481-485

*Chapter 481: A Bunch of Fairies Came Home*

"Mr. Ross, how's the investment going?"

"We're still negotiating. The preliminary budget for Revolutionary Road is $35 million, and we can secure around 30% of the investment."

"So, that's about $10 million?"

Luca chuckled. "Step Up had a $10 million investment and made $30 million. Little Miss Sunshine had an $8 million budget and earned over $20 million. Can Revolutionary Road make $30 million with a $10 million investment plus the script?"

Mr. Ross glanced at him. "Are you crazy? A $35 million investment would need a box office of at least $50 million just to break even. To triple the return, the movie would have to gross over $200 million."

"Revolutionary Road is about marital problems, and its target audience is people over 30. It's a niche, artsy film. You think a movie like that can hit $200 million at the box office?"

"No way!"

Even $20 million would be a stretch.

"And you still want to make $30 million?"

Mr. Ross couldn't be bothered to continue arguing. Luca had a knack for investments that always made a small profit. Even if this one didn't, it probably wouldn't lose money either.

"Ross, try to lower the salaries of the lead actors. They’re eager to be in this film, so maybe we can get a friend discount," Luca said, stroking his chin.

"They're both A-list actors and quite popular. It's hard to lower their fees."

"Give it a shot. Let’s aim to keep the budget under $20 million. If they don't agree, there are always other actors."

"You want to replace them?" Ross asked, surprised.

Luca shook his head and continued watching the movie. Today was the premiere of Step Up 2, and Luca and Ross were attending the event in New York as representatives of the production company.

The second movie was still about street dance, focusing on the male lead's love for dance and his team's journey to the championship.

Aside from being set in an art school, the two films didn’t share much in common. The second film's plot was simpler and more focused on street dancing, featuring intense dance battles, making it more explosive and lively than the first.

As usual, Luca kept costs low. The second film was another low-budget production with no major stars. The leads were professional dancers, showcasing solid dance skills.

"What do you think?" Ross asked.

"It's alright," Luca nodded slightly.

"Are we making a sequel?"

"That’s up to the production department. I won’t interfere."

"Alright, let’s see how the box office for this one does first."

Clap clap clap~

The movie ended, and Luca clapped a few times before leaving the theater.

The second film was decent, but it paled in comparison to the first. The first movie had a top-tier choreography team, with Hollywood’s best choreographers, as well as a competent assistant director and strong leads. The second film's team wasn’t as strong, and the effort didn’t quite match that of the first. The box office results probably wouldn’t be as explosive.

Later that afternoon, Luca returned to his apartment on 43rd Street with two large bags of groceries, only to be shocked by the lively scene inside.

He had been gone for less than four hours, and the place had turned into an all-girls’ party.

Aside from the regulars—Lima, Miranda, and Daphne—there were Ambrosio, Isabeli, Fernando, Raquel, and even Mrs. Bündchen. The whole place was full of Brazilian supermodels.

The women were all dressed casually, drinking, singing, and partying in the living room, having the time of their lives.

Lima, who was pregnant, was sitting there playing video games with Ambrosio, shouting like crazy.

Luca stood at the door, wondering if he should even go in.

"Luca, why aren’t you coming in?" Fanny smiled at him.

"Luca’s back!"

"Ah, the jerk’s back. Watch out, ladies, don’t flash him!"

"Hahaha~"

The women laughed and paid no mind to him, the lone man in the room.

Luca, feeling awkward, forced a smile and greeted the fairies one by one.

"Look! Luca's got two hickeys on his neck!" Isabeli suddenly exclaimed.

"Where?"

Everyone turned to look.

Luca’s face twitched. He should have stayed outside.

"There really are hickeys!"

"And they’re bright red!"

"I wonder who left them there."

"Lima, should we help you teach him a lesson?"

The fairies took turns teasing him, making up stories as they went.

Lima glanced at Luca and smiled gently. "Don’t scare him too much, or he’ll run off, and then no one will cook for us."

"Fine, we’ll let him off this time."

"Chef Luca, it’s all up to you now. If you don’t do a good job, you’ll have to explain those hickeys!"

"Chef Luca, don’t just stand there. Go make us some snacks to go with our drinks!"

The fairies lounged on the sofa, looking quite domineering.

