136-140

Chapter 136: The Curse

"Hey, Ed, what's going on with Tony?"

Luca asked after stepping out of the office, making a phone call.

"You can ask him yourself. He's got quite the story," Ed laughed over the phone.

"Alright."

"Wait, don't hang up!"

Just as Luca was about to end the call, Ed interrupted, "I signed the contract with the crew this morning. Based on the pay scale for a C-list actor, you're getting $200,000 for this film."

"Only 200k for a C-list?"

Luca asked curiously, "What about B-list?"

"Let me break it down for you: C-list actors make anywhere from $200k to $1 million, B-listers get between $1 million and $10 million, and anything above that is A-list. S-listers even get a cut of the box office."

"So I'm barely C-list?"

Luca asked, sounding a bit down.

"What did you expect?"

Ed chuckled, "Don't forget, other than a brief nude scene in Sex and the City, none of your other work has been released yet. If you weren't already somewhat famous, you wouldn't even qualify for a D-list contract."

"Alright, alright, let's not talk about it anymore."

Luca felt frustrated. He had thought he was a B-lister, but it turned out he was just a C-. The gap between his ideal and reality was glaringly obvious.

He set aside thoughts about the contract and started considering who to hire as his assistant.

The first two candidates seemed great. The first had strength, the second had experience, but the third? Way too attractive—too much trouble. He could pass on that one. But Tony?

Luca looked at Tony's file and decided to give him a call.

"Hey, Tony, it's Luca. Got a minute to chat?"

"No, I'm sleeping."

A drowsy, almost feminine voice answered.

Click.

Luca hung up. It was 2:30 in the afternoon, and this guy was still sleeping. Definitely not assistant material.

Ring, ring~

Just as he was about to call the second candidate, his phone rang urgently.

Luca hesitated when he saw the number but answered anyway.

"Sorry, Luca. I was drunk yesterday and still haven’t fully sobered up. My bad," Tony explained over the phone.

Luca shook his head silently. Drunk yesterday, still hungover this afternoon—this excuse wasn't helping.

"Tony, it's fine,"

Luca said, trying not to sound too cold since they were acquaintances. "But you're a makeup artist, right? Why do you want to switch to being an assistant? And I heard you worked on a Hollywood film set recently."

"Ah, it’s a long story,"

Tony sighed.

"I’ve got time; I’m not working today."

At a café outside Highland Park in Brooklyn, Luca stirred half a sugar cube into his coffee while sitting across from a man with an effeminate vibe.

Twenty-nine years old, slender, pale skin, a pink vest paired with yellow skinny pants, making his body look like a stick.

This was Tony—full name Tony Lopez, a white guy with Italian heritage.

Tony sighed deeply, "Luca, I think I might be cursed."

"Cursed?"

Luca raised an eyebrow.

"Yeah."

Tony kissed the silver cross on his chest and began to tell his sad story.

Last December, he did Luca’s makeup, and then Luca had an accident on set, landing him in the hospital.

Not long after, a model Tony had worked with was in a car accident after a runway show and ended up in the emergency room. Then in February, another model he worked with developed depression and committed suicide, also ending up in the hospital.

Luca's eyelid twitched, "Those two were your clients too?"

Tony grimaced, "Yeah, I did their makeup before their accidents, and then rumors started that I used to do makeup for corpses and that I’m cursed. People began saying anyone I do makeup for will have bad luck."

"Rumors?"

Luca thought it might be more than that.

"Yeah, started by Nick Edwards and a few others."

Tony bit his lip and waved his fist in frustration. "They're jealous of my makeup skills, jealous of how many clients I had, so they used these dirty tricks against me.

In the end, they succeeded.

The rumor spread from the makeup industry to the modeling world. With examples like you and those two models, people started to believe it and stopped hiring me."

Luca gave a wry smile. Another person hurt by rumors. "So then you went to Hollywood?"

"Yeah, I lost all my work, but a film crew was hiring makeup artists. The movie was called Underworld."

"Underworld?"

Luca was a bit surprised.

"Yeah, it’s a vampire movie, and their makeup had a dark, eerie style, which I’m great at, so I joined the crew without a hitch."

