America achieves both fame and fortune

Chapter 108 Orphans

When facing Martin, Jaume Coleman spoke as freely as he would with his screenwriter friend David Johnson.

"She probably had a pituitary disorder or something, which made her look like a ten-year-old even though she was in her twenties," Zomi recalled. "An immigrant couple adopted her, but tragedy struck soon after. A fire broke out in their house, and everyone except the girl died in the fire."

Martin felt a sense of familiarity and listened carefully, trying to recall the sounds.

Zomi continued, "After extensive investigation, the police discovered that this girl was previously involved in a death case within an adoptive family. It took a great deal of manpower and resources to determine her true age; she was a psychopathic adult!"

Martin has watched countless movies and TV shows, and some have been forgotten due to the passage of time. After some recollection, he gradually came to remember that it was a terrifying little girl with twin ponytails.

It seems the translated version was called "Orphan's Lament," but I've completely forgotten the characters' names.

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

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

"I have this idea, a psychological horror film." Zamyn smiled. "David and I discussed this topic last year. At that time, I was just a director who made movies and music videos, and David was just one of Darabont's many assistants. He studied screenwriting but had never written a script independently. Even if we came up with a script, the result would not be optimistic."

Martin, who had been in Los Angeles for several months, nodded: "Screenwriters have too low a status."

Jaume Coleman took a sip of beer: "So, I accepted Joe Silver and Susan Levine's invitation to direct this film. With that experience, if David and I come up with a new script, the production team will pay much more attention to it."

Martin agreed: "When 'House of Wax' is released, you'll be a well-known director. Then, when you recommend a script, not only Susan, but even the top executives at Warner Bros. will take a close look."

Zamy smiled and said, "I hope so. Hollywood has countless scripts that have been shelved for over a decade."

Martin laughed and said, "I heard Susan mention that Warner Bros. still has scripts bought out in the early 1990s in their warehouse. Maybe the authors sold the scripts and forgot about them."

Jaume Coleman knows more: "It's very difficult for a screenplay by a newcomer who isn't a member of the Writers Guild to sell for $1."

Martin held out his bottle: "Zomi, if your project goes through and you find the right person for the role, we can continue working together."

Jaume Coleman clinked bottles with him again: "That's what I wanted to say too, Martin. Except for those two days during filming, you were in excellent form. If the crew were all actors like you, the director's job would be so much easier."

Martin said, "The main thing is that you're professional enough, you explained the play clearly, and you let me know what to do."

"It's hard to say what will happen to this project in the future." Like Martin, Jaume Coleman is a newcomer to Hollywood and not very confident: "I can only recommend it to Susan or Warner Bros. after 'House of Wax' is completed at the earliest."

Martin asked, "Is the script finished?"

Zamy shook his head: "David and I only discussed the story framework and direction; he's currently organizing materials and an outline."

Martin said, "If possible, once the script is finished, let me read it. To be honest, Jummy, I know a few investors."

Jaume Coleman, who has worked as a music video and Gossip Girl director, has a good understanding of the industry and had guessed that Martin had someone behind him or under him. He said, "No problem, I'll contact you as soon as the script is finished."

The two clinked bottles again and drank with exceptional gusto.

After a while, Mene ran over and said, "What are you doing here? There are so many hot girls dancing over there. I didn't even notice during the day. Molly has a great figure!"

Martin pointed to the crowd and said, "Hey buddy, you'd better hurry up or you won't get a girl."

Menez retorted, "Boss, don't joke around. If they want Uncle Menez to serve them, they have to pay!"

Over the next two days, the four of them tried some recreational activities in addition to hunting.

Martin put on protective gear, focusing on his groin, and fought a kangaroo boxing match. The kangaroo had no sportsmanship and always liked to kick people in their groin with its lower limbs.

Compared to Menez, Martin was stronger and more agile. His experience as a stuntman in his previous life, combined with his long-term fitness and training after arriving here, ultimately made the 1.7-meter-tall kangaroo flee in a sorry state.

If this thing wants to run, a person can't catch it on foot.

Three days later, Martin and his three companions returned to Los Angeles on the same plane, carrying souvenirs such as alligator teeth and bison horns that had been processed by the hunting club.

Jaume Coleman was picked up by his screenwriter friend, David Johnson.

Menne, who also lived in North Hollywood, shamelessly got into Martin's car.

Bruce was driving and talking about Australia: "Next time someone offends me, I'll befriend them and invite them to go hunting in Australia."

Menezes felt a chill run through him: "Old Bu, are you talking about me?"

Martin casually remarked, "Don't worry, Old Brooks and I are civilized people."

Menez always felt that Martin's use of the word "civilized person" had a special meaning.

