America achieves both fame and fortune

Chapter 436 The Most Fascinating Place

"Whenever I think of my wife, I always think of her head."

This is the first sentence of the printed manuscript that Martin saw, followed by a description from the male protagonist's perspective.

The manuscript is titled "The Vanished Lover".

There's a book within a book, and the female protagonist is the protagonist of an illustrated serialized novel called "The Amazing Amy".

Martin didn't need to look at it much to recognize it as David Fincher's "Gone Girl".

In his previous life, he had read all of David Fincher's works.

Gillian patiently waited for Martin to read her work.

From the very beginning when she first mentioned the idea to Martin, Gillian already had a plan and a goal. The book she introduced to Martin, "The Dark Area," has already been adapted into a movie and released, grossing nearly $4 million worldwide. The original author, Alan Grynn, has become a hot writer in Hollywood.

Originally, Alan Grylls wasn't doing as well as her.

Gillian changed her fate and achieved upward social mobility through marriage and divorce.

She believes that her work and Martin are the key to changing her fate again.

Gillian had carefully studied Martin's preferred style, so she wrote this dark and gloomy novel in a very interesting way, with a plot full of twists and turns.

Martin browsed quickly and put down the printed document not long afterward.

Gillian, with a hint of anticipation, asked, "Martin, did I do a good job writing?"

Martin didn't mince words; he went straight to the point: "The plot is very engaging, even though it doesn't conform to the Hollywood mainstream."

Gillian laughed sheepishly: "Sometimes, I also feel that the themes and human nature are too dark."

But writers often have their own convictions. She added, "I have always believed that even between the closest couples, there are some chilling secrets that may remain buried deep in their hearts for a lifetime, or they may sprout up at any time, grow strong, and become terrifying."

Martin knew that Gillian had been divorced, and that her failed marriage would inevitably have an impact on her.

The eerie atmosphere and dark humor are precisely what make this work so captivating.

The work has a gloomy atmosphere, and although there is no blood splattering between the lines, the violence is vividly portrayed. What is most commendable is that it is not only thrilling and exciting, but also funny and amusing.

"Actually, I also like the thrilling and dark style." Martin was telling the truth. He took a picture of the printed manuscript: "Gillian, we are old friends. 'Limitless' was introduced to us by you. If you agree, Davis Studios can now fund the film and television adaptation rights to this work and invest resources to promote its publication, printing, and widespread distribution."

One thing Martin doesn't need to tell anyone else is about Ben Affleck.

Gillian had been waiting for this day, and without hesitation, she said, "I'm willing to work with Davis Studios; adapting my work into a film has always been my dream."

Martin cautioned, "You can only start adapting the novel after you've finished writing it all and it's been published. That could take several years."

Gillian, a reporter for Entertainment Weekly herself, was very knowledgeable about these matters and said, "No problem, I promise to finish the rest of the novel within a year."

Martin said, "Have your agent contact my studio to negotiate."

Gillian nodded: "I'll call my agent when I get back."

She doesn't have a full-time agent, but she is a member of the Writers' Association, which will recommend suitable candidates to protect her interests.

This is the purpose of paying membership fees.

After leaving behind the printed manuscript, Gillian excitedly went home, found a bottle of champagne, opened it, poured herself a glass, and celebrated by herself.

She went up to the second floor, looked at Martin's house across the street, and sighed that she had finally waited for this moment that would change her fate.

Martin carefully put away the printed manuscript, called Jessica, explained the situation in detail, and said he would have someone deliver the manuscript to her the next day.

Lily finished packing her things and came downstairs, asking, "What are we doing for dinner?"

Martin glanced at the time: "Go find somewhere to eat, I have plans with Old Bu tonight." He specifically reminded him, "Go back to your dorm tonight."

Lily puffed out her cheeks, displeased: "You're bringing women back again."

"What do you mean by 'secretly bringing it'? I brought it openly!" Martin picked up his car keys and walked out. "Elizabeth is my publicly acknowledged girlfriend."

Lily mustered her courage: "You have more girlfriends in Los Angeles that you don't keep secret."

Martin shook his head: "Don't slander them. Julie and Aniston are just lovers who get together for fun whenever they feel like it."

Lily wanted to speak again, but when she saw Martin raise his fist, she obediently shut her mouth.

She has experienced too much of the iron fist of care over the past few years.

Martin picked up a random car from the garage and drove off one after the other, followed by Bruce, who was driving alone.

Lily picked up her car keys and was about to leave the villa when she noticed cups, a coffee pot, and beer cans on the coffee table in the living room.

The living room, which was originally tidy, became a bit messy after Martin returned.

Lily conscientiously put down her car keys, first tidied up the trash, then organized the sofa, and finally got a rag...

It took almost half an hour to finish.

Lily got into the red Cadillac, took out her phone, and dialed her mentor's number: "Madam, our exhibition will continue for a few more days. Could you reserve the space for me now that the sculptures were sold today?"

