361-365

Chapter 361: From Now On, You Better Change

At noon, in the dormitory of the mining site, Luca returned with a large backpack.

"Luca, you're back!"

"Luca, you finally came back! Last year, when you and Sally drove into the desert, we searched for so long but couldn’t find you. We thought something had happened. Thank goodness you're okay."

Once inside the dormitory, people from the crew gathered around.

"Last year?"

Luca asked, confused. "Have I been missing for a whole year?"

"Haha, today's the first day of 2005. Wasn’t yesterday last year?"

Chris laughed.

"Alright, it was last year. I just didn't expect to be gone for a whole year."

Luca chuckled. He hadn’t thought he’d be welcoming 2005 in the desert.

"Luca, where did you go yesterday?"

Uncle Beckley, the temporary leader who had been negligent, sat down and asked, "A few of the bodyguards drove around for a long time but couldn’t find you. There was a windstorm in the desert that wiped out the tire tracks. We couldn’t track you down, so we reported you missing to the police."

"We got lost. A sandstorm hit, and we couldn’t find our way. We just wandered around until evening, but the car ran out of gas. We had to wait until a convoy passed by and gave us half a tank of gas. We followed them out of the desert this morning."

Luca spread his hands, looking unlucky.

"Haha, your experience sounds thrilling and exciting—kinda fun, really!"

"Yeah, especially being stranded in the desert with Ms. Theron. I wish that had been me!"

"Stop dreaming! Do you have Luca's charm?"

"Almost!"

"Luca, could you tell us what happened last night? If it's private, you don’t have to."

"Yeah, Luca, tell us!"

Everyone in the dorm crowded around him.

Luca sighed, while sorting his backpack. "Last night, the sun set, and we didn’t dare drive further. We found shelter behind a big dune, but a huge windstorm hit, and the temperature dropped dramatically—just a few degrees Celsius at night. We nearly froze to death, plus we ran into some lizards and snakes and almost got bitten. By the end of the night, I was exhausted, cold, and thirsty. Ugh, don’t get me started—just thinking about it makes me want to cry."

"Didn’t you have a sleeping bag? How were you cold?"

Chris pointed at a rolled-up sleeping bag.

Luca smirked and spread his hands. "Yeah, I had a sleeping bag but no tent. Who dares sleep in the open desert? By morning? No way—I’d be six feet under."

"Sounds rough!"

Uncle Beckley commented.

"Yeah, desert weather is harsher than you'd think."

Luca sighed.

"But with Ms. Theron around, even the worst situation would be fun!"

Chris grinned.

Luca chuckled, finished packing, and then took a hot shower and napped for two and a half hours before finally feeling relaxed.

Back at the mining site, Luca resumed his life-experience training, learning how to mine.

A week later, his training ended, and he returned to New York.

“Tsk tsk, you really went mining in New Mexico for a week?”

Back at home, Kate sized him up. His hair was a mess, his skin dry and rough, and his chin was covered in stubble. He even smelled like engine oil, looking just like a miner.

"Yep, I really went mining. Look at my hands."

Luca showed his hands, once soft and smooth, now calloused and blistered, with peeling skin.

"This is awful! You should sue the production crew for abuse!"

Kate grabbed his hands, displeased.

"No, this was voluntary. If I didn’t seriously mine for a few days, how could I portray a miner well? It’s all part of method acting."

“Method acting? Other actors don’t do this and still win Oscars.”

“Some do. Many serious actors go through this. Some even gain or lose huge amounts of weight—it’s much worse for them.”

Luca shrugged.

“Hmph, I don’t care about others. I just hate seeing you like this. Go shower and wash off that engine oil smell, then shave! You look like a homeless man.”

Kate pushed him into the bathroom.

When Luca emerged, he looked refreshed, his stunning appearance restored, though his skin still needed time to heal.

"You look much better now!"

Kate sat him down and started fussing with his face.

"Why are you putting makeup on me? We’re at home—why do I need makeup?"

Luca asked, lying back, puzzled.

"Since you're back, go spend more time with Lima. She’s been in a bad mood lately."

Kate said as she worked.

"What’s wrong? Is work not going well?"

“Of course not.”

Kate pinched his face, annoyed. "Being your girlfriend is a tragedy. You know how much Lima has to put up with? Not just you and those other women, but the whole Aniston thing too. There’s gossip saying the baby Aniston’s carrying is yours. How do you think Lima feels about that? Have you ever considered her feelings?”

“She told me we’re friends first, like brothers, and only then lovers.”

"You idiot! Only a fool would want to be your girlfriend."

Kate was furious, pinching his face like she was kneading dough.

"Kate, go easy on me."

