Chapter 48: Penicillin

With a dejected expression, Robert entered the first-floor lobby, and Martin spotted him, waving him over. He asked, "How did it go?"

Robert's face wore an air of melancholy as he replied, "Don't they say that Stallone, Willis, Leo, and Schwarzenegger all have prominent heads?"

Martin took a step back, looking at Robert and nodded, saying, "In terms of appearance, you're incredibly unique and can easily leave a lasting impression on the audience. Did you see the trailer for 'Caribbean Pirates'? If you don a pirate costume, your image would be more memorable than those pirates."

Robert, with his hands in his pockets, chuckled, "Man, I've got a thick skin. You can straight-up say I'm not good-looking; it doesn't bother me."

Then, he decided to playfully scare Martin, recalling something Martin often said, "But from now on, when you drink Coke..."

Martin, catching onto the game, came up with a clever reply, "I swear, I'll never touch Coke in a glass bottle again."

Robert's depression seemed to lift a bit, and he said, "Thanks, man, I'm feeling much better."

Martin responded, "You're welcome, after all, you've been a great help."

But then Robert sighed, "Are you done?"

"I'd rather be an extra," Robert said, then asked, "Did you find out the results of your audition?"

Martin nodded, "I just received the notification."

Robert congratulated him, saying, "Congratulations," but added with a sigh, "Just one line, it sounds so simple."

Martin patted Robert's arm and reassured him, "I can't help you with this crew, but once the filming's done, we can stick around and do odd jobs on set." Staying on the set meant having access to the main cast and crew.

In the script, Martin's character had quite a few scenes, but when it came to the final cut of the film, no one knew how much would be left. It wasn't uncommon for significant portions to end up on the cutting room floor, leaving only fleeting moments on screen.

"Thanks," Robert said, his spirits lifted. "It's a unique experience."

Just then, Jerome rushed over from across the hall, spotted the two actors from the theater troupe, and quickened his pace, exclaiming, "Good news!"

Since Robert hadn't succeeded in the audition, he wondered if there was still a chance to secure a collaboration with the troupe. He asked Jerome, "Captain, have we worked out a partnership?"

Jerome declared firmly, "It's a done deal. Deputy Director Martin, you've made invaluable contributions to the theater troupe's development." Though he was bursting with excitement, Jerome remained composed on the surface and continued casually, "The film crew is in need of extras, not a large number, and after some negotiation on my part, the crew decided that the Marietta Theater Company will handle all the extras."

Martin understood that Andrew must have played a part in this arrangement. Jerome also intended to utilize this opportunity to recruit new talent when he returned.

Robert, looking surprised, asked Martin, "You've become the deputy leader?"

Jerome patted Robert on the shoulder and encouraged him, "Work hard, and who knows..."

In his excitement, Jerome nearly blurted out, "I might be able to afford a new car soon."

Martin, steering the conversation back to himself, inquired, "Captain, my role has been finalized. The crew asked me to negotiate my salary, but I have no experience in that area. You're the person I trust the most, our commander." Jerome was taken aback by how quickly the role had been confirmed but thought to himself that Martin had never forgotten the troupe, taking care of everything. He replied confidently, "Don't worry, leave it to me, I'll help you negotiate. However, be prepared, the pay might not be high. The film crew came to Atlanta to save on expenses."

Martin noted, "The role itself is more important than the compensation."

Jerome nodded in approval, growing fonder of Martin with each passing moment. This "idiot" might leave Atlanta someday, and if he ever went to Los Angeles, Jerome could use him as a connection to say hello to Robert Patrick.

The three of them left Gray's Company together, with Jerome generously covering the lunch bill. After the meal, Jerome headed to Gray's Company to negotiate Martin's compensation with the film crew. Although he wasn't a professional agent, Jerome had run a theater company for many years and was knowledgeable about many aspects of Hollywood.

As a minor actor and a non-union member, Martin's daily wage was only $600. The crew provided standardized food, lodging, transportation allowances, and on-set insurance for all its members.

The following day, Martin signed a formal contract with the film crew.

In the evening, he received a call from Louise, who said, "Hey, macho man, let's go grab a drink."

Martin asked directly, "Where should we meet?"

Louise couldn't get the new cocktail out of her mind. "Come to my hotel suite; I've got all the bartending tools there."

Martin understood her intention and headed to the liquor store to purchase some base spirits.

Upon their arrival at the hotel suite, Louise was already there, sitting at the bar with a glass of tequila before her, indulging in a drink.