"Alright, please wait a moment!"

Luca wiped the cold sweat from his forehead and quickly escaped to the kitchen. At least in the kitchen, he felt a little safer—outside, he feared these fairies might eat him alive.

"Luca seems like quite the homemaker," Fernando Tavares laughed.

"Yeah, Lima, how did you train him? He wasn’t this obedient before," Isabeli asked.

"I know!" Miranda pointed to a baseball bat on the shelf. "Do you know what that’s for?"

"Isn’t it for playing baseball?"

"Haha, of course not. Lima doesn’t play baseball; she uses it on him," Miranda grinned and pointed toward the kitchen.

"You hit Luca with that?"

"Lima, that’s brutal!" The fairies were in shock.

"Don’t listen to Miranda. I only used the bat to scare him a couple of times. I didn’t actually hit him. He’d be hurt if I did!" Lima laughed as she played her game.

"You could use it to spank him."

"Haha, now it makes sense why Luca’s butt is getting perkier—it’s from all the spanking!"

"Ew, Fernando, how do you even know his butt is getting perkier? Have you been staring at it?"

"Shut up, An!"

"Hahaha~"

In the kitchen, Luca shook his head. These women were far too wild, making dirtier jokes than most men.

He took his time preparing a few fruit platters and cold dishes before returning to the living room. Since the fairies were all watching their figures, they didn’t eat much, so he didn’t prepare anything extravagant.

When he finally emerged, they teased him some more. An, Isabeli, and the others took turns sharing embarrassing stories about him, like how he used to hide in the girls’ locker room to peep and almost got beaten to death when he was caught.

They even joked about how he had a fetish for collecting underwear and once secretly took one of Bündchen’s bras. No one knew about it until one hot day, when he was sweating a lot, he accidentally pulled it out to wipe his sweat, exposing himself.

Miranda and Fanny, hearing these new stories, laughed so hard they were gasping for air.

Luca, sweating profusely and feeling utterly uncomfortable, realized this wasn’t a party—it was a roasting session.

"Luca, why are you sweating again?" Ambrosio asked with a grin.

"Should we fetch you a pair of panties to wipe it off?"

"Hahaha~"

The whole room burst into laughter again.

"Ahem, you guys have fun. I’ve got a script to finish, so I’ll catch up later," Luca said, making up an excuse to escape into his bedroom.

"Haha, Luca’s embarrassed!"

"Of course he is! You mentioned him using panties to wipe sweat!"

"I wasn’t lying! He was chubby and cute back then."

"You played with him?"

"Fernando, shut up!"

"Hahaha~"

Luca sighed, calling the conversation far too inappropriate as he put on his headphones and got back to work, fingers flying over the keyboard.

Tap tap tap~

(End of Chapter)

Chapter 482: I'm a Respectable Person, Okay?

"You're actually writing a script?"

Ambrosio quietly walked in, glanced at the screen, and smiled.

"Yeah, there's a script I haven’t finished. I’m writing a few lines whenever I get a chance."

Luca took off his headphones and replied.

"You look like a proper person now."

Ambrosio propped up her long legs on the table.

"I’ve always been a respectable person, okay?"

"Heh~"

Ambrosio leaned back in her chair, watching him intently with a slight smile on her face.

"Why are you looking at me? Do I look handsome again?"

Luca grinned.

Ambrosio snorted softly and laughed, "Seeing you now reminds me of the old you—a big, round-faced, chubby guy, all lecherous and creepy, drooling whenever you saw us."

"Stop bringing up the embarrassing stuff from the past. I’m not that fat guy anymore."

Luca replied helplessly.

"But we all agree, the old you was more fun and more relatable."

"Relatable? Back then, if I even came close to you guys, you’d immediately shout, ‘Stay away, fatso! Don’t come near me!’ You call that relatable?"

Luca complained.

"Haha, you were so pervy back then. You’d never miss a chance to take advantage of us. If we didn’t consider you a friend, do you think you would’ve been allowed backstage?"

"Come on, if I didn’t go backstage, how could I run errands for you? You used me a lot back then."

"That was voluntary. All someone had to do was smile at you or kiss you on the cheek, and you’d obediently run errands. Kate often argued with everyone because of that."

Ambrosio couldn't help but laugh.

