The main cast and crew had gathered for the sake of celebration. A towering champagne fountain stood tall, and Susan Levin ascended to a higher platform, graciously accepting a large champagne bottle from Robert Downey Jr. She swiftly poured the bubbly liquid, eliciting applause from the audience.
In this moment, the crew stood united, devoid of any discord. It was as if there had been no clashes from preparation to filming to release.
For those who had lost in their battles, attendance at the celebration party was not an option.
Waiters gracefully distributed champagne to everyone present.
Susan raised her glass and exclaimed, "Here's to our success!"
Every person in the room, including Martin, lifted their glasses and joined in the toast.
Laughter and jubilation filled the air.
Martin held his glass and scanned the room until he found Susan, who introduced him to her boss, Joel Silver, the president of Silver Films.
Joel Silver was one of Hollywood's most renowned producers, with notable works such as "Die Hard" and "The Matrix" trilogy under his belt. However, he was now in his eighties and had retired from active production after "The Matrix."
Joel Silver had seen countless people in his over 50-year career, so he wasn't particularly interested in young talents like Martin. After exchanging a few pleasantries with Martin, he excused himself from the celebration.
At this point, Robert Downey Jr. approached, casually draping his arm around Martin's shoulder, sounding quite boss-like, "You did pretty well in your role, kid, reminds me a bit of myself back in the day."
Martin clinked glasses with him and responded with humility, "You were nominated for an Oscar for Best Actor, I'm still a long way from that."
Downey, who was shorter and had been holding Martin's shoulder for a while, decided it was time to release him. He spoke politely, "Let's have a drink together when we have the chance."
Martin sensed the sincerity in his invitation and replied, "Sure thing." It was clear that this was not mere politeness.
Martin then moved on and sought out Zomi Sirla.
In stark contrast to the uneasiness he had felt during the film's initial release, Jaume was now exuding excitement, clearly reveling in the success of being a director.
Martin smiled and quipped, "How many are you planning to approach tonight?"
The two friends, sharing an unspoken understanding, responded in jest, "We won't be seeking out ordinary folks. After the party, we're headed to Avalon to see who can win over a famous actress."
Martin, brimming with confidence, added, "Jaume, your success seems to have made you forget who you're up against. Standing before you is Hollywood's Heartthrob and the most handsome man in Georgia. You're practically guaranteed to lose."
Jaume, in high spirits, playfully replied, "Well, I do have a directorial halo bonus now!"
Martin, shaking his head, couldn't resist teasing, "Can't you be a bit more civilized and classy? When it comes to wooing women, it's about skill, not just your profession."
Mene, who had overheard, joined the conversation, "Can I join the contest?"
Martin sighed, "Jaume, we're destined to lose. Mene's charm with middle-aged and older women is of nuclear bomb proportions."
Jaume, in a playful tone, asked Mene, "Aren't you trying to win Paris's heart back?"
Mene responded poetically, "Lost love is often irreversible."
Representatives from several investors approached the three of them.
According to them, the wax museum had recouped its investment through box office revenue alone, and subsequent revenue from video tapes, television broadcasts, and DVDs would be pure profit.
Horror films were particularly popular in offline markets like video tapes and DVDs.
Thomas was present that evening, and he felt appreciated, as everyone on the set seemed eager to chat with him.
Even Elisha Cuthbert's agent, Victor, approached to revisit an old topic.
"The film's a hit. Martin and Elisha are the male and female leads, and they have chemistry," he emphasized. "Young stars need to stay in the spotlight, and Elisha is ready to use her platform for environmental and vegetarian causes."
Thomas considered it, but reiterated, "You have to promise not to push anyone into vegetarianism or talk about it before I can talk to Martin."
Victor responded, "Elisha is ready to champion vegetarianism and environmental causes as her social initiatives."
However, both sides failed to reach an agreement on this matter. Subsequently, Thomas discreetly approached Martin, leading him to a quieter area where they briefly discussed the situation.
Martin had already made up his mind: "Let's ignore it."
Thomas offered a reminder, "As the film's popularity wanes, so will your visibility. Right now, you've just started gaining some recognition. There's no issue of overexposure or marketing. Before 'The Hills Have Eyes' is released, it's essential to maintain a certain level of visibility and buzz."
Martin inquired, "And the best way is through relationships, right?"
Thomas nodded, "It's even more effective than what Leonardo does. Even when he has no projects, he continues to stay in the spotlight. Relationships are an excellent way to do that."
Martin had a realization, "So, changing girlfriends frequently has this advantage."
Thomas confirmed, "You and Elisha have differing views. Paris isn't a good choice either. Neither of them is suitable."
Martin asked, "Is bigger always better?"
Thomas explained, "Of course. If you could date a top-tier actress, you'd be more famous than Mene."
Martin was self-aware, "Except for Kate, other A-list actresses won't give me the time of day. Besides, Kate is married, and she's also Louise's friend, which would be inappropriate."
