America achieves both fame and fortune

Chapter 832 Abundant High-Quality Resources

Kyiv, Boris-Pol Airport.

The special plane carrying the cultural exchange delegation landed on the tarmac, and Martin looked out the window at the welcoming crowd below.

This was an official event, and the Ukrainian side sent a special representative to pick them up at the airport.

Martin Scorsese wasn't the only Hollywood star arriving on the same flight; other notable attendees included two-time Oscar winner Sean Penn, director Abel Ferrara, and Ukrainian-American actress Milla Jovovich.

The cabin door opened, and the U.S. official leading the delegation disembarked first, where Ukrainian personnel came to greet him.

Subsequently, art world celebrities, including Martin, who participated in the exchange, disembarked one after another.

The Ukrainian side held a welcoming ceremony at the airport, where blonde, blue-eyed female students came forward one by one to present flowers to everyone.

Alexandrovich squeezed through the crowd from behind, shook hands firmly with Martin, and said in English, "Boss, I've finally waited for you!"

Martin handed the flowers to Bruce and followed the group out, saying as he walked, "I feel the warmth of Ukraine; this reminds me of Atlanta."

The Ukrainian side arranged a private car for each VIP. Martin drove into Kyiv and arrived at his hotel, where he checked into a luxury suite.

Bruce performed a routine check before Martin entered the room.

Alexandrovich followed.

Milla Jovovich and Sean Penn packed their bags, ready to head out, and casually invited Martin, "We're going to wander around a bit, wanna come along?"

Martin glanced at Alexandrovich, the future village chief who was even more charming than the zombie goddess, and said, "Sorry, I have some work to do. Please make yourselves at home."

Sean Penn and Milla Jovovich walked outside.

The latter asked curiously, "Martin Davis's business has expanded to Ukraine?"

Sean Penn knows a bit about it: "Strictly speaking, he's no longer just an actor. He's said to be worth over two billion dollars, the richest actor, and one of the major investors in Hollywood."

Milla Jovovich exclaimed in surprise, "Is it really that exaggerated?"

"External estimates are inaccurate because Martin Davis is not a publicly traded company, and many of its assets are not publicly disclosed." Sean Penn, a veteran of Hollywood with good relationships with many older white men, said, "At least $25 billion; the actual figure will definitely be higher, not lower."

Milla Jovovich exclaimed in amazement, "He's not the richest actor, yet he's still in the top three."

On the other side, Alexandrovich followed Martin into the room.

Martin pointed to the sofa: "Sit anywhere."

Although Alexandrovich is not very tall, he looks quite imposing in his formal attire.

His demeanor changed, especially after starring in the TV series "Servants of the People".

Martin said, "I've looked at the reports you sent; they're quite good."

Alexandrovich smiled and said, "The previous selection competition caused a huge sensation in Ukraine, Russia and Belarus, and the ratings were astonishingly high in many Eastern European countries."

He put it bluntly: "Because our selection process involves more than just singing; it also considers figure and appearance. The audience has a huge interest in beautiful women and can even participate in voting to decide who advances to the finals..."

Martin knew this; the sense of participation was crucial to the phenomenal success of "American Idol" and its predecessor, "Super Girl."

Alexandrovich said, "Currently, we have received $2215 million in revenue sharing from GG, and the remaining portion belongs to the broadcaster, '1+1' television station, according to the contract."

Martin asked, "What about the Finals?"

Alexandrovic said, "The finals have caused a sensation throughout Eastern Europe and the former Soviet republics. GG sponsorship has been completed, and our expected GG revenue will be two to three times the total revenue of all the regional tournaments combined."

He paused slightly, then suggested, "Boss, if you have time tomorrow, could you please visit the contestants who are participating in the finals? They're all very excited to hear that you might be a judge in the finals and are looking forward to meeting you."

Bruce glanced at the Ukrainian man who was sticking out his tongue and licking Martin's feet, and thought to himself, "Are you selecting new members for the Holy Maidens' Group, or are you selecting lovers for Martin's harem?"

