America achieves both fame and fortune

Chapter 570 Enjoying It

That afternoon, the studio finalized Mia's contract as quickly as possible, acquired the relevant copyrights for the script, and Martin officially named the script "La La Land".

Mia isn't a qualified screenwriter yet, but she's hardworking and willing to learn, and the entire story is based on her relationship with Sebastian.

Even if there are revisions and polishing later, we'll wait until she finishes.

Thomas specifically recommended someone to Martin who was skilled at revising and polishing scripts: "Carrie Fisher of WMA is the best at this in all of Hollywood."

Martin thought the name sounded familiar: "Carrie Fisher? She sounds famous."

Thomas thought to himself, "You claim to be a fan of all Hollywood stars, watching movies since you were three and putting them into practice since you were ten, yet you don't even know about America's national mythology series."

"Princess Leia!" He exclaimed, afraid Martin might not remember who Princess Leia was: "Leia Skywalker Solo."

Upon hearing the surname Skywalker, Martin understood: "She's good at this?"

Thomas explained, "In reality, Carrie Fisher's acting career has been basically stagnant for years, and she has also been addicted to drugs. Her comfortable life over the years has been maintained by the share of revenue from the Star Wars series and the fees she receives for editing and polishing scripts."

He further stated, "She might not be able to write the script on her own, as the creative aspect is an issue, but she is recognized as an expert in editing and polishing within the industry."

Martin trusted Thomas's recommendation: "You'll be in charge of contacting her."

This project can't be rushed. Given Mia's condition, the script definitely won't be finished in less than six months, and the later polishing and revisions will also take time.

After Thomas left, Bruce went into Martin's office and handed him a file folder: "Daniel had it delivered."

Martin opened it and looked at a list of movies in Warner Bros.' film library.

As one of the six major Hollywood studios, Warner Bros. has an extremely rich financial foundation, and Martin saw familiar names such as Casablanca, The Wizard of Oz, King Kong, and The Shining in this film list.

Even the rights to "The Shawshank Redemption" are held by Warner Bros.

As Martin flipped through the pages, he tried to recall relevant memories. Near the end of the workday, he casually circled three old films and asked Bruce to give them to Jessica and Emily to negotiate remake licenses with Warner Bros., to test the waters first.

The massive personnel changes at Warner Bros. could affect everyone, even collaborators.

Martin was certainly wary, even of Daniel, with whom he had worked for the past few years.

People's stances always change depending on their interests and self-interest.

Bruce returned quickly and said, "I have some personal matters to attend to before going to Atlanta, so I need to leave."

"Okay, I'll give you a long vacation." Martin's words were normal at first, but then they took a turn: "You're going on a date with Sophia? Remember to bring the phone number for the proctology department at the hospital..."

Bruce raised both hands, holding up two middle fingers in front of Martin: "I'm going on vacation with Kim and Khloe!"

Martin said, "Old Brooks, can't you have any conscience? They're your own sisters, how could you do this to them?"

Bruce was immune to Martin's attack and stared at him coldly.

Martin scoffed, "No need for that expression. My moral standards are far higher than yours."

Just as he finished speaking, his phone rang. He took it out and saw that it was Georgina Chapman calling. He answered and said, "Hi, honey."

Georgina asked from the other end of the line, "Are you off work? I'm in your suite at the Ritz-Carlton."

Martin said, "Wait a moment, I'll be right there."

"Come over soon, I have a surprise for you." Georgina said "muma" and hung up the phone.

Martin put away his phone and noticed that Old Brooks was still watching him. He said, "Time to go home."

As Bruce walked out, he asked, "I remember Georgina Chapman and Harvey aren't divorced yet, are they?"

Martin, thick-skinned as ever, pretended not to understand anything: "It's going through legal proceedings, it should be over soon."

Bruce said, "Leonardo's judgment is exceptionally accurate."

Martin shook his head: "She got divorced and was single again very quickly."

Bruce smiled without saying a word, feeling that his moral standards were far superior to Martin's.

The two got into the car, and Bruce drove to Beverly Hills.

Martin picked up a newspaper and flipped to the entertainment section. In the corner, he saw a tiny news item: Ben Affleck had temporarily left the state prison to go to the hospital for examination and treatment.

Soap really is a trickster!

This is yesterday's newspaper. Martin has always been very attentive to the dynamics within the industry, but Ben Affleck's news didn't generate any buzz at all.

Or rather, no one in the mainstream entertainment media reported on it.

Martin asked, "Is there any trouble with Ben?"

"No, it's just normal stuff in prison. People who go in there don't have normal human rights." Brewster added, "I heard from Menez that Ben went to the proctology department at the hospital."

Martin nodded. "Continue to entertain him."

Bruce spoke a very honest truth: "I believe Ben will adapt quickly and enjoy it."