Tony smirked a bit proudly, but then his face fell again.

On set, he mainly did makeup for two supporting actors. Coincidentally, both of them got injured while filming, and soon enough, word of the curse spread to the movie set.

Luca sighed, "Getting injured during filming is common; it’s not your fault. Don’t blame yourself."

"No, no, I’m definitely cursed. I didn’t believe it before, but ever since I converted to Christianity, I’ve found peace. Nothing bad has happened to me recently, so I believe God is protecting me, this sinner."

Tony gazed at the cross on his chest with a devout expression. With a robe, he’d look like a priest.

"Praise the Lord!"

Luca made a quick gesture of blessing. "So why do you want to be my assistant?"

"I’m out of work, and I’m starving."

Tony said helplessly.

"Really?"

Luca glanced at the Mercedes parked nearby, worth at least $80,000. His own Ford only cost $20,000.

"The car’s on a payment plan. If I don’t get a job soon, the bank will take it back. So please, Luca, give me a job!"

Tony tugged at Luca’s sleeve, looking pitiful.

"Stop pulling!"

Luca’s sleeve was nearly torn off.

"Tony, don’t mess around. You’re a makeup artist, not really cut out to be an assistant."

This guy was skinny as a stick—definitely not someone who could handle tough work.

"Luca, I can do it! I can be an assistant, a makeup artist, and a driver. I’m a great deal! Please, give me a chance. I really need this job. Plus, I’ve thought about it—other people might get hurt, but you didn’t. The curse clearly doesn’t affect you. So please reconsider!"

Tony tugged on his sleeve even harder, looking genuinely desperate.

Luca pondered for a moment. Hiring someone he knew would be easier than hiring a stranger. Plus, Tony’s makeup skills were top-notch.

"Alright, you’ve got a one-month trial. If it doesn’t work out, I’ll hire someone else."

"OK! Thank you, Luca. I’ll do my best!"

Tony vigorously shook Luca’s hand, then hugged his cross, kissing it repeatedly while muttering thanks to God for blessing him with this job.

"Tony, I’ve got a party tonight. Wanna come?"

Luca paid the bill and stood up.

"Of course! I’m your assistant now. Wherever you go, I follow."

"It’s not work time yet. No need to push yourself."

"No, I love parties. Take me with you!"

"Alright, let’s go."

(End of chapter)

Chapter 137: A Question About Orientation

“Luca, where are we going?”

Tony asked as they got into the car.

“See that little church up ahead? That’s where the Honey film crew is working. I’m one of the actors. Today’s the wrap-up, and I’m heading over to check it out,” Luca said, pointing to a building not far away.

“Alright.”

As the car hit the road, Tony squirmed in his seat, pulled down the mirror, and started touching up his makeup.

Luca shook his head. “Tony, can I ask you a few questions?”

“Sure, Luca, go ahead,” Tony replied while applying makeup.

“Do you use?”

This guy is so skinny, with such pale skin, he looks like a drug addict.

“I used to do powder, but I quit. I swear,” Tony said, raising his hands. “I’m this skinny because I’m a vegetarian, you know. I need to keep my figure.”

Vegetarian?

Luca raised an eyebrow. That one needed verification.

“What’s your relationship status?”

“I have a girlfriend who loves me very much.”

Tony leaned against the car window, smiling slightly. “We’ve been together for seven years. We were supposed to get married this year, but I lost my job, so we had to postpone. That’s why this job is really important to me, Luca. Trust me, I’ll be a great assistant.”

Luca hesitated before asking, “Can I know the gender of your girlfriend?”

Tony shot him a strange look. “A girlfriend’s a girl, obviously! What, you think I’m gay or something?”

“Haha, no, no!” Luca shook his head. He asked a few more questions and got a clearer picture of Tony’s life—Italian-American, lives in Newark, his girlfriend works as a caregiver at a hospital, and they share a small apartment in Brooklyn with two cars.

“Thanks for answering, Tony. Now that you’re my assistant, we need to set some ground rules. First, you can’t do anything illegal—no drugs, no selling, no stealing.”

“No problem. You can check my record. Apart from a stint in juvie, I’ve got no other crimes.”

