America Tycoon: The Wolf of Showbiz

Leaving the hotel room behind, Martin walked along the corridor to the elevator area, where he stood in front of the mirror on the wall, carefully examining the person reflected in it.

Despite being quite the handsome guy, Ellen just couldn't appreciate him!

Was it really such a big deal that his hairline had receded slightly, his hair had thinned a bit, and his forehead was a tad larger?

To think he'd be scorned by a woman over fifty!

Thomas took the elevator down to the lobby and sat at the rest area for a moment, pondering—after talking up such a big game earlier, how was he to make amends without telling Martin what to do next?

The requirements Casting Director Ellen had asked for weren't excessive, quite the norm within the industry.

In Hollywood, these were unwritten rules, nothing out of the ordinary.

Thomas took out his phone, scrolled through his contacts, saw Bruce's information, and made the call, "There's something important, we need to meet."

Bruce asked from the other end, "Where?"

Thomas gave the address and patiently waited.

Minutes later, Bruce entered the hotel and sat down across from him.

Thomas got straight to the point, "Martin's plan has hit a snag, and Ellen, the Casting Director preparing to go to Boston with Scorsese, has requested we provide some special services—celebrity special services."

Bruce, who was privy to Martin's plan, asked, "You mean Martin has to do it personally?"

"No need for that, just any celebrity that can spark her interest will do," Thomas explained briefly. "I was ready to go grovel at her feet myself, but she looks down on me."

Catching the key point in the conversation, Bruce asked, "Grovel?"

Thomas nodded, "Exactly as it sounds." He inquired, "Do we need to inform Martin?"

Bruce, who acted as an agent but essentially was just a cleaner in the entertainment business and couldn't offer any substantial advice on Martin's film selection, said, "Not necessary, we'll handle this. Martin pays us a cut to sort out these bothersome issues. If everything required his personal attention, what use would we be?"

Hearing about the supposed groveling, Bruce thought of a trump card and immediately dialed Mene's number, "Got a situation here where your particular talents are needed."

Old Mene, oozing confidence, responded, "Old Cloth, talk to me—who do you want me to grovel to?"

Bruce gave the hotel address, "Come over here first."

Thomas asked, "Who have you found?"

Bruce simply stated, "Mene, the former lover of Paris Hilton, a man she wants to chase but can't obtain anymore."

Of course, Thomas knew who Mene was. He was the hotshot Martin had created himself, made famous across America through Paris Hilton.

Bruce questioned, "Will Mene do?"

Thomas unlocked his phone and sent a text: "Paris Hilton's ex-boyfriend, Mene."

The immediate response came back: "Okay!"

Thomas nodded at Bruce in acknowledgment.

Suddenly, the ping of a text message sounded, indicating that the other party was eagerly waiting: "When will you arrive?"

Thomas replied, "Soon."

The hotel was a short distance from Warner Bros. Studios—it took less than ten minutes for Mene to arrive.

Bruce briefed him on the situation.

"A woman over fifty, female Casting Director, likes to have people grovel," Mene's spirit was instantly ignited. "In all of Los Angeles, who else would be more suitable than me? Old Cloth, I've got this!"

Bruce clapped him on the shoulder, "This matter doesn't need to be mentioned to Martin."

Mene nodded, "For Martin, I'd sweet-talk every middle-aged woman in Los Angeles if I had to."

Thomas gave him the room number.

Mene pulled out a breath freshener, sprayed it several times, and headed upstairs alone.

Taking the elevator to the tenth floor, he knocked on the corresponding room door.

The door was opened from the inside by a woman in her fifties, Caucasian, who took a quick appraisal of Mene and yanked him inside.

Initially, Ellen had only intended to have a taste.

Not half a minute passed before she was singing with joy, feeling like God was a woman!

Downstairs, Bruce and Thomas waited and waited, but Mene did not come down.

Thomas worried, "Nothing bad happened, right?"

Ever since falling for a scam, Bruce felt that Mene had grown more cautious and mature, assuring, "If something had gone wrong, Mene would have been sent down a long time ago."

The pair waited nearly three hours before Mene finally came down from upstairs.

His lips were redder than when he went up, and he spoke with a slight slur, "I... handled it."

Bruce grabbed a bottle of water and handed it to Mene, "Have some water."

Mene waved it off, "No need, can't drink anymore."

Thomas inquired, "What exactly happened?"

Mene recounted, "After Ellen goes to Boston, she'll update me on her itinerary every half day and will speak favorably of Martin during auditions." He chuckled, "And there's one more thing—Ellen recommended me for a role as one of the black cops."

Thomas was prepared for the former part of the account, but the latter was a surprise, "You bagged a role too?"

Mene was exuberant, "I made her ascend to the heavens three times, becoming God. She seriously promised me, took down my details, gave me hers, making future arrangements easier."

