America Tycoon: The Wolf of Showbiz

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In the Warner Building's press hall, numerous journalists gathered as the main creative team of "The Dark Knight" arrived to witness the official signing of the lead actors, Martin and Christian Bale.

Martin had once again become that sunny and handsome young actor, and after the ceremonial signing, he even took a commemorative photo with Bale and Director Nolan.

Under the flashing lights, the two men smiled brilliantly, fostering a harmonious atmosphere.

During the question-and-answer session, a reporter suddenly asked, "Martin, Chris, there are rumors in Hollywood that you two have a sharp conflict?"

Martin immediately rebutted, "How could that be? Chris and I admire each other; we became friends last year."

Bale, seeing a group of producers from the crew sitting below, turned to look at Martin, even more shameless than Martin, "Martin got this role initially because of my recommendation."

Martin looked at Bale, his smile becoming more and more radiant, so much so that it seemed somewhat deranged.

Bale was calm and composed as he stretched out his hand for a fist bump with Martin.

In front of countless cameras, their fists bumped together.

As if they were brothers and close friends.

Bale had once strongly recommended Heath Ledger to Nolan, and he also revealed his dislike for Martin; Nolan knew these two were at odds.

But he didn't care, Batman and Joker were meant to be mortal enemies.

From the standpoint of benefiting the work, it was no problem for the animosity between these two men to extend from the film into real life.

Nolan, who also understands marketing, had discussed with his wife, Emma Thomas, in the past few days, whether they could leverage the relationship between Martin and Bale in the film's promotional marketing.

They even had a blueprint, such as Martin and Bale initially being friends, but Martin's deep immersion into the Joker role and the character's relationship with Bruce Wayne affecting the leading actors' real-life relationship, causing them to become sworn enemies.

The press conference concluded, and Martin and Bale left the press hall arm in arm, entering the backstage lounge.

Bale said with a smile, "I hadn't expected us to have such close collaboration."

Martin laughed heartily, "The film will be shot in Atlanta, which is my hometown. Once we get to Atlanta, I'll show you the beautiful scenic routes of Georgia."

It was then that Bale remembered that bastard Martin Davis came from Atlanta.

He was not afraid of challenges, "I'll rely on you to lead the way then."

An idea that Bruce had mentioned unconsciously sprung to Martin's mind.

After filming "Wanted Order," Jolie went to the Middle East and Africa, embarking on the path of a saint.

At the time, Bruce had suggested that if something happened to Jolie there, the commercial prospects for "Wanted Order" would look very promising.

Is Batman trapped in Atlanta?

Watching Bale's retreating figure, Martin quickly shook his head, thinking that he had been having too many crazy thoughts lately.

Bruce came over at that moment, asking, "Any ideas?"

Martin shook his head and sighed, "Some lousy ideas, it's all your fault, you're not a decent human being!"

Bruce was puzzled, what had he done?

"I'm lucky I can hold you back, otherwise you'd be in danger," Martin said as he greeted Nolan and Emma Thomas, "Chris, Emma."

Nolan said, "Let's chat for a bit."

Martin nodded slightly, and they left the crowded lounge for an adjacent reception room.

Nolan shut the door with a bang.

Martin was startled, his gaze quickly passing over Emma Thomas and suddenly thinking of Kate and Sam, hoping it wasn't the case.

"I know you and Bale have some friction," Nolan said directly, "but don't let it affect your work."

Martin responded, "You can be assured on that front."

Emma Thomas asked, "I heard you have some strategies for promotion and marketing?"

Martin smiled, "I just have some suggestions."

"Chris has some ideas about promotion and marketing; he would like to discuss them with you," Emma roughly explained.

Martin was not opposed to this, but when it came to implementation, it would still require detailed discussions between the crew and Thomas.

After a brief chat, they went their separate ways.

Martin took a longer look at Nolan.

This English director not only had outstanding skills in filmmaking but was also a master of promotion and marketing, having endlessly used the open-ended conclusion of "Inception" to stir up media hype.

He was somewhat like Tom Cruise with Nicole Kidman.

Every promotional tour would invariably see him shaking out a story or two.

In the words of Martin from his previous life, Nolan could be considered the pioneer of fandom culture among directors.

Post-2015, if anyone said Nolan's films weren't good, they would face a crazy backlash online.

Martin left the building, met up with Thomas and Bruce, and together they exited through the back door of the Warner Building.

A few days ago, Thomas had negotiated the licensing income from the Joker merchandise; Martin would receive 20% of the gross profit from the related products.

The production lot was located just behind.

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Lily was waiting for them here.

The young woman was radiant, and when she saw Martin, she immediately ran over, her face relaxed, "Next year, I won't need to take Elena's tuition anymore."

Martin said, "Elena can breathe a sigh of relief too."

"Yes, she can truly relax now." Lily lowered her voice, "I can relax too, Elena can't keep bringing up her fists..."