"Ugh, I was really dumb back then, really!"

Luca shook his head, looking back on those days with regret.

Ambrosio chuckled lightly. "How have you been lately?"

"Not bad, work’s not too busy, and I’ve been spending time with Lima."

Luca shrugged and looked at her. "What about you? How are things with Jamie?"

Ambrosio’s smile faded a bit. "It’s the same as always."

"Jamie cheated again?"

"I don’t know, and I don’t care anymore. Knowing too much is exhausting."

Ambrosio sighed.

"Maybe you should consider having a child. Focusing on a child might be better for you."

Luca suggested.

"Well, actually, I’m pregnant. I just found out, which is why I came to Lima to get some tips."

Ambrosio smiled, touching her belly.

"Congratulations!"

Luca smiled back.

"Thanks. Lima said you’re really good at taking care of people. How about I come by often?"

Ambrosio winked.

"Uh, sure~"

"Hey guys, what are you doing in there... Oh, I didn’t see anything, carry on, carry on!"

Someone peeked in through the door, yelled, and then quickly ran off.

"Fernando! Damn it, I’m going to rip your mouth off!"

Ambrosio’s face turned red as she angrily ran out. Soon, the sound of scuffling and laughter filled the air outside.

Luca smiled, went back to his keyboard, and continued typing. Writing in this lively atmosphere didn’t feel bad at all. The hustle and bustle on one side, solitude on the other—how could he describe this with just one word? Perfect.

Clap

Some time later, the lights in the house turned on, and Lima walked in, supporting her waist.

Luca removed his headphones and glanced out the window. It had gotten dark without him realizing it.

"Did they leave?"

He stretched and stood up to help Lima.

"Yeah, but it’s a mess out there. Can you help clean up?"

Lima smiled.

"No problem."

"Servant Luca" walked out of the room and found the living room in chaos. Cups and plates were scattered everywhere, and a large stain of red wine was on the carpet.

"Miranda and Fanny are so lazy. They didn’t even help clean up while they were here. They really treat me like a servant."

He grumbled.

Lima chuckled. "It’s not their fault. You’re just too diligent. You’ve spoiled them."

"Alright, it’s my fault. But it’s not just them who’ve gotten lazy, right? Little fatty, don’t you think you should reflect too?"

Luca teased.

"Reflect on what? I’m pregnant, and you want me to do housework?"

Lima retorted.

"You weren’t exactly a housework enthusiast before you were pregnant either. Other than your game console and wardrobe, nothing was ever in the right place."

"Fine, fine. I admit I didn’t like doing housework before. How about I start learning now? Hand over the mop and dishes; I’ll handle everything today."

Lima, with her belly sticking out, volunteered.

"Stop messing around. You’re on housework exemption. If I let you do housework today, you’d hold it over me for life."

"I wouldn’t! Just let me do it."

"No, no. Fine, I was wrong. I shouldn’t have said you’re lazy. You’re not lazy at all, in fact, you’re very hardworking—super diligent. You’re just pregnant, so it’s not convenient for you to do housework. Now, just sit back and watch me work some magic. With just two hands and half an hour, I’ll have this place spotless."

Luca pressed Lima onto the sofa.

"Alright then, but remember, you’re the one not letting me do any housework, not that I don’t want to. You can’t hold this over me later."

Lima laughed, patting her belly.

"Of course, I’d never do that. You’re the one carrying around a little guy that weighs a dozen pounds. You’re the one working the hardest, so you deserve to rest."

"As long as you know that!"

Lima smiled and picked up a game console, but after a few minutes, she sighed and put it down.

"What’s wrong?"

Luca asked.

"I can’t play games. The doctor said the baby can sense the outside world at eight months, and if I play now, the baby will definitely become a gaming addict."

Lima tossed the console far away, as if she were throwing a grenade.

"What’s wrong with playing games? We’re not short on money, so the baby won’t need to work. If he stays home playing games all day, that wouldn’t be bad at all."

"Is that the limit of your expectations for our child?"

Lima looked displeased.

"Keeping expectations low prevents disappointment. Of course, I hope our child grows up to be someone useful, like a scientist, doctor, or teacher."

"Don’t worry. Our baby will definitely be a smart and good child!"

Lima smiled, touching her belly.

