America Tycoon: The Wolf of Showbiz
Chapter 27: Chapter 27 The Aesthetic Waves

The brown steed, now fitted with a specially made saddle, seemed slightly agitated under the weight of two riders. Martin soothed the horse while holding the female supporting actress tightly.

Catherine, with her head of dazzling blonde hair, was the second female lead capable of appearing in films—naturally, she was not lacking in looks or figure.

"I won't fall off, will I?" she asked softly.

Martin assured her, "Don't worry, my riding skills are top-notch."

Director Benjamin asked loudly, "Martin, are you ready?"

Martin gave him a thumbs-up: "No problem."

As the director gave the command, the shooting officially began.

The main focus was on capturing the panoramic, aesthetically beautiful shot of the two characters riding together on one horse.

After several intermittent takes and another makeup touch-up before starting again, Martin maintained a steady trot with the horse. The artistic atmosphere of the set instantly became grand, reaching straight to Cannes and Venice.

But the artistic circus designed by Benjamin was far from over.

A prop fake horse was moved onto the set, and Martin and Catherine switched from the real horse to the fake one.

The fake horse galloped, and the people rode on in full stride.

Martin, having fought hard for these scenes, was determined to perform them, even through tears.

After numerous stops and starts, the process repeated again and again. Martin, strong and fit, wasn't much affected, but Catherine was nearly sick from the jostling on horseback.

Finally, the shoot was complete.

Today, Benjamin's attitude toward Martin was noticeably more affable than it had been yesterday, as he came over to inquire, "How was it?"

Seizing the opportunity, Martin praised him: "Director, you are a genius. You even designed Ma Zhen! Fans will certainly worship you and shout 'God!'"

Which artist adheres strictly to convention? Benjamin, shaking his big beard, laughed: "Worship me for replaceing a good actor?"

Martin, joking with a serious face, said, "Director, I am already one of your admirers now, and my enthusiasm for you could set the Earth ablaze."

"To protect all of humanity, I should do something meaningful, lest you get any ideas about the Earth," Benjamin said offhandedly, handing him a business card: "This is a classmate of mine from the Savannah College of Art and Design. She's currently directing, producing, and acting in Sacred Valley. You might want to give her a call if you're interested."

Martin expressed ignorance, a bit helplessly: "Director, I am an actor, a serious actor."

Circus is a very serious business, beautiful, romantic, and full of artistic flavor. Anyone who makes wild associations surely has an unhealthy mind and should promptly self-destruct in the interest of humanity.

At the rest area on the other side, the male lead Adam Smith was holding a copy of last week's newspaper, reading about the conflict between the Freedom Association and the Methodist Association.

One of the photos featured Martin Davis from House of Beast being interviewed by the press.

Adam Smith had an uneasy feeling: Was this really someone content with being a minor supporting role? Those who had climbed up the ranks either had connections behind them or in front of them.

When he saw the door of the makeup trailer open and Martin emerge, now without makeup, he stood up and took two steps forward: "Hello Martin, that was quite a performance."

"Thank you," Martin replied politely with a smile: "I saw your performance yesterday, it was exquisite and utterly charming."

Adam Smith said, "It's just that I've acted in more films, a bit more experience is all."

Martin responded, "In this line of work, both experience and talent are indispensable."

Adam Smith added, "I've set up an actors' club in Atlanta. If you're interested in joining, just give me a written application, and we can discuss acting together in the future."

Martin picked up on what he was implying and replied with a smile, "After we finish this film."

Adam Smith nodded slightly, saying no more.

Martin joined Robert, who had been waiting for him at the resting spot.

Robert returned the gun bag and a few other items to Martin, remarking, "You're just short of having 'pretense' written all over your faces."

Martin walked towards the temporary financial office of the crew: "It's not that simple. Adam Smith was hinting that I follow him and become his underling."

Robert caught up with him: "He is the male lead, after all."

Martin too wanted to be the male lead and deliberately asked Robert, "Do you have a good plan for me to become the lead in the next Gray Company film?"

"Damn, how would I have a way, I'm just an extra!" Robert was utterly baffled, "I can't even manage a single line."

Martin looked around; seeing no one else, he then said, "You easily took care of that idiot yesterday!"

Robert looked up at the sky, speechless, and emphasized again, "That was because he was stupid, it had nothing to do with me, I swear! Martin, you've got to believe me! You must believe me!"

Martin casually said, "No need to swear, I believe you, isn't that enough?"

After signing for today's pay in the finance office, Martin had completed all his scenes and could leave the crew at his own discretion.

Before leaving, he had a chat with Andrew.

Andrew was in an exceptionally good mood.

His salary at Gray Company had been raised a level, and he could also receive a subsidy from the Freedom Association as an external staff member.

After working on this film, their relationship had progressed further, and Andrew took the initiative to mention some important news.

"A Hollywood film crew passed the state government's tax rebate review and will be moving from Los Angeles to Atlanta next month to shoot the remaining scenes." He got the news from Kelly Gray's assistant Ella, "It's a big production with a 20 million US Dollar investment, and the leads are Kim Carrey and Kate Winslet."

Martin had heard about this from Jerome before and asked, "Is it confirmed?"

Andrew knew much more than Martin, "One of the production managers from the crew, who is also one of the investors, is the boss's friend in Los Angeles. The company will collaborate with them to assist their shooting in Atlanta."

Martin understood what he meant, "Some roles will be recruited in Atlanta for the crew?"

Andrew nodded, "They're leaving Los Angeles not just for the tax rebate but also for Atlanta's cheaper labor and state government subsidies."

Martin had last invited Kelly Gray for a drink and heard her mentioning a friend from Los Angeles. Could it be this person?

After bidding Andrew farewell, Martin left the crew's residence and called Jerome at the entrance. When Jerome arrived, Martin took out the prepared 200 US Dollars, "Squad leader, the rest of the membership fees."

Jerome accepted the money and said, "Not many people pay back promptly like you do."

Martin replied, "My integrity has always been guaranteed."

Jerome appeared to agree, "Some who call themselves friends disappear after borrowing money."

Martin had encountered such people before, "Such scumbags should be sent to South City, to be handed over to the old blacks!"

Jerome put away the money, ready to leave, but didn't forget to remind, "Next month's membership fee is due soon. You've made quite a bit this time; you won't be delayed, right?"

Although he had met Benjamin, Kelly Gray, and Andrew, it also indirectly proved that Jerome was indeed well-informed. Martin didn't want to give up this connection at the current stage, "No problem."

Back in Atlanta, Martin went to the club on time for his night shift.

Vincent was out tonight and charged Bruce with keeping an eye on the place.

Vincent left the club and drove out of Atlanta alone to the east side of Savannah.

This was the largest port city in Georgia.

In a private club, Vincent met an unusually muscular woman.

"Sophia, was there something you couldn't say over the phone?" Vincent sat opposite the woman.

"Phone's not secure." Sophia was straightforward, diving right into the topic, "Lately, business at your place is booming, with a significant increase in customers. How much extra can you make in the books every week?"

After some thought, Vincent said, "250,000 US Dollars."

House of Beast's customers mainly paid in cash. With the high customer turnover, moving people in and out made bookkeeping easier.

Sophia stated, "400,000 US Dollars."

Vincent was troubled, "I'll do my best."

This would mean having to further increase the customer flow.

But it was necessary.

The club was entirely under his control, and compared to other channels, Vincent trusted himself more. At least the part that was his responsibility wouldn't have any issues.