In a room adorned with new decorations, Elizabeth passed the Oscar trophy to Martin, urging, "Place it there with your own hands."
Martin carefully unlocked a glass display case, nestled the Oscar statuette inside, and swung it open, revealing a crystal lamp within.
As the light spilled onto the Oscar, it danced, casting a radiant golden glow.
Satisfaction painted Martin's face as he admired the cabinet's effect before glancing at the neighboring display cases.
Different glass cases housed the Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild Awards, Los Angeles Honorary Citizen Gold Keys, Martin Day's bronze certificate, and even the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Other accolades like the Los Angeles Film Critics Association Awards, Teen Choice Awards, and British Academy Awards shared a single display case.
Throughout the recent awards season, Martin had clinched at least twenty trophies, each deserving its own case, seemingly excessive.
Elizabeth approached, revealing, "Lily's crafted over ten custom cabinets, mostly stowed in the storage. They'll come in handy soon."
A smile graced Martin's lips. "I'm determined to secure that Best Actor Oscar."
Elizabeth suggested, "What about 'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button' at the Cannes Film Festival in May? Aim for the Cannes Best Actor award."
Martin agreed, "I hope to make a lasting impression on the French. Maybe even claim their flag for a wave."
Elizabeth puzzled at the notion.
Entering at that moment, Lily caught Martin's words and explained, "He means cutting the French flag and waving just the middle part to welcome him."
Elizabeth's gaze shifted to Lily, sensing an oddity.
Lily shrugged, "I've heard this cheesy joke one too many times."
Elizabeth remarked, "Martin isn't Napoleon."
In jest, Lily teased, "But he's on the hunt for Joan of Arc."
Elizabeth chuckled, quipping, "Have you found her?"
Pointing at Elizabeth, Martin teased back, "Isn't this her?"
Lily intervened with business news, "Thomas called. He's meeting Coca-Cola Global Marketing President Ramelas in an hour. They're on their way."
Exiting the honor room, Martin joined Elizabeth upstairs to dress formally.
With classes calling, Lily departed straight for college.
Returning to the living room, Martin perused the sales data for the commemorative Coca-Cola.
Sales for the special Coke soared post-Oscar night, swiftly selling out across North America.
Before long, Thomas arrived with Lamelas at Martin's home.
Their last encounter had been at the medical center, where Lamelas had inked a lifelong endorsement deal with Martin on behalf of Coca-Cola.
"Congratulations, Martin," Lamelas beamed. "On clinching your first Oscar."
Martin reciprocated, "Without Coca-Cola's support, this wouldn't have been possible."
Thomas interjected, "Mutually beneficial cooperation is a divine decree!"
Both Lamelas and Martin shared a chuckle.
Lamelas added, "The commemorative Coke's sales have been incredible. We're expanding production and launching a special edition to coincide with your 'John Wick' movie."
Martin nodded, "I might not understand the business, but I trust Coca-Cola's proven market foresight spanning a century."
As Martin's commercial influence soared, Coca-Cola's expansion strategies grew in significance. Following Martin's maiden Oscar win, only heavyweight representatives from the Coca-Cola Group graced him with personal congratulations.
Dispensing with superficialities, Lamelas's felicitations were practical: "Martin, your Best Supporting Actor Oscar, according to our agreement, the $2 million reward is due today."
Martin, unreserved, retorted, "Our collaboration will yield even greater success in the future."
After exchanging some pleasantries, Lamelas swiftly bid adieu and departed, leaving Thomas behind.
Back in the living room, Thomas added, "Cadillac and Cartier also reached out to congratulate you. The prize money will likely arrive in the next few days."
Elizabeth, mildly surprised, queried, "You mean winning an Oscar doesn't just bring honor but also cash rewards from your own pocket?"
"Six million dollars in total," Martin disclosed, "That's why we strive so fiercely for these awards."
Elizabeth nodded knowingly, remarking, "I'd put in the effort too if I were in your shoes."
Recalling a prior encounter, Thomas mentioned, "Liz, your agent couldn't reach you. There's a potential role at the company, afternoon works for you?"
"I'll swing by," Elizabeth, her career ambitions subdued, responded, "Hope it won't demand too much of my time and energy."
Martin, straightforward as ever, advised, "If you like it, take it. If not, decline."
"Got it," Elizabeth replied promptly.
