601-606(end)

*Chapter 601: A Curious Twist*

The next day, Luca accompanied Eva to a family gathering, where he met the Thompsons: Mr. Thompson, Mrs. Thompson, and two rather eccentric brothers-in-law.

Mr. Thompson was warm and welcoming, introducing Luca to numerous business partners as if he were family. This gave Luca a glimpse into the upper echelons of American society.

Though Luca himself was a wealthy tycoon, well-acquainted with billionaires, he found the cultural nuances of this circle fascinating. Entertainment industry parties, where indulgence in alcohol, vice, and revelry was common, contrasted sharply with the decorum of the Thompsons' gathering.

Here, everything—clothing, hairstyles, conversation, and etiquette—was formal, with attendees projecting the image of billionaires or political bigwigs. Yet, many were not particularly wealthy but relied on their extensive networks, representing elites from various industries.

Over drinks and conversation, they discussed topics like the subprime mortgage crisis, Lehman Brothers' bankruptcy, the Middle Eastern conflicts, and the upcoming November elections.

While such subjects didn't particularly interest Luca, he knew the importance of observing and learning. Channeling the poise of political figures from House of Cards, he leaned into his acting skills, playing the role of a composed and insightful tycoon.

Initially, he mostly listened. But when it came time to share his thoughts, Luca delivered confidently, offering forward-thinking observations and election predictions that sparked lively debate. By the end of the evening, he had become the center of attention, outshining even seasoned politicians.

Afterward, Mr. Thompson was even more impressed, praising Luca's maturity, sharp thinking, and suitability for politics.

Luca responded with a smile, privately bemused. "Even in Brazil, political leaders are often mere tools for corporate interests. I'd rather enjoy the life of a billionaire than be a puppet," he thought.

---

As they walked through the brightly lit hall, hand in hand, Eva turned to him with curiosity.

“How did you manage that?”

“Manage what?”

“You’ve been in the entertainment industry all your life. How did you win over those old bureaucrats and stiff-necked elites?” Eva asked, her eyes glinting with admiration.

“It’s simple. I’m an actor. Learning and performing are my strengths. If you asked me to play the president, I might fall short, but the vice president? No problem.”

“I believe you!” Eva laughed softly, brushing her hair back. “But you’ve caused me trouble now. My father is thrilled with you, 200% satisfied. He told me to hold on to you tightly. What should I do?”

“Mr. Thompson knows my situation. Asking you to hold on to me is practically pushing you into the fire.”

“And what if I’m willing?” Eva asked, her gaze serious.

Luca raised an eyebrow and shrugged. “Then welcome to the fire.”

“Fine, I’ll jump in for now. But if I find someone better, I’ll leave the firepit in a heartbeat. So, darling, you’d better step up your game.” Eva playfully punched the air.

“Eva, if that’s your standard, I doubt you’ll ever escape my fire.” Luca squeezed her hand, exuding confidence.

“If that’s destiny, then I’ll accept it,” Eva said, planting a kiss on him before leading him into the ballroom. Together, they danced gracefully among the crowd.

---

After spending a few days with Eva, Luca returned to his own endeavors.

With The Hangover beginning production in Las Vegas, Luca, taking the project seriously, spent several days with the crew as an executive producer. Once everything was running smoothly, he left the city.

---

Back in his office, Natalie Portman teased him, “Luca, you’re a studio head. Why are you always on set? Look at other studio heads; none of them do that!”

Luca took a sip of tea and replied with a grin, “I’m a filmmaker. They’re businessmen. Naturally, we operate differently.”

“So, when we start filming Black Swan, you’ll be on set too? Having you there makes me feel safer,” Natalie said, propping her chin on her hands and smiling mischievously.

“Safer? Do you have a misunderstanding about that word? You’ve always been wary of me taking advantage of you. Why would you want me around?”

“I’m not worried anymore,” Natalie replied, giving him a once-over with a smile. “Now that I know you better, I’ve realized what kind of person you are. You talk a big game, but if I were to actually make a move, you’d chicken out. Am I right?”

“Chicken out?” Luca raised an eyebrow. “Care to test that theory?”

“Sure, let’s test it!”

Natalie slid the strap of her dress off one shoulder, revealing smooth skin. Then, the other strap followed, and her dress slipped further.

