassured her, "A few friends and I compiled a message for Martin."

Jessica breathed a sigh of relief.

Because of blog and MSN group announcements, fans continued to arrive one after another.

They wouldn't miss the opportunity to obtain the first autographed DVD from the actor they supported.

Inside the store, "The Hills Have Eyes" DVDs were prominently displayed on the shelves, with a table set up nearby.

A voice called out, "It's time to open the store!"

Martin sat behind the table, holding a pen from Bruce, eagerly awaiting the arrival of his fans.

As the rolling shutter door lifted, a young male fan under 20 dashed into the store, grabbed a commemorative DVD priced at $39.9, and hurried over to Martin's table.

Martin extended his fist with a smile, saying, "Hey, congratulations, you've hit the jackpot."

The young man enthusiastically responded, "I'm William!" After bumping fists with Martin, he handed over the DVD.

Martin signed his name, saying, "I won't forget you, William."

William beamed, made his purchase, and joined the queue forming behind him. Phoebe was next, presenting a signed book alongside her DVD.

Martin signed her DVD and said, "You must be Phoebe."

Phoebe, overjoyed, confirmed, "Yes, Martin. I've brought you a gift."

Martin had already seen it was another autograph book, and the previous one hadn't been filled yet. He accepted it with a resigned smile.

"Thank you," Martin said, glancing at the new autograph book containing numerous heartfelt messages.

Without wasting time, Phoebe collected her DVD, bidding farewell, "Goodbye, Martin. I'll continue supporting you."

"Goodbye," Martin replied warmly.

Martin accepted the third disc, signed it, and returned it with a warm smile and a nod, saying, "Thank you for your support."

As an actor with strong professional ethics, Martin dedicated his full attention to the moment. He valued every encounter with movie fans, greeting each person with a genuine smile, making consumers feel at ease.

These fans were the ones providing him with sustenance.

No matter how tired his wrists might get, it could never compare to the fatigue of manual labor in a factory or serving as a military substitute.

Even if his facial muscles stiffened from prolonged smiling, it was a far cry from the challenges of facing directors, producers, and investors, continuously wearing a cheerful facade, and toasting at countless gatherings.

When one of the signature pens ran out of ink, it was swiftly replaced.

Bruce observed Martin's professionalism and was secretly impressed. Martin might be a bit of a rogue, but he was a rogue with exceptional work ethics.

Approaching 11:30 a.m., Martin's scheduled signing time was coming to an end, yet a long queue of eager fans still waited outside the store.

Sales of DVDs at this particular store were booming today.

Martin took a moment to stretch his wrist and turned to Bruce, saying, "Go and arrange it. We'll extend the signing time, and I'll treat all the store employees to pizza for lunch." Bruce promptly communicated with the store management, and they quickly reached an agreement. He then called Jessica and Emily to order pizza from a nearby well-known pizzeria.

Martin continued to sign autographs while Bruce contemplated for a moment. He distanced himself from the bustling crowd and found a quiet spot to call several paparazzi, including Jody.

A popular movie star couldn't pass up the opportunity to share such a significant event as forgoing lunch and a break to sign autographs for his fans.

The signing session continued until after 12 o'clock.

As the large crowd of fans dispersed, pizza deliveries from the store arrived.

Bruce wasn't in a hurry to eat. He approached the photographer and requested a copy of the video footage.

Then, he sought out the store manager and pointed to the surveillance camera that had recorded Martin's activities, saying, "I need the footage from here, after 11 o'clock." Given the store's successful business that day and their cooperation with the signing event, the manager readily agreed. "Follow me," he said.

Ten minutes later, Bruce left the store, entered the mall, and made his way to the parking lot through another exit.

Upon reaching the Volkswagen, he sent a text message, and Judy, disguised in a baseball cap, opened the passenger door and got in after a brief wait.

Bruce handed her the USB flash drive, saying, "The latest on Martin."

Judy accepted it and was about to exit the car but paused to ask, "Did Martin and Annie deliberately leave this USB flash drive?"

Bruce, no stranger to the game, wasn't about to reveal any secrets. He replied, "You might want to ask Anne Hathaway's assistant that question."

Judy had benefited greatly from the last video and emphasized, "If you ever have similar opportunities, you can count on me. I don't mind being utilized."

Bruce wasted no time, stating bluntly, "You're free to go."

Judy exited the car with the USB flash drive, quickly returned to her recently acquired vehicle, got inside, and sped away.

For Judy, the information about Martin was a significant focus. She had gained substantial insights last time. From cameras to DVs to transportation, her equipment had all been upgraded.

Over the past few months, she hadn't received as much valuable information from filming several A-list celebrities as she had from Martin.

Those long-established celebrities, despite their fame, couldn't match Martin's capability.

Bruce stepped out of the car and heard a commotion nearby.

Glancing back, he saw a group of schoolboys in uniforms engaged in a heated argument, their voices raised.

These youngsters appeared to be around seventeen or eighteen years old.

Seven or eight tall individuals surrounded three others.

The American campus culture of the 1980s, whether in public or private schools, held deep-rooted traditions.

Bruce drove to the mall exit, and soon Martin and his companions arrived.

The others boarded a commercial vehicle, while Martin grabbed a box of pizza and got into the car driven by Bruce.

Opening the pizza box, Martin suggested, "Let's have a bite before we leave."

Bruce maneuvered the car and, after moving aside, grabbed a slice of pizza to munch on.

Martin handed him another can of Coke.

Bruce, with a mouthful of food, quipped, "Isn't this from the expired batch?"

Martin placed it on the armrest, teasing, "How precious do you think that batch of expired Coke is for you to casually drink it?"

Bruce wasn't about to let Martin off the hook. With a grin, he admitted, "I checked the production date before indulging."

"What happened to trust among friends, Bruce? You've shattered my trust in you," Martin replied playfully.

Bruce then noticed a conflict erupting just a few dozen meters ahead.

Seven or eight boys in school uniforms were chasing three others, assaulting them.

Bruce also witnessed it and remarked, "They were arguing earlier, and now it's turned into a brawl."

The two groups attracted the attention of mall security. Several guards arrived, shouting, and the larger group of boys left, hurling insults as they departed.

The smaller group, supporting each other with injuries, walked in the opposite direction.

After consuming half the pizza, Bruce started the car and drove Martin to the store where he would be signing in the afternoon.

On the other side, three white boys walked away with bruised and swollen faces.

This wasn't the first time conflicts had arisen. In recent months, they had been frequently subjected to bullying.

Being immigrants from Russia and having faced significant turmoil back home, they had received little support.