461-465

Chapter 461: Reasons for Choosing Luca

"Luca, are you ready?"

"Yes!"

On May 13th, the fifth day in Winchester, Luca welcomed his first scene in the movie "Atonement."

"Atonement" is adapted from the novel of the same name by British author Ian McEwan.

The story begins in the summer of 1935, in the peaceful English countryside. The wealthy Tallis family is spending their summer in their country villa.

13-year-old Briony Tallis is a young writer with a vivid imagination.

One day, she secretly discovers an ambiguous relationship between Robbie Turner (played by Luca), the son of the housekeeper, and her older sister Cecilia (played by Keira Knightley).

She also finds a sexually suggestive letter written by Robbie to Cecilia.

She believes Robbie to be a disgusting pervert.

After her cousin Lola is raped, Briony insists that Robbie is the culprit, leading to his wrongful imprisonment.

World War II breaks out, and Robbie, after being released from prison, joins the fight to defend his country. Cecilia becomes a nurse.

The two promise to marry after the war, but unfortunately, Robbie dies in the Dunkirk evacuation, and Cecilia also dies in a bombing.

The tragic end of the lovers due to a fatal misunderstanding fills Briony with remorse. She eventually decides to reveal the truth to atone for her sins.

The filming of the movie is mainly divided into two parts: the story in the manor before Robbie's imprisonment, and the second part after the outbreak of World War II, where Robbie goes to the battlefield and dies in Dunkirk.

The crew first filmed the scenes in the manor. This part was shot in a manor on the outskirts of Winchester, not far from Jane Austen's former residence.

Built in 1889, this Victorian-style manor is quaint and elegant, with gardens, lawns, and fountains, creating a tranquil and artistic atmosphere.

After walking around the manor, Luca immediately fell in love with this classic style. Living in such a place felt like living the life of British nobility.

Considering that he would often be filming in the UK in the future, he planned to buy a manor here.

He imagined filling the manor with roses, raising a few horses, a flock of geese, and some cute alpacas. Occasionally, he could bring his children to live here for a while, for vacations and leisure. It sounded wonderful.

"Luca, Saoirse, let's try a scene according to yesterday's rehearsal, okay?"

Director Joe Wright said, holding the clapperboard.

"Okay!"

Luca and Saoirse walked to the entrance of the manor.

Luca plays Robbie, the son of the manor's housekeeper, a Cambridge graduate who carries the label of a lower-class person.

His attire is simple: a slightly worn shirt, trousers, and leather shoes. However, his tall stature and handsome features make him stand out even in plain clothes.

Acting opposite him is 13-year-old Saoirse Ronan, who has a pair of light blue eyes and excellent acting skills. She plays the 13-year-old Briony in the film.

Today's scene is about Briony finishing a play and taking the initiative to talk to Robbie, who is resting at the door.

"Everyone ready, three, two, one, action!"

The crew officially started filming.

Robbie leaned against the wall by the door, hunched over, taking off one of his leather shoes and shaking the sand out of it. At this moment, Briony came out of the house.

"Hello there, mate. I heard you're rehearsing a play?"

Robbie said while putting on his shoe, standing on one foot.

"Who told you that?"

Briony asked.

"Good news travels fast!"

Robbie chuckled.

"Will you come and see it?"

Briony lowered her head, a bit shy.

"I don't know if I will."

Robbie tied his shoelaces and said with a charming smile, "Why don't you show me the script? You used to make beautiful copies of your novels and give them to me. I still have them all!"

"But I still hope you'll come!"

Briony said.

"I'll try my best!"

"Then I'll be going!"

Briony turned and went back inside.

"Cut!"

In the director's area, Director Wright watched the footage and let out a sigh of relief.

In this shot, Luca's performance was stable, and his handling of the details was mature. The young actress Saoirse's performance was also remarkable.

Director Wright called the two over, praised Saoirse, pointed out a few details, and then reshot the scene.

In the second take, Luca's performance was still stable, and his expressions and movements were very natural.

"No wonder Director Nolan admires him. He indeed has great potential."

Initially, when casting, he and the crew hadn't considered Luca for the role.

Firstly, Luca wasn't a British actor, and this film required authentic British performers.

Secondly, Luca had too much negative news surrounding him, making people feel he wasn't someone dedicated to acting.