“Stop!” Luca exclaimed, covering his face. “Didn’t you say you’d lie down? Why are you taking off your clothes?”

“What’s the difference?” Natalie teased.

“There’s a big difference. I prefer to take the initiative.”

“Ha! Don’t kid yourself. You wouldn’t dare.”

Natalie returned to her seat, smirking. “So, how’s my figure?”

“What? I didn’t see anything.”

“Oh, please. You didn’t stop me after the first strap. You waited until the dress fell off entirely. Don’t tell me you weren’t peeking.”

Natalie’s sly grin suggested she thought she had him cornered.

Luca shook his head. “Why sneak a peek? As the lead in Black Swan, your physique has to be top-notch. If I wanted to evaluate it, I could do so openly. Besides, do you think someone from my modeling background would be interested in your... compact figure?”

“...” Natalie glared at him, clearly annoyed.

“Fine, your figure is decent,” Luca conceded with a laugh. “Keep training before the shoot. Also, work closely with Anne Fletcher. As a producer, she’s an expert in dance. Her guidance will be invaluable.”

“Anne Fletcher? I thought she might direct Black Swan since she’s a dance specialist.”

“We discussed that, but her experience leans toward lighthearted commercial films. The darker tone of Black Swan isn’t her style. The company will select a director more suited to the material.”

“Alright. I trust your judgment.”

“Hearing that from you is rare,” Luca teased.

Natalie scoffed and stood up. “I’m leaving.”

“Okay, feel free to drop by any time—”

Before he could finish, Natalie darted over, sat on his lap, grabbed his hand, and kissed him deeply.

The suddenness left Luca no time to react, so he went along with it.

Three minutes later, Natalie hopped up with a sly smile.

“Hmph. So, you’re interested after all. Stop pretending.”

She glanced down, blushed, muttered something under her breath, and hurried out of the office.

Luca shook his head. “Caught off guard this time. Just wait until next time.”

(End of Chapter)

*Chapter 602: Caught in a Sticky Mess*

At the start of August, the casting call for Black Swan was officially announced.

The film didn’t feature many roles. Besides the main characters, the rest of the cast would consist of professional dancers.

Once the news spread, actresses in the industry were buzzing with excitement.

First, this was a female-led art film, clearly aiming for critical acclaim. Landing the lead role could bring countless benefits.

Second, it was a Luca film. Though he was known as a playboy, his films were always top-notch in both box office performance and reputation.

In recent years, Braziere Films had earned the nickname "The Dark Horse Breeding Ground." Would Black Swan be the next dark horse? Highly likely.

So, when casting began, many people flocked to the company for information, and Luca’s phone wouldn’t stop ringing.

Julie, Scarlett, Anne Hathaway, Charlize Theron, and even Julia Roberts reached out. Julia, however, was inquiring on behalf of her niece, Emma.

For Julie, Anne, and the others, Luca was straightforward in declining them. Either they were too old, too sweet and naive, overly sensual, or just not the right fit.

Early on, Luca had considered them but eventually concluded that only Natalie was truly suitable. Her sharp features made her perfect for a story of intrigue and rivalry.

“Natalie?”

Upon hearing this name, Keira Knightley was displeased.

“If Natalie can do it, why can’t I?”

The two of them bore a 70% resemblance. Back in Star Wars: Episode I, Keira had even been Natalie’s stand-in.

“Keira, I’ve considered you,” Luca explained, massaging his temples. “But the film’s tone doesn’t suit you. Your face looks too pure. Plus, your most charming feature is your smile—clean, refreshing, sunny.

But in Black Swan, the lead character never smiles. The tone is dark. I’ll send you the script. You’ll understand once you’ve read it.”

“You’re really going out of your way to promote her. How nice of you.”

Keira was clearly jealous.

Luca shook his head, exasperated. He’d heard this accusation several times, sometimes seriously, sometimes jokingly. His response was always the same:

“The script came from the company. Creating a new film just to promote her? Impossible. And let me make one thing very clear—I’ve never slept with her. If I had, I wouldn’t hide it from you.”

Keira believed him but was still annoyed. She snorted, “Never slept with her? You could’ve done it on a couch, a carpet, in a car. Isn’t that your usual style?”

