America Tycoon: The Wolf of Showbiz
Chapter 47: Chapter 47: Hard Power

Martin's Ford drove into the Marietta Business District, and he dialed Bruce's number: "Old Cloth?"

Bruce replied unenthusiastically, "What do you want?"

Martin said, "Come out to eat, Rosario Restaurant, my treat."

Bruce unceremoniously said, "I'll eat you into bankruptcy."

Martin entered the restaurant, found a quiet booth, and after waiting for around ten minutes, Bruce hurried in and sat opposite him.

The two casually ordered some Mexican-style dishes and talked while eating.

Martin pulled out a check and slid it across: "For you."

Martin simply said, "I made a sum of money at the Freedom Association, you helped me with that dirty job, take it."

Bruce, without any pretense, pocketed the check: "Two months ago, I was pressing you for a debt, and now I'm accepting your payment, doesn't that seem off to you?"

"The difference between a smart person and a civilized person is exactly this, you're just a civilized person, while I am both smart and civilized," Martin said leisurely eating his pepper steak, "I'm no longer thinking about bartending."

Bruce knew Martin had worked at House of Beast only to make money: "That's good, the deeper you're involved, the worse it gets. You stay any longer and who knows, you might really end up joining me as a cleaner one day."

He then asked, "What are you planning to do? Become an actor?"

Martin explained roughly, "A Hollywood crew has come to town, I managed to impress one of the producers, I should be able to land a role, need to do some prep."

Bruce was surprised: "Damn it, you sold out to the producer?"

"Wake up, Old Cloth, that's your thing!" Martin puffed out his chest, righteousness shining through, "I conquered the producer with my talent in the audition! Real talent, get it?"

Bruce felt something was off about that statement, but couldn't quite put his finger on it: "Are you that amazing?"

"Let's talk about you, the civilized cleaner." Martin changed the subject, with a timely reminder, "Don't you die on me, this pile of dog crap won't be attending your funeral."

Bruce was optimistic: "You said it, crap and more crap last forever. When you become a big star, I'll be your bodyguard."

Martin agreed: "It's a deal."

After the meal, Bruce went to pick up Monica, while Martin headed to a nearby local drama group to share the good news with the leader.

In the office, Jerome suppressed his excitement and acted composed and confident: "I haven't even made my move yet, and you've already sealed the deal, Martin, you did well."

With the connection to Robert Patrick in the drama group and given Martin's current level, any tiny opportunity shouldn't be missed: "Leader, you needn't trouble yourself for such a small matter."

Jerome thought, all the people in the drama group put together couldn't please him as much as Martin: "In that case, Martin, I formally nominate you to be the deputy leader of the drama group."

The leader didn't mention anything about compensation, and Martin didn't ask, only saying, "When it's time for the crew's audition, I'll give you a call."

Jerome pulled out a few magazines: "Take these, Variety and Entertainment Weekly, they have the latest updates on the film and television industry."

Back in the car, Martin took out his phone, ready to call Vincent Lee, but after careful thought, he decided it was better to speak in person.

He and Vincent currently had no conflicts.

Martin called to inquire, then drove to the club, went up to the second floor, and entered Vincent's office.

"Boss, I landed an important role in a Hollywood production," he said, getting straight to the point: "I need a lot of preparation, and won't have time to come in the evenings."

Vincent tipped his cowboy hat, stared at Martin for a moment, and said, "Just when I was thinking, after getting through these busy days, I'd bump your salary up and officially make you the club's deputy manager."

Seeing he had misunderstood, Martin added, "Boss, it's not about the position or salary. I've always wanted to be an actor, and this opportunity is incredibly rare."

Vincent fell briefly silent, thinking of the way Martin had brought in a booming clientele was nothing more than clinging to the coattails of the Freedom Association and just continuing with that.

With both sides not much interested in a stake, Vincent made a decision, "Martin, the club welcomes you back anytime."

Martin left the office to settle this week's salary with the accountant Dana and when he arrived in the lobby, the handsome group was practicing dance on the stage.

Having spent many days together, now that he was leaving, he had to say something.

After a dance was completed, before Martin could speak, this group of good sons came running over and Hart shouted, "Ma Zhen, Ma Zhen, oh! That was awesome, do it on the horse!"

He exclaimed with excitement, "Daddy Martin, teach us, and our tips will surely explode."

Carrington asked, "Daddy Martin, next time you do 'Ma Zhen,' can you let us watch and learn up close?"

Martin pushed these two guys away, not joking with them, and said, "I've just resigned."

"Why?" Hart's mind turned quickly, and he glared at Carrington, "It's all your damn fault, Daddy Martin always wanted a daughter, you didn't go get surgery, you've disappointed Daddy Martin!"

Carrington reacted a bit slower, "Weren't you the one getting surgery?"

Another handsome guy who had worked as a temp actor asked, "Are you going to become an actor?"

Martin nodded slightly.

Hart breathed a sigh of relief, "Guys, we can't impede Daddy Martin's march into Sacred Valley, that's hallowed ground!"

He turned to Martin, "You go first, blaze a trail, and remember to take your sons along, we'll have a grand party that's House of Beast meets Sacred Valley."

Martin pointed at these guys, "I shouldn't have wasted my words on you."

After chatting and joking for a while, Martin checked the time, left the club, and returned to Clayton.

In the surrounding community, the number of black people had noticeably increased.

Spots that previously were occupied by whites selling weed were now completely taken over by old blacks.

Martin parked his car in the backyard and carried the box from the back seat to the Carter family home.

Just as he entered, he heard Elena's familiar greeting, "Idiot, not going to the club?"

"Not for now," Martin said as he tossed a cup to Elena, "here's a gift for you."

Elena unwrapped it and casually tossed the kettle on the table, "I've used the real thing countless times, what do I need a fake for? It's neither hard enough nor hot enough."

Martin praised her, "You couldn't be more right!"

He pulled out a chair to sit down and took out two checks, "This is the real gift for you."

Elena looked down, "What do you mean, you idiot, you're planning to keep me?"

Martin responded helplessly, "Use that little brain of yours, why would I spend money if I could get it for free?"

Elena's middle finger shot up.

Martin explained, "This is your compensation for the kettle business, one check is your service fee, the other is for that idiot Lily."

Elena snatched them up without any courtesy, "No need to tell Lily, that idiot doesn't need money."

After Martin had dinner, he returned next door, flipped through the character script Louise had given him, and started to study it seriously.

He couldn't skimp on the preparation he needed to do.