Thirdly, there were rumors at the time that Luca was being jointly boycotted by Pitt and Leonardo, and the production department had also hinted that Luca should not be used.

However, a few days later, there was news from above that they could consider Luca and explore the possibility of collaboration.

Director Wright was disgusted by such arrangements.

As a creator, he hated people meddling in his domain, so he was even less likely to consider Luca.

Until one time at a gathering, he met fellow British director Christopher Nolan.

Among the many British directors in Hollywood, Nolan was considered the most successful.

Director Wright admired this fellow countryman.

At the gathering, they happened to talk about actors in the industry. Someone mentioned Luca and his conflict with Leonardo and Pitt, which everyone treated as gossip.

However, Director Nolan praised Luca highly.

He praised Luca's screenwriting ability, saying that Luca could write a mature film script in a very short time. Two of his film scripts had Luca's contributions, and Nolan called him a 'genius screenwriter.'

Regarding Luca's acting, Nolan used three words to describe him: 'great potential, malleable, and diligent.'

Nolan also shared a few anecdotes about Luca on set, mentioning how he immersed himself in his roles, his serious attitude towards his characters, his humility, and his resilience. No matter how many takes or how tired he was, he could keep going and maintain his performance.

Hearing these words, Director Wright became slightly interested in Luca.

He specifically watched a few of Luca's films afterward. From the charm in "The Notebook" to the stunning performance in "Buried," the powerful outburst in "Match Point," and the versatility in "North Country."

His acting was full of spirit, and the characters he portrayed, whether protagonists or supporting roles, had a strong personal style and charm that was hard to forget.

Director Wright couldn't help but become interested in collaborating with him.

During the auditions for "Atonement," he specifically asked Luca to perform a few more scenes. The more he watched, the more suitable he felt Luca was. Finally, after three rounds of competition, Luca won the role.

The production team was satisfied with this result, the director team was satisfied, and Luca was satisfied. It was a win-win situation.

However, before filming even began, Luca won an Oscar. Director Wright was initially worried that he might become arrogant.

But after getting to know him, he gradually felt relieved. Just as Nolan had said, Luca was very serious about his work and always showed professionalism during rehearsals and scene discussions.

Working with such a person should be very pleasant.

"Cut!"

After finishing one scene, the crew moved to the lawn to film the first scene between Luca and Keira.

"Ready!"

"Scene 3, Take 1, action!"

(End of Chapter)

Chapter 462: Face Slap, Isn't It?

"Hey, Luca, put in some effort later, and try not to hold us back!"

Before the shoot, Keira Knightley walked over, chin raised, a look of disdain on her face.

"Alright, I'll do my best!"

Luca smiled.

"You better mean it!"

Keira Knightley turned around and left without a second glance.

Luca chuckled softly and walked onto the set.

"Scene 3, Take 1, action!"

On the manor set, the sun was blazing. Robbie, having finished his work, sat on the shaded steps, rolling a cigarette with a piece of paper in his hand.

Cecilia, holding a beautiful vase filled with flowers, strode over from behind. The flowers complemented her beauty, making her even more radiant.

"Can I have a Bolshevik cigarette?"

Cecilia asked, looking up with a haughty tone.

Cecilia was the eldest daughter of the manor's owner, beautiful and proud. Although she grew up with Robbie and they were classmates at Cambridge, her inherent arrogance made her look down on him.

However, Robbie was handsome and charming, exuding a unique masculine appeal that made Cecilia both envious and constantly attentive to him.

After seeing Robbie sitting on the steps through the window, she immediately came out with the vase, pretending to change the water but actually wanting to create a chance encounter.

Robbie sat on the steps, looking up at her. He loved this proud woman, had loved her since childhood, but the difference in their social status made his love humble, almost like a lovesick puppy.

Hearing Cecilia's request for a Bolshevik cigarette, he smiled slightly. This type of cigarette was rough and cheap, only smoked by the lower class, and he was one of them.

He followed Cecilia's footsteps, rolling the cigarette as he walked.

He had practiced for a day for this scene, and now his cigarette-rolling movements were skillful.

"The weather is nice today!"

Cecilia said as she walked.

"Yes, but it's a bit muggy!"

Robbie said, rubbing the cigarette.

They continued walking, and Robbie asked, "How's the book you're reading?"