Luca nodded slightly. All the details were in his file, including criminal history, health insurance, health status, and taxes. Faking it would be hard.

“Second, about my private life…”

“I know this one!” Tony smiled lightly. “Don’t ask, don’t tell, don’t interfere. In our makeup line of work, we deal with a lot of personal stuff, and knowing how to keep secrets is the first rule.”

Luca nodded. “Third, you have to follow professional standards. Ed will talk to you about that when he gets back.”

“OK. Any other questions?”

“Not for now.”

“But I do.”

Tony smiled and raised three fingers. “I’ve got three requests. Can I make them?”

Luca was caught off guard for a moment, then smiled. “Go ahead.”

“First, no overtime. You can’t assign me work outside of regular hours—except for drinks or fun, of course.”

“Fine.”

“Second, don’t stare at my butt, and don’t touch me. Otherwise, I’ll report you for harassment.”

Tony said this with absolute seriousness.

Luca’s mouth twitched. “Have I been staring at your butt? I’ve got a girlfriend, Lima, you know that. I’m straight.”

“Who knows? Some guys get girlfriends just to cover up. Okay, okay, I’m kidding. For the third request, I like to wear bright clothes and dress up pretty every day, and you can’t tell me what to wear.”

Luca glanced at him, confused. “Why do you like wearing such feminine clothes, wearing eyeshadow and lipstick, when you’ve said you’re not gay?”

“Why do you like wearing athletic gear?” Tony shot back.

“It’s comfortable.”

“My answer’s the same. It’s comfortable. Don’t ask why. You could just as easily ask girls why they wear high heels or get their ears pierced. It’s a psychological thing.”

“Alright, I get it.”

After a bit more chatting, they arrived at the set, where the crew was filming the last scene for the day.

In the final scene, the protagonist, Honey, is performing at a small church hall to raise money to buy a dance studio. Her performance is a huge success, gaining attention from a famous Black singer. Then, the movie ends.

They said you wouldn’t make it so far,

And ever since they said it, it’s been hard,

But never mind the nights you…

Explosive music filled the small church hall.

On stage, Jessica Alba, wearing a black crop top, twisted her slender waist to the beat, performing a high-difficulty street dance.

Around her were Black dancers, both men and women, along with several child actors.

A crowd gathered below the stage, including actors playing Honey’s parents, the male lead Mekhi Phifer, parents of the child actors, and many local Black community members.

Among the crowd, director Bille Woodruff watched the monitor, surrounded by familiar faces: his assistant Blake, Black screenwriter Alonzo, producer Platt, the assistant director, and the on-site choreographer.

The scene was bustling with three or four hundred people.

Suddenly, Jessica leaped into the air, pulling off a difficult street dance move. Instantly, the crowd erupted into cheers and applause, shouting loudly.

The camera crew captured close-ups of various reactions—some crying, some laughing, some clapping passionately.

“CUT!”

Twenty minutes later, Bille shouted into the megaphone, standing up.

The room fell silent as all the actors and crew looked toward him, eyes wide open, as if waiting for something, holding their breath.

Bille’s face flushed, his chin trembling slightly. He took a deep breath and shouted loudly, “I declare that Honey has officially wrapped!”

“Yeah!”

Everyone erupted in cheers, louder than before.

Pop, pop, pop! Someone set off party poppers, and others popped champagne bottles. The crowd of 300+ people cheered so loudly, they nearly blew the roof off.

“Congrats, Director Bille! This is going to be a great movie!”

“Thank you! Thanks for all your support!”

“Congrats, Jessica! Honey is going to be a hit!”

“Thank you!”

The crowd congratulated each other, hugging in excitement. Some even wiped away tears, including none other than Director Bille.

“Blake, where’s Luca? That guy’s never on time!” Bille grumbled, wiping his eyes.

“Hey, Bille, since when did I become the guy who’s never on time?” Luca pushed through the crowd and stepped inside.

*Chapter 138: Jessica's Invitation*

In the evening, the wooden cabin bar was loud with singing, and many people were dancing together. The "Honey" crew was hosting a wrap-up party there.

