America Tycoon: The Wolf of Showbiz

Chapter 248: Chapter 245: Time Management Master

For a true artist like Jones, Martin raised a glass with him out of respect and admiration.

Art is a kind of faith that enables one to transcend the mortal world.

Bruce nudged Martin from behind and whispered, "To your left front, Jennifer Aniston."

Turning his head, Martin saw Aniston chatting with a woman, and he asked, "What's she doing here?"

In a low voice, Bruce explained, "Aniston is from Los Angeles, born in Sherman Oaks. After her parents divorced, they moved to New York, but after she became famous, her mother moved back to Sherman Oaks."

"You sure know a lot," Martin commented.

"I thought you might need it," Bruce said innocently. "So I made a special effort to learn about Aniston's background."

"You're a real professional," Martin replied, offering his hand, "Pen and paper."

Bruce opened his bag and pulled out a pen and an autograph book.

Martin often carried these dining props with him.

Seizing a lull when people around Aniston moved away, Martin approached and greeted her with the classic line, "Excuse me."

Aniston turned around, recognized Martin after a brief moment, and greeted him.

Although they had never formally met, both were aware of each other.

Aniston smiled, "Hello, Martin."

"Hello, Rachel," Martin said as he handed over the pen and paper. "I hope you won't mind, but since 1994, you've been my favorite actress. You're not just my idol but my goddess."

Aniston took the pen and paper from Martin's hand and signed her name earnestly, then curiously asked, "Do you live in the Cody Community?"

Martin nodded, "Moved here at the end of June." Not being familiar with Aniston's experiences, he shifted the conversation to their shared profession, "Besides Friends, do you have any new work coming up? I'll definitely support it."

Handing back the pen and paper to Martin, Aniston said, "There was a movie supposed to be shot, but it got delayed due to some unexpected events."

Martin understood what she meant by unexpected events and didn't dwell on the topic, "Friends ended too soon; I wish it could go on forever, so that when I grow old, I can still see you on the screen."

"There comes a day to say goodbye," Aniston said, her voice tinged with emotion.

Martin casually suggested, "Actually, you could film a reunion of the six friends every year. I believe the audience would love that."

Caught off guard for a moment, Aniston responded, "That's a good idea, I'll mention it to the production company."

Seeing an opportunity, Martin chimed in, "How about leaving me your contact information so I can inquire about the latest developments anytime?"

Aniston handed Martin her personal business card.

Martin did the same.

As Aniston watched Martin walk away, she suddenly remembered something. Around April or May, many tabloids had been abuzz with rumors about Martin and Jolie.

But Pitt had already divorced her for Jolie.

Aniston shook her head, not wanting to dwell on these unpleasant matters.

Harold from the Community Committee introduced someone to Martin, "This is Cain, the owner of the Angel Shooting Club."

The man standing before Martin had his hair neatly combed back. He raised a toast to Martin and invited, "I heard Mr. Davis is quite interested in shooting?"

Martin clinked glasses with him and took a sip of the drink. "I grew up in the slums of Atlanta. Ever since I can remember, gunshots never stopped. We had no other choice but to arm ourselves if we wanted to protect our families and ourselves."

Cain handed him a membership card, "Angel's Club will provide the most comprehensive services."

Martin glanced at it, noted it was a one-month pistol shooting trial card, and put it away, "Is the club in Sherman Oaks?"

Harold chimed in, "It's by the sea, close to the community. The community's annual shooting competition is always held at Angel's Club. Next month is the annual shooting competition day."

Martin joked, "Can I reserve the championship in advance?" Find more chapters on m_v l|e-NovelBin.net

"I am also a member of the community and will be participating in the competition as well," Cain replied.

Harold added, "Cain has served in Afghanistan before, and many servicemen on leave often visit Angel's Club. Martin, you'll definitely benefit from practicing there."

Laughing, Martin said, "I'll be sure to check it out soon."

The shooting range in North Hollywood was limited in size and a bit too far for Martin, so he didn't mind trying a new place.

The wine tasting went on until evening before Martin and Bruce decided to leave.

On the way back, they encountered Jones and his daughter Jenna again.

Jenna lagged a few steps behind to speak to Martin alone, "I've heard about you from Caden."

Martin was initially puzzled, then he remembered who Caden was, "I've worked with Jenna on Zombie Dancer and met quite a few artists through her."

The reference pleased Jenna. She slipped a business card secretly into Martin's hand, "If you're organizing a party and need lots of young and beautiful girls, you can contact me."

Martin got the message; she was soliciting clients.

Hollywood was not completely isolated from Sacred Valley, and even some political heavyweights would seek out the stars of Sacred Valley.