"Not very good!"

Cecilia replied.

"Here you go!"

Robbie handed her the finished cigarette and diligently lit it with a lighter.

"I prefer Fielding's works. They seem more passionate!"

Cecilia took a puff of the cigarette and turned towards the lawn.

Robbie smiled and followed her in large strides.

"Cut!"

After filming the first shot, Director Joe Wright called the two over.

"Keira, Cecilia is a proud aristocratic lady. When facing Robbie, she naturally carries arrogance and disdain, but she also likes him. You need to find a balance between these two relationships."

Director Wright said.

"Joe, I understand what you mean, but is there any problem with this scene? You can be direct!"

Keira asked. This was their second collaboration, the first being "Pride & Prejudice."

"Hmm... Your body language is too expressive and too arrogant. Throughout the scene, you didn't even look at Luca once."

"... I understand!"

"Okay, go prepare. We'll start again in five minutes."

Director Wright said.

"Wait!"

Keira frowned and pointed at Luca, "Is there no problem with his performance?"

Luca twitched the corner of his mouth, "Director Wright, if there's any problem with me, please point it out, and I'll try my best to correct it."

"This..."

Director Wright scratched his forehead. He had just watched the footage, and Luca's performance was natural, smiling when he should and doing what he was supposed to do. There was indeed no problem.

"No problem?"

Keira emphasized her tone, almost interrogating him.

Luca looked up at the sky, trying his best not to laugh out loud. This girl had just said he would hold them back, and now she was getting a taste of her own medicine! Hahaha~

"There might be... a little bit!"

Wright suddenly remembered Nolan's words.

'Luca has a little quirk. The more you suppress his performance, the happier he gets, and the better he performs. If you don't suppress him, he might even doubt the director's competence.'

Thinking of this, Wright felt a bit of a headache. Was there something wrong with this guy's mindset? Did he feel uncomfortable without being challenged?

After some thought, Wright decided to find some issues, or else people might say he wasn't capable enough.

"Luca, you have a lot of problems. Go rest for now. I need to review the footage again and tell you all at once."

"Okay, Director Wright!"

Luca nodded and left.

Director Wright looked at his back. This guy really had a problem. When he said there was no problem earlier, Luca seemed disappointed. But when he said there were problems, Luca became excited?!

Working with this kind of actor put a lot of pressure on the director.

Wright sighed lightly and pulled the screenwriter and editor to find problems together. With so many people, he didn't believe they couldn't find any.

And guess what? After a while, they actually did find some issues...

"What are you laughing at?!"

Outside the set, Keira walked a few steps quickly, then suddenly stopped and stared at his face.

"I'm not laughing!"

Luca turned his head away, unable to hide the smile on his lips.

"Hmph! I just had a momentary lapse in performance. What's there to be smug about?"

Keira said, annoyed.

"Am I being smug?"

Luca smiled.

"You are!"

Keira stomped on his foot hard and walked away quickly, swinging her arms.

Luca shook his head and followed her.

"What are you following me for?"

Keira questioned.

"You walk with a breeze. It's cooler being near you!"

"..."

Keira clenched her fists, walked up the steps, and sat down with a thud.

Luca also sat down.

"There's no wind now. Why are you still sitting here?"

Keira shifted her position, moving further away from him.

Luca shrugged, took out a piece of paper and some tobacco leaves, and slowly rolled a cigarette.

"Keira, don't you think we're like Robbie and Cecilia? You always look at me with arrogance and disdain, and I'm like the honest and kind Robbie."

"You're honest? Haha~"

Keira turned her head away, not wanting to look at him.

"I'm serious. What I'm trying to say is, when you're acting, you don't need to deliberately act too arrogant, and you don't need to use those actions to portray Cecilia's character. You just need to be like you usually are, loving me but not wanting to admit that you've fallen for a bad boy..."

"What did you say?! When did I fall in love... Hmph~"

Keira's face was flushed with embarrassment and anger.

"I was just making an analogy!"

"But was that an analogy?"

Keira clenched her fists even tighter. If they weren't filming, she wouldn't mind giving him a pair of black eyes.

"Okay, no more analogies. I'll be direct. You're like Cecilia right now. Your attitude and tone towards me are also like Cecilia's towards Robbie. So in front of the camera, you don't need to try too hard, just be natural."

