Chapter 32: Martin Daddy

The Strip Club had experienced a surge in customers for several consecutive days, putting the stylish boy group in high spirits as the generous tips they received thrilled them constantly.

The allure of quick money can drive people to do remarkable things.

In the dressing room, the athletic group was preparing to change and apply makeup. Suddenly, their leader, Hart, exclaimed, "Who's responsible for this windfall?" The athletes replied in confusion, "Enthusiastic customers!"

Hart continued loudly, "Who brought these enthusiastic customers here?"

This time, the athletes responded more clearly, "Martin Davis!"

"For Martin's sake!" Hart declared as he moved a box. "I propose we raise funds!"

Curious Carrington asked, "Why?"

Hart surveyed the room, asking, "Is Martin our father?"

Someone quipped with a smile, "As long as he keeps bringing us money, I'll call him my daddy."

The athletes, who had been making a fortune recently, cheered, "From now on, we'll call Martin Daddy."

Hart sighed, "But Martin Daddy only wants a daughter, not a son."

The athletes fell silent, the harsh reality sinking in.

"The club used to be deserted, but Martin Daddy brought in a flood of customers, making it even more popular. Each of us earns more than the white-collar workers!" Hart said, tears welling up. "How can we repay Martin Daddy?"

Carrington suggested, "Don't you want to save money for gender reassignment surgery and become Martin Daddy's daughter?"

Hart wiped his nose and replied, "Martin Daddy is a father to all of us. I can't be selfish or monopolize him."

He raised his head, his expression serious, and his voice solemn. "So, I've made a decision! To thank Martin's father, we'll collectively save money and send him to Thailand for the surgery he desires. After the operation, we'll shower him with our love."

The locker room erupted with excitement.

Carrington was the first to contribute money, not bothering to count it, and said, "Count me in!"

"I'm in too!"

Other handsome men joined in, stuffing money and proclaiming, "After tonight's performance, let's go give it to him together!"

It was just before opening time, and Martin was busy preparing cocktail ingredients at the bar. As he noticed Bruce tossing away a cardboard box, he called out to him, "Hey, give me that box."

Bruce tossed it over to Martin.

Martin tossed the small box, which used to hold tips, back to Bruce, saying, "It's too small; get a bigger one."

Bruce glanced at his tiny cash drawer and stashed the box in the corner, replying, "I'll manage with this. We've been getting massive tips lately, and they won't fit in here."

The freedom-loving nightlife enthusiasts adored the atmosphere at the House of Beasts.

Bruce asked Martin, "So, where's your wealthy lady friend? How's that going?"

Martin shrugged, "Better than you ogling posters. She's busy with work, might visit on the weekend."

Martin had been keeping an eye on the news. While the Woman Association and the Methodist Church hadn't clashed directly, their public criticisms of each other hadn't ceased.

It was evident that a higher-level political battle was at play, much like the political division in Atlanta.

Kelly Gray aimed to benefit from this turmoil.

Dana's voice came from upstairs, "Martin!"

Martin wiped the bar down, headed upstairs, and entered the office, where he found Vincent and a remarkably strong woman seated on the sofa.

The woman's age was hard to determine, but she stood almost 1.8 meters tall. Her arms, calves, and neck were exposed through her clothing.

She was the legendary fitness enthusiast, Sophia.

Vincent introduced casually, "This is Sophia," took off his cowboy hat, retrieved a check from his drawer, and pushed it towards Martin. "This is for you."

Martin, who had been working hard for this money, picked it up, glanced at the numbers, and said, "Thank you, boss."

Vincent, now without his hat and with a more prominent aquiline nose, appeared softer as he said, "You've done well. If you have other ideas, feel free to come to me."

He knew how to motivate Martin: "I'm a generous person."

Martin responded with a compliment, "You're a great boss."

After Martin left, Sophia inquired, "Is he the key figure behind the club's success?"

