America Tycoon: The Wolf of Showbiz

In the hospital ward, two old acquaintances of Martin paid a visit.

From the Los Angeles Police Department came Bradt, who had maintained contact with Martin ever since the Burbank Middle School incident.

The FBI sent Nevies, whom Martin had encountered during the spy incident in Washington.

Martin had good relations with both sides.
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After exchanging greetings and pleasantries, and someone taking routine statements, they gradually got to the point.

Nevies spoke first, "Nine armed desperados, seven dead on the spot, only two survived, one with a fractured skull who could meet God at any moment, and the other will no longer be a man..."

He gave Martin a thumbs-up, "You only sustained some minor injuries, truly remarkable."

Martin remained poker-faced, "In that situation, I had no choice but to fight for my life and seize any chance for survival."

Bradt picked up the conversation, "Those Russians were overly fierce, had no respect for the law, and brazenly committed violent acts -- they deserve severe punishment!"

Martin said, "Extremely fierce. If I hadn't been lucky, perhaps I would have been the one to die."

Nevies naturally added, "These Russians have undergone rigorous special agent training, they are a bunch of killing machines. You're lucky to be alive."

Martin was slightly taken aback, then he caught on to Nevies' implication, "You're right, they are all Russians who have endured extreme training."

Bradt laughed, "They were strong and professional enough to slip into Los Angeles quietly, invisible to regular police detection."

Martin didn't respond, instead quietly observing the two men in front of him.

Nevies continued, "After the Washington spy case, Martin, once again you've thwarted the scheming of Russian spies!"

Bradt immediately followed up, "Martin, you are without a doubt the hero of Los Angeles."

Martin didn't beat around the bush with these two, and while sitting up in bed, he said, "I'm injured and have lost a lot of blood, my head isn't working too fast, and I'm having trouble understanding your point."

Bradt glanced at Nevies.

The latter said, "According to our initial interrogation and investigation of the two injured, they launched this attack mainly for revenge and to create chaos, affecting the critical moment of the American election. Martin, as a well-known Democrat and having personally participated in capturing Russian spies in Washington..."

Martin watched quietly, saying nothing for the moment.

Nevies went on, "So as Guanhai was about to arrive in Los Angeles, the colleagues and relatives from the Washington spy case launched this vengeful attack on you."

Martin turned to Bradt, with whom he had a better relationship, and asked, "Is that really the case?"

Bradt replied, "This is the most favorable outcome for us, you will become a national hero of America."

"We have always been friends, and I can cooperate with you in any way," Martin hinted, "You at least need to let me know who they are and why they launched the attack. Although I have some ideas, I need to know more."

After a brief moment of thought, Bradt said, "You might have guessed already, but the man you blew up with Coke had a son whose head you exploded in the same manner at Burbank Middle School!"

Martin nodded, "Pretty much what I thought, a revenge indeed."

Bradt added, "Boris's son died in a Californian prison."

Martin smiled wryly, "No wonder they were so persistent in their vendetta against me."

If a man's son and grandson were both dead, it was no surprise the old man would be desperate for revenge.

Nevies said, "Aside from those who appeared at the Santa Monica Pier, Boris has six other men stuck due to passport issues, either unable to enter the terminal or having flown to Canada. We need a substantial charge to arrest or have our neighbors assist in detaining these men for extradition."

Arresting high-profile Russian spies would bring much more credit to the LAPD and FBI than simply killing a Hollywood star.

Besides, Russian spies causing trouble wouldn't be a good look for the LAPD and FBI.

The Russian bear was still quite intimidating to the people of North America.

Martin understood the situation and reiterated, "We're old friends, I will certainly help however I can."

Bradt understood what Martin meant and said, "Actually, before coming here, I'd communicated with the higher-ups. Both the Los Angeles Police Department and the City Hall will acknowledge your actions.

Martin, for your outstanding contribution to the security of Los Angeles, for saving hundreds at the Pier, and as a representative figure in cultural and artistic fields, we will strongly advocate for today to be known as 'Martin Day' in Los Angeles..."

Aside from money, there are also pursuits of spiritual fulfilment. Martin was no exception, and the LAPD was very sincere.

Nevies directly stated, "The FBI has a nomination spot for the Presidential Medal of Freedom."

Martin replied, "I have one already."

Nevies smiled, "Not the regular one from last time, but with your influence and the merit of this incident, you are fully eligible for the distinguished version of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, with the star and grand sash."

Martin laughed, saying, "I'll also need an official professional certification from the FBI."

Nevies asked, "What kind of certification?"

