America Tycoon: The Wolf of Showbiz

The summer in Atlanta was not blazing hot, but Peachtree Street was exceptionally ablaze that day, as thousands clad in unified attire advanced towards the Georgia State Capitol.

Along the way, the APD stood ready in strict formation.

Hundreds of media reporters were brimming with excitement.

TV stations that got wind of the event early in the morning had driven their broadcast vans over in the wee hours.

The slogans chanted by the crowd resounded in everyone's heart—My life is my own to control!

More captivating than the slogans, however, was the pink water bottle they held in their hands.

Its lifelike design, seductive charm, exaggerated size, and peculiar function created a sensational effect.

CNN, headquartered in Atlanta, broadcasted the event live, with television screens across America tuning in.

When Congresswoman Erica, leading the crowd of seven to eight thousand people, drank water from the water bottle and then raised it high, shouting "My life is my own to control," not only were the on-site media reporters and members of the Conservative Faction stunned, but the entire American TV audience was blown away.

Georgia had gone mad.

Congresswoman Erica stepped onto the platform, clutching a pink water bottle in her hand, and called out loudly, "What we're holding is not just a water bottle, it's freedom!"

She took a sip through the straw, "What we're drinking is not just water, it is the enjoyment of our natural-born freedom!"

Perhaps due to use the night before, or maybe the straw wasn't fixed firmly—it snapped and fell to the ground.

The strawless water bottle became even more visually appealing.

All camera lenses turned to Congresswoman Erica, granting her a long-duration close-up.

In politics, where shame is often discarded, Erica felt the event would create a buzz across America—she held onto the water bottle as if gripping a lover's hand and made a victory sign with the other.

If it could increase exposure and influence, what did it matter?

Kelly Gray stood next to Julia, the Chairwoman, just behind Congresswoman Erica—it was her first time on the main podium for a major event in Georgia.

Congresswoman Erica returned from the front and stood beside Julia, nodding to Kelly Gray, "You did well."

Kelly quickly responded, "Just doing my part."

From the elevated view, the media reporters seemed frenzied. Pleased with the event's impact, Erica said, "Julia, whoever devised the plan should be rewarded in the name of the Freedom Association."

This was a monetary society, where money served as the best incentive.

Julia nodded and whispered, "Kelly, you draft the list and the plan."

In the past, this was the Vice Chair's duty. Kelly Gray was overjoyed, "Once the event is over, I'll immediately draft the plan."

She craned her neck to search the crowd. Although there were not a few participating men, she couldn't spot Martin at all.

With so many people, the flags of the House of Beast were hardly noticeable; all attention was stolen by the water bottle.

Martin held onto the water bottle, stroking it up and down, commenting, "Which idiot came up with this kind of water bottle? It's too damn vulgar."

He asked Martin, "Dad, that idiot didn't design this based on himself, did he? It's so exaggerated; it could compete with you."

Martin warned, "Son, if you keep talking nonsense, I'll send you to Thailand."

By noon, the assembly crowd gradually dispersed.

The streets were filled with people holding pink water bottles, creating a beautiful spectacle.

If anyone dared to question, they would be immediately rebutted—What we hold is not just a water bottle, it's freedom!

...

In Los Angeles, at the headquarters of the LA Freedom Association.

Upon seeing CNN's coverage of the Atlanta event end, Chairwoman Caroline made a call, "Louise, was this event organized by those folks from Georgia on their own?"

"Yeah, interesting, isn't it? It's so much fun."

Caroline struggled to comprehend, "The traditionally conservative and rigid Georgians actually came up with something like this," she said. "They play even more avant-garde than we do; I can't understand it."

Louise said, "ATL Freedom Association has a genius who plays it really fancy, that kettle and slogan, all his design."

Caroline considered for a moment, "He should come to Los Angeles, we are the ones who stand at the forefront of the world."

Louise hung up the phone just as the car door opened, and Kelly Gray ducked into the car.

She grabbed Louise's arm, her voice trembling with excitement, "Congresswoman Erica and Julia will nominate me for Vice Chairwoman."

Louise sprawled on the seat, "Is it worth all this excitement?"

Kelly let go of her hand, "My family does have some resources, but they're all invested in my two brothers, and I'm left with a small company that doesn't even dare to make cinema releases."

Louise asked deliberately, "How do you plan to thank that Martin?"

Kelly smiled, "He likes acting, wants to make money to escape the mire, and I gave him the opportunity. Of course, on the condition that I earn more."

Louise playfully lifted her chin, "I thought you had taken him to bed."

"He's good-looking, charismatic, sensible, fun, and talented, much more outstanding than many of his peers from wealthy families." Women talk about secrets more exaggeratedly than men, and Kelly picked up the pink kettle, took a big gulp of water, and said, "As far as I know, he modeled this thing after himself."

Louise couldn't help but laugh, "He's really an interesting person." She clasped the kettle with both hands, "Have you used it? Is it any good? Not just for show? That exaggerated?"

Kelly ignored Louise's provocative words and sighed, "It's a pity, his background is too poor, it's rare to see someone with his talent among the paupers."

Louise remembered yesterday, "Well, his acting is not bad, better than average just from yesterday's scene."

Kelly said, "Actually, his real talent isn't acting."

"I know." Louise picked up the kettle, poking Kelly's face, "This thing."

Kelly snatched it back, "I'll stop teasing you, he's best at mixology, remember the 'Paper Airplane' I told you about?"

Initially, Louise was just amused, but upon hearing about the cocktail she hadn't tried, she sat up straight and said, "Call him, call him right now."

She slapped her forehead, "Damn, I've got important work this afternoon, can't get drunk, might as well not drink if I can't get drunk."

Kelly said, "Drunkard!"

Once the drunkard's craving was aroused, it was hard to suppress, and Louise said, "You call him, ask if he's available tonight? I'll pay him by the hour."

...

In the afternoon, Martin received a call from Kelly, and he headed towards the Freedom Association Headquarters.

The board of Freedom Association had a brief meeting, and to commend Martin and others for their outstanding performance in the recent event, they awarded special certificates of honor and a 5000 US Dollar reward.

To Martin now, cash incentives were the most invigorating.

Martin followed Kelly Gray into her office and asked, "You're in such a good mood, any good news?"

Kelly Gray's eyebrows were almost flying off, "Vice Chairwoman position is pretty much confirmed."

"Congratulations." Martin, like an old friend, "Kelly, you must treat me."

Kelly Gray said, "How about tonight? Louise loves to drink, couldn't wait after I mentioned the 'Paper Airplane.' Are you free? Her suite has a liquor cabinet, and we can order more if necessary."

She reminded him pointedly, "You want to be a star, Louise can help you."

Martin's smile was still as bright as ever, "Kelly, I don't even know how to thank you."

Kelly jokingly said, "When you become a big star, act in a movie for me."

The two chatted for a while more, especially about Louise's taste in alcohol.

Leaving the Freedom Association and going back to the club to pick up the prepared liquor, Martin asked the boss, Vincent, for time off.

He was also considering, now that he had financial security, he could give up his part-time job at Beast Bar.

Because he had made money, the 'sons' respected him, it was fine for the short term, but what about in the long run?

What would Vincent think?