Martin, carrying the wine box, approached the bar, gently moved aside Louise's tequila and glass, and cautioned, "You can't mix drinks if you've had too much."

Louise looked surprised. "You haven't created the new cocktail yet?"

Martin wanted to involve this spirited woman in the process. The birth of a new cocktail by their hands could leave a more profound impression than their previous conversation about kettles. He replied, "We have a prototype, but the specific formula still needs some adjustments."

Louise, getting behind the bar, took out alcohol wipes to clean her hands, fetched a mixing pot and a jigger, and declared, "What are we waiting for? Let's get started!"

Martin opened the wine box, meticulously laid out the various spirits, and asked, "Are you more passionate about cocktails than movies?"

Louise's gaze drifted downward again as she contemplated. "Movies are work, but wine is a hobby. They're different," she explained, "Wine is like spiritual sustenance for me; it leaves me feeling incredible."

Martin put on his bartender persona and said, "Let's get serious about bartending."

Louise donned her black-rimmed glasses and declared, "Let's begin."

Martin explained, "My idea for the new cocktail is to capture the essence of whiskey with a bold flavor that tantalizes the taste buds." He playfully tapped Louise's nose with his finger. "It should be something that can heal the soul of a drinker like you."

To involve Louise in the creative process, he asked, "Which whiskey do you think would be suitable?"

Louise was a seasoned drinker, and after a moment of reflection, she said, "Islay peated whiskey." She considered carefully, "For a cocktail to gain popularity, affordability is key. Lagavulin is too expensive, so it's a no-go. That leaves us with a choice between Caol Ila and Ardbeg. I recommend Ardbeg."

Martin selected a bottle of Ardbeg and inquired, "Why?"

Louise, displaying her knowledge, explained, "Among the whiskeys produced on Islay, Ardbeg offers a rich smoky flavor and a subtle malt sweetness. It's versatile and well-balanced."

Martin poured a half-cup of Ardbeg and added some lemon juice. "The flavor profile isn't rich enough," he observed.

Louise sampled it and commented, "It's too sour."

Martin suggested, "Let's add a small amount of ginger syrup."

This was a common ingredient in cocktails, and Louise added just a touch and stirred. "The whiskey flavor is somewhat weak," she noted.

Martin snapped his fingers. "Blended whiskey."

The two experimented with various common brands, adjusting the proportions. After nearly two hours of experimentation, they finally arrived at a suitable formula.

While Martin was concocting the cocktail, Louise was incredibly focused. She even took a break to rinse her mouth in the bathroom to remove the excess alcohol taste.

Upon returning to the bar, Louise found a classic wine glass filled with a pale golden liquid, garnished with lemon and ginger slices.

"Is this our creation?" Louise picked up the glass with anticipation and took a slow sip. The smoky, spicy, and piquant notes instantly filled her mouth like a cannonball explosion, followed by mellowness, roundness, sourness, and sweetness.

The taste was rich and multi-layered, encompassing all the ups and downs of life.

Louise took another sip and then offered the glass to Martin.

Martin savored it, tasting it carefully. "What do you think?"

Louise removed her black-rimmed glasses, resembling someone who had just tasted nectar, her face beaming with satisfaction. "It starts with bitterness, gradually turns sweet, becomes increasingly exciting toward the end, and you gradually adapt to its impact, savoring a rich and beautiful flavor."

Martin surrendered, teasing, "Are you talking about wine, you alcoholic?"

Louise raised an eyebrow. "What else could it be? Don't let your dirty thoughts tarnish the excellent cocktail we just created."

Martin didn't bother arguing and instead gave her a chance to name it.

However, Louise walked around the bar and then returned with a smile. "I know you enjoy playing with people's hearts, but I can't resist the temptation to leave a mark in the history of cocktails."

Martin shrugged. "It's just a drink that can heal the soul of a alcoholic."

Louise contemplated for a moment and then declared, "Penicillin. Let's call it Penicillin." She grabbed a pen and paper to jot down the formula. "In the medical field, penicillin has saved countless lives. Our cocktail can save the souls of countless alcoholics. I want to take it back to Los Angeles and see it spread."

Martin remarked, "You're one of the creators, you can do whatever you want."

Louise shifted the topic abruptly, stating, "I'm nothing like an unethical individual like Harvey Weinstein. Once your work on the crew wraps up, I'll give you with a thorough evaluation of you future acting career and provide you with many valuable advice, which can help you avoid unnecessary pitfalls."