Vincent replied, "He's got great ideas, but he's not wealthy."

Sophia, rubbing her calloused fingers, commented, "He's talented."

Vincent cautioned, "Don't get involved. It's not easy to find a smart person among the less fortunate. Let him be. He's young and doesn't need to be bothered."

...

After receiving the check, Martin returned to the bar.

Bruce knew why he had gone upstairs but didn't ask for the specifics. Instead, he said, "You owe me."

Martin was initially puzzled but then realized, "Back door?"

Bruce, not acting very civilized at the moment, retorted, "You fool, you missed a golden opportunity."

Martin offered to make it up to him, saying, "The sportsman group's earnings have skyrocketed recently, and Hart has been wanting to thank me. I initially wanted to decline, but now I've decided to give Hart the opportunity. He'll be ready and waiting for you."

Bruce pretended to shoot Martin with his fingers and said, "I seriously want to check your head for brains!"

Martin suddenly remembered something, "Who is Sophia?"

Bruce lowered his voice unconsciously, "The boss's stepmother. She's a fitness fanatic with hormones off the charts. Her appetite is astounding and intimidating. Be careful." Martin nodded in understanding.

The club remained busy with customers that night, and both Martin and Bruce were occupied.

Around 9:30, fewer female customers came to order drinks.

Sophia's strong arm landed on the bar as she addressed Bruce, "Long time no see."

Bruce forced a smile, "Good evening, Sophia. What brings you here?"

Sophia glanced around, "Don't worry, I'm not here for you tonight. You're letting men in, right? Why not?"

"It's not time," Bruce responded and picked up the walkie-talkie, "Ivan, let the men in early tonight."

Sophia's gaze shifted to Martin, "Are you interested in working for me?"

Martin, loyal and steadfast, quickly examined Sophia's muscular physique and collagen-deprived face. He replied firmly, "Vincent treats me well here."

Sophia smiled, "Interesting, Vincent's generosity is quite popular..."

"Idiot Martin!" Someone interrupted suddenly, "Give me a beer, stop talking nonsense!"

Martin turned to see Scott at the bar.

Scott had clearly spruced up to impress the ladies and, aside from his somewhat shabby attire, could be considered a middle-aged heartthrob.

Seeing Martin unmoving, Scott raised his voice, "Idiot Martin's dad, he seduced my wife..."

Bruce handed Scott a beer, and Martin introduced, "This is Scott, quite an interesting fellow." Scott was known for being proactive and a ladies' man. When he noticed Sophia, he approached her with a drink, handed over five dollars, and placed it on the bar. "Get this lovely lady a drink, it's on me."

Ten minutes later, Sophia and Scott left the club together.

Bruce quipped, "I hope he can still walk tomorrow."

Martin inquired, "Bruce, have you actually experienced it?"

Bruce kept quiet and left the club without saying another word to Martin.

Martin understood that Bruce had had quite an experience.

As all the customers departed, the club grew quiet. Hart emerged from backstage, clutching a box, followed by Carrington and other handsome men who hadn't left.

Martin had a bad feeling about this.

Hart, who had been practicing dancing for months and had some skills, knelt down on the smooth floor in front of Martin, holding the box high above his head. "Daddy Martin, this is our way of thanking you."

Martin didn't take it. Instead, he looked past Hart and said, "You haven't removed the scuff marks from your knees. Bad form!"

Hart raised the box higher. Martin accepted it and found it filled with small-denomination bills. He asked, "What's this? What's going on?"

Hart replied earnestly, "Everyone in the sportsman group pitched in. We gathered this money to treat you to surgery in Thailand..." Martin was both angered and amused, saying, "You guys...you scoundrels! Is this how you thank me? Old Bruce, get your gun and chase these rascals away!"

Of course, this modest sum wasn't enough for surgery, but it would suffice for a small celebration at the club.

Apart from Vincent, Dana the accountant, and the handsome men who were out working, everyone else happily indulged in drinks.