America Tycoon: The Wolf of Showbiz

Burbank Hotel, Banquet Hall One.

At Warner Bros.' New Year's party, the most eye-catching event was the official debut of the new CEO, Kevin Tsujihara.

All this was sending a signal to the outside world that Warner Bros. was about to embrace a new era.

After making the rounds in the banquet hall, greeting many people, Martin found Louise: "Any new news?"

Louise said, "Barry Meyer won't be sitting as chairman for much longer, according to Warner's usual practice, it won't take too long before Kevin Tsujihara also takes on the role of chairman."

Martin asked, "What's his attitude towards cooperating companies like Pacific Pictures?"

Louise replied, "It's unknown at this time." Her tone shifted: "But one thing that can be almost confirmed is that he's planning to emulate Marvel Studios and focus on building a superhero series for DC."

Marvel's "Iron Man" and "The Incredible Hulk", which had already been released, began to reveal the grandeur of their cinematic universe.

As superheroes on par with Marvel's, those from DC of course didn't want to fall behind.

Martin wasn't surprised and said, "The Justice League series?"

"Exactly," Louise whispered, "That much is certain, although how he plans to push it forward, I'm not sure. DC is already a big step behind, and it's said that Kevin Tsujihara is a bit anxious to catch up. He's just taken office, and certainly wants to make a name for himself."

Seeing Louise reach for a drink, Martin pressed her hand, "Drink less."

Louise withdrew her hand and said, "I heard Marvel Studios wants you to play Captain America."

Martin looked somewhat surprised: "The news has spread that fast?"

Louise said, "There's been industry rumors since after Christmas."

Pondering, Martin said, "It seems they're not sincere."

Louise was curious, "Why's that?"

"They haven't contacted my agent or agency, nor have they contacted me. They might just want to use me," Martin guessed, "Maybe we'll know in the next few days."

After New Year's, a piece of entertainment news garnered widespread attention.

At the press event for "Iron Man 2", hosted by Walt Disney and Marvel Studios, Kevin Feige publicly invited Martin.

"Martin Davis is a national hero in real life, an actor and artist who can represent the spirit of America."

In front of numerous media cameras, Kevin Feige, who had deeply researched Christopher Nolan's work, desperately campaigned for Marvel's next movie, "Captain America": "Steve Rogers is a national hero from the comics, who inspired our spirit time and again during World War II, a symbol of the American spirit!"

He cried out, "Looking around the world, there is no actor more suitable to play Captain America than Martin! We will extend a strong invitation to Martin Davis to play Steve Rogers."

The reporters on-site were moved, equally believing no one was more suitable for the role than Martin.

When the press conference ended, entertainment sections across internet to television were blanketed with the story.

Many media outlets even concluded the matter definitively.

"Martin Davis to play Captain America!"

"The most suitable actor for Captain America, Martin Davis!"

As for the fact that Martin had played the Joker for DC, that detail was automatically ignored since it wasn't a big deal.

The modestly famous comic character Captain America suddenly became a hot topic with the hero-to-hero conversation.

In the Marvel Studios office in Los Angeles, Jon Favreau found Kevin Feige and said, "We've only managed to raise 100 million US Dollars so far, even if we persuade Disney to provide more budget later, it's hard to exceed 140 million US Dollars."

Kevin Feige understood why he was approached: "Are you worried about Martin's high salary?"

Having worked on many aspects of the film's early stages, Jon Favreau was indeed concerned: "As far as I know, because there's a salary compensation clause, after 'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button' reached 150 million US Dollars at the North American box office, the producers compensated Martin Davis, and his actual salary for the film reached 20 million US Dollars."

He elaborated, "To invite a first-rate star to shoot a superhero movie, we'll inevitably have to pay more. Twenty million might not be enough, and Martin Davis will surely ask for a percentage of profits both domestic and foreign."

Kevin Feige smiled and said, "That's exactly why I made the invitation. Martin Davis won't accept the role, and we can't pay such a salary. But Martin fits Captain America so well, he's already popular with significant news value. I simply used the most appropriate way to let Captain America ride on Martin's popularity."

Nearby someone asked, "What if Martin agrees?"

"Could there be a better outcome? Having Martin Davis play Captain America for just a few million in salary, not even God would dare to dream such a thing." Kevin Feige knew it was unrealistic: "If Marvel can ride on Martin's popularity, I'm already extremely content."

Martin, of course, saw the fervor stirred by the news, just as he had once ridden on the popularity of others. Now with his prominent fame and great influence, it was the turn of others to ride on his coattails.

But he had no interest in being someone else's tool and immediately called Thomas.