"Do you think going easy will work on your thick skin? Lima’s your girlfriend—she loves and cares about you, that’s why she cares about these rumors. If she didn’t love you, she wouldn’t care. You write scripts, tons of romance stories, but you can’t understand this? Is your emotional intelligence in the negatives?”

Kate poked him in the forehead.

Luca shook his head, grabbing her hand. "I do understand; I just don’t like thinking about it. It’s too exhausting."

"So, because it’s tiring, you don’t care about Lima’s feelings?"

Kate let go of his hand and resumed moisturizing his skin. "Whatever, I won’t meddle. If you don’t care about Lima, just ignore what I said."

"I do care about her."

After thinking for a moment, Luca sighed softly.

At noon, after Kate went to work, Luca thought a lot. He called Lima and decided to accompany her to her ad shoot, acting as her assistant for the afternoon.

Lima was no longer just a supermodel; she was also a renowned designer and co-founder of the Sun and Kate&Lima fashion lines. Among active models, her status and pay ranked in the top ten.

"Aren’t you leaving?"

At the shoot, during a break, Lima approached him.

"Of course not. I told you I’d stay with you today and tomorrow, and I mean it."

Luca handed her a coffee and even stood to give her a shoulder rub.

"Wait!"

Lima looked at him suspiciously. "Why are you sticking around? You’re making me nervous."

"Why should you be nervous? I just want to spend more time with you."

"Really? Did you do something wrong again and need my forgiveness? If that’s the case, just say it. I think I can handle it."

Lima frowned.

Luca smiled bitterly. "Darling, no, of course not. I was mining in New Mexico—what could I have done wrong? I just realized we’ve been together almost two years."

"Not almost. In sixteen days, it’ll be exactly two years."

Lima corrected him.

"Yeah, almost two years. But we’ve barely had any dates or trips together. We haven’t done many romantic things couples do. I feel bad about that. I haven’t been a good boyfriend."

Luca sighed.

Lima looked at him oddly. "Where did this realization come from? Did Kate knock some sense into you?"

Luca shook his head, sitting close to her, wrapping his arm around her shoulders. "I’m serious. I guess I’ve taken our relationship for granted and haven’t paid enough attention to how you feel. When new rumors pop up, I don’t explain much, and you’ve always tolerated it. Thank you."

He kissed the back of her hand.

"Hah!"

Lima laughed softly, but then tears welled up in her eyes.

"Why are you suddenly saying all this? To prove you’re a good boyfriend? Or to make yourself feel less guilty and more at ease?"

"I—I just want to say that I love you."

Luca cupped her face and wiped her tears.

Lima shook her head. "I don’t care what you say. I only care about what you do. You say you know you’re wrong—are you really willing to change from now on?"

"Yes, I’ve been working on that."

"And what about Britney? Never mind, I won’t even ask about her."

Lima wiped her eyes, smiling. "When we first started dating, I said we were friends first, then lovers. But at some point, that line blurred. I can’t look at you like just a friend anymore or optimistically brush off rumors about you and other women."

She sighed. "I used to find it amusing when you were with other women, but not anymore. I don’t know when I became so petty. That’s my fault."

"No, it’s my fault."

Luca lowered his head and kissed her.

"Hiss~"

As the couple got intimate, everyone around them turned away with awkward expressions, feeling a bit uncomfortable inside.

This is a commercial shoot! We’re all here to film the ad, with good spirits. But suddenly, we get force-fed dog food**—what’s going on? They have no sense of propriety!

"Director, are you not going to do something about this?"

One of the staff asked.

"Do something? I think this is great. Lima's performance was a bit off earlier, but with Mr. Kelly's help, I think Ms. Lima will be much more engaged in her work now."

The director said confidently.

"Emm... that actually makes some sense."

"Of course!"

After a while, the two finally parted.

The director announced it was time to resume shooting.

Sure enough, Lima returned to the stage glowing with energy. Dressed in a golden short skirt, she revealed her long, slender legs. A pair of new women’s leather shoes made her figure look even more elegant and sophisticated.

"OK, that’s great!"

The director was pleased. His guess was right. This is the power of love!

(End of the chapter)

Chapter 362: A Leopard Can't Change Its Spots

During his few days in New York, Luca stayed by Lima’s side every day, dedicating himself to being a dutiful boyfriend, giving it his all without any complaints.

His sudden change of heart left those around him secretly surprised, thinking maybe he wasn’t such a lost cause after all.

However, when Ed mentioned this to Nina, she responded with a phrase similar to “a leopard can't change its spots.”

Little Eve overheard the conversation and repeated the phrase in front of everyone, which caused a burst of laughter.

