America Tycoon: The Wolf of Showbiz

Burbank, Davis Film Studio.

In the conference room, Martin stood at the forefront, his laser pointer aimed at the white projection screen, "The adaptation project for Dark Domain is officially named 'Limitless,' and the screenplay adaptation will be handled by Bradt."

Bradt, seated at the left side of the long conference table, got up and nodded slightly.

Attending the meeting were representatives from Pacific Pictures, Louise Mel, Kelly Gray, who had rushed over from Atlanta, and Daniel-Bernard, representing Warner Bros.

Martin continued with the project details, "Chad will serve as the action director and assistant director, I will play the leading male role, and the expected production budget will be no less than 30 million US Dollars."

Louise flipped through the book in front of her, "The novel itself didn't sell that well. It's not a bestseller."

Martin said, "That's why the adapted screenplay must incorporate more commercial gimmicks. Elements like pursuits, picking up women, and the rise of the underdog will be critical components of the future film."

Bradt chimed in, "First, we have to ensure we tell a good story with clear logical plotlines."

"Exactly, all these elements are supplements, added on the basis of telling a good story," Martin emphasized, "We must highlight how the protagonist goes from being a common down-and-out nobody in America to overcoming obstacles, making money, picking up women, resolving crises, and ultimately becoming a figure of admiration!"

He summed up, "In one sentence, a penniless nobody cheats his way to change his life!"

Kelly suddenly interjected, "Isn't that a bit vulgar? Might it not make the film's artistry too low?"

Not only was she the owner of a movie company, but also a social activist. It was inevitable she saw things from the latter perspective, "It doesn't align with the values we promote. We advocate that success comes from hard work. Strictly speaking, the protagonist achieves without laboring."

Before Martin could speak, Louise laughed, "You're right, without their effort, we can't be successful."

Martin didn't want to get sidetracked by useless talk, sticking to the main issue, "In my vision, the film will unfold from a first-person perspective. The protagonist's viewpoint is the audience's viewpoint. We'll use voiceover and special camera techniques to automatically immerse viewers into the protagonist's role from the start.

Most of the people who go to the cinema are ordinary folks facing various problems similar to the protagonist."

He had once been a similar person, "Do they not work hard? Maybe some choose to lay flat, but most people are very diligent in life or even desperate, yet that diligence can't solve the dilemmas they face."

Louise and Kelly Gray did not deeply understand this point because their background dictated this.

But for Chad, Daniel, and Bradt, who had middle-class origins and had struggled up from Hollywood's bottom, the feeling was very profound.

Many problems and difficulties simply can't be solved by effort and hard work alone.

Martin continued, "Audiences have already tried their best in real life. When they come to the cinema, to face our movie, to face the dilemma of the protagonist, should they experience the anxiety of doubting their life's struggles once again? I think it's better to go straight to the cheats, letting them effortlessly dream a little during the daytime and feel more refreshed!" Continue your journey on m|v-l'e m,p| y- r

He specifically reminded them, "'Wanted Order,' our recent success, belongs to this genre—an impoverished young man cheats his way to a counterattack!"

Bradt, having had enough interaction with Martin, understood his thoughts and took over, "An ordinary person of no consequence can become a successful upper-class figure by employing cheats."

Martin recalled the numerous web novels he once read, "That rush from being completely ordinary or even destitute to experiencing a life-cheating thrill is a temptation, as well as a mental pleasure."

Louise turned to Kelly, "What do you think?"

Kelly smiled at Martin, "He's succeeded a number of times before; I invest in successes."

Louise adjusted her black-framed glasses and said seriously, "Pacific Pictures will invest in this project."

Since arriving in Los Angeles, Martin had been successful, and Louise had witnessed his rise from a bit-part actor to a famous movie star.

At this moment Daniel spoke, "There shouldn't be a problem on Warner Bros.'s end, but we still have to follow routine procedures, so I can't give a definitive response right now."

That statement was enough for Martin, who smiled, "This combined project should basically be a done deal."

He added a special note, "The Coca-Cola Company will continue to sponsor my projects."

A partnership with strong collaborators meant that from preparation to shooting, from rating to release, many issues would be significantly reduced.

Louise, watching Martin, realized something: he no longer relied solely on her, subtly giving her the feeling that he might outgrow their partnership.

Daniel went on to say, "I can assure a 99% chance that Warner Bros. will give the green light to this project!"

Kelly, being from Atlanta, had a deep understanding of Coca-Cola and the Cola Cult. Her gaze towards Martin was complex: as long as Martin didn't sabotage himself, with the bonus of being the Sect Hierarch of the Cola Cult, Coca-Cola would inevitably support him robustly.

