296 Chapter 296: Heaven And Hell

Park Town, situated near the Mexican border, boasts a population of fewer than a thousand residents and has retained many buildings from the pioneer era. This picturesque town often serves as the backdrop for Hollywood Western-style scenes.

The Coca-Cola advertising team had arrived in Park Town approximately two weeks before to prepare for their upcoming project.

As soon as the two lead actors, Martin and Sam Mendes, arrived, filming commenced without delay.

On the dusty trail, Sam Mendes approached the set and instructed Martin, "Forget your role as the Church leader. You're just a cowboy who recently founded the Coca-Cola Cult, coming to the Wild West to spread the Cult's gospel. Embrace that cowboy spirit!"

Martin nodded in agreement, "No problem."

As the filming continued, he carefully studied the character of an old cowboy in "Unforgiven."

Martin accepted a pair of vintage revolvers from Bruce, holstered them at his waist, and had the stylist wrap them in a red scarf and a tattered red cloak. The absence of the Coca-Cola logo symbolized the hero's challenging journey, making his role distinctive and easily recognizable.

A horse was led over, and Martin, after some prior familiarization, confidently took the reins.

Elizabeth Olsen, in cowgirl attire, mounted a shorter horse and made her way onto the set. She greeted Martin with a wave, saying, "Hi, Martin."

Impressed by her equestrian skills, Martin complimented her, "Impressive riding skills."

Elizabeth smiled and confided, "I've been practicing riding for over five years."

As Martin climbed onto his horse, she leaned in and shared a secret, "Having excellent riding skills helped me land this role."

Martin gave her a thumbs-up, "Talented people shine wherever they go."

In today's urban society, equestrian skills are often practiced by those from well-off families, unless the family runs a ranch. Elizabeth's denim attire, combined with the red cloak, accentuated her figure, boosting her charisma.

Director Sam Mendes called out, "Get ready to start filming!"

Two wranglers brought Martin and Elizabeth's horses to the starting point, and filming began.

Martin urged his horse forward at a brisk trot, followed closely by Elizabeth. The horses' hooves kicked up sand and dust, blown back by fans for a cinematic effect.

Upon reaching the entrance of the old Western bar, Martin pulled on the reins and dismounted.

"Great job!" Mendes exclaimed, "Let's do it again."

The commercial was produced in two versions: an online edition for short video platforms and a TV edition featuring highlights from the online version.

Under Sam Mendes' guidance, Martin's performance flowed effortlessly.

By five o'clock in the evening, the location scenes were wrapped up as scheduled, concluding all outdoor filming.

Interior scenes would require another day of shooting, keeping Martin in the small town for a while longer.

"Let's grab a drink," Sam Mendes invited Martin.

The Western bar used for filming had been reserved for the crew and was off-limits to regular customers. Martin agreed, "Let's have a drink."

They entered the bar and took seats in front of the wooden counter. Each ordered a glass of whiskey. Mendes began, "Kate told me about you. When you two met in Atlanta, you gave her a crystal peach. Don't think I forgot. I knew I had to make the most of even a one percent chance."

Martin openly admitted, "Kate invited me to London as a guest."

"Call us when you visit London," Mendes smiled, "Kate is on a road trip and will be coming from San Diego tomorrow."

Martin raised his glass, "Great! Kate mentioned a while ago that she wanted to talk to you, and it just so happens I'm here."

Mendes confided, "She's been considering a movie project. It's about the character and the film. Kate has her heart set on winning Best Actress at the Oscars, and she's secured the film and TV rights to a novel."

Martin remembered her discussing a novel involving Nazis. Mendes added, "You two can discuss it when she arrives."

He cautioned Martin, "Remember, this is a secret. Don't let Kate know I leaked this information. She's formidable, and I can't afford to upset her."

Martin agreed, "How can we men discuss such matters with women?"

The crew checked into the town's sole hotel and swiftly reconvened for dinner.

Elizabeth Olsen held her dinner plate and took a seat across from Martin. She inquired, "Are you dining alone?"

Bruce, who was approaching, found an empty table.

Martin responded, "Yes. Your sisters didn't join?"

Elizabeth explained, "My agent accompanied me. My sisters are thrilled that I'm collaborating with you this time."

Martin wondered if he was indeed so dependable.

