America Tycoon: The Wolf of Showbiz

On the training grounds of the photography studio.

Action choreographer Chad Stahelski held a cleaver, engaging in close-quarters combat with Martin.

He also had a role in the movie, the Butcher from the Assassins' Guild.

Martin rolled on the spot, picked up the cleaver from the ground, and perfectly parried Chad's descending blade.

Their movements were all designed, with each of them fully aware of the choreography.

Martin deflected Chad's blade and engaged him in a swordfight, the prop weapons clashing repeatedly.

Compared to ordinary stunt performers, these two skilled fellows put on a fight that, if nothing else, was impressive and intimidating.

Jolie, changed into her training gear, came out of the changing room and saw the two on the training ground from afar, immediately quickening her pace to the edge of the area, watching Martin with great interest.

In a woman's heart, there is a fondness for comparing familiar men.

Jolie shook her head inwardly, thinking how clumsy Pitt appeared in "Mr. & Mrs. Smith" compared to the deft Martin.

Meanwhile, Martin stopped and, noticing Jolie looking his way, nodded slightly.

Martin also nodded and discussed with Chad what could be improved in this action sequence.

Director Leterrier joined in the discussion.

Chad, gesturing with his hands, said, "The top assassins of the Assassins' Guild can stimulate adrenaline and enter an effect similar to bullet time. This scene needs to be fast-paced."

Martin, who had been a professional stunt double for several years in his previous life and kept up with regular training after coming here, gradually regained his feel for the action and was very confident, "As long as the choreography is well designed, speed isn't an issue for me."

"You have no problem," Chad said, shaking out his hands, "I can't keep up."

Director Leterrier, experienced in crafting action scenes, suggested, "We can use long takes appropriately and then break down some of the action shots. There are mainly two types of shot expressions here, one is the absolute speed under the audience's perspective, and the other is the relative slow motion within the character's vision."

Martin, knowing his own limits, replied, "When it comes to designing shots, your word is final."

Leterrier took over the conversation, "Besides the impact of the action, we need to pay attention to another factor, coolness! This is a movie, not a real fight. If the audience exclaims 'cool' when watching the final product, our film is sure to succeed."

The life-and-death duel between Wesley and the Butcher is one of the rare close-combat fights in the film, and everyone wanted to make the effect even more splendid.

After some discussion, Leterrier proceeded to conceive shots while Chad picked up a prop knife to improve the action design. Martin, now with some free time, walked over to Jolie.

Jolie was stretching her body under the guidance of Chad's assistant.

Compared to the skinny beauty she'd later be known as, her figure now adhered more to normal aesthetic standards.

Martin approached Jolie and said, "Thanks for the recommendation with the Infernal Affairs casting."

"I didn't do much," Jolie said with a slight smile, "just mentioned it in passing."

She then added, "You taught me quite a bit too."

Martin smiled, "As long as you can use those ideas, that's good."

But Jolie said, "Can I consult with you the next time I encounter such problems?"

Hollywood is not only about fierce competition but also human relationships. Of course, Martin wouldn't refuse, "You can find me anytime."

Jolie glanced at Martin's training gear and suddenly became intrigued, "How about we have a little comparison?"

Martin was slightly surprised, "You and me?"

Jolie nodded, "Don't underestimate me. Before shooting 'Mr. & Mrs. Smith,' I spent two months at a spy school."

The so-called spy school is an organization established by Hollywood stunt performers, providing professional services to action films and actors.

Martin cautioned, "I won't hold back."

Jolie stepped back and took up a stance, "Bring it on!"

People nearby noticed Martin and Jolie were about to spar and gathered around to watch.

Martin also stepped back and nodded to Jolie, "After you."

"Ha!"

Jolie took a big step forward and threw a tentative punch.

In Martin's eyes, Jolie's speed was too slow, and her punch was soft and lacked any power.

He grabbed Jolie's wrist and exerted force with both his foot and hand, causing Jolie to lose her balance and fall toward the ground.

Before she could hit the ground, Martin pulled her up with a forceful hand.

Jolie took the opportunity to grab Martin's arm, stabilize herself, and smiled, "I've got a lot to learn."

Martin remarked, "Mainly, you lack strength."

Jolie nodded in agreement, "I don't want to get all muscly like Hilary Swank, that would be terrifying."

Because of their recent in-depth talk about scandals and image rehabilitation, she felt closer to Martin and even made a joke, "And I don't need a prosthetic to gun for an Oscar."

Martin said, "You can become a top star even without an Oscar."

Jolie wholeheartedly agreed with that statement; Leonardo, Brad Pitt, and Will Smith were now considered some of Hollywood's most influential stars, and together their Oscar wins totaled zero.

In the distance, at the edge of the office area, Mene opened a can of Coke and handed it to Bruce.