Luca, on the other hand, was visibly upset. He made a quick call and sent Ed off to Los Angeles to handle some company and film crew contract matters, separating Ed and Nina.

By mid-January, Luca left New York and returned to Rio de Janeiro.

The Brazilian version of Infernal Affairs was about to be released, and as both the lead actor and screenwriter, he needed to participate in a series of promotional events.

"Mr. Kelly, can you tell us why you decided to adapt a Hong Kong film like this one?"

In a movie channel interview room at Rio Television, the host asked.

Dressed in a black suit, Luca looked sharp and carried a gentle, elegant demeanor as he replied, "First of all, this story is compelling. It’s about two men leading double lives — one an undercover cop, the other an undercover gangster. Their worst nightmare is having their true identities revealed, living each day on edge as if they’re in an endless hell.

From what I understand, there are unsung heroes within our own police force in Rio. They’ve hidden their identities, risking their lives to maintain peace and order. They’re truly admirable.

This movie is their story.”

"Mr. Kelly, that’s very well said!"

The host applauded gently.

"Thank you."

"Mr. Kelly, from what I understand, this is the third film you’ve invested in domestically?"

"No, the fourth."

Luca smiled. "The first was Buried Alive, then the second was Saving Ronaldo. This is the third, but while filming Infernal Affairs last year, I also collaborated with director Babanck on a sci-fi movie, which will be announced soon."

"A sci-fi movie? Wow, that’s great news!"

The host smiled. "Mr. Kelly, we all know you’ve had great success in Hollywood as an actor, screenwriter, and producer. What inspired you to return to Brazil and invest in film?"

"First of all, I’m Brazilian. I grew up watching Brazilian movies, so they’re the ones I’m most familiar with and attached to. I believe Brazilian cinema has great potential, but it lacks investment and support.

Secondly, Brazil is the largest country in South America and one of the BRICS nations, with over 200 million people. The domestic film market has huge potential."

Speaking confidently into the camera, Luca articulated his thoughts.

The interview lasted an hour and a half, half focused on his new film Infernal Affairs and the other half on his personal life.

After the interview ended, Luca sighed, exhausted and overheated.

As soon as he got into the car, he took off his shirt and changed into a loose-fitting sports T-shirt.

"Camila, how many more interviews do I have?"

"Twelve more. Three here in Rio, and the rest are out of town — Brasília, São Paulo, Salvador, Recife, Belo Horizonte..."

Camila, his Brazilian agent, listed several city names in succession.

Some of these promotional events were with the film crew, while others he’d attend alone. There was still a lot of work ahead, and Luca was feeling overwhelmed.

"Okay, try to rearrange them as much as possible. If we can cancel some, do it. I’m not just the lead actor but also the investor. The publicity team shouldn’t be exploiting me like this."

Luca sounded a little annoyed.

The publicity team’s intention was clear: he’s an international star with significant influence both abroad and in Brazil. They wanted to leverage his fame to give Infernal Affairs a major push.

But Luca wasn’t short on cash, and he wasn’t overly concerned about the domestic box office. After all, the highest-grossing film in the country was Titanic, with only about $20 million, which didn’t even compare to a low-budget Hollywood production. It just wasn’t worth the extra effort.

"Mr. Kelly, I’ll negotiate with the publicity team as soon as possible. However, the distribution company has invested a lot of money and resources into this campaign, and it’s quite a big deal.

The core cast members are doing at least 20 promotional events, and since you’re the lead, it’s hard for them to manage without you at many of these."

"Alright, I understand."

Rubbing his forehead, Luca realized the pressure he was under. The publicity team had made the campaign so large-scale, pouring in so many media resources because they had high expectations for the film.

But with the production budget already exceeding $3 million, plus a hefty marketing spend, how much would it take to break even? If the movie flopped, the lead actor would shoulder the blame.

He suddenly felt the weight of responsibility.

"Camila, go ahead and make the arrangements. I’ll muster up the energy for the interviews."

"Got it!"

Back at the estate, Luca grabbed a hat and fanned himself. The weather was sweltering.

It was still the dead of winter in New York, but in Rio, it felt like the peak of summer. Just a little movement left him drenched in sweat. It was quite the experience.

After entering the estate, he swam a few laps in the cool pool and then had a glass of iced watermelon juice. Only then did the heat start to fade.

"Luca!"

Someone called out from outside. From the voice, it sounded like Márcio.

Last year, Saving Ronaldo became a hit, ending up as the top-grossing local film of 2004.

As one of the main supporting actors, Márcio had also risen to fame. Over the past six months, he had filmed three more movies, all similar to Saving Ronaldo — involving gangs, cops, and criminals.