Apart from a few events involving high-ranking Ukrainian officials, Martin had no intention of traveling with the delegation and immediately said, "Let's set it for tomorrow morning. Come pick me up early in the morning."

Alexandrovich then took his leave.

In the evening, the Ukrainian government hosted a banquet, which Martin and everyone in the exchange group attended.

He also gave a routine interview to reporters during the event.

"I have a deep connection with Ukraine and have always collaborated with Ukrainian artists." Facing the media, Martin spoke at length about his profound friendship with Ukraine: "The film 'Napoleon's Beauty Gate,' starring the outstanding Ukrainian artist Alexandrovich, was invested in by my studio. 'Servant of the People,' which has been a huge hit in Ukraine and Eastern Europe since last year, is also a result of my collaboration with Alexandrovich..."

Compared to the empty talk of his peers, Martin was undoubtedly a pragmatist.

It really helps my fellow artists in Ukraine.

Reporters surrounded him, and one of them asked loudly, "Alexandrovich said some time ago that she would invite you to be a judge in the finals of the 16th Saintess Idol Selection Competition, is that true?"

Martin solemnly stated, "Yes, I have decided to accept the invitation from Alexandrovich and 1+1 TV."

Another reporter asked, "Alexandrovich said that you inspired him to create the hit play 'Servant of the People'?"

"He's too modest," Martin said publicly, giving his junior colleague face. "Actually, the whole idea came from Alexandrovich and his team."

He gestured and said, "One day, Alexandrovich told me he had an idea for a TV series and wanted me to take a look. I thought it was fantastic, Alexandrovich..."

Martin parted the crowd of reporters and pulled Alexandrovich, who was standing on the periphery, into the room. He put his arm around Alexandrovich's shoulder and said, "My good friend of mine is absolutely a genius, a great People's Artist. I still remember him vividly. When I first saw the script for 'Servant of the People,' he said he wanted to use art to awaken the Ukrainian people!"

Alexandrovich looked at Martin with eyes full of respect and gratitude. His boss had given him all the honors of "Servant of the People".

This was the first time he had ever encountered a boss like this.

Martin set a high standard: "My friendship with Alexandrovich is a fruitful result of cultural and artistic exchanges between the United States and Ukraine."

"Yes!" In front of a large group of reporters, Alexandrovich and Martin shook hands firmly: "Our friendship is stronger than the Caucasus Mountains!"

These two easily became the center of attention in the banquet hall.

Martin's high-profile approach stems from the fact that his visit to Kyiv is public, and he will be attending many public events. Given his status in Hollywood, it would be unrealistic for him to keep a low profile.

On the other hand, as a key focus of official attention, it also serves to inform some people that he came with an official identity.

The situation here is actually very sensitive. The attitude is constantly shifting, with news of joining NATO emerging from time to time. Then, pressure is applied from the other side, and things quiet down for a while.

Caught between two behemoths, with all his trump cards gone, only he knew the bitterness and frustration he felt.

…………

Kyiv Interstate Hotel.

"Boss, I've managed to buy a few of the goods the customer needed."

In a hotel suite, Lynch from Los Angeles called Michelle Blaine: "It will be sent to North America soon, and I need you to send someone to meet it."

Michelle Blaine said, "I understand." She then asked, "Has Nikia been found?"

Lynch replied, "Yes, I went to her hometown and found out that Nikia participated in the Saintess Team selection competition and made it to the final round."

Michelle emphasized, "Nobody can take my money and live so comfortably! Nobody!"

"I understand," Lin Qi said. "Boss, don't you think our Eastern European goods need updating? Here... how should I put it, there are too many beautiful women, and the prices are shockingly low. No wonder it's called the womb of all of Europe."

Michelle asked, "What are your thoughts?"