"That would be great, and it’s all thanks to you."

"Of course."

Lima smiled softly and suddenly said, "Gisele is planning to break up with Leo."

"Break up?"

Luca paused, "Why?"

"Because of kids. Gisele has strong family values and wants to have more kids, but Leo doesn’t want any at all. They’ve argued over this many times with no resolution, and now the engagement keeps getting delayed. Gisele doesn’t want to wait anymore."

"Really?"

Luca shook his head. Leo didn’t have kids, but Gisele seemed to have one after another.

"Leo and I actually talked about having kids recently. He said he’s decided not to have children for the sake of the planet’s future."

Luca repeated Leo’s environmental philosophy.

"Seriously? If Leo doesn’t change his mind, they’re definitely going to break up."

Lima frowned.

"A breakup would be for the best. Leo isn’t exactly a great guy."

"True~"

In the days that followed, Ambrosio, Gisele, and a few others often came by to chat, walk, and shop with Lima. Ambrosio was there to learn parenting tips, Gisele, envious of Lima’s pregnancy, seemed to be there to catch some “baby vibes,” and the rest were just there for fun, maybe to mooch a meal.

Whenever they came, Luca got even busier, sometimes playing the chef, other times the servant, and occasionally even the driver, the bag carrier, or the bodyguard—he did all the dirty and hard work.

It wasn’t until one day, when Ed tossed him a pile of newspapers with a dark expression, that Luca finally got a break.

(End of this chapter)

Chapter 483: Breakup Master

"Take a look at this!"

In the office, Ed pushed a stack of newspapers toward him.

"What, reviews for The Prestige? If it’s those, I’m not interested. It’s all praise, and it’s embarrassing how much they compliment me."

"Hope you’re still laughing after this."

"Is that so?"

Luca smiled, unfolding a copy of the New York Daily News. In the entertainment section, there was news about The Prestige. Four weeks in, the global box office had reached $85 million, and crossing the $100 million mark was just a matter of time.

Including Match Point, the two movies he starred in both grossed over $100 million. In total, five films he was involved in had passed the $100 million mark.

The paper hailed his achievements, calling him one of the standout actors of the new generation, predicting he could become an A-list actor in under three years.

It also mentioned that Step Up 2 had grossed $15 million in its first week, with decent reviews, and was expected to surpass $50 million in North America. The paper also praised him as a talented producer.

"Haha, they’re giving me too much credit. The sequel has little to do with me."

Luca chuckled.

"Luca, what are you reading? This is what I wanted you to see!"

Ed pointed to a story on the second page.

"Huh?"

There were several large photos on the second page. In the pictures were him and Bündchen.

The two were having coffee together, walking side by side. Bündchen was in front, and he was carrying a bunch of bags behind her. In another picture, they stood next to each other, Bündchen smiling at him, looking very close.

The captions included a long section about their previous rumors, mentioned Lima’s pregnancy, and concluded by saying that he and Bündchen had been spending a lot of time together recently, implying that they had rekindled their old friendship.

At first glance, it seemed like an innocent report.

But on closer reading, it was clear that the article was subtly suggesting to readers that Luca was a scumbag, reigniting an old flame with Bündchen while Lima was pregnant.

"They’re slandering me out of nowhere!"

Luca cursed, his face darkening.

"Slander? Is that all?"

Ed crossed his arms, scrutinizing him.

"Of course it’s slander. What do you think? Why are you looking at me like that? Don’t tell me you think something’s going on between me and Bündchen?"

"Isn’t there?"

Ed tapped on the photo where Bündchen was grinning widely at him.

"I know you—you’re charming, funny, and great at making women laugh. But you should be more careful. Lima is pregnant, and Bündchen has a boyfriend. This isn’t right, really."

"You have no idea!"

Luca shot him an annoyed look. "You think Bündchen was smiling at me? No, she was talking to Lima and Ambrosio. I was just there. The photo’s angle is misleading."

"Really? Let me see."

Ed studied the newspaper. "Hmm, it does seem that way."

"Exactly. These past few days, Bündchen, Ambrosio, and some others have had more free time and have been visiting Lima. They’d chat, go for walks, and shop, and I tagged along just to be safe.

I didn’t expect to be photographed, let alone have the photos cropped and plastered all over the papers.