Martin replied directly, "Good shooting skills, exceptional agility, probably something along those lines."

Nevies agreed at once, "No problem, I will find a professional to certify you." He was personally very interested in Martin's movie, "Is it a buildup for your gun battle action movie that's going to be released next year?"

Martin saw no need to deny, "Yes, John Wick, you can check it out if you're interested."

Nevies said, "The FBI will definitely buy tickets to support it when the time comes. Watching your performance today—the way you annihilated your opponents—I'm sure the film will be spectacular."

Bradt saw that they had reached an agreement and said, "Russian spies are truly detestable. We won't linger here any longer. We're going back to root out the rest of them and give you a proper report."

Nevies also stated, "I guarantee that all the Russian spies involved will be caught in one fell swoop, ensuring that they won't threaten your safety."

Martin said, "We all despise Russian spies!"

These two had dealt with Martin before and had an unspoken understanding on matters like this, so they quickly left after reaching an agreement.

Martin then called Thomas over, briefly explained the situation to him, and asked for his cooperation.

Elizabeth entered from outside the door, intending to remind Martin to rest, when Blanco of Cartier watches arrived.

This Frenchman had already put away his white handkerchief. Upon entering, he first expressed his sympathies to Martin, insisting that Cartier would cover all medical and labor costs.

Martin expressed his gratitude and added, "I didn't expect that what was just an advertisement shoot would turn out like this."

He indicated his injured left arm, "The advertisement can't be shot in the short term, so it has to be postponed."

"It's not a problem," said Blanco, or rather Cartier, unworried, "Take your time to heal. Once you're recovered, we can talk about shooting the advertisement."

Although the advertisement wasn't completed, the incident had a huge impact. The media was covering it extensively, and whenever Martin's incident was mentioned, it was noted that it occurred during the shooting of a Cartier watch advertisement.

Without saying anything else, the recognition of Cartier watches had increased significantly.

Moreover, in many of the videos shot by journalists at the scene, Martin could be seen wearing a Cartier watch on his left wrist.

Blanco comforted Martin, "Rest easy and don't worry. Contact me if there's any issue. I will be staying in Los Angeles during this time."

Martin nodded, "I will."

Blanco exchanged a few courteous words with Elizabeth, left the hospital room, called his assistant, and left the hospital building. Once in the car, he did not rush to leave.

The sky outside had darkened, and the lights in the parking lot turned on.

After some consideration, Blanco told his assistant, "Get in touch with the director and editor. Have them select footage of Martin wearing the Cartier watch from the videos being reported today, and edit a special advertisement. The compensation and cost will still be as if producing a full advertisement."

The assistant admired Blanco's idea profusely and took the opportunity to flatter their boss, "BOSS, that's a brilliant idea!"

Blanco commented, "It's all thanks to Martin's strength. If he hadn't attracted the criminals' attention and taken them all down, had there been serious casualties, we might be facing a massive compensation."

He instructed the driver, "Let's go."

Before the driver could leave the parking lot, a luxury car drove up and parked nearby. The executives from Coca-Cola got out of the car.

Blanco watched them through the car window, thinking to himself that the sponsorship money paid by Coca-Cola was well worth it, considering the outstanding advertising effect.

Time and again, Coca-Cola proved to be a killer prop in Martin's hands!

Lamelas, the Global Marketing Director of Coca-Cola, was attending an event in California and came over immediately after hearing the news.

Getting out of the car, Lamelas didn't hurry into the hospital building but instead called the headquarters in Atlanta to inquire, "How goes it? Have you made a decision?"

The CEO responded, "We just concluded a meeting 15 minutes ago and unanimously decided to appoint Martin Davis as a lifetime spokesperson for Coca-Cola. Atlanta will immediately assemble a professional team to head to Los Angeles for discussions with Martin's representatives. You can inform him of this good news in advance."

"This will be the best comfort for him," Lamelas said as he entered the hospital building.

As darkness enveloped the sky, countless supporters of Martin gathered at the hospital entrance. Rachel and Phoebe were at the very front, with each person pulling out a candle.

The media reporters at the scene immediately directed their camera operators to turn the live broadcast cameras over.

Rachel had specifically chosen a time when the prime time news was on, facilitating live coverage by all the major media outlets.

The scene at the medical center's entrance was broadcast live through TV and the internet, reaching throughout North America.

Rachel and Phoebe were the first to light the candles. Countless fans at the scene also lit their candles. Under the night sky, the flickering candlelight was solemn, and everyone appeared deeply somber.

They placed their candles on the ground and clasped their hands in prayer for Martin.

The continuous news kept the pier attack incident in the spotlight.