Not to mention, their skills were absolutely impressive.

"Even young female models I can reach," Jenna added.

Martin didn't respond; he simply nodded slightly.

Los Angeles had many similar people and companies, and it seemed the competition was fierce.

Back home, Martin glanced at the time and made a call to Atlanta. He chatted with Elena for a bit before asking her to pass the phone to Lily.

"What do you want with her?" Elena asked directly.

Martin said, "It's about college. I had an expert from the art world look at Lily's carvings, and they think she has talent."

Concerned about her sister's future, Elena didn't fuss and called Lily over.

In Northville Community, Lily listened to what Martin had to say and responded, "California Institute of the Arts, right? It just so happens that I want to apply to universities in Los Angeles next year, but I'm lacking in social practice..."

Martin said, "I'll get someone to write you a recommendation letter." He reminded her, "Practice more regularly. How about this, I'll mail you a batch of buffalo horns as an early present for your 17th birthday."

Lily's face couldn't help but scrunch up. Who gives homework as a birthday gift? Afraid that Martin might change his mind, she dared not show her displeasure and mumbled, "Sure, send a lot."

"Alright then, that's settled," said Martin and hung up the phone abruptly.

Lily listened to the dial tone, her chest swelling with anger as she muttered, "I'll carve your Joker even more evil!"

At that moment, Elena asked, "Are you sure you want to apply to universities in Los Angeles?"

Lily nodded, "I'm sure."

But Elena said, "Actually, the local colleges in Georgia, or even the Ivy League schools, aren't bad either. With Martin's and Coca-Cola's connections, getting you a proper practice opportunity should be easy."

"I want to go to Los Angeles," Lily insisted.

Elena stared at her, her hand slowly clenching into a fist.

Lily raised her hand and punched herself, asking, "Are you satisfied now?"

Elena remained silent.

Lily punched herself again, "Before I graduate high school, I can punch myself five times a year, until you're satisfied."

Elena waved her off, "It's your future, you're free to choose."

Lily stepped forward and hugged Elena, grumbling, "We are family, after all!"

Elena looked up slightly to see into Lily's eyes and realized truly that Lily had grown taller than her.

Lily took her phone and went back to her room.

When she went upstairs, Holle, who lived downstairs, suddenly popped his head out from his room, "When she talked about family, she definitely included that idiot Martin in addition to us siblings."

Elena glared fiercely at him, "Get back to your room and do your homework. If your grades don't improve, I'm getting you a tutor."

"A female tutor?" Holle asked.

Elena was still Elena, picking up a baseball from the side and throwing it with a whoop, forcing Holle to duck. The ball flew past, grazing his scalp.

When Holle dared to peek out again, he saw his other sister, Lily, standing at the corner of the staircase staring at him, holding an oak baseball bat in her hand.

So much for brotherly rights!

Holle had no choice but to retreat to his room and deal with his homework. Compared to setting up traps, studying was much harder.

......

Back in Cody Community, after hanging up with Lily, Martin timed his calls and dialed Blake Lively.

She was having a difficult time negotiating the price for a movie script and expected it to drag out for a while.

Many new screenwriters tended to overvalue themselves, hoping to hit it big and sell for a hefty price.

That wasn't a wrong notion, as every script is the writer's baby.

However, the status of screenwriters within the industry is worrisome, with producers wanting to squeeze them dry.

After more than an hour of conversation, Martin finally ended the call and was about to take a shower when Jolie called from Africa. They discussed lofty topics such as democracy, freedom, and child rescue.

Half an hour quickly passed by.

All of a sudden, Martin realized that he was inadvertently developing into a master of time management.

Luckily, that Cao Zei Jolie had psychological problems, and he figured she would say goodbye not long after returning.

Martin put his phone down and turned to see Bruce sitting on the sofa, reading earnestly.

Good, the burdened had gained another in Old Cloth.

After taking his shower, Martin came out to find Bruce still engrossed in his book.

"So engrossed?" Martin curiously asked, "Is Alan's novel that good? Can you understand it?"

Bruce said, "I'm your manager, this is part of the job."

Normally, a manager's biggest responsibility is to help clients choose projects and roles.

But Martin was an exception; he never involved Old Cloth in these matters.

Bruce was more like a bodyguard and cleaner.

Martin, exhausted from the day's thoughts, was ready to go upstairs to sleep and told Bruce, "Read it carefully, and when you're done, tell me the story and your impressions."

"You'll have to wait a couple of days," Bruce closed the book and headed to the annex, "My reading level is even worse than yours."

Martin said, "Even though what I write is rubbish, I have no problem understanding books and scripts."