And I never thought you’d believe it too. Ed, we’ve known each other for almost four years now. Do you really think I’m that kind of person?"

"Alright, Luca, my bad. I shouldn’t have doubted you. It’s just that, well, you’ve had a history of cheating, and now that Lima’s pregnant, I was worried you might slip up again."

"Slip up? Me? You think I’m like you?"

"Ahem, Luca, let’s set that aside for now. I think there’s something off about these rumors. Someone’s targeting you."

Ed’s tone turned serious.

"Do you even have to ask? It’s obvious."

Luca flipped through more papers. The photos were nearly identical, all cropped versions, with captions subtly hinting that he and Bündchen were having an affair, betraying Lima and Leonardo.

Even a fool could see someone was stirring the pot.

"Luca, who do you think is behind this?"

"My usual rivals. Leo wouldn’t sabotage himself like this, so the most likely suspect is Pitt. He’s had a grudge against me for a while."

Luca shook his head.

From what Aniston had told him, Pitt had obtained some private photos recently and even mentioned in an interview that he had been betrayed in his last marriage, which made him more cautious about relationships. He wasn’t planning on marrying Jolie anytime soon.

"Alright, do you have any photos from when you were out? We need to release the original pictures soon to set the record straight. Otherwise, these cheating rumors will ruin you, especially with Lima being pregnant."

Ed said seriously.

"No photos, but we do have video. Miranda often records videos, and I think she filmed us during those outings."

"That’s perfect."

The next day, a video of the group walking around was released online, along with uncropped photos in the newspapers. In the photos, Luca was seen supporting Lima, looking like the perfect gentleman.

The rumors started to die down a little.

But just when he thought the situation was under control, a bombshell dropped—Leonardo and Bündchen had broken up.

It was huge news.

Just a few days earlier, rumors about him and Bündchen were swirling. Now, she and Leonardo had split. No matter how you looked at it, Luca seemed to have played a key role.

"Luca must’ve been the third wheel."

"Luca’s such a scumbag. Lima’s pregnant, and he’s cheating! And he broke up Leonardo and Bündchen too."

"Apparently, Leo and Bündchen were about to get engaged, and Luca ruined it."

"Luca’s a homewrecker! First it was Britney and Justin, then Aniston and Pitt, now Leonardo and Bündchen. He’s destroyed relationship after relationship, and with all big-name stars."

Seeing these comments, Luca’s face darkened. He never imagined he’d fall so hard into this mess. It was a disaster out of nowhere.

"Ed, Leo and Bündchen were already planning to break up. It has nothing to do with me. What should we do for damage control?"

Luca called Ed, seeking advice. If they didn’t act fast, his reputation would be in shambles.

"Hold on, I’m discussing with the PR team. I’ll get back to you soon."

Ed’s voice sounded weary and frustrated over the phone.

"Alright."

Luca forced a smile. The problem was massive, and with everything hitting at once, along with the influence of certain individuals, it would be incredibly tough to fix his public image.

After half an hour, Ed finally called back.

"Luca, are you working on a movie with Leonardo?"

"Yeah."

"Great, try to meet up with him soon. Go out for drinks, coffee, whatever. Make sure people see you two together, to show that your relationship isn’t affected.

If he explains to the media that this has nothing to do with you, that will help reduce the negative impact."

"Got it."

To solve the problem, you have to address the source. Leonardo was the key.

But would he help?

(End of chapter)

*Chapter 484: Unable to Eat the Fish but Covered in Stench*

"Hey, Leon, got a moment? How about grabbing a coffee together?" Luca said with a smile.

"I'm busy, no time!" Leonardo replied curtly, then hung up.

Luca frowned, took a deep breath, and dialed again.

"Leon, there's an issue with the Revolutionary Road project. Got time to talk?"

"Nothing to talk about. I’ve decided to quit this project. Goodbye!" Leonardo said and hung up again.

Bang!

Luca slammed his phone on the table. If that bastard quits the new project now and the news gets out, the rumors about him ruining someone’s relationship would be confirmed.

He picked up his now-broken phone and called Leonardo again. Surprisingly, the call went through.

"Leon, I heard you broke up with Gisele. That’s unfortunate."

"Are you gloating?" Leonardo responded with a sneer.

