America Tycoon: The Wolf of Showbiz

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Atlanta, Robert rushed back into the office from outside and turned on the TV to ABC. The Oscar red carpet live broadcast had already begun.

Jerome pushed the door open and came in, still carrying a box of canned beer.

Robert took it and said, "The red carpet has started."

Jerome asked, "How likely is it that Martin will win an award?"

Robert glanced at the '03 Coca-Cola newly placed on the old wooden desk and said, "For the past two Oscars, Martin never called me for a ceremony. This time, he specifically made a call."

Jerome knew Robert was the High Priest of the Cola Cult and nodded immediately, "It seems Martin is confident of victory."

Suddenly, cheers came from the TV, followed by a thunderous and uniform chant.

"Eternal Cola Cult! Eternal Cola War God! Eternal Sect Leader Martin!"

Both saw on the live broadcast Martin raising a can of commemorative edition Coca-Cola, sharing a drink with many members of the Cola Cult.

Jerome said, "I've never seen an endorser manage to do what Martin has. In two life-and-death moments, Martin won using Coca-Cola. The promotional value is so great that no advertisement can compare!"

Robert nodded, "As Coca-Cola's lifetime endorser, Martin deserves it."

In front of the Kodak Theatre, Martin, holding Elizabeth's hand, entered the media zone. After the customary few words, they quickly left.

There was no need to show off here anymore given the high profile they had maintained recently.

Upon entering the lobby, Martin ran into Robert Downey Jr. and Susan Downey.

Downey opened his arms and hugged Martin, saying, "Buddy, congratulations."

Martin first shook hands with Susan before responding to Downey, "The results have not yet been announced; anything is possible."

Recalling four years earlier, Susan said, "Martin, you've come so far so fast. In the blink of an eye, you've become a superstar."

Martin replied with a smile, "I just got lucky."

Downey clenched his fist and bumped it with Martin's, "How is anyone supposed to compete with you? It's not fair!"

Martin helplessly said, "That's because I'm unlucky."

Considering it, Downey realized that was indeed the case. If Martin had been a bit weaker, there would probably be memorial services for him all over America.

Having seen the heights of glory and the depths of obscurity, now on the path back to the peak, his mindset was good as he nodded, "All this, you've earned."

Susan Downey rarely spoke; it was clear that in front of outsiders, Downey was the main focus.

The four of them entered the hall together. With the two crews sitting far apart, they quickly split up.

Martin, along with Elizabeth, made his way to the second row where The Dark Knight crew was seated. Nolan stood up and shook hands with him, "Fully recovered?"

During his last hospital visit to Martin, he was still an injured patient.

Martin nodded with a smile, "The Martin you know has truly returned."

Thanks to his hospital stay, Martin also cleared himself of mental illness and had now fully recovered both physically and mentally.

Members from the crew nominated for Best Editing and Best Sound also came over and fist-bumped with Martin.

In fact, they all knew that the person most likely to win tonight was Martin.

Nicholson and Leonardo came over one after another, their places right next to Martin. Experience more content on empire

Seeing Martin lively and kicking again, Leonardo said teasingly, "You bastard, you almost made Jack and me spend a fortune on tailoring suits!"

Martin was surprised, "What does that have to do with me?"

Nicholson joined in, "To attend your damned funeral!"

Elizabeth looked at the three men oddly. She couldn't grasp the way men bonded, especially with the three idiots beside her cracking all sorts of absurd jokes.

"I couldn't help it. I rolled at the gates of hell, and Satan just wouldn't let me in," said Martin, pretending to be serious. "He said he accepts anything but three things!"

Leonardo played along, "Which three?"

Martin pointed at the two of them and himself, "Nicholson, Leonardo, and Martin Davis! Because Satan is afraid we'll mess with Him!"

The two old friends burst into laughter.

The Trio of Scoundrels had stood together in the face of death and become true hardcore pals.

At that moment, Nicholson added, "The Trio of Scoundrels took down over a dozen armed agents and terrorists, making a name throughout Hollywood!"

Leonardo held his head high, taking pride in their accomplishment.

Without his 100-meter dash in 11 seconds, Nicholson wouldn't have been commanding from on high, and Martin wouldn't have been able to take down those bandits.

Martin also laughed, "The three of us together, even Satan doesn't dare to take us, let alone anybody else!"

Leonardo continued, "Tonight, Nicholson and I are both going to be presenting awards."

Martin stated, "I originally wanted to compete for presenting Best Picture, but I've had enough exposure lately; I'll let someone else have it."

Nicholson then remarked, "There's going to be a surprise later."

As they spoke, Kate Winslet approached, and Martin stood to embrace her.

Kate glanced at Elizabeth, who wore a radiant smile. Seeing it lightened her spirits, buffeted by marital problems, and she said, "Your smile is more brilliant than the Los Angeles sunshine."