In a quiet corner booth, Luca held a drink, legs crossed, watching the distant dance floor filled with many hot girls.

Across from him, Billy was seriously reading a script. The more he read, the more his brow furrowed, and his face darkened.

“Billy, is there a problem with the script?” Luca asked, putting down his glass.

“Do you know what it tastes like to eat an apple after a melon?” Billy looked up, clearly annoyed.

Luca shook his head. “What does it taste like?”

“Tasteless!” Billy downed a glass of whiskey in one go.

Luca frowned, “Billy, what do you mean? Is the script good or not?”

“It’s good, very good!” Billy gritted his teeth. “I originally thought 'Honey' was decent, at least a B-level musical film. But after reading your script, I suddenly realized how lacking 'Honey' is. My film, aside from street dancing, has thin main and subplots.

But your script? It’s got the dreams of young people, the harsh realities of life, friendship, love, family, and career. It combines high-class ballet with cool street dancing. Every subplot is so rich and full.

Just based on the script alone, your story is way better than mine.”

“Haha, thanks for the compliment!” Luca clinked glasses with him.

Billy snorted, “I was excited about wrapping up the movie today, but your script is like a bucket of cold water. I’ve lost all enthusiasm. You’re such a jerk!”

Luca smirked, “Billy, you’re overreacting. You can’t really compare a script to a movie.”

“I’m not overreacting!” Billy sighed softly, “When the media found out I was directing this movie, they questioned my ability, wondering if I’d turn it into an extended music video. I was so mad that I vowed to make a classic dance film to prove them wrong.

But as we finished filming, I realized I still relied on the safest, most familiar way to shoot. In many places, I couldn’t break free from the music video style. Reflecting on it, I realized it’s not just my lack of expertise; a lot of it also comes down to the script.”

Luca nodded. The "Honey" script was honestly pretty average. If it weren’t for Jessica’s hotness and Billy’s decent directing skills, the movie would’ve been a disaster.

“Billy, this is your first movie. You’ve done well enough. No need to be so hard on yourself.”

Billy shook his head and picked up the script again, reading with a sigh.

“Billy, if you like it, you can take charge of this script,” Luca offered.

Billy thought for a moment, “Let’s wait. If 'Honey' does well at the box office, it’ll be easier to get funding for a new project. But if it flops, do you think anyone would still want me as a director?”

“It’ll be successful.”

Billy was one of the most famous MTV directors in the U.S. music industry, having won several music video awards. He had a great talent for directing music and dance scenes.

Though the box office for “Honey” was mediocre, the VHS and DVD sales did very well, and the production company made a fortune, which is why Billy was brought back to direct the next two sequels.

But Billy had a point. It’s easier to secure funding for a new project after making a successful film.

“Hey, Billy, Luca! There you are.”

Jessica Alba walked over with a drink in hand.

After finishing her scenes earlier, she had gone back to change. Her long hair flowed down, and her blue short dress contrasted beautifully with her tanned skin, highlighting her sexy collarbone and slim waist. Under the lights, she looked stunning.

“Jessica, you look gorgeous tonight!” Luca said with a slight smile.

“Thanks!” Jessica smiled back, “Billy, why aren’t you dancing? I remember you said you’d go crazy on the dance floor tonight. Everyone’s waiting to see your moves.”

“Not in the mood!” Billy shook his head, looking glum.

“Oh, what happened?” Jessica looked at Billy, then at Luca. Earlier, Billy had been in a great mood, almost like he was on something. Now, he seemed deflated.

Luca smiled, “Jessica, you know how men have a couple of bad days every month? Today’s just one of Billy’s.”

“Haha~” Jessica laughed softly, covering her mouth with her glass.

“Damn it, Luca, this is all your fault! Why did you have to bring the script today of all days? We have plenty of time in the future. Why today?”

Billy grumbled angrily.

“No, no, Billy, your bad mood has nothing to do with the script. It’s all the pressure you’re under,” Luca said, pointing toward the lively dance floor. “I think you should be out there dancing, letting loose, instead of sitting here drinking alone. It’ll only make you more depressed.”

“I don’t belong here?” Billy snorted mischievously. “I get it. You saw Jessica come over and now think I’m in the way. Fine, fine, I’ll go dance and leave you to flirt.”