"So, you're teaching me how to act?!"

Keira said disdainfully.

"Not really. I'm just discussing the characters with you. We're acting opposite each other, so we need to communicate more."

"No need. You just need to do your part and not hold me back. I can naturally play my role well."

Keira swung her slender arms and walked down the steps barefoot, her floral dress fluttering in the wind, her long legs faintly visible in the sunlight...

Luca held a cigarette between his lips, quietly watching her back, suddenly remembering his days in China.

He used to sit like this on the bustling streets, smoking a cigarette, watching women pass by through the faint smoke, tall, short, curvy, slender. It was both pleasing to the eye and calming to the mind. But it had been a long time since he had done that.

Whoosh~

As he was watching, a fist slowly enlarged in front of his eyes. He immediately leaned back tactically.

"Pervert!"

Keira snatched his cigarette and walked away, swaying her slender legs.

Luca bit his lip and smiled softly.

"Luca, the director is looking for you!"

The assistant director, Ian, shouted.

"Coming!"

Luca patted his butt and walked to the director's area to hear the director's instructions.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter 463: Say That Again, I Dare You

"Luca, take a closer look at these few shots. You're walking too slowly and a bit too far from Keira. This doesn't show Robbie's enthusiasm towards Cecilia."

Director Wright pointed at the screen and said.

Luca looked at it, "Yes, I understand!"

"Heh~"

Keira laughed again, a bit smug.

"Keira!"

Director Wright pointed at the screen and said, "You're walking a bit too fast in these few steps. You can slow down a little."

"..."

Keira's face darkened. So the problem was still with her?

"Keira, any problem?"

"No!"

"Alright, go prepare now. We'll start shooting soon."

Luca and Keira walked back to the set side by side.

"You're feeling pretty smug, aren't you?"

Keira said lightly.

"Me?"

Luca was stunned. He had been thinking about his positioning just now and was sure he hadn't smiled.

"Am I being smug?"

"Even if you're not smiling on your face, you must be laughing inside!"

Keira said, clenching her fists.

"No!"

"Hypocrite!"

Keira stepped on his foot again.

"Tut"

Back on set, the second take began.

Keira, holding back her frustration, went all out from the start, performing at a near-Oscar-winning level.

Luca was not to be outdone, showcasing his Berlin Film Festival Best Actor skills. The two went back and forth, battling fiercely, with passion and intensity.

Behind the monitor, Director Wright nodded repeatedly. This was it, this was it! If they could keep this up, he might even have a shot at the Oscar for Best Director.

"Okay, this take is good! Let's move on to the next scene!"

Director Wright shouted excitedly.

"Joe, who performed better just now, me or him?"

Keira asked.

"Haha, you were both great! Keep it up!"

Director Wright laughed.

"How could we both be great? There must be a difference, right?"

Keira asked.

"This..."

Director Wright looked at the two of them. They seemed to be having a disagreement. What was going on? If the lead actor and actress in the crew didn't get along, it would definitely affect the filming.

Director Wright frowned, then suddenly saw Luca pointing at Keira from behind. He twitched the corner of his mouth.

"Haha, Keira, you performed slightly better. Compared to the first time, you did better in the details this time.

For example, that look at the end, you were walking in front, and Luca was following behind. You wanted to see if he was keeping up, but your pride wouldn't let you turn around, so you glanced at him sideways. That glance was amazing!"

Director Wright said sincerely. He was telling the truth. When he saw Keira's glance just now, he almost couldn't help but applaud.

However, Luca's few steps closely following behind were also excellent, like bees and butterflies surrounding a flower, full of eagerness and longing.

The two of them worked together so well, with great chemistry. But how did they end up bickering?

"Joe, you don't need to praise me. I just did what I had to do. I'm going to prepare!"

Keira glanced at a certain someone, curled her lips, and walked back to the set.

"Director, I'm also going to prepare!"

Luca said with a smile.

"Wait, Luca. Is there any conflict between you and Keira?"

"No, Keira and I have a pretty good relationship. It's just that she's very serious about her acting and got a bit into character."

Luca said.

"Into character? Yes, she seems even more arrogant now."

"That's right. Keira is truly a fantastic actress!"

Luca exclaimed and returned to the lawn. After the camera was set up and his hair was styled, the second scene began shooting.