Glancing at the clock, Thomas announced, "I should head off. Meeting with Warner Bros. this afternoon to discuss your salary increase for Nolan's new crew. Your Oscar win means an additional $3 million."
For most Best Supporting Actor Oscar winners, the salary bump ranged between $1-2 million, but Martin's allure commanded more due to his exceptional commercial appeal.
Though the Oscars had wrapped, media fervor continued unabated. Subsequent reports promised another surge of attention and dividends for numerous outlets.
This year's Oscars lacked controversy, hailed by the media as one of the least suspenseful editions.
Predicted favorites claimed the prestigious awards across categories.
"Vanity Fair's" Oscar special featured extensive commentary on this year's results, centering around Martin.
"Martin Davis's portrayal of the Joker in 'The Dark Knight' earned him this year's Best Supporting Actor Oscar. Will this herald change within the Academy? Never before has a superhero film secured this acting accolade. Martin transcended boundaries, bringing comic book characters to vivid life!"
"Los Angeles Times" succinctly praised, "Martin's win for Best Supporting Actor, a true accomplishment. Well-deserved!"
"The Hollywood Reporter" encapsulated, "More than just the Joker or a comic book movie's triumph, this is Martin's personal victory!"
Capitalizing on the media fervor, over half of Warner Bros. burst with activity.
Jointly with the "John Wick" crew, they unveiled a new movie poster, prominently adding "Oscar winner" to Martin's name, a surefire attention grabber.
Yet, the Oscars' declining influence on the film market vexed the Academy, prompting resolute efforts for reform to reclaim its former glory.
Hence, Warner Bros. and Nolan convened a press conference, announcing a pioneering science fiction film project. Martin was confirmed as the lead, keeping specific details shrouded for now.
This news also attracted widespread attention from movie fans.
"The Dark Knight" not only gave Martin all-you-can-eat fame and remuneration share, but also created a large number of Nolan fans.
These people are even crazier than celebrity fans. From last year to now, the three-way melee with "The Godfather" and "The Shawshank Redemption" has never stopped using IMDB ratings as the battlefield. The three films have taken turns to sit on the top 250 of IMDB's best films. At the top position.
What happened during this period even forced IMDB officials to modify the scoring rules several times.
Nolan promoted the new film project and continued to cooperate with Martin, which immediately attracted widespread attention.
...
In an apartment in West Hollywood, Elsa suddenly screamed, the scream was extremely miserable, as if she had encountered the greatest misfortune in her life.
Toni quickly ran to the bathroom and asked: "What's wrong? What happened?"
Elsa cried and said: "Here it comes, the monthly thing happened again." She cried very sadly: "I failed , It failed!"
"It's okay, it's okay, I'll find another chance later." Toni comforted Elsa, but she was a little happy in her heart.
But she didn't show it. Instead, she said: "Don't be like this. You have done a good enough job. Even if you cannot give birth to Martin's child, you are still his best supporter. Otherwise, I will let you be the leader of the sister group. "
Elsa was somewhat distracted and said: "Really? Let me be the leader of the sister group."
Toni responded: "I will call everyone in the sister group and ask them to support you today. I won't go to my party so that you, the new leader, can establish your authority."
Aisha wiped away the tears from her eyes, quickly packed herself up, came over and hugged Toni hard: "You are my best sister. !"
But Toni's belly was shrinking: "Elsa, you are also my best sister."
Elsa packed her things to go out to attend the party, and asked again: "You really don't want to go."
"Me neither It's time to participate." Toni took out her mobile phone and shook it: "You heard this morning, my family called me and asked me to go back. I may have to stay at home for a while. The next time I participate in the event, I will Call you."
Aisha said: "I can't bear to leave you."
Toni said with a smile: "It's not like I won't come back." She pointed to the electronic watch on the wall and reminded: "Go out quickly, or you won't leave again." We're going to be late."
Aisha picked up her bag and left quickly.
Toni carefully packed her things and prepared to leave West Hollywood, a place she would never return to.
Because her test was late for several days, she went to the hospital for a checkup and it was confirmed.
Toni succeeded and Elsa failed. How can a winner be with a loser?
The so-called deep love between sisters ceased to exist when Toni abandoned the other members of the sisterhood.
Toni carried her luggage twice, locked the door, said goodbye to the door, went downstairs, got into her car, and quickly drove out of West Hollywood and headed straight to Burbank.
She has rented an apartment in Burbank, where she will rest peacefully until she becomes pregnant.