America Tycoon: The Wolf of Showbiz

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Multiple faxed documents were spread out on the desk, as Wu Maoting carefully reviewed them. Given that many stars and behind-the-scenes personnel from Harbor City were now working in Hollywood, obtaining relevant information wasn't difficult.

Firstly, there was information on Martin Davis whom he had met last night. He had starred as the male lead in two major theatrical releases, and his romance rumor with Disney Princess Anne-Hathaway had been the talk of the town.

Wu Maoting looked at the newspaper clippings, confirming that it was indeed the young man he had seen the previous night.

Then there was master mixologist Louise Mel, the owner of Pacific Pictures, a company that had participated in the distribution of several films released by Warner Bros. Studios. On the DVDs his subordinates had sourced, one could see Pacific Pictures' logo at the start of each film.

Several of the films she had previously invested in had been successful, though her latest, "Alexander the Great," had received a lackluster market response.

But Wu Maoting didn't take it to heart, as he was gearing up to participate in a film project with Leonardo and Martin Scorsese.

Zhuang Mai had personally forwarded a message from Wu Maoting's friends, stating that Pacific Pictures had always been a partner to Warner Bros. Studios, and that they had officially been in contact with Warner Bros. Studios in recent days to negotiate the investment in Martin Scorsese's new project.

Today, making Harbor City films wasn't very lucrative, with a small market, fewer viewers, fewer projects and less work...

Wu Maoting knew his own business well; he could keep things afloat in Myanmar, but a crash was just a matter of time.

Even from the perspective of risk distribution, he couldn't focus all his resources on Myanmar and Harbor City; he needed an industry that could ensure a wealthy life for his daughter.

At Wu Maoting's age, it was inevitable to consider the next generation.

He retrieved the contact information Martin had left the day before and called the number, inviting Martin and master Louise to join him for afternoon tea.

They agreed to meet on the 45th floor of the Four Seasons Hotel, where the kumquat afternoon tea was quite good.

At three o'clock in the afternoon, Martin and Louise came downstairs and arrived on time at the 45th floor.

Wu Maoting and his daughter had already booked a private room, waiting inside.

This time, unlike the previous night, Wu Maoting was much more courteous. Before the tea even arrived, he presented Martin and Louise with welcome gifts.

For Martin, a green jadeite bracelet.

And for Louise, a green jadeite bangle.

Martin, who knew little about jadeite, estimated that the texture wasn't particularly fine, but the value was still over one hundred thousand Hong Kong dollars.

He gave Louise a slight kick, and she said, "This is too precious."

Wu Maoting responded with a smile, "Just a small token of appreciation, please don't take it as anything more." He went straight to the point, "Besides my jewelry business, I also invest in movies in Harbor City. I've always wanted to take a look at Hollywood, and my daughter is curious too. Last night, Mr. Davis mentioned you have a film release coming up.

Would my daughter and I have the honor of attending the premiere?"

Martin and Louise exchanged a quick glance before responding, "The film's release is in early February, and the premiere is at the end of January. You are welcome to go to Los Angeles anytime, and after I return, I will arrange for the production team to send you an official invitation."

Wu Dan was very pleased, "That's wonderful!"

Like many others of her generation, she was filled with curiosity about Hollywood and America.

Once again, Wu Maoting pushed the gifts towards them, insisting, "Please do accept these."

Martin took the two gift boxes and put them away.

Once the afternoon tea was served, the atmosphere became much warmer, and during the course of it, Wu Maoting specifically mentioned the Harbor City filmmakers in Hollywood, revealing his intention to invest.

Louise naturally didn't refuse, and both parties agreed to talk in detail in Los Angeles after attending "The Hills Have Eyes" premiere.

Martin was more engaged in answering Wu Dan's curious questions.

An hour later, both parties left separately.

Martin accompanied Louise back upstairs, "They won't feel confident investing money without seeing for themselves."

Louise inquired, "For an investment over ten million US dollars, across an ocean, would you feel confident if you were in their shoes?"

Martin reminded her, "You ought to be prepared."

Louise took the advice seriously, "Pacific Pictures has already started preparing. Don't worry, I've handled many similar deals before."

She then asked, "Are you planning to return to North America tomorrow?"

"I would like to stay here and accompany you," Martin said tenderly, his eyes filled with guilt, "but Warner Bros. Studios needs me to take several promotional photos, so I must head back."

Louise didn't insist, "I'm going to Cambodia. Jolie has made contact with some people."

Martin cautioned, "Be careful, Southeast Asia is not like North America."

Louise pointed behind them, "Bodyguards have been following us the whole time."

Martin had noticed this back in Los Angeles and suggested, "How about taking in the Harbor City night view?"

"No, I'm not interested," Louise firmly grabbed Martin and briskly walked ahead, "You owe me a big debt. Time to go back and pay it off!"

How could Martin, who was in debt, pay it off without any money?

Thirty years old and hungry like a wolf.

Martin's trip to Harbor City, aside from participating in the host's events and seeking investments, had been spent paying off debts.

