America Tycoon: The Wolf of Showbiz

Susan opened her arms, gesturing for all the crew members to stand up.

Martin and the others turned around to face the audience and clap.

At the premiere of his first film, Zomi was incredibly excited and came over to hug Martin, "I still can't believe this is real!"

Martin laughed and said, "Buddy, after the first one comes the second one!"

Zomi was overjoyed and turned to embrace the other crew members.

Martin high-fived Susan and fist-bumped Mene.

Mene said, "I had a terrible death, stabbed with giant scissors, and I didn't even get a close-up when I died."

Martin put some strength into his hand and thumped heavily on his fist, "You're the second most famous person in the crew after Paris."

Mene laughed heartily, knowing that even if his acting career didn't take off, his status in the club would certainly rise.

Susan led the main cast and crew members on stage in front of the screen to take a bow.

And with that, the premiere came to an end.

Martin followed the crew through a side door into a nearby resting room.

The crew had prepared champagne.

Everyone raised their glasses to celebrate the successful premiere of the film.

Martin glanced at Eliza, who wasn't drinking alcohol but pure natural juice instead.

Thomas came over to remind him, "We'll leave together in a bit."

Martin knew he had something to say, "No problem."

The atmosphere among the crew was quite good, even the worried Zomi and Susan had smiles on their faces.

Susan also shrewdly noticed this, and without waiting till the next day, she went to Parker, the person in charge of publicity, and said, "Keep pushing the Paris angle."

Many films often only need to strike a chord with the audience in one aspect for the box office to benefit significantly.

......

After the premiere, martin's supporters, including Rachel, Emily, Jessica, and Phoebe, came out of the cinema and didn't disperse right away.

Jessica suggested, "It's not easy for us to get together through Martin, why don't we all go for a drink?"

Rachel checked the time, "We shouldn't stay out too late; the area's been unsafe lately."

Martin's role was good, wasn't it? Make sure to say some positive things about Martin on blogs and movie websites when you get back!"

Phoebe reminded, "You can rate on IMDB."

The freckled-faced boy said, "Martin was great, and he looks good too. It's just a pity he wasn't the lead."

Another person added, "The male lead, second only to the leading lady."

Rachel raised her voice, "Don't forget to rate and comment on Martin's blog. If you have a blog, remember to write a post about it. Also, spread the word about the film to people around you."

The others agreed eagerly.

Fans are a peculiar breed; there are things they fervently do without any personal benefit, which outsiders find hard to comprehend.

Emily and Jessica shouted loudest, "Let's cheer for Martin together!"

Rachel and the others also shouted, "Let's cheer!"

......

Journalists and paparazzi are inseparable from any grand film premiere.

Especially in places like Los Angeles, there are a plethora of paparazzi, in addition to reporters employed by various media outlets, all eager to chase after hot topics.

As the main actors of the crew approached the exit, Parker left first, then called to say that a lot of reporters had gathered outside.

Susan turned to Mene, "Go on, make some headlines."

Mene walked towards the main entrance, looking back every three steps, "Won't I end up like Diana?"

Martin encouraged him, "Now you're the spotlight; you're the only star among us. Go ahead, draw all the fire away."

"Here I go!" Mene spread his arms wide, stepped out of the theater exit, and shouted, "Where's the flash? Light it up!"

In that moment, the entrance was as bright as daylight, and Mene was like a superstar.

Then a reporter shouted, "Mene, there's a rumor you and Paris made 'that kind' of a video, is that true?"

Mene, escorted by theater security, squeezed towards the vehicle, giving a vague response, "What video? I can't quite remember."

Another reporter yelled, "Will you be there to pick up Paris when she gets out of jail?"

Mene responded passionately, "I'll go see her, I love her!"

Both sides needed each other and cooperated well.

After Mene got into the car, a swarm of paparazzi followed after him.

In the grand scheme of Los Angeles, because of his close relationship with Paris Hilton, uncle Mene was absolutely a hot topic.

The others came out of the theater one after another, each getting into their cars and leaving.

Thomas got into Martin's car.

Bruce made a turn at an intersection and warned, "There are two motorcycles following behind."

Thomas looked back and said, "No worries, just freelance paparazzi."

Martin laughed, "Now I'm being tailed too."

"Being a star means getting used to this," Thomas said, "Since you've stepped into the public eye, don't fear the paparazzi. Not only do the paparazzi need stars, but stars also need the paparazzi."

Martin thought about the scoop on Kardashian, "Paris often has someone call the paparazzi to leak her own news."

Thomas seriously added, "This is worth learning from."

Martin was very conscientious, "Don't worry, I will cooperate fully when needed."