Martin's phone rang, and it was his agent, Thomas, who answered: "I've landed and am on my way back."

Thomas said, "Rest for two days after you come back, and I'll contact you again the day after tomorrow."

Martin said, "I brought you a gift, I'll give it to you later."

Inside the company's cubicle, Thomas felt a warmth in his heart. That jerk of a client was out filming, yet he still thought to bring a gift for his agent. That was truly rare.

In the car, Menez asked, "Boss, got a new job? If a suitable opportunity comes along, don't forget your loyal Menez."

Martin frankly stated, "I don't know where my next job will be."

Menez sighed, "I don't want to give old women any more sweets. I feel like if I keep doing this, my tongue and lips will rot away."

"It's better than praising an old man." Martin's words were a fatal blow.

Menez was dejected: "So, I'm still lucky, at least I wasn't exposed." He accepted reality: "As long as my acting income can support my expenses, I'll continue doing high-class prostitution."

Bruce said, "It's a very promising job."

He and Martin didn't look down on the job; several of their friends in Atlanta, such as Hart and Carrington, were doing similar work.

Upon arriving at the parking lot, Menez carried his bag and left alone.

Martin and Bruce dragged their luggage back to the apartment building, where they found a mountain of flesh sitting under a parasol drinking an iced cola.

Antonio waved to Martin: "It's been a long time."

Martin mumbled, "I went on a business trip."

Antonio asked in a low voice, "Are you really an actor? You've been gone for so long..."

Bruce suddenly tensed up: "You know too much."

"I don't know anything!" Antonio regretted not bringing his Friendship Gun with him and quickly raised his hand: "Really, I don't know anything."

Martin opened his bag, took out a DVD of "Zombie Gigolo," and tossed it to Antonio: "You're overthinking it."

Antonio looked down at the DVD and noticed that the male lead on the packaging looked exactly like Martin. He asked, "Are you the male lead?" Seeing that the cover image showed the character wearing only extremely short shorts, with his sensitive area prominently displayed, he exclaimed, "I know, you went to the Sacred Valley!"

"It's a B-movie," Martin said simply, pulling out a crocodile tooth pendant. "Old Brooks and I went to Australia to film a movie. This is an Australian specialty, a gift for you."

Antonio took it: "Wolf Fang? I remember Australia only has wild dogs."

It's obvious that the landlord's level of knowledge is several levels higher than Mennet's.

Martin exaggerated appropriately: "A saltwater crocodile's tooth that's over five meters long is very rare."

Antonio put the things away, then remembered something: "The last room in the corridor on your side of the second floor is empty."

Bruce chimed in, "Let's go up and take a look."

Antonio, supporting himself on a chair, struggled to his feet and moved his obese body upstairs.

Martin and Bruce put down their luggage, went to the far end of the corridor, and entered the room that Antonio had just opened.

The apartments are almost identical in layout and come with their own furniture and appliances, so Bruce can move in right away.

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

Martin said, "You're my manager. Once the full payment arrives, I'll settle your manager's fee."

Antonio said, "Remember this: no parties in the room." He reminded Martin, "That woman you brought last time was too loud. Next time she comes over, control yourself."

Martin knew he was referring to Louise and casually replied, "It's exciting and stimulating the first time in a new environment, but it won't be the same next time."

Antonio picked up the disc: "I'm going upstairs to see a movie; hopefully it'll be a good one."

Bruce glanced at his large belly: "You might feel inferior."

Antonio strolled off, went up to the third floor to play a DVD, watched only the beginning, and then promptly turned it off.

That's so damn hurtful to my self-esteem!

It doesn't matter if you don't recognize the actors, but how can you stand having the male lead constantly in front of you?

Do I feel inferior every time I see it?

Martin helped Bruce tidy up the room, and they went out to eat together. On their way back, they bought a parcel bag and sent the things they brought back from Australia back to Atlanta.

Martin and Zomi took most of the saltwater crocodile's teeth.

The four Carter siblings were packed in one bag by Martin, who mailed two to each of them. Lily, who loved crafts, also packed all the bison horns into the bag.

These have all the necessary legal procedures.

Robert and Jerome each received two.

We can't leave Kelly behind.

Benjamin's thread must not be broken.

Bruce wasn't suited to contacting people in Atlanta, so Martin mailed a copy to everyone at the gigolo club in his own name.

He has maintained contact with Sofia and Vincent, and might be able to use his investment-backed talent when vying for the lead role in key projects.

During the filming of "House of Wax," Paris Hilton's acting was terrible, and no one in the crew, from the director to the producer, said much.

Why?

Because Paris Hilton is the representative of the third largest investor.

After mailing the package and taking a full day off to adjust to the time difference, Martin arranged to have dinner with his agent, Thomas.

(End of this chapter)