Chapter 92: Failed Seduction

Louise's eyes were filled with curiosity as she stepped into Martin's small apartment, which had a maximum of 80 square meters. The tight space was crammed with various pieces of furniture and appliances.

"I've tidied up a bit, but it's still a bit messy," Martin admitted without embarrassment. "Let's make do with it."

Louise inquired, "Am I free to explore?"

Martin replied, "You're welcome to enter all the rooms and take a look around. Everything here is open to you."

There were only two bedrooms, with the master bedroom barely having any space left after accommodating a large bed and a wardrobe. The other bedroom had been converted into a study.

Louise sat on the big bed in the master bedroom, and suddenly there was a rolling sound coming from upstairs. It was an unfamiliar sensation for her, like the scratching of a cat, and she removed her black-rimmed glasses.

She playfully suggested, "Martin, if I were to scream loudly here, would the entire building hear it?"

Martin extended an open invitation, "Let's give it a try."

As it turned out, the apartment building wasn't soundproof, and soon her singing echoed throughout the building. Perhaps it was because she was in an unfamiliar environment, her voice sounded exceptionally loud.

Surprisingly, no one came to complain about the noise.

This time, the couple's guilty conscience kept them from calling Kelly.

After they finished singing, Louise reclined and didn't feel like moving. She said, "I'm hungry. Could you get me something to eat?"

Martin, who hadn't used the kitchen and had no food stocked, questioned, "Who, being single, would want to cook?"

He suggested, "Let's go out to eat."

Louise, being as mellow as cooked noodles, responded, "I'm too lazy to move."

Martin patted her backside and said, "You stay here; I'll go out and get something."

After getting dressed, Martin placed an order at his usual restaurant and personally went to pick it up, as waiting for delivery would take too long.

In less than 20 minutes, he returned with a takeout dinner.

Spotting Martin coming from the parking lot through the window, Emily exclaimed, "Hurry, he's back!"

Jessica stowed away the newly purchased "Zombie Stripper" disc and came to the mirror to check herself. She had fair skin, beauty, and long legs. She couldn't help but admire her reflection.

Emily asked, "Will your plan work?"

She didn't need Emily to answer, and Jessica continued, "You failed before because you're too direct and lack subtlety. Implication is true seduction."

Emily leaned against the door frame and remarked, "Don't talk nonsense; hurry, we don't have any other choice except to seduce him."

Jessica tossed an ice cube into the trash can, wiped her hands, and opened the door to go out.

The timing was perfect; Martin had just arrived.

Jessica raised her arms and stretched, causing her tight sweater to emphasize her figure even more, including two noticeable points. She greeted Martin with a cheerful tone, "Hi, Martin! It's been a while. What have you been busy with lately?"

Martin pointed to the rooftop, saying, "Didn't I see you at the party last night?"

Quick on her feet, Jessica explained, "I went out to buy clams. By the way, my clams are hard to open. Could you help me with that?"

Martin, a serious person, assumed she was talking about actual clams and asked, "What kind of clams? Can't you open them with a screwdriver?"

Jessica subtly adjusted her yoga pants, making them even tighter, and replied with a suggestive tone, "The clams I bought are all round and plump. They seem to breathe, opening and closing, and opening again... If those clams could talk, what would they say?"

She continued provocatively, "That's how it is. Would you like to listen?"

Martin, who had been serious moments ago, suddenly adopted a firm tone and said, "I'm not interested."

Laughter rang out from the apartment, and Louise, wearing Martin's shirt, emerged from the door. She leaned against the door frame, wearing a teasing expression. "Come on over, let's have some fun," she said provocatively.

The woman opposite, while laughing, sensed that something was amiss, feeling that if she proceeded, something dreadful might happen.

She quickly declined, "No need. I'll figure it out myself." In her haste, she stumbled at the threshold, almost falling.

Louise dragged Martin back into the room, laughing heartily. "Living in a small apartment like this can be so entertaining," she remarked to Martin. She then took on a more seductive tone, saying, "Your female neighbor is trying to tempt you; aren't you going to respond?"

Martin casually opened the takeout dinner and replied, "It's fun for a moment, but what's the endgame? What do they want from me? I suspect Jessica might not even be 18 years old."

Louise laughed, "I didn't expect you, the pervert, to think with your brain instead of other parts at crucial moments."

In a considerate tone, Martin said, "These things are secondary. People fear comparison."

He spoke kindly, "How could she compare to you?"

Louise was delighted but not naïve. "Yes, I can also help you with getting roles."

Martin grabbed her chin and raised it firmly, adopting a more assertive tone. "Beautiful, you must understand that without accompanying me, you'll never become a master of crafting new cocktail recipes."

Louise played along, saying, "Come on, don't just imply it!"

The day after Christmas, Martin packed gifts specific to Atlanta and headed to the east side of Sherman Oaks to visit his former Marietta troupe member, Robert Patrick.

