Chapter 252: dedication To Art

Los Angeles Music Center, Chandler Hall, was a hub of activity on the premiere day of "Wanted."

The event had drawn not only entertainment reporters but also journalists covering social and current affairs. The film's male and female leads, often compared to a modern-day urban hero and Madonna, exuded a radiant aura that seemed to complement and enhance each other's achievements.

Among the attendees were renowned Hollywood stars such as Leonardo and Nicholson, who had come to show their support.

Martin and Blake, the film's stars, made their grand entrance, hand in hand, on the red carpet. Martin's fan base had grown significantly, and hundreds of fans lined both sides of the carpet, many proudly identifying as members of the Coca-Cola Cult.

As they reached the middle of the red carpet, a scene reminiscent of the "Jeans" premiere unfolded. Hundreds of fans held up red Coke cans and chanted, "Coke God, Forever!"

Martin responded with a toast gesture, acknowledging his fans' devotion. The Coca-Cola logo was prominently displayed throughout the premiere. Martin and Blake proceeded to the media area, engaging in interviews before posing for photos against a Coca-Cola backdrop, perfectly portraying their most attractive and glamorous selves.

The love between celebrity couples had to be displayed, even if its longevity was uncertain.

Inside the Chandler Hall, as they awaited admission, Blake quipped, "So, I'm the leader's wife since you're the leader of the Coca-Cola Cult?"

Martin led her to the lounge, saying, "The title of 'madam' sounds too antiquated. You shall be known as the saint of the Cola Cult."

Curious, Blake asked, "Similar to Joan of Arc?"

Martin whispered playfully, "No, she's a saint dedicated to serving the leader."

Their entrance into the lounge didn't go unnoticed. Jolie, captivated by the sight of Martin and Blake intertwined, momentarily forgot herself, her desires reignited.

Realizing the inopportune timing, Jolie quickly looked away, mindful of her public image as the Virgin Mary.

On the other side, Leonardo winked at Nicholson, and the two approached Martin and Blake almost simultaneously.

Nicholson, as usual, didn't mince words: "Martin, you have excellent taste, but you're not worthy of the exquisite Blake."

Martin chuckled, teasing, "You're just jealous of me."

Blake simply laughed without commenting.

Leonardo, without much ceremony, extended an invitation to Blake, saying, "My party next week is nearly set. Be sure to grace us with your presence."

Martin concurred, "No one can decline an invitation from Leonardo."

Blake inquired, "Can I bring a female companion?"

Leonardo smiled apologetically, "I'm afraid it's a men's party."

Heavy footsteps interrupted their conversation. As Blake saw the imposing figure of a woman approaching, she marveled at the woman's strength, her bulging muscles rivaling those of professional wrestlers much like WWE's Chyna.

Martin introduced the woman as Sophia, an investor from Atlanta. Leonardo greeted her with a firm handshake, feeling the sturdiness of her hand.

Nicholson, however, couldn't help but give Martin a knowing look, insinuating whether he had devoted himself to his art.

Martin realized that Sophia's gaze lingered on Nicholson, akin to her earlier interest in Scott. He made the formal introductions, ensuring she was familiar with Nicholson's acclaimed movies such as "The Shining," "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest," and "A Few Good Men."

Yet, Nicholson couldn't shake the feeling of unease, sensing Sophia's intense focus on him. It was as though he were a vulnerable old buffalo under the scrutiny of a female hyena.

Nicholson recalled a similar situation when he was tied up on a yacht with Naomi Campbell, and the memories made him uneasy.

In an attempt to exit the situation, Nicholson pulled Leonardo aside, stating, "I've got other commitments. Let's catch up another time."

However, Sophia insisted, "Don't rush off. Share your contact information with me."

Nicholson seemed momentarily distracted, feeling discomfort in his posterior.

Martin, always eager to help, offered, "Would you like Jack's contact information?"

Sophia's gaze remained fixed, and she expressed her admiration for Nicholson's work. She particularly praised his masterpieces and accomplishments.

Nicholson couldn't quite pinpoint why he felt unsettled in her presence, but he decided to oblige and shared his contact information with Sophia.

In return, Sophia inquired, "Has Harvey, the fat man, caused any trouble recently?"

After a moment's thought, Martin replied, "Not so far."

Sophia's tone held a note of pride as she declared, "I'm not particularly fond of that fat man. If he ever interferes with your project, even if you call me, I'll come and show him what it means not to mess with people from Georgia!"

Martin agreed, saying, "I'll handle it."

Sofia, seemingly unbothered by Blake's presence, continued, "Remember that guy in Atlanta? Scott has dealt with folks like him extensively!" Martin couldn't help but wonder if Scott had been in too many compromising situations, gaining a unique kind of expertise.

After saving Nicholson's contact information, Sofia departed, leaving Blake curious. She asked, "What were you discussing? I couldn't quite follow."

Martin replied vaguely, "It's related to some battles in the investment world, particularly involving Harvey Weinstein. He tried to secure investment but ended up being scared off by Sophia."

Aware of the industry due to her parents' involvement, Blake expressed her concern, "I don't mind, but I worry about you. She seems tougher than Tyson. What if..."

Martin reassured her, "Don't worry, there's nothing beyond a professional relationship between us. I can offer her benefits, which is why they chose to invest in me."