“Haha, you’re overthinking. I’m the head of a film company. I have to follow the rules and avoid using my position for favors. Otherwise, Braziere Films’ reputation would be ruined along with mine. I think you understand that.”

“Fine, I was just asking. No need to get so defensive. Being defensive means you’re hiding something.”

“...”

Luca was helpless. If he had known, he might have skipped making this film altogether. Now he had caught nothing but trouble.

“Keira, when are you coming to the U.S.? I miss you.”

Since he couldn’t win the argument, he switched tactics.

Keira Knightley huffed, “I don’t want to go to the U.S. If you miss me, come to London. It’s my home turf.”

“Alright. Next month, I’m heading to Paris for filming. Does Paris count as half your turf?” Luca chuckled.

“And why should I go see you just because you miss me? To serve myself up for you to bully?”

“Then I’ll come to you. Your voice sounds so sour—it needs some proper treatment. Next time, I won’t go easy on you, no matter how much you beg.”

“You wouldn’t dare!”

“Why wouldn’t I? Last time, who called me ‘good boy’?”

“Ah, you jerk! You complete jerk! Next time, if I don’t bite you to death, I’m not Keira Knightley!”

Keira shouted in mock fury.

Luca burst out laughing.

After chatting with Keira for a while, Luca felt rejuvenated and went back to work.

---

That afternoon, the intercom buzzed. Doria informed him that Blake Lively was here.

Luca invited her in.

“Luca, so this is your office? Not bad,” Lively remarked, hands casually in her pockets as she glanced around.

“Aren’t you in school? How do you have time to stop by?”

Luca got up to greet her.

“I’m here to audition and decided to visit since you’re around.”

Lively shrugged.

“Which role are you auditioning for?”

“The second lead, Lily. What do you think?”

Lively asked directly.

“You’re not right for it.”

Luca was blunt. “The protagonist and second lead are interconnected and need to have similar builds. You’re tall, and it’d be hard to find someone of a similar height to play opposite you.”

“Yeah, that’s what Annie said, too. Still, I’m friends with both you and Annie. Auditioning at your company and not even landing a minor role? That’s so disappointing.”

Lively pouted.

Luca smiled faintly. “Annie” referred to Anne Fletcher, a mutual acquaintance.

Lively’s family was well-connected in Hollywood. Her father was a Warner Bros. producer, and her mother a well-known agent at CAA. With her resources, she wasn’t short on opportunities. Her “disappointment” was clearly playful banter.

Even so, Luca reassured her, “Blake, it’s no big deal not landing this part. Give me some time—I’ll write a script and cast you as the lead.”

“Really? You’ll personally write it?”

Lively lit up, grabbing his arm excitedly. “Grandpa Kelly, you wouldn’t lie to me, right?”

“Cough... What grandpa? Stop calling me that.”

Luca’s face darkened.

“Ha! It’s not wrong, though. Last time, after just two hours, you were out of breath. If that’s not grandpa behavior, what is?”

Lively mimicked his exhausted posture from last time.

Luca blushed. “That time, I’d just finished shooting a film. I wasn’t fully recovered. Normally, I can run ten kilometers without breaking a sweat.”

“Really?”

“Of course!”

“Great! Let’s play tennis, then. Don’t back out. If you do, it means you’re weak—like, kidney-weak.”

Hands behind her back, Lively smirked mischievously.

“Fine! Let’s see who collapses first!”

For the glory of the North, this battle was inevitable.

“Yay! Let’s go!”

Lively jumped for joy, holding onto his arm.

Luca shook his head. This girl was too lively—almost impossible to handle.

---

While Black Swan auditions were underway, another casting call drew significant attention: Christopher Nolan’s Inception.

Although Luca had secured priority consideration, industry protocol still required an audition. This time, he encountered Leonardo DiCaprio.

(End of Chapter)

*Chapter 603: Everyone Has a Responsibility to Protect the Earth*

"Luca, the role is yours."

"Thank you. Looking forward to working with you."

In the audition office for Inception, after some negotiation, Luca successfully secured the lead role.

"Luca, the filming hasn’t started yet, but I need to bring up something. This is our second time working together. You know my directing style. I like pushing actors to their limits. When we start filming, if I pressure you during scenes, don’t act like a diva," Director Nolan said with a smile.