In that year's "Terminator 2," Schwarzenegger had become a major star, reaching the pinnacle of his career.

Patrick, who portrayed T-1000 in the film, had also benefited greatly from its success.

In the reception room, the bearded Patrick regarded Martin with mild curiosity and said, "Jerome called me recently and told me about your situation."

Martin reverted to his original accent and replied, "The leader has always looked out for me. You gave me your contact information before we left."

Patrick smiled when he heard the familiar accent. "I watched the DVD of your movie, 'Zombie Stripper,' and found it quite interesting. I heard it almost reached $7 million in North American box office earnings?"

Martin remained modest, acknowledging, "Lionsgate Pictures did an excellent job with the publicity."

Patrick nodded slowly. "You're off to a good start in Hollywood. Have you found an agent? Have you joined the union?"

"I joined the WMA," Martin shared what he could.

Patrick understood the situation. "Are you looking for the lead role in a Warner Bros. horror film? I have some connections at Warner Bros., but I can't secure a lead role in a multi-million-dollar project for you. In Hollywood, where every star is a company, Patrick also had his own film and television company, and due to Martin's situation, it was impossible for him to invest in his career. Even if he helped Jerome, there were limits to what he could do.

Martin tentatively inquired, "I heard from the troupe leader that you've maintained close ties with many actors from Georgia?"

Patrick looked at Martin, uncertain of his intentions.

Martin initiated the conversation, saying, "I'm not sure if you know Desmond Harrington; he's from Savannah." To avoid any misunderstandings, he added, "Harrington is part of the crew for the producer I'm interested in auditioning with, Susan Levine. I wanted to ask you about Susan."

In the world of Hollywood, such inquiries were routine. Patrick smiled and replied, "Little Dais, I'm well-acquainted with him. I believe he's in Malibu. Let me give him a call." He rose from his seat, made a quick phone call, and returned a few minutes later. He informed Martin, "Just wait a moment; he'll be here soon."

Understanding that he had found the right person, Martin patiently awaited Harrington's arrival.

After about half an hour of casual conversation with Patrick, a handsome man entered the living room.

Patrick introduced Martin and Harrington, saying, "You two can chat while I fetch some wine from the cellar. We'll have a drink together later."

Martin exchanged polite pleasantries with Harrington and then got straight to the point, saying, "Dessmond, I hope you don't mind me dropping by unannounced. I had a specific question in mind."

Harrington responded, "Robert filled me in; go ahead and ask."

Realizing that Harrington was mainly considering Patrick's recommendation, Martin wasted no time, "I heard from a friend that when you took on the role in 'Ghost Ship,' it was Susan Levine's choice?"

Harrington confirmed, "Yes, Susan Levine was the one who made the decision. I had a similar background to hers—rebellious and foolish in my youth, then finding my way back. The few times I interacted with her, our conversations largely revolved around these experiences." He chuckled, "I even had a moment on set where I thought Susan Levine might be attracted to me. But once filming ended, we quickly lost touch. It was clear she was more interested in my story than in me as a person."

Martin was now fairly certain and expressed his gratitude, saying, "Thank you for sharing that."

Harrington didn't think much of it, replying, "You're welcome. I hope it helps."

They exchanged contact information, and Patrick returned with a bottle of wine. Martin assisted in opening it, and the three of them engaged in lively conversation over drinks in the living room, creating a more harmonious atmosphere.

As the evening grew darker, Martin invited both of them to dinner, followed by a trip to a bar. Jerome was simply a bridge, and Martin had sought Patrick's assistance once. A bridge can easily collapse, so Martin needed to not only stabilize it but also broaden and smoothen the path for smoother traffic.

When they emerged from the bar, Martin held the inebriated Patrick in a friendly embrace.

In Hollywood, alcohol flowed freely, and Patrick was no exception. Before Harrington helped him into the car, Patrick joked, "Martin, let's have a drinking contest another day. My capacity can rival Cameron, Schwarzenegger, and Hamilton, but I doubt you can match it."

Martin, who appeared quite drunk, suddenly perked up at the challenge. "No need to wait for another day; let's continue right now. Robert, let me tell you, I know a Robert known as the best drinker in Marietta. He can down anyone in just an hour."

Harrington assisted Patrick into the car and turned to Martin, asking, "Do you want me to call a driver for you?"

Martin declined, swaying as he entered his own car. He waved at them and said, "No need for next time; let's keep going until the last one standing."

Harrington drove away, turning onto Sunset Boulevard.

In reality, Martin wasn't drunk at all. He shook his head, entered his car, grabbed a bottle of mineral water, took a sip, and dialed his agent's number.

"Why do you always call so late?" Thomas's irritable voice greeted Martin from the other end as soon as the call connected.

Ignoring the complaint, Martin got straight to the point, "We can confirm Susan Levine."

Thomas immediately forgot his annoyance and said, "Excellent. We've secured a crucial piece of the puzzle." He shared some news with Martin, "Tomorrow, the production crew will officially be set up."