America achieves both fame and fortune

Chapter 61 The Middleman

After nearly two weeks of busy work, Gray Pictures has secured a preliminary budget for "Zombie Dancer" from Benjamin Calvin.

"120 million US dollars?" Benjamin was almost in shock when he saw the number: "I told the boss that I could get it done for a maximum of 100 million US dollars."

"Ben, you're asking for top-notch costumes, props, and sets, special effects, and lots of action scenes. Four months from pre-production to post-production to make it to this year's Savannah Film Festival. $120 million is the minimum," said Prowse, head of the budget team.

Benjamin plopped down in his chair: "The boss isn't going to give us the green light."

Prouss said in a low voice, "There's another way: shoot it the old way and make a late-night film."

"Late-night film? I'm fed up with stupid late-night films!" Benjamin stood up abruptly. "I want to make a theatrical film, a film that can be shown in theaters, even if it's only shown in Georgia."

"I'm out of options unless you can bring in investment from outside," Prowse said.

Benjamin threw the budget report on his desk: "Where am I supposed to get investment? Sell my ass?"

Prouss picked up the budget report: "There's only one way: figure out how to convince the boss."

Benjamin remained silent until Prowse left, then picked up the phone and dialed Martin's number: "Martin, it's me, Ben. How are things on your end?"

Martin said, "Kelly is going back to Atlanta tomorrow, and there are some things we need to discuss in person."

Benjamin asked, "How confident are you?"

Inside the bar, Martin put down his newspaper and said, "Director, is there a new situation?"

"The preliminary budget is out." Benjamin was utterly exhausted, like a man who had just ejaculated. "It will cost at least $120 million."

It was a little less than the $150 million Martin had estimated. He paused deliberately, giving Benjamin the impression that he was in a difficult position, before finally saying, "Let's all think of a way."

Benjamin said, "That's the only way."

Martin put away his phone. The music in the bar was soothing and melodious. Elena stood behind the bar and spoke softly to the middle-aged female owner.

The middle-aged female boss tasted several of the drinks Elena made and recognized her skill level.

Not long after, Elena hurried over: "I have something to tell you..."

She quickly changed her tune, dropping the swear words she used all the time and using polite language as much as possible: "Mary has decided to hire me, $7 an hour, tips are my responsibility, and I can start work today."

"Congratulations!" Martin stood up and gave you a big hug. "I told you, you could do it!"

Elena kissed him hard: "You taught me well."

Martin released her hand and let her sit down: "You've mastered all the different flavors of paper airplanes. If anyone asks, just say you invented the recipe. If anyone wants to buy the recipe, you can sell it to them."

Elena said, "The paper airplane is yours."

Martin shook his head: "It won't work for me, but it will work for you. Elena, I've looked closely, and you're more talented than me at bartending. Don't waste that talent; paper airplanes can help you gain recognition in this industry."

Like expansion bolts and penicillin, these things only have value when they are used.

Martin's goal wasn't to become a bartender.

Elena wasn't one to mince words: "Alright then." She suddenly winked: "I'll reward you handsomely when we get back."

Martin tore off a corner of the newspaper, folded it into a delicate paper airplane, and handed it to Elena: "This is for you."

Elena took the order, saw customers at the counter, and said, "I'm going to work."

Martin picked up the newspaper and continued reading. The Atlanta Constitutional Journal's main pages were filled with news about the DEA's joint anti-drug operation with the APD.

They launched a major crackdown in the southern part of the city, dismantling one den after another and arresting many major black traffickers.

Martin's phone vibrated. He took it out; it was Bruce calling. He answered, "You've arrived? I'm at the Blue Water Bar, a quiet bar. I'll buy you a drink."

Bruce and Monica went into the bar together.

The latter stayed at the bar, ordered a drink, and talked to Elena, while Bruce came over and sat opposite Martin.

Martin ordered two drinks and two plates of dried fruit, then asked, "Back to work as usual?"

Bruce stared at Martin: "What kind of mess are you up to now?"

In all of Atlanta, besides Elena and her siblings, the person Martin trusted most was Old Brooks. He aptly suggested, "There's a deal out there, how about we two act as middlemen?"

Bruce readily agreed: "Tell me, who are you going to mess with?"

Martin sighed, "Old Brooks, we're good people, civilized people. Don't just go around messing with people." He then asked cryptically, "What else do you do besides mess with people, you street cleaner?"

Bruce understood what Martin was asking, but instead of answering, he asked, "Do you eat avocados? They're extremely popular across the US, and the price keeps rising every year. We're heavily reliant on imports from Mexico, but getting an import permit isn't easy."

Martin didn't know anything about avocados, but he understood Bruce's words and said, "I want to persuade Vincent to invest in the film."

Bruce frowned: "Vincent is unlikely to accept this."

Martin wanted to speak with Kelly as well, saying, "I'll see Vincent in a couple of days."

Bruce said, "You can't hide the club's dirty secrets from a piece of shit like me, but I'm not helping you with this. You know where Vincent is; you can go see him anytime."

Martin stopped talking and changed the subject, chatting with Bruce about other things.

…………

At Atlanta International Airport, Erica, Julia, and Kelly Gray, each accompanied by their assistants, walked out of the exit gate.

People from the ATL Freedom Association were already waiting here to pick him up.

Kelly spotted Martin immediately, nodded slightly, and saw Erica and Julia off in their respective cars.

Martin took the luggage from Kelly and helped Ella put it into the trunk of the BMW.

Once in the car, Kelly asked, "Why did you come?"

Martin flashed his badge: "I'm a full member of the Freedom Society. Isn't picking up the vice president at the airport part of my job?"

Kelly felt there was something wrong with his way of speaking: "What's with your accent?"

Martin said, "Practice Hollywood-style pronunciation, starting with everyday life."

After chatting for a few minutes, the car soon arrived at Kelly's apartment in the city center.

Martin carried her luggage and saw her upstairs.

As soon as she entered, Kelly kicked off her high heels, sprawled out on the sofa, and stretched lazily: "It's so comfortable at home."

Martin walked towards the liquor cabinet: "Want a drink?"

"I'm not a female alcoholic." Kelly tilted her head and looked Martin up and down, asking, "I'm surprised you didn't go to Los Angeles with that female pervert."

Martin went over and sat down next to Kelly, then took out a USB drive and handed it to her: "It's a suggestion from Louise about the renovation of the car production center. She said you know the encryption password."

Kelly sat up and put away the USB drive: "At least this slut has a conscience."

Martin hesitated for a moment: "There's something else. Director Benjamin contacted me."

Kelly reacted quickly: "He asked you to persuade the zombie dancer?"

"Yes, that's exactly what he said." Martin, positioned between Benjamin and Kelly, naturally sided with Kelly: "The budget team came up with a minimum budget of $120 million."

Kelly nodded slightly: "The investment is too high."

Martin said, "When you were in Washington, Benjamin called me several times, and I didn't know how to answer. So I consulted Louise, and she discussed a topic you brought up last time with me."

Kelly asked, "What topic?"

Martin lowered his voice: "You told Louise last time that you'd rather work with money launderers."

Kelly's attitude was similar to Louise's: "I thought it was something serious, but it's just this." She countered, "What, you managed to find the funding?"

Martin nodded: "After you mentioned it last time, I paid attention and have some idea of ​​what's going on."

(End of this chapter)