Márcio was skinny, with a naturally cocky, delinquent look, perfect for playing troublemakers. As a result, all three films cast him as gang members or thugs — bad guys.

Among actors who played villains, he was one of the best.

"Haha, Luca, you’re finally back!"

Márcio came in, wearing a beach shirt and shorts, with gold chains around his neck and wrists, gold earrings in both ears, and several new tattoos on his arms — a flashy look that screamed trouble.

"Márcio, looks like you’ve hit the big time."

"Haha, not even close. Compared to you, I’m way behind. You and Kate are Brazil’s youngest billionaires, both self-made."

Márcio chuckled.

Luca shook his head. Being a billionaire in Brazil meant having only 20 or 30 million dollars, nothing too impressive.

"Márcio, are you still filming?"

"Just finished. I’ve got nothing going on right now."

Márcio flopped onto the beach chair next to him.

"Need any help? I’ve got a few scripts that came in recently. I can recommend you for some roles."

Luca was now not only a star but also the owner of a film company.

Toco Toucan Pictures had been in business for over a year and had already invested in two highly successful films. Buried Alive and Saving Ronaldo had earned a combined $5-6 million.

The profit margin was incredible.

Other production companies could only envy Toco Toucan, which had quickly become a rising star in the industry.

Many people were now seeking partnerships and investment. Because of all this, Luca had been busy for days, meeting various film company owners. Recommending roles to Márcio was a piece of cake.

"Luca, I don’t want a role."

Márcio leaned in closer with a sheepish grin. "Hey, Luca, do you have any scripts? Everyone knows that your scripts are gold — whoever stars in your movies becomes a hit. Can you write me a few scripts?"

Luca looked at him and suddenly remembered Brother Chan. He smiled lightly and said, "Alright, come by in a few days, and I’ll have something for you."

"Really? Hahaha, thanks, Luca! Tonight, I’m throwing a yacht party — plenty of girls for you to choose from!"

Márcio was thrilled.

"No, thanks. I need to clear my head and focus on writing."

"Oh, alright then. After you finish the script, we’ll throw another party. I’ll make sure to invite a bunch of book-loving girls for you. You’ll love it!"

Márcio left in high spirits.

Luca shook his head. He wasn’t interested in women.

When he was a small-time model, he could mess around, but now that he was a big star, he couldn’t afford to act recklessly — too many people looking to take advantage.

"Man, it’s not easy trying to be a good-for-nothing player!"

He sighed, stretched, and headed into his study.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter 363: How Could There Be a Love Scene?

On January 18, the Brazilian version of Infernal Affairs officially premiered in 1,650 theaters across Brazil. The opening ceremony was held at the Aurora Cinema, the largest theater in Rio.

Half of Brazil's entertainment industry showed up, along with many famous figures from the worlds of culture, sports, and fashion. Thousands of fans, moviegoers, and journalists attended the event, packing the place so much that the red carpet walk took over two hours.

At the premiere, Luca invited many old friends, including Ronaldo, Kaká, some former teammates, as well as Ambrosio, Jaime, Fontana, Marcio, Caroline, and director Burbank.

Even Kate and Lima made a special trip back from New York to attend the event.

Before the movie screening, Luca made a guest appearance as the host, giving a brief welcome speech for about a minute or two. Once the film began, he stepped off the stage and returned to his seat in the front row.

"Nervous?"

After they sat down, Kate turned to him with a smile.

"A little!"

Luca loosened his collar; the theater was a bit warm.

"I didn’t originally plan for this to be such a big event. But the marketing team and our partner companies thought the bigger the hype, the better, making it into a grand entertainment spectacle. So, we invited a lot of people. Seeing so many here is making me feel the pressure."

"That's just a lack of confidence. If you believe the film will be a big hit with rave reviews, you wouldn’t be this nervous."

Lima chuckled.

"I can't be certain. Until the numbers come in, no one can predict how the box office will turn out. I’m just hoping it doesn’t lose money."

Luca shrugged.

"What’s the break-even point?"

"About 60 million at the box office."

"That seems difficult. Last year’s local box office champion only just exceeded 60 million."

"Exactly, which is why I’m feeling the pressure."

Luca shook his head. The film’s marketing had been exaggerated, calling it "the most handsome battle between two Brazilian heartthrobs," "one of the largest investments in Brazilian film history," and "a blockbuster on par with Hollywood action films."

The hype kept growing more and more outlandish.

Now, Infernal Affairs had been elevated to such heights that if the box office and reviews didn’t live up to expectations, the crash would be brutal.

It was precisely because the hype was so intense that Luca felt the weight.

“Wow, Luca looks so cool!”

