Chapter 65: Chapter 65: Inevitable to Go on the Circular Stage

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The Ford circled the Clayton Community, and the black dealers that were once ubiquitous vanished as if swept away like trash.

Martin drove into the community and stopped in front of the Carter home, where Lily, Holle, and Harris, crammed in the back seat, couldn't wait to get out and run toward the house.

Across the street, Mr. Wood ambled over.

Elena and Martin opened the trunk and called the three of them over to help with the luggage.

Mr. Wood approached and asked, "Did you enjoy the trip?"

"Very much," Lily replied with a smile, handing Mr. Wood a wolf fang key chain, "Mr. Wood, I brought you a gift."

Mr. Wood was surprised, "This seems to be from the Misty Mountain area."

Martin chimed in, "It was only after we left Atlanta that we found out that tourist souvenirs made in Atlanta are sold everywhere."

Mr. Wood laughed heartily.

Martin inquired, "The black dealers have disappeared?"

"It seems the DEA swept up a batch of them; the rest ran away," Mr. Wood said with satisfaction. "Our Neighborhood Defense Alliance was a great success, Clayton has returned to its former order."

Elena had modest expectations, "I can finally get back to normal."

Martin called Harris and Holle to bring the luggage inside.

Elena and Lily chatted with Mr. Wood for a while then came back with the rest of the luggage.

Martin suggested again, "We could move to a better neighborhood."

"We grew up here. Now that those black X are gone, everything is back to normal," Elena didn't want to leave. "All our neighbors are familiar faces, and although they can sometimes be rotten, they are good people in the community. Moreover, the money should be spent where it's most needed—Harris is about to go to college."

She managed to control her language, "Without enough money and a decent job, moving to another community would only lead to discrimination."

Harris said, "I found a part-time job coaching elementary school students at the planetarium."

Lily was unusually serious, "I deliver newspapers every morning."

Holle added, "The church cemetery is hiring for grave digging, and I have a knack for it."

Elena went over and punched his head, "You're in charge of house-sitting!"

After pondering for a while, Martin said to Harris, "Learn more about the stars at the planetarium and inquire carefully about how difficult it is to set up a profitable astronomy association."

Harris nodded, "I'll find out the details."

At this moment, Elena remarked, "Your accent sounds really strange now."

Martin replied, "Hollywood accent. I started late, so I can only commit to practicing daily."

Lily suddenly interrupted, "He's all about becoming a big star!" Sёarch* The NôᴠelFirё.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

Two fists stopped right in front of Lily's face, and she lowered her head feeling aggrieved.

Martin, who often relied on intimidation, retracted his fists and handed the Ford keys to Elena, "This car is for you. It'll make commuting easier."

As he turned around, he noticed Lily's look of grievance spread across her face, her mouth slightly open, about to speak.

He pressed a palm against Lily's face, "Shut up!"

Elena asked, "What about you?"

Martin pulled out another set of car keys, "I helped someone land an investment recently, and this is the bonus." He shifted the conversation, "Who wants to go out? I'm planning to buy a spotlight."

Elena responded, "I'll go with you."

Martin realized that old blacks were the real threat, especially those dressed in black at night; they were simply unbeatable.

He wanted to install a spotlight outside the house to combat the old blacks' invisibility strategy.

Just past noon, Elena took the Ford and headed to the bar.

Martin first stopped by the Freedom Association to pick up the last two weeks' pay, then went to Gray Film Company, found Kelly's assistant Ella, brought her a small gift, and asked her to help with a social survey report.

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The paycheck from the Freedom Association wasn't that easy to collect. A social investigator had to submit a formal report every three weeks.

When Director Benjamin learned that Martin was coming over, he made a call and invited Martin to sit in his office.

"The boss notified me this morning, he's decided to green-light the project, casting you as the lead actor," Benjamin could easily infer from this information that Martin had convinced the boss.

He was quite emotional, "My long-cherished wish, at last, sees hope."

Martin was eloquent in his response, "I owe my success today to your support, director. Without that memorable circus performance, I wouldn't have this opportunity."

Benjamin, realizing Martin's influence with the boss, no longer treated him as merely an actor, and said, "Don't worry, this time I'll tailor an even more brilliant part for you."

For some reason, Martin suddenly felt a chill.

But he couldn't give up on a venture he'd worked so hard to facilitate; he had to see it through to the end.

Contemplating the screenplay, the male lead definitely needed to shine, and he gradually formulated some ideas.

Benjamin specifically reminded him, "You've been working at the stripper club for so long, you must be very familiar with strip dancing, right?"

Martin understood why he felt chilled earlier and said, "I'm a bartender."

Benjamin said, "Get ready in advance, start practicing."

Martin sighed silently, after going in such a big circle, he still had to perform on the circular stage.

What's all the fuss for? Would he end up in Sacred Valley after making a round in Los Angeles?

Martin didn't want that and decided to use his last-resort skills, and said, "Director, the club owner role you wrote is an ugly man."

Benjamin simply said, "The bloom surely needs green leaves around it. The owner's role serves as the greenery, making the audience appreciate the handsomeness of the dancers."

Martin said, "I have a friend who is perfect for the role."

Benjamin, knowing that Martin came from a temporary acting background, said, "The boss has quite a few lines."

Martin naturally was referring to Robert, "His basic acting is up to par, and he won't have problems with the lines."

"Alright," Benjamin agreed right away, "Once the crew sends out the notice, let him come directly for the audition. As long as his basic acting is sound, I'll green-light him."

Such a favor that cost Benjamin nothing to grant came without any burden, "I remember you're a member of a theater group?"

Martin nodded, "Marietta Community Theater." He didn't forget to boast a little, "The most professional background artist team in all of Atlanta, we've cooperated with the company on many late-night shows."

Benjamin said directly, "You handle the contact."

The two of them chatted more about the lead actor's role; Martin said his goodbyes and left. In the company lobby, he ran into Andrew.

Andrew was beaming, "I just heard from Ella that you're going to double as the production manager for this film?"

Martin told the truth, "It's just a nominal position."

Andrew looked around and lowered his voice, "Lynn was taken by the DEA last week because of getting dragged down by Adam Smith, and the boss has decided to fire him."

Martin caught on, "Congratulations, casting director."

Andrew, who had helped Martin a lot in the past and could roughly guess that Martin was behind Adam Smith's downfall, therefore benefiting himself, purposely raised his fist, "It should be congratulations to us."

Martin bumped fists with him, "I'll have Jerome get in touch with you."

Andrew said, "No problem, he can call me anytime."

With the project safe from unexpected hitches, Martin called Captain Jerome and then met up with Robert, handing over the script for the role that Benjamin had given him.

"What does this mean?" Robert, looking at the script for the role, suddenly recalled this guy discussing backdoor deals frequently with the pervert over meals, "Martin, I'm not interested in men!"

Martin replied helplessly, "Buddy, I'm even less interested in men! I'm the lead actor in this film, and if you're not by my side to watch, I worry about someone snatching the lead role."

Robert defended himself, "I honestly didn't do anything, it was purely a coincidence."

"I understand," Martin didn't care to elaborate, "The role has at least twenty lines, so go back and prepare well. If you screw up the audition, I'll send you to Bruce, and Old Cloth is the one who likes backdoor moves."

The following day, Dave on behalf of Gray Film Industry concluded negotiations with Sophia and Vincent, and "Zombie Stripper" was officially initiated.