America Tycoon: The Wolf of Showbiz

Avalon Bar was buzzing with people tonight, everyone gathering in circles, eager for a spectacle.

The more people, the harder it was for those in the middle to save face unless, like the Trio of Scoundrels, they had none to start with.

Johnson was suddenly hoisted into the air.

Ray Parker, ever loyal, stayed by Johnson's side.

Compared to the star-status of Johnson, Ray didn't need to worry about maintaining his own dignity and face since his most famous roles, Darth Moore and Masked Man, never showed his face.

His stance wasn't about showing strength, just solidarity with his friend.

He grabbed Johnson's tensed arm and gave it a tug outward.

Johnson understood, it was a cue to get moving.

Ray Parker didn't know what had happened earlier that afternoon.

Johnson decided to back down, gave a slight nod to Martin and his group to maintain his last bit of dignity, and turned to leave.

But Martin couldn't let him walk away without an apology to Alexandra.

Just as Martin was about to make a move, he noticed Nicholson signaling something.

Over the years, the Trio of Scoundrels had perfected their scheme; Martin knew immediately that Nicholson had a nasty idea. He subtly nudged Leonardo, and both stayed still.

Nicholson moved slightly forward, confronting Johnson, "Big guy, don't you know how to apologize? Completely shameless?"

Johnson burst into anger.

Like many young stars in Hollywood, Johnson had little fondness or respect for the faded older generation.

Who wants to deal with a bunch of has-beens riding their coattails, anyway?

Nicholson, the old scoundrel, had plenty of experience in provocation; he had even buttered Marlon Brando's coffin lid.

He added, "You can leave, but leave your face behind."

Johnson never thought of contending for an Oscar; he knew these old timers were troublesome but didn't particularly care. He tried to push Nicholson away and leave.

But he severely underestimated the shamelessness of the Trio of Scoundrels' boss.

Nicholson wasn't just clinging to his old age for respect!

As Johnson's hand came forward, the old scoundrel slightly shrunk his neck, and with his top Hollywood acting skills, it all seemed incredibly natural.

The calloused hand, meant for Nicholson's shoulder, landed on his face.

Johnson had used quite some force.

"Ouch, my head!" Nicholson's acting was so skillful, as if the push was too much for him to bear, causing great pain: "I feel dizzy, can't stand, can't stand..."

As he spoke, he collapsed.

Martin caught Nicholson, his acting bursting forth, "Jack? What happened to you?"

Nicholson seemed unconscious.

Martin yelled, "Jack! Jack!" and shouted, "Call an ambulance!"

Leonardo, cooperating perfectly, immediately took out his phone to dial 911.

Johnson was dumbfounded, looking at his hand. The force he used wasn't small, but surely it shouldn't have hurt that bad?

Ray Parker was also confused about the sudden collapse.

Martin held Nicholson, who was letting his body completely relax to add to the effect. Anyone who has lifted someone asleep knows how dead heavy they are.

Leonardo was still on the phone with 911.

Lorraine, having caused trouble with the three scoundrels for so long, reacted super quickly, handed her phone to Margot Robbie, rushed over, and blocked Johnson, yelling, "What did you do to my dad?"

"I... I..." Johnson didn't know how to respond, "I didn't mean it, I just wanted to push him away; I didn't expect this to happen."

Lorraine glared at Johnson, "This isn't over!"

Alexandra quickly came to Martin's side, looking worriedly at Nicholson.

"Calm down, don't panic," Martin said loudly, "Everyone, back off, let the air circulate."

Nicholson, not short and rather portly, was heavy, so Martin simply laid him down on the floor.

Feeling the cold floor, Nicholson inwardly cursed Martin a million times, wishing he could get up and punch him; Martin, that bastard, should have kept holding him.

Lorraine was blocking Johnson.

Leonardo and Margot Robbie urged the bystanders to move back.

With everyone watching, Johnson and Ray Parker knew they couldn't run, nor did they intend to. They just took out their phones and kept making calls.

Johnson was well aware that if something happened to Nicholson, he'd be in big trouble.

Martin expected Nicholson to stir up trouble but hadn't anticipated this kind of scam; he could only cooperate, softly calling, "Jack, how are you? Jack, hang in there! You must hold on!"

Leonardo and Lorraine also crouched down.

The latter, having been an actress, automatically teared up.

By this time, the bar's security and management had also arrived to help maintain order.

The ambulance's siren sounded, and the paramedics rushed into the bar.

Lorraine rode with Nicholson in the ambulance, Margot Robbie, not wanting to get overly involved, excused herself with a temporary matter and left.

Martin, Leonardo, and Alexandra got into a car and followed.

In the car, Alexandra felt guilty, "I'm sorry, I didn't know it would turn out like this, if it wasn't for me..."

Martin held her hand, "Don't worry, it's okay."