131-135

*Chapter 131: The Deal*

The final scene of Taken.

Bang!

In the cruise ship’s room, a large man with a round face holds a sharp curved knife to the throat of the heroine, Kim.

The hero, Bryan, aims his gun at the man.

The tension is palpable.

"Maybe we can–"

Bang!

Before the man could finish his sentence, Bryan shoots without hesitation.

“Dad!”

Kim gasps, calling out softly.

“Kim!”

Agent Bryan lowers his gun.

“Dad, you came to save me.”

Kim cries out.

“Yes, I told you I would come.”

“Dad!”

Kim throws herself into Bryan’s arms, sobbing.

*The end.*

In a massive mansion in Beverly Hills, Cruise sets down the script, contemplating for a moment before saying:

“It’s a great story. Very unique.”

“Thank you!”

On the opposite couch, Luca replies modestly.

The person sitting before him is a superstar, always busy with countless things. Taking time during his lunch break to read the script was already a big gesture.

Cruise sets the script down, patting the cover. It’s a thick script, over a hundred pages, with solid content and a lot of sincerity.

“You wrote this entire director’s storyboard script yourself?”

Noticing the redness in Luca’s eyes, Tom Cruise raises an eyebrow, slightly surprised.

“Yes.”

“You want to be a director?”

“I’ve thought about it, but not for this one. This is a big production, and I don’t have that ability.”

“Haha, you know your limits well.”

Tom Cruise chuckles softly.

Luca smiles slightly. If this movie were shot according to the script, it would require at least a $20 million investment. If Cruise starred in it, the investment would need to be even larger. With no directing experience, Luca knew he couldn’t handle an A-list production like this.

“Luca, your script is pretty good, above the standard. Our company would like to buy it. What’s your asking price?”

Cruise asks calmly, looking at him.

Luca thought for a moment, “I’m fine with selling the rights, but I have a small request.”

“Go ahead.”

“I hope this movie can be released within four years.”

“Why?”

Because this movie was originally released in 2009, it needed to be made soon. But, of course, he couldn’t say that.

Shrugging, he explained, “This script is my passion project, and I’d like to see it on the screen as soon as possible. Plus, Mr. Cruise, you’re a superstar with no shortage of scripts. If it isn’t made within four years, I fear it never will be. I don’t want my hard work to be shelved.”

“That’s reasonable.”

Cruise nodded. “We can include that in the contract.”

“Thank you!”

Luca breathed a sigh of relief.

“Anything else?”

Cruise asked again.

Luca shook his head. “The rest can follow the standard buyout contract. I have no other issues.”

Cruise was a bit surprised. The value of a storyboard script and a regular script is worlds apart.

This storyboard script was very mature. In the hands of a veteran action star, it could be worth $500,000.

But if sold as a script from a new writer, he’d be lucky to get $100,000, or even less.

Interesting!

Cruise eyed him for a moment. “Luca, when this movie gets the green light, I hope you’ll come on board as an executive writer.”

“Sure!”

Being a writer on a big project is valuable experience, so there was no reason to refuse.

“Mr. Cruise, I need to head back to New York this afternoon. My agent will handle the contract details.”

After a few more pleasantries, Luca grabbed his hat and stood up.

“Back to New York?”

Cruise suddenly smirked, his expression intriguing.

“Luca, I heard someone stole your role in your new project?”

“Mr. Cruise pays attention to such small matters?”

Luca paused, asking with a hint of surprise.

Cruise smiled and told his assistant, “Helena, give Adam a call and tell him Luca is my friend.”

“Got it!”

Assistant Helena left the room to make the call.

Luca was a little taken aback.

The superstar was offering to help him.

Cruise’s production company, Cruise-Wagner Productions, was a subsidiary of Paramount Pictures.

The two companies had collaborated for over a decade, earning more than $2.5 billion globally at the box office. From Top Gun to the Mission Impossible series, their partnership was rock-solid.

Tom Cruise was essentially the face of Paramount.

There were rumors of a close personal friendship between him and Paramount’s chairman, Sherry Lansing.

If Cruise wanted to help, it would surely succeed.

But was this help part of the script deal? Or were there other strings attached? Joining a secret club? Something shady?

Luca felt a bit uneasy.

“Mr. Cruise, thank you.”

Luca accepted the favor, leaving Cruise’s mansion with a mix of gratitude and uncertainty.

In the mansion’s living room, Cruise squinted his eyes, staring quietly at the script on the table.

“Tom, do you really believe in this young man?”

A while later, assistant Helena walked in and asked.

“Yes.”

Tom Cruise picked up the script from the table and said casually, “This young man is talented, smart, hardworking, mature, and knows his boundaries. He reminds me of myself when I was young.”

Helena twitched her lips. Boss, are you sure you're not just complimenting yourself?

“Over twenty years ago, when I was about his age, I worked as a small actor on Gregory Peck’s set. Mr. Peck gave me a chance. Now I’m giving Luca a chance to see what he becomes.”

Helena had heard this story before.

Rumor had it that when Cruise was young, he played a small role in Peck’s movie The Sea Wolf. During an accident, Peck’s assistant was injured and couldn’t continue. Cruise volunteered to step in for the role, and Peck gave him the opportunity.

“If Luca knew this, he’d be very grateful.”

Helena praised.

Cruise shook his head slightly, thinking of another reason he hadn’t mentioned.

Luca had excellent looks and great acting potential. He was the most impressive young man Cruise had seen in years. Someone worth investing in.

He didn’t mind giving Luca a push before he became a star.

Plus, at 21, Luca wasn’t a threat to his roles, though he might be for other actors. Hollywood was about to get more exciting.

