Chapter 46: Hard Power

The Ford car drove into the Marietta business district, and Martin dialed Bruce's number. "Old Bruce?"

Bruce replied irritably, "What do you want?"

Martin said, "Come out for a meal, Rosario Restaurant. My treat."

Bruce didn't hold back. "I'll eat until you go broke."

Martin entered the restaurant, found a quiet booth, and waited for over ten minutes. Bruce hurried in and sat across from him.

They ordered some Mexican dishes and chatted while eating.

Martin took out a check and pushed it over. "This is for you."

Martin explained simply, "I made some money at The Freedom Society. You handled some dirty work for me, so take it."

Bruce didn't hesitate and put away the check. "Two months ago, I was hounding you for debt. Now I'm receiving your payment. Doesn't this seem off?"

"The difference between a smart person and a civilized person is this: you're just a civilized person, while I'm both smart and civilized." Martin ate his black pepper steak slowly and said, "I'm not going to work as a bartender anymore."

Bruce knew Martin worked at The Beast House only to make money. "It's for the best. Getting too involved isn't good. If you stayed longer, you might end up as a cleaner with me one day."

He then asked, "What do you plan to do? Become an actor?"

Martin explained roughly, "A Hollywood crew has come. I managed to secure a role by impressing one of the producers. I need to prepare."

Bruce was shocked. "Damn it, you sold out to the producer?"

"Get a grip, Old Bruce, that's your style!" Martin said confidently. "I conquered the producer in the audition with my talents! Hard power, understand?"

Bruce felt something was off but couldn't pinpoint it. "Are you really that good?"

"Tell me about your civilized cleaner job." Martin changed the subject and reminded him, "Don't die, you old dog. I won't attend your funeral."

Bruce said optimistically, "You always said crap and crap lasts forever. When you become a big star, I'll be your bodyguard."

Martin agreed. "It's a deal."

After dinner, Bruce went to pick up Monica, while Martin headed for a local community theater to share the good news with the director.

In the office, Jerome suppressed his excitement, pretending to be stable and confident. "I haven't even tried hard; you already nailed it, Martin. You did well."

The community theater had a connection with Robert Patrick. Given Martin's current level, any opportunity couldn't be missed. "Director, such small matters don't require your attention."

Jerome thought to himself that no one in the theater pleased him as much as Martin. "Alright, Martin. I officially nominate you as the deputy director of the theater."

The director didn't mention payment, and Martin didn't ask. He just said, "I'll call you when the crew's audition takes place."

Jerome took out some magazines. "Variety and Entertainment Weekly, with the latest updates on the film industry. Take these."

Back in his car, Martin took out his phone, intending to call Vincent, but decided it would be better to speak in person.

He had no conflicts with Vincent at this stage.

After calling to confirm, he drove to the club, went up to the second floor, and entered Vincent's office.

"Boss, I've got an important role with a Hollywood crew," he stated directly. "I need to prepare a lot, so I won't be available tonight."

Vincent lifted his cowboy hat, stared at Martin for a while, and said, "I was planning to raise your salary and officially make you the deputy manager of the club after these few busy days."

Seeing that Vincent misunderstood, Martin added, "Boss, this isn't about position or salary. I've always wanted to be an actor. This opportunity is too rare."

After a brief silence, Vincent, thinking about the bustling crowd Martin brought in by sticking close to The Freedom Society, decided, "Martin, the club will always welcome you back."

Martin left the office, settled his weekly wages with the accountant, Dana, and went to the hall where the group of handsome guys was practicing their dance.

After spending time together, it was only right to say a word before leaving.

Martin pushed aside the two guys without any jokes and said, "I just resigned."

"Why?" Hart quickly thought and glared at Carrington. "It's all your fault! Martin has always wanted a daughter, and you won't get the surgery, disappointing him!"

Carrington was a bit slow to react. "Aren't you the one supposed to get the surgery?"

Another guy who had some experience as an extra asked, "Are you going to be an actor?"

Martin nodded slightly.

Martin pointed at everyone. "I shouldn't have wasted words with you."

After some more joking around, Martin checked the time and left the club, heading back to Clayton.

In the community, the number of Black people noticeably increased.

The spots originally occupied by White dealers were all taken over by Blacks.

Martin parked his car in the backyard, grabbed the box from the back seat, and went to Carter's house.

As soon as he entered, he heard Elena's familiar greeting, "Idiot, not going to the club?"

"Not for now." Martin threw the cup to Elena: "One for you."

Martin praised, "You're absolutely right!"

He pulled out a chair, sat down, and took out two checks. "Now, these are the real gifts for you."

Elena looked down. "What's this? Are you planning to keep me?"

Martin sighed. "With your limited brain capacity, why would I waste money for free?"

Elena gave him the middle finger.

Martin said, "It's the commission from the kettle business. One check is your fee, and the other is for that idiot Lily."

Elena took them without hesitation. "No need to tell Lily. That idiot doesn't need money."

After dinner, Martin returned to his place next door, took out the script Louise had given him, and studied it carefully.

All the necessary preparations couldn't be skipped.

*****

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