Chapter 223: Paycheck

After a toast, Justin introduced Martin to several senior figures in the Coca-Cola Group, including Brody, who oversaw the marketing department.

Martin's articulate and relatable personality left a strong impression on the Coca-Cola executives.

Following the toast, several senior executives departed.

Joey from the Public Relations Department, while walking away, commented, "I reached out to my media contacts, and the response to this signing ceremony was overwhelmingly positive. Almost everyone believes that Martin is the ideal spokesperson for Coca-Cola at this stage."

Brody added, "I've reviewed the marketing department's analysis of his prospects. Martin has a promising future. His personal and public image is outstanding, and he generates a lot of buzz, including gossip, which can keep him in the spotlight for a long time."

Joy concurred, "It's common for celebrities to have their share of scandals, and surprisingly, it can be beneficial."

Brody slowed down his pace, saying, "I have an idea, perhaps Coca-Cola can establish a long-term image spokesperson."

Joey inquired, "Like Nike with Jordan and Woods?"

"Similar in some ways, but with nuances," Brody elaborated. "Entertainment stars differ from sports stars. Many who achieve fame in their twenties have a short-lived career, fading away within a few years. While I'm optimistic about Martin Davis, it's only a cautious optimism. I'll monitor his progress for a couple of years before making any definitive decisions."

Joey agreed wholeheartedly, saying, "We should exercise caution when it comes to entertainment stars."

The two exited and hopped onto a golf cart, heading back to the office area.

As the party wrapped up, reporters swarmed the area. Elena and her brother decided to return to the hotel first, while Martin joined Bruce's car. Just as they were about to leave, Julie entered the car.

"I'll be heading back to Los Angeles shortly," Jolie mentioned, as she had completed her filming and was returning to attend the premiere of "Mr. and Mrs. Smith." She had specifically booked an afternoon flight to attend Martin's coronation ceremony. She gazed at Martin and said earnestly, "Teacher, I have a few questions to ask you."

Martin responded with a sense of responsibility, "Feel free to ask, student."

Jolie revealed her plan, saying, "I intend to officially announce the breakup with Pitt about a month after the film's release."

Martin had no intention of interfering, stating, "That's your prerogative."

Jolie inquired further, "Now that the media is sympathizing with Aniston, and there's growing criticism of me, I'm bound to face media scrutiny when I return. How should I handle it? I mean, I'd like to maintain my popularity while mitigating any negative impact."

Recalling his previous advice, Martin suggested, "As I mentioned before, consider using the United Nations' name to visit post-conflict regions in the Middle East or Africa, express condolences to orphaned children there, and have the media you work with document the entire process and report it in real-time."

Jolie nodded, "I had thought of that too. You've reinforced my idea."

Martin had another idea, "You can also choose an appropriate time and local individual and adopt an orphan yourself."

Jolie was deeply moved by this suggestion, "That's a brilliant idea!" She then teased Martin, "How about you being their father?"

Rather than rejecting the idea outright, Martin inquired, "Do you think that would be appropriate?"

Jolie immediately realized the implication – for Martin to be their father, he'd have to leave his other relationships behind. Would that even make sense?

As they reached the hotel entrance, Martin wished Jolie success in her upcoming film and a turnaround in her career.

Jolie smiled in response and said, "Thank you for your guidance. When I return to Los Angeles, I'll head to the Middle East or Africa. If things don't go well..."

Martin interrupted firmly, "Don't talk like that. You'll be safe with the United Nations personnel."

Jolie playfully quipped, "If I ever find myself in a tough situation, you'll have to save me. I want to die heroically in a war, and you'll need to figure out a way to bring me back."

Martin couldn't help but think that Julie was joking and raising flags randomly. Fortunately, this was real life, not a movie. In a movie, you could plan your funeral in advance.

Once Jolie exited the car and departed, Martin glanced at her, entertaining an uncontrollable thought. If Jolie indeed met a heroic end during a charity event in the Middle East or Africa, the film "Wanted" would undoubtedly receive massive publicity. What could generate more buzz than a lead actor's heroic death?

It was just a fleeting, random thought for Martin.

Back in his hotel room, Thomas knocked on the door and entered, informing Martin, "I've received a notice from the company that the $4 million endorsement fee has been received. After deducting the agency fee, it'll be transferred to you tomorrow."

This was the largest sum of money Martin had ever earned, and he couldn't contain his excitement. He leaped up from the sofa and exchanged fist bumps with Bruce.

He joyfully exclaimed, "Oh my God! This is unbelievable! Uncle Martin finally has enough money to buy a house and a car!"

Bruce, also sharing in the excitement, couldn't help but think, "What should I gift to Khloe? No, what kind of presents should Kim and Khloe receive? A house? That's impossible. I'm planning to rub shoulders with Martin for the next few years."

After all, he had promised to be Martin's wingman. How could he do that if they weren't together?

Martin paced back and forth in the suite's living room, venting his exhilaration, "We need to contact a modeling agency! I want to recruit a hundred female models!"

