Chapter 78: Investment

The following morning, Martin received a call from Bruce, informing him that Vincent and Sophia wished to treat him to drinks at the strip club.

Martin drove to Clayton Street and entered the club.

Behind the bar, Bruce expertly poured drinks.

Vincent, taking off his cowboy hat, waved to Martin. As Martin settled at the bar, Vincent proposed a toast. Martin clinked glasses with both Vincent and Sophia.

Vincent placed his glass down, saying, "A truly remarkable film, and a great investment."

Martin grinned, replying, "Boss, I'm really grateful."

Sofia chimed in, "You're also a shrewd individual."

Martin's gaze shifted towards Bruce, who remained silent. He asked directly, "Boss, Sophia, is this more than just drinks?"

Vincent didn't respond this time, letting Sophia explain, "The crew mentioned that you plan to pursue opportunities in Los Angeles."

Martin nodded, "Yes, that's the plan."

Sofia signaled to Bruce to pour more wine, "Los Angeles offers numerous opportunities, multiple film companies, and countless productions. I've heard they churn out hundreds of movies each year."

Martin admitted, "I've never been to Los Angeles, and I'm not very familiar with the details."

Sofia, who had received a positive investment update from the studio that morning, turned her attention back to Martin. "Hollywood films often cost tens of millions, even hundreds of millions of dollars to produce. If you ever come across such an opportunity, don't forget your old friends in Atlanta."

Martin appreciated this support, recognizing that he could bring in crucial capital at pivotal moments. Without much preparation, he expressed genuine sentiment, "Atlanta is my home. No matter how far I go, I'll return someday. Why? Because it holds my dearest memories and friends."

During this, Martin specifically looked at Lao Bu.

Bruce, being quite perceptive, discreetly flipped him off.

Martin continued, "How could I forget you when there's an investment opportunity? I told Vincent that your investment support played a significant role in securing the lead role this time."

Sofia raised her glass, proposing, "To our future collaborations, cheers."

Martin clinked glasses with both Vincent and Sofia and emptied his glass.

In this close proximity, he couldn't help but notice that Sophia's bicep was thicker than Lily's thigh.

Martin felt something was amiss and wondered why he was thinking about Lily's legs. He certainly hadn't been peeking.

At this point, Vincent spoke up, "One of my most successful investments was loaning money to Jack Davis. That money allowed me to meet you, Martin."

Martin couldn't help but sigh, "Boss, can we not mention Jack?"

"Hasn't that old rascal contacted you?" Vincent asked, his rare smile vanishing. "If I were you, Martin, I'd break his legs the next time I saw him."

Martin shook his head, "It's not worth it because he's already in jail."

Sofia motioned to Bruce for more wine, "Let's have another drink."

Martin clinked glasses with them once more.

While Vincent and Sofia continued to drink, Bruce discreetly winked at him.

Martin got the signal. After discussing their investments for a while, he excused himself, saying, "I have an appointment at the Marietta Theater. I can't break it."

Sofia extended her hand, "Let's continue our conversation another day."

Martin shook her hand courteously, though it felt like holding a stone. "Certainly."

After leaving the club, Martin headed to the Marietta Theater Company, where Jerome had asked to meet him.

Upon entering the community theater, he noticed dozens of people seated in the theater. Onstage, seven or eight individuals were rehearsing under the direction of Robert, who was known for his distinctive head.

Robert had become an instructor...

Martin waved to those on stage and proceeded to the second-floor office.

Jerome gestured for him to sit down. "Take a seat."

Martin complied and said, "The theater troupe seems to be thriving."

Jerome responded casually, "We have many newcomers. The troupe has signed an agreement with Gray Company for extras, so many aspiring actors are seeking to join."

Martin mentioned, "Gray Entertainment's late-night shows won't be stopping. Leader, you might want to coordinate more with Andrew."

Jerome agreed, "I will." Changing the subject, he mentioned, "Yesterday evening, I had a conversation with Robert Patrick over the phone. I informed him about your plans. He mentioned that when you arrive in Los Angeles, you can reach out to him in Sherman Oaks." Jerome handed Martin a card with the address. "Patrick will provide some assistance."

Martin expressed his gratitude, "Thank you, Leader."

Jerome then emphasized, "Martin, you represent the Marietta Theater Company in Los Angeles. Work hard and uphold our reputation. Don't let the theater company down."

Martin promised, "Captain, I won't disappoint."

Jerome expressed his appreciation, "I want to thank you for everything you've done for the troupe. Without you, we wouldn't be as successful as we are today." He sighed softly, "My abilities are limited, so this is the best I can do to help you."

Martin had initially considered inviting Jerome to lunch, but Jerome declined.

Afterward, Martin descended the stairs and spoke briefly with Robert. Robert was quite busy, so their conversation was brief.