Thomas first contacted Kevin Feige to inquire about the matter, and the latter "generously" offered a salary of 8 million US Dollars plus a heap of empty promises.

But they didn't discuss actual box office and backend profits.

"He just wants to exploit your fame for publicity," Thomas quickly returned Martin's call.

Martin said, "Go ahead and clarify that."

Afterwards, Thomas contacted the media and released his phone recording with Kevin Feige.

The media and fans were in an uproar.

"Such a salary offer is simply an insult to Martin!"

"Is this Marvel's sincerity? The company is really eye-opening."

"Clearly, Marvel is riding on Martin's coattails."

Kevin Feige was adamant and soon publicly stated, "We were just trying to invite Martin; collaboration is always mutual."

Not wanting to give up on the opportunity to ride the momentum, he insisted, "Martin and Captain America both represent the American spirit of strength, freedom, and struggle, and cannot be measured solely by commercial value."

Faced with such audacity, Martin replied with a single tweet on his newly registered Twitter account, "Captain America' is a superhero movie with an investment of over 100 million US dollars!"

In a highly developed commercial society, Martin's fit with Captain America is high, but if such a commercial movie project lacks even commercial sincerity, what else is there to talk about?

Kevin Feige wanted to continue to ride the momentum, but a section of the Cola Cult suddenly sprang into action.

Large numbers of fans wearing red Cola culture shirts, organized by the Los Angeles Branch Church, gathered in front of Marvel Studios' office in Burbank.

They carried banners and posters.

"Refuse to watch 'Captain America'!"

"Cola Cult rejects Marvel superhero movies!"

Journalists and paparazzi rushed over, and soon dozens assembled.

TMZ even opened a live broadcast window on their website.

Many followers of the Cola Cult responded online, and someone used the banners in front of the Marvel Studios building to create an image resembling a profile picture, which was posted on Twitter and Facebook.

Followers of the Cola Cult who used these two social media platforms reshared it en masse, creating a small wave online.

The matter quickly alerted Robert Iger, the CEO of Walt Disney, who had a special meeting with the much-admired Kevin Feige.

"The Cola Cult has tens of millions of worshipers in North America and has certain influence in business and politics," Iger, a wise corporate helmsman, said directly, "You make a public apology and settle this matter quickly. Don't get entangled with Martin Davis anymore."

Kevin Feige was puzzled, "I just rode his popularity a little; is it that serious?"

Iger, having researched Martin, said, "Indeed it doesn't seem like Martin's style. If he wanted to take you on, he wouldn't do so in such a conspicuous manner. It could be those fans acting on their own, matters involving belief are always troublesome." Enjoy more content from My Virtual Library Empire

Kevin Feige, thinking of the growing anti-Marvel wave online, said, "I'll make a public apology to Martin."

Iger replied, "Do it quickly, go back now and contact the media. Your superhero universe project is just starting; you can't afford to lose."

Kevin Feige returned to Marvel Studios and recorded an apology video to Martin, which he sent to major media outlets, stating that his previous comments were inconsiderate, and if they offended Martin in any way, he sincerely apologized.

......

Beverly Hills, Davis Estate.

Elizabeth greeted Thomas at the door and after saying hello, she mentioned, "Martin is in the study."

Thomas, following her lead to the study, asked, "Has Martin seen the news about Kevin Feige's apology?"

Elizabeth nodded slightly, "Old Cloth just reminded Martin to watch it."

Thomas entered the study.

Martin asked, "Have you found out who mobilized those people to protest at Marvel?"

"It wasn't someone from our side," Thomas answered after inquiring thoroughly, confident of this point, "Was it the fan club?"

Bruce shook his head, "No, it has nothing to do with them."

Martin pondered, "Who wants to stir up conflict between me and Disney? Disney just spent a lot of money acquiring Marvel and is ready to invest heavily in the Marvel series."

Elizabeth wondered, "Could it be a spontaneous act?"

Bruce explained, "It isn't, several organizers received an email saying there was a need to organize this event. I had someone check it out. The sender is a tech expert, untraceable online."

As someone deeply afflicted with persecution paranoia, Martin's first thought was that someone was scheming against him, "Be extra vigilant recently, notify the branch church and the fan club to arrange events through phone calls from now on, and avoid using online software."

He looked at Elizabeth, advising, "Make sure you have a bodyguard when you go out."

Having experienced the incident at Burbank Middle School, Elizabeth had a strong mentality and knew what to do, replying, "I will."

Thomas said, "I'll be doubly attentive to the industry's movements."

Martin then thought of Harvey, "Any trouble from Weinstein's end?"

"None," Bruce said, "He's still restricted from travel, staying at home. He denies all charges and hasn't mentioned anyone else's situation."