Two impeccably dressed men were engaged in a conversation, strategizing on how to capitalize on the popularity of female celebrities.
Thomas pondered briefly before saying, "I'll inquire within the company to see if any renowned actresses represented by other agents might be interested in leveraging your current fame to generate some buzz, but the chances are slim."
Martin, the actor in question, responded nonchalantly, "I usually keep an eye out for such opportunities. Los Angeles is teeming with celebrities. Perhaps, someday, the right chance will come along."
"Search for your target, don't fear embarrassment, charge forward, and pursue relentlessly..." Thomas stopped himself mid-sentence, smacked his forehead, and chuckled, "You're supposed to teach me that, not the other way around."
After the party concluded, Martin, accompanied by Mene, Jaume, and Bruce, headed to the Avalon Bar on Sunset Boulevard to continue their evening.
As they settled at the bar, a woman in her forties approached them. She initiated a conversation with Mene, asking, "Would you be interested in sharing a drink with me?"
Mene, noting her Hermès bag and Patek Philippe watch, responded casually, "Sure, no problem."
The two of them moved to a booth on the second floor.
Martin praised, "He truly is a master at charming middle-aged women."
Bruce set down his glass and remarked, "Mene is quite famous now, more so than both you and Jaume combined."
Jaume regained his confidence, saying, "Exactly! She's probably considering trying out the Mene magic..."
Bruce playfully reminded them, "Weren't you two planning to compete? The loser treats us all tonight, and I'll be the referee."
With that settled, Bruce looked around, and his eyes fell on a booth where a stunning figure sat.
Avalon, along with the neighboring Grapevine Manor, was a hotspot for Hollywood celebrities, and many female stars frequented these venues.
Legend had it that Sandra Bullock met Ryan Gosling, who was 16 years her junior, at this very place. Their two-year relationship had coincided with Gosling's rapid rise in his career.
With Thomas's words in mind, Martin scanned the surroundings. If he couldn't spot Nicole Kidman or Charlize Theron, Halle Berry would make for excellent target.
After all, he had thick skin and wouldn't be embarrassed if he failed. Which young actor wouldn't want to associate with an Oscar-winning actress?
Jaume was the first to lock onto his target. Having recently achieved success, his confidence was soaring. He winked at Martin and strolled towards a booth while holding a glass of wine. In that booth were several women, the most prominent of whom was Penélope Cruz.
On the other hand, Martin initially found nothing on the first floor. He then directed his attention to the second floor, where he quickly spotted a young actress with a bright smile.
He adjusted his attire slightly, stood up, and walked up to the second floor. As he approached the booth, he surveyed the surroundings. The young Anne Hathaway was certainly captivating when she wasn't laughing.
Now, how to strike up a conversation? This was no issue for the most talented man in Atlanta. Martin took his car key, twiddled it in his hand, and played with it. As he passed Anne Hathaway's table, his grip slipped, and the key clanged onto her table.
All three women at the table were startled, including Anne. Martin promptly turned around, his face filled with embarrassment. "I'm so sorry... I didn't mean to..."
However, upon seeing Anne, he was momentarily taken aback and exclaimed in genuine surprise, "You... you're Princess Mia!"
Like ardent fans meeting their idols, the women were bewildered but sympathetic. "It's alright, accidents happen," one of them said.
Anne picked up the key and handed it to Martin, saying, "No harm done. Just be more careful next time."
Martin retrieved the key and fumbled through his pockets, muttering, "Why didn't I bring a notepad? Darn it, why didn't I bring a notepad!"
He then spotted the tissue box on the table and pointed at it. "Your Highness, could you please give me an autograph?"
Anne Hathaway took a tissue, signed it, and handed it to Martin. "Certainly."
"Thank you," Martin said, carefully folding the tissue and putting it away with reverence. Having successfully completed the first step, he immediately embarked on the second: "I apologize for the earlier disturbance. Let me buy you all a drink as a token of my apology."
As a fan of Princess Mia, Martin's polite and educated manner was difficult to refuse. Moreover, it was a well-deserved apology.
The other two women looked at Anne, who nodded slightly. "You're too kind."
Martin signaled the waiter, took their drink orders, and ordered four glasses of wine, one of which was for himself.
As the wine arrived, Martin graciously pulled out a chair and sat at their table. Raising his glass, he said, "Thank you all for forgiving my earlier blunder."
Anne initiated a toast, and the other two women joined in, clinking glasses and sipping the wine.
Martin then initiated a conversation, "Anne...," but Anne Hathaway interjected with a smile, "Just call me Anne."
"I feel fortunate to meet you tonight, Anne," Martin introduced himself. "I'm Martin Davis, also an actor."
"Anne Hathaway," she replied with a warm smile.
The other two women introduced themselves as Laura and Sandy.
Anne Hathaway, appearing curious, remarked, "You look familiar. Have we met before?"
In perfect timing, Martin replied, "I recently starred in 'House of Wax.'"
Sandy, also an actress, chimed in, "So, you're a star, just like Anne."