Bruce took a sip and, feeling the flavor was off, asked, "What year is this Coke from?"

Mene, not understanding, reassured, "Don't worry, it's not expired." He looked towards the two people in the training area and said, "Old Cloth, it looks like the boss's springtime is about to come around again."

Bruce downed half a bottle of Coke and complained, "Why do women care so much about looks? Someone like me who has depth gets no attention."

"That's not true," Mene argued, a rarity, "Besides looks, they also care about the wallet!"

He praised, "The boss is handsome and has a bright future. According to your theory, he could blow up the earth. If I were a woman..."

Bruce thought to himself that he had planned to relax for a few days and take a break, but it looked like he might have to start preparing to clean up the mess he was going to make.

At this moment, Thomas came out from the office in the back.

Bruce stopped him and pointed towards Martin and Jolie, "Let's put together a publicity plan in advance."

Thomas sat down on an adjacent chair, "You think Martin is going to pursue Jolie?"

"No," Bruce remembered Martin's playboy mottos, never initiate, never refuse, never promise.

A super jerk who even expected the woman to be the one to initiate the breakup.

Thomas, after all, was an entertainment agent and roughly understood the insinuation: A couple formed from a film set was all too common in Hollywood.

Male and female actors playing adversaries, no matter whether they were married or not, would end up together while acting.

And when the film crew disbanded, so would they.

At noon, Martin and Jolie left the studio together to go out for lunch.

Thomas started to calculate how to maximize Martin's interests.

In the Smoky House Restaurant, Pianist Sebastian played a jazz piano tune.

Jolie brought up a matter, "Have you noticed? Ever since the crew announced my signing, a lot of media have been attacking me."

"American media are all whores, they'd do anything for news," Martin, placing himself as a victim of media gossip too, said, "I couldn't count all the media that slandered me when I broke up with Annie-Hathaway."

A thought surfaced in Jolie's mind, why had Martin broken up?

Looking at him again, she suddenly found Martin's charm had somewhat diminished.

She sighed lightly, "There are too many media outlets blackening my name."

Martin laughed, "People who stand out always attract hate."

Jolie, of course, thought this statement valid, but her face wasn't yet as thick as Martin's, and added, "It's rather hard to deal with because my past relationships were indeed quite messy."

The same could be said about Martin, so shamelessly, he remarked, "Messy relationships? Angie, they're all talking rubbish! We're just sleeping with people we like!"

Jolie's fork clattered onto the table in shock, even a real loose woman like her was taken aback.

And finally, she understood how Martin came up with those ideas.

Compared to Martin, she was a notch below.

So, Jolie decided to learn earnestly and humbly asked for advice, "Any suggestions?"

Martin had been speaking hollow words until now, but when it came to actual advice, he put on a serious thinking face.

"In this matter, you could totally be my teacher," Jolie, feeling a sudden surge of attraction towards Martin after saying 'teacher,' reached out and gave Martin's hand a firm shake, with seriousness and respect, "Teacher Martin!"

Martin thought to himself, how did he become a teacher? What kind of teacher? It was a strange feeling.

Jolie's hand remained on Martin's, "Teach me, teacher."

Martin pointed to his head, "Let me think about it."

A loose woman and a lousy man seated at the same table, what an intriguing combination.

Martin wouldn't disappoint such a dynamic, and after some time, he said, "Rather than being passive, it's better to take the initiative! Angie, you've been around the circle for many years, you must know many editors-in-chief or chief editors of entertainment media. Contact one of them who's willing to cooperate, and proactively leak your past stories to them."

Jolie caught on immediately, "The message in the writing should be biased towards me? Like shifting the focus onto my changes?"

"Exactly, you're now a mother, a mother full of love. What's wrong with a mother doing everything for her children? Your past hardships only embellish your inspirational life!" Martin tapped the table, "Get involved proactively, and public opinion won't spiral out of control, you might even be able to use it to your advantage."

He suddenly smiled, "When you leak such news to the media, it's only right that they pay you. You could even get in touch with a publisher, find a ghostwriter to release a book, and continue to spill the beans."

That's what Jolie did years later; she sold the black material to media, traded photos of her children for publicity, all for a good price, while holding the narrative firmly in her own hands.

Jolie memorized every word Martin said and, willing, called out, "Teacher Martin, thank you for your guidance."

Martin sighed internally, he had worked his heart out for "Wanted Order" to be a big hit.

A movie could be cool, flashy, and good-looking, but that didn't guarantee high sales.

On top of that foundation, coupled with sufficient controversial topics, the box office wouldn't disappoint.

After Teacher Martin had instructed his loose woman student, Jolie obediently paid the bill,

But this was Hollywood, where people who used others for publicity could be used for publicity themselves.

The team from "The Summer of Jeans," with their scheduling confirmed, came forward proactively.

They wanted to discuss promotional affairs with Martin.