Capítulo 222: Chapter 222: Coca-Cola God Cult
The Coca-Cola Atlanta headquarters' exhibition hall buzzed with media reporters and a flood of visitors, including movie enthusiasts, Coke aficionados, and curious onlookers who had arrived early in the morning.
Participation in today's event came with the promise of a special gift.
Inside a makeshift dressing room within the exhibition hall, Martin was putting the finishing touches on his appearance with the assistance of a stylist.
On a sofa in the corner, Justin glanced at the middle-aged man who was also undergoing styling and turned to Thomas, asking, "Why did Martin choose him as his assistant? He doesn't have a particularly appealing image or demeanor." Thomas replied in a hushed tone, "Robert is crucial for Martin to establish himself as a leader in the actor's circle."
"Alright," Justin said, dismissing the matter as inconsequential.
An assistant approached Martin and reiterated the event's specific procedures.
Martin listened attentively, fully cooperating with the sponsor who not only had financial backing but also wielded significant influence.
Ever since Coca-Cola had announced Martin as their spokesperson, the noise had subsided, and an air of quiet anticipation enveloped the surroundings.
Justin had been closely monitoring Martin's behavior and was thoroughly pleased with him. Martin possessed striking looks, an impeccable public image, and, most importantly, the poise that many young stars lacked.
In recent years, Pepsi-Cola's partnership with Britney Spears had been fraught with controversies. Britney's own troubles and her domineering father had generated a string of negative headlines, which was quite the headache.
In contrast, Martin was willing to work for the conditions he sought and collaborated actively when required.
The exhibition hall was now packed with hundreds of attendees.
Elena, Lily, Harris, and Hall were all present, positioned closer to the front. Lily observed, "Many people are holding posters of Martin. He's incredibly popular."
Harris chimed in, "Martin is currently Atlanta's most beloved Hollywood star."
Lily, with her unique perspective, remarked, "It almost sounds like Atlanta is in dire straits if someone like Martin is their biggest star…" Before she could complete her thought, Elena playfully punched her on the head and scolded her, "You need to watch your words!"
Lily subsided, contemplating that once she turned 18, she would settle scores with Elena for all the teasing she had endured throughout her childhood.
Across the aisle, a group of handsome young men held banners reading, "Daddy Martin, we love you."
With the expansion of the Beast House chain, this group of former athletes had spread to various cities in Georgia. Today, they had returned to Atlanta to cheer for Martin.
Hart greeted them, "Elena, Lily…"
Carrington playfully interjected, "Madam Mrs."
Lily stood up and waved her arms to acknowledge Carrington.
But she received a playful slap on the back of her head.
Lily promptly took her seat again.
Hall muttered, "You're such an idiot!"
Lily retaliated by punching him on the arm, silencing him.
The media area continued to fill up with more reporters, and hundreds of individuals had gathered.
Coca-Cola attached immense significance to this signing ceremony and had even invited Warner TV to broadcast it nationwide.
Helen, Martin's old friend, served as the live host.
Ever since the Burbank High School incident, Helen had become an instant celebrity and the leading news anchor at Warner TV.
"In 1886, Coca-Cola was born right here in Atlanta!" Helen's voice resonated throughout the venue. "Today, we witness the official establishment of the Coca-Cola Cult, with Coca-Cola welcoming its first leader!" She gestured, "Let's welcome the leader!"
Martin stepped onto the stage, adorned in a vibrant red cape with a long red crown and clutching a scepter.
Both the cape and crown bore the Coca-Cola insignia.
The scepter's tip wasn't a jewel but a classic Coke glass bottle.
Behind Martin stood a priest with a grandiose headdress.
Robert took a step forward, adjusted the throne slightly, and Martin seated himself.
Helen greeted with a bow, "Master Davis."
Martin extended his hand in a ceremonial gesture.
Helen retreated backstage and continued narrating, "Today marks a historic moment as we witness the birth of a new movement."
She enthusiastically shouted, "Cola God Cult!"
The entire audience, hundreds strong, echoed, chanting in unison, "Coke God Cult! Coke God Cult…"
Many reporters in the media area couldn't resist joining in the spirited chorus.
"This is the most unique signing ceremony I've ever seen."
"The popularity of Coca-Cola and Martin Davis is about to skyrocket!"
"Just think of what Martin can do for Coke? Their sales are going to soar in the coming years!"
Martin raised his hand to signal for silence, and the venue quickly hushed.
With a resounding voice, he declared, "Coca-Cola is the finest beverage in the world, capable of dispelling fatigue and quenching thirst, bringing joy to people, and infusing life with the exuberance of sunshine. Coca-Cola, when combined with life, becomes the deity of refreshment. I want the world to have Coca-Cola!"
Warm applause filled the hall.
Even the sports boy band members like Hart and Carrington couldn't resist whistling and hollering in appreciation.
Martin waited for the applause to subside before addressing the crowd, saying, "For those who wish to join the Coca-Cola Cult, please line up and come on stage to receive our blessings."