Luca smirked slightly. "Chris, my acting is pretty solid now. Honestly, I don’t need the extra pressure to deliver my best performance."

"Really? Let’s see about that when the cameras roll."

"Fine, fine!"

After a brief chat, Luca left the office while the audition team continued to evaluate other actors.

"Boss, did you get the role?" Anne, his assistant, asked as she approached.

"Of course! Do you even need to ask? Whether it’s popularity, acting skills, image, or anything else, I’m the most suitable choice," Luca said with a chuckle.

"True. Plus, our company is a producer on this project. If you didn’t get the role, who else would?"

"Ugh, why bring that up? I got the role purely based on merit. My status as an investor has nothing to do with it," Luca said, feigning dissatisfaction.

Anne laughed. "Got it, boss."

"Luca!" a voice suddenly called out.

"Leon?" Luca looked up and saw Leonardo standing in the hallway.

"Still here?"

Leonardo had auditioned before Luca. However, due to Luca’s influence, the script was revised to make the male lead younger and more handsome—a portrayal better suited for Luca. Leonardo, meanwhile, appeared too mature for the role. Plus, Luca had adorable twin children who could easily cameo, adding a layer of charm to the production.

"Did they give you the role?" Leonardo asked coolly.

"Yes, the audition panel unanimously agreed that I’m the best fit to play Cobb. I believe I can do justice to this role. It’s a win-win decision," Luca replied with a faint smile.

"You’ve come a long way, Luca. Your growth has exceeded my expectations. But do you think that’s enough to replace me? You’re mistaken. There’s only one Leonardo, and no one can take my place," Leonardo said with a confident smile before turning to leave.

"Wait, Leon," Luca called after him, prompting Leonardo to pause.

"First of all, I’ve never claimed to want to replace you. I have zero interest in your position—none at all," Luca said as he slowly approached.

"Secondly, I’m a writer, director, investor, and entrepreneur. Acting is just one of my least successful side gigs, and I can drop it anytime. So, you don’t need to worry about me taking your opportunities," he added, shaking his head.

"Lastly, let me tell you something—I won’t be in this industry for more than two years. Do you believe me?"

Leonardo remained silent.

"Oh, one more thing," Luca said with a sudden grin. "Protecting the Earth is everyone’s responsibility. I’m also an environmentalist. If you ever have any environmental projects, feel free to involve me. Let’s find common ground, shall we?"

Leonardo frowned, looking at him curiously.

"Don’t look at me like that. I’m serious. You’ll see soon enough. Goodbye!" Luca waved and stepped into the elevator.

Leonardo stood in a daze, watching him leave. Memories of the past flooded his mind. They had once had a falling-out over Kate, though they maintained a facade of friendship. At that time, Leonardo had a clear advantage and didn’t see Luca as a threat.

But as time passed, Luca’s fame grew. He became a major star, a wealthy entrepreneur, and an influential figure in the industry—someone who could no longer be ignored. The dynamics shifted, and their relationship evolved from “friends” to rivals.

Following Brad Pitt’s advice, Leonardo had joined forces with others to suppress Luca, creating trouble for him. Up until 2006, this strategy had some effect.

But that sly Luca pivoted, investing in the tech industry and skyrocketing to success. His name appeared on Forbes’ list, and his financial influence made further suppression impossible.

As Luca climbed higher on Forbes’ rankings, the gap between them widened. Leonardo was left feeling powerless.

What frustrated him most was that while he saw Luca as his greatest rival, Luca didn’t seem to care, as though Leonardo’s attacks were punching into thin air.

"Ah…" Leonardo sighed. "Lenny, do you think Luca’s words were sincere?"

"Which part?" asked Lenny Williams, his assistant.

"About finding common ground."

"I’m not sure. We’ll have to wait and see. For now, though, Kelly has taken our elevator."

Leonardo blinked, watching the elevator doors slowly close.

"Luca, you cunning fox!"

---

"Boss, people in the industry say your relationship with Leonardo and Pitt is terrible. But I didn’t think it looked that bad just now," Anne said in the elevator.

"Of course not. Leonardo and I are friends," Luca replied with a smile.

"Really? But I’ve heard that Leonardo was among those who tried to blacklist you."

