Chapter 114: Afterparty

In the daylight, the female artists departed on the bus, leaving the villa in serene silence.

Wes Craven donned a fresh nightgown and ascended to the second-floor terrace, relishing the view of the blue sea.

Martin joined him, taking his place by the railing, and greeted him with a friendly, "Good morning, Wes."

Feeling revitalized, Craven inquired, "You came up with most of it, didn't you?"

"Indeed," Martin replied, turning to watch Mene as he entered, stating, "He also assisted me with numerous preparations."

Curious, Craven asked, "What's your name?"

Mene glanced at Martin and introduced himself, "I'm Mene Seth, a young actor."

Craven nodded in acknowledgment, saying, "I'll remember your name. If I ever need anything, I'll have Martin get in touch with you."

Mene was pleasantly surprised and visibly excited, though he refrained from saying much, vigorously nodding before departing the terrace.

Craven then inquired, "Do you have a cigar?"

Martin retrieved a cigar and handed it to Craven.

As Craven sat at the table, slowly lighting his cigar, he remarked, "I watched 'Zombie Stripper,' the movie you starred in."

Unfazed by the comment, Martin understood that Craven had a knack for prying into the party host's affairs. After establishing some rapport, Martin responded with a smile, "It was my pleasure. It was quite an interesting performance."

Craven added with a hint of pride, "you got the fire, just like me in my younger days."

Martin complimented him, saying, "Wes, you've always had that enduring passion. I can only imagine the impact you had back then."

Taking a nonchalant approach to the subject, Craven chuckled, "I'm getting old; I can't keep up anymore. I struggled quite a bit with Freddy and Jason last night."

However, his tone shifted abruptly as he turned to Martin and asked directly, "Martin, with such an intriguing party, what are you after?"

Martin responded candidly, "My film 'Zombie Stripper' is in contention for the Saturn Award for Best Young Actor."

Craven took a puff of his cigar and remarked, "I see, a small achievement."

Such accolades held little significance for an actor of Martin's caliber, a fact Craven was well aware of.

The topic shifted, and Martin inquired, "What would you like for breakfast?"

Craven exhaled a plume of smoke and stated, "It's nearly noon. After a night of such exhilarating bets, we can't waste it. I want to bankrupt Patrick!"

Martin pointed out, "They're still sound asleep."

Craven humorously remarked, "Look at them, they can't hold a candle to the two of us. Neglecting their health, they won't be able perform well in the future."

Martin astutely noted Craven's eagerness to discuss and boast about his prowess as a man, so he inquired further, "Wes, do you have any skincare secrets you can share with me?"

Craven replied with a straightforward outlook, "You're young and talented; you don't need much."

Martin expressed his aspirations, saying, "I hope to maintain my vitality and vigor like you in the future."

These words resonated with Craven, who laughed heartily and offered a simple recipe, "There's no secret, just have talent, stay physically active, and eat plenty of meat."

Martin nodded, expressing his desire for a robust physique and quick recovery akin to Jason's.

Recalling Jason's antics from the previous night, Craven couldn't help but smile. Both young men had left a lasting impression on him. He pondered for a moment and then asked casually, "What would you do if your entire family were murdered by a deranged killer?"

Martin seized the opportunity and responded dramatically, "I'd descend into darkness and become even more twisted than the killer!"

Satisfied with Martin's reply, Craven gestured with a finger, "Act out a part for me."

Martin adjusted his demeanor, diving into a portrayal of a vengeful maniac.

Craven watched Martin's performance attentively, his acting skills surpassing even Johnny Depp's in "Nightmare on Elm Street."

"Very well," he interrupted Martin, "keep that contact information you provided."

Martin reassured him, "You can reach me anytime."

Their conversation on the terrace revolved around various topics, with a focus on women.

When Martin mentioned the trapeze, Craven expressed his envy, saying, "I never had the chance to try that when I was young and in good health. I wouldn't dare attempt it now."

Martin proposed a creative idea, suggesting, "We could build a crane and design a revolving box. The air would be electrifying."

Impressed, Craven remarked, "You still know how to have fun."

As Patrick joined them on the balcony, Martin continued with his inventive thinking, "Imagine the possibilities."

Patrick, with a humorous edge, quipped, "Those nurses were both alluring and terrifying, more exhilarating than T800."

Martin chuckled, "Robert, there's something unique about you."

Patrick casually sat down and added, "Let's not dwell on the details; last night was truly fantastic."

Zomi, Benjamin, Alexander, and Michelle soon joined them on the terrace, all of them highly satisfied with the previous night's festivities.

The conversation naturally transitioned from women to movies, igniting a spirited discussion among the group.

Wes Craven didn't beat around the bush. He laid out his new idea in front of everyone, emphasizing a group of twisted murderers. However, he wanted to introduce a fresh twist, focusing on the concept of family tragedy to inspire the male protagonist's inner strength, leading to a wilder vengeance against the perverts.