The movie started, and Luca appeared on screen, wearing a leather jacket, with a melancholic gaze and a cigarette hanging from his lips, looking lazily rebellious yet undeniably handsome.

“Haha, Luca, you look amazing like this! This might just be your peak appearance.”

Ambrosio laughed.

“Peak? I’m only twenty-four! My looks are still climbing—I’m nowhere near my peak yet.”

Luca protested.

“Twenty-four is perfect. Any older, and you’ll start looking greasy.”

Luca shook his head and continued watching the movie. The Brazilian version had significantly changed from the original, with many local elements added, making it more in line with Brazilian culture.

There were many scenes showcasing Brazilian cuisine, wine, soccer, jiu-jitsu, and religion, with the favelas playing a major role in the story.

“Santoro’s doing great too. You two going head-to-head—honestly, you don’t even need a plot, just those faces will do.”

Lima teased with a smile.

“Well, you can only look at my face then.”

Luca kissed the back of her hand.

“I’m not looking. I see your face every day, and I’m already sick of it.”

“Sick of it? You’re taking this for granted. Other people have to pay to see my face in theaters.”

Luca laughed.

“Vain!”

Lima shot him a glance.

“Watch out, I’m about to appear,” Ambrosio whispered.

“Ambrosio, what role do you play?” Kate asked.

“A beautiful, elegant, intelligent psychologist. What do you think of my debut?”

Ambrosio smiled.

“Wow, darling, you look stunning! So sexy!”

Jaime Marzou exclaimed.

On the screen, Ambrosio appeared in a white lab coat, wearing gold-rimmed glasses with her hair tied up. With her beauty and perfect figure, she looked incredibly striking in that role.

“Ambrosio, you’re perfect for movies!” people around them praised.

“I could have played that role too!” Kate smirked, quietly pinching Luca’s waist, twisting 180 degrees.

“Ow! That stings!” Luca whispered with a grin. “Kate, I know you could play the role, but this character is my love interest. We even have a love scene. Would you want to do that with me on screen?”

“Really?” Kate was quick to forgive, even rubbing his waist where it hurt—though the pain had already passed.

“Whoa! Here comes the love scene!”

On screen, the two characters were passionately kissing, with Luca’s hand slipping under Ambrosio’s shirt while she slipped hers into his pants. It was an intense scene.

“Ambrosio, how could you be in a scene like this?!”

Jaime’s face darkened as he clenched his fists.

“What’s the big deal? It’s just one short scene!”

“One short scene? Why didn’t you mention this before?” Jaime glared at Luca angrily.

But Luca wasn’t paying attention. Lima’s hand had just found his waist and pinched him sharply.

“Darling, it’s only a few seconds, and we did it all in one take.”

Luca explained, holding her hand.

“Really?”

Jaime looked at Ambrosio.

“Yes, and it’s just a kiss—what’s the problem?” Ambrosio was irritated.

“Fine, just don’t act with Luca again. He’s bad news,” Jaime muttered.

“And what about you?” Ambrosio shot back.

“I’m not saying anything. Let’s just watch the movie,” Jaime chuckled awkwardly.

“One take? Seems like you’re quite the expert,” Kate quipped.

Luca’s face darkened as he pretended not to hear, staring at the screen. “Enough about looks—what do you all think of the plot?”

“It’s good! The pacing is tight, and the fight scenes are explosive. Though there could have been more love scenes,” Kate teased.

“Haha, I agree! If that love scene had lasted five minutes, with a bit more exposure, I’d definitely watch it again!” Fontana joked.

“Hmph!”

Jaime’s face grew even darker.

Luca shook his head. “This is a crime thriller, not a romance film. The story should be what draws people in. But all you talk about are looks and love scenes. Hearing this makes me even more nervous.”

“Don’t worry. If it flops, it flops. You’re making movies in the U.S. anyway. If all else fails, you just won’t come back.”

Jaime teased.

Luca shrugged, “True.”

“This scene’s great!”

“Yeah, very intense, and the dialogue is spot-on!”

“This is truly a showdown of both looks and acting!”

When the rooftop scene arrived, Luca and Santoro stood facing each other, exchanging sharp words. The tension between the two handsome leads sparked admiration from the crowd.

“But why do I sense some... romantic tension between them?” Fontana remarked.

“Haha, I feel that too!” Kate, Lima, and Ambrosio burst out laughing.

Luca was speechless. Was this just seeing things through a “romance” lens?

Bang!

The movie gunfire sounded, and Luca’s character fell.

“Wow, Luca, you died? That was so sudden!”

“Yes,” he replied.

After the lead’s death, the movie quickly reached its conclusion.

Clap, clap, clap!

As the film ended, the audience rose to give a standing ovation.