"That’s nothing. It’s just industry competition. If I were in Leonardo’s position and saw someone as talented, handsome, and full of potential as me, I’d probably suppress them too. So, I don’t blame him or Pitt. It’s all because I’m just too outstanding," Luca said, shaking his head in mock frustration.

Anne rolled her eyes. Her boss was indeed exceptional, but his level of self-confidence—no, his shamelessness—was unparalleled. She figured his success had much to do with his thick skin: both figuratively and literally impressive.

"Boss, now that you’ve become so successful, have you thought about getting back at Leonardo and Pitt?"

"Mm… no. Revenge would be a waste of time. I’d rather use that time to make more money.

When I become even more successful and wealthy, they’ll feel the gap. They’ll despair, fall into depression, and live in my shadow. Imagine them reading news about me, hearing about my achievements, yet being powerless to do anything. Isn’t that the best revenge?"

Luca spread his hands dramatically.

Anne rubbed her chin thoughtfully. "Boss, you’re devious."

Luca playfully raised a fist at her. "If I retaliated, you’d call me petty. If I don’t, you call me devious. Did I hire you to critique me?"

"Fine, fine. Boss, you’re brilliant, generous, and upright. There’s no one more charming and capable than you," Anne teased.

"Now that’s more like it. Keep going."

"… That’s all I’ve got."

"Really? You’re terrible at flattery. You’re clearly not a professional assistant," Luca said, shaking his head.

Just then, his phone chimed—a message from Ambrosio.

"Did you pass the audition?"

"Of course. Everything’s under control."

"Then come over. I’m throwing a party for you."

"A private party for the two of us?"

"No, three!"

"… Fine, I’m on my way."

Luca put his phone away and strode out of the elevator.

*Chapter 604: Dreams Are Worth Having*

After auditioning for Inception, the casting for Black Swan was also completed. Despite facing several competitors, Natalie secured the lead role thanks to her strong credentials, while most supporting roles remained unchanged.

Seeing the finalized cast list, Luca felt reassured.

Once this phase of work was done, he joined the crew of Midnight in Paris and flew to the Paris set to begin filming.

As both the lead actor and an investor, Luca worked alongside Rachel as the female lead, with Marion Cotillard as the second female lead. Incidentally, Marion was also the leading lady in Inception. Their collaboration this time was seen as a warm-up for future major projects.

Directed by Woody Allen, the production team mostly consisted of familiar faces, which made for a smooth and efficient collaboration.

Midnight in Paris tells the story of an American screenwriter, Gil, who accompanies his fiancée Inez and her family on a vacation to Paris. The trip turns out to be far from pleasant.

One midnight, as he walks alone through the streets of Paris, he is drawn to a passing carriage that takes him to a lavish party. By sheer coincidence, he meets luminaries like Hemingway, Picasso, Fitzgerald, Dali, and Stein.

Even more intriguingly, Gil becomes infatuated with Picasso’s and Modigliani’s lover. He finds himself enchanted by his time-traveling escapades, which deepens his love for Paris.

It’s a whimsical story of time travel.

Thanks to the strong performances of Luca, Rachel, and Marion, the movie wrapped up smoothly, taking only 45 days from start to finish.

By late September, Luca returned to Los Angeles. However, just two days into his rest, Wanted was slated for release, prompting him to join the promotional tour across several cities.

On October 5, Wanted premiered in 3,886 theaters across North America, grossing $66.5 million in its opening week—a personal best for Luca.

In its second week, it earned $42 million, surpassing $100 million in two weeks—a new record.

The media projected the film’s total box office to reach around $400 million. Combined with 21, Juno, and other projects, the total box office earnings of movies Luca starred in this year exceeded $700 million, cementing his status as one of the most bankable actors in Hollywood.

Despite the news frenzy, Luca remained focused on the performance of Inglourious Basterds.

Slated for release on December 20, just before Christmas, the competition was fierce. It was a high-stakes period for blockbuster releases.

On November 21, Twilight premiered nationwide. Luca and Kate attended the event—his sixth premiere that year.

The movie performed exceptionally well, grossing $69.56 million in its opening week.

The success of the Twilight movie reignited interest in the book series, propelling the first volume back onto The New York Times bestseller list after four years.

Kate’s global fame also skyrocketed, and the rights to her works, including Me Before You and the Hunger series, became highly sought after by major studios.

