America achieves both fame and fortune

Chapter 244 Go Lighter Next Time

Back at her home in the Coty neighborhood, Martin found the house spotless, with a note from Blake on the coffee table in the living room, indicating that she had specially cleaned the house.

Even the wine cabinet and refrigerator were replenished with several of Martin's favorite wines.

Bruce took out two bottles of liquor, gave one to Martin, and said, "This girl cares about you more than Eliza, Anne, and Julie do."

Martin took out his phone and called Blake.

"My dad, my silly brother, and I went out of town to meet screenwriters and buy scripts," Blake said regretfully. "We won't be back in Los Angeles for a few more days."

Martin said, "It's okay, I'm in Los Angeles right now."

After chatting for a while, he had just hung up the phone when someone called in; the number displayed was Harold.

Chairman of the Social Committee.

Martin answered immediately and greeted him. The person on the other end said, "I just saw a report online that you're back from New York?"

"The paparazzi are really fast these days," Martin remarked. "I've only been home for less than half an hour."

Harold invited, "Today is the community's wine tasting day. If you have time at 3 p.m., you can come to the community theater square to participate."

Martin, who had never participated in a community event before, readily agreed: "I'll be there on time." He put away his phone: "There's a free wine tasting this afternoon."

Bruce immediately put down his unopened beer can: "I'm saving my stomach for free drinks this afternoon."

Martin entered the community theater shortly before 3 p.m. The theater has a plaza that can be used to hold public events.

At this time, numerous long dining tables and plastic tables and chairs for resting were set up here, and they were filled with all kinds of wine.

In the beer category, there are Budweiser, Blue Ribbon, Heineken, Corona, and so on.

Other red wines, tequila, and whiskeys are also readily available.

There was also GG present, which definitely indicates a brand promotion event, since residents of the Coty community are all high-quality customers.

Harold then came over, shook hands with Martin, and said, "I saw your photo with director Scorsese in the newspaper. Will you be bringing us a masterpiece this time?"

Martin responded with a smile: "Scorsese's films have always been a guarantee of quality."

Harold led Martin and Bruce in: "Wine tasting day is an open event where you can taste all kinds of wines and socialize freely. The community also creates a platform for residents to socialize."

Martin saw that there were many people at the scene: "I can feel it."

After Harold left, Bruce went to get a small glass of gold whiskey. Martin took a small sip and found it quite good.

He was just about to find someone he knew to join his social circle when his neighbor across the street, Gillian Flynn, a reporter who worked for Entertainment Weekly, came over.

"Hi, Martin." She didn't stand on ceremony, greeting him directly before asking, "Could you give me a hint about Scorsese's new film?"

Some things can be said to outsiders, and the production team also needs the main actors to promote the film. Martin lowered his voice: "We can't tell others, but we're neighbors, so we'll give you a little bit of information."

Gillian said, "Yes, we're neighbors."

Martin adopted a mysterious tone: "The character Jack Nicholson plays this time has been described by director Scorsese as the ultimate embodiment of evil."

Gillian immediately pulled out her notebook from her pocket, wrote it down, and then asked, "Neighbor, is there anything else?"

Martin couldn't pass up the opportunity to boast: "To prepare for the role in this film, I went to the BPD to experience life there, patrolled with the police, fought against organized crime and drugs with the detectives, and learned a lot of professional skills."

Gilly made sure she had noted everything down and wanted to ask more questions.

Martin interrupted in advance: "I can't say any more, or the crew will come after me and hold me accountable for breach of contract and leaking information."

Gillian put away her pen and notebook, smiled, and said, "You're a good neighbor."

Martin joked, "According to the rules of your industry, shouldn't you pay me for being a news informant?"

Gillian smiled and said, "No problem, I can apply."

"No need, we're neighbors, we help each other out." Martin's message wasn't given for nothing: "Who knows, I might need your help sometime."

Entertainment Weekly is one of the top entertainment magazines in the United States.

Gillian smiled. "Give me a call if you need anything."

Just then, a middle-aged man walked by. She called out to him and then said to Martin, "Let me introduce you to a friend."

Martin attended the wine tasting to expand his social circle, so he immediately nodded, "Great!"

When the middle-aged man approached, Gillian introduced him: "This is Alan Grylls. He's the publishing editor for the Los Angeles bureau of Empire magazine, and like me, he also writes fiction in his spare time."

She gestured with her eyes: "Alan, Martin needs no introduction, right?"

Empire is the UK’s largest film magazine, with distribution in North America, Australia, and Russia.

Martin and Alan shook hands and exchanged a few pleasantries.

Alan, speaking with a British accent, said, "I didn't expect you to move to this neighborhood, Martin."

Martin laughed, "Perfect timing, I'm Gillian's neighbor." He asked curiously, "Does everyone in your industry write novels on the side?"

