chapter 218: Forced To Move

Returning to the film crew, Martin commenced shooting the main action sequences, most of which involved intense gunfights.

His extensive practice and experience in filming action scenes shone through. He handled various pistols with remarkable proficiency, resembling a seasoned professional marksman.

For the more demanding action sequences, two stuntmen, Buck and Lewis, took turns to perform alongside Martin.

Both of them had previously worked with Martin on "The Hils Have Eyes" and shared similar body types.

Chad, the action director, personally got involved, capturing the knife training and close combat scenes with Martin.

After completing a fight scene, Martin headed back to the lounge area, where Chris Pratt approached him, offering a towel.

Martin accepted it and wiped his sweat, then engaged in light banter. "I heard you're a good dancer?"

Chris Pratt, with a cheerful demeanor, flexed his portly frame and performed a comical dance. "Don't judge a book by its cover; I may be a chubby guy, but I've got some moves!"

Martin waved it off with a grin, and Chris Pratt quickly stopped his dance routine.

Mene, joining in, put his arm around Chris's shoulders. "You've been putting in a lot of hard work, my man."

Chris Pratt beamed, acknowledging that hard work was necessary to stand out in the industry.

Martin handed the towel to Bruce and noticed Chad feeding a puppy. He walked over and asked, "Is that a new dog?"

Chad held the puppy in one hand and a bottle in the other, explaining, "I found it outside the studio. They recently tore down a wall and rebuilt it. Some stray dogs got in. The larger one was caught by animal control, but this little guy was left behind."

Martin gently petted the puppy's head. "It looks like a German shepherd."

Chad, displaying knowledge about dogs, commented, "Its lineage isn't pure."

Martin recalled his experience working with German shepherds during the filming of "The Hills Have Eye." "I really enjoyed working with them."

Chad asked, "Interested in adopting it?"

Martin chuckled. "I'll pass. I can barely take care of myself, let alone a pet."

Chad petted the dog's head and remarked, "In your last movie, you did great working with the dogs. Initially, when I was designing the action, I considered having multiple dogs fighting alongside Wesley. But eventually, I decided a mouse would be more suitable. If we had dogs carrying explosives to take down the bad guys, it might cause trouble for the film."

Martin agreed, "That's true. When people go to extremes, it can be problematic."

Chad concurred, steering the conversation back to their previous topic. "Actually, I've always thought the one-dog-one-person concept from 'The Hills Have Eyes' was excellent. We can build upon that foundation and expand the action scenes and plot design."

Through their collaboration, Martin recognized Chad's talent and expertise. Chad encouraged him, "After you finish this film, you should consider trying your hand at action design."

Chad patted the little puppy's head. "When will it accompany you in a fight?"

Martin smiled and replied, "When the time comes."

Thomas arrived at the studio at that moment, and Martin wrapped up his conversation with Chad, returning to his chair.

With Bruce present, Thomas stated directly, "Coca-Cola has a concept for a large-scale signing ceremony to promote the 'Coke God' concept, followed by various advertising and publicity activities."

Martin agreed, "Yes, but we'll need to coordinate it with the crew's schedule."

Thomas, equipped with the crew's schedule, assured Martin, "I'll handle the coordination."

Martin added, "Once the plan is finalized, I'd like to review it."

Thomas nodded. "Of course, I've already discussed this with them."

Martin inquired, "What about the advertising campaign? What's Coca-Cola's plan?"

"They have a preliminary plan to hire a prominent director for the shoot," Thomas replied. "The specific candidate hasn't been decided yet, but they're considering a top-tier or near-top-tier director with a background in advertising."

Martin wasn't surprised. Many renowned Hollywood directors dabbled in quick-money advertising gigs. Scorsese had even done some in the past.

Ten minutes later, the order from director Leterrier came in, and filming resumed.

Martin and Chad maneuvered through the frozen pork, their prop knives clattering as they rehearsed their fight scenes.

Compared to the slower pace of dramatic scenes, the action sequences progressed more smoothly.

In the distance, stuntman Buck, rubbing his bald head, leaned over to Lewis and asked, "Doesn't it seem like Martin's skills have improved since our shoot in Mexico?"

Lewis, discreetly holding Martin's gift, his mobile phone, behind his back, responded, "It appears so. He has gained some confidence."

Buck shook his head. "It's not just confidence. He's faster than before."

With extensive industry experience, Lewis concluded, "He's encountered real-life situations more perilous than what we simulate in movies. This has given him an added level of confidence and assurance, making it easier for him to execute action scenes."

Buck was somewhat surprised. "You, a gamer, have been pondering complex issues like these?"

Lewis gestured toward Chad. "Have you seen him? A former stunt actor who's now an action director and assistant director."

Buck understood. "This indeed seems like a suitable career path for us."

