America achieves both fame and fortune

Chapter 150 For Popularity

The main cast and crew gathered together, and a champagne tower was piled up more than a meter high. Susan Levine climbed up on a lift, took a large bottle of champagne from Robert Downey Jr., and poured the champagne down.

The audience erupted in enthusiastic applause.

At this moment, the crew was incredibly harmonious, without the slightest discord, as if no conflict had occurred from preparation to filming to release.

Because the loser of the fight is not entitled to attend the victory celebration.

The waiters served champagne to everyone.

Susan exclaimed, "Cheers to success!"

Everyone, including Martin, raised their glasses in a toast.

Laughter and cheers filled the air, and everyone was in high spirits.

Martin, holding a wine glass, approached Susan, who introduced him to Joe Silver, the president of Silver Films and her boss.

He is one of Hollywood's most famous producers, best known for his works such as Die Hard and The Matrix trilogy.

However, he is already over eighty years old and retired from frontline work after The Matrix.

Joe Silver wasn't impressed with youngsters like Martin; in his over 50-year career, he'd seen all sorts of people.

After exchanging a couple of greetings with Martin, he left the celebration party.

Robert Downey Jr. then came over, put his arm around Martin's shoulder, and said with a bit of a boss-like air: "Dude, your role is pretty good, it has some of my style back in the day."

Martin clinked glasses with him and said frankly, "You've been nominated for an Oscar for Best Actor; I'm nowhere near as good."

Downey was short, and it became uncomfortable to put his arm around Martin's shoulder for too long, so he took the initiative to let go and said politely, "Let's grab a drink sometime when you're free."

"No problem." Martin could tell whether it was a sincere invitation or just polite talk.

He left and found Jaume Collet-Shiller.

Completely different from the anxiety he felt when the film was first released, Jaume Coleman was beaming with pride, practically wearing the words "successful director" on his face.

Martin chuckled and asked, "How many are you planning to find tonight?"

The two old lechers had an unspoken agreement: "We won't look for ordinary girls. After the party, we'll go to Avalon together and see who can hook up with a famous actress."

Martin said confidently, "Dude, I've made you forget who you're facing. Standing opposite you is Hollywood's Casanova, Georgia's number one heartthrob. You're doomed."

Zamy laughed heartily: "Now I have the director's halo!"

Martin scratched his head: "Can't we be a little more civilized and civilized? Picking up girls requires skill, not professionalism."

Menezes, who were nearby, heard this and came over to join in the fun: "How about I get one?"

Martin sighed: "Zomi, we're doomed. Menezes are like nuclear bombs to middle-aged and elderly women."

In a good mood, Zoemi deliberately asked Menez, "Aren't you going to try and win back Paris's heart?"

Menezes seemed like a poet: "Love that has passed is destined never to return."

Representatives from several investors came over and had a drink with the three of them.

According to them, the wax museum can recoup its investment solely from ticket sales, with subsequent videotapes, television broadcasts, and DVDs representing pure profit.

Horror films are a popular genre in the physical market, including videotapes and DVDs.

Thomas was there tonight, and he felt clearly valued. When he talked to anyone in the crew, they were all willing to say a few more words to him.

Even Eliza Cuthbert's agent, Victor, brought up the old issue again.

"The movie is a huge hit, Martin and Eliza are the leads, and they even had a past relationship." Since minor stars need to maintain their popularity, Victor suggested again, "It would be perfect if they got back together."

Thomas thought so too, but he still said, "You must promise not to force others to be vegetarian and not to discuss vegetarianism before I can talk to Martin."

"Eliza is prepared to focus her social activities on vegetarianism and environmental protection," Victor said.

Unable to reach an agreement, Thomas quietly approached Martin at the rest area and briefly explained what had just happened.

Martin had already made his decision: "Ignore it."

Thomas cautioned, "As the film's popularity declines, so will your attention. You've only just gained some fame, so there's no issue of over-marketing or excessive exposure. Maintaining a certain level of exposure and buzz before The Hills Have Eyes is released is absolutely essential."

Martin asked, "A romantic relationship is the best way, isn't it?"

Thomas nodded: "Even someone as great as Leonardo DiCaprio uses this method to maintain his exposure when he doesn't have any new work."

Martin suddenly realized, "Changing girlfriends frequently has this advantage."

"Your ideals are too different from Eliza's, and Paris is a disaster. Neither of you is suitable." Thomas sincerely advised, "Martin, you claim to be the most talented person in Georgia. Use all your skills to woo a female celebrity."

Martin asked, "Is a bigger brand always better?"

Thomas said, "Of course, if you can get an Oscar-winning actress, you'll be even more popular than Menez."

Martin was self-aware: "Apart from Kate, no other A-list actress would pay attention to me. Kate is married and is also Louise's friend, so it's not appropriate."

Two well-dressed guys were discussing how to ride on the coattails of a female celebrity's popularity.

Thomas thought for a moment: "I'll ask around within the company and see if any of the established actresses under other agents want to use your current popularity to create buzz, but the chances are slim."