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Elizabeth said with a smile, "Thank you, Kate. You're my most admired actress, and when I was a child, I hopelessly fell in love with Rose."

Kate nodded slightly at her and then turned to Martin, "Good luck tonight."

Not far away, Harvey Weinstein cast a concerned glance, secretly lamenting that Martin, that lucky bastard, had not only escaped being killed but had also turned misfortune into fortune.

Next to him, Georgina Chapman was also looking at Martin, her eyes sparkling.

Compared to the fat old man beside her, Martin was the one who looked like a real man.

Should she invite Martin to a party at their house someday?

Harvey turned back, but didn't notice his wife's unusual demeanor because his mind was preoccupied with Martin.

Quentin's World War II epic had been rejected by Martin, and Harvey had considered using Ben, but Ben was deeply embroiled in controversy and could not extricate himself.

Because Martin had become known for his selective choice of films and roles in recent years, once the news spread that he had turned down Quentin's new work, several A-list actors who received invitations from Harvey responded evasively, causing difficulties in advancing the project.

Harvey and Quentin even had Matt Damon audition, but he lacked the rogue spirit needed for the leading role.

Thinking about his own plight and then looking at Martin on the other side, Harvey felt even more resentful. Unless there was a surprise, Martin would receive an Oscar trophy tonight.

The sound of music then started, and as Hugh Jackman made his entrance, the award ceremony officially began.

This talented singing and dancing actor brought a splendid opening musical performance, and ended his act with the lyrics "I'm Wolverine."

Next to Martin, Nicholson and Leonardo got up, heading backstage.

The latter said purposefully, "The surprise is coming soon."

Martin had his suspicions, as there had already been rumors that in order to save the increasingly declining ratings, the Academy had made several innovations in this year's award ceremony, such as in the selection of presenters.

As in previous years, the first award presented was for Best Supporting Actress, with five presenters making an appearance together.

The number of presenters for the following awards varied, breaking the rigid pattern of the past.

After Hugh Jackman's joke about the Santa Monica Pier shooting, it was time to present the Best Supporting Actor award.

Martin sat up straight, a bit nervous, but filled with more anticipation.

Elizabeth clenched the edges of her seat tightly, even more nervous than Martin. She licked her lips slightly and murmured softly, "God bless!"

At their home in Beverly Hills, Lily, who was watching the live broadcast, had already stood up, then plopped back down onto the sofa, laughing heartily.

Because she saw who the presenters were—different from the five for Best Supporting Actress, there were only two—Nicholson and Leonardo!

The leading figures of the Trio of Scoundrels were presenting a single Best Supporting Actor award!

Either of these two men would have been more than sufficient to present the award for Best Picture on their own, yet here they were together for Best Supporting Actor.

The answer was clear.

Nicholson spoke first, "Leo, together we have three Oscar trophies. Share your Oscar experience."

Leonardo, with his characteristic glower and frown, roared, "Don't say 'together'; it's clearly you who has three, and I have none!"

Nicholson pointed towards the giant screen behind him, "Soon, a new Oscar performing award recipient will be born."

As movie clips played on the big screen, Leonardo read, "Nominated for Best Supporting Actor are Josh Brolin, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Martin Davis, Robert Downey Jr...."

Nicholson opened the envelope and took out the card inside, placing it in front of them both.

Leonardo leaned in, and together they said, "The winner is Martin Davis!"

Martin cupped his face, a mix of surprise and excitement, feeling incredibly ecstatic. The sensation was overwhelmingly good!

Elizabeth opened her arms and hugged him tightly.

Martin kissed her and then stood up to embrace Nolan and the other members of the crew, one by one.

Loud and enthusiastic applause filled the air.

Angelina Jolie, who was seated on the other side, stood up to applaud and also gestured for everyone around to stand up as well.

Aniston seated in the middle did the same.

Many guests in the front rows got up to clap.

Martin walked toward the stage, hearing nothing but applause in his ears.

More and more people got up, like a wave pushing forward, and the audience in the back rows stood up as well.

By the time Martin reached the edge of the stage, everyone in the Kodak Theatre had risen to their feet, applauding in tribute!

Martin stepped onto the stage and from Leonardo's hand, he received the weighty Oscar statuette.

Leonardo hugged him and patted him hard on the back, so hard that Martin actually felt pain.

Nicholson, on the other hand, chuckled gleefully as he watched the show unfold.

In Atlanta, when they saw Martin receiving the Oscar, Robert and Jerome popped open a bottle of champagne, poured themselves a glass each, and toasted in celebration.

Back at the home in Beverly Hills, Lily jumped up, shouting loudly, cracked open a can of beer, and started drinking.

At this moment, the Martin commemorative edition Coca-Cola that the Coca-Cola Company had distributed across America sold out!