America Tycoon: The Wolf of Showbiz

Martin came up from behind and stood by the railing, greeting him, "Morning, Wes."

Craven, refreshed and clear-headed, asked, "Did you come up with all this?"

"Most of it," Martin turned around and motioned for someone outside to come in. Waiting for Mene to enter, he said, "And him, he did a lot of the preparation work for me."

Craven inquired, "What's your name?"

Mene looked at Martin before responding, "Mene Seth, a minor actor."

Craven nodded, "I'll remember you. If there's anything, I'll have Martin contact you."

Mene, surprised and quite excited, wanted to say something but knew his own mouth was prone to causing trouble, so he just nodded vigorously before departing from the terrace.

Craven asked, "Got any cigars?"

Martin went to fetch a cigar for him.

Craven sat at the table, leisurely lighting his cigar, and commented, "I've seen 'Zombie Stripper' that you starred in."

Martin wasn't surprised; Craven had come to attend the party and would certainly have done his basic homework on the host. He promptly replied with a smile, "It's my honor."

"Quite an interesting performance," Craven boasted for himself, "I had as much zest in my youth."

Martin complimented, "Wes, you're in your prime even now; I can imagine how impressive you were back in the day."

Ah, men care about these things, and Craven laughed heartily, "I'm getting old, not what I used to be. Last night, I struggled with both Freddy and Jason."

Changing the topic abruptly, he asked directly, "Martin, with this interesting party you've thrown, what do you want?"

Martin responded, "'Zombie Dancer' has been nominated for the Best Young Actor at the Saturn Awards."

Craven took a puff of his cigar, "I see, a trifle."

To someone like Wes Craven, things that actors of Martin's caliber couldn't hope for often seemed insignificant.

Martin changed the subject, asking, "What would you like for breakfast?"

Craven exhaled a mouthful of smoke, "It's almost noon, can't waste last night's interesting stakes, I plan to bankrupt Patrick!"

Martin mentioned, "They're still sound asleep."

"Look at them, nowhere near as tough as us two," Craven said with pride. "If they don't take care of themselves, they won't be able to have fun in the future."

Martin, keenly capturing that Craven was particularly concerned and fond of boasting about men's prowess, purposefully asked, "Wes, do you have any secrets for maintenance? Could you share a tip with me?"

Craven replied, "You're young now and talented, you don't need it."

Martin insisted, "I want to be as full of fire as you later on."

Those words hit home for Craven, who laughed again and said, "There are no secrets really, it's mostly natural talent and then it's about exercising regularly and eating more meat."

Martin nodded, "I really wish I had a strong body like Jason's, with strong recovery abilities too."

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Remembering last night's Jason, Craven was still feeling elated. Combined with his fondness for Martin, he asked, "If your whole family was killed by a psychotic murderer, what would you do?"

Seizing the opportunity, Martin declared, "I would turn dark, become more twisted than the murderer!"

Craven gestured casually, "Do a performance."

Martin adjusted his breathing slightly and immersed himself in a new role, presenting a performance of a revenge-crazed maniac.

Craven's cigar rested in his hand, unwavering as he watched Martin's performance with great attention. Martin's acting was far superior to Depp's in "Nightmare on Elm Street."

"That will do," he called a stop to Martin's act. "Give me your contact info and keep it open."

Martin nodded, "You can reach me anytime."

The two chatted idly on the terrace, their topic never straying from women.

Hearing Martin bring up aerial acrobatics, Craven couldn't hide his envy, "I never tried that when I was younger and in shape, now I wouldn't dare."

Martin suggested playfully, "Get a crane, design a rotating box, swing back and forth in the air."

Craven expressed his admiration, "You really know how to have fun."

"Right, Martin knows how to play best." Patrick joined them on the terrace, commending, "Those nurses last night were so enticing, terrifying and sexy at the same time, more heart-racing than the T800."

Martin laughed, "Robert, you're not right in the head."

Patrick pulled up a chair to sit down, "Don't sweat the small stuff; last night was great."

Zomi, Benjamin, Alexander, and Michel also arrived at the terrace, utterly pleased with the previous night's party.

Their conversation drifted from women to films, heatedly engaging in the topics.

Wes Craven said directly, "I have a new idea, which is also about a group of psychotic killers, but what's different this time is that I want to further integrate the concept of family. The tragic deaths of his family members will ignite the courage within the male protagonist, and in the end, he slaughters that group of psychopaths in an even wilder manner."

He announced it in front of everyone because he wanted people to know that Wes Craven is a man of the scene, not a miser, "Haven't you guys noticed a fact? Martin is even more twisted than the psychos, so he's the most suited for this role."

