America Tycoon: The Wolf of Showbiz

Facing Martin, Zomi talked as if he were talking to his screenwriter friend David-Johnson, speaking freely.

"She probably has a pituitary disorder or something, which caused her to look like a ten-year-old child even though she's over twenty," Zomi recalled: "An immigrant couple adopted her, but tragedy struck soon after. There was a fire at the immigrant's home, and everyone except the girl died in it."

Martin felt a sense of familiarity, listening and carefully recalling.

Zomi continued, "After extensive investigation, the police discovered that this girl had been involved in the death of a previous adoptive family. It took a lot of manpower and resources for the authorities to verify her real age. She's actually a psychologically disturbed adult!"

Martin had seen countless movies and TV shows; some had faded from memory over time. After some reflection, he slowly began to remember a horror movie featuring a girl with twin ponytails.

It seemed like the translated version was called "The Orphan's Grudge," but the character's name had been long forgotten.

Soon, recalling more related memories, Martin was fairly certain he had seen it after 2010.

He asked, "Zomi, are you planning to adapt this into a movie?"

"That's the idea, a psychological horror film." Zomi smiled: "David and I debated the topic last year. I was just a director shooting commercials and music videos back then, and David was one of the many inconspicuous assistants at Delabonte who studied screenwriting but never wrote a screenplay independently. Even if we came up with a screenplay, the outcome wouldn't be optimistic."

Martin, having been in Los Angeles for several months now, nodded: "Screenwriters are undervalued."

Zomi took a sip of beer, "That's why I accepted the invitation from Joe Silver and Susan Levin to direct this movie. With this experience, if David and I produce a new script, the producers will take it much more seriously."

Martin agreed, "Once 'House of Wax' is released, you'll be a well-known director. Then when you submit a script, not just Susan, even the higher-ups at Warner Bros. will take a close look."

Zomi smiled, "Let's hope so. Hollywood has too many scripts gathering dust for over a dozen years."

Martin also smiled, "I've heard Susan mention that Warner Bros.' warehouse still holds scripts bought out in the early '90s. The authors might have sold their scripts and forgotten all about them."

Zomi knew more, "It's very difficult for scripts from non-Screenwriters Guild members to sell for 10,000 US dollars."

Martin extended his beer bottle, "Zomi, if this project takes off and you have a suitable role, let's continue to collaborate."

Zomi clinked bottles with him again, "That's what I wanted to say, Martin. Except for those two days, you were outstanding. If the crew were all actors like you, directing would be so much easier."

Martin said, "Mainly because you're professional enough, you explain the scenes clearly, telling me what to do."

"The future of this project is still uncertain," Zomi shared Martin's sentiment as both were newcomers in Hollywood, "I won't be able to recommend it to Susan or Warner Bros. until 'House of Wax' is completed."

Martin asked, "Is the script finished?"

Zomi shook his head, "David and I have only discussed the story framework and direction. He's currently organizing the materials and outline."

Martin said, "If possible, once the script is finished, let me take a look at it. To be frank, Zomi, I know a few investors."

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Zomi, having been a music video and commercial director, was well aware of the industry's ecosystem and had speculated that Martin had backers, replying, "No problem, I'll contact you the moment the script is ready."

The two clinked bottles again, drinking with great pleasure.

After a while, Mene came running over and said, "What are you guys doing here? There are so many hot chicks dancing over there. I can't believe I didn't notice during the day; Molly's figure is amazing!"

Martin pointed to the crowd, "Buddy, you better hurry over there, or you'll miss your chance."

But Mene said, "Boss, don't joke. If those ladies want Mene's service, they have to pay!"

Over the next two days, outside of hunting, the four of them tried some leisure activities.

Martin donned protective gear, especially for the groin, and fought in a kangaroo boxing match. The kangaroo, being less than honorable, always liked to kick at one's vital parts with its hind legs.

Compared to Mene, Martin was strong and agile. His past experience as a stunt double plus the regular fitness and training after arrival allowed him to finally send the 1.7 meters tall kangaroo fleeing in embarrassment.

When the animal decided to run, humans couldn't catch it with just their legs.

Three days later, returning to Los Angeles on the same plane with souvenirs like processed crocodile teeth and buffalo horns from the hunting club, Martin and company made their way back.

Zomi was picked up by his screenwriter friend David-Johnson.

Mene, who also lived in North Hollywood, shamelessly got a ride in Martin's car.

Bruce drove, still talking about Australia, "Next time someone pisses me off, I'll make friends with them and then invite them to go hunting in Australia."

Mene felt a chill all over, "Old Cloth, are you talking about me?"

Martin casually said, "Don't worry, both Old Cloth and I are civilized people."

Mene couldn't help but feel there was a special meaning behind Martin's 'civilized people.'