“No need for gratitude. He’s worth the investment.”

Cruise patted the script and said, “He’s talented, ambitious, and knows how to seize opportunities. I didn’t expect much from his script, but he surprised me with this impressive and sincere work. Actually, it’s a fully realized director’s script. If filmed according to this storyboard, it could make for a very good movie.”

“Is the movie that good?”

Helena asked curiously.

Cruise nodded, flipping through the script. “I’ve read over a hundred spy-type scripts in recent years, but none compare to this Taken script. It’s full of intense suspense, thrilling fight scenes, high-speed chases, high-tech tracking, and espionage. At its core, it’s about the bond between a father and daughter.”

“The character Bryan also appeals to me. I’m getting older, and I’m no longer suited for the cool, flashy roles. I need something more mature.”

“Tom, will you start this project next?”

“No rush. I’ll finish Collateral first.”

With that, Cruise continued reading the script.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter 132: Someone's Got Connections

“Luca, what's up? Is Mr. Cruz unhappy with the script?”

On the streets outside Beverly Hills, Ed slowly drove away. In the rearview mirror, Luca frowned, looking a bit troubled, which made Ed a little puzzled.

Luca shook his head. “He’s very satisfied. Mr. Cruz agreed to take the script and even invited me to be the executive writer.”

“But you don’t seem happy,” Ed hesitated.

Luca forced a smile and said, “It’s just something I didn’t quite understand. When I was leaving, Mr. Cruz brought something up.”

Ring, ring~

Just then, the phone rang.

“We’ll talk later!” Ed stopped the car and answered the phone.

“Hello, Mr. Michaels? The audition went through? Great, great! We’ll be there soon to sign the contract. Bye!”

“How strange,” Ed muttered while holding the phone.

“What’s strange?”

“Haha, Luca, I’ve got good news for you. Don’t get too excited.”

Ed turned and smiled.

“What is it?”

Luca gave a faint smile.

“The Mean Girls crew just called to say you landed the role of Aaron. Huh, why aren’t you excited?”

Ed asked in surprise.

Luca smiled slightly, “I kind of saw it coming, just didn’t expect Tom Cruise’s words to be this effective.”

“Tom Cruise? What does this have to do with him?”

Ed looked confused.

Luca shrugged. “Mr. Cruz was really pleased with my script. As we were leaving, he asked about the audition, then had his assistant call someone named Adam. From that call until now, it’s been less than twenty minutes, and Paramount moved fast.”

“Mr. Cruz helped you get the role?”

Ed frowned, rubbing his chin, giving Luca a strange look.

“What are you looking at?”

Luca wasn’t pleased with his expression. “You asked why I wasn’t happy earlier, right? It’s because of this. I don’t understand why Tom Cruise would help me land the role.”

“Why overthink this?”

Ed chuckled.

“Isn’t it worth thinking about? There’s no such thing as free favors in this world, and money doesn’t just fall from the sky. Tom Cruise, a huge star, suddenly helps me out. Isn’t that suspicious?”

“Suspicious?”

Ed shook his head. “Luca, you’re only twenty-one, but you act like an old man—always overanalyzing. It’s not very cool.”

“Is it wrong to be more thoughtful?”

“Being thoughtful is fine, but you can’t always assume the worst.”

Ed released the handbrake, and the car slowly started again. He looked at the road ahead and said, “You just mentioned that Mr. Cruz liked your script. That’s something I could have predicted.

“For days, you’ve been locked in that hotel room working on it, staying up late every night with no leisure time. I’ve read the script too. Even if you handed it to any random director, it’d make a great movie.

“This shows you’ve got talent—not just as an actor but as a writer and director too.

“Mr. Cruz saw your talent, your hard work, and your sincerity. He was moved and decided to help you out. That’s something you earned through effort, and there’s no need to overthink it.”

Luca leaned against the car window, thinking to himself. Could that really be the reason? Tom Cruise seemed like a good guy—easygoing and approachable—but his connection to a certain religious group made people wary of getting too close.

“Luca, to us, landing Aaron’s role is a big deal, but for Mr. Cruz, it’s a small favor—just a few words.”

Luca rubbed his forehead, realizing that made sense. Cruz only had his assistant make a call to Adam, and it was done. It must not have been hard at all.

“Ed, who is Adam?”

“Probably Sherry Lansing’s assistant.”

“Sherry Lansing? I see.”

Sherry Lansing is the current CEO of Paramount Pictures and the first woman in Hollywood history to head one of the big eight film studios.

In 1992, she became Paramount’s top executive, and since then, Paramount had strengthened its collaboration with Tom Cruise and his production company.

In 2005, when Sherry Lansing left Paramount, Tom Cruise also parted ways with the studio.

According to the news, Lansing’s thirteen years at Paramount were her most glorious, as well as Tom Cruise’s last golden years—and the most profitable era for Paramount.

The three of them helped each other succeed.

With a connection like that, it would be effortless for Tom Cruise to get a small role at Paramount.

“So enviable,”

Luca muttered, stroking his chin.

“What’s enviable?”

“Being a big star comes with perks.”

“No need to envy them. You’ll be a big star someday too.”

“Of course!”

Luca smiled. “Ed, you’ll need to handle the negotiations for the script buyout and the acting contract. Looks like you’ll be staying in LA for a few more days.”

“That’s part of my job.”

Ed shrugged and remembered something.

“Luca, I’ve sorted out the assistant situation. There are three good candidates. Once we’re back in New York, you can pick one.”

“Great!”

Ring, ring~ 

Luca’s phone rang. Seeing the number, he raised his voice and smiled, “Good afternoon, Director Forster. Got any good news for me?”

“Haha, Luca, looks like you already know. