Chapter 384: NZT-48

When Martin emerged from the Los Angeles International Airport terminal, he spotted Lily, who had specially come to pick them up.

"Quick, get in the car. We can't linger here," Lily urged. She popped open the trunk of the red Cadillac, gesturing for Martin and Bruce to stow their luggage, and invited them into the car. She inquired, "Where to?"

Martin replied, "Let's head home." Lily revved up the car, exiting the terminal area. "I cleaned your house the day before yesterday, and it nearly killed me," she admitted.

Martin patted the driver's seat appreciatively. "You're considerate."

Lily explained, "You got me a car and helped me find a great part-time job. If I didn't do something for you, Elena would not only scold me, but I'd scold myself."

She added, reminiscing about her recent return to Atlanta, "I have to make more money, I need to be self-assured."

Martin nonchalantly added, "It's not about the money."

Lily's tone grew more candid as she continued, "The way the Carter family expresses their love is unique." She thought about her brother and said, "Hall, that rascal, had the nerve to leave for another place when I returned to Atlanta. I need to persuade him to pick a college in Los Angeles so he can be here."

Martin could imagine that Hall's future would be bright if he followed that path.

In Atlanta, he was enveloped by Elena's sisterly care, and now, in Los Angeles, it was Lily's turn to extend her sisterly love.

Being a younger brother was indeed a blessing.

As they drove, Martin noticed an entertainment newspaper on the passenger side. During a red light stop, he picked it up and began to read through it.

The newspaper contained news about "The Dark Knight" crew. They had officially released some information about the film after determining their response strategies and publicity plans due to ongoing rumors.

The article mentioned that Bale had suffered a minor injury and experienced some mental stress during filming, leading to his temporary hospitalization for observation. The bulk of the film's promotional efforts wouldn't kick off until the following spring, given its planned release next summer.

Martin read the article and inquired, "Has Bale's injury caused a significant reaction?"

Lily, who worked at the Dark Knight Studio and was well-informed, replied, "Not really, it didn't attract much attention." Curiously, she asked, "I heard you and Bale had a dispute on set. Is it true?"

Since there was no promotional period, Martin downplayed the issue, saying, "It was a minor disagreement." However, Lily was genuinely concerned, suggesting, "Next time he comes to the studio, do you want me to give him a little poke with a carving knife? Make sure it hurts, but nothing serious."

Martin recognized Lily's capabilities but cautioned her, "Don't get involved in my matters. This situation is more complex than you might think, and please don't suggest poking people with carving knives."

Lily agreed and refocused on the road as traffic intensified.

Back at the Cotis Community, Lily used the remote control to open the gate, and the Cadillac entered.

The house appeared immaculate, far from its months-long vacancy.

Noticing the tidiness both inside and out and the new beer in the fridge, Martin thanked Lily, saying, "You've done a great job."

Lily was a little embarrassed, considering she had been living here often over the past few months, and she confessed, "I've made use of quite a bit of your supplies."

Martin nodded in understanding. Lily pointed upstairs and said, "I've turned the guest room into my own."

He acknowledged the change without further comment and proceeded to unpack his bags. Collapsing onto the sofa, he suddenly felt drained.

It wasn't physical fatigue but mental exhaustion.

Playing the Joker, while managing the character's evolving conflict with Batman, was no small feat.

Reflecting on it, Martin marveled at Nolan's talent. He had effectively crafted two movies within one. The ability to create on the spot was a rare trait in directors, and many who possessed it often stayed aloof and never got their hands dirty.

Bruce grabbed a beer can and tossed it to Martin, a gesture of camaraderie.

Lily joined Martin in grabbing a can. She observed Martin closely, noticing his silence. With a sip, she inquired, "How many days do you plan to sleep in?"

Martin took a swig of beer and responded, "How many days can you rest? We need to practice. Bruce, we can't let our guard down. There are too many troublemakers in this circle. How can we protect ourselves without skills and strength?" Bruce strongly concurred, saying, "Indeed, there are too many troublemakers!"

Next to him, Martin had a notebook filled with contact information, including the Angel Shooting Club and the psychological clinic he had visited after the incident at Burbank High School. He was preparing for next year's publicity plan.

Martin suggested, "Brother, let's contact the psychological clinic we visited last time and go there tomorrow."

Bruce understood Martin's plan and assured him, "I'll make the call."

Lily was surprised, "You think you'll have psychological problems? No. Maybe? Is it because of that incident?"

Martin pointed at her, saying, "Quiet! Keep this matter a secret; don't mention it to anyone."

Lily mumbled her understanding. Then, Martin turned to Bruce and added, "By the way, I informed Ivan to take photos and sell them to TMZ."