Upon arriving in Beverly Hills, the car went directly into the hotel's underground parking lot.

Martin took the private elevator to the suite upstairs, and as soon as he opened the door, he saw two black stockings.

Georgina, a former model, strikes poses that accentuate her figure, making her extremely alluring.

Martin walked over quickly.

Georgina, exuding allure, added, "I absolutely have to pay for tonight's room; I'll use Harvey's money."

How could Martin possibly refuse? "I'll do as you say."

Georgina automatically clung to him.

Martin, of course, wouldn't hold back.

While busy with his work, the former still managed to say, "Help me think of ways to make Harvey's punishment even more severe, so I can get a larger share of his fortune."

"No problem," Martin replied.

Georgina added, "I'll give you a generous reward!"

Martin asked, "Where is the payment?"

Georgina became even more proactive, like Joan of Arc, holding a flag high in one hand and a sword in the other, mounted on her horse: "Is this enough? There will be more to come."

She was particularly enthusiastic, saying, "I've recently met some supermodels and introduced them to a fashion supermodel group, planning to recruit them. When do you have time? I want to test them!"

Martin thought to himself, "This is too proactive; they're even starting to actively recruit people." He immediately replied, "After the New Year."

"I know the rules." Georgina turned around and planned to contact AA, KK, and the old fox and their group of fun-loving friends: "I'll have them bring their latest medical reports."

Martin praised, "You're becoming more and more sensible."

Georgina returned to the previous topic: "Can we get rid of Harvey? That way I'll be the first in line."

Martin cautioned, "Think about it, but don't act recklessly. It's incredibly foolish to jeopardize your future for him."

Georgina was just asking tentatively; her mind wasn't clouded yet. She said, "Then let Harvey become a long-term abuser against me!"

Martin said, "I guarantee Harvey will be in prison for ten years."

Georgina cheered and jumped for joy, shaking wildly as if she had a motor installed.

Martin suddenly realized that he and Georgina were having close conversations, discussing how to make Harvey's situation even worse...

Why do I feel like Ximen Qing? Harvey, are you on your meds?

It's nothing, Martin knows very well that men don't like to meet Ximen Da Guanren, but they all want to be Ximen Da Guanren.

After showering in the bathroom, the two went to have dinner to replenish their energy for the next fierce battle.

In the restaurant, Georgina asked, "I can't wait for them to come over. Can't it be during the Christmas holidays?"

Martin thought to himself, "Is it really that hard to take a vacation?" He replied, "Christmas is out of the question. I have to go back to Atlanta for something. I'll be back around New Year's."

Georgina shrugged: "Okay, let's talk about it after the New Year. I'll talk to them."

Martin advised, "You should focus on the divorce case for now. Only the assets you have in your hands truly belong to you."

Georgina nodded repeatedly: "I understand. What's meant to be mine can't be taken away by anyone."

The Harvey case has affected more than 100 people and has shocked the world. The #MeToo movement and the media have been closely following the case, and the Department of Justice has even sent a team to investigate.

Lawyers across the United States were eager to try, not to defend Harvey, but to become defense lawyers for the victims.

In addition to criminal proceedings, there will inevitably be civil lawsuits involving huge sums of money.

Even Avatar, which is currently showing in theaters, cannot match Harvey Weinstein's popularity and attention.

Even now, victims continue to emerge, with the earliest cases dating back to the late 1970s.

Among them were people close to powerful figures like Jennifer Seabell.

Martin no longer needs to take any action; he can simply observe and watch from the sidelines.

Georgina added, "The lawyer I hired is the same lawyer who represented Nicole Kidman during Tom Cruise's divorce. He is most skilled at handling divorce cases involving celebrities and the wealthy. Back then, Nicole Kidman not only obtained at least $7000 million from Tom Cruise during their divorce, but also shifted all the blame onto him."

Martin said, "This lawyer sounds very good."

Georgina said, "I'll introduce you to her another day."

Martin shook his head immediately: "I don't need that kind of lawyer."

Georgina understood: "Okay, great non-marriage advocate."

After dinner, the two went straight back to their suite, which was spacious enough to offer plenty of entertainment.

In the following days, Martin attended film review sessions organized by the crew and David Fincher almost every day, and he also took the opportunity to campaign for himself, after all, he could win an Oscar nomination for Best Actor.

"The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" has consistently received positive reviews and maintained a stable box office performance. Before the new weekend arrived, it had easily grossed over $100 million in North America, and industry insiders and outsiders alike generally predict that the film's North American box office will reach around $200 million.

Currently, Avatar is sweeping the North American film market, with its second weekend box office almost matching its opening weekend box office. James Cameron almost replicated the miracle of Avatar's box office reversal in the past.

Before Christmas, Martin and Lily left Los Angeles and returned to Atlanta.

(End of this chapter)