*Chapter 566: Is Someone Deliberately Smearing Me?*

“‘Atonement,’ set against the backdrop of World War II, tells the story of a little girl who, not yet understanding love, selfishly separates a loving couple and spends her life seeking redemption. ‘I will go back, find you, love you, marry you, and face life bravely.’ The story is profoundly moving, easily making it the most beautiful and touching love story of the past five years.”

— Italian Evening Post

“Green dress, lotus pond, running under the sun, flowers, a woman waiting—every frame is as exquisite as an oil painting. The five-minute tracking shot on Dunkirk Beach is grand and breathtaking. Director Joe Wright uses stunningly beautiful cinematography to tell a deeply oppressive tragedy. After watching the film, one feels the helplessness and dread brought by impulsiveness, jealousy, and class differences.”

— La Repubblica

“Playboy Luca Kelly and English Rose Keira Knightley deliver a tense and sensual love scene in ‘Atonement,’ arguably the most passionate moment of the year. Keira Knightley breaks away from her usual innocent image, showing maturity and depth, giving her a strong shot at the Best Actress award at the film festival.”

— Venice Film Review

“Playboy? Is that really how the Italians see me?”

Luca shook the newspaper and frowned.

“It’s pretty accurate, isn’t it?”

From the bed, Keira Knightley chuckled, pulling the blanket halfway up to cover her chest.

Luca shook his head. “That’s too one-sided. They completely ignore my looks and talent. But they praise you highly, saying you’re beautiful, fresh, and talented.”

“Isn’t that true?”

Keira teased, tracing her finger along his chest.

“Of course, it’s true. They even say you have a good chance of winning Best Actress at Venice. Are you staying for the awards ceremony?”

“What about you?”

“It’s too long. I’ve got work with the crew and can’t wait that long.”

The Venice Film Festival runs from late August to mid-September, spanning two weeks. Before it begins, the festival announces only the films competing for the Golden Lion and other main awards, keeping the nominations for actors and actresses a secret until much later. Many attendees can’t stay for the entire event, making the awards red carpet significantly less lively compared to Cannes.

“I’m not staying either,” Keira said. “We haven’t finished filming ‘The Duchess,’ and there’s still a lot to do on set.”

“So, we’ll have to part ways again?”

Luca tossed the newspaper aside and lifted her chin.

“Seems like it. What are you planning to do?”

Keira bit her lip and blinked playfully.

“Haha, what else but keep bullying you?”

Luca wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled the blanket over them.

“Jerk! Let me go! Ugh—”

---

After a delightful breakfast, the two left the hotel together.

On the second day of the festival, several more films in the main competition and non-competition categories were screened, including The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly, Unforgiven, I’m Not There, and Lust, Caution.

Luca and Keira, blending in with regular attendees, watched film after film in various screening halls.

This year’s films had a common thread—most of the intimate scenes were highly artistic. Movies like Lust, Caution, Help Me, Love God, and The Love Story of Mr. and Ms. Perfect featured even more explicit and striking passion than Atonement.

Especially Lust, Caution, which stood out as a masterpiece in this regard.

“I thought our love scene was already impressive, but Lust, Caution elevated it with more refinement and artistry,” Keira commented, watching the screen.

“True. Even though Director Lee often tells the press he’s shy and dislikes filming such scenes, he’s actually a master of it. You can see that in Brokeback Mountain and Lust, Caution.”

Luca laughed.

“And Tang Wei seems shy too, yet she excels in this film.”

“Perhaps it’s because of Director Lee. He’s very good at guiding actresses.”

Luca chuckled lightly.

Clap, clap, clap.  

The film ended to resounding applause, with enthusiastic cheers in multiple languages—English, Italian, French, and Cantonese—proving that pervy fans exist across cultures.

“Lee, congratulations. Your films never disappoint.”

Luca approached Director Ang Lee to congratulate him.

“Thank you, Luca. Your movie is excellent too.”

“Yes, we’re kindred spirits—making the best movies out of passion.”

Luca bragged shamelessly.

Ang Lee forced a smile. This guy has no sense of humility, does he? “Luca, didn’t you want to talk to Director Zhang? He’s eager to meet you. Come, I’ll introduce you.”

“Great!”

Luca followed Ang Lee and had a brief chat with Zhang Yimou.

As it was their first meeting, the conversation remained polite and shallow. Zhang Yimou, being more serious, didn’t share Ang Lee’s easy-going demeanor.

---

Later, Luca and Keira left the festival venue, spending the rest of the day exploring Venice. They visited landmarks like the Golden Palace, St. Mark’s Square, St. Mark’s Basilica, and the Bridge of Sighs, leaving their footprints all over the city.

The next day at Marco Polo International Airport, after seeing Keira off, Luca boarded a flight back to Los Angeles.

Upon his return, he dove into post-production for 21, spending a week on dubbing, fixing problematic scenes, and reshoots.

---

On September 7, Atonement was released in 2,856 theaters across the U.S., grossing $16.04 million over its opening weekend. For a period drama, this was a solid performance.

Critics praised the film’s exquisite visuals, moving story, and strong performances from Keira Knightley and Saoirse Ronan.

Some even complimented Luca for his acting and looks, but these were often followed by criticisms.

Many argued that Luca wasn’t suited for the role of Robbie because, in real life, everyone knew he was an incorrigible playboy. His public image made it hard for audiences to buy into his portrayal of a devoted lover.

Some joked that during the scene where he and the heroine part ways, instead of feeling sad, viewers were relieved for the heroine.

“Nonsense!”

Luca slammed the newspaper down and called his agent, Ed.

“Ed, have you seen the papers? Is someone out to smear me?”

“Actually… from what we’ve observed, the current criticism seems normal. There’s no malicious intent.”

Ed replied.

“Normal? European critics are praising me, while the U.S. media won’t even focus on the film or my acting. All they care about is gossip!”

Luca complained.

“Criticism is inevitable. Compared to past reports, these are much softer and more nuanced. They don’t want to offend you but also don’t want to lose readers. So, they’re just taking a few playful jabs.”

“So, I’ve put them in a tough spot?”

“Haha, I’d say so.”

Ed chuckled.

Luca shook his head. “Fine. I’m a public figure, so I can’t stop people from criticizing me.”

“That’s the spirit. Don’t worry. I’ll keep an eye on the public opinion to ensure it doesn’t affect the box office.”

“Alright then.”