Martin laughed with a hint of mischief, "Do you think by not taking Elena's tuition, you can escape your sister's iron-fisted love?"

Lily's previously relaxed face instantly fell.

Clearly, she could not.

After dashing her spirits, Martin asked, "Did you sign a contract with the crew?"

Lily, slightly invigorated, replied, "The crew invested 200,000 US Dollars to buy out the copyright and the several large packages of carvings I made, planning to sell them as high-end, custom-made merchandise. Additionally, they hired me to work with the crew, continuing to design and produce related Joker and Batman figurines. For this part, besides a base salary, I also get a 3% profit share."

"Do a good job." Martin finally stopped being discouraging, "If the film sells well, you can earn enough to pay for all your college tuition and living expenses."

Lily reached out her hand, tugged on the corner of Martin's clothes, and gave it a shake, "Thank you."

Martin, however, raised his fist and shook it in front of Lily as a reminder, "Don't let others bully you, but don't cause any trouble either."

Lily muttered, "Am I that kind of person?"

"Do you think I haven't heard the rumors in the crew?" Martin glanced at her, "Just last week, I heard that in front of a crowd, you poked dozens of holes into a lifesize mannequin with a carving knife."

Lily defended herself, "It was to preempt any bullying incidents. It's good for me and for them." She looked for an ally, "Old Cloth, am I right?"

Bruce thought it was a good move and praised, "Well done."

Arriving at The Dark Knight Studio, Lily pointed to the door, "I'm going back to work."

Martin nodded, watching her happily run off, and said to Bruce, "The Cadillac that was sent over, give one to her later and give her the keys to the house."

Bruce asked, "Why don't you tell her yourself?"

Martin revealed his true feelings, "Perhaps I've been influenced by Elena, when I see Lily so overjoyed, I feel like punching her with a loving fist."

Bruce took out something he had already prepared and headed to The Dark Knight Studio.

Martin called Thomas and entered a nearby soda shop, shouting to the counter, "Mia, the usual."

Mia responded with a smile, "Okay, take a seat and wait a moment."

Martin sat near the glass curtain wall and said to Thomas, "I've told you everything that I discussed with Nicholson yesterday, for the next phase, come up with a complete plan, don't leave any traces, just keep it in mind. Clinics, hospitals, hotels, and related caregivers, find reliable candidates as soon as possible."

Thomas asked, "Do we really need to do this?"

Martin said, "I'm going to play an extremely insane character, followed by a role that goes from an old person to an infant, it wouldn't be surprising if something went wrong. Don't underestimate the public's sympathy and curiosity..."

Thomas pointed towards The Dark Knight Studio and asked, "Not going to give the crew a heads up?"

"No need," Martin said, "In this respect, whether it's Nolan or Warner Bros., their senses are sharp enough. They would never pass up a chance for publicity and hype."

Thomas commented, "Being a star isn't easy."

Martin couldn't help but laugh, almost to the point of insanity, "Is it harder than when I was in Atlanta? Could it be harder than the ordinary people working under the scorching sun?"

Thomas couldn't help thinking about his own situation, his forehead might be balding, but the difficulties he's facing now were nothing compared to the agony of slaving away at the bottom of a company.

Mia brought the soda over at this moment.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

"Thank you," Martin said, noticing the ring on her finger, and added, "Congratulations."

Mia replied with a smile, "I accepted Sebastian's courtship, we became boyfriend and girlfriend."

Martin said, "Sebastian is a lucky guy, to have caught the soda princess of Warner Bros. Studios."

Mia smiled sweetly and then left.

She was a clever girl; there were not 200 part-time actresses at the studio, maybe just over a hundred.

Why was she able to talk to Martin?

On one hand, Martin used to frequent the shop even when he was a minor star.

On the other, aside from normal greetings, she never once mentioned even a hint of asking for help.

Mia was not without ideas, in fact, she had plenty. At the most critical moment in her career, if she could get Martin to put in a good word for her, it might make a world of difference.

She saw clearly that such a request could only be made once; there would be no second time.

Chatting with Thomas, finishing their soda, Martin called Nicholson's number, "Jack, are you ready over there?"

Nicholson responded, "Is it finally my turn for such fun business?"

Martin said, "I wouldn't forget you for any fun business."

On the other end, Nicholson put down his cell phone, picked up the phone next to him, and dialed a familiar reporter's number, "Rick, come to my place, I've got a scoop, I'm about to blast someone!"

The next morning, an interview with Nicholson blasting Martin and The Dark Knight Crew appeared in the "Hollywood Reporter."

"As the previous Joker actor, one that was very successful, Warner Bros. didn't even consult me in choosing a new actor for the Joker! Yes, no one asked for my opinion, including Martin!"

"I don't think this role suits Martin. The Joker is far too different from his typical image and acting style. The role is too dark and can cause distress. I know Martin too well, he's too young and won't be able to handle it..."