Chapter 145: Kim Kardashian

"I'm finally in a better mood now. Despite the media's ongoing obsession with Paris Hilton, she and I are in entirely different worlds," said the Warner TV host, a woman who had stirred controversy before by discussing Paris Hilton openly in the midst of the public opinion storm. She held up a poster of the wax figure from "House of Wax" on her show and declared, "This movie showed the entire creation process of sealing Paris Hilton alive in a wax figure, and watching it finally relieved the suffocation in my chest." The show garnered strong reactions, with some media outlets echoing her sentiments and others criticizing her.

Paris Hilton's lawyer responded with another legal letter. Following that, the Los Angeles Times reported that several wax museums in Los Angeles had created small commemorative wax figures for the public to express their frustration, potentially leading to a copyright infringement lawsuit from the production crew.

Seeing a business opportunity, Madame Tussauds issued a statement through various media outlets, expressing their interest in licensing Paris Hilton's wax figure.

Hot topics attracted the media like vultures. Some outlets even offered $1 million for photos of Paris Hilton in the bathroom.

More people were curious about how Paris Hilton was turned into a wax figure.

With the support of the crew, Mene made another public appearance, expressing his love through a TV station. He stated that if Paris was willing, they could get married right after her release from prison.

Uncle Mene's move grabbed the gossip headlines.

Sitting under a sun umbrella on a North Hollywood apartment rooftop, Bruce handed Mene a beer and said, "Brother, you really know how to handle things."

Martin expressed his admiration, saying, "You did what I wanted to do but didn't dare to."

Mene replied, "Boss, I came to Los Angeles to work hard for a prosperous life. If Paris marries me, I'll have a beautiful wife and a prosperous life all at once. Isn't that what we're all striving for?"

Bruce teased Martin, "You don't have to envy him; you have two wealthy women."

Mene praised Louise, saying, "Boss, teach me a few tricks."

Martin shook his head, "It's a natural talent; not everyone can learn it."

Mene then shared news about receiving audition requests from two production crews. Martin asked, "Trying to capitalize on your popularity?"

Mene considered it and said, "Probably. Boss, should I go?" Bruce interjected, "First, find out if the casting directors are male or female, how old they are."

Martin suggested, "Focus on the ones with middle-aged female casting directors."

Mene agreed, "I'll have my agent look into it."

In reality, they all knew Paris Hilton was unlikely to accept Mene's public declaration of love.

Martin checked the time, picked up a telescope, and observed a theater in the distance. Mene asked, "Are you in line?"

Martin replied, "Only popular sequels like Star Wars, Spider-Man, and Lord of the Rings have full theaters and long queues for tickets."

This afternoon, "House of Wax" would be released in advance in 2,000 North American theaters, with three consecutive screenings until midnight.

Waiting was the most challenging part.

Martin received a call from Jaume, inviting him for a drink. Mene followed suit. As media personalities set out, more than a dozen paparazzi followed them.

At Avalon, they requested a private room. jaume was nervous and didn't want to be alone, so he joined Martin for a drink until the early morning. After 1 a.m., Jaume anxiously checked his phone. Martin reminded him, "Even if we estimate the last show's box office, it won't be available so soon."

Zomi downed his wine and sighed, "I'm more nervous than when I took my college exams."

Martin, not the lead, had a more relaxed mindset. Mene, on the other hand, was quiet now. Over half an hour later, Martin's phone rang. Louise informed him, "Early ticket sales for the wax museum are $2.65 million."

Martin asked if the number was high or low, to which Louise explained that it was generally around 7 times less than the first-weekend box office. Louise was in a good mood and said she wouldn't bother him further, stating that he owed her one less debt. Martin assured her, "I'll save up and pay you back all at once."

He informed Jaume, "It's $2.65 million."

jaume let out a relieved sigh, saying, "The first weekend should be worth $15 million!"