"Leon is coming today, did you know?"

Cecilia said as she walked.

"I heard a little about it."

Leon Tallis was Cecilia's older brother.

"He's bringing a friend, Paul Marshall, a chocolate tycoon!"

"Are these flowers for him then?"

"Why not? Leon says he's very charming."

"Hmm!"

Robbie put his hands in his pockets and pursed his lips.

"Dad called last night and said you're planning to study medicine?"

Cecilia asked again.

"I'm considering it."

Robbie replied.

"That means you'll be a student for another six years?"

"Do I have a better choice?"

"But I'll work hard."

"Getting first place every year?"

Cecilia scoffed.

Robbie stopped and looked at Cecilia's back, saying firmly, "I've said it before, I will definitely pay your father back."

"That's not what I meant at all!"

Cecilia turned around and glanced at him, then strode towards the fountain in the middle of the lawn.

Robbie quickly followed.

"Let me do it!"

"No, thanks!"

Cecilia sat on the edge of the fountain, put down the vase, and took out the flowers to change the water.

"You hold the flowers, I'll do it!"

Robbie held the gilded handle of the vase.

"I can do it myself! I can handle it alone!"

Cecilia held the other gilded handle and pulled hard. With a crack, the vase shattered, and a piece fell into the pool.

Robbie held the broken handle, feeling a bit awkward.

"You idiot!"

Cecilia scolded in frustration.

"Pfft~"

Luca couldn't help but laugh.

Keira stared at him coldly, unblinking.

"Cut!"

"Keira, why did you stop?"

Director Wright shouted through the megaphone.

Keira frowned, "Director, didn't you see him laughing?"

"Oh, I saw it, but there's no problem with that. It's a natural performance, and Luca looks good when he laughs."

Director Wright said.

"Looks good?"

*Chapter 464: Who’s Knocking?*

"Haha, Luca, I've got great news for you—Little Miss Sunshine has just surpassed 100 million at the global box office."

Mr. Ross called, his voice brimming with excitement.

"Really? That’s good news!"

On the balcony, Luca put down his teacup and smiled calmly.

"You don’t sound that excited."

"Why should I be?"

Luca laughed.

"An 8-million-dollar movie making over 100 million at the box office—that’s staggering news. Isn't that worth some excitement?"

Mr. Ross sounded a bit dissatisfied.

"Is it? I’ve grown used to this kind of news."

Luca replied nonchalantly.

"Alright, alright. You’re always this lucky. For most people, breaking even on a movie is a blessing, but everything you touch turns into a hit. You’re practically a miracle in Hollywood! Come on, Luca, be honest—did Lady Luck kiss you?"

"Haha, maybe. I mean, I’m this handsome—getting kissed by a goddess wouldn’t be too surprising."

Luca responded smugly.

"Hmph, don’t celebrate too early. I’ve got some bad news for you too!"

Mr. Ross added.

"Bad news?"

Luca took a sip of tea and smiled. "If you had two pieces of news—one good and one bad—shouldn't you have asked me which I wanted to hear first? That would have been more fun."

"You like that kind of thing?"

"No, I don’t."

"Then why even mention it? Anyway, I’ve got to head to the office soon, but there’s something I need to update you on.

Yesterday, Scott and I made another visit to Cruise-Wagner Productions to discuss the investment in Taken. As you instructed, considering your track record of hits, we took it very seriously."

"And? Wait, you said this was bad news. Did it not go well?"

Luca asked.

"Exactly. Wagner Productions, with backing from Paramount, said they didn’t need any additional investment. So, we’re out."

"Not at all? I heard that Paramount has been undergoing some changes lately. Two executives close to Tom Cruise have been reassigned, and Redstone, the owner of Paramount's parent company, has taken direct control to reorganize the studio.

There were even reports that Redstone objected to Paramount giving Cruise such large profit shares, and that a split between Cruise and Paramount is imminent. Does Cruise still have the same backing?"

Luca inquired.

"Yes, last year, Cruise faced a series of PR crises, and his image took a hit. His partnership with Paramount is nearing its end.

But, there were recent reports that after Mission: Impossible 3, Cruise-Wagner Productions is planning to produce another big spy movie, with Cruise set to star.

