America achieves both fame and fortune

Chapter 60 Expansion Screws

Beneath the misty mountains, the crescent moon was reflected on the lake's surface. In the courtyard of a lakeside holiday home, Elena lit a campfire.

Martin set up the grill and skillfully spread sauce on the skewers.

The aroma immediately wafted up.

Across from her, Lily held a large water bottle, biting a teardrop-shaped straw, and sucked hard.

Elena came over and punched her on the head: "Idiot, don't use that."

Hall took a shovel and dug a hole by the campfire, burying the potatoes Martin had wrapped, muttering, "A bunch of idiots."

Harris sat on a rock: "I should call the Cole sisters. I'll call them; they'll definitely come."

Frustrated by her older sister's dominance, Lily said, "I'm going to go for a walk by the lake and catch a black bear."

Martin deliberately said, "Resort camps like these are often crime scenes of horrific events. There's a deranged killer living in the Great Smoky Mountains who comes down at night to hunt and capture beautiful young girls."

Elena said, "Idiot, don't scare people." She looked at Lily and said, "Let's go to the lake after dinner; we can swim here."

This is a well-established resort area, certainly not like Martin described.

After dinner, Lily and Elena changed into their swimsuits, wrapped themselves in long blankets, and went to the lakeside.

Groups of tourists, spaced apart, took a nighttime cruise on the lake.

Elena followed Martin into the water. The lakebed here was made of artificial sand, which was relatively flat and the water was not deep.

The two swam to a secluded spot, climbed onto a small boat, and lay down.

Martin has been feeling uneasy lately: "Is someone watching this area?"

"Even if you could see it from a distance, you wouldn't be able to make it out clearly." Elena was always straightforward in this regard: "You idiot, I'm not afraid, so what are you afraid of?"

Martin said, "I'm afraid the ship will sink."

The water rippled and waves rose and fell, causing the small boat to rock violently.

…………

The resort area is very safe and no terrorist incidents have occurred.

The next morning, after having breakfast, Martin rushed to the film set at the car production center to make his presence known to director Michel Gondry.

While having lunch with Louise Meyer, he struck up a conversation with producer Steve Golin.

In producer-centric Hollywood, Steve Colin was undoubtedly the most powerful person on the entire production team.

Martin wasn't sure what Steve Golin was up to, so he just exchanged a few polite greetings.

After getting off the dining car, Martin met with the director of the Marietta Theatre Company.

The two went under the awning, and Jerome said, "I kicked Rosa out of the troupe and spread the word in the Atlanta extras circle that she reported her fellow actors. She won't be able to work in this industry anymore."

He explained simply: "There are too many drug addicts in this industry, and nobody wants a ticking time bomb next to them."

Martin said, "Commander, you've gone to a lot of trouble."

Jerome, with the imposing presence of a captain, declared: "Anyone who bullies my members will pay the price!"

Martin knew that Jerome was going to all this trouble because he could get something in return from him, and he asked with concern, "Is everything alright with the crew?"

"The collaboration went very well." Jerome saw a bright future ahead: "Once you've worked with a Hollywood production team for the first time, there will be a second time. The first time is always the hardest."

He was afraid of being forgotten: "Martin, as Robert Patrick said, will always be a member of the Marietta Theatre Company."

Martin solemnly replied, "Me too."

Jerome pulled a card from his pocket and handed it to Martin: "This is Robert Patrick's contact information in Los Angeles. It will be of some help if you go to Los Angeles to develop your career."

Martin excitedly took it: "Commander!"

"If you ever decide to leave Atlanta, let me know, and I'll call him and explain your situation." Jerome's words had a double meaning: "People in the Marietta Theatre Company should help each other."

Martin agreed: "Wherever I go, I will always be a member of the Marietta Theatre Company."

Jerome pointed to the office next to the photography studio: "I'm going to talk to Andrew for a bit."

As the people walked away, Martin looked down at the words on the card; it contained only a name and a string of numbers.

It is obvious that this is a private contact method that is not available to the average person.

Robert, swaying his large head, came over and said, "The leader spoke to me this morning and said he won't be collecting my membership fees anymore."

He asked, "You spoke up for me?"

Martin pointed to his head: "The commander has many ideas, I don't need to say more."

Robert wasn't stupid: "I should thank you. $300 a month is no small sum for me."

Martin instead said, "You're my lucky star, Robert. If I ever make it in Hollywood and have to compete for an important role, I'll definitely invite you to join me."

It's used for nothing other than suppressing feng shui.

He mimicked Harris's way of speaking: "With you here, my winning percentage increases by sixty percent!"

Robert didn't mince words with Martin: "Find me a role with lines, yes, and with front-facing shots, unlike you in this movie, where you have a lot of lines but few front-facing shots."

Martin said, "Don't worry, I'll definitely find you a role with lines whenever the opportunity arises."

Veteran extras like Robert have basic acting skills, but they can't compete for roles with lines; the problem lies more with other aspects.

That evening, Martin invited director Michel Gondry to a high-end restaurant in Peachtree Center for a meal featuring Atlanta specialties.

The crew has been filming for over a month, and the scenes in Atlanta are nearing completion. They will be returning to Los Angeles soon.

Because the two share so much in common on their stances toward the British, Michel Gondry has a very good impression of Martin.

Networks are built up little by little.

It may not be useful now, but it might come in handy sometime in the future.

Two days later, Louise Mayer was also leaving Atlanta.

On the night before she left, Martin came to her hotel and specially made her a drink made from an expansion screw, a modified version of a slow screw.

As the drink entered her mouth, countless bubbles burst, and Louise Mayer exclaimed, "Martin Davis, just how many new cocktails do you know? You bastard, you're toying with a drunkard's heart!"

Martin looked aggrieved: "It seems like you're the one toying with me, aren't you? You're the high and mighty producer, and I'm just a small-time actor. Let me think of a word that fits... Yes, you're sexually harassing me!"

Louise didn't want to talk to this trash, and remained silent for a while before finally speaking: "And Kelly, that bastard, nobody knows me better than her, so she specially prepared you, you bastard. You two are the real scumbags!"

Martin, seemingly oblivious, continued, "The expansion screw is a parting gift I'm giving you. I've given you the recipe; Louise's expansion screw will surely leave a significant mark on cocktail history!"

When the room finally quieted down, Martin asked, "Are you going to Morocco?"

Louise nodded: "Rest in Los Angeles for a week, then go to Morocco. There's a film crew there. Don't even think about it, I won't use you. You haven't passed the accent test yet."

Martin knew he couldn't rush things: "I need to deal with the zombie dancer first."

Louise said, "Use all your skills to get your first leading role. Compared to Hollywood, this is just a small game."

(End of this chapter)