Chương 205: Chapter 205: Status Upgraded
After the meeting, Martin chatted briefly with Mayor Villaraigosa and LAPD boss Bratton. Sensing that they had important matters to discuss, Martin took his leave at the opportune moment.
McClain escorted Martin out of City Hall.
Not only did he exchange personal contact information with Martin, but he also presented Martin with a special "exemption card" on behalf of the LAPD.
Of course, this exemption didn't mean being above the law but rather entailed receiving certain preferential treatment within the LAPD's law enforcement jurisdiction.
Martin, aware of McClain's role, made it clear, "I'm involved in Hollywood and film project investments. Last year, I established a studio primarily affiliated with Warner Bros. and Pacific Pictures. In the future, I might run into issues with the LAPD during film shoots."
The LAPD often collaborated with Hollywood producers, and McClain was responsible for this area. He replied, "If you need anything, just give me a call directly."
Martin shook his hand, bidding farewell. "I won't hesitate to reach out."
As they arrived at the side entrance of City Hall, Thomas awaited them and informed Martin, "There are many reporters outside."
Martin's expression instantly shifted to one of gravity. He lowered his head and remained silent as the barrage of camera flashes surrounded them, with reporters clamoring for interviews.
Several police officers stepped in to shield the reporters, while Thomas acted as a protective barrier, guiding Martin out. Thomas explained, "I apologize, everyone, but Martin isn't feeling well at the moment..."
Bruce opened the car door, allowing Martin to enter the back seat.
After Thomas joined him in the car, Bruce, the driver, started the engine and departed.
Thomas leaned back in his seat, visibly fatigued from the past few days.
Martin handed him a can of Coke. "Recharge your energy."
Thomas cracked open the can, took a sip, and jokingly asked, "What position do I hold in the Coca-Cola Cult?"
Martin didn't hesitate to assign roles. "Would you like to be a deputy leader or counselor to the leader?"
Intrigued, Thomas inquired, "What's the most important position?"
Bruce, interjecting from the front seat, chimed in, "Undoubtedly, it's the saint! Isn't that a must for the Coca-Cola Church? We should have at least ten, right?"
Thomas knew these "saints" weren't akin to Joan of Arc. "Ten? Bruce, you don't think too highly of me, do you?"
Martin, rarely one to mince words, declared, "I want a hundred, no matter what!" Bruce immediately reminded him, "Remember, we agreed that the deputy leader would be one of mine."
Thomas didn't want to stay out of Martin's little circle and proclaimed, "I'd like to be the deputy leader too."
Martin mused inwardly, noting that they were jostling for positions even before the Saint had been sighted. It seemed the role of deputy leader was quite popular among them all.
Bruce drove them to Century City, where he dropped off Thomas before returning with Martin to their North Hollywood apartment.
Upon entering the apartment, they spotted their landlord, Antonio, seated in the entryway like a doorman, clutching the "Gun of Friendship."
The paparazzi trailing them from a distance promptly retreated upon seeing Antonio and his peculiar accessory.
Antonio pointed outside. "Martin, there are more and more paparazzi following you, and my other tenants are starting to complain."
Martin responded directly, "I'll be heading to Atlanta soon, so I don't have time to search for a new place right now. I'll look for a house when I get back."
"Somebody offered me $50,000," Antonio mentioned, emphasizing the size of the tempting offer. It was no small feat for regular folks to turn down such a sum. "I dont think I can hold out for a few more months."
Martin patted Antonio on the shoulder. "Those who wield the 'Gun of Friendship' must hold friendship dear."
Antonio pulled Martin close. "Let's take another photo together. Having Los Angeles' hero as my tenant is a point of pride. I have a screenwriter living on the first floor, and when the picture is developed, I'll ask him to craft an advertisement detailing our profound friendship."
Martin stood beside Antonio, letting Bruce capture the photo.
As Martin and Bruce ascended the stairs, Antonio muttered to himself, "If I enlarge and replace the photo, I can raise the rent again."
Martin, looking down, remarked, "you now owe me a commission."
Antonio looked up with a wry smile. "You're the boss now, a star with a golden key. Do you think you'll ever run short of money?"
Martin said nothing more and continued upstairs.
Jessica stood outside the apartment with a box at her feet, evidently awaiting their return.
Martin inquired, "Where's this package from?"
Jessica replied, "It was sent from Queensland, Australia."
Bruce nudged the box forward with his foot, then opened the apartment door and kicked it inside.
Martin casually asked, "Where's Emily?"
Jessica followed them inside, explaining, "Fans have been quite excited these past couple of days. She went to see Rachel."
Martin was curious. "What's going on?"
Jessica, lowering her voice, confided, "After the video about the Coca-Cola Cult circulated on the internet, many people have been clamoring to join..."
Martin finished her sentence, "Just here for the fun of it."
"Ordinary people will be joining soon, cult members," Bruce, rarely spotting a business opportunity, couldn't help but think of ways to profit from it. "Here's a chance to cash in. Interested in joining the Coca-Cola Cult? Just pay the membership fee!" He lowered his head, gazing at the large box of goods.
"These can serve as cult badges. $50 each, not too expensive, right?" he proposed.
Martin responded to Bruce's idea with a direct gesture, extending his middle finger. "You scoundrel, stop flaunting your lack of knowledge," he chided.