Lin Qi said, "The ongoing Saintess Idol Selection Competition finals have a total of 15 participants, but only three will be the final winners. I have seen the information of these 15 people, and each of them is top-notch in appearance and figure. They could all be our top stars."

Michelle knew the quality of goods from here very well, saying, "Slavic women, as long as they don't get married and have children..."

Lin Qi added, "Bringing some of the eliminated contestants to the finals of the Saintess Team would be a major selling point, and we could even send the best of them to the higher-ups."

Michelle praised, "You're getting smarter and smarter, aren't you?"

Lin Qi, however, sensed the subtle hint and quickly replied, "Of course, you, boss, should deliver it to the higher-ups."

Michelle asked, "Is it easy?"

"It shouldn't be too difficult." Lin Qi had an idea and did some research: "These finalists, after winning in their respective regions, gathered in Kyiv for unified training. Most of them come from ordinary families."

He organized his thoughts slightly: "The economic situation here is very bad. They come to Kyiv and stay in luxury hotels, are chauffeured around, and live like celebrities, with a huge following. But once they're eliminated, all of that disappears. After experiencing such a lavish lifestyle, how could these girls possibly go back to a life of poverty?"

Michelle laughed heartily: "You truly are a genius at dragging people down with you."

Lynch said, "I'm trying to contact them. This gives them another option. When they are eliminated, they will have to make a choice. What I'm giving them is a road to their American dream."

Michelle cautioned, "And then there's Nikia. If she wins and becomes a member of the Holy Maidens, it'll be very troublesome for you to deal with her in Kiev."

Lin Qi assured him, "Don't worry, boss, I will make this woman pay!"

Michelle hung up the phone.

Lin Qi put away his phone, beckoned to his assistant Andrei, and asked, "Your people need to speed things up, they're too slow!"

"To prevent media reporters from taking photos secretly, the organizers have been extremely vigilant about the hotels and training facilities where the athletes are staying." Andrei wasn't making excuses: "It's very difficult for our people to get in touch with the athletes."

Lin Qi said, "We can't waste any more time. We're probably not the only ones eyeing this batch of high-quality goods. If they're not selected, they might choose other paths."

Andrei assured him, "We've contacted some service personnel, and we'll have results soon." He asked, "What's the specific explanation?"

"Those who participate in these kinds of competitions are often people who dream of becoming big stars." Lynch's methods weren't new or unusual, but they were effective: "Where is the most developed entertainment industry in the world?"

Andrei automatically replied, "America, Hollywood!"

Lynch said, "That's right, Hollywood! To be precise, Los Angeles. Using Hollywood stars as bait, the chances of them taking the bait are extremely high. Here in Kyiv, we need to act like a legitimate company, from contracts to personnel, we need to be professional enough."

Andrei said, "The professional work requires your personal attention, boss. My men in Kiev and I are better suited for the rough work."

Lin Qi, however, was confident. He took out several work permits that he had prepared in advance, as well as relevant company documents, proof of business dealings with the Ukrainian side, and handed them to Andrei: "Let them take a look at these first. This entertainment company is registered in Los Angeles and has a history of more than ten years. It has even participated in the investment of some films. I'm not afraid of them asking around."

Andrei immediately flattered him: "Boss, you're the professional."

Lynch said, "I will prepare the contract myself. Everything looks real. Giving them $2000 as a resettlement allowance is no problem. As long as they come to Los Angeles with us, things will be easy."

Eastern Europe is too far from North America, and the Ukrainian goods they buy from dealers are often badly damaged. High-quality goods are extremely rare, because most of the high-quality goods are sold in France and are difficult to reach North America.

Andrei was about to go on his business.

Lin Qi then instructed, "Send those small goods we bought earlier to the Black Sea as soon as possible, find a suitable port to load them onto a ship, and don't delay."

Knowing that a client in North America urgently needed the supplies, Andrei said, "I'll take care of it right away."

Lynch was left alone in the suite's living room. He picked up a newspaper and continued reading the entertainment section. The headline was about the arrival of an American cultural exchange delegation in Kyiv.