The premiere ceremony was over.

“When will the opening day box office numbers be available?” Kate asked.

“Around noon tomorrow,” Luca replied, clapping his hands. “Let’s hope for a great start!”

“Don’t worry, you’ll get it,” Lima reassured.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter 364: The Betting Agreement

The next day at noon, the first day's box office numbers were released. On its first day, Infernal Affairs pulled in 5.6 million, with an 83% seating rate in theaters.

This data set a new opening day box office record and caused a sensation, with the media reporting heavily and hyping the film.

Experts started speculating about the film’s total box office, believing it had the potential to surpass 100 million. If it did, it would set a new record.

Film critics also chimed in, praising the performances of the lead actors. They remarked that Luca’s performance was refreshing and worthy of a Best Actor award.

“Haha, Luca, we did it!”

In the Big Mouth Bird Films office, director Jose shouted excitedly.

Luca shook his head. “It’s too early to say we succeeded. Let’s wait until the second week’s box office numbers. If we hit 40 million by then, we can barely call it a success.”

“Forty million? That should be doable. We did 5.6 million on the first day, so the first week should be at least 25 million. Getting 20 million in the second week isn’t that hard,” Jose said optimistically.

“Let’s hope everything goes smoothly.”

With the film performing well, the distribution company ramped up its marketing efforts. The key cast members toured nationwide, urging audiences to head to theaters and support the film.

The promotion was lively, but its effectiveness was questionable.

After the initial surge on the first day, the box office numbers started to decline daily.

On the fourth day, news broke of a corruption scandal involving high-ranking officials in the police department. Some newspapers began linking the case to the film, criticizing the police. They claimed the movie was an idealized version of reality, which was much harsher, and called it a satire on the current state of things. The box office numbers continued to drop.

After the first week, the box office had only reached 23 million, far below the predicted 28 million.

In the second week, the box office continued to fall, bringing in just 15.5 million.

With the first two weeks’ numbers falling short of expectations, the press started publishing critiques and analyses of why the film’s box office underperformed.

Rio Film Review argued that the film was a remake of a Hong Kong movie and that many of its scenes didn’t suit Brazilian audiences’ tastes, accusing the filmmakers of forcing things to fit. The initial buzz was overblown, and it should have been toned down.

Brazil Express said that the biggest draw of the movie was its actors, but the story itself was second-rate. Watching a movie like this wasn’t as exciting as watching a soccer game.

As the film’s reputation declined, the distribution company scrambled to do damage control, continuing to hype the film and sparring with critics.

By the third week, the box office was down to 12.2 million.

In three weeks, the film earned 50.7 million. Experts estimated that the total box office would land around 70 million, far below the 100 million originally expected.

The media revealed that the total investment for the film had reached 20 million. Compared to last year’s Rescue, which had a 6.5 million investment and earned 60.5 million at the box office, the numbers were not impressive.

“Sigh, why only 70 million?”

In a coffee shop, Director Jose sighed again.

“Stop pretending. Seventy million is still the highest-grossing film this year, better than 99% of the films in the industry. Did you really expect to hit 100 million?” Luca chuckled.

“Of course. We had the best script, the best actors, the best film, and the distribution company worked hard too. It’s not impossible,” Jose replied.

“Well then, keep pushing. Maybe you’ll make history as the first Brazilian director to break the 100 million mark.”

“Haha, I definitely will,” Jose said seriously.

A while later, Director Babank arrived with his new film The Man from Earth.

The three of them entered the screening room to watch the movie.

“It’s fantastic!”

After the movie ended, Luca clapped. “Congratulations on another classic, Director Babank.”

“This is your film too,” Babank said with a cigar in his mouth, smiling.

Luca smiled back and turned to Jose. “So, great director, what do you think?”

“Emmm... This film is interesting, but also a bit dull.”

Jose shrugged.

“For an hour and a half, it’s just talking in a room, discussing philosophy, religion, and history. There’s no plot twist, no exciting moments, just some stories that sound interesting but feel pretentious.

People who like this kind of movie will find it brilliant and call it a classic, but those who don’t will think it’s boring. Kids definitely wouldn’t watch it.”

“Okay, I guess you’re not the target audience for this one,” Luca laughed, agreeing that Jose had a point.

The original version of this film already had a slow pace, but with Babank directing, the pace had slowed even more. However, the visuals, composition, dialogue, and performances were of higher quality than the original.

Luca had invested $400,000 in this version, 20 times more than the original. He wasn’t sure if it would make as much money as the original.

“Director Babank, do you have any suggestions for the film’s distribution?” Luca asked.

