Chapter 43: Producer From Hollywood

In the headquarters of the Atlanta Liberty Association, five directors and the chairwoman, Julia, gathered to hold an emergency meeting to discuss the current public opinion situation.

Several representatives from the liberal political circles also attended the meeting.

Julia sat at the head of the conference table and said, "Milton's words themselves are both praise and criticism and not terrifying. What is terrifying is that the focus of public opinion is entirely on the conservatives. The Atlanta council election is coming, and without enough public attention, what is the point of the Liberty Association?"

Kelly Gray knew very well that the financiers behind them would not agree.

Julia asked a middle-aged man, "Jamie, what suggestions does Congresswoman Erica have?"

The middle-aged man replied, "The congresswoman believes that the lack of public attention is horrifying and asks you to immediately take strong actions. The conservative forces already dominate Georgia; we have a hard-won opportunity."

Another middle-aged director chimed in, "We need a parade, but we lack a public opinion flashpoint."

Julia looked around at her subordinates, "If you have any ideas, come to me."

As soon as the meeting ended, Kelly Gray followed Julia into the chairwoman's office and took out the sample Martin had given her from her bag.

This thing addressed the key point of Milton's words.

When everyone at the Liberty Association rally had one, the effect would be absolutely explosive.

After a long conversation, Julia nodded, "You did well, Kelly. I have always had high hopes for you, and you did not disappoint me."

She immediately contacted the political and social forces behind them to prepare for a large rally and reminded Kelly, "Keep your phone accessible. Either tonight or tomorrow morning, I need you to come with me to meet Congresswoman Erica."

Kelly Gray was overjoyed. As soon as she left the office, she called Martin, "Is the product ready?"

Martin replied, "I'm about to pick it up."

Kelly Gray briefly described the situation at the Liberty Association and looked at her diamond-studded watch, "I need to pick someone up at the airport. Once you get the product, deliver it directly to Gray Film Company. We'll meet there."

Seeing an opportunity to secure the vice-chair position, Kelly knew Martin was key and mentioned, "I mentioned introducing a friend to you some time ago. She's coming today. She's a Hollywood producer, and didn't you want to be an actor?"

On the other side, Martin hung up the phone, randomly picked a box, opened it, took out several smaller boxes, and inspected the water bottles inside.

The craftsmanship was much better than what the prop master had made temporarily.

Rosa came over and said, "It's made with the best materials and meets all standards."

Martin said, "Load them up." After verifying the quantity, he settled the payment with the Gulf Trade Company, paying a second installment of $15,500.

The remaining balance could be paid within the agreed period.

Martin led the way in his car, followed by two van trucks heading straight to Gray Film Company.

Andrew was waiting at the company warehouse.

As soon as Martin arrived, they immediately unloaded the goods into the warehouse.

Andrew seemed excited because his boss had called, saying they had obtained important items for the Liberty Association.

Such an important task being given to him meant the boss had trust in him.

Martin tossed a water bottle to Andrew, "Water bottle, suitable for use on filming locations."

The items from the trade company exceeded the ordered quantity slightly.

Andrew was delighted, opened the package, saw the water bottle, and froze for a moment.

Bringing this to the company or the film crew would ensure no one paid attention to the lead actors' action scenes. He remarked, "This doesn't seem suitable for men, does it?"

Martin deliberately lowered his voice, "We're friends, so I'll let you in on a secret. The Liberty Association is about to hold its largest rally of the year, and this water bottle is key."

Andrew clutched the water bottle, sucked air through the straw twice, and said, "I loved it at first sight."

...

Three cars headed to Gray Film Company.

In the leading BMW 7, besides Kelly Gray, there was a woman of similar age.

Louise Meyer, with her golden hair draped over her shoulders and exquisitely made-up face, wore a pair of black-rimmed glasses.

Coming from the airport, they passed several small gatherings supporting the Methodist or Liberty associations.

Kelly Gray said, "The Atlanta council election in the latter half of the year is causing quite a stir recently."

Louise Meyer rattled the newspaper in her hand and said, "I saw it. You lost public opinion to those stubborn conservatives."

Kelly Gray replied, "This is Georgia, not California."

Louise Meyer suddenly laughed, "The conservative guy wasn't wrong. We need this stuff; it can't be compared to fake products, but he was wrong about one thing. We decide when and where it's needed and who uses it."

She came from Hollywood. "We want to use it, get a handsome guy to use it, throw it away if we don't like it, and use it a few more times if we do."

Kelly Gray chuckled, "Do you need me to get you a red couch? There are many good-looking guys in Atlanta who want to be stars."

Louise Meyer waved, indicating she wanted to discuss more serious matters, "How do you plan to respond?"

Kelly Gray, with some pride, said, "In a way you wouldn't expect."

The car arrived at the company, and she invited, "Come, let me show you something good."

The two went upstairs to Kelly's office. Entering, they saw Martin waiting in the outer reception room.