Thomas had nothing to say but that he was extraordinarily talented.

Bruce said, "Buddy, good job. I'll suggest that Martin takes you to Boston to experience police life."

The trio went to Warner Bros. Studios, and Bruce briefly explained the situation to Martin.

That evening, Martin hosted a dinner at Smoky House, where they could order any dish they wanted.

Two days later, Mene received a message from Ellen, and WMA had also communicated with the Boston Police Department.

Martin, Mene, and Bruce took a flight to Boston.

Whether it was the LAPD, APD, or BPD, regardless of the actual circumstances, they all cared greatly about their public image and had departments dedicated to media and public relations.

They welcomed the visit of Martin and Mene, the two Hollywood actors, to experience life firsthand.

John, the head of the Public Relations office, even personally accompanied them on a tour of the police department.

Martin spoke highly of the BPD, freely doling out praise, which cost nothing.

John grinned from ear to ear; this recently famous Hollywood star had no star attitude and was very easy to get along with.

After a day of touring, Martin took the initiative to invite John and a few of his colleagues to dine out.

John couldn't decline such a gracious offer.

Martin had Bruce book a fancy restaurant specially.

After dining, they took a group photo. Some civilian officers wanted autographs and dedications for their children, and Martin fulfilled all their requests.

John had a great impression of Martin and personally drove them back to the hotel.

"Mr. Davis..."

"Call me Martin," Martin insisted, making a point to sit in the passenger seat.

As John drove, he said, "Let me know if you need anything. As long as it doesn't violate the rules and regulations, I'll try to arrange it for you."

Martin responded directly, "I'm preparing for a role as an undercover detective. I thought of checking out your police academy first, then follow a patrol officer, and spend the remaining time at the undercover department."

John agreed immediately, "No problem. I'll communicate with each department."

The hotel came into view quite quickly, and as he parked the car, John added, "Martin, your Boston accent is pretty good. It really has the flavor of a Bostonian."

"Really?" Martin looked surprised and pleased, "I've been practicing it. It's one of the most charming accents in North America."

John, a genuine Bostonian, laughed, "Right, the Boston accent is the sexiest."

Martin and the others got out of the car and waited for John to drive away before entering the hotel.

Mene's phone chimed with a new message alert. He quickly checked it and said after entering the hotel, "Director Scorsese will be in Boston in five days."

Martin nodded, and the three of them went upstairs together, sorting through the various materials they had brought with them.

He handed a file to Mene, "Take a good look, it might help you."

The material, which was collected specifically for Martin by WMA, pertained to the BPD and Boston's criminal organizations.

Martin quickly noted information on an Irish mob boss named Bulger in the material, a former FBI informant who colluded with the BPD and state police, involved in drug trafficking, murder, and terrorism among others, currently a fugitive.

Bulger's experience had great similarities to the main antagonist, Frank.

The difference was that Bulger had been on the run since '95, still on the wanted list, yet to be apprehended.

His brother was Massachusetts' State Senate President.

Martin thought this material might be useful and made a note of it.

......

Los Angeles, Warner Bros. headquarters.

The "Infernal Affairs" office was located inside the building.

In the meeting room, Leonardo asked, "As soon as March begins, we're going to start official actor auditions. Do we have a suitable candidate for the second lead?"

Scorsese shook his head, "I don't have anyone in mind yet; we're not in a rush to decide."

A Warner Bros. executive, Daniel, directly suggested, "I recommend Martin Davis."

A representative of Plan B, remembering Brad Pitt mentioning this, agreed: "Martin Davis starred in three consecutive successful films, and his performance in The Hills Have Eyes has been universally acclaimed by the critics."

Leonardo, who had been told about this person by his friend Kate, nodded, "I've met this Martin Davis, not bad at all."

Louise, who had just finalized the investment, stated emphatically, "Pacific Pictures strongly recommends Martin Davis."

Scorsese's gaze swept over them, curious about this Martin Davis.

So many people recommending Martin Davis?

He hadn't seen The Hills Have Eyes, but he had heard the news; it seemed headed straight for 100 million US Dollars at the North American box office.

As another major investor, Doug from Dyson Films suggested, "I recommend Matt Damon."

Another Warner Bros. executive said, "I think Matt is more suitable than Martin. His acting has been tested in over a dozen films, has a large fan base, and the Rohan series and two Bourne movies have proven his box office appeal. Another key point is that Damon is from Cambridge, Massachusetts!"

Louise glanced at Scorsese, who still showed no sign of decision.

The main casting decision was in Scorsese's hands. Following the Oscar campaign that ended in failure with The Aviator, he was returning to his forte and wasn't in a hurry to choose.

Being recommended here implied financial backing from their advocates.

Louise wasn't surprised to see Matt Damon recommended; even if Damon wasn't part of Scorsese's project, there would be others jostling for the spot.

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