America Tycoon: The Wolf of Showbiz

The single-theater screening of 'The Reader' filled to capacity for the first show, and the second screening was nearly full as well, as supporters of Martin and Kate easily filled the seats of the cinema.

In order to control word-of-mouth and to market it effectively, the crew's single-screening could even continue for two weekends.

Aiming for the Oscars, Kate Winslet spent a large sum of money to create a media blitz.

"Kate Winslet delivered the most brilliant performance of her career."

"Kate's performance stunned the audience, and Martin's role was definitely not overshadowed."

Martin kept a much lower profile compared to Kate and was even more pragmatic. Coca-Cola once again sponsored the Oscar campaign funds, along with Brioni and Cadillac, each providing a sum of money.

They also wanted Martin to appear on the Oscars red carpet in their brands.

"This time, our goal is a Best Actor nomination," Thomas said very realistically, "Winning would be too difficult.

Leonardo, who wasn't aiming for the Oscars this year and not running the gauntlet, came to join in the fun at Martin's, deliberately saying, "The old guys at the Academy's favorite person moved to Los Angeles in the first half of the year to prepare for the Oscar Best Actor race.

Martin named the person, "Daniel Day-Lewis."

Jessica, flipping through computer data, said, "His starring role in 'There Will Be Blood' will soon screen in Los Angeles, and at the screenings held so far, the film and Daniel Day-Lewis's performance have both been explosive."

Martin looked at Leonardo, "No wonder you don't have any award-contending films this year."

"Can't help it, the Academy's old guys love him too much," said Leonardo, who had acted opposite Daniel, "You know? Compared to the average artist, Daniel Day-Lewis can swallow his pride in promotion and public relations, and for campaigning, he participates in various events, quite like the young Jack."

Martin nodded and said to Thomas, "You handle the negotiations, getting a Best Actor nomination would be a victory."

The brief meeting ended, Leonardo stepped out to take a call, and Jessica went back to the office.

Thomas found Martin alone and said, "Ari personally asked me about your contract renewal."

Martin's three-year agent contract with WMA was nearing its end, and many were eagerly waiting.

Instead of answering, he asked Thomas, "What's your opinion?"

This made Thomas feel valued as if Martin were considering his advice.

After four years of collaboration, Thomas knew Martin well and thought for a moment before saying, "If WMA can reduce their agency commission to five percent and lower the downstream DVD and film rights revenue to match your status, I suggest you continue with WMA."

He placed himself on the same side as Martin, "Our collaboration with WMA has always been good, without any major conflicts. It's better to work with familiar people and companies than to adapt to a new one. Moreover, WMA is also making a move and will assist you fully in the Best Actor nomination."

Martin, having made his decision, wouldn't hesitate, "Go and talk to WMA, don't leave them hanging. If the terms are good, you can bring them directly to sign the new contract with me."

Thomas agreed and left to return to the talent agency, heading straight into Ari Emanuel's office.

Martin checked the time, changed into a hand-crafted Brioni suit and left with Leonardo to Kate's residence in Los Angeles.

Tonight, Kate was hosting a screening party, inviting many guests.

The car stopped by the roadside, and when they got out, they ran into CAA partner Bryan Lord also getting out of his car.

Upon seeing Martin and Leonardo, Lord's face showed a hint of discomfort but still took the initiative to greet them and said to Martin, "Could we chat alone?"

Martin slowed down and asked, "What is it?"

Though there were some unpleasantness between CAA and Martin, this didn't stop Bryan Lord from trying to poach Martin, "Your contract with WMA is almost up, isn't it? Are you interested in joining CAA?"

Noticing that Martin didn't immediately object, Lord went on, "The terms of cooperation could be in line with the treatment of a blockbuster star, and I would personally plan your career development."

Martin didn't decline outright but shifted the pressure onto Thomas, allowing the agent to carry the burden, "My collaboration with Thomas Ryan has been very pleasant, and we are also friends in private. I haven't thought about changing agents."

Lord immediately understood that Martin hadn't entirely refused; first, he would have to win over his agent.

Martin was leaning towards re-signing with WMA, but it wasn't a WMA-only option; he could use CAA to pressure WMA for better terms.

He hurried a few steps and caught up with Leonardo.

Leonardo said, "CAA wants to poach you? Actually, you don't need to deal with talent agencies. After my last contract with CAA expired, I never signed with any talent agency again."

Martin asked, "Entertainment law?"

"It's not just me using a manager to get work," Leonardo, who had had a rather unpleasant time with CAA, said, "Even Director Scorsese doesn't have an agent now."

Martin was self-aware and knew he wasn't on the same level as Leonardo and Scorsese, "What works for you doesn't suit everyone."

The two entered the mansion and met the elegantly dressed couple, Kate Winslet and Sam Mendes.

After saying hello, Martin and Leonardo mingled freely.

