Last year, in Los Angeles, a bartending master emerged, dazzling everyone with her genius creativity and skills. She crafted a wide array of new cocktails, from the intriguing "paper airplanes" and "penicillin" to the exotic "screwdriver" and "Italian cannoni." The event drew hundreds of people, eagerly gathered together.
At the venue, the chairman of the International Bartenders Association took the stage, ready to bestow a prestigious award. He announced with enthusiasm, "Our new legend in the bartending industry is Louise Meyer, a master of unparalleled talent. Today, we officially recognize her as a master and present her with a special contribution trophy."
He raised his voice and called out, "Please welcome Louise Meyer to the stage!"
In response, Martin stood up and joined in the applause. Louise, overwhelmed with emotion, stood and hugged him tightly. In a hushed tone that only they could hear, she whispered, "Thank you."
In that moment, her radiant smile conveyed a sense of pride beyond compare.
To Louise, bartending was more than just a job; it was her passion.
Louise, dressed in an elegant long skirt, made her way to the stage.
Martin gestured to those around him, encouraging them to stand up in support.
As Louise, the international bartending master, had created an astonishing number of new cocktails in the past year, the bartenders in the room rose to their feet one after another, causing the entire venue to stand in ovation.
When Louise reached the stage and received the emerald trophy shaped like a wine glass, the majority of attendees joined in the standing ovation, making the atmosphere in the hall incredibly warm.
With the emerald trophy held high, Louise's eyes glistened with tears as she stood before the microphone. She said, "I want to express my gratitude to my assistant Martin, without whom I wouldn't be here today. Additionally, I've brought two new cocktail recipes: the Godmother and three classic cocktails with improved recipes. Please join us at the cocktail party later to taste them."
The audience, consisting mainly of bartenders and connoisseurs, responded with even more enthusiastic applause.
As Louise descended from the stage, she was met with greetings and congratulations from numerous fellow bartenders.
In recent years, few new cocktails had achieved widespread acclaim and the status of classics, but Louise had managed to create many in a single year.
When she returned, she handed the emerald trophy to Martin and said, "This is for both of us."
Martin quipped, "It's an honor to share half of it with you."
In the excitement of the moment, Louise embraced Martin warmly, offering him a grateful kiss.
Seeing Louise's spirits high, Martin leaned in for a more passionate kiss.
After a while, the two parted, and Louise shared a sudden idea.
Seeing her posture, Martin jokingly asked, "Are you planning to make a biopic about yourself?"
Louise, with an unabashed grin, nodded eagerly, saying, "Yes! I'm the only female bartending master, and in a few years, I'll surely become the queen of bartending. I'd be a world-class legend. An autobiography about me could even win an Oscar for the best actress and compete of the best picture!"
Martin inquired, "And who would play me?"
Louise replied firmly, "Definitely not you. I can't have you play yourself in my biopic. Besides, I'm the queen of bartending, not the queen of fraud."
As the evening's cocktail party began, Louise's excitement gradually subsided, and she returned to her usual mindset, never bringing up the idea of a biopic again.
She personally demonstrated several new cocktails, instructed fellow bartenders, and eventually stepped away from the bar.
Countless people approached Louise to offer their congratulations, and Martin accompanied her, socializing and seeking out specific individuals based on information he had gathered the previous night.
Surprisingly, one of his targets came to greet them, escorted by the chairman himself. It was a slim, middle-aged man named Wu Maoting, accompanied by his daughter, Wu Thant.
The chairman introduced them, emphasizing Wu Maoting's role as a jewellery businessman who had sponsored the emerald trophy.
Louise and Martin exchanged greetings with Wu Maoting and Wu Thant, who spoke relatively fluent English.
They engaged in conversation about cocktails for a while, and after the father-daughter duo sampled Louise's newly created cocktails, they moved on to mingle with others.
Martin discreetly observed Wu Maoting, and when there was a lull in the conversation, Louise asked, "Is there something significant about him?"
Martin, who had researched him the previous night, responded, "I read about him in the information I found last night. He's the owner of jadeite mines."
Louise wondered if he might be a potential investor, considering she was not well-versed in Myanmar's affairs.
Martin explained, "Many conflicts in Myanmar revolve around jade mines. Mine owners are often minor warlords or agents supported by warlords. They might have a good year, but next year, they could fall from grace. Even if they manage to hold onto their mining business for a while, they often seek a safer path for future generations."
Louise understood, asking, "So, he's the target you identified that is likly to invest in the film industry?"
Martin confirmed, "Yes, according to the public information I found, he and his daughter are shareholders and producer of a film and television production company in Hong Kong City."
"Jade is undeniably one of the most cherished jeweled comorbidity in East and Southeast Asia, and Hong Kong City stands as a pivotal consumer market," Louise remarked.
Martin quipped, "Well, my heart is willing, even if my brain isn't functioning at its best. I've been researching people associated with the film and television industry lately."
Louise nodded approvingly, teasing, "You're certainly putting in the effort."
