America Tycoon: The Wolf of Showbiz

The new week began, and Martin joined the film's creative team at a film forum event in Los Angeles, continuing to rally support for the film's promotion.

There, he encountered a critic from the Los Angeles Film Critics Association, Kenneth Turan from the "Los Angeles Times".

The two found a quiet place to chat alone.

"I've seen your new film, and the character is too superficial," Kenneth Turan, who had high hopes for Martin as a newcomer, expressed his disappointment bluntly, pointing out, "The character is all about looking cool and acting tough, with no soul."

As one of the top critics in Los Angeles, Martin showed great humility, appearing eager to learn, "I know, I realized these issues while filming."

Pleased that Martin was receptive, Kenneth Turan reminded him, "Your last character was explosive and could control intensity at will, which is quite rare."

As a critic, he felt it was necessary to guide a highly talented actor onto the right path, "Young actors should really sink their teeth into roles and films with depth to hone their craft..."

Martin responded with extreme earnestness and seriousness, "That's exactly my intention, so I put in all my effort to land the role of the second lead in Director Scorsese's new film. It's a very complex character, a man with dual personalities."

Kenneth Turan, recalling the news he had read, nodded in agreement.

Martin, who also sought support from the critical community, elaborated, "I come from the slums and am in a poor financial state. All the money I earned from the wax museum went into self-improvement training. The cost of the accent class at Paramount Pictures was so high it made me spit blood."

Feeling helpless he said, "For better development, I can only continually invest in myself. There was even a time when paying rent nearly became an issue; I had to first solve the financial crisis. If I don't have a stable footing, I can't focus on pouring energy into acting."

Kenneth Turan understood that artists need to make a living and actually appreciated Martin's words, "It is indeed difficult for young people during the start of their careers. I understand."

Martin switched to the Boston accent he had meticulously practiced, "To prepare for Director Scorsese's role, I specially learned a Boston accent and even spent over twenty days living and experiencing life at the BPD..."

Kenneth Turan could tell that Martin was indeed using an authentic Boston accent and encouraged him, "I'm very much looking forward to you taking your character development to the next level."

Martin declared, "I will give two hundred percent effort."

Once he walked away, Martin let out a slight sigh of relief. Portraying this kind of highbrow artistic persona was somewhat exhausting.

Unlike playing psychopaths, individuals with split personalities, or mean-spirited characters, which he could do with ease.

Bruce, who had been following behind, came over and said quietly, "Your acting is improving."

Martin replied, "My status isn't high enough yet. I need some people from the critical community to cheer me on from behind." He glanced at Kenneth Turan walking away, "Find out more about the interests and hobbies of Los Angeles' most famous critics: Kenneth Turan, Todd McCarthy from Hollywood Reporter, Courtney Howard from 'Variety'."

Bruce had been around Hollywood with Martin for a year and a half and fully understood how the industry worked. He grasped Martin's intentions, "Are you preparing for that role in Scorsese's film?"

Martin unabashedly replied, "Without the critics hyping it up, how can others understand the effort and excellence I put in?"

Once the event ended, the pair walked out.

Out of curiosity, Bruce asked, "What if they are into men?"

Martin slapped his shoulder hard, "I have the mighty Bruce. Who dares to challenge me?"

Bruce responded, "You've completely given up on being decent."

After getting in the car, Martin glanced at the time, "Let's find a place for lunch; I have an important appointment this afternoon."

He picked up a newspaper, saw the entertainment section, and couldn't help but say, "Here it starts."

In that week, multiple media outlets simultaneously leaked that Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston were facing a relationship crisis, with the former having reportedly moved out of their love nest in Beverly Hills.

The rift between them was due to Aniston's miscarriage last year.

It was mainly about how Pitt valued family and loved children, while Aniston, against Pitt's wishes, insisted on having an abortion, etc.

All the blame was laid on Aniston.

Bruce couldn't stand it, "This is bullying an honest person."

Martin admitted frankly, "If acting skills alone could secure roles, and movie quality alone could spell success, I would never stoop to dirty tricks. I, too, want to be a good person, but the Hollywood environment doesn't allow for that."

"You're absolutely right!" Bruce, having heard his old buddy's shameless remarks all too often, simply joined in, "So, it's not us who are rotten, it's the world."

Martin snapped his fingers, "Old Cloth, your consciousness has finally elevated."

In the afternoon, at a coffee shop near LAPD headquarters, Martin met McLain, who was in charge of public relations for the LAPD.

McLain shook his hand and congratulated him first, "Congratulations on another big sell for your film."