Luckily, he was robust enough to handle it.

The next morning, Martin and Louise arrived at the airport and boarded their respective flights, leaving Harbor City at nearly the same time.

He had flown in first class, but now he was returning in economy alone.

Martin had no grounds to argue.

Back in Los Angeles, just as he arrived at his apartment, Harris called; the new Star Express package had already been sent over.

Dragging his suitcase, Martin made his way to the front door of the apartment.

Antonio, as always, was sitting under the sun umbrella, "Weren't you in East Asia? You're back so soon?"

Martin took out a peace buckle and handed it to Antonio, "A gift for you, a souvenir."

Antonio said, "You're too kind."

Martin shrugged, "I don't want you to sell me out to the paparazzi."

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"Don't worry, without ten thousand US dollars, I won't sell you," Antonio wasn't hugely tempted, "You're not worth that much in the short term."

Martin felt helpless, "No way around it, I'm not even worth the spare change of Julia Roberts' twins."

Last month, Big Mouth gave birth to twins, and several gossip entertainment magazines offered a million dollars for photos of the children.

Martin dragged his suitcase upstairs, and as he passed by the opposite door, it opened.

Jessica came out with a package, "Martin, it's from Atlanta."

Martin accepted the package and casually handed out two peace buckles, "For you and Emily, a little souvenir."

Jessica was surprised, "I get one too? That's great! Thank you, Martin."

"What's going on at the studio?" Martin asked, "They suddenly called me back."

Jessica replied, "It seems some of the promotional photos are not suitable."

Martin nodded, ready to go back, then remembered something else and said, "How's work going?"

Jessica quickly answered, "Much better than before, stable income and more opportunities."

Martin spoke directly, "If you're willing, after the film's release, you can transfer to my studio to work."

Jessica first froze, then realized what he meant, "You're hiring me?"

Martin said, "I need an assistant, the job content is similar to what you're doing now, think about it."

"No need to think! No need!" When Jessica was in her most difficult times, she even considered heading north to the valley for opportunities, not caring about dignity when she was penniless.

She answered, "I'm willing!"

Martin nodded, "I'll have Old Cloth talk to you later."

"Okay," Jessica responded.

Martin returned to his apartment, and Jessica went back to hers, rummaging out clothes and props they had bought last year, intending to throw them away.

They were part of her and Emily's plan to tempt Martin.

Martin opened the express package, and inside was still a human-shaped sculpture, different from the previous horn material, it had changed into stone carving.

It was still a jester figure modeled after him.

Martin picked it up to look at the base, and underneath each one was engraved Lily Carter's name.

The craftsmanship seemed to have improved again.

Martin packed everything away, placing it with the horn carving and crocodile tooth pendant.

Wait a few months, then give it to Annie?

Perhaps by that time, it would become Anna.

Whoever it was for, Lily Carter was a top-tier master art sculptor.

Just Lily's masterpieces were enough for Martin to give away for a long time.

Martin decided that once Wu Maoting and her daughter arrived in Los Angeles, he would buy a batch of ordinary jade to give to Lily and Elena.

To stimulate Lily's motivation.

As for the labor costs? Martin hadn't even asked her for the portrait rights fees yet.

Late at night after nine, Bruce came back from outside.

Martin called him to the rooftop to have a drink together, and told him about Jessica's situation.

Bruce leaned on the rooftop railing and said, "Leave it to me."

Martin trusted Bruce the most, briefly mentioned the Harbor City business, "In a while, there might be investors from Southeast Asia coming to Los Angeles, and Pacific Pictures might need people to coordinate. Talk to them for the specifics."

"Buddy, I really admire you!" Bruce didn't know what else to say, "You've gone to Asia to carry out your schemes!"

Martin tapped the metal railing, "That's called providing investment opportunities, it's a win-win!"

Bruce said, "I get it, a win-win, you and Louise win twice over."

Martin didn't want to continue discussing this with the blockhead, changing the subject, "How about your side, is the tape filmed?"

Bruce sighed, "There's been a complication."

Martin was puzzled, "Wasn't everything in your hands?"

"This afternoon, while resting at Kim's place, her sister came over," Bruce recalled, that girl stood out among ordinary women too, "She's taller than Kim..."

Martin immediately understood the situation, "Old Cloth, be a decent man for once, don't be a scoundrel, they're sisters!"

Bruce was contemptuous, "Who do you think I learned this from? I spend every day beside a scoundrel, what else could I learn but scoundrel deeds?"

Martin couldn't be bothered to argue.

After his previous experience, Bruce was gradually getting familiar with the entertainment industry's ways, "Don't worry, I'll take the actual situation into account before deciding."

The next morning, Martin rushed to the Warner Bros. Studios to work with the crew and photographers to shoot new promotional photos.

At the same time, he had the crew send out formal premiere invitations to Wu Maoting and her daughter.

The crew's routine promotion was completely centered on the male lead, and Martin's work started to get busy.

The year 2005 arrived just like that.

Just after the New Year's holiday, Annie returned to Los Angeles from New York.

Martin prepared a surprise.

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