Chapter 163: The Real Scumbag

The mahogany gift box exuded quality, sparking anticipation for the treasures within.

Anne inquired, "May I open it now?"

Martin nodded, saying, "It's yours now."

Anne speculated, "Is it Tiffany? Patek Philippe? Or perhaps rare jewels..."

Eagerly, Anne unveiled the box, revealing two exquisite items. The smaller box held a pendant crafted from the polished tooth of some exotic creature, resting on black velvet.

Opening the other box, a clown sculpture with a blood-red grin, bearing a striking resemblance to Martin himself, was revealed. While a smile remained on Anne's face, inner disappointment surged like a gusher. She secretly lamented, "Is this it? Not as exciting as golden donuts!"

Martin explained, "These are crocodile teeth and bison horn ornaments, personally hunted during my filming in Australia. Skilled master carvers crafted these bison horn trophies."

Anne's prop necklace featured genuine pearls, and likewise, Martin's gift comprised authentic crocodile teeth and bison horn adornments. Martin continued, "The crocodile was over six meters long, a rare find in Australia for years. The carved bison horns are even rarer, with distinct green and white angles. These are unique to North America, and you won't find identical ones anywhere else."

Anne's initial disappointment melted away as she realized the extraordinary significance of these unique gifts.

Inspecting the clown sculpture closely, Anne found an inscription on its sole and asked, "Is the artist Lily Carter?"

Martin had received several clown statues in an express mail package but hadn't paid much attention to them. He picked one at random without inspecting the soles, unaware that Lily, the sculptor, had left her name.

Quick-thinking, Martin created a backstory for Lily, describing her as an Australian master sculptor named Lily Carter, emphasizing her skill and artistic prowess. He added, "I received these artworks after waiting in line for six months."

Anne understood the value of art by renowned artists and appreciated the sentiment behind the gifts.

Anne hesitantly said, "It's too extravagant; I can't accept it."

Martin casually dismissed the cost, stating, "It's a small favor I owe. When Lily comes to Los Angeles, I'd like to introduce her to the top celebrities in Hollywood."

He pointed to the clown sculpture, "I've been busy with work lately and can't be with you every day, so let this piece bring you joy on my behalf."

The favor was significant, and Anne contemplated it carefully before accepting, saying, "I'll keep it with me."

Internally, Anne grappled with the disparity between her sophisticated demeanor and her inner desire for more commonplace gifts.

Meanwhile, Laura, standing with Bruce, observed Anne and Martin's cheerful gift exchange and remarked, "They seem so happy together."

Bruce agreed, "They make a great couple."

Laura addressed Bruce, recalling his role as Martin's manager, and introduced herself as a young actress who would be assisting Anne. Bruce shook her hand politely but maintained a reserved demeanor.

Sensing Bruce's cold attitude, Laura wondered if it was due to her appearance or other factors.

Martin extended a formal invitation to Anne, inviting her to the fan meeting and promotional event for his upcoming film, "The Hills Have Eyes," in Burbank. He emphasized the positive reviews and the opportunity for Anne to break out of her Disney image.

Eager to attend but maintaining a facade of hesitation, Anne said, "Next weekend, my schedule..."

Martin assured her, "My friends, including producer Wes Craven, director Alexandre Aja, and Warner Bros. executives, will be there. I want to introduce you to them. You mentioned seeking a transformation with this film, and I believe it could help you break out of the Disney circle."

Anne agreed, pledging to adjust her schedule to attend. Martin was delighted, and they made plans to connect.

As Martin left Paramount Studios with Bruce after the visit, the crew resumed filming.

After her workday, Anne consulted her agent, Maha, who recommended accepting Martin's advances and offered to speak with his agent regarding the matter.

Anne contemplated this important decision regarding her budding relationship with Martin and her career prospects.

As they made their way back to the car in North Hollywood, Bruce asked Martin, "Should I call Mene?"

Martin was taken aback, asking, "Why would you call him? He's busy cleaning up the studio he rented."

Bruce quipped, "To retrieve the fake diamond ring you gave him! It might come in handy when Annie confesses her love. We can save money and not buy a new one."

Martin playfully praised Bruce, "Bruce, you're evolving and learning to save money for your employer."

He clarified, "No need, I won't confess to Annie."

Bruce teased, "You're worse than a scoundrel."

Martin defended himself, "As long as I don't initiate a confession, I'm not a scoundrel. I'm waiting for her to confess her love to me, proving that she's pursuing me, not the other way around."

Bruce was convinced that the co-pilot pervert had given up on being human.

Martin asserted, "I want to be a responsible person. I can't make promises to people that I can't fulfill. Besides, Annie and I have an understanding."

Bruce couldn't help but suggest, "You two should get together, get married, have your ups and downs, and then write a family drama based on your real experiences."

Martin contemplated the idea, "Annie's position may not be high now, but with time, it'll improve. Knowing her, she might even stage a fake murder scene, hide, and frame me for murder."

Bruce referred to Agatha Christie, saying, "Like what Agatha Christie did to her husband?"

Martin, recalling such stories, commented, "A women really going crazy, is quite terrifying."

Bruce jokingly asked, "Aren't you afraid that Louise might go crazy?"

Martin chuckled, "Louise prefers wine over coffee. Our relationship is essentially transactional, with emotions mixed in, but who knows how many."

Martin discussed the industry's unspoken rules, and Bruce acknowledged that every industry had its similar demands, including those in positions of power.

Bruce playfully threatened, "If you say one more word, I'll blow your head off."

Martin wisely changed the subject, asking Bruce about his work with Kim.

Bruce explained, "Kim wanted me to act, but I declined. She begged me to play the male lead, and as long as I don't act, I can do as I please."

Martin noticed the difference in Bruce's approach and humorously admitted, "Bruce, you should be my mentor. Compared to you, I have a long way to go."

Bruce offered a humorous tip, retrieving a bottle of perfume and suggesting a unique use for it.

Martin inquired if Bruce had tried it himself, and Bruce explained that he had forgotten it in his suitcase since returning from Mexico but intended to experiment with it that day.

Bruce shared his playful idea of making a video and earning money from it when he needed it.

Before returning to North Hollywood, Martin received a call from Robert Patrick, who invited him to dinner at an Italian restaurant in Sherman Oaks.

Patrick informed Martin about an opportunity in a movie produced by WME, starring John Cena as the male lead and Patrick himself as the villain. He also mentioned a third male character, the villain's right-hand man.

Martin, with his own action gunfight movie in the planning stage, expressed potential scheduling conflicts.

Patrick acknowledged Martin's rapid progress and reminisced about his own journey in Hollywood. Martin attributed his success to the foundation he built in Atlanta and the support he received from Patrick, Wes, Ajia, and Jaume upon arriving in Los Angeles.

Patrick advised Martin, "If you have a leading role, don't settle for supporting roles, unless the villain is unique and equal to the protagonist."