Gillian chimed in, "What kind of creative work am I? I've only written a few short stories, and I was only able to get them published because I know a lot of people. Alan is different; his novels have already been published."

Martin asked Alain, "May I have the honor of reading your work?"

Alan said, "Of course, it can be called 'Dark Realm,' and I can give you a copy."

Martin thought the editor of Empire magazine would also be useful, so he exchanged contact information with him.

"My home isn't far from here, I'll go back and get a copy right away." Alan-Grien said, and left the square in a hurry.

Gillian said, "It's not easy to persist in creating in your spare time. Most of the time, the sales are just average. But everyone has this hope that if a film company takes notice and adapts it into a movie, they'll become rich. After all, the percentage of original films in Hollywood's blockbuster movies is shockingly low; most of them are adaptations."

Martin asked directly, "Is this also your creative motivation?"

Gillian nodded slightly. "Of course, that's why I've been persisting." She wasn't being polite. "With you as my neighbor, I feel like my chances are a little better."

Martin said, "The day you write something, I'll be your first reader."

Gillian smiled and said, "Please recommend me while you're at it."

Martin nodded: "No problem."

It's just a recommendation; whether the film company uses it or not is not up to him.

Alan soon returned from home and gave Martin a signed copy of his novel.

Martin glanced at the title "Dark Area" on the cover and handed it to Bruce behind him: "I'll take a closer look when we get back."

Bruce put the book away, thinking that Martin might not be able to finish the novel even in a month.

Alan was very happy, and also held onto a sliver of hope that Martin would recommend him.

"Hi, neighbors, you're here."

Mr. Jones, an artist whose daughter works in the Holy Valley, walked briskly towards them, accompanied by a young woman who held his arm tightly.

Alan nodded in acknowledgment and took his leave.

Jones smiled at Gillian, then shook hands with Martin and introduced the pretty woman next to him: "This is my daughter Jenna. She works in the Holy Valley as an artist. She has a new film released recently, so please support the official version."

Martin politely remarked, "I am a staunch supporter of the original."

Jenna took the initiative to shake hands with Martin: "Hello, Martin, I really appreciate your insightful observations."

Martin paused slightly. He couldn't very well say, "I really like your Saint Valley film, could I?" He smiled and said, "It's my pleasure."

Jenna continued her father's line of conversation: "This weekend, my new film is having its premiere in West Hollywood, and I've reserved seats for family and friends..."

Martin and Gillian both declined, citing lack of time.

After chatting for a while, Jenna saw her familiar friends and left alone.

Gillian left too.

Jones continued chatting with Martin, a father who was deeply concerned for his daughter: "Martin, you know a lot of people in Hollywood. If you find a suitable role, please introduce Jenna to someone."

He added rather politely, "If you have any needs for artwork, feel free to contact me."

Martin suddenly remembered something, reached into his pocket, realized he hadn't brought any, and asked Bruce, "Do you have any horn carvings?"

Because Martin often gave gifts away, Bruce always carried one with him and handed it over.

Martin handed the bull-horned clown sculpture to Jones: "You're a veteran in the art industry, how's the quality of this sculpture?"

Jones examined it closely, then ran his hand over it for a moment: "It's a bit rough, but it's very imaginative. The knife skills are also good, but the level of professional training is insufficient."

He glanced at the bottom of the Joker's robes: "Lily Carter?"

Martin asked, "Do you think she has a talent for this?"

"Not bad." Jones was clearly not just being polite: "She needs a good teacher."

As the saying goes, "every profession has its own secrets," and Martin had Bruce inquire about the neighbors, learning that Joan was a seasoned professional: "Do you know anyone in this field?"

Jones said, "I know a sculptor at the California Institute of the Arts."

Martin briefly explained Lily's situation, and Jones suggested that if Lily wanted to pursue a career in this field, she could apply to the California Institute of the Arts.

This was one of the earliest private colleges established with investment from Walt Disney, and given Martin's connections in Hollywood, he was naturally able to obtain a high-profile letter of recommendation.

Even if you don't become a sculptor, it's not difficult to find a job as a special prop maker in Hollywood after graduation.

All of this, of course, depends on Lily's wishes.

Martin made a note of this and called Atlanta later.

Jones circled back to his daughter: "Unfortunately, I won't be able to attend Jenna's new film premiere this weekend."

Martin asked in surprise, "Didn't she reserve a spot?"

"The main problem is that I feel awkward when I see male actors," Jones sighed. "They'll play clips on set, and when the male actors come over to say hello, how am I supposed to respond?"

Martin thought about it carefully and realized that it was indeed difficult to respond.

Jones added, "Am I supposed to pat the actor on the shoulder and say, 'Kid, you did a good job with those last few strokes, but you'll be even better if you go a little lighter next time...'"

Two updates today.

(End of this chapter)