Support from outside the movie industry, especially from a conglomerate like Coca-Cola, was hugely beneficial to a star.

Taking advantage of a pause in the conversation between Martin and Daniel, Kelly whispered to Louise, "As long as Martin is the Sect Hierarch of the Cola Cult, I'll invest in his projects."

"Are you going to flirt again?" Louise, despite the formal setting, didn't hold back and almost bit Kelly's ear, whispering, "You tell him that that bastard is definitely going to thank you for billions tonight."

Kelly asked, "Don't you think investing in Martin is an easy profit? Every project he's involved in has been successful, and with a high rate of return."

Louise glanced toward Martin, her voice even lower, "The thread is almost snapped."

Kelly chuckled, "So, do you want to marry him?"

Louise shook her head slightly, "I'm not crazy."

On this matter, Kelly had figured it out while Martin was still in Atlanta, "Investing in him brings substantial profits and the pleasure of both body and mind; what's not to like?"

Louise said, "Sure enough, you're the wildest one."

The meeting ended quickly, and Martin had largely achieved his goal. With his current strength, going solo wasn't realistic—too many uncontrollable factors.

Continuing to pool funds would allow him to secure more pay and a larger investment quota.

If a competing company jumped out to suppress his project, without a solid mainstay to support it, not to mention anything else, just the MPAA rating alone could torment a person to no end.

As for so-called fairness and justice...

Talking about that with capitalists is a hundred times harder than expecting Parisians not to strike.

Martin first saw Daniel out, then escorted Kelly and Louise to the door.

Louise straightforwardly asked, "Kelly just told me that she's going to invest in any project of yours. How do you plan to repay her?"

Martin was very excited, grabbing Kelly with one hand, Louise with the other, "I have nothing else to offer, I can only repay you with my best asset!"

Kelly was heading to Warner Bros. next and pinched Martin's thumb softly with two fingers, "Tonight, I'm staying at Louise's place. Don't be late."

"I've asked the chef to prepare lamb and oysters for you," Louise said thoughtfully. "If your asset turns into a liability, I'll roast it until it's hard."

Martin snorted, "Just the two of you?"

Kelly laughed, "You know we're not looking for a tough talker."

Louise pulled Kelly out of the studio.

Martin turned back and Bruce handed him his phone.

"Who's calling?" he asked.

Bruce said, "Blake called, and Jolie sent you a text message."

Martin knew his priorities, calling Blake back first. It wasn't urgent; Blake just wanted to tell him that the leading lady in "Gossip Girl" needed to stay in New York for a while to immerse herself in Upper East Side life.

Jolie was asking if he was free to meet at the usual spot in the hotel at noon.

Martin, thinking about his busy evening, had to decline Jolie.

Not enough time!

Martin put away his phone and asked Bruce, "Can you find out if there's a time management course in Hollywood?"

Bruce had an understanding with Martin and could read between the lines, "Haven't heard of one, but I'll have Thomas or someone else check around."

Martin nodded, "This course is vital. I also want to be a master of time management."

Just as he returned to the office, a call from Leonardo came in, "Buddy, I have good news for you. My party is all set, it's tomorrow at my Malibu Beach villa. You absolute scoundrel must attend, I even invited Danny Boyle for you."

Martin certainly wouldn't refuse and replied, "I'll be there on time. You said you have a surprise for me, Leo. If there's no surprise, I'll throw you into the Pacific and let all its fish know you last only 11 seconds."

"Fuck! Fuck!" Leonardo flipped Martin off over the phone, "Show off, you think you're so tough, great! Just don't fucking cry about the friction burns, and don't make me send a car to take you to the doctor."

Martin bragged tax-free, "You'll get to know what it means to be a man cast in steel!"

Leonardo gave him the time and place and hung up.

Martin asked, "Old Bruce, we don't have any urgent matters to deal with tomorrow, right?"

Bruce thought for a moment and confirmed, "Nothing urgent, you have plenty of time tomorrow."

Martin reminded him, "Tomorrow morning, pick me up at Louise's mansion, I need a morning to rest."

Bruce empathized, "Being a man is too hard."

Martin agreed one hundred percent, "I never imagined life would be this tough!"

For career, future, and pleasure, he spent billions after billions.

The entire afternoon, Martin stayed in the studio discussing the creative process and main character designs and storylines with Chad and Bradt.

Those satisfying cheat-like scenarios naturally had to be built on a clear narrative rhythm in the movie.

Reality may defy logic, but a movie that does gets heavily criticized.

After work, Martin returned to Sherman Oaks. It was less than a ten-minute drive up the hill from Cody Community to Louise's mansion.

They say it's not easy for a woman to succeed in... that area, but it's just as hard for a man!