Coca-Cola employees had already entered the venue to guide everyone onto the stage in an orderly fashion.
The first group to ascend the stage was led by Hart and Carrington from the sportsman group.
High Priest Robert, bearing a specially crafted commemorative Coke marked with the words "Cola God," stood by Martin's side.
Hart, preparing to bow and salute, was stopped by Martin's gesture. Helen had merely been playacting. Martin raised his hand and said, "There's no need for anyone to salute."
Hart took a couple of steps forward and whispered, "Martin, you're awesome, boss!"
Martin, wearing a pin on his lapel, held the microphone and couldn't respond verbally, so he just nodded slightly and handed a bottle of commemorative Coke to Hart, followed by Carrington.
Carrington quietly gave Martin a thumbs-up.
Members of the stylish boy group followed, and then the Elena siblings took their turn. Subsequently, many crew members, including Julie, came on stage to deliver speeches.
Groups of relatives and friends received their blessings as a matter of course.
Martin dispensed blessings with a bottle of special Coke for each one, even welcoming many media reporters who had decided to join in the fun, considering the low threshold for joining the Coke Cult.
The blessings from the leader were rapidly distributed to hundreds of individuals, leaving the High Priest, Robert, visibly exhausted.
Jerome, who had always been composed, rushed to take over Robert's duties, transitioning from leader to deacon.
Finally, even Coca-Cola's own employees lined up to receive the blessings, and thousands of commemorative Coke bottles were distributed.
The chant of "Coke God Cult! Coke God Cult!" echoed through the air as today's signing ceremony concluded successfully.
Immediately, Coca-Cola shared images, videos, and news of the event on various websites, including their official site. Substantial media resources were allocated for promotion.
As most of the attendees gradually dispersed, Bruce remained with the group of relatives and friends.
Coca-Cola had also prepared a lavish reception party.
Martin headed to remove his makeup and change into formal attire, while Hart and the others waited on a bench by the door.
"Boss," Hart said with a touch more composure than earlier, "originally, we wanted to kneel on stage to celebrate your coronation in the most solemn manner, but the bruce wouldn't allow it…" Martin nodded, saying, "Just having you here is fantastic."
Carrington chimed in, "Without you, boss, we wouldn't be where we are now." Their appearance in a theatrical movie and a Saturn Award-winning stage performance had elevated their status as a boy group by several notches, making them benchmarks for gigolos everywhere.
Martin greeted them, "Let's head to the party."
Meanwhile, Lily sidled up to Martin quietly and asked, "I want to become a saint, what do I need to do?"
Seeing Elena nearby, Martin suggested, "Ask Elena for her opinion."
Lily dared not ask, fearing Elena's stern response.
Martin let the matter rest and turned to Elena, inquiring, "Have you seen the house?"
Elena replied, "I've checked out one; we can visit it together."
As they arrived at the restaurant, a receptionist promptly welcomed them inside.
Justin and Thomas were waiting at the entrance, and Justin approached to shake Martin's hand. "You were incredible today, exuding an aura and charisma like a pope."
Martin corrected him with a smile, "Aren't I the leader of the Coca-Cola Cult?"
Justin chuckled, "My mistake. You are indeed a true leader."
...
In Atlanta, within the Duluth Business Club's luxuriously decorated reception room, two individuals had just finished watching the Coca-Cola commercial endorsement signing ceremony.
Middle-aged Johnson fixed his gaze on Milton and reprimanded him, saying, "You handled this poorly, causing us to miss out on the prime development opportunity in Atlanta's film and television industry."
Milton expressed his regrets, taking responsibility but also offering some defense, "Tyler played his cards well. This time..."
Johnson interrupted with a disdainful snort, "Filming people in secret, and all that uproar? What is he trying to achieve? A black dog trying to bite its owner!"
Milton ceased defending himself.
Johnson continued with a stern admonition, "Coming from the South City slums, dropping out of school, lacking an elite education, and being a black man, you should be more adaptable in the future."
Milton replied, "I won't assign crucial tasks to black individuals anymore."
Johnson nodded approvingly.
However, Milton couldn't fully accept it and inquired further, "They had an incident while targeting Martin Davis. I suspect Martin Davis..." Johnson pointed at him, silencing him, and cautioned, "Put those thoughts aside. Coca-Cola places great importance on this promotion. If you want to put your life on the line, jump off a building or shoot yourself, but don't drag others down with you."
Milton cursed silently in his mind but had no choice but to endure it, assenting, "I understand."
Johnson issued another warning, "Not only must you clear your mind of such thoughts, but you must also take care of your subordinates. If there's an issue with Martin in Georgia, they'll throw you to the wolves at the Coca-Cola Group."
There was no room for argument.
Milton was left to grapple with his own internal turmoil.
His wife called him at that moment, saying, "Come home early for dinner tonight. I've prepared oysters."
Milton sat in his office chair, head bowed, overwhelmed with discomfort, feeling as if he wanted to end it all.
Why was life so torturous?
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