Kelly asked, "Is everything here?"

Martin pointed to the rectangular box on the low table, "All 10,000 units arrived. To prevent defects, the supplier gave an extra 100."

Kelly took out a water bottle for inspection, "The craftsmanship is good."

Louise removed her glasses, hung them on her lapel, and took big strides over, "Which genius came up with this thing?" She took the water bottle, inspected it slightly, grabbed the straw, and pulled it out, instantly understanding, "Universal top and bottom, genius design!"

Martin curiously glanced at Louise Meyer, only an old lecher could understand at a glance.

Kelly turned her gaze to Martin, "The genius is right here."

She introduced them, "This is Louise, my good friend and a producer from Hollywood. This is Martin, a social investigator for the Liberty Association and an actor as talented in acting as in looks."

Hearing the latter part, Louise looked Martin up and down with interest.

Martin seemed oblivious.

"Additionally, there's a surprise which I'll reveal later," Kelly Gray said, mentioning the planned Liberty Association parade. "Louise, you're an expert in this in Los Angeles. What do you think?"

Louise laughed, her chest heaving rapidly, threatening to pop the buttons on her shirt. She picked up a water bottle, squeezed, and released, moving it up and down, "Thousands of people using this to drink water together is a very creative response. I guarantee your ALT Liberty Association and the Georgia liberals will become the national focus. Opinion and news will explode."

Kelly also laughed, "I thought pretty much the same."

Louise understood her old friend, "This isn't your idea."

Kelly signaled again with her eyes, "Martin came up with it. He's an exceptional strategist."

Louise, acting like an old lecher, flexed her long fingers, constantly rubbing the water bottle. Removing the straw, she allowed air to blow on her face, making her blue eyes look particularly mischievous.

She stared at Martin, smiling, "Genius, how did you think of it?"

Martin sensed some of her characteristics and deliberately put on a serious face, spinning a story, "Liberals often face attacks and domestic violence. I thought there should be a self-defense weapon that blends into everyday life."

He walked to Louise and took the water bottle from her hand, swinging it, "You see, grabbing the top, swinging the bottom to hit someone. If you hit the head, it hurts not only physically but also causes emotional damage. It's easy to carry and hide, making it hard for opponents to guard against."

Louise laughed even more, "Martin, do you often make jokes with a straight face?"

She looked at the words on the water bottle, "My life, my choice? Is that your idea too?"

Kelly answered for him, "Yes, his idea."

Louise seriously asked Martin, "Can it be authorized to the LA Liberty Association?"

"Of course," Martin felt more confident with the large sum of money coming in, looking further into the future, "I won't create any barriers or attempt any registrations; all liberal groups can use it."

Louise nodded, "I thank you on behalf of the LA Liberty Association."

"Martin is an outstanding actor. Find him a role in the crew; it would be the best kind of thanks," Kelly suddenly interjected.

Louise turned to Kelly, raising her eyebrows as if to ask: Have you been with him?

Kelly seemed not to understand and remained indifferent.

The Gray Company was collaborating with Louise's crew, promising a good financial outcome.

If Georgia's preferential policies could attract one Hollywood crew, they could attract the next. Louise was Kelly's most solid connection in Hollywood.

Kelly had called Louise immediately after experiencing the Paper Plane.

Martin had mentioned he could make various new cocktails.

Kelly sought Martin's company not just because he was fun.

"The crew indeed needs to recruit some actors in Atlanta," Louise couldn't refuse her friend. The person standing opposite was also interesting and "one of us."

Louise leaned back on the couch, putting on her black-rimmed glasses, her mischievous look disappearing and being replaced by seriousness, "Martin, perform a piece impromptu."

Martin didn't remember this non-action romance movie, so he thought a bit, messed up his hair, wrinkled his shirt, and approached Louise.

He picked up the water bottle, and his demeanor changed instantly.

The muscles on his face seemed out of place, transforming him from a sunny, handsome guy to a sinister-looking creep, exuding malice.

Without uttering a word, with only heavy breathing and the sound of the water bottle swinging, he looked downright evil.

Kelly had never found Martin so terrifying.

Louise suddenly spoke, "That's enough."

Martin let out a breath and put down the water bottle.

Louise said, "The crew will post a recruitment notice next week. Come find me at the crew's base then."

Martin responded, "No problem."

Kelly then said, "There's another surprise, but it's for after the parade."

Louise asked, "What surprise?"

Kelly teased, "It's a secret."

Louise left shortly to rest at a hotel.

Martin and Kelly Gray settled the payment, with the unit price being $13.

Gray Company paid Martin $130,000 that day.

As for the dealings between Kelly Gray and the Liberty Association, Martin did not inquire.

Many things, even when clear, you have to pretend to be ignorant of.

With the payment in his account, even though Martin had a steady mindset, he couldn't help but feel a bit excited.

The two major goals this time, truly connecting with a Hollywood producer and making a sum of money to ensure basic living, were both achieved.

*****

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