Chapter 570: Marvel's Invitation!

Standing in the cozy living room, Martin's gaze fixated on a slightly unfamiliar photograph. It depicted a robust young man adorned in a baseball uniform, poised to launch a baseball during a game.

Harris approached and began, "Hall is currently one of the top pitchers in the NCAA baseball league. The Braves have diligently scouted him for the past two years. If everything goes according to plan, he'll be drafted by the Atlanta Braves next year."

"Not just one of the best!" A voice boomed from the doorway. It was Hall, a towering figure over 1.8 meters tall, asserting with determination, "I am the best."

Martin turned to face him, a playful smile gracing his lips. "Are you sure? Wouldn't you be diging a hole on the field when we play a game?"

Hall stood there, momentarily at a loss for words.

Descending the staircase, Lily chimed in, "You may be the best at defying gravity!" This remark irked Hall, causing him to shoot back, "I'm all grown up now, cut me some slack!"

He shrugged dismissively. "A well-known young artist in the United States, brimming with colorful language!"

Lily hastened her descent, her high heels resonating with each step, creating a symphony of clacking sounds.

Harris, unable to bear the impending confrontation, closed his eyes in resignation.

Lily arrived at Hall's side and playfully raised her clenched fist, mimicking their childhood interactions. However, Hall's towering stature made such gestures comically impractical.

"Squat down!" Lily insisted.

"I'm an Atlanta sports star now!" Hall proclaimed with fervor initially but then faltered, pleading, "Can you spare me some dignity?"

With that, he plopped down onto the nearby sofa.

The dynamics of siblinghood remained unchanged despite the passage of time.

Lily raised her fist in jest but refrained from delivering a blow.

On one hand, her little brother had grown up.

On the other hand, Elena emerged from the kitchen, glaring at Lily as she reprimanded, "You're causing a ruckus as soon as you're back."

Lily retorted, "I didn't cause a ruckus. I just mentioned that Hall has a talent for breaking things..."

She then slyly sidled over to Elena, accentuating her figure by pushing her chest forward, tightening her waist, and lifting her buttocks – her high heels serving to boost her height.

Elena, however, saw through her ploy instantly. With a swift motion, she raised her fist and delivered a light tap on Lily's head.

Lily swiftly grasped the reality of the situation and dared not argue. She retreated, wearing her high heels, which now made her stand twenty centimeters shorter than Elena.

Elena gave her a stern look. "Go to the kitchen and help with the meal."

Lily promptly headed to the kitchen.

Elena's gaze then shifted to Hall.

Hall, jumping up from the sofa, volunteered, "I'll assist too."

Harris didn't wait for his sister's gaze and rushed to the kitchen, declaring, "I'm coming too!"

With just the two of them left in the living room, Martin remarked, "You're still tough on them, as always."

In the familiar living room, Martin's gaze fixated on a somewhat unfamiliar photograph. It portrayed a robust young man clad in a baseball uniform, poised to hurl a baseball during a game.

Elena chimed in, her family values evident in her words. "Harris is doing well, securely engaged in scientific research at the university. Lily and Hall, however, are two unruly rascals, constantly causing chaos." She turned to Martin with a hint of concern. "I've heard the art world can be quite tumultuous, with people often involved in drugs and such. Keep an eye on Lily."

Martin had been diligent about assigning bodyguards to keep an eye on Lily. He reassured Elena, "You needn't worry. She won't dabble in those things, just child's play."

Lily's voice resonated from the dining area, "Dinner is ready."

Martin and Elena made their way to the dining table, reminiscent of their gatherings in Atlanta. The five of them gathered for a lavish dinner.

"Merry Christmas!" Elena raised her wine glass in a toast.

Martin clinked glasses with her and replied, "Merry Christmas."

Lily and the others followed suit, toasting and sharing a heartfelt meal.

Amid bites of food, Martin turned to Hall and inquired, "Are you planning to enter the draft next year?"

Hall nodded affirmatively, "I've been in contact with the Warriors. They seem keen on selecting me."

He scratched his head, adding, "But I'll need a trustworthy agent."

WMA, much like CAA, boasted a specialized sports department. Martin offered, "I'll help you find one when the time comes."

Hall responded, "Just don't make the commission too steep; I don't have much money…"

Lily, with a touch of pride, pulled out her wallet and retrieved a card, tossing it to Hall. "Consider this the investment I've made in you. Once you start earning your salary, you can repay me tenfold."

Hall chuckled, displaying a sense of humility. "Banks aren't that bad," he said, accepting the card.

Elena remained reserved this time, letting the siblings interact.

After the meal, Martin retrieved his suitcase, distributing the Christmas gifts he had prepared.

Hall and Harris received Cartier men's watches, each with a distinct style.

Martin personally placed a flawless ruby necklace around Elena's neck.

Lily, noticing the blood-red gem nestled between Elena's collarbones, couldn't help but feel momentarily forgotten. She asked, "Is there a Christmas gift for me?"

Martin replied, "Yours will be shipped directly to Los Angeles."

Lily's heart sank as she sensed an impending disaster. "Is it substantial?"

Martin pondered briefly, "I'd say it's quite a few tons."

Lily slumped onto the sofa in despair, vowing not to speak to Martin for a week.

Martin, reaching for a box, handed it to her. "Several tons of high-quality marble. Don't let your fame hinder your artistic practice."

Lily perked up and grinned. "I understand."

Following some post-dinner chatter, Elena took the initiative to signal the end of the evening.

Hall and Harris displayed impeccable manners, promptly exiting after receiving Martin's gifts.

