America Tycoon: The Wolf of Showbiz

Boston, Kaiyue Hotel.

In a business meeting room, Martin Scorsese met the young actor sharing his name.

Reserved in demeanor, he was handsome but otherwise unremarkable.

Just like many ordinary detectives he had seen that afternoon at the police department.

After exchanging greetings, Scorsese asked directly, "What brings you to Boston?"

"I want to fight for the role of Colin Sullivan." Martin, aware of the production's progress, made no attempt to hide his eagerness, "I am confident in my acting skills and I want to earn your approval in the audition, even if there's only a one percent chance, I'll give it a hundred percent effort."

He selectively shared his real experiences: "I come from the slums of Atlanta, where I saw more drug dealers and gangsters than PD; I lack insight into that field, so I specifically asked the agency to contact BPD to join them and gain some real-life experience."

Knowing gang life and experiencing life at BPD, isn't that another version of Colin Sullivan?

Scorsese was nearly overwhelmed by Martin's name in the production meeting, leaving a strong impression. As an established director, he knew the importance of investors.

It's not just about filming, awards season depends on the investors to keep the money flowing.

He then asked, "You're not from Boston? Your accent?"

Martin answered truthfully, "I've been practicing recently, specifically strengthened it since coming to Boston."

Scorsese nodded internally, the actor's serious attitude towards his craft was beyond reproach.

At that moment, he seemed like an examiner: "Any insights?"

Martin recalled the films he had seen: "Very different from the media portrayal, and even more so from cop and robber movies. They are all ordinary people, not particularly skilled, constantly swearing and making crude jokes, sometimes bending the rules in their cases, and some even have psychological issues requiring counseling..."

Scorsese nodded slightly; the original Hong Kong film style was not suited for North America.

Too romantic and poetic.

Scorsese was certain about a realistic style, which coincided with Martin's words.

"Have you read the script?" Seeing Martin nod, he straightforwardly commanded, "Perform the scene where you abandon your undercover identity and choose to kill the main antagonist. I'll be Frank."

Martin prepared briefly and then launched into an explosive performance.

Following the performance, Scorsese nodded and simply said, "Remember to attend the full-dress audition with the crew."

"Of course." Martin clearly understood that he had received Scorsese's approval.

Scorsese approached and extended his hand for a handshake: "That will be all for today."

Martin politely excused himself and left.

Scorsese sat back in his chair, contemplating.

Without a doubt, the young actor was passionate and serious about his work, and his acting was good, definitely above the standard he was looking for.

The only downside was that he was not as famous as Matt Damon.

At that moment, Ellen knocked and came in, asking, "How did it go?"

Scorsese replied, "Better than I expected. He has a background from the lower class and has had real-life experiences with BPD, his acting is also up to par, not bad."

Knowing him well, Ellen asked, "You're hesitating."

Scorsese nodded, "He's not as famous as Matt Damon."

"Judge it on its own merits." Ellen sat down on a nearby sofa, "That kid is working hard for the role, what is Matt Damon doing?"

What kind of employees do bosses like? A donkey that pulls the mill willingly!

Scorsese, true to his old-school directing style, also preferred actors who fully commit to their roles. After a moment's thought, he said, "Find out for me."

Ellen took out her phone, made a few calls, and reported, "Damon is in Los Angeles, preparing to show support at a fashion event for Harvey Weinstein's wife."

"Investor Dyson Films is backing Damon." Scorsese was equally greedy; he wanted everything.

Ellen suggested, "Damon is almost 35 years old, his age differs from the setting for Colin, he would be more suitable for the role of Dignam, who kills Colin."

Scorsese responded, "Good idea."

Wouldn't that solve the problem? Even the investors would be fully on board.

Ellen went downstairs quickly, back to her room, and made a phone call. In just a few minutes, Mene entered her room.

The next morning, a contented Ellen solemnly promised Mene that as long as he was available on call, she would ensure he got a significant supporting role.

As the casting director, Ellen had the authority to make that decision for this role.

Under a new barrage of persuasive efforts from Mene, Ellen repeated her conversation from the previous night with Scorsese.

Although the old director's feedback was extremely positive the night before, Martin continued, just like the past few days, to accompany the special operations team to gain experience.

It wasn't until noon that Mene rushed over to inform Martin of the relevant information.

"You've worked hard," Martin said, glancing at Mene's slightly swollen lips, "Luckily, we have you this time."

Mene wiped his mouth, "No problem, Boss, this is what I'm good at. I've licked boots before without any reward, but this time I've got myself an important supporting role."

Martin responded, "Let's keep up the hard work together."