"Gloating? Why would I? You two broke up because of the kid. It has nothing to do with me. Why would you think I’m gloating?" Luca replied, irritated.

"You know very well if it has anything to do with you."

"I..."

The line went dead as Leonardo hung up once more.

"Fuck!" Luca cursed angrily.

"Luca, what’s going on?" Lima called from outside the room.

"Oh, nothing. The computer’s just lagging," Luca lied.

"Luca, you’ve been in the study all morning. Come out and talk. Gisele is here too," Lima said.

"Why is she here again?" Luca rubbed his temples and stood up, leaving the bedroom.

Sure enough, Gisele had arrived, dressed simply in a T-shirt and jeans, smiling as if the breakup hadn't affected her.

"Luca, you don’t look too good. Is your computer really lagging?" Gisele teased as she set her cup down.

"Well, you look just fine. So, you two broke up amicably?" Luca asked, puzzled.

"No, I initiated it," Gisele replied with a smile.

"Why? Was it because of the child?" Luca asked as he gently touched Lima’s belly.

"That’s part of it. You know, Leon is a playboy. I never felt secure with him. I wanted to break up last year, but he dragged it out under the pretense of marriage. I don’t want to drag it out any longer."

"So, the breakup was because of relationship issues?"

"Emm~ you could say that," Gisele nodded.

Luca’s face darkened. "Then why did Leonardo say the breakup had something to do with me?"

"Did he say that?" Gisele frowned.

"You can listen to the recording," Luca said, playing the last call.

【Why would I gloat? You two broke up because of the child. It has nothing to do with me. Why would you think I’m gloating?】

【You know very well if it has anything to do with you.】

After turning off the recording, Luca asked, "He says I know, but I don’t. Do you know?"

"Gisele, is this because of that rumor from last time?" Lima asked.

Gisele frowned. "Maybe it’s related. Last time, after that rumor appeared in the papers, Leon and I had a huge fight. He told me to stay away from you. I told him I was just visiting Lima, that it was interesting she was pregnant. I also brought up the child again, but he didn’t want to talk about it."

"And then you two broke up?"

"Yes. We took a few days to cool off, and I proposed the breakup, and he agreed."

"So, this was your own issue. Why is Leonardo blaming me?"

"I don’t know. Maybe it's a misunderstanding. You could ask him to explain to the media," Gisele suggested.

Luca shook his head. He was in a tough spot. Leonardo was likely enjoying this; why would he help?

The next day, the news got worse. Headlines labeled Luca as a "breakup expert," constantly destroying relationships maliciously. People were demanding he be blacklisted from Hollywood, and an online campaign to boycott his films began.

Things were spiraling out of control.

Even worse, movie companies that had previously wanted to collaborate with him were now backing out. His suit endorsement halted its promotional campaign.

The box office for The Prestige took a slight hit in its final stages. It had just crossed the $100 million mark globally, falling short of the expected $110 million.

Step Up 2 minimized any association with him to avoid a boycott.

The distributor of Atonement called, urging him to resolve the situation quickly, or it would affect the movie’s release.

Even Mr. Ross called, saying that due to the overwhelming negative publicity, Luca was no longer suitable to star in The Proposal or My Blueberry Nights.

Then Kate called from Germany, demanding to know what was going on between him and Gisele and threatening to punch him. He barely managed to explain the situation with Lima and Miranda before avoiding a confrontation.

The mess was piling up, leaving him exhausted.

In the afternoon, while he was strolling with Lima on the grass, his phone rang. It was Leonardo.

"Hey, Luca. How have you been? Hahaha~" Leonardo laughed over the phone.

Luca’s face twitched. He silently cursed the man.

"Leon, thanks for your concern. I’m doing great!" Luca replied sarcastically.

"Really? I heard you’re about to get kicked out of Hollywood. Should we throw a farewell party?" Leonardo mocked.

"Screw you!"

"Haha~ Leon, you clearly don’t know me well enough. Even if I can’t act, I have other jobs. I’m an Oscar-winning screenwriter and a successful producer.

Oh, by the way, Universal Studios just invited me to join their production team as an executive producer, and Touchstone Pictures has also extended an offer. Do you think Hollywood would just let someone as talented as me walk away?"