Luca and Kate reaped substantial financial rewards.

Using these profits, Luca seized the ongoing financial crisis to invest aggressively in promising stocks like Amazon, Facebook, Apple, Twitter, and Tesla.

His ultimate goal was to crack the Forbes Top 10. Currently ranked in the 200s, he knew there was still a long way to go.

On December 20, Inglourious Basterds debuted in 3,237 theaters across the United States, following two months of pre-release promotion.

Luca attended the premiere with a star-studded entourage, including Kate, Lima, Aniston, Britney, and Miranda.

The event attracted nearly every big name in the industry—directors like Woody Allen, Christopher Nolan, and Guy Ritchie; actors like Tom Hanks, Tom Cruise, and Robert Downey Jr.; and actresses like Julia Roberts, Nicole Kidman, Charlize Theron, Scarlett Johansson, and Natalie Portman.

Even the music and fashion worlds turned out in force, with icons like Madonna, Christina Aguilera, and models like Ambrosio and Bündchen gracing the event.

As the media put it, "Half of Hollywood’s leading ladies showed up, the music industry sent their heavyweights, and the entire modeling world attended. The premiere was an unprecedented spectacle."

Inglourious Basterds did not disappoint, grossing $52.52 million in its opening weekend, surpassing media expectations.

This marked Luca’s directorial debut, and its initial success was a pleasant surprise. Critics gave overwhelmingly positive reviews, with a Rotten Tomatoes score of 82%.

In its second week, the film grossed $48 million, maintaining the top spot at the box office and surpassing $100 million domestically.

Luca’s reputation as a director was firmly established, with many in Hollywood agreeing that he excelled more as a producer than a writer, more as a writer than a director, and more as a director than an actor.

By the end of its two-month run, Inglourious Basterds grossed $190 million domestically and $360 million worldwide, cementing Luca’s status as a successful director.

On February 22, at the 81st Academy Awards, Luca found himself with an astonishing six nominations across five films:

- Taken: 3 nominations, including Best Supporting Actress and Best Original Screenplay.

- Juno: 4 nominations, including Best Picture and Best Actress.

- Wanted: 2 nominations for sound editing.

- The Dark Knight: 10 nominations, including Best Supporting Actor and Best Cinematography.

- Inglourious Basterds: 8 nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Original Screenplay.

Luca himself was nominated for four awards, including Best Original Screenplay for Taken, and Best Director, Best Supporting Actor, and Best Original Screenplay for Inglourious Basterds.

The unprecedented number of nominations led the media to dub the ceremony “The Luca Kelly Night.”

“Has the Academy been bought by Luca?” joked one headline.

At the ceremony, Kate teased him, “Luca, how many awards do you think you’ll take home tonight?”

“I honestly have no idea. The more nominations you get, the lower your chances of winning. I might walk away empty-handed.”

Kate chuckled. “Even being nominated for six awards is a record. Let’s just enjoy it!”

“True. But wouldn’t it be something if I walked away with four Oscars? That would be historic.”

Kate laughed. “Four? They’d have to rename the Academy to the Asylum if that happened.”

“Well,” Luca smiled, “dreams are worth having. You never know—they just might come true.”

As the curtains rose, he held Kate’s hand tightly, eyes filled with anticipation for what lay ahead.

*Chapter 605: After Dreams Come True*

"The winner of the 81st Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor is..."

This year, five actors were nominated for Best Supporting Actor:

Josh Brolin for Milk, Philip Seymour Hoffman for Doubt, Heath Ledger for The Dark Knight, Michael Shannon for Revolutionary Road, and Luca Kelly for Inglourious Basterds.

Before the ceremony, the media speculated that the top contenders were Luca and Heath Ledger.

Both played villains in their respective films, delivering stunning performances. But who would take home the award? The answer was about to be revealed.

"Heath Ledger, The Dark Knight!"

Applause!  

The room erupted into enthusiastic applause.

Luca also clapped along, smiling.

"Don't be discouraged. This is just your first nomination. The more nominations you get, the better your chances," Kate consoled him.

"I know," Luca replied with a faint smile, watching Heath Ledger walk slowly toward the stage. He thought to himself, If it weren’t for me, Heath wouldn't even be here at tonight’s Oscars. In a way, I’ve contributed.  