With the agent so attentive, what could Martin say? "I also pay attention to this kind of thing. There are so many celebrities in Los Angeles; you never know when an opportunity might come along."

"Once you've identified your target, don't be afraid of losing face, just go for it and relentlessly pursue him..." Before he could finish speaking, Thomas stopped himself, slapped his forehead, and said, "You should be teaching me, not the other way around."

After the party ended, Martin, Mene, Jormi, and Bruce drove to Sunset Boulevard and went to Avalon Bar to start the second half of the party.

Just as I sat down at the bar, a woman in her forties approached me.

She struck up a conversation with Menne: "Would you like to have a drink with me?"

Mennet glanced at the woman's Hermès bag and Patek Philippe watch, and immediately agreed: "No problem."

The two went to a booth on the second floor.

Martin exclaimed, "No wonder it's a killer of middle-aged and elderly people."

Bruce put down his glass and said, "Menez is famous now, more famous than you and Zomi combined."

Zamy regained his confidence: "I see, she wanted to try what Paris used..."

Bruce reminded him, "Aren't you two going to have a competition? The loser has to treat everyone tonight, and I'll be the referee."

There was nothing else to it; he looked around and couldn't find a single person with a butt bigger than Jin's.

Avalon and the vineyard across the street are both nightclubs frequented by Hollywood celebrities.

Many female celebrities also like to come here for a drink.

Legend has it that Sandra Bullock met Ryan Gosling, who is 16 years younger than her, here. During their nearly two years of dating, Gosling's career took off.

Martin thought of Thomas's words, his eyes darting around the court. If Nicole Kidman and Charlize Theron weren't available, Halle Berry could be used as practice material.

Anyway, he's thick-skinned and doesn't feel ashamed even if he fails.

Which aspiring actor wouldn't want to curry favor with an Oscar-winning actress?

Zamy was the first to find his target. Having just achieved a great success, his confidence soared. He winked at Martin and walked toward a booth with his wine glass in hand.

Several women were sitting there, the most conspicuous of whom was Penelope Cruz.

Having found nothing on the first floor, Martin turned his attention to the second floor, his gaze quickly settling on the booths diagonally opposite.

There sat a young actress with bright eyes, white teeth, and a sweet smile.

Martin straightened his clothes slightly, got up and went upstairs to the second floor. As he walked, he looked around. Anne Hathaway was indeed very beautiful when she was young, as long as she wasn't laughing.

How to strike up a conversation? This is no problem for this lecherous old man... no, it's no problem for the most talented man in Atlanta.

Martin took the car keys, swung them around in his hand, and as he passed Anne Hathaway, he loosened his grip slightly, sending the keys flying. They landed with a thud on Anne Hathaway's table.

The three girls at the table, including Annie, were startled.

Martin quickly turned around, his face full of embarrassment: "Sorry, I didn't mean to..."

He saw Anne, paused for a moment, and said with obvious surprise, "You are...you are Princess Mia!"

Like a fan meeting their idol, they were flustered and said, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to."

Such a handsome, sunny guy offered a sincere apology, and none of the three girls took what had just happened to heart.

Anne picked up the keys and handed them to Martin: "It's okay, just be more careful next time."

Martin took the keys and put them away, then busied himself rummaging through his pockets, muttering, "Why didn't I bring my notebook? Damn it, why didn't I bring my notebook!"

He saw the tissue box on the table and pointed to it: "Your Highness, could you please leave me an autograph?"

Anne Hathaway took a tissue, signed her name on it, and handed it to Martin.

"Thank you." Martin carefully folded the item and solemnly put it away. The first step was a success, and he immediately began the second step: "I am extremely sorry for disturbing you earlier. I'd like to offer you all a drink as an apology. Please give me a chance to apologize."

A fan of Princess Mia, a charming and handsome man, a man who speaks so politely and with such good manners—it's hard to resist him.

Moreover, this is the apology he deserves.

The other two girls looked at Annie, who nodded slightly: "You're too kind."

Martin called the waiter and asked each of the three girls what they wanted to drink, then ordered four glasses of wine.

One of the cups was, of course, his own.

When the drinks were served, Martin naturally pulled out a chair and sat down at the table.

He raised his glass: "Thank you to the three of you for forgiving the foolish mistake I made."

Anne took the lead, and the other two girls also raised their glasses and drank together.

Martin initiated a conversation: "Mia..."

Anne Hathaway gently shook her head: "Just call me Anne."

"It's my luck to meet Anne tonight." Martin introduced himself: "My name is Martin Davis, and I'm also an actor."

"Anne Hathaway." Anne nodded with a smile.

The other two girls also introduced themselves; one was named Laura, and the other Sandy.

Annie asked curiously, "Are you an actor? You look familiar."

Martin then added, "I acted in the recently released 'House of Wax'."

Sandy was just a small-time actress: "So you're a star, just like Annie."

(End of this chapter)