And in the news, two key points were highlighted. One, the screenwriter for this film is the hottest name in the industry right now, Luca Kelly. And two, your company, Bra Films, is also interested in investing and is actively in talks. Do you know what this means?"

Mr. Ross asked.

"What does it mean?"

"It means this movie will be a massive hit. First, the lead is Tom Cruise, and his spy movies have always done well at the box office. Second, you’re the screenwriter, and your scripts always perform.

And third, you want to invest in this project. Every film you’ve invested in—Buried, The Man from Earth, Step Up, Little Miss Sunshine—all low-budget, high-return.

What do you think the reaction is when studios hear about this?"

"Everyone wants in?"

Luca laughed.

"Exactly. Word is, even Paramount has slowed down its split with Cruise. They want a piece of this too. Other studios are also in talks with Wagner, so we didn’t get a chance."

Mr. Ross explained.

"Doesn't matter. We've got plenty of good projects on hand. Missing out on some profit won’t hurt."

Luca replied calmly.

"Ever since you won the Oscar and Little Miss Sunshine became a box office hit, lots of studios want to work with us.

Right now, we’ve got two major projects on hand. One is The Proposal with Echo Films, and the other is My Blueberry Nights with Studio A. Originally, The Proposal had a budget of $15 million, and My Blueberry Nights was budgeted at $1.2 million.

Now, there are many studios waving money around to collaborate with us, and we’re considering whether to increase the budgets.

At first, since it was a collaboration with Echo Films, you and Ms. Aniston both took the lowest salary offers. For My Blueberry Nights, you’re practically working for free.

But if we increase the budgets, both yours and Ms. Aniston's salaries could go up a level, which might be more beneficial.

Luca, many actors run their film companies this way. It helps raise their market value and can reduce taxes. What do you think?"

Mr. Ross asked.

Luca thought for a moment. "The key to The Proposal is Ms. Aniston and Director Fletcher. We can discuss this with them. Alright, I’ll give Aniston a call to talk it over."

"As for My Blueberry Nights, if you want to increase the investment, you should discuss it with Director Wong. He’s the soul of that film. But don’t get your hopes up too high for this one—I’m expecting to lose money on it."

"Lose money? You don’t have confidence in this project?"

Ross asked.

"Not much. If you’ve done your research on Director Wong, you’ll know he’s a very unique person. He doesn’t use scripts and writes based on the actors, plus his shooting pace is extremely slow—sometimes two years, sometimes three—that’s normal for him.

Second, this film is his first attempt outside of Hong Kong, where he usually works. Whether his style will be accepted by Western audiences is still unknown.

Third, his films are highly niche and artistic, so the chances of a box office hit are slim. You should be cautious when setting the budget for this film."

"Is it that problematic? If you know all this, why are you still involved? And why do you put so much importance on this Director Wong?"

Ross asked, confused.

"Haha, because I’m an actor, and Wong is a brilliant director. Working with him will help me improve. If I lose money, I’ll consider it tuition."

Luca replied casually.

"But this is a company project, and we backed you because we trust your decisions. You’re being irresponsible."

"Like I said—if we lose money. But what if we make some?"

Luca smiled.

"From what you’re saying, the chances of success seem slim."

"Alright, if you want to improve the odds, make sure you check in with Director Wong every week and push him to work faster.

Wong’s got a quirk—he needs constant prodding to feel a sense of urgency. But when you push him, don’t go too hard. Give him enough time and space to be creative.

If you can do that, he’ll deliver something truly iconic."

"That sounds like a hassle! From what you’ve said, I think this project is doomed!"

Mr. Ross remarked.

Luca burst out laughing, "We should have faith in Director Wong. Just keep encouraging him, and let’s hope this clam produces a pearl soon."

"Alright, alright. You’re the boss. We’ll do it your way."

Mr. Ross sighed in resignation.

"Trust me, it’ll be fine!"

Luca chuckled and hung up the phone.

Bang, bang, bang.

Someone was pounding on the door.

"Who is it?"

Luca called out.

Bang, bang, bang.

The door was kicked a few more times.

Luca frowned and peeked through the peephole. It was Keira Knightley, her hair loose in soft curls, standing outside in a silky nightgown with a bottle of wine in hand.

Showing up in a nightgown with wine—this woman definitely had something else in mind.

"Should I open the door?"