Martin predicted, "Considering this weekend's releases like 'War of the World' and 'Let's Dance' have a different target audience from 'House of Wax,' it should exceed $15 million."

Bruce popped open a champagne bottle, and each person poured a glass. Martin raised his glass, declared it good news, and toasted, "Cheers!"

The male lead was equally excited, exclaiming, "Our Hollywood careers have had an excellent start!"

Mene led the clinking of glasses, saying, "Cheers."

jaume, now more relaxed, joked, "I won't need to go back to Barcelona to inherit that old house."

Martin chuckled, rising to clink glasses with Jaume, Mene, and Bruce one by one. "Looks like I won't have to head back to Atlanta for soft food after all."

The four of them were in high spirits, drinking until well past three o'clock in the morning.

On Friday, "House of Wax" opened across North America, with a staggering 3,220 theaters screening the film.

Thomas called Martin with a specific directive, "Go to the theater, go to public places—wherever you can increase your exposure and let people know that you're the leading actor of this film!" Martin immediately reached out to the crew to arrange an evening movie signing event.

Susan agreed, and the crew began coordinating with the venue and notifying select media outlets.

Martin turned to Bruce and asked, "Where are the entertainment contacts you've got? It's time to put them to work."

During this period, Bruce had successfully cultivated connections with Kim Kardashian, leveraging her connection to Paris Hilton to engage numerous gossip media reporters, including well-known outlets like "American Heard" and "Hollywood Kaleidoscope," as well as some wild paparazzi.

Martin, with a touch of self-deprecation, inquired, "Aren't I attractive enough on my own?"

Bruce, always practical, responded, "Reporters and paparazzi will come, but perhaps not in the numbers you hope for."

Martin, displaying a moment of desperation, suggested, "Should I ask Elisha out temporarily? A little vegetarian stint won't hurt. Maybe that'll spice things up."

Bruce, playing the role of the voice of reason, countered, "And what happens when you become a full-time vegetarian? You did express your commitment in front of numerous media reporters, after all."

The notion terrified Martin, and he quickly retracted, "Forget it, forget it. I'd rather have no reporters show up."

Bruce, ever the strategist, proposed a new idea, "How about we get Kim involved? You guys can stage a little drama. She can play the role of a starstruck fan, and you can reject her, which will certainly grab attention."

Martin, grateful for the suggestion, inquired sincerely, "You don't mind?"

Bruce, unperturbed, replied, "We're using her as part of the plan to profit from the situation, just as we did with Paris."

Martin complimented Bruce, "Bruce, you're a true talent. It's a shame you were just a scavenger before." After a moment of thought, he clarified, "No need to show affection, just let her be an enthusiastic fan."

Bruce concurred, his immersion in the entertainment industry growing, "That works."

Taking out his phone, Bruce called Kim Kardashian, inviting her to join him for a movie night at IU Cinema in North Hollywood, briefly explaining the situation to her.

"I'm in," Kardashian responded promptly. Seeing an opportunity for media attention, she didn't hesitate, affirming, "Brother, I'll do what you say."

Bruce proceeded to call the entertainment reporters and paparazzi he had been in contact with recently, informing them of Kardashian's plan to attend a movie in North Hollywood that evening.

That night, Martin arrived at the theater he had pre-arranged and began signing autographs for fans in the lobby. As the male lead, he attracted a substantial crowd of viewers.

Only three modest media outlets had sent reporters to cover the event initially.

Martin was undeterred, cooperating willingly with the reporters, and graciously taking photos with fans.

Suddenly, the number of entertainment reporters and paparazzi at the theater surged. Kim Kardashian, the woman who gained fame by sharing Paris Hilton's prison experience, had arrived.

Upon entering the lobby, Kardashian transformed into an excited fan, purchasing a poster for Martin's autograph.

Kardashian also granted interviews to reporters. Following her usual script, she began with a comment that drew Paris Hilton into the spread across the internet through various entertainment outlets.