He glanced at Thomas, adding, "Man, you're an agent with WMA. Do you have connections with the Victoria's Secret Angels? I've heard they come with a hefty price tag. Contact a few for me! Adriana Lima, Karlie Kloss, Kendall Jenner, Heidi Klum, Gisele Bündchen – all of them!"

Thomas cautioned, "Gisele Bündchen is dating Leonardo." He reminded, "I don't know if the ones you mentioned are even available, but if you want them to sign on, it'll cost at least seven figures."

Bruce playfully tossed a bottle of ice water to Martin, saying, "Are you done? Clear your head, man. If you don't snap out of it, I'll head to ghetto and find you ten plus-size models, each weighing five hundred pounds."

Martin snapped back to reality instantly, feeling a shiver down his spine at the thought.

"Bruce, are you plotting a murder?" Martin quipped as he twisted off the bottle cap and downed a third of the drink in a single gulp. He added, "It's so much more satisfying to release the emotions that are brewing."

Bruce, understanding Martin's jest, chimed in, "Ten big women might not cut it; I can find ten more."

As the excitement from the substantial earnings subsided a bit, Martin shrugged, saying, "First, let's secure the real estate in Los Angeles and Atlanta. We can talk about other things later."

He playfully gestured towards Bruce, "I might consider giving you a bonus – perhaps a big-sized woman or something."

Bruce turned to Thomas and inquired, "How about you? It's on the house! You work hard; you need to unwind."

Thomas, who was already exhausted from the weight he was carrying, certainly didn't want to handle another ten, five-hundred-pound individuals. He quickly shook his head and said, "I can find a girlfriend."

Martin glanced at Thomas, a glimmer of amusement in his eyes, but then he pondered. If his career as an agent took off, would finding a girlfriend still be a challenge?

Martin believed that Thomas needed to put in more effort and encouraged him, saying, "Guys, we're still on the journey, and we're far from reaching the summit. Let's not get complacent just because of this modest income. There are multimillion-dollar rewards waiting for us in the future."

Thomas, who could already see the possibility of becoming a millionaire, had complete confidence in Martin's future. He declared, "Tomorrow, I'll head back to Los Angeles to scout new opportunities for you."

Bruce privately thought that it was alright for Thomas to find a companion, but he shouldn't be looking for a girlfriend – that would be a distraction.

At this moment, Thomas's phone rang, and after a brief conversation, he turned to Martin, saying, "Jessica called me. Many of your fans have watched the live broadcast or online video, and they're having a strong reaction."

Martin was prepared for this. He said confidently, "Let Coca-Cola know. Send commemorative Coke to cities where fan groups have been established."

Thomas stood up, determined to get things rolling. Martin escorted him to the door and made a call to Mene.

A few minutes later, Mene arrived from the floor below.

Martin couldn't help but remark, "Didn't I see you this morning?"

Mene grinned sheepishly, explaining, "Don't forget, the studio has three separate crews. The associate producer of one of the crews is a woman, and we've become closer recently. We had a meeting this morning to discuss some things."

Bruce praised her, "You're already working diligently for your next project."

Mene added, "Yes, we knew each other from the crew, not the 'scandal' and the FBI case. Plus, she's under 40, so she has some sway in the crew."

Martin decided to entrust her with the task and suggested, "You handle it. Let's go out for a drink; we must celebrate."

When they descended to the lobby, Martin made another call, summoning Stuntmen Buck and Lewis, as well as the action director, Chad.

During the breaks between shooting sessions, the first two crews usually relaxed in their rooms and played games. Lately, they had been obsessed with CS.

Chad's crew, on the other hand, had been devising numerous sketches for action scenes.

As Martin arrived, Chad handed over some of the sketches for Martin to review.

After scrutinizing them, Martin inquired, "Is this a continuation of the Wanted story?"

Chad took a sip of his wine and explained, "Didn't your studio secure the full copyright for the comic? If this film succeeds, can't Wesley's story continue? Of course, these are just preliminary ideas and not fully developed yet."

After examining the sketches, Martin acknowledged, "If you'd like to expand upon this movie, I support you. I also have some ideas, but they might not be suitable for the current stage."

He outlined his thoughts, "If Wanted Order proves successful, we'll have more experience in the movie business. We can discuss the details later."

Bald Buck interjected, "No work-talk during our break! It's time to relax. Let's have a drink and celebrate Martin's success."

Martin raised his glass, and everyone followed suit, offering a toast. "Cheers!"

Mene took charge of pouring wine for everyone.

During the gathering, work discussions gave way to light-hearted conversations.

The next day, Martin dedicated half a day to accompany Elena's four siblings on a house-hunting expedition. They chose a community in Northville, a suburb of Atlanta, known for its predominantly senior white-collar residents and executives of major corporations. It also boasted some of the state's top elementary and middle schools.

The two-story standalone villa with a small garden came at a total cost of $380,000, which Martin covered.

Elena would gradually repay him with the earnings she made as a Saint of the Coca-Cola Cult.

Martin instructed her to host a housewarming party before the crew's departure, inviting the community committee and neighbors, as well as some acquaintances to assist with the celebration.