"Hmph, no matter what you say, you can't change the fact that you can’t act anymore. You won’t become a big star. Remember how you used to say you'd surpass me? Now that looks like a joke." Leonardo laughed.

"Is that so? While I may not advance further in acting, you can still fall behind. How about we bet on it? I’ll make sure you take a step back," Luca said coolly.

"You’re underestimating me. In Hollywood, as long as I don’t want to retire, no one can stop me," Leonardo said confidently.

"Alright then, how about this: let’s bet that I can stall your career and prevent you from winning an Oscar within the next ten years."

"Hmph, I don’t have time to play this stupid game with a jobless bum. I called for a real reason."

"A real reason?"

"Yes, do you want to solve your current problem?"

"What do you mean?"

"I can help you."

"You? Help me? Ha! Leon, you’re getting funnier by the day," Luca laughed.

"I’m not joking, Luca. The media pressure you’re facing is mostly because of my breakup with Gisele. If I publicly state that you had nothing to do with it, those speculations and attacks against you will fall apart.

You could even make a bigger deal out of this by suing the papers that slandered you. That way, you can keep being Hollywood’s bad boy. How about it? Not a bad plan, huh?" Leonardo suggested, laughing.

"You’d help me? Why not just tell the reporters directly? Why call me?" Luca asked.

"I want to make a deal."

"What kind of deal?" Luca frowned slightly.

"Want to know? Meet me at Riverside Pier Bar at 8 PM. We’ll talk it over."

"Alright."

Luca sighed and put away his phone.

(End of chapter)

Chapter 485: Who Wins, Who Loses, It’s Still Uncertain

That evening, Luca walked into a lively bar. On the brightly lit stage, a band was performing the classic blues song "When You’ve Got Troubles."

In the corner, Leonardo was holding a glass of whiskey, enjoying the music.

"Alright, what's the deal?" Luca asked directly as he walked over.

"Haha, Luca, you’re here. No rush with the deal. Let’s enjoy the music first. I love this blues song—the lyrics are just great: ‘When you’ve got troubles, I’ll be there for you. When you think everyone’s lost hope, come to me, and I’ll give you all my love.’"

Leonardo began to sing along, though not very well.

Luca shook his head. "Leon, I don’t have time for this. You know, I’m not like you—I’ve got a girlfriend and a kid. I need to head home early tonight. Can you understand the mindset of a soon-to-be dad?"

Leonardo’s mouth twitched. This bastard was as annoying as ever. "Talking to someone like you is such a buzzkill. Fine, let’s skip the chit-chat. I want the script for Revolutionary Road."

"Emm... you want the script? Why should I give it to you?"

"That’s our deal. You give me the script, and I’ll help you out of your current predicament. We both win. Isn’t that better?" Leonardo smiled faintly.

Luca stared at him for a few moments. "So, Leon, this was your plan all along?"

"What plan?"

"Taking advantage of the gossip about me and Bundchen, you two break up, throw the blame on me, and just as the media goes after me, you swoop in and reap the rewards?"

Luca glared at the man in front of him. He hadn’t realized until now that Leo was such a snake.

"Hoho~ Luca, it’s just a script. Do you really think I need to plot so much drama? There's no need."

Leonardo shook his head.

"It’s more than just a script; it’s about friendship. I used to think we were friends, that you'd help me when I needed it. But not only did you not help, you kicked me when I was down. Leon, doesn’t your conscience hurt after betraying a friend over and over?"

Luca asked, his voice rising.

Leonardo smirked. "Luca, cut the act. We’re both actors. Is this really necessary?"

"Now, you need my help, and I’m the only one who can help you. The price for my help is the script. It’s up to you if you want to accept it or not. I’m not forcing you."

Leonardo hummed along to the music, his fingers lightly tapping the table as if he had all the time in the world.

"Leon, can I ask you something?"

Luca hesitated for a moment.

"Go ahead."

"You’re already the lead actor, so why do you want the script? Can’t we just work together and make money? I already said Bra Pictures only wants a 30% investment share. We won’t interfere with anything else. Why do you insist on taking the script?"

Luca questioned.

"Because I don’t want to work with you."

"Why?"

"Because I never intended to work with you in the first place. Not long ago, you meddled with the budget, trying to cut pay. That made me want to work with you even less. Now, the opportunity has come to kick you off the project entirely. Why wouldn’t I take it?"

