America achieves both fame and fortune

Chapter 223 The Cult Leader's Blessing

Media reporters gathered at Coca-Cola's headquarters exhibition hall in Atlanta.

A large number of movie fans, Coca-Cola lovers, and curious citizens arrived early in the morning and entered the exhibition hall.

Everyone who participates in today's event will receive a special gift.

In the temporary dressing room of the exhibition hall, Martin was completing his final look with the help of a stylist.

On the corner sofa, Justin glanced at the middle-aged man with a large head who was also getting his hair and makeup done, and asked Thomas, "Why did Martin choose him as his assistant? His appearance and demeanor aren't very good."

Thomas said in a low voice, "Robert was Martin's mentor in his acting career, and he was very important to him."

"Okay." Justin stopped arguing about such trivial matters.

An assistant came to Martin's side and explained the specific procedures for the event once again.

Martin listened attentively and was fully committed to cooperating; the backer not only had money but also influence.

Since Coca-Cola announced him as their spokesperson, the noise suddenly subsided, and the surroundings became quiet.

Justin had been keeping an eye on Martin and was very satisfied with him.

He has an outstanding appearance and an excellent public image. What's even more remarkable is that he possesses a maturity that young people often lack.

The Pepsi endorsement deal with Britney Spears has been a messy affair for the past few years. Britney herself seems a bit dim-witted, and she also has a quirky father. All sorts of troubles keep popping up, making her incredibly annoying.

On the other hand, Martin fought for the conditions he could and actively cooperated where necessary.

Hundreds of people had gathered in the exhibition hall.

Elena, Lily, Harris, and Hall all came.

They were positioned near the front, and Lily glanced back, saying, "Lots of people are holding up posters of Martin; he's very popular."

Harris said, "Martin is now Atlanta's hottest star in Hollywood."

Lily's way of thinking is different from ordinary people: "It sounds like Atlanta is in a terrible situation, how come someone like Martin can become so popular..."

Before she could finish speaking, Elena raised her fist and slammed it into her head with a thud: "If you can't speak, you don't have to."

Lily shut her mouth sullenly, thinking to herself that when she turned 18, she would settle all the scores with Elena for all the oppression she had suffered since childhood.

Across the aisle, a dozen handsome men held up a banner that read, "Daddy Martin, we love you."

The once-handsome boy band has spread to various cities in Georgia as the Wild Beast House chain has expanded. Today, they made a special trip back to Atlanta to cheer on Martin.

[At this point, I hope readers will remember our domain name: 202ᴋᴋs.ᴄᴏᴍ]

Hart greeted them, "Elena, Lily..."

Carrington then called out, "The Lady of the Church."

Lily jumped up and waved to Carrington.

With a loud slap, she received a blow to the back of the head.

Lily quickly sat down.

Hall muttered, "Idiot!"

Lily punched him in the arm, and Hall fell silent.

More and more media reporters arrived, and over a hundred people came to the media area.

Coca-Cola took this signing very seriously, even hiring WarnerMedia to broadcast it across the United States.

Martin's old friend Helen served as the host.

Since the Burbank High School incident, Helen has become an overnight sensation and a leading news anchor for WarnerMedia.

"Coca-Cola was born in Atlanta in 1886!" Helen's voice echoed throughout the hall: "Today, the Coca-Cola Cult is officially established, and Coca-Cola welcomes its first leader!"

She gestured, "Welcome, Leader!"

Martin walked onto the stage wearing a bright red cloak, a long red crown, and holding a scepter.

The words Coca-Cola are on both the cloak and the crown.

The top of the scepter is not a gemstone, but a classic glass Coca-Cola bottle.

Behind Martin followed a priest with a large head.

Robert stepped forward, slightly adjusted the throne, and Martin then sat down within it.

Helen bowed and said, "Master Davis."

Martin extended his hand in a gesture of support.

Helen stepped backstage and continued the narration: "Today, we are witnessing a historic moment, the birth of a brand new sect."

She led the chanting: "Cola Cult!"

Below the stage, hundreds of people chanted in unison: "Cola Cult! Cola Cult..."

Many reporters in the media area also joined in the fun, shouting enthusiastically.

"This is the first time I've ever seen such a unique signing ceremony."

"The hype surrounding Coca-Cola and Martin Davis is about to explode!"

"Think about what Martin did with Coca-Cola? Coca-Cola sales are going to rise again in the next few years!"

On stage, Martin pressed his hand down, and the hall quickly quieted down.

He declared loudly, "In any corner of the world, Coca-Cola is the best drink. It can quench fatigue and thirst, bring joy, and invigorate like sunshine. Coca-Cola plus life equals the Coca-Cola cult. I wish the world had Coca-Cola!"

A round of enthusiastic applause erupted.

Hart and Carrington, those idiots from the boy band, even blew their whistles like hooligans.

After Martin and the others quieted down, he said, "Those who want to join the Cult of Cola, line up and come up on stage to receive a blessing."

Several Coca-Cola employees had already entered the venue and guided everyone to the stage in an orderly manner.

