Playing the same game, even more fancy

Chapter 34: Playing the same game, but with even more flair.

A van was parked in front of the Marietta Community Theater. Martin drove the Ford diagonally across the street, got out, and crossed the road, where he found Robert leading a group of new faces to unload goods.

Robert wiped the sweat from his brow and called out, "Come and help!"

Before Martin could speak, the window on the second floor of the theater facing the street opened, and Jerome waved down: "This isn't your job, Martin, come up here."

Robert muttered, "Where's the fairness?"

Martin patted his arm and led him into the theater, where at least forty new faces were moving goods back and forth.

Jerome recruited many new people.

Upon arriving at the commander's office, Martin's attitude was as courteous as ever: "Commander, I'm here."

Jerome poured him a cup of coffee, very enthusiastically: "I specifically asked people in the industry in Los Angeles about that matter, and I basically found out. It's a multi-company joint investment project, led by Focus Features, a romance drama. It hasn't been officially promoted yet, and it's temporarily called 'A Beautiful Mind at Noon' or something like that. It's been filming in Los Angeles for a while, and it will be moving to Atlanta next month."

Martin tried hard to recall, but he had seen so many movies in his past life that love stories without action left almost no impression.

His focus wasn't on that; he asked, "What about the female producer Andrew mentioned, Kelly Gray's friend? Gray's company's assistance to the production team in Atlanta was likely due to her. If we know anything about her, the troupe will have an opportunity."

This is also a key concern for Jerome: if the troupe were to collaborate with a major Hollywood production, how many people would be willing to pay membership fees?

Jerome inquired carefully: "Her name is Louise Mayer, the executive producer of the film, the owner of Pacific Films, and supposedly involved in the investment. Oh yes, there's another piece of information that might be useful: Louise Mayer is a director of the LA Freedom Association."

Martin wasn't surprised; Kelly Gray had talked to him about Los Angeles, and she was heavily influenced by Californians.

"Commander, you're really well-informed." Martin praised him at the opportune moment.

Jerome couldn't help but laugh: "Don't forget, our company produced Robert Patrick!"

Martin understood that Jerome was likely connected to the T1000.

Jerome added, "You're close to the Gray Company, don't forget the theater company." He confidently declared, "If the theater company can get involved in this big production, Martin, I'll recommend you for the position of vice-director."

The theater company is also an important channel, and Martin immediately stated: "I am a member of the Marietta Theater Company."

Jerome didn't mention membership fees at all. If this deal goes through, why worry about not collecting membership fees?

After Martin left, he went to the Marietta Library to borrow a public computer and looked up Louis Meir, but there was practically no information available.

Afterwards, he drove to a quiet place and thought it over carefully.

"A Beautiful Mind at Noon" cost $2000 million, a single project that surpasses all of Gray's works combined.

Correspondingly, Louise Mayer has surpassed Kelly Gray, the ceiling he can currently reach.

Martin believes that getting to know people is more important.

And he had access to her—Kelly Gray.

Based on the information gathered: the other party is a member of the Freedom Society; Kelly Gray mentioned that her friends in Los Angeles enjoy drinking.

The latter is easy to solve, but the former is a bit troublesome.

Hollywood has always been at the forefront of freedom and democracy, and it's known for its extravagant and unconventional practices. What Kelly Gray finds interesting, Hollywood may not be all that great.

Want to play the same game in a more elaborate way?

Martin had previously considered increasing sales of items from Beast House, as one particular product was especially suitable for liberal fighters.

It is best to align with the social environment and public opinion.

They're going to stand on the opposite side of the Methodist Church again.

But if handled well, it can make a small fortune.

As for failure, it won't be any worse than it is now; at worst, I'll just go on stage.

Martin calculated the arrival time of the film crew, considered it for a while, and then called Barkley, a reporter for the Atlanta Interstellar.

When faced with a civilized person offering money, Barkley was extremely polite: "Mr. Davis?"

Martin said, "Could you help me find out something? Who is the most hardline conservative leader within the Methodist Church? Has he made any public appearances recently? Can you find any relevant information?"

He added, "I won't let my friendship go unrewarded."

Barkley laughed and said, "Leave this to me."

After saying a few more words, Martin hung up the phone.

He checked the time, started the car, and headed to the club.

The boy band is practicing their dance on stage; it's a new tap dance choreographed by the Savannah College of the Arts.

Bruce leaned against the bar and asked, "Is your rich woman coming tonight?"

"Possibly." Martin pulled up a high stool, sat down, and watched the dance. It didn't involve any stripping, and the male idol group's dance was actually quite good.

Bruce was very careful with his language: "Are you ready?"

Martin, however, was thinking about what he had considered earlier, and said, "That's not the key point, it's just a filler option."

"Fill it in?" Bruce nodded and chuckled, "You've got the essence."

At 8:30 p.m., Kelly Gray arrived at the club. Unlike her professional attire during the day, she had changed into a dress and makeup, making her look much younger.

After watching the tap dance for a while, Kelly Gray tossed a $20 tip and went over to the bar.

"Good evening, Kelly." Martin walked over.

Bruce took over all the bar work himself.

Kelly Gray, seated on a high stool, asked, "Any recommendations for tonight?"

Martin didn't answer; instead, he asked, "Is there anything you particularly want to do lately?"

Kelly Gray thought for a moment: "I really want to go on a beach vacation, but I can't put down my work and responsibilities."

"Got it." Martin opened the cocktail shaker and added ice, gin, blue curaçao, and lemon liqueur in that order. He shook it well, poured it into a chilled martini glass, and finally garnished it with a lemon slice.

The azure cocktail resembles the pure ocean.

"A love story with the Aegean Sea." He added, "The usual, it's on me."

Kelly Gray sipped her wine slowly and said, "I heard Wesley will attack House of the Beasts for discriminating against men?"

"Shameless slander! I'm going to teach them a lesson," Martin said. "I've been reading the newspapers; conservative media is launching a furious backlash, with the Methodists at the forefront, publicly hurling insults at the Freedom Society and the House of the Beasts, even attacking us for sexism!"

He spoke with righteous indignation: "Isn't it right for clubs to give priority to ladies? Isn't this the gentlemanly spirit that we've always advocated? How does it become discrimination?"

Kelly thought it was fine, as women should have priority. She specifically reminded everyone, "Discrimination is very troublesome and requires a response. Don't hesitate to ask me for help if you need it."

Martin was very responsible: "Kelly, you can't lower yourself to participate in this low-level battle. The scum of the Wesleyan Church doesn't deserve it."

"Your considerations make sense." Kelly nodded slightly. "Go ahead and do it; the Freedom Society will cooperate with you."

Martin thought for a moment, then said, "The Wesleyans will use slander as an attack, and I... Kelly, I come from the bottom, so my response might be a bit crude."

Kelly Gray considered for a moment: "Here's your detailed information. The Freedom Society also has male staff. I recommend you to be a part-time social investigator for the ATL Freedom Society."

Martin thought to himself, "Was I overacting a bit? A one-way street to becoming a freedom fighter..."

At this moment, all I could do was agree.

Martin really wanted to ask if there was any pay for part-time work.

But considering the image that had just been established, they held back.

The music in the dance hall suddenly stopped, and the goofy Hart stood on the circular stage, microphone in hand, shouting to the women below: "Tonight we have a special program! Martin Davis, the number one handsome man in the Wild Beast House, the one you all dream of sleeping with, is about to make his acting debut!"

Hundreds of customers started making a commotion.

(End of this chapter)