"We'll decide which kind of news to publish after the first week's box office sales are out," Thomas had made preparations according to Martin's instructions, "If the box office is low, you're just a supporting actor. If it's good, you're the lead."

Martin said, "There's no rush on that."

As far as actors go, Eliza had the most to gain from success and also the most to lose from failure.

Then Thomas mentioned another matter, "Today you met with your fan club. It's not very big yet and is mostly centered around your blog."

Martin nodded, "Rachel is the lead organizer?"

Thomas remembered her, "She has some influence. Martin, you need an assistant. Someone to manage the blog and communicate with the fan club, but not now, of course."

Martin said as if it were to be expected, "For now, you're in charge."

Thomas opened his mouth to object but could only respond, "I'll handle it for the time being."

Martin had more thoughts, "Pay extra attention to the fan section of the blog. Communicate any problems promptly…"

Thomas thought to himself, how come it's all become my job? But then he considered that if "House of Wax" and "The Hills Have Eyes" performed well at the box office, Martin would be able to have his own office, and then the mailroom would assign an assistant.

Martin continued, "Is there a suitable company? I want to set up an official fan website. They can maintain the backend for now until a professional team takes over."

But Thomas commented, "You're thinking really far ahead, the blog is sufficient for now."

Martin smiled, "We find the right company, they propose a plan, we confirm the plan, and they produce it. All that takes time. If it's slow, then maybe it's ready by the time 'The Hills Have Eyes' is released."

Fans need to be managed.

Thomas said, "I'll ask around."

Martin wouldn't rely solely on his agent and would later inquire with Louise's side too.

Just like the accountant, he had turned down the candidate Thomas recommended.

At this stage, Martin and Thomas's interests aligned, and they could generally pull together effectively.

But who could guarantee the future?

Bruce drove to Century City and dropped off Thomas.

Martin called Louise; she was going to have a long night talk with Kate Winslet, so he had Old Cloth return to North Hollywood.

Kate was aiming for the awards, and as a longtime producer in Hollywood, Louise naturally had a certain network and clout.

Martin was well aware that film quality, acting, and character were often not the determining factors for Oscar success.

The most recent disaster happened just a few years ago. "Shakespeare in Love" was one thing, but the Queen had no idea the price she paid.

Two paparazzi on motorcycles had followed Martin all the way to the North Hollywood Apartment.

They even wanted to enter and take photos.

As they reached the entrance, they came across a dark, towering mountain of flesh.

Anthony, with Friendship Gun in arms, stood in the entrance hall, eyeing the paparazzi outside and warning, "This is private property, entry is forbidden."

Martin and Bruce stepped aside, because the standards of Friendship Gun were very peculiar.

Those who couldn't be shot were friends; anyone hit was definitely not a friend.

With a clack, the sound of Friendship Gun being cocked rang out.

The paparazzi turned tail and left.

Anthony wiped sweat from his brow, staggered a few steps, and sat down, lamenting, "It's going to be difficult to find peace around here anymore."

Martin went to the vending machine next door, bought a can of beer, and tossed it to Anthony, "Once I get all my earnings, I'll move out."

But Anthony countered, "Don't leave yet, I'm about to raise the rent, and you're the perfect excuse."

Martin spread his hands, "What's in it for me?"

Anthony glanced at Bruce, "Your and Old Cloth's rent won't go up."

Bruce looked at Anthony with an odd gaze.

The hefty landlord shrank back, "Old Cloth, what are you planning to do?"

Bruce went upstairs, "I'm off to rest."

Martin followed, reminding Anthony, "Keep the door secure."

"Yeah, sure," Anthony instinctively responded, then realized, why am I the one guarding the door?

The two headed upstairs.

The door diagonally across opened, Jessica and Amy emerged.

The latter exclaimed, "Martin, you are so cool."

Jessica quickly took the credit, "We rallied your fans to upvote and give positive reviews to the film online."

Martin hadn't specifically mentioned it, but he was pleased that they had taken the initiative and cordially said, "Amy, Jessie, thank you both."

Jessica hurriedly pulled Amy back, "Let's go. We need to register more accounts and hit the forums and IMDB with positive reviews."

Amy thought to herself that it was her idea but Jessie had jumped the gun. She hurried after her, "Martin, if you need our help, just call."

Martin answered, "I will."

As the door closed, Bruce accompanied Martin back to his apartment and said, "You're not even a star yet, and good people are already popping up around you."

Martin replied, "I can't only be surrounded by rotten people like you."

Bruce returned to his own apartment, "Go to sleep early, dream about being a big star, and when you wake up, you'll find you've been sold out and have nothing left."

Martin knew Old Cloth was reminding him, "Don't worry, I won't get dizzy from the success."