“Billy, I didn’t mean that!” Luca said, embarrassed.

Billy waved him off and walked away, throwing a playful punch as he left.

Luca shrugged helplessly. That guy was impossible.

“Luca, were you discussing a script?” Jessica asked, looking at the script on the table.

“Yeah.”

“Mind if I take a look?”

“Go ahead.”

Jessica thanked him and started reading the script intently.

Luca leaned back in the booth, listening to the increasing noise from the dance floor.

Under the flashing lights, Billy was now in the center of the crowd, dancing wildly. The guy was a bit on the heavier side, and his moves weren’t exactly graceful, but seeing the director join in got everyone excited.

Over a hundred people followed the beat, dancing HIP-HOP, Breaking, and Popping, turning the place into a dance explosion.

Even Luca couldn’t help but move his shoulders to the rhythm.

“Luca, do you like dancing?” Jessica asked, still holding the script.

“It’s alright. Street dancing is pretty cool,” Luca replied, raising an eyebrow.

Jessica smiled, “Wanna dance with me?”

“I don’t know how to street dance.”

“It’s easy. I’ll teach you,” Jessica said, standing up and moving her waist a little, ready to show off her moves.

“Sure, thanks!” Luca smiled as he stepped out of the booth.

**Shake it like a pom-pom, like a pom-pom

Shake it like a pom-pom, like a pom-pom**

The music blared, and everyone was dancing. Under the dazzling lights, the night deepened.

*End of Chapter*

Chapter 139: Ambushed by Beauty

"Ugh~~"

In the darkness, outside Hailan Park, a slim figure leaned against a lamppost, vomiting uncontrollably into the bushes.

Beside him, a tall and muscular figure held a bottle of water, looking disgusted.

"Tony, if you can't drink, don't overdo it. Doesn't it make you feel awful?"

"I can't help it. The girls were just too enthusiastic."

Tony wiped his mouth with a tissue. "Give me the water, please!"

"Here!"

Luca handed over the bottle, grumbling. "I hired you as my assistant, but I'm the one taking care of you. You're really bad at this."

"Oh, come on, Luca. We're friends!" Tony shamelessly replied.

Luca twitched his mouth. I think of you as my assistant, but you think we're friends? How does that work?  

"I don't befriend assistants. If you were still a makeup artist, maybe we could be friends."

"Why?"

Tony raised his head in confusion.

"I don’t have a habit of enslaving friends."

"Enslaving?!"

Tony asked in shock, "You plan to treat your assistant like a slave?"

"What else?"

"Fine, fine, Luca. I get it now. You must come from a long line of slave masters."

"Thanks. Scared? If so, you can quit."

Luca smiled faintly.

"Of course not."

Tony blinked and, in a sickly sweet voice, said, "Luca, I like being enslaved. If you want, you can enslave me any way you like. How about that?"

"Tony, are you sure you're not into guys?"

"Well~, if you want me to be, I can be into guys. So, Mr. Kelly, do you need me to be?"

Tony slapped his behind and laughed.

"Get lost!"

Luca kicked him in the rear and got into the car.

"Ugh, Luca, you jerk! I almost fell into my own puke. Ugh~~!"

Outside the window, Tony cursed angrily.

Luca glanced at him and calmly asked, "Are you getting in or not? If not, I'm leaving. It's such a beautiful night; I don't want to waste it wandering the streets with some drunken weirdo."

"F**k, I told you I'm not gay! Why do you keep thinking I am? Oh, wait, I get it now. You must be gay, and that's why you think I am, right? Well, let me tell you, I'm a real man. You won't bend me!"

Tony pounded his bony chest.

Vroom~~

Luca started the car.

"Wait for me!"

Tony hurriedly opened the car door and climbed in.

The car slowly merged into the traffic.

"Luca, are you mad at me?"

Tony asked.

"What?"

Luca sounded confused.

"I interrupted your date with Jessica, didn't I? That's why you kicked me."

Tony raised his eyebrows.

"No, I wasn’t on a date with Jessica. We were just dancing."

"Really? You two looked pretty close."