The first group to take the stage was a group of handsome men led by Hart and Carrington.

High Priest Robert brought over a specially made commemorative Coca-Cola bottle labeled with the Cult of Coca-Cola, and stood to Martin's side.

Hart prepared to bow.

Martin would never allow anyone to bow; Helen was just putting on an act. He raised his hand and said, "No one needs to bow."

Hart quickly stepped forward and whispered, "Dad Martin, you're so cool!"

Martin, with a microphone clipped to his collar, couldn't speak easily. He simply nodded slightly, took a commemorative Coke, and handed it to Hart.

Then it was given to Carrington.

The latter quietly gave Martin a thumbs up.

After the handsome men's group left, Elena and her four siblings came over.

Next, many members of the film crew, including Julie, went on stage to give speeches.

It's normal to prioritize family and friends.

Martin showed no unusual reaction and gave each of them a bottle of his special cola to get rid of them.

Hundreds of audience members lined up to go on stage, and even many media reporters came to join in the fun.

The Cola Cult has such a low entry barrier, I'll join and see.

Martin quickly distributed hundreds of blessings from the patriarch. He was fine, but the high priest was panting heavily from exhaustion.

Jerome, who was always calm and collected, arrived at this moment and took over Robert's job, changing from the leader to the assistant priest.

Finally, even Coca-Cola's own employees lined up to receive the blessing.

Thousands of bottles of commemorative Coca-Cola were distributed and sold out.

"Cola Cult! Cola Cult!"

Amidst cheers and shouts from the crowd, today's signing ceremony concluded successfully.

Coca-Cola immediately posted the relevant pictures, videos, and news on numerous websites, including its official website.

Various media resources have been invested in the promotion.

Most of the audience gradually dispersed, but Bruce kept his friends and family behind.

Coca-Cola also prepared a grand welcome party.

Martin removed his makeup, changed back into formal attire, and came out to find Hart and the others waiting on the bench by the door.

"Boss," Hart said, sounding a bit more composed than before, "we originally wanted to go on stage and do a knee slide to celebrate your coronation in the grandest way possible, but Old Brooks wouldn't allow it..."

Martin nodded: "It's good that you came."

Carrington chimed in, "Without you, boss, we wouldn't be where we are today."

A group of supporting actors in a theatrical film and a performance at the Saturn Awards elevated their image several levels, making them the benchmark for male dancers in Georgia.

Martin called out to them, "Come on, let's go to the party."

Lily crept to the side and whispered to Martin, "I want to be a saint, what should I do?"

When Martin saw Elena following him, he said, "Go ask Elena."

Lily dared not ask; if she did, she would surely be met with the merciless suppression of the iron fist.

Martin ignored Lily and spent the last few days, aside from filming, preparing for Coca-Cola's situation. He asked Elena, "Have you looked at the house yet?"

Elena said, "I've found one I like. Let's go take a look together."

Upon arriving at the restaurant, they were immediately greeted and welcomed inside by staff.

Justin and Thomas were waiting at the door. When Justin saw Martin, he immediately came over to shake hands: "You were fantastic today. You had the presence and demeanor of a pope."

Martin asked, "Am I not the leader of the Cola Cult?"

Justin couldn't help but laugh: "I was wrong, you are a true cult leader."

…………

Atlanta, Duluth Business Club.

In the luxuriously decorated reception room, the two had just finished watching the signing ceremony for Coca-Cola's commercial endorsement.

The middle-aged man named Jason stared at Milton: "You did a terrible job of this, causing us to lose our best opportunity in the Atlanta film and television industry."

"I'm very sorry, this is my fault." Milton didn't shirk responsibility, but he also added, "Taylor is usually quite capable, this time..."

Jason scoffed, "Taking videos of so many people secretly, and he calls that capable? What does he want? A black dog daring to bite its master!"

Milton offered no further explanation.

Jason added, "He comes from the slums of South City, dropped out of high school, never received an elite education, and is Black. You'd better keep your eyes open in the future."

Milton replied, "I will no longer use Black people for important jobs."

Jason nodded slightly.

Milton paused for a moment, still unwilling to give up, and asked, "They were caught off guard while targeting Martin Davis. I suspect Martin Davis..."

Jason pointed at him, waiting for Milton to shut up: "Put all your thoughts away. Coca-Cola takes this promotion very seriously. If you want to die, you can jump off a building or shoot yourself in the head. Don't drag others down with you."

Milton cursed inwardly countless times, but could only choose to swallow it: "I understand."

Jason further warned, "Not only do you need to keep your mind to yourself, but you also need to manage your subordinates. If Martin has any problems in Georgia, they will hand you over to Coca-Cola."

There's no place to reason with people about this.

Milton had no choice but to force himself to accept it.

After Jason left, he returned to the Methodist office, closed the door, and started smashing things, but he couldn't vent his frustration.

Just then, his wife called: "Come home early for dinner tonight, I made oysters."

Milton sat in his office chair, head bowed, feeling so distressed that he contemplated suicide.

Why is life so full of twists and turns!

(End of this chapter)