Many of the names are familiar to Hollywood: Sean Penn, Milla Jovovich, and Martin Davis.

Lynch had seen Martin's name in an important Ukrainian newspaper. He quickly looked it up and found that Martin Davis had come with the group and accepted an invitation from the organizers of the "Saintess Idol" audition and Ukraine's 1+1 TV station to serve as a judge in the finals.

This bastard came to Ukraine too?

Lynch remembered that the girls who ran away from Michelle's company were paid a large sum of money by the company in order to seduce Martin into becoming a client. In the end, those sluts took the money and did nothing but run away.

Is Martin's appointment as a judge in the selection competition related to Nikia, who made it to the finals?

Lynch thought about it for a moment and dismissed the possibility. Martin Davis had seen countless beauties in Hollywood, why would he keep in touch with a girl like that?

This must be a coincidence.

Without an exchange group, and without invitations from the organizers and television stations, how could a Hollywood star of Martin Davis's caliber possibly serve as a judge for the Saintess Idol audition?

This made Lynch think of the scum in the entertainment industry, the fact that all the finalists were good-looking and had great figures, and Martin Davis's nickname. He couldn't help but sigh.

So many flowers are going to be ruined by that pig Martin.

Lynch felt a little envious and jealous, but he quickly put it aside and stopped thinking about Martin and these messy things.

Because Michelle Bryan's mission had to be accomplished, Nikia had to be punished, which also served as a deterrent to the others under her wing.

Lynch put down his newspaper, got up and went to the window. From this vantage point, the logo on the 1+1 TV station building was clearly visible.

They're probably training over there.

…………

A black armored Mercedes-Benz sedan pulled up in front of 1+1 TV station. Martin, accompanied by Alexandrovich, got out of the car and walked toward the TV station entrance.

Bruce and several other bodyguards followed closely behind.

In addition to Bruce and two bodyguards hiding in the shadows, Martin brought four more bodyguards to Kyiv this time.

It's not that I'm afraid of what the big bear might do, but the security situation in Ukraine is not very good to begin with.

Olina, Alexandrovich's screenwriter and producer fiancée, and Alexander, the director of 1+1 TV station, were waiting at the entrance of the TV station.

A large number of media reporters crowded in front of the TV station, their flashbulbs never stopping.

It is an undeniable reality that a superstar from Hollywood, the beacon of light, can garner far more attention in Eastern Europe than local stars.

This superstar was even more dazzling when he was a national hero of the United States and a super-rich man with a net worth of more than two billion dollars.

Another extremely important point is that, along with Coca-Cola, the Coca-Cola cult has long since spread beyond North America and entered the whole world.

"Master! Master!"

The barriers on the steps in front of the TV station have turned red—the red of Coca-Cola!

A large group of young people wearing red T-shirts gathered here, shouting the word "leader" in English.

They were all followers of the Cola Cult.

Martin treated the Cola Cult members differently. Accompanied by several bodyguards and Bruce, he stopped in front of them and greeted them in Ukrainian: "Good morning, everyone!"

A simple question, asked in their native language, made these people extremely excited, and some even shouted their distinctive slogans.

"Cola Cult, Hurrah!"

"Master, Hurrah!"

Martin took a pen and signed the posters, T-shirts, and Coke cans the people handed him. Then he took the Coke Bruce offered, opened it, held it high, and shouted, "Hurrah!"

These supporters or temporary supporters of the Coca-Cola cult also raised their Coca-Cola cans and shouted in unison, "Hurrah!"

The Coca-Cola cult members raised their glasses in Kyiv.

Martin casually handed the girl in front of him a Coke he had just taken a sip of, waved, and walked toward the TV station.

The blonde girl was so happy to receive the cola that she almost fainted.

As Martin waved, the members of the Cola Cult once again shouted in unison.

"Hurrah! Hurrah—"

(End of this chapter)