Lily, however, voiced her dilemma. "Hey, hey! Unlike them, one lives in the school apartment, and the other has his own place. Where do I stay? A hotel?"

Martin scooped up Elena and headed upstairs. "You're staying here, on the first floor!"

Elena clung to Martin's neck, evoking memories of their past. She playfully warned, "If you dare venture to the second floor, I'll break your legs."

Lily snorted and muttered, "It's not like I haven't seen it before!"

The following day, Martin headed to the Coca-Cola headquarters to participate in a Coca-Cola promotional event, continuing his role as the Coke God. A year had passed since he became Coca-Cola's lifelong spokesperson and introduced the Coca-Cola Cult and Coca-Cola God of War commemorative cola. Coca-Cola was now in the process of finalizing shares with Martin.

Martin had invested significantly in his personal image, and though his shareholding was relatively small, it was estimated that he would receive around $30 million in shares.

These earnings, combined with his remuneration and various income sources from the past year, were divided into three parts by Martin: one reserved for emergencies, one for enjoyment, and the final portion earmarked for investments.

Presently, alongside his Apple shares, Martin had instructed his investment manager, Flynn, to acquire a portion of Netflix shares. Martin harbored no interest in stock trading and understood that in the grand scheme of the financial market, he was a mere speck. His strategy was to hold stocks for the long term.

Following the Christmas festivities, Martin chose not to depart Atlanta immediately. His initial agenda comprised discussions on the expansion of the Coca-Cola Cult with High Priest Robert and reconnecting with old acquaintances.

Subsequently, he hosted the second official gathering of the Coca-Cola Cult in Atlanta. The attendees included numerous Georgia celebrities, such as Senator Erica, who had returned to Georgia for the holidays. Eminent officials, including the Atlanta mayor, also graced the event. Representatives from the Coca-Cola Group were naturally present.

During the event, Martin had the opportunity to meet Kelly Gray's father and brothers for the first time. Mr. Gray, who expertly combined politics and business, engaged in substantial dealings with the Coca-Cola Group. He remarked, "Even though you reside in Los Angeles, it's widely known that you hail from Atlanta. You are Atlanta's most illustrious business card."

Martin smiled warmly, responding, "I've always taken pride in being an Atlantan."

Mr. Gray reciprocated the politeness, saying, "Atlanta takes pride in you as well."

Martin exchanged pleasantries before Gray took his leave. Kelly approached and said playfully, "Hindsight tells me I should have accepted your proposal."

As the conversation turned candid, Martin confessed, "Back then, my biggest wish was to find a beautiful wealthy woman and live happily ever after. My second wish was to strive for a prosperous future."

Kelly retorted with humor, "Couldn't you have let me indulge in regret for a while? Leave a little room for fantasy?"

Martin, with a shrug, quipped, "I was afraid Louise would hop on a plane from Los Angeles and tear you to shreds."

Kelly, in good spirits, covered her mouth and giggled before alerting Martin, "Erica is here."

Martin approached Erica and extended a handshake, engaging in a brief conversation. Erica commended, "This initiative has had a significant impact across the United States."

Martin graciously replied, "I'm thrilled if I can assist the senator."

The current hot topic in the United States had also propelled Erica into the spotlight as a prominent advocate for women's rights. Their collaboration in Atlanta, where the Coca-Cola Cult served as a pan-faith organization, provided Erica with a valuable platform to expand her network.

The successful Atlanta gathering led Martin to Kelly Gray's residence after the event. The focus of their discussion revolved around personnel changes at Warner Bros.

Fortunately for Gray Films, these changes were unlikely to significantly affect them. Atlanta's film and television tax rebate policies remained stable for the time being. Gray Films, being Georgia's largest film and television company and a primary filming location for Hollywood crews shooting in the region, was bound to maintain its prominence.

Kelly disclosed an interesting tidbit: "When Marvel was filming 'Iron Man 2' here in Atlanta, I overheard Kevin Feige discussing an offer with someone. They were considering inviting you to play Captain America. He believed no other actor in the world could compete. You were the perfect fit."

Martin was taken aback, asking, "When did this happen?"

Kelly recollected, "At least a few months ago. Weren't you approached?"

Martin shook his head, revealing, "No, Marvel didn't extend an invitation to me."

Kelly mused, "That's peculiar. I can't have misheard. Did they change their minds?"

Martin shrugged, "Who knows."

Kelly, filled with curiosity, probed further, "If they do extend an invitation, would you accept? After all, you've portrayed the Joker."

Martin responded candidly, "Considering that 'John Wick' and 'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,' both of which I starred in this year, were major hits, I can demand a $20 million salary for my next commercial film. If it's a commercial superhero movie, I'll need a share of the box office and ancillary income."

He added, "Although the earnings aren't meager, at my level in Hollywood, purely commercial superhero movies are at the bottom of the respect ladder."

Kelly chimed in, "It might be challenging. 'Iron Man 2' was filmed at the Gray Film and Television Center, and Marvel typically adheres to a tight budget, particularly when it comes to actor compensation."

Martin understood the significant consequences of such a decision, stating, "I can't afford to halve my salary for them. Not only would it affect my future remuneration, but sponsors would also express their concerns, believing it tarnished my reputation and diminished their brand value."

He waved dismissively, "We'll cross that bridge when we get there."

Martin's stay in Atlanta extended until the New Year. During his visit, he accompanied Elena to watch "Avatar."

With the arrival of 2010, Martin returned to Los Angeles for Warner Bros.' New Year's reception.