Babank thought for a moment. “This kind of film only appeals to a niche audience. A wide release isn’t ideal. I suggest a limited theatrical run and partnering with a home video distribution company for VHS sales.”

“That’s a good idea.”

The original movie never made it to theaters, and its entire $350 million in revenue came from VHS sales, which were distributed worldwide.

On February 7th, The Man from Earth quietly premiered. There was no promotion, no media coverage, and no opening ceremony, a stark contrast to the large-scale release of Infernal Affairs.

The release was very limited, with the film showing in only 18 theaters across Brazil, on 30 to 40 screens.

In the first three days, the film earned less than 100,000 reals, but it received high praise in the press. Many veteran critics praised Babank, calling it a meaningful movie and a classic that would become one of his signature works.

Luca had no expectations for the box office. His goal was the VHS distribution.

On the second day after the film's release, Luca left Brazil and went to Los Angeles, where he took the film to several distribution companies—Universal Home Entertainment, Disney Productions, and Sony Pictures.

After watching the film, all the companies were willing to distribute it, but there was disagreement over profit sharing.

In VHS distribution, about 90% of the profits typically go to the distributors and retailers, leaving only a small percentage for the content creators. If a movie is a big hit, the profit split can be higher.

Since The Man from Earth wasn’t released in theaters and didn’t feature any famous actors, the companies were only willing to offer Luca a 3% cut. Sony Pictures was more direct, offering to buy the film outright for $500,000.

Luca didn’t hesitate to refuse. He preferred the 3% cut, knowing that if VHS sales hit $350 million, he could earn around $10 million.

While he was struggling to decide, director Billy called and set up a meeting, saying someone wanted to work with him.

Billy had worked in VHS distribution before and was familiar with the industry. The general manager of a company knew of Billy’s relationship with Luca and asked Billy to introduce them.

“Luca, this is Mr. Glenn Gaynor from Anchor Bay Entertainment!”

Billy introduced them.

“Nice to meet you, Mr. Gaynor!”

Anchor Bay Entertainment was one of the top independent film companies in Hollywood, specializing in distributing horror films and VHS. Their biggest hit was The Walking Dead.

“Nice to meet you, Mr. Kelly!”

They got straight to business. Anchor Bay wanted the rights to distribute the VHS version of the film and offered a slightly better deal—a 5% cut.

But Luca wanted to negotiate further, so he proposed a betting agreement.

If sales were under $50 million, he wouldn’t take a single dollar. If they exceeded $50 million, he’d take 5%.

For every additional $50 million in sales, his cut would increase by 5%.

However, Gaynor countered with another betting agreement: If sales were under $200 million, Luca would get 3%. If they exceeded $200 million, he’d get 15%.

After hours of negotiation, Luca agreed to the deal.

Two days later, their lawyers finalized the contract, and the agreement was officially signed.

“Luca, did this movie even cost $10,000 to make? And you’re aiming for $200 million in sales? You’re dreaming!” Billy teased afterward.

“Dreams are worth having. Who knows, it might come true,” Luca said with a smile as he left the bar.

(End of Chapter)

*Chapter 365: The Academy Awards*

"And the winner of the 77th Academy Award for Best Original Song is Al Otro Lado Del Río from The Motorcycle Diaries. Congratulations, Mr. Jorge Drexler!"

Applause

On the afternoon of February 27, the 77th Academy Awards ceremony was being held at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles.

Luca was invited to attend the event and even had the chance to present the Best Original Song award—an award that wasn’t considered too important. The Motorcycle Diaries was a South American film about how Che Guevara, the revolutionary leader, ignited his passion for revolution through a journey.

The movie was filmed across various South American countries, including Argentina, Uruguay, and Brazil. This was likely why the organizers invited Luca to be the presenter.

After handing the trophy to the Uruguayan musician Jorge Drexler, Luca left the stage, circled back, and sat in his seat, which was located in the back row reserved for presenters.

"Hey, Luca, you seem a bit off today," Charlize Theron remarked as he walked by her.

Charlize, last year’s Best Actress winner, was also a presenter this year. She had flown in from Minnesota specifically for this major event.

"Do I?" Luca smiled and shrugged when he noticed the crowd around them. "I guess seeing so many big stars all at once threw me off for a moment—I almost forgot where I was."

Charlize smirked. "When are you heading to Minnesota? Has the production team reached out?"

"Yes, I’ve got a flight tomorrow. Is it cold in Minnesota? I’ve heard it’s freezing this time of year."

"Ha, you'll find out soon enough. Prepare to be surprised," Charlize smiled before lifting her dress and heading backstage.

According to tradition, the Best Actor and Actress awards are presented by the previous year’s winners. This meant that Charlize, who had won Best Actress last year, would be presenting the Best Actor award this year.