He made this declaration openly to emphasize that he's a showman, not a miser. With a sly grin, he added, "Haven't you all noticed how Martin can outdo even the perverted? That's why he's perfect for this role."

Patrick chimed in with a touch of humor, "Wes, it seems you're planning to turn the set into a carnival party, intentionally casting Martin, that scoundrel."

Craven laughed heartily, "What a great idea, Robert! I'll definitely call him when the time comes, count on it!"

Michelle, surprised, asked, "Aren't you calling us?"

Craven assured them all, saying, "You all are indispensable!"

Martin, taking the matter seriously, stated, "I want to ponder it carefully, explore something fresh. By the way, your creative input is welcome; one person's ideas can only go so far."

The others readily agreed to help brainstorm ideas.

After some playful banter, Craven got back on track, informing Martin, "I'll be assembling a crew soon, though the script may take a bit longer. I'll call you when it's ready for you to come pick it up."

Martin responded, "No problem."

The party had been well worth the investment, as the camaraderie among these men had deepened. Martin now understood why Hollywood was fond of such gatherings.

Benjamin raised a question, "The crew is almost set up, but the script isn't done yet?"

Craven appeared surprised, "Isn't this the norm?"

Patrick explained to his compatriot, "In Hollywood, projects and crews often come together first, then the script."

Benjamin grasped the idea, "No wonder screenwriters have a tough time."

As a screenwriter himself, Craven noted, "Who can solely be a screenwriter when they can be a star, director, or producer?"

Alexander Ajia contributed, "I have a story idea, Wes, and it fits perfectly with your concept."

Craven reminded him, "I gave you my contact information yesterday, right? Well, when you have time, feel free to look me up, and we can sit down for a chat. Right now, I'm busy planning Robert's downfall."

Patrick, checking his watch, suggested, "Gentlemen, it's almost noon. I admit defeat from yesterday's challenge. Let's head to Citric Sour Restaurant for a French meal." They all exited the villa, returning to their rooms to change.

When Martin emerged, he found Alexander Ajia waiting by his door. Martin pulled him in, draped an arm around his shoulder, and asked, "What's on your mind?"

Alexander replied, "Nothing in particular, just wanted to express my gratitude. I mentioned earlier that when I first arrived in Los Angeles, you helped me connect with Wes Craven. I work in horror films, and Craven wields considerable influence in the Hollywood horror and thriller genre. His endorsement will save me years of hard work."

Martin gave him a friendly shake, saying, "We're all striving in this industry and helping one another out. Expanding your network by meeting more people will undoubtedly pave the way for a brighter future. If there's ever a chance, I might need your assistance too."

Alexander grinned and replied, "That sounds great. Michelle mentioned that you're an excellent actor, so if an opportunity arises, I'd love to work together."

Martin affirmed, "As long as the right opportunity presents itself, we can make it work."

The group reconvened at the villa's entrance and climbed into their cars, heading towards downtown Los Angeles.

Bruce, the cleanup professional, remained behind to attend to post-party cleaning and logistics, ensuring no traces of Martin and the others were left behind.

Mene had taken over as Martin's driver, a loyal choice.

Before departing, Martin introduced Mene to everyone, and Mene was eager to please, offering his assistance for any task. He emphasized his unwavering dedication, even if it meant going to great lengths, such as securing a secret entrance for Bruce.

Martin warned playfully, "Watch out, Bruce might decide to take care of you."

Mene quickly retracted, "I never said that last part. I'm trying to look more serious now. In recent years, I've met a few people who, when an opportunity arose, quickly cut ties with me. You're different, boss. Give me a chance personally."

Martin waved it off, "These are minor things. If I ever have the opportunity to be the leading man, I won't hand that role to you."

Mene pledged, "Anyone who dares to steal your leading role, I'll battle them to the end. Boss Martin, I may not be able to do much else, but I've certainly charmed my fair share of older women. Once I sweet-talk them and make them comfortable back home, they'll be more than willing to help. Digging a hole for someone else won't be too difficult."

Martin replied with a wink, "I won't hesitate to take you up on that if I need it."

Mene happily boasted, "I'm unmatched in the entire club... no, in all of Los Angeles when it comes to my skills."

Martin, thinking of the casting director, advised, "Don't cut ties with Mary Gale. You'll have a much easier time finding a woman than a man."

Mene, well aware of this, replied, "I don't plan to sever those connections either."

It was understood that heterosexual men who dabbled in the gay scene would be discreet to avoid exposure.

Upon arriving in Los Angeles, Patrick had made a reservation at the Citric Sour Restaurant. The French meal was an elaborate affair, and with a group of grown men dining together, the atmosphere became somewhat peculiar.

Craven suggested, "We should have gone for Brazilian barbecue."

Martin countered, "Save that for our next gathering; it's more relaxed for a party with guests."

After lunch, the group of men, who had forged bonds through their adventures, didn't plan to hit the bars again. They disbanded to go about their individual pursuits.