Luca hesitated.

(End of Chapter)

*Chapter 465: Be Gentle with Me Tonight!*

"Why didn't you knock on the door?"

As the door opened, Luca asked in annoyance.

"Why did it take you so long to open the door? Is there someone inside?"

Keira Knightley, holding whiskey in one hand and two crystal glasses in the other, ignored his question and walked straight in.

Luca shook his head, too lazy to answer her, closed the door, and followed her to the sofa area. As they walked, he noticed something odd.

"Keira, why are you wearing pajamas on top and jeans on the bottom?"

Luca asked curiously.

"What do you think? Coming to a big bad wolf's room, shouldn't I take some precautions?"

"You could've just chosen not to come!"

Luca said with a scowl.

"Why wouldn’t I come? I love dancing with wolves!"

Keira laughed and casually sat cross-legged on the sofa.

"Come on, let's drink!"

"No thanks, I prefer tea."

Luca poured himself a small cup of tea from a fancy silver teapot and asked, "Keira, would you like some tea? Drinking tea at night helps with sleep and is good for the skin."

"Oh~ A Brazilian teaching an Englishwoman about tea?"

Keira said dismissively.

"If I told you I’m Chinese, would you believe me?" Luca took a sip of tea and smiled. "I’m just offering advice. If you don’t want it, fine. With that attitude, I wouldn’t want to share my tea with you anyway."

"Hmph, a man hiding at home, sipping tea, thinking about skincare – are you sure you're a man?"

Keira scoffed.

Luca shook his head and smiled. "I’m not sure, but you of all people should know I’m very much a man."

"You're shameless!"

Keira's face flushed, and she threw a pillow at him.

Luca dodged easily and poured her a cup of tea. "Come on, Keira, have some tea and calm down!"

"No need!"

Keira poured herself a large glass of whiskey and downed it in a few gulps.

"Keira, are you upset?"

Luca asked.

"What does it have to do with you?"

"Oh? So your bad mood has nothing to do with me. Good, that’s a relief."

Luca sighed in fake relief.

"You... are you even a man? Why do you always piss me off?"

Keira's eyes suddenly welled up with tears.

Luca panicked and slapped his own mouth. "My bad, I didn’t mean to upset you. I’m just used to teasing you. Alright, it’s my fault. How about I drink to apologize?"

"Drink!"

Keira poured him a generous glass of whiskey.

"Um... I’m not good with alcohol, and it’s nighttime. Drinking too much could lead to trouble."

Luca hesitated.

"No worries, I’m wearing three pairs of pants and two belts. You wouldn’t be able to undo them even if you tried."

Keira lifted her pajama top to reveal two sturdy leather belts covered with skulls and claws – both stylish and protective.

Luca rubbed his forehead, feeling defeated. "When I said 'trouble,' I wasn’t talking about you, I was talking about myself."

"What trouble could you get into?"

Keira asked, puzzled.

"Last time you invited me to the 606 club for drinks, you mixed me a Zombie cocktail. That drink is strong; after a while, I felt like a zombie, completely helpless. You weren’t trying to take advantage of me, were you?"

"You’re talking nonsense!"

"Wait, I’m not finished. Last time, you didn’t succeed, and I turned the tables on you. Now, tonight, you're wearing sexy pajamas and bringing alcohol to my room. Are you trying to make another move on me? The trouble I mentioned is self-defense!"

"You! Bastard!"

Keira's face turned crimson, and she threw her teacup at him.

But Luca was prepared, using a pillow to block the tea.

"Keira, don't get mad. Anger only hurts yourself."

"No, I want to be angry! I want to beat you up!"

Keira launched herself at him, and they both fell onto the sofa, wrestling playfully.

Keira, on top, kicked, scratched, and clawed at him.

Luca couldn’t dodge everything and yelped in mock pain.

After a while, Keira grew tired, panting as she lay on his chest, angrily punching him. "You said you’d go easy on me! Why are you bullying me again?"

Luca chuckled softly. "Are you sure I’m bullying you and not the other way around?"

"You deserve a beating!"

Keira pounded her little fists on his chest, the thudding echoing.

"Keira, stop. If you keep hitting me, I’ll cough up blood."

Luca caught her fists gently.

"Hmph, you’re always making me angry!"