At this point, Martin hadn't considered monetizing the Coca-Cola Cult. At the time, it was meant as a distraction to the shooter and a way to draw attention through Helen's video. Both objectives had been successfully achieved.
Turning to Jessica, Martin instructed, "Let the fan group members know that by joining the fan group, they automatically become members of the Coca-Cola Cult. We're just a loose interest organization, and we don't have immediate plans for official registration. When we do decide to register, we'll notify them promptly."
Jessica acknowledged, "Alright."
Bruce proceeded to open the box, retrieving the crocodile tooth pendant and bison horn, placing them into a large box in the living room.
Jessica lent a hand in this task.
Martin pulled out another box, containing a mahogany gift box with jade jewelry, and stored the golden key inside. He was preparing gifts before departing for Atlanta.
Although Martin had rejected Bruce's idea to monetize the Coca-Cola Cult, he recognized that in the highly developed business society of the United States, personal fame and influence could indeed be converted into commercial value.
In the week following the Burbank Middle School incident, sales of "House of Wax" DVDs, which usually sold less than 3,000 copies weekly in North America, had skyrocketed, reaching over 70,000 copies in the latest week.
"The Hills Have Eyes," which had been withdrawn from North America, was suddenly re-promoted in conjunction with multiple theaters by Warner Bros., generating nearly $5 million at the box office that week.
This boost brought the film's North American box office to over $110 million.
Relevant news also spread overseas, especially in English-speaking countries and regions. The overseas box office for "The Hills Have Eyes" once again surged, collecting an additional $4.15 million that week, with the global box office reaching $180 million.
The film's newly released DVD sold like hotcakes, raking in $19.54 million in its first week.
Although these figures were far from DVD sales like "Spider-Man 1," which sold $50 to $60 million in its first week, "The Hills Have Eyes" was a low-budget horror film.
Even "Zombie Stripper," long relegated to obscurity, saw newfound interest from many movie fans. In the past week, it had even been rented on DV and VHS, generating over $1 million in revenue.
However, this film had no direct commercial connection to Martin. When he filmed "Zombie Stripper," he had yet to join the Screen Actors Guild, so he didn't benefit from the post-production income-sharing agreement between the union and the Producers Alliance.
The higher the revenue generated by "House of Wax" and "The Hills Have Eyes" from later sales, the greater the share Martin would enjoy.
Many established stars who had once been active and indulgent in life continued to profit from the numerous films they had starred in after fading from the industry.
As long as they didn't follow the extravagant path of Marlon Brando, most led quite comfortable lives.
---
Warner Studios, the studio behind "Wanted," was bustling with activity as the crew packed various equipment and prepared to move to Atlanta for the upcoming shoot.
Director Leterrier had already departed for Atlanta with the film crew and stunt team.
Jessica and Emily, however, were remaining in Los Angeles. Just as Martin finished briefing them on his work, Mene rushed in from outside.
"Boss!" Mene pointed toward the studio door. "There's a tall girl looking for you. She seems to be from the 'The Sisterhood of Traveling Pants' cast."
Martin knew who it was, as Blake had called him the day before.
Approaching Bruce, Martin received a small handbag and heard Bruce remark, "Your status has been upgraded."
"Back then, I was struggling and had no choice," Martin replied, carrying the handbag as he headed out of the studio. He soon spotted Blake, who was wearing low-waisted jeans and a crop top.
Pointing ahead, he suggested, "The truck will be here soon. Let's head to the coffee shop across the street. They have great cold drinks."
Blake hesitated for a moment, wanting to take Martin's arm but unsure. She eventually decided to raise her hand partway and then retract it, feigning an adjustment to her small backpack. With Martin leading the way, she followed.
"I've been really worried about you during this time. I called several times but couldn't reach you," she said, having read the news reports about Martin visiting a psychiatrist. "Are you okay?"
Martin wouldn't casually share his true condition with just anyone. "I became somewhat introverted, turned off my phone, and didn't want to connect with anyone. I'm much better now."
Upon reaching the coffee shop, Martin ordered, "Mia, a cup of black tea and a serving of skim ice cream."
He and Blake took seats by the window. Mia quickly brought their orders.
Martin placed the handbag in front of Blake. "This is for you, a kind of amulet. Wearing it can ward off bad luck."
Blake was pleasantly surprised, eagerly opening the gift box to reveal an emerald green jade pendant. She asked, "Emerald?"
"Emerald," Martin confirmed. "The investor I found is from Asia, where this type of gemstone is abundant. I bought several pieces."
Blake picked it up and hung it around her neck. "Is it beautiful?"
Martin nodded with a smile. "It suits you very well."
Blake felt a bit remorseful. "I didn't prepare a gift for you."
Martin reassured her, "Just talking with me here is the best gift."
Blake's face lit up. "Yesterday, you mentioned that you're heading to Atlanta for a movie shoot?"
"Day after tomorrow," Martin confirmed. "It's an action-packed shoot. I'll be back in time for the 'Traveling Pants' premiere."
Blake calculated the timing and realized it aligned with her college applications. Visiting Atlanta at such a crucial moment might not be feasible. Upon careful consideration, she decided it might be better to wait until after August.
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