"When that picture of me and the crew was published in the newspaper, a stunning actress decided to pursue me," Robert whispered about a recent incident. "I know she's not interested in me, but rather something else."

Martin was cooperative, "And what would that be?"

Robert explained, "She was pestering me two days ago. I bought a bottle of Coke, and it must have been dropped or something. I wasn't paying attention when I unscrewed the cap, and Coke sprayed all over her head and body. She's threatening to sue me."

Martin found a lawyer's contact and sent it to Robert. "You should consult a legal professional."

Robert glanced down, his massive head drooping slightly. "I don't know why, but when you were in Savannah, my luck took a nosedive. It's been downhill since."

Martin's thoughts drifted to City Folks and Adam Smith, and he replied earnestly, "Just hang in there and keep your phone on. I might call you anytime when I'm in Los Angeles." Robert seemed uneasy, commenting, "Leaving for Los Angeles means leaving your hometown."

"We'll discuss it more when the time comes," Martin understood that it wasn't the right moment to delve deeper into this topic. "I've arranged to meet Bruce for dinner. If you're not joining, I'll be on my way."

Robert, displaying his teacher-like demeanor, nodded, "I'm the chief acting instructor at the Marietta Community Theater Company now, so I should be there. I've got these young talents to teach."

After leaving the theater troupe, Martin headed to the Rosario restaurant, the same place he had dined with Bruce last time. He waited for Bruce to arrive and ordered some Mexican food.

Bruce offered a piece of advice, "Be cautious when drinking with Sophia in the future. She can really hold her liquor."

Martin couldn't help but start thinking, "Bruce, you might have had one too many..."

Bruce initially didn't want to bring it up but eventually shared, "I didn't realize it at the time, but I had a few extra drinks with her, and I ended up getting wasted..."

Martin poured Bruce a glass of beer and humorously commented, "Quite the tragic story. Those who bully others eventually face retribution."

Bruce was about to take a sip of beer, but upon hearing this, he instinctively raised his coat.

Martin quickly interjected, "We're civilized folks, and there are patrols around. Let's not give that guy a chance to empty his magazine."

Bruce withdrew his hand, "You're lucky!"

Martin thought of Scott and inquired, "How long does Sofia's interest in someone usually last?"

Bruce shook his head, "It varies. Some people keep her engaged longer, while others lose her interest in a matter of days."

Martin probed further, "And what about the ones who end up the worst?"

Bruce couldn't help but laugh, "As far as I know, Sophia has never harmed anyone to that extent. The worst-case scenario is just a prolapsed rectum."

Martin considered a possibility, "It couldn't be you, could it?"

Bruce had an urge to reach for his gun, "You damn scoundrel, one of these days I'll rip your head off to see what kind of creature you really are..."

Martin teased, "Bruce, why are you so worked up?"

"Yeah, why should I get worked up?" Bruce suddenly calmed down and said, "If you ever need a favor like that again, you bastard, don't come to me. Even if you offer me a hundred thousand dollars, I won't help you."

After the two of them finished their meal, Martin picked up the tab and drove back to the community.

Upon entering the Carter household, he heard Lily shouting, "Hall, you dumb pig, come here and see if I'm taller than Elena!"

Lily, barefoot, stood next to Elena, turned sideways, and gestured with her hand. "I'm definitely taller than you!"

She looked toward Martin, "See, isn't that right?"

Martin chewed gum and took a seat on the single sofa.

Elena, uninterested in the argument, grabbed two magazines and joined Martin on the sofa, settling on the armrest beside him.

Lily put her hands behind her back and said seriously, "Elena, I'm taller than you now, so you can't boss me around anymore..." Before she could finish her sentence, a magazine from Elena's hand flew out and hit her in the face.

Lily covered her nose in pain, whispering to Martin, "Martin, are you a masochist to able to with with my sister?"

Martin grabbed the baseball Hall had thrown nearby and began tossing it in the air.

Lily stopped talking and pouted as she sat down on the sofa in frustration.

Elena pointed towards the room, "Go help Hall with his homework."

It turned out that despite Lily growing taller, she was still the younger sister and had to concede to Elena's authority.

After spending a while together, Elena checked the time and said, "Harris drove the Ford to deliver some goods. Can you give me a ride to work?"

Martin playfully patted Elena's behind, "I'd be delighted to help."

The two of them left in Martin's BMW, with just the two of them in the car.

When they reached the vicinity of Bishui Bar, Martin parked the car and asked Elena, "Have you ever considered moving to Los Angeles?"

Elena wondered, "Why Los Angeles? My home is in Atlanta, my family is here, and all my friends and relatives are here in Atlanta."

Martin suggested, "We could go together."

"I'll have to wait for Emma to return," Elena worried. "If she comes back and we're not here, Scott's anxiety will affect her, no matter what she does. She's Lily and Hall's mother." Elena changed the subject, "When is the movie you acted in going to be released? You have to take me to see it."