"She was teaching me hip-hop."

Luca waved dismissively, cutting off Tony’s questioning. "Tony, you seem to enjoy hanging out with girls who look... unusual. Is that another one of your quirks?"

"It's not a quirk, okay? It's a professional habit!"

Tony leaned back in his seat, closing his eyes. "As makeup artists, we don't see ugliness in people. We only see those who don’t know how to use makeup. Our job is to transform rough faces into something more refined and beautiful, which gives us a sense of accomplishment. The more challenging the face, the greater my satisfaction. That's why I like making friends with them. I help them with makeup, and they think I'm super cool."

"Hey~ don't fall asleep!"

Luca slapped Tony's face lightly. "You still haven't told me where you live."

"Pitkin Street, across from the Ryant Self-Service Pharmacy."

"F**k, that's far. How about you grab a cab?"

"Luca, are we friends?"

"No!"

Luca scoffed and floored the gas pedal. The car zoomed down the street, neon lights stretching into streams and reflecting on the windows.

Tony slowly fell asleep, and the smell of alcohol in the car grew stronger.

Ring-ring-ring~

Lima was calling.

"Luca, when are you coming back?"

"About an hour."

Luca glanced at the street signs to estimate the time.

"Why so long? Are you on a date with some woman? I remember Jessica Alba is in your crew. Is it her?"

"Yeah, it’s Jessica. Are you jealous?"

"No, not at all."

Click~

Lima hung up immediately.

Luca smirked and quickly called back. If he didn’t explain this, he wouldn’t be getting inside the house tonight.

"Hey~ don’t hang up. I’m driving my assistant home. He got drunk, and I mean 'he'—of course, it's a guy. His name's Tony. I just hired him today. Why a guy? That’s a great question, Ms. Lima. If my assistant were a woman, would you be upset?. Uh~ I didn’t mean you’re petty, I was just—"

Click~

Lima hung up again.

Luca smacked his lips. I’m doomed.

The car quickly reached Pitkin Street. Luca parked and shook Tony’s face.

"Hey~ wake up, Tony. We're at Pitkin Street!"

"We’re here?"

Tony opened his eyes, then suddenly clutched his mouth, about to vomit again.

In an instant, Luca swiftly opened the door and kicked him out.

"Ah~, Luca, you jerk!"

Tony cursed from the sidewalk.

Luca closed the door and said calmly, "Tony, if you still want to be my assistant, drink less in the future. And remember to go to the office tomorrow to complete your paperwork. If you decide to quit, we can still be friends."

"No way! I'm going to be your assistant. Next time you get drunk, I'm going to kick you just as hard."

"Fine, I’ll be waiting!"

Luca waved and drove out of Brooklyn. He tried calling Lima again, but no answer. She was still sulking.

Passing by Biagi Gelato on Tribeca Street, he bought Lima's favorite dessert—a Brazilian treat called Biagi, known for its crispy yet soft texture, low fat, and low calories, a favorite among girls.

With the dessert in hand, Luca returned to Apartment 43 and unlocked the door.

Whoosh~  

A baseball bat came swinging down at his head.

"Wait! I have a peace offering!"

Luca quickly held up the dessert.

"Hmph, smart move!"

Lima arrogantly snatched the dessert, swaying her hips as she walked into the living room. In her rush earlier, she was only wearing one shoe.

Luca shook his head and glanced at the baseball bat on the counter. With a cold smirk, he suddenly lunged forward, scooping Lima up and marching toward the bedroom.

"Ah, stop it! The dessert's going to fall!"

"Hmph~ You dare ambush me? Tonight, I’ll show you something!"

"Show me what? What are you going to do?"

"Just wait and see!"

(Chapter ends)

*Chapter 140: Fanny's Visit*

Morning, 43rd Street apartment.

Sunlight quietly slipped through the curtains, hoping to sneak a peek into the bedroom, but the two people inside had already woken up.

The tall, handsome man dressed himself, bending down to pick up the scattered clothing on the floor—T-shirt, underwear, bra, stockings.

The sultry, sexy woman leaned against the headboard, noticing a few new pink marks on her body. She glared playfully, "Luca, is this the color you gave me?"