Patrick chimed in appropriately, "Wes, you're not planning to throw a wild party on set, that's why you specifically picked Martin, this screw-up, are you?"

Craven laughed heartily, "That's a great idea, Robert, I'll definitely call you up when it's time."

Michel asked in surprise, "You're not going to invite us?"

Craven replied, "You screw-ups, not one of you can be missed!"

Martin said earnestly, "I need to think carefully if there are any new tricks to play. Right, you guys help me come up with ideas, one person can think of only so many."

The others echoed in agreement.

After some laughter and jokes, Craven returned to the main topic, "Martin, I will soon put together a film crew, and the script might be finished a bit later. I'll give you a call when it's time for you to come get the script."

"No problem," Martin responded.

The money spent on the party was well worth it.

Indeed, men who have been through the trenches together have extraordinary relationships.

Martin also truly understood why there were so many group parties in Hollywood.

At this time, Benjamin asked, "The film crew is almost set up, and the script isn't finished yet?"

Craven was surprised, "Isn't that normal?"

Patrick explained to his fellow townsman, "In Hollywood, it's often the project and the film crew that come first, then the script."

Benjamin understood, "No wonder screenwriters have a lower status."

Craven, who started as a screenwriter, said, "Who the hell would be a pure screenwriter if they can be the lead actor, director, or producer."

Alexander Aga pitched in, "I do have a story idea, Wes, it matches your story quite well."

Craven replied, "Did I give you my contact information yesterday? Alright, find a day when you're free to meet with me, we can sit down and have a good chat. Right now, all I can think about is bankrupting Robert."

Patrick looked at his watch and said, "Guys, it's almost noon. I lost yesterday and a bet is a bet. Let's head out now to Lemon Acid Restaurant for a French feast."

Everyone left the restaurant to find their rooms and change clothes.

When Martin came out, he found Alexander Aga leaning by the door waiting for him. He pulled Martin over, put an arm around his shoulders, and asked, "What's up?"

Alexander said, "Nothing much, just wanted to say thanks. I've just arrived in Los Angeles, and you helped me meet Wes Craven. I make horror films, and Craven's influence in the Hollywood horror and thriller industry is enormous. His word could save me years of effort."

Martin shook his shoulder, "We all have to fend for ourselves in this circle, it's all about helping each other. The more people you know, the wider your network, the easier your path in the future. You never know when I might need your help."

"That's true," Alexander said with a laugh, "Michel told me you're an outstanding actor. Maybe we could collaborate some time."

Martin responded, "As long as the opportunity is right, that's no problem at all."

The group assembled in front of the villa and then got into their cars, heading straight for downtown Los Angeles.

Bruce, the professional cleaner, stayed behind to deal with the cleaning and other issues, making sure not to leave any trace of Martin and the others.

The one driving Martin now was the loyal Mene.

Before leaving, Martin took the time to introduce him to everyone.

Mene didn't stop talking from the moment Martin got in the car, "Boss, whatever you need me to do, just command me. I'd even blow Antonio without furrowing my brow, or let Old Cloth take the back door willingly!"

Martin warned, "Careful, or Old Cloth might get rid of you."

Mene hurriedly said, "Forget that last part." He tried to look serious, "Over the years, I've acknowledged quite a few people, but as soon as they saw an opportunity, they kicked me to the curb. That's nothing like you, Boss Martin, who fights for my chances right in front of me."

Martin waved his hand, "All these are small matters, I wouldn't let you have a leading role opportunity even if I had one."

Mene swore, "Anyone who dares to steal your leading role, I'll fight them to the death. Boss Martin, I can't guarantee much else, but I've charmed many older women. Just let me sweet talk them a bit, and although pulling strings might not be easy, digging a little pit for someone is no challenge."

Martin said, "If needed, I won't be polite with you."

Mene, beaming with joy, said, "My talents with words and wit are ranked in the entire club… no, in the whole of Los Angeles."

Martin remembered the casting director, "Don't lose touch with Mary Gale. It's always ten times luckier to look for women than men."

Mene was aware of this area, "I don't want to get blasted either."

Men with normal orientations don't want to be gay; the idea of doing or being done is unacceptable.

The group arrived in Los Angeles. Patrick had already booked seats at Lemon Acid Restaurant the day before. The French cuisine was too sophisticated, and the atmosphere was somewhat eerie with a bunch of men dining together.

Craven said, "We should have gone for Brazilian barbecue."

Martin replied, "Next time we have a party, let's go to a more relaxed restaurant."

After a communal lunch, the group of men, who had sharpened their guns together, decided not to drink anymore and went their separate ways.