In reality, Elizabeth was fibbing since her sisters were working with Coca-Cola, and the company managed the crew. She playfully reminded him, "You forgot, Burbank Middle School, where you saved me."

Martin seemed nonchalant, "Small deeds, long past."

"You saved my life!" Elizabeth rose from her chair, her chest puffed out. She emphasized, "If you ever need anything in the future, anything at all, I'm there."

Martin gave her a fleeting glance, then shifted the conversation, "You'll be graduating from middle school soon, right?"

Elizabeth sipped her soda and replied, "Next summer."

Martin was aware of this fact.

Seeing Martin's somewhat lukewarm interest, Elizabeth leaned in and whispered, "When it gets completely dark later, go up to the top floor, and I'll show you the view."

Martin was taken aback, "What view?"

Elizabeth glanced around mysteriously, "You'll see."

After dinner, night fell quickly. Martin changed into shorts and a T-shirt and asked Bruce to accompany him to the top floor.

The hotel in the town had only four floors in total, but it was the tallest building in the vicinity.

Upon reaching the top floor, Martin spotted Elizabeth in denim shorts and a halter top. Caucasian women often appear mature at the age of seventeen or eighteen.

Elizabeth waved to him, "Hurry, let's begin!"

Perplexed, Martin approached.

Elizabeth unzipped her crossbody bag, revealing a telescope, and handed it to him, "Look at Tijuana across the street."

Before Martin could take the telescope, more than a dozen others joined them, including the crew director Mendes, Coca-Cola's boss on the crew Milner, the manager Paul, the head of security, and more. Each of them brought binoculars.

Milner addressed Martin, "We had a pre-shooting meeting last night and missed some great scenes." He gestured in a direction, "Look across, it's quite lively."

Martin recognized that he referred to the other side of the border, Tijuana, and its surrounding areas. He lifted the telescope and witnessed faint fires and what appeared to be an explosion. Initially, the burning spots resembled mere red dots before bursting into flaming clouds.

"Explosions and fires have been happening daily since I arrived," Elizabeth remarked.

Martin observed more fires, reminiscent of a small-scale war occurring on the south side of the border.

On the north side, Park Town remained peaceful, creating a striking contrast between heaven and hell.

Paul, the head of security, hailed from a private military company and had insight into the situation there, "Tijuana has been unsettled lately, with several gangs vying for control of goods channels and markets. The fighting has persisted for nearly a week, and it seems unlikely to end soon." A bright light flashed, and distant booming explosions were faintly audible.

Martin couldn't help but comment, "They seem more like warlords than gangsters."

Paul clarified, "You can think of them as warlords involved in the trafficking trade."

Despite the distance, all they could see were fires and explosions. Elizabeth, a girl from a wealthy family, not only exhibited no fear but watched with keen interest.

A half-hour later, Elizabeth's agent called her away.

After a brief observation, Martin also descended from the top floor.

Returning to his room, he asked Bruce, "Have the Mexican gangs that troubled you been eradicated?"

"Over there, the small to medium-sized gangs emerged and merged quickly. They're gone now," Bruce stated plainly. "Gangs, like anyone else, pursue profits and avoid unnecessary risks."

Martin returned to his room and enjoyed a peaceful night's sleep.

Bruce remained in the living room, keeping a vigilant watch throughout the night.

When Martin awoke, he noticed Bruce stretching but refrained from asking.

The two had faced challenges together, endured fear under Sophia's reign of terror, both framed others and fell victim to framing, and had encountered the Burbank Middle School incident.

Some things were beyond words.

After breakfast, the crew promptly began their work, and Martin entered a trailer located outside the bar for makeup and styling.

Milner called over the stylist responsible for the supporting characters, who was alone working on makeup, and inquired, "Have you seen the Avalon Bar video?"

The stylist, not missing a beat, responded, "The one with Martin and Pitt?"

The other person confirmed, so Milner continued, "Don't you find this commercial somewhat similar to that video?"

The stylist had seen the video and grasped the connection. Milner pointed toward the Western Bar and explained, "The male lead is Martin..."

The stylist realized the need for a similar styling approach for the supporting characters. Milner expressed satisfaction, "Very well, get it done, and you'll receive an extra bonus."

This advertisement had its origins in the confrontation between Martin and Pitt at the Avalon Bar. With Martin representing Coca-Cola, it was only fitting that the villain resembled Pitt's character.