Martin confessed sincerely, "Honestly, without your background, I wouldn't have ventured into business. I'd probably just be waiting around."
Seeing that Wu Maoting was alone for the moment, he whispered to Louise, "I'll approach him and gauge his interest."
Encouragingly, Louise replied, "The efforts you're making now could lead to a promising future."
This exchange reminded Martin of the advice he often gave to Thomas: "What's messed up can eventually be fixed."
With a glass of wine in hand, Martin strolled around the venue and discreetly approached Wu Maoting. They coincidentally crossed paths while moving about.
"Hello, Mr. Wu," Martin greeted with a warm smile. "That jade trophy is quite remarkable. Oriental green gemstones like that exude a regal beauty. By the way, I've heard about top-tier imperial green jade. Do you happen to have any? Louise will be walking the red carpet at a movie premiere soon, and I thought a heart-shaped pendant in imperial green jade would make for a splendid gift."
Wu Maoting replied, "I'm afraid I don't have any in stock." Catching Martin's interest, he inquired, "A movie premiere, you say?"
Martin patiently explained, "Indeed, both Louise and I are more than just bartenders. She's the CEO of Hollywood Pacific Pictures, and I'm a Hollywood movie star. Perhaps you've seen 'House of Wax'? I played the lead role. Soon, I'll have another movie releasing. Louise has invested tens of millions in it."
While Wu Maoting didn't seem overly impressed by the Hollywood star status, he seemed intrigued by Louise's position. "I didn't realize Ms. Meyer was so accomplished," he admitted.
Martin emphasized the significance of Louise: "She's Hollywood's youngest female multimillionaire, one of the most successful female producers, capable of attracting investment groups from around the world. She's a remarkable entrepreneur and artist. Plus, she's an outstanding alumnus of the University of Southern California Film School."
With an interest in Hollywood growing, Wu Maoting asked, "Attracting investment from all over the world?"
Martin affirmed with a smile, "Hollywood serves as a global hub for film and television production. It draws in talent, technology, and funding from every corner of the world, creating exceptional movies and advancing the art of cinema. It also rewards investors generously. Many filmmakers from Hong Kong City have found success in Hollywood."
Wu Maoting mentioned, "Jackie Chan."
Martin nodded appreciatively. "His martial arts skills are truly impressive. I've watched numerous Hong Kong kung fu films, from the early days of Shaw Brothers to later films featuring Wong Fei-hung and Jackie Chan's 'Police Story' series, as well as John Woo's action-packed shootouts. They're all classics."
With the conversation shifting, Wu Maoting commented, "Sadly, the Hong Kong City film market has shrunk in recent years, and there haven't been many standout films."
Martin continued, "Many Hong Kong filmmakers have sought opportunities in Hollywood, and most have thrived. Compared to icons like Jackie Chan and Jet Li, I'm just a newcomer. John Woo, for instance, was handpicked by Tom Cruise to direct 'Mission: Impossible 2' and design the action sequences himself. Mr. Yuen Woo-ping's action choreography team played a pivotal role in the success of 'The Matrix' series." He didn't mention the failures, as if making it in Hollywood was almost a given for anyone from Hong Kong City.
Wu Maoting, with investments in a Hong Kong City film company and an interest in Hollywood, asked, "Is Ms. Meyer's visit solely for the bartender conference?"
With the opportunity arising, Martin briefly explained the concept of a slate: "In addition to the conference, we're here to attract investors. Hollywood produces a vast number of films each year, and part of that output relies on joint financing. Louise is planning a major project this time. Have you heard of two Hong Kong filmmakers, Chong Man-keung and Mak Siu-fai?"
Wu Maoting nodded, saying, "I'm familiar with them."
Martin added the crucial piece of information: "The project involves them. Warner Bros. has acquired the adaptation rights to the Hong Kong film 'Infernal Affairs' and is gearing up to produce the American version."
Wu Maoting recalled, "I believe I've heard about it."
Continuing his pitch, Martin said, "The American version is directed by Martin Scorsese and stars Leonardo."
"The Martin Scorsese?" Wu Maoting asked, not so much about the Hollywood star but the acclaimed director.
Martin affirmed, "Yes, the very one! Louise's Pacific Pictures is preparing to invest in the project and has been in negotiations with Warner Bros. The total budget for the film may reach around $100 million. We've come here to find like-minded investors."
It became clear to Wu Maoting why Martin had approached him.
With this information in mind, Martin handed over Louise's business card and said, "If Mr. Wu is interested, feel free to contact us."
After some consideration, Wu Maoting accepted the card.
As Martin proceeded to speak with others, Wu Maoting took his leave from the reception, summoned his associates, and began making phone calls from his mobile.
He knew of Zhuang and Mai but wasn't personally acquainted with them. Nevertheless, as someone connected to the film company handling investments, he had the means to get in touch with them.
The next morning, Wu Maoting received detailed news and pertinent information from Los Angeles via fax.