After Julie and Aniston heavily promoted her, Lily gained some fame and even sold a piece for a high price today. The mentor said, "That booth was originally yours. As long as you have suitable works, send them over before the opening tomorrow."

Remembering Casey Affleck's generosity earlier that day, Lily tentatively asked, "Could the price be raised a bit? I might have a suitable customer who would like to buy it."

Artists are often cultivated through promotion, and the mentor, accustomed to this, replied, "That's no problem; I'll discuss it with the organizers."

Lily said in her sweetest voice, "Thank you, ma'am."

The female tutor, who was in her fifties, suddenly made a request: "I heard that the big star Menez and Martin are good friends. Could you please get me an autographed photo of Menez?"

Recently, she attended several gatherings of successful women in the art world, where she often heard people mention Menez, and she even watched some of his films, making her extremely interested in him.

Lily knew Mene, so she could just ask for it directly and immediately agreed.

Halfway there, Lily received a text message on her phone from Casey Affleck.

She thought for a moment and replied, "I'm going to shut down now and focus on my work. The academy has reserved another booth for me tomorrow, and I'm going to finish carving the few pieces that are almost done."

The reply came quickly: "I'll go see your new work tomorrow."

Lily drove back, pondering how to rip off Cassie Affleck without making him feel the pinch.

…………

Because Bruce had arranged to go to a Lakers game with Khloe, Martin went to Griffith Observatory alone.

After waiting a short while, Elizabeth Olsen, who had finished class, arrived at the agreed-upon observation deck and almost ran up to Martin.

Martin was already waiting with his arms outstretched.

Elizabeth knew Martin's physical strength, so she jumped up and pounced on him, wishing she could burrow into his body.

Martin hugged her and spun her around, saying, "You seem lighter than before."

Elizabeth was delighted, her smile as sweet as honey: "Really? I'm on a diet."

"Should I try losing weight elsewhere?" Martin kissed Elizabeth.

After a long, passionate kiss, the two went to a nearby restaurant with a view. They sat by the window, where they could look up at the starry sky without any obstruction and look down at the most bustling night view of Los Angeles.

As for the taste of the food, that's secondary.

The couples who come here are looking for this romantic atmosphere.

Elizabeth peeled a shrimp for Martin, her face full of apology: "I enrolled in a performing arts school, and I have class this afternoon. The school invited Judi Dench over..."

Martin didn't care: "It's okay, we've seen each other, haven't we?"

Elizabeth popped a shrimp into Martin's mouth, blinked, smiled sweetly, and whispered, "I'll feed you now, and you'll feed me after we finish eating."

After finishing their meal, the two did not linger at the observatory and each drove back to Martin's home.

Previously, Elizabeth fed Martin; now it's Martin's turn to feed Elizabeth.

Bruce wouldn't be back tonight, so after it got completely dark, Martin simply took Elizabeth and went up to the rooftop terrace to look at the stars.

Elizabeth poured Martin a glass of wine, handed it to him, and asked, "Is the house in Beverly Hills almost finished being renovated?"

"It should be soon; I haven't gone over yet," Martin offered. "Shall we go take a look together tomorrow?"

Elizabeth said, "Okay!"

The next day, it was almost noon when the two of them left home and headed to Beverly Hills together.

Upon arriving at the North Side of Sunset Boulevard, Martin drove directly into the gate and along the main road to the villa.

Construction manager Schmidt was waiting in the small square with the fountain in front of the villa.

After greeting Martin and his companion as they got out of the car, he led them into the villa.

The main building and annex of the villa have been fully renovated, with only the underground vault, storage room, and backyard still under construction.

The former mainly involves replacing doors and locks to improve security.

The latter raised the walls to prevent people from easily coming down from the hillside or spying on them.

Martin places great importance on privacy and theft prevention. Although he aspires to be an outstanding photography master, he doesn't want to become like Teacher Chen.

Elizabeth was most interested in the gym, recreation room, and indoor pool; if the pool hadn't been empty, she would have dragged Martin down for a swim.

Arriving at the master bedroom on the second floor, Elizabeth carefully examined the walk-in closet, wondering how she could fill it up.

After making a plan in her mind, while Martin was talking to Schmidt, Elizabeth took out a framed photo of herself and Martin from her handbag and placed it on the bedside table in the master bedroom.

Martin noticed, glanced back, but said nothing.

In the future, he won't only own this one house.

Construction noises came from outside, and Martin called to Elizabeth, "Let's go, we can't move it in a short time."

As the two went downstairs, Martin asked again before leaving, "Have you spoken to the neighbors?"

Schmidt pointed to the left and right: "This house is currently vacant due to the economic downturn. Miss Lily Carter visited this one; the owner is Charlize Theron, but she's currently filming and doesn't mind."

(End of this chapter)