After the Best Supporting Actor category, the awards for Best Original Screenplay and Best Adapted Screenplay were next.

Luca received two Best Original Screenplay nominations for Taken and Inglourious Basterds. On paper, it looked promising, but in reality, his chances of winning were slim.

The award for Best Original Screenplay ultimately went to Diablo Cody for Juno—the very woman who had handed him her script at the premiere event.

The win for Juno validated his keen judgment and also confirmed the media's adage: The only person who can beat Luca is Luca himself.  

"Don't worry; there are still plenty of awards left," Kate said with a smile.

"Hopefully," Luca replied, though he had already tempered his expectations.

Without wins for Best Supporting Actor or Best Screenplay, his chances for Best Director or Best Picture seemed remote.

As a rookie director, he couldn’t realistically expect to overshadow the veteran directors in attendance.

As for Best Picture, it was typically linked to box office success and critical acclaim. In this regard, Slumdog Millionaire and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button were the frontrunners.

Next, the Best Actor award went to Sean Penn for Milk.

The Best Actress award was given to Kate Winslet for The Reader, leaving Angelina Jolie and Anne Hathaway as runners-up.

The Best Director award was presented to Danny Boyle for Slumdog Millionaire, with Luca again missing out.

Then came a rather awkward realization: despite receiving eight nominations, Inglourious Basterds had yet to win a single award.

"And the winner of the 81st Academy Award for Best Picture is... Inglourious Basterds! Luca Kelly and Ross Bronze!"

"Wow, Luca, you won!" Kate suddenly shouted, embracing him tightly.

Applause!  

The room erupted into thunderous applause. Celebrities such as Jennifer Aniston, Angelina Jolie, Anne Hathaway, and Natalie Portman all stood up to cheer for him.

Seeing even the older members of the audience rise to their feet, Luca felt slightly self-conscious. He quickly stood and began thanking everyone around him.

"Darling, congratulations!" Jennifer Aniston hugged him and kissed his cheek.

"Luca, congrats!" Anne Hathaway followed suit with a hug and a kiss.

"Congratulations, Luca!"

As he passed by Kate Winslet, Natalie Portman, Mélanie Laurent, Amanda Seyfried, and even Angelina Jolie, each gave him a congratulatory hug and kiss.

By the time Luca reached the stage, the room was filled with laughter and applause.

Looking at Ross, who stood next to him, Luca asked, "Is something wrong?"

Ross pointed to his cheek.

Luca touched his face, finding it smeared with lipstick in every shade imaginable—deep red, pale red, rose, and even violet. Realizing he had been set up, he couldn’t help but laugh.

"Ross, do you think I’ll ever shake off this playboy reputation?"

"What do you think?" Ross replied with an exaggerated eye roll.

The audience erupted into laughter and applause.

Shaking his head, Luca signaled to Ross before stepping forward to accept the Oscar statuette. Standing center stage under the spotlight, he felt a wave of dizziness.

"Thank you, thank you, everyone. I love you all," he began, his voice emotional. "Wow, this is overwhelming. First, I want to thank the Academy for honoring me and the Inglourious Basterds team with this award. This moment brings me closer to my dream than ever before."

Looking out at the star-studded audience, Luca paused.

Although he had won Best Picture, his ultimate dream had yet to be realized.

On this stage, Luca had already received recognition for his work as a screenwriter and filmmaker. But as an actor, he still aspired to win the coveted Best Actor Oscar.

That year, the opportunity hadn’t come. He would have to wait for the next.

---

2009 passed in the blink of an eye. At the 82nd Academy Awards in 2010, Luca won the Best Actor Oscar for his stunning performance in Shutter Island.

With this award, Luca officially entered the ranks of A-list actors. But he cared little for status. Having achieved his dream, he began planning his retirement.

Before he could retire, Britney came to him with some surprising news.

"Darling, we’re having another baby," Britney said with a gentle smile, resting her hand on her stomach.

"Really? When did you find out?"

"Four weeks ago. I just got the confirmation."

"That’s amazing! Max is going to have a little sister!"

"Why a sister? What’s wrong with a little brother?"

"Both would be perfect—twins!" Luca joked.

As Britney leaned into his embrace, she suddenly sighed. "Darling, do you remember our agreement?"

"Which one?"