It was no secret what Leonardo was looking for; wherever there were blondes with long legs, that's where his gaze fell.

Leonardo pointed towards a corner of the banquet hall, "Look there, that's your favorite, isn't it?"

Martin looked over to find Harvey Weinstein and Georgina Chapman.

Leonardo said, "In her early 30s, stunning, and married— isn't that just your type?"

Martin became angry, "Stop slandering me, I'm a committed man."

Martin, however, strode over with big steps.

Leonardo, of course, followed behind to cheer him on while also watching the excitement.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

As they neared, Martin took the initiative to greet her, "Hi, Georgina, long time no see."

Georgina's face filled with smiles when she saw Martin, and she moved forward to greet him with a cheek kiss, saying cheerfully, "The Angela Lindvall and Carolina you introduced me to have helped me penetrate the fashion industry even further. My brand now covers not only the entertainment industry and award seasons, but it also made it onto New York's Met Gala this year."

Martin replied with a smile, "Congratulations, that's a really fantastic achievement."

Georgina acted somewhat close to Martin, "It's all thanks to your help. KK and Angela can't stop singing your praises."

Seeing Harvey Weinstein approaching, Martin said, "I'm glad I could help. We're all striving in the industry, no problem is too big, and it's best when we can help each other out."

Hearing this, Harvey construed it as Martin extending an olive branch and said, "You've finally grasped a crucial point."

Martin responded, "Harvey, I've always had a great deal of respect for you; there might have been some misunderstandings between us in the past."

Georgina chimed in, "Exactly, any misunderstandings can be cleared up if we talk it out directly." She looked toward her husband, "Harvey, Martin is really a good guy."

Harvey Weinstein, looking at Martin, said, "I'll invite you and Leo to a party I'm throwing one of these days."

Leonardo, who had been waiting for a good show, thought Martin had an ulterior motive and, taking into account his bet with Nicholson regarding Georgina Chapman's fate, quickly replied, "I'm all good with that."

Martin nodded with a smile.

Georgina switched the topic back and talked with Martin about the fun times she'd had with KK and Angela Lindvall.

After chatting for five or six minutes, Martin proactively said his goodbyes.

As they left, Leonardo reminded Martin, "Don't forget our wager. When will you start making your move? Do you need Jack and me to back you up? We don't mind helping you out more."

Martin's face darkened, "Am I the kind of person who goes after someone's wife or girlfriend?"

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Leonardo nodded seriously, "You are."

Martin couldn't be bothered to say more.

Last year's incident with Pitt wasn't linked to Harvey Weinstein, and the "World News Report" also didn't expose any related news, leading Martin to believe that Weinstein's Jewish identity might have played a role.

The Jews in Hollywood got treated way too well.

Even an actor of Mel Gibson's caliber verbally assaulted the Jews when drunk and his career plummeted off a cliff.

Martin knew how to keep his cool and go his own way, which was the best.

However, if Harvey didn't let go of his grudge, Martin had ways of upping the ante.

During the screening event, not only full movies were shown but also some spectacular excerpts.

Especially the parts where Kate performed exceptionally well.

Similarly, in most scenes where Kate appeared, Martin, the male lead, was also present.

He also garnered quite a bit of attention.

Leonardo watched the images on the screen and suddenly fell silent.

It wasn't until the end of the screening event, when everyone else had dispersed, that Leonardo said to Martin, "I've realized that you're better than me in terms of acting."

Martin was not modest in the least, "There are many areas where I'm better than you, like running a hundred meters... "

Leonardo frowned and delivered a triple roar, "You rode in my car here, want to bet I'll leave you stranded?"

Martin decisively shut up and didn't continue.

On the way, he called Nicholson to arrange a meeting at the Night Color Club for some face-washing services.

The soft and fragrant facial wash was something to linger over and invigorate the spirit.

Meanwhile, Harvey Weinstein did not follow Georgina home after leaving the screening event; instead, he went to a nightclub to join a Foot Clan gathering.

In the VIP room, Quentin pulled out a tissue and wiped the corners of his mouth.

The nightclub girl, whose toes had whitened and wrinkled, slipped on her high heels and, with a thick stack of tips, left the VIP room.

If every client were as generous as these few perverts, it would be perfect.

Quentin crumpled the tissue and threw it in the trash, reminiscing for a while before saying, "Harvey, I've settled on the setting for my new film, World War II, an assassination attempt on Hitler."

Harvey believed in Quentin's ability and said, "You handle the project planning, leave the other matters to me."

Quentin added, "I've been thinking about it since last year's party. I wanted to cast Brad Pitt as the leading man, but under the current circumstances, with several unfinished lawsuits and no settlements reached, I don't dare to use him. His box-office draw is also hard to gauge now."

"Don't consider Pitt anymore." Harvey had been keeping track of Pitt's affairs and was well-informed, "We should stay away from him. As for the leading man, I might have a good candidate. Once you've written the script, I'll talk to him."