"How do you like it? Satisfied?"

Luca smiled faintly.

"Jerk!"

Lima threw a pillow at him with all her strength.

Luca laughed heartily, catching the pillow. He lifted his shirt, showing off several long, red scratch marks on his back.

"Look, this is the color you gave me. Do you really have a right to be mad?"

Lima burst into laughter, biting her full lips as she scolded, "You deserved it! I was defending myself, you jerk!"

"Okay, okay! I deserved it. My bad."

Luca tossed her bra and stockings at her and turned to leave. "I'm making breakfast. Hurry up and get up, lazybones!"

"I'm not lazy!"

Lima shouted in protest. She grabbed the bra and stockings from her shoulder, sat up to get out of bed, but when she saw it was only 7:10 AM, she thought for a moment and curled back under the blanket, smiling slyly as she drifted off to sleep.

"Wake up, Lima! The sun's up already!"

After what seemed like forever, an annoying voice sounded next to her, accompanied by a hand rubbing her face persistently—so irritating.

"Stop it! Let me sleep!"

Lima groaned, waving her hand in frustration, pulling the blanket over her head as she prepared to go back to sleep.

Smack! Smack!

Just as she was about to doze off, she felt two heavy slaps on her backside.

Lima frowned, her long eyelashes fluttering open like fans.

"Luca, are you trying to die?!"

She glared at him angrily.

"Nope!"

Luca chuckled. "Chubby girl, last night you said you had a public class this morning and couldn’t be late. Now, there’s less than 40 minutes before class. Are you sure you want to skip?"

"Ahh! Jerk! Why didn’t you wake me sooner?"

Lima shot out of bed, scrambling through the wardrobe for underwear. "Damn it, it's already past 8! I’m going to be late! This is all your fault, staying up so late last night. Tell me, did some other woman get you worked up? Was it that little tramp Jessica? I bet it was her. She looks just like Britney!"

"Stop it!"

Luca smiled slightly as he tidied the bed. If he didn’t clean it up, the bed would look the same tonight as it did in the morning.

Ding-dong, ding-dong!

"It’s Fanny! We planned to go to class together. Hurry and open the door!"

Lima nudged his shoulder.

"Alright, alright. Don’t stress. It’s just a public class. Being a little late isn’t a big deal."

"Don’t be ridiculous! I’m a good student. How can I be late for class?"

"Okay, okay. Miss 'Good Student' Lima."

Luca waved his hand and walked out of the bedroom. He glanced around the living room—sofa, carpet, countertop—everything was neat, so he opened the door.

"Hey, Luca! Good morning!"

Sure enough, it was Fanny Joanne.

She wore a white Chanel dress, her ponytail high, red sandals on her feet, and a black LV handbag in her hand. She looked fresh and vibrant.

She smelled faintly of lavender, clean and elegant.

At this moment, she seemed more like a college freshman than the queen of the nightclubs who took off her jacket and sang her heart out with a guitar.

"Good morning, Fanny! Come on in!"

Fanny had been getting along well with Lima lately, so this wasn’t her first visit. She knew her way around.

She glanced around the room, noticing the breakfast still sitting on the dining table in the adjacent room—fried eggs, toast, milk—smelling delicious, though no one was eating.

"Where’s Lima?"

Fanny asked curiously.

Luca shrugged. "Just woke up. She’s getting dressed."

"Luca, what are you saying?"

Suddenly, Lima walked into the dining room from the kitchen, holding a plate of sliced fruit. She greeted Fanny while talking,

"I woke up at 7 and made breakfast. You just got up, and you're calling me lazy? Hmph! Fanny, look at this. This is how men are—never a truthful word."

"Uh..."

Luca glanced at the kitchen, then at the fully dressed Lima.

Does she know how to teleport? How did she get ready so fast? And those fruit slices—I cut them!

Fanny looked from Lima to Luca and burst out laughing.

"Lima, did you make all this breakfast?"

Fanny asked, suspicious.

"Of course! Luca is so lazy. He does nothing every day, so I have to make breakfast myself."

Lima sighed dramatically, looking burdened.