"The one we made in 2005 at the Café Karlfy. We made a bet: whether you’d win an Oscar for acting first or I’d win a Grammy for Best Record or Best Female Vocalist. The loser had to grant the winner a wish. Remember?"

"Of course. It seems I’ve won. What’s your wish?" Luca asked, running his fingers through her hair.

Resting in his arms, Britney remained silent for a long time before whispering, "Forget it, it’s nothing."

"Come on, tell me. It’s our pact."

"Well... I want to get married. Is that okay?"

(End of chapter)

Chapter 606: Daddy’s Back (End)

“Are you sure you want a divorce?”

“Yes!”

In 2012, at the Los Angeles District Court, Luca and Britney ended their three-year marriage.

During their time together, they had two sons and one daughter. Even after their divorce, they remained in a marital-like relationship. That same year, Luca ranked 72nd on the Forbes Global List.

In 2013, Luca married Lima in Brazil. They divorced in 2015 after having two sons and three daughters. Despite the separation, they maintained a marital-like relationship, and Luca climbed to 35th on the Forbes Global List that year, becoming the richest man in Brazil.

In 2016, Luca married Eva and divorced in 2022. They had three sons and one daughter. Following the divorce, their relationship continued, and Luca achieved the 8th spot on the Forbes List.

Over the years, Luca and Aniston, though never officially married, maintained a close relationship, during which they had three sons and one daughter.

By 2024, Luca amassed a fortune of $800 billion, ranking 2nd on the Forbes List. Shortly afterward, he donated most of his wealth to charitable foundations, environmental organizations, and medical research institutes. His more than 40 children received a portion of the assets.

He retired from his career, gradually disappearing from the public eye. Journalists breathed a sigh of relief, no longer needing to report on his constant exploits.

Starting in 2003, Luca had been stirring things up nonstop for over two decades. Many media outlets went out of business trying to cover him, while he continued to dominate headlines, consuming an overwhelming share of media attention.

Now that he had stepped down, it was time to pass the torch to the next generation.

Wait, what? The newcomers are all his kids?

---

2024, Atlantic Ocean [Kelly Island].

This picturesque island, spanning about a hundred square miles, featured blue skies, white sand, coconut groves, and crystal-clear sea water. It resembled a string of pearls in the Atlantic.

Around Kelly Island stood rows of modern facilities: an airport, docks, training grounds, and research centers. At the heart of the island, a grand palace towered—a masterpiece reminiscent of the Taj Mahal with its intricate and unique design.

Noon.

Under the bright sunlight, Kate walked barefoot along the pristine beach in a flowing white dress. Her golden hair cascaded down her shoulders, and the sea breeze playfully danced around her. Tall and graceful, she looked like the goddess Athena stepping out of a church fresco.

Not far behind her, five children of varying heights—boys and girls—played joyfully. The oldest was over ten, while the youngest was just two or three years old.

The little ones splashed in the shallow water and chased each other across the sand. Their laughter echoed across the island.

“Mommy, Mommy, look, I’m flying!”

“Mommy, a crab pinched my foot!”

“Mommy, when will Daddy be back?”

“Mommy, there’s a boat over there!”

*Toot toot~*

Suddenly, a towering yacht appeared on the horizon, slowly approaching the dock.

On the front deck of the yacht, a tall man leaned against the railing, waving energetically.

“Mommy, is that Daddy?”

The children gazed at the yacht, eyes wide with excitement.

“Yes, it’s Daddy. Daddy’s back!”

“Yay! Daddy’s back! Daddy’s back!”

“Daddy~”

“Let’s go catch Daddy!”

The five little ones shouted excitedly, racing toward the dock.

When the man finally stepped off the yacht, the children swarmed him. Two hung on his shoulders, one clung to his back, another hugged his waist, and the youngest latched onto his leg. They looked like a troupe of playful monkeys.

“Kate, I’m back!”

“I know!”

Kate smiled warmly, her lips curling into a soft grin as she joined the embrace.

---

*(The End)*

Thank you all for your support.

With over 1.5 million words, it’s time to say goodbye.

Continuing further would risk turning this into filler, and that’s not something my integrity allows.

Goodbye!

Thank you again for accompanying me on this journey!

┏(╥o╥)┛

(End of Chapter)