He chose to keep the details under wraps, considering the complexity of the situation. Daniel from Warner Bros. then captured everyone's attention by clapping his hands and announced, "Please proceed in an orderly fashion."

The guests, including Blake, began making their way to the hall, with the film crew following suit. Martin brought up the rear.

Jolie suddenly halted in front of him, waiting for him to catch up. She whispered, "I'll need to use the bathroom during the screening."

Martin feigned ignorance, asking, "Too much water?"

Jolie smirked, raising an eyebrow, and simply extended her hand.

Martin whispered, "You're crazy!"

Jolie, not one to back down, placed the blame squarely on Martin, saying, "You and Blake drove me crazy. If you don't display affection in front of her, I won't go mad."

Martin gestured to her snug-fitting dress, cautioning, "Is it sewn on? You can't put it back on once you take it off. Are you planning to walk back naked?"

Jolie, unyielding, made her intentions clear, "I'll wait for you at the hotel tomorrow morning, our usual spot."

Martin didn't dwell on the conversation and followed the crew into the theater. Warm applause greeted them as they ascended a small stage for a group photo.

Chandler Hall, with a capacity of 2,000 spectators, was filled to the brim.

Justin, a Coca-Cola executive who had come from Atlanta, glanced diagonally toward the private room on the second floor, where a sea of red-clad members of the Coke Cult proudly wore commemorative T-shirts. This marked another successful marketing endeavor by Coca-Cola United Crew.

Thomas, accompanying Justin in the private room, remarked, "The influence keeps growing."

Justin agreed, "Martin's concept has an irresistible charm."

Thomas had a mission to discuss, "Martin has recently proposed creating an official website for the Coca-Cola Cult. It could serve as a hub for fan activities and help expand Coca-Cola's reach." The idea of establishing a website had been in the works, but a lack of funds had held it back.

Justin concurred, "With the internet booming, the Coca-Cola Cult should have a dedicated online presence."

Taking the opportunity, Thomas proposed, "We could also organize more events under the banner of the Coke Cult."

"Once I return to Atlanta, I'll draft a detailed report for higher-ups," Justin affirmed. He saw tremendous potential in the idea, given that the stronger the influence of their spokesperson, the better it was for the Coca-Cola Group.

Inside the theater, the Jones father and daughter, along with Gillian, Harold, and Kane from the Coty community, sat together.

They had all received VIP tickets courtesy of Martin.

Jones looked at the crowded audience and commented to his daughter, Jenna, "It would be wonderful if your film could premiere like this."

Jenna, with her wavy blond hair, shrugged, "The FBI will surely invite me. Let's grab some coffee."

Harold observed this unusual father-daughter duo and mused that if Sacred Valley's film could be shown in theaters, it might bridge the gap between Hollywood and West Hollywood.

But Harold had other concerns and turned to Kane, asking, "How did you lose to Martin in the shooting competition?"

Kane replied calmly, "Martin is an excellent shot, especially when it comes to fixed targets. It's normal to lose to him. Don't worry, I didn't let him win just because of our collaboration in his publicity."

Harold had done his homework on Martin, noting, "If 'Wanted' lives up to expectations, Martin will have two films with North American box office earnings over $100 million each, making him a significant star in our community."

After a moment's thought, Harold added, "We should ensure Martin's participation in the upcoming drama festival. It could help promote community activities."

As the lights dimmed and the screening commenced following Warner Bros. credits, the audience was treated to a story about a weak, downtrodden loser who transforms after meeting the heroine. The narrative revolves around cheats, upgrades, and monster battles, all in service of breathtaking action sequences, particularly the meticulously designed gunfights.

Martin's character evolves from a formerly foolish protagonist into a stronger individual, overcoming his past as a loser. He even confronts his ex-girlfriend and her cheating partner in a violent altercation before passionately embracing the heroine. This character development embodies the classic appeal of beauty, power, wealth, and the ability to control life and death while maintaining principles and a moral compass.

Chandler Hall, with its 2,000-seat capacity, was filled to the brim with eager viewers. Justin, the Coca-Cola executive from Atlanta, glanced diagonally to the second-floor private room, where members of the Coke Cult donned red commemorative T-shirts, showcasing the success of Coca-Cola United Crew's marketing efforts.

Thomas, accompanying Justin in the private room, remarked, "The influence keeps growing."

Justin agreed, "Martin's concept has an irresistible charm."

Justin concurred, "With the internet booming, the Coca-Cola Cult should have a dedicated online presence."

Taking the opportunity, Thomas proposed, "We could also organize more events under the banner of the Coke Cult."

Inside the theater, the Jones father and daughter, along with Gillian, Harold, and Kane from the Cotis community, sat together.

They had all received VIP tickets courtesy of Martin.

Jones looked at the crowded audience and commented to his daughter, Jenna, "It would be wonderful if your film could premiere like this."

Jenna, with her wavy blond hair, shrugged, "Then FBI will surely invite me, to grab some coffee."

Harold observed this unusual father-daughter duo and mused that if San Francisco Valley's film could be shown in theaters, it might bridge the gap between Hollywood and West Hollywood.

But Harold had other concerns and turned to Kane, asking, "How did you lose to Martin in the shooting competition?"

After a moment's thought, Harold added, "We should ensure Martin's participation in the upcoming drama festival. It could help promote community activities."

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