"Fanny, let me give you some advice. When you get a boyfriend, choose wisely. Find someone hardworking. Don’t go for a lazy guy like Luca."

"Is Luca really that lazy?"

Fanny asked, stifling a laugh as she looked at Luca’s frustrated expression.

Lima nodded seriously. "Yes, he’s lazier than a sloth."

"Shut up!"

Luca muttered under his breath, "You haven’t even washed your face or brushed your teeth, and you’re acting all diligent."

"I washed up in the kitchen!"

Lima said proudly.

"Good for you!"

Luca smiled to himself, reminding her, "You haven’t put on any makeup yet."

"Do I need makeup to look good?"

Lima shot him a cold glare.

"You look great!"

Luca replied quickly.

"Hehe~"

Lima rolled her eyes at him, then put down the fruit plate. "Fanny, have you had breakfast yet? Come try my cooking!"

"No, thanks. I’ve already eaten."

Fanny smiled and sat on the sofa.

"Fanny, would you like some coffee or juice? Or tea? Luca somehow got some tea from China. It’s called pre-rain Dragon Well, very refreshing. Want to try it?"

Lima suggested.

"I’ll have some tea!"

Fanny smiled.

"Fanny, hold on a sec!"

Without needing Lima’s order, Luca immediately went off to make tea.

A little while later, Luca returned. Lima had disappeared, and sounds were coming from the makeup room.

Luca placed the teacup down. "Fanny, the water’s hot. Be careful."

"Thank you!"

Fanny accepted the white porcelain cup. The clear water held a few delicate green leaves, looking as elegant as a watercolor painting.

The smooth cup, the wafting steam—it smelled like a fresh mountain after the rain, calming and refreshing.

"It smells wonderful! Is this Chinese tea?"

Fanny inhaled deeply, loving the scent.

"Yes, it’s much lighter than black tea. It’s good for the morning. You should give it a try."

Luca sat at the dining table, finishing Lima’s leftovers, regretting not eating first before waking her.

"It does taste light, but the aroma is so refreshing. It’s really beautiful."

Fanny took a sip, commenting.

Luca nodded. This tea was a gift from Han Li. She had noticed his love for Chinese liquor and sent him this pre-rain Dragon Well tea, which cost over $500 per pound.

"Do you like it, Fanny? I can give you a pack."

Luca offered.

"Oh, no need."

Fanny smiled. "Next time I feel like having some, I’ll just come over for tea."

"Anytime! You’re always welcome."

Luca grinned.

"Thanks!"

Fanny set the teacup down gently. "By the way, Luca, I’ve written a new song recently. Can you help me polish it when you have time?"

"Me? Help you edit a song?"

Luca was sipping milk and nearly choked.

"Wait, Fanny, you want me to help with your song?"

Luca asked again.

"Yes!"

Fanny blinked at him. "Britney told me you wrote that song ‘Nobody.’ I thought it was amazing—really strong rhythm. Isn’t that right?"

".…Alright, I’ll listen to your song when I have time. But I’m busy this week. I’m going to South Carolina for a shoot on Monday."

"I know! Then let’s wait until after your shoot."

"Sure!"

Luca smiled wryly. After this film, he’d have to shoot Mean Girls in LA. There wouldn’t be much time to play cool.

"Haha, Fanny, are you done with your tea? Let’s head out!"

Lima appeared, her brown curls cascading down, her makeup flawless. She wore a long white shirt tucked into blue jeans, her curves on full display. This was when Lima looked her best.

"Lima, you’re so beautiful!"

Fanny complimented with a bright smile.

"You too! Your skin is so fair, like an elf!"

The two exchanged compliments.

"Lima, aren’t you going to eat anymore?"

Luca pointed to the half-eaten breakfast.

"No, I’m on a diet."

Lima waved her hand, pulling Fanny out the door.

"Lima, should we ask Luca to come to school with us?"

Fanny asked as they walked.

"No need, he’ll head to school soon."

"Manhattan School of Performing Arts?"

"Yes."

Bang  

The door closed.

Luca kept eating enthusiastically. After finishing, he still needed to hit the gym—otherwise, he might have to sign up for the water gun squad.

(End of this chapter)