Leonardo laughed.

"Leon, cutting the budget was my mistake. I promise I won’t interfere with the crew anymore. I’ll leave everything to you. How about that?"

"Sure. Then I won’t have to explain to the media why Bundchen and I broke up. How does that sound?"

Leonardo smiled slyly.

"So, you’re determined to take over the entire project?"

Luca asked, his face darkening.

"That’s right. Right now, you need my help, not the other way around. Haven’t you figured that out? Need more time? The longer this drags on, the wider the negative press spreads. Soon, you won’t be able to clean up your reputation."

Leonardo raised his glass, smiling as he took a sip.

"Hmph, you think you’ve won? I told you on the phone this afternoon—I have other work. Even if my reputation is ruined, I won’t abandon a project worth millions over some bad press."

Luca declared firmly.

"So, there’s no deal? Fine, let’s just enjoy the music. This song is great: ‘When you’re struggling in hardship, come to me, I’ll give you hope and love.’"

Leonardo tapped the table, smiling as he hummed along.

Luca stared at him silently for a moment. "Five million."

"What?"

Leonardo turned back with a grin.

"Five million. I’m willing to sell."

"Pff~ Luca, do you even realize what situation you’re in? You still think you can make money? Haha, at most, I’ll give you this."

Leonardo held up one finger.

"One million?!"

"That’s right."

"In your dreams!"

Luca grabbed his hat and stormed out.

Leonardo shook his head and continued listening to the music.

After a moment, Luca came back in. "Do you promise to hold up your end of the deal?"

"Haha, Luca, I knew you’d be back. You know why? Because I understand you. You love being a star. You’re meant to be a star. From the moment you walked into this bar, I knew you’d take the deal."

Leonardo laughed.

"Cut the crap. Clear up the misunderstanding publicly, and I’ll give you the script. You better not try anything funny."

"Of course, I always keep my word. Luca, the deal’s done. Shall we drink to celebrate?"

"No time."

Luca huffed and walked away.

"Hahaha~"

Leonardo laughed even more triumphantly.

"Leon, the press is really against Luca. If we don’t explain, his reputation will just keep getting worse. Before long, he’ll leave Hollywood on his own. Isn’t that what you want?"

Leonardo’s assistant, Lenny Williams, asked as he sat down.

Leonardo shook his head. "As much as I’d like to see him gone, the bastard has too many side gigs—screenwriter, producer, model, composer. I even heard he’s a shareholder in YouTube."

"A YouTube shareholder? I heard Google’s about to buy that site for $2 billion. If he’s a shareholder, his net worth could be in the hundreds of millions."

The assistant exclaimed.

"That’s not all. The bastard knows how to make money. Last year alone, he made $50 to $60 million from movies. With his skills, if he went elsewhere to cause trouble, it could be a big headache for me.

That’s why I want him to stay in Hollywood. Hollywood’s our home turf. Fighting him here gives me an advantage. Like this time—I easily snagged the script."

Leonardo smiled smugly.

The assistant, Lenny, nodded in agreement.

"And then there’s Pitt. I definitely don’t want him using me as a pawn."

Leonardo added casually.

"If Pitt finds out we’ve made peace with Luca, he’ll be furious."

"Who cares? I’m the real winner here. Hahaha~"

Leonardo laughed heartily.

---

"Luca, losing the script isn’t the end of the world. As long as your reputation’s intact, that’s what matters."

In the car, Ed tried to console him.

"Sad? Who said I’m sad? I’m doing just fine."

Luca leaned back in his seat, chuckling.

"You sure you’re okay?"

Ed wasn’t convinced, thinking Luca was just putting on a brave face.

"Seriously, I’m fine. It’s just one script. I have plenty more."

"I’m glad you see it that way. You really took a hit this time. Stay low-key from now on, so no one screws you over again."

Ed advised.

"Got it. No one can mess with me."

Luca leaned against the window, a mischievous smile playing on his lips.

Revolutionary Road had a budget of $35 million, with major stars in the lead roles. But when the movie was released, it didn’t perform well at the box office, barely making $22 million.

Here’s hoping they won’t be too disappointed when the film comes out.

(End of chapter)