The five nominees for Best Actor were Leonardo DiCaprio (The Aviator), Jamie Foxx (Ray), Don Cheadle (Hotel Rwanda), Johnny Depp (Finding Neverland), and Clint Eastwood (Million Dollar Baby).

This marked DiCaprio’s first-ever Oscar nomination for Best Actor. The camera lingered on his face for a good seven or eight seconds when his name was mentioned.

But the award ultimately went to Jamie Foxx for Ray, the story of legendary musician Ray Charles. Foxx, who bore a striking resemblance to Kevin Durant, was now the fourth African American actor to win the prestigious award.

This year was huge for Jamie Foxx, as he received two nominations: Best Supporting Actor and Best Actor. When Foxx accepted his award, the camera panned to Tom Cruise in the audience.

Cruise and Foxx had co-starred in Collateral that year, where Cruise played the lead and Foxx the supporting actor. Collateral earned two nominations: Best Editing and Best Supporting Actor for Foxx. Meanwhile, Cruise received no nominations.

Despite this, Cruise smiled and clapped, appearing gracious in front of the camera.

Luca applauded too, feeling a pang of envy. For some, the road from their seat to the stage to accept an Oscar took years, even decades. Luca wondered how long his own journey would take.

He needed to work harder!

At 7:30 p.m., the ceremony concluded. Million Dollar Baby was the night’s biggest winner, scooping up four major awards out of its seven nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress, and Best Supporting Actor—all top-tier categories.

DiCaprio's The Aviator fared well too, earning five awards from its 11 nominations.

Those who won celebrated with their golden statuettes in hand, posing enthusiastically for the cameras. Even those who didn’t win weren’t too downcast. After all, getting nominated was an achievement in itself, often considered a victory. Usually, three or four nominations were enough to secure a win eventually.

"Luca, you know, I thought I’d be posing with a little gold man tonight, but unfortunately, that didn’t happen." DiCaprio shrugged as he spoke, but his face showed no hint of regret.

"Leo, maybe next year you’ll get your chance to pose with one," Luca chuckled.

"Haha, I hope so!" DiCaprio grinned. "Luca, I remember you saying you hoped to become a big star like me one day. Well, I’ve got my nomination now, so I hope you’ll get yours too."

Luca smiled, amused. Was DiCaprio showing off? He better be careful, or I’ll steal his thunder, he thought.

"Hey, Leo! Luca! Can I get a photo of you two together?" A reporter called out, camera in hand.

"Sure!" DiCaprio waved and moved closer to Luca.

Luca smiled faintly for the camera.

"Luca, what do you think the newspapers will say about us tomorrow?" DiCaprio asked once the photographer left.

"I have no idea. What do you think?"

"They'll say, ‘Leonardo DiCaprio and his successor.’ Hahaha!" DiCaprio laughed heartily before getting into his car.

Luca shook his head. This guy was becoming insufferable.

"Hey, Luca, are you going to the party tonight?" DiCaprio asked as he left.

After the Oscars, the Sunset Tower Hotel hosted a huge afterparty for all the big names in the entertainment industry. It was a night of revelry, known as the "Oscar Night Party."

"No, I have a flight to catch tomorrow."

"Oh, that’s a shame. Lots of beautiful women will be there," DiCaprio said, waving as he walked away.

"Luca, long time no see!" Tom Cruise's car pulled up, and the window rolled down to reveal his handsome face.

Seated beside him was his new girlfriend, Katie Holmes. Their relationship had been making headlines, but the Aniston-Pitt breakup had overshadowed them in the tabloids.

"Good evening, Mr. Cruise!" Luca paused to greet him politely.

"Luca, we should catch up soon. Mission: Impossible III is casting, and I think there are a few roles you’d be perfect for. Want to audition?"

"That’s great news! If I get the chance, I’d love to audition," Luca replied with a smile, though he wasn’t overly excited.

He had a guest role in Collateral, but his part ended up being cut. Luca suspected Cruise’s influence as a producer played a part.

Then there was last year’s audition for Elizabethtown, where despite doing well, he didn’t land the role. That part went to Orlando Bloom instead, even though Cruise had been the producer.

So, Luca wasn't particularly interested in a supporting role in Mission: Impossible III, especially since the film's box office performance was expected to be mediocre. Working with Cruise again would likely mean playing a minor role.

Once Cruise left, Luca exhaled deeply and got into his car.

Suddenly, he thought of the screenplay he had written, Taken.

It was now 2005, and he wondered if Cruise still intended to make it. If not, Luca planned to buy back the rights and produce it himself. He had sold the script for a mere $20,000—far too cheap.

(End of Chapter)