Martin's phone rang; after picking up, it was his agent Thomas: "I just got off the plane, I'm on my way back."

Thomas said, "Rest for two days when you get back, I'll contact you the day after tomorrow."

Martin said, "I have a gift for you; I'll give it to you later."

In the office cubicle, Thomas felt warmed. That damn client went to shoot a film and still thought to bring back a gift for his agent; it was rare indeed.

In the car, Mene asked, "Boss, do you have a new job? Don't forget your loyal Mene if there's a suitable opportunity."

Martin straightforwardly said, "I don't even know where my next job will be."

Mene sighed, "I don't want to sweet-talk old ladies again. I feel if I keep at it, my tongue and lips will rot away."

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"It's still better than blowing old men." Martin's words were a fatal blow.

Mene slumped: "So, I'm still lucky, at least I wasn't blasted." He accepted the reality: "Until my acting income can cover expenses, I'll continue as a high-class escort."

Bruce said, "Promising career."

He and Martin wouldn't look down on this line of work; several friends from Atlanta, like Hart and Carrington, frankly did similar jobs.

Arriving at the parking lot, Mene carried his bag and left alone.

Martin and Bruce, carrying their luggage, returned to the apartment and saw a mountain of flesh sitting under an umbrella, drinking a cold Coke.

Antonio waved at Martin: "Haven't seen you for a while."

Martin mumbled: "Went on a trip."

Antonio asked in a low voice, "Are you really an actor? Gone for so long..."

Bruce suddenly tensed his face: "You know too much."

"I don't know anything!" Antonio regretted not bringing the Friendship Gun down and quickly raised his hands, "Really, I don't know anything."

Martin opened his bag, took out a "Zombie Stripper" DVD, and tossed it to Antonio: "You think too much."

Antonio looked at the disc and realized the male lead on the cover looked exactly like Martin, "Are you the lead actor?" He noticed the cover character wearing very short shorts, the sensitive area prominently bulging: "I get it, you went to Sacred Valley!"

"It's a B-movie," Martin simply said, and took out a crocodile tooth pendant: "Old Cloth and I went to Australia to shoot a film, a specialty from Australia, it's for you."

Antonio accepted it: "Wolf tooth? I thought Australia only had wild dogs."

Clearly, the landlord's level of knowledge was several notches above Mene's.

Martin exaggerated a bit: "A tooth from a five-meter long Bay Crocodile, quite rare."

Antonio cherished it, then remembered something, "Upstairs, your corridor, the room at the very end is empty."

Bruce picked up the conversation: "Let's go take a look."

Antonio struggled to stand up with the help of the chair, moving his bulky body upstairs.

Martin and Bruce put down their luggage and entered the just-opened room at the end of the corridor.

The layout of the apartments was almost identical, equipped with furniture and appliances; Bruce could move in immediately.

After signing the contract, Bruce paid the rent out of his own pocket: "The assistant fee from the crew has been deposited, I'll pay for my own place."

Martin said, "You're my manager, once the full paycheck is deposited, I'll settle the manager's fees with you."

Antonio added, "Remember one thing, no parties in the room." He reminded Martin, "The woman you brought last time, she was too loud, control it next time she comes over."

Martin knew he meant Louise and casually replied, "First-time excitement with the new environment, it won't happen again next time."

Antonio picked up the DVD: "I'm going upstairs to watch a movie, hope it's a good one."

Bruce looked at his belly: "You might feel insecure."

Antonio waddled away, went up to the third floor to play the DVD, and decisively turned it off after just the opening.

It was too much of a blow to his self-esteem!

Not recognizing the actors was fine, but with the lead actor hovering in front of him every day, how is one to bear it?

Feel insecure every time you see it?

Martin helped Bruce settle into the room, and they went out to eat. When they returned, they bought a shipping bag and sent the items brought back from Australia to Atlanta.

Most of the Bay Crocodile teeth were divided between Martin and Zomi.

The four siblings of the Carter Family got a pack each from Martin, mailing two teeth to each, and as Lily loved crafting, he also included all the buffalo horns.

All these had a full set of legal papers.

Robert and Jerome also got two each.

Couldn't leave out Kelly.

The line to Benjamin must also be maintained.

Bruce was not suited to contact people in Atlanta, so on his behalf, Martin mailed a piece to everyone at the Strip Club.

He kept in touch with Sophia and Vincent, ready to play the trump card of bringing funding to the project when vying for the lead role in a key project.

During the filming of "House of Wax," Paris Hilton's acting was atrocious, yet from the director to the producer, no one said a word.

Why?

Because Paris Hilton represented the third-largest investor.

After mailing the package and resting a day to beat the jet lag, Martin arranged to dine with his agent, Thomas.

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