Keira, satisfied with her venting, sat up. Suddenly, she felt a chill and noticed her pajama top had come undone.

"You pervert!"

Keira, both embarrassed and furious, punched him several times.

"Stop, stop! It was my hands, not my stomach! Don’t punish my stomach, it’s innocent!"

"Pfft~"

Keira couldn’t help but laugh, then huffed and adjusted her clothes. "You’re a shameless pervert. I don’t understand why women even like you."

"Don’t you know why?"

Luca teased.

"How would I know?"

"How would I know that you know? But you definitely know."

"I don’t know!"

Keira raised her fists. "But I do know I want to hit you again!"

"Stop! If you hit me again, I’ll fight back. And if I fight back, you know what might happen."

Luca smirked mischievously. "Don’t think two belts can protect you. I have scissors in my room."

"Scissors?"

Keira froze, her face turning beet red. Furious and flustered, she shouted,

"You’re disgusting! Perverted! Gross!"

"Why gross? I was talking about cutting your hair to scare you, okay?"

Luca said innocently.

Keira rolled her eyes and sat down, fuming. "I don’t want to talk to you anymore. A few more words and I might die of anger."

"You won’t. I’d never let you die."

Luca said sincerely.

"Hmph!"

Keira huffed, poured two more glasses of whiskey, and demanded, "Come drink with me. No excuses!"

"Fine, fine!"

Luca reluctantly accepted the whiskey but paused before drinking. "Keira, swear you won’t—"

"Shut up!"

Keira raised her glass, ready to throw it at him.

"Okay, okay, I’ll drink!"

Luca trembled, then downed the whiskey, looking like a martyr.

"I’ve never met someone as awful as you!"

Keira shot him a glare and downed her glass in one gulp.

Luca smiled faintly, then suddenly collapsed onto the sofa, exclaiming, "Keira, did you drug my drink?"

"."

Keira glanced at her glass, her face darkening. "Stop faking!"

"I... I feel dizzy. I’m going to pass out. Be gentle with me tonight, Keira~"

He slumped over, closing his eyes.

Seeing his ridiculous act, Keira’s hair nearly stood on end in anger. After taking a few deep breaths, she grabbed the whiskey bottle, considered smashing it, then set it down.

She clenched her fists, wanting to punch him again. But in the end, she leaned down and kissed him hard on the cheek.

"Wait, you’re serious?"

Luca opened his eyes.

"Shut up. You’re passed out now. You’re at my mercy."

Keira kissed him again.

"."

Luca closed his eyes, a single tear sliding down his cheek.

Slap!

After a while, Keira angrily pushed his hand away.

"Are you an animal? All you ever think about is that!"

"But the mood was right. We had to do something, right?"

Luca opened one eye and said.

"Pfft~"

Keira touched him and burst into laughter, biting her lip to hold it back.

"Wait here, I’m going to tell my assistant. I’ll be right back!"

"Okay, hurry up!"

"Got it!"

Keira adjusted her pajamas and hair before quickly leaving the room.

Luca sat up and sipped some tea, trying to cool down. After five cups, Keira still hadn’t returned. Impatient, he grabbed his phone.

"Keira, where are you?"

Luca asked.

"Huh? What are you talking about?"

Keira’s voice sounded drowsy, as if she’d been sleeping.

"You said you’d be right back. It’s been half an hour. What are you doing?"

"When did I say I was coming back? I’ve been in my room sleeping all afternoon and never left. Luca, did you drink?"

"I..."

I definitely drank.

"If you’re drunk, go to bed. Don’t call me in the middle of the night with nonsense. If you can’t keep up with me during tomorrow’s shoot, don’t blame me when I yell at you in front of the whole crew. Good night."

Beep beep.

Luca held his phone, his mouth twitching. Truly, the saying "beauty is a trap" is accurate. The ancients didn’t lie!

Sigh~ Time for a cold shower.

Hahaha!

In the nearby room, Keira burst into laughter, feeling triumphant. Revenge was sweet—so cool!

"You jerk, let's see if you dare make me mad again!"

Keira smirked proudly.

As the evening darkened, she prepared to rest. However, her body felt sticky, so she needed a shower before bed.

She stepped into the bathroom, tugging at her belt.

"Damn it! Why won't this belt come off?!"

"Luca, this is all your fault, you jerk!"