Chương 35: Chapter 35: First TV Appearance
The club's TVs synchronized to a specific cable station, beginning to broadcast an art drama.
The most notable aspect of the film was the stunning appearance of the lead actors, a handsome man and a beautiful woman. Other elements were best left unmentioned. Even the soundtrack featured classical music, avoiding copyright fees.
Kelly, in high spirits, playfully remarked, "I remember, you as a supporting actress battling zombies?"
Playing along, Martin replied, "Invest in a movie, and I'll show you how zombies fight beautiful women."
Enjoying her wine, Kelly began to loosen up. "I'll talk to Benjamin about it. We'll have him write a script for your... What did the crew call it?"
She chuckled, "Mortar practice!"
Martin inquired, "Catherine? Or Benjamin? I'll settle the score with them later."
Kelly looked at the TV screen and noted, "Your show is starting."
Onstage, Hart took the microphone and announced, "Ladies and gentlemen, the moment we've all been waiting for is here! Our very own Martin Davis is about to make his acting debut!" The crowd reacted with cheers.
As the audience tuned in to watch Martin's performance, the mood in the club changed. Hart's exaggerated commentary continued as he hyped the moment. However, midway through the broadcast, the character played by Martin was shot in the head by the male protagonist and lay motionless on the ground. What made it even more comical was that he refused to close his eyes, becoming a bystander to the main characters' battle.
Bruce, empathetic to Martin's situation, approached him and said, "You're just watching while others do all the action..."
Martin consoled himself, "But I got a close-up! Did you see that? I had a close-up in the first scene!"
He knew that Benjamin Calvin, the eccentric director, often used close-ups to emphasize contrasts, even for background characters.
To lighten the atmosphere, Hart interjected with a playful comment, "Martin Davis, it seems you really wanted to blow up the earth!" The audience burst into laughter, and even Kelly found it amusing.
Kelly laughed heartily, covering her face with one hand while slapping the bar with the other.
Martin, however, wore a pained expression. "Is it that funny?"
"Sorry," Kelly said through her laughter, raising her head. When she looked at Martin's handsome face, she couldn't help but picture his wide-eyed, terrified expression while watching the hero and heroine onscreen, which set her off laughing again.
Martin lamented, "Well, there goes my good reputation."
Kelly, trying to control her laughter, finally stood up and requested a microphone. She announced loudly, "I'd like to invite everyone to raise their glasses and toast to Martin Davis, a talented actor!"
Laughter filled the room, which gradually transformed into applause and cheers. People encouraged him while clinking glasses.
"You did great, Martin!"
"I'll remember that frightened look for a week."
However, some comments were less appropriate.
"Handsome guy, I'm Earth. Come over here quickly!"
"Auntie will help you handle your weapons!"
"I want to check your ammunition stock!"
Waitstaff began serving beers as the voices gradually grew quieter.
Martin poured himself a glass of whiskey and prepared a glass of fruit wine for Kelly. "It's terrifying," he commented. "Hell is empty, and all the devils are here."
Kelly complimented him, "You've made it this far, which isn't easy."
Martin raised his glass, clinking it with Kelly's. "For someone like me, there's no easy path. Whether it's the hard way or the easy way, they're both equally challenging."
Kelly acknowledged, "This life is always a mess."
Martin downed his whiskey in one gulp. "It sure is."
Kelly finished her fruit wine, settled the bill for the beer with Bruce, and then turned to Martin. "It's been nice chatting with you, Martin. You're an interesting guy." She placed another $20 bill on the bar. "As per our usual arrangement, you cover the drinks, and I'll leave a tip."
Martin pocketed the money. "I won't argue with you anymore."
"You've treated me to drinks twice. I'll treat you to dinner someday, but I can't promise when I'll be free. I'll give you a call." Before leaving, Kelly pointed at Martin with her finger and leaned in to whisper, "One day, I'll introduce you to someone."
Perplexed, Martin asked, "Who's this mysterious person?"
Kelly waved her hand dismissively. "You'll find out in due time."
Without saying goodbye, she folded a paper airplane out of her cup and sent it Martin's way. It was an invitation he couldn't resist.
As they departed, Bruce asked, "You're just letting her go like that?"
Martin was surprised. "Do you want her to stay?"
Bruce nodded. "I get it. All your charm is in your words."
Martin, with skin several times thicker than Bruce's, had a quick retort. "And you, it's all in your tongue!"
Business was still booming at the bar, with a more than one-third increase in customers compared to before. By the time the venue closed, Martin had earned a substantial amount in tips, which he divided with Bruce. They decided to ride back to Marietta together in Bruce's old pickup truck, which was showing its age and due for replacement.
Upon arriving at the Baka community, Bruce stepped out of the car. Seeing the lights on at his house, Martin playfully called out, "Hey, Bruce, no sneaking in through the back door."
Bruce responded by raising his middle finger.
When Martin returned to his own home, he noticed a light in Carter's front yard and hurried over.
Elena and her three siblings were having dinner in the yard. Martin asked, "What's got you all so excited?"
Elena tossed a can of beer to him and replied, "We were waiting for you."
"Waiting for me?" Martin questioned. "Don't tease me."
Elena gestured to Harris and said, "Take a look inside!"
Lily and Hall chimed in, "Come with us."
Curious, Martin asked, "Where are we going?"
Elena instructed, "Just drive, we'll wait for you, and you'll find out when we get there."
Without wasting time, Martin got into his car and drove from the backyard to the front.
The three siblings joined him in the car, and Elena lowered the passenger window. "Head to the church cemetery," she directed.
Martin started the car and headed there, asking, "What for?"
Elena explained, "We're after some wooden planks."
Martin inquired, "What kind of wooden planks?"
Elena grinned, "Fireproof, burglarproof, and dad-proof ones!"
The area they lived in was home to poor residents, and the cemetery of the Methodist church was surrounded by a wooden fence. Over time, the poor, homeless individuals, stray animals, and others had created openings in the fence.
Martin turned off the car's headlights early and approached slowly. The four of them got out of the car and began dismantling the wooden fence together.
Lily nervously peered into the cemetery and asked in a hushed voice, "Do you think a female ghost will come out and snatch Martin away?"
Martin pointed at the nearest pit. "Silly, do you see that? That's a grave."
Lily turned pale with fear. "A female ghost came out?" Her voice quivered. "Hey, can you hear it? Take Martin away, but leave us..."
Martin jokingly whispered, "If you don't quiet down, I might bury you in one of those graves."
Lily didn't dare to utter another word.
Under the cover of darkness, the four of them successfully dismantled and took apart most of the wooden fence. They retreated, leaving the scene.
Hall suggested taking a coffin plank back for Harris to use as a bed board, but Martin playfully smacked him on the back of the head.
Hall, a bit miffed, didn't want to see Martin's antics anymore. He climbed into the car and lay down on the back seat, gazing out of the rear window.
In the distance, the lights of a large house very close to the cemetery suddenly flickered. Hall thought he saw a girl running out, being chased by someone.
Before he could see clearly, the lights went out once more.
Hall scratched his head, not thinking much of it. In this poor neighborhood, even basic needs were hard to come by, let alone the luxuries of security and safety.
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