Mene knew his limits well, "I don't even aspire to be the lead, just to have a stable income. If by the time I'm in my fifties or sixties I could be a bit part actor like Morgan Freeman, I'll be satisfied."

Martin said, "You'll get to meet Morgan Freeman on the 'Wanted Order' set later."

As Hollywood's golden supporting actor, the old man had a certain appeal to middle-aged and older audiences and didn't charge a high salary. Before Martin came to Boston, Louise had already sent an invitation to Morgan Freeman.

Martin Scorsese and others stayed in Boston for a week before they left and returned to Los Angeles to continue refining the characters and script.

During this period, Martin had a few more exchanges with Scorsese.

With the next Oscars in mind, Scorsese strove for perfection; the film wouldn't start shooting until the summer.

Martin had enough free time to shoot 'Wanted Order' first.

After spending twenty days experiencing life at BPD, it was time for Martin to say goodbye.

The public relations office held a farewell party especially for him.

Since Martin had treated them to so many meals, the guys thought they must reciprocate at least once, especially when it meant spending public funds.

At the party, Martin had a toast with Jack, John, and others, drinking to their hearts' content.

Everyone who attended the party came to take photos with Martin. Just in case Martin became a big star, they could boast about it amidst their cursing.

At the end of the party, Bruce made an appearance, bringing a memento specially prepared for Martin.

Martin first sought out the head of the detective bureau, presenting him with a crocodile tooth pendant inside a gift box, "A keepsake."

The chief tried to refuse, "How could I accept this?"

Martin raised his voice, explaining, "This was made from the tooth of a large Bay Crocodile I legally hunted in Australia, a simple piece of handicraft. I bring it as a token of the friendship between me and the BPD."

The chief accepted it.

Martin distributed dozens of crocodile tooth pendants in one go.

After the party, Martin specifically told Bruce in the car on the way back to the hotel, "Old Cloth, send a message to Australia and have them send another batch over."

There was no helping it, he had too many friends and not enough pendants to give away.

Martin gave the remaining few pendants to Mene, "Take these back for your friends and family."

Back at the hotel, having had a fair amount to drink at the function, Martin went to bed early.

Bruce and Mene headed to the bar downstairs.

They each ordered a beer and chatted as they drank.

Bruce fully approved of Mene, "Buddy, you did really well this time."

Mene was quite emotional, "Before I met you and the boss, I licked I don't know how many old ladies, and got nothing but a little money for it. After meeting you and the boss, everything's changed. Now I have some fame, and some money too."

Bruce clinked glasses with him, "It proves that people with a skill live better lives."

Mene agreed completely, "I can't count how many old ladies I went through to hone the skills I have now."

Bruce took out a bottle of menthol oil that Martin had given him and passed it to Mene, "If you encounter one that forces you, or is too much, this is a miracle cure to deal with them."

Mene unscrewed the cap to have a sniff and was about to pour some into his mouth.

Bruce quickly grabbed him, "Use it only when it's crucial."

"Okay!" Mene screwed the cap back on and tucked the bottle into his pocket, saying, "Paris Hilton has been after me since the premiere last time. I think besides publicity, she might be missing my oral skills."

In the past, Bruce would have thought Mene was bragging.

Now it seemed completely normal, Kim Kardashian had told him more than once that Paris was unusually wild.

Mene said, "If Paris tries to force me without paying, I'll use the miracle cure you gave me!"

This made Bruce think of... Kim Kardashian's sister.

Kardashian was quite something too!

Bruce shook his head quickly to stop the crazy thoughts and cursed Martin silently, blaming this jerk for everything!

The next morning, Martin and his companions left Boston and flew back to Los Angeles.

Getting off the plane and arriving at the apartment, he couldn't find the fat landlord.

Martin asked the tenants about it, and Antonio had gone to a club meeting.

That club had required a million in assets just to join ten years ago.

Coming upstairs, Jessica came out of the door diagonally across, greeted him first, and then said, "Martin, Thomas told me first thing this morning to call him as soon as you got back."

"Got it," Martin took out his phone, waiting for Old Cloth to open the door, then entered the apartment.

The apartment was spotless, as Jessica and Emily had cleaned it the night before.

Thomas picked up immediately and said, "Martin, good news, 'Infernal Affairs' crew officially notified me today, they want you to come to your studio on March 22 for a screen test in full makeup!"

Martin let out a sigh of relief, "This time hasn't been wasted." He then asked, "What about the competition?"

Thomas simply said, "I asked Louise specifically, she'll be serving as the executive producer on set, and your biggest competition is Matt Damon, but Scorsese himself is leaning towards having him play another key role, that of Dignam who kills Colin."