Bruce nodded in acknowledgment.

After finishing his call, Martin asked, "How's Ivan adapting to Los Angeles?"

Bruce replied, "He's doing great. He made tens of thousands of dollars from the Brad Pitt and Heath Ledger cases, just selling news. He bought a new car, rented a new house, and is living comfortably."

Lily listened without interruption, feeling the information churn in her stomach.

Bruce's phone rang, and he ended the call promptly, saying, "We have an appointment for tomorrow morning."

Martin ordered lunch from a nearby restaurant, and the three of them enjoyed their meal. In the afternoon, they sat by the pool in the front yard, chatting.

The doorbell rang, and Bruce answered it. It was Martin's neighbor, Mr. Jones, accompanied by his daughter Jenna.

"Please, come in," Martin gestured for Lily to bring over two chairs.

Lily set up the chairs, greeted Mr. Jones, and remembered that one of her letters of recommendation came from him.

Mr. Jones happily commented, "I've heard your teacher speak highly of you, saying you're incredibly talented, hardworking, and have a bright future."

Lily smiled modestly, "Teachers always like to praise their students."

Martin poured Darjeeling black tea for Mr. Jones and Jenna, explaining, "This tea is from the source. It's exquisite."

Jones tasted it and agreed, "It's really good."

Jenna, not accustomed to this kind of tea, asked, "Do you have milk and sugar?"

"I'll fetch them," Lily offered, going to get milk and sugar cubes.

Jenna added milk and sugar to her tea, saying, "I haven't seen you in months."

Martin explained, "I've been filming a new movie in Atlanta. It's my hometown, so I didn't come back during the holidays."

Jenna seemed to have something on her mind, "I pushed the company to pay for the copyright share of the Sacred Valley version of 'Wanted' last year. Did you receive it over there?"

Martin glanced at Bruce, who nodded slightly, and replied, "I got it."

Jenna expressed her gratitude, "I came here today mainly to say thank you. Without your help in obtaining the authorization, it wouldn't have been possible for the DVD to surpass $10 million in sales."

Martin, aware of the Sacred Valley industry's significant scale, wasn't surprised. He greeted the news with a smile, saying, "Great results."

Mr. Jones, eager to highlight his daughter's achievements, interjected, "Jenna also received a major prize at AVN! She won three awards, including Best Actress and Best Narrative Director. Quite an accomplishment!"

Martin, in response, could only offer his heartfelt congratulations, "Congratulations!"

Jenna was quick to acknowledge her gratitude, "I couldn't have achieved this without your support."

Martin had a hunch about Jenna's visit on the first day he returned to Los Angeles. He could sense that a business proposition was on the horizon.

Observing this exchange, Lily looked at Mr. Jones and then at Jenna, taking in the lessons she was learning.

Jenna added another note to the conversation, "Martin, I watched 'Limitless,' and it's an excellent movie."

She hesitated for a moment before getting to the point, "Well... can we continue our collaboration like we did with 'Wanted'? Copyright sharing won't be an issue, of course."

Martin, no stranger to such agreements in Hollywood, readily agreed, "That sounds fine to me."

Jenna expanded on her plans, "I've already worked out a preliminary adaptation with the company's creative team. I'll play the heroine who takes a NZT- 48 super-intelligent drug. She goes from rock bottom to an Upper East Side socialite who needs to maintain her image and status by taking more of these smart drugs."

Martin's mind made a connection, and he had concerns.

Curiosity got the better of Lily, and she inquired, "Jenna, when you mention the super-intelligent drug, it's not like the one in the movie, is it?"

Jenna clarified, "No, it's different. The heroine in the story takes on the genetic traits of men. However, not every man's genetic traits are suitable to become the super-intelligent drug for her, so she must find and experiment."

Lily immediately grasped the concept, and it made perfect sense in the context of the Sacred Valley.

Jenna continued with a smile, "This concept aligns well with my abilities. Besides playing the lead role, I intend to direct as well."

Martin's Davis Studio held the film and television rights to the original novel, so authorization wasn't an issue.

In the industry, these agreements were commonplace and a means for production companies to boost their copyright revenue. After a brief consideration, Martin responded, "I personally have no objections to granting authorization. Jenna, you can contact Jessica Tinovich at my Davis Studio to discuss licensing and copyright sharing."

Jenna expressed her gratitude, "Thank you, Martin."

Martin, with a touch of humor, added, "You're welcome. Just make sure you get at least a dollar for it."

Jenna thanked him again; obtaining relevant authorization for a popular film was no small feat.

With afternoon tea shared, Mr. Jones and Jenna took their leave and, before exiting, Mr. Jones made one more request, "When Jenna's new film is released, please do watch it and share your thoughts with us."