Martin responded with a smile, "Without your help in getting me the golden key, there wouldn't have been such great results. I will never forget the help LAPD has provided me."

With pleasant words exchanged, McLain also smiled, "If you ever run into trouble in Los Angeles, feel free to call me."

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"I won't stand on ceremony with you," Martin said, very clear that such favors should not be used casually but reserved for critical moments.

McLain shifted to the main topic, "I asked to meet with you today mainly because of several situations that involve you, and I need to discuss them with you."

Martin asked, "Does it have to do with Burbank Middle School?"

"Yes, it's directly related," McLain began to describe the specific situation: "Of the two gunmen captured, one was critically injured and, after several days of treatment, succumbed to his injuries. After LAPD's routine press conference next time, the news will be reported."

Martin carried no significant psychological burden, nor would he be so saintly as to blame himself. Given the situation at the time, had he not acted ruthlessly, he would have been the one to fall. He asked, "Will I be in any trouble?"

"Legally, you won't," McLain remarked, "but you should be wary of the Russians. During your time in Atlanta, LAPD launched a special operation against the Russians, effectively eradicating their influence here."

He laughed, "The Russian Mafia will find it very difficult to survive in Los Angeles for the next few years. They don't have the guts to retaliate against you, the close relatives of those three are all in custody, unlikely to get out for the next fifteen years."

Martin caught the key point from his words, "Is the problem outside of Los Angeles?"

"Those Russians living in America aren't foolish. They probably won't make a move. You're not an ordinary person, and they can't afford the consequences. They have families and friends too, and the authorities don't allow them to act rashly."

McLain highlighted a detail, "The gunman who recently died, the Andre you killed with a coke-can explosion, his grandfather is also involved in criminal organizations in Russia. LAPD is powerless against them, and it's not an ordinary place where pressure would compel cooperation."

Martin understood, "So, Russians from overseas might target me?"

"It's a possibility," McLain said, "but powerful America will keep them out at customs."

Martin just listened to those words and said, "I will be extra careful."

McLain also specifically advised, "For the time being, you'd better not go to Russia, or even Eastern Europe."

Martin nodded, "I won't take risks with my personal safety." He took the opportunity to express his gratitude, "Thank you, McLain."

"You are a hero of Los Angeles, and we will not allow anyone to harm you," McLain stated.

If Russians dared to harm Martin on LAPD's turf, wouldn't it be the same as slapping LAPD in the face? He added, "LAPD only has jurisdiction in the city of Los Angeles, we've also notified the FBI of the situation."

Martin took it seriously and asked, "I want to apply for a concealed carry permit, is it easy to get?"

"Given your situation, it shouldn't be a problem. I'll send you some paperwork later, fill it out and get it back to me," McLain explained.

"No problem," Martin replied.

Then McLain mentioned another matter, "On our side, we're planning to shoot an official promotional short film for LAPD, it's not set in stone yet... "

Martin was very cooperative, "Just call me if you need anything."

The atmosphere of the meeting grew even more harmonious, and both parties left separately.

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Once in the car, Bruce reminded Martin, "The Russian Mafia has many crazies, you should be careful."

Martin said directly, "Warn Thomas that any engagement involving travel to Eastern Europe or Russia is to be declined."

He sought Bruce's opinion, "Should we hire some bodyguards?"

Bruce considered it briefly and said, "Two should suffice. On one hand, the cost is high, and on the other hand, if an incident occurs, they won't come to take a bullet for you; they can only serve as an early warning around you."

Martin understood, "Bodyguards are for work; you need to be alive to do a job."

Movies are not reality; how could anyone with a salary of a few thousand dollars a month be expected to risk their life?

Bruce reached out to WMA. In Hollywood, there are security companies that specialise in services for celebrities; they may be lacking in other areas, but due to their clientele being stars, they are particularly adept at spotting stalkers.

By the end of the workday, WMA had forwarded a message: the Civilian Service Award Committee in Washington had officially submitted a nomination for the Presidential Medal of Freedom to the White House, and it had been approved by President Bu.

Martin's name was on the list.

The award ceremony would take place on Independence Day at the White House.

In addition, the agency asked Martin if he would attend this year's Saturn Awards ceremony.

Martin had been nominated for Best Actor.

This award was unlikely to be won, as the nominees included Kim Carrey, Tom Cruise, Will Smith, and Johnny Depp, among others.

Martin was sensible enough not to campaign for himself after receiving the nomination; when he went out with Wes Craven for a facial, he didn't even bring up the subject.

Due to a scheduling conflict with his shoot in Atlanta, Martin would not be attending the awards ceremony.

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