After a day of filming, Martin discreetly had Bruce drive Mene's car and left the film and television base for a quiet drive around Atlanta.

Their vigilant bodyguard ensured no reporters were tailing them, and Bruce navigated towards Marietta.

As more Hollywood film crews descended upon Atlanta for shoots, the paparazzi and freelance reporters' profession was slowly thriving in the city.

Upon entering the Clayton community, Bruce drove straight into the backyard, and Martin entered the Carter residence through the back door.

However, upon entering, he immediately sensed that something was amiss.

Elena, Lily, and Hall, the three siblings, were blocking access to the two bedrooms, determined to keep anyone from entering.

A woman, provocatively dressed in hot pants, boots, and a tight T-shirt, her face adorned with exquisite makeup and her golden brown hair styled in large waves, stood before them, arms folded, and a mouth full of profanity. She taunted them, "You three idiots, can't you recognize your own mother? I spread my legs and squeezed hard, and you get a chance to be here."

Elena, who had given up on her mother, someone who consistently ran off with different people, retorted, "We don't care who left you, and we don't want to know. Who's the next scoundrel you plan to run away with? Since you left, you're not welcome here!"

In Martin's memory, this woman was the one Jack had abducted, Scott's wife—Emma Carter.

She was undeniably beautiful, but her reliability was even less dependable than Scott's.

Martin emerged from the hallway.

Emma turned to him and attempted to seduce him, "Jack's son, you've become a big star! Back in middle school, you used to secretly admire me. Well, I'll give you a chance now..."

"Shut up!" Elena and Lily shouted almost simultaneously.

Martin, an honest man, was entirely unprepared for such a situation. He hurriedly approached Elena and Lily for safety.

Emma continued with her inappropriate remarks, "What's the matter? Don't have the courage? Just need a little money."

Elena walked over and initially raised her hand but then lowered it, eventually pushing Emma toward the door. "Get out! Get out of here!"

Emma protested but refused to leave.

Martin couldn't do much, so he subtly signaled Lily.

Lily swiftly stepped forward; her hands were stronger than Elena's. In a few moves, she pushed Emma out the door.

Suddenly, the front door opened, and a Black man entered, asking, "Emma, what's going on?"

Hall reached for a shotgun behind the bedroom door, aiming it at the man. "Who gave you permission to come in? Get out!"

Martin discreetly opened a drawer in the storage shelf and retrieved a pistol, concealing it behind his back.

The Black man exclaimed, "Hey, sweetheart, is your whole family crazy? Weren't you coming here to borrow some money to buy flour for us?" Emma stepped in front of the Black man and retorted, "I'm just here to borrow some money so I can come back soon. You guys pull out a gun on me?"

Bruce heard the commotion from the backyard and entered the house.

Martin signaled to him to remain calm; the situation was still under control.

Elena picked up the phone. "Leave now, or I'll call the Neighborhood Defense Alliance. They won't be as courteous as me and might turn you into minced meat." After Emma's previous visit, she had learned about the Neighborhood Defense Alliance, who had defeated a gang in South City, even making one of them's rear end bloom with bruises.

"Let's go!" Emma pulled the African American man back. "Don't forget, I still own this house!" The two of them left, and Elena slammed the door, running her fingers through her hair. "She should never have returned. She should wander in Hawaii!"

Despite her words, what could she do as a daughter when her biological mother was begging in such a situation?

Lily, no longer her usual lively self, took a seat on the sofa. "Where will she show up next time?" Elena stated firmly, "I want to sever all ties with her."

Martin whispered to Bruce, "Book a room at the Peach Tree Hotel for them, a triple suite."

He walked over to Elena quickly, embraced her gently, and suggested, "You should pack your things and move to a hotel for now."

Lily chimed in sarcastically, "Who's going to believe it? We idiots got our mother to leave, and she forced us to move out!"

Martin raised a finger to his lips, cautioning Lily not to speak further, knowing that criticizing Emma was indirectly criticizing herself. Lily decided to keep quiet.

Martin looked at Elena and offered another suggestion, "In the next few days, you can go house hunting, and we'll choose a more upscale community. I know the neighbors here are kind, but we can't stay here forever. Why are we working so hard if not for a better living environment?"

Lily almost wanted to mention her desire to become a saint in the Coca-Cola Cult, but Elena's hand was close by, and she knew she'd be met with a heavy-handed response. She opted to stay silent.

Elena had lost faith in her parents. For the sake of Lily and Hall, she agreed without much hesitation, "I've saved some money, and you can lend me the rest for now." "Hey, do you take me for a heartless capitalist?" Martin countered, "How can someone hire people to work and make them pay for their part-time job? Even the most ruthless capitalist wouldn't charge people to work part-time, right?" Elena didn't press further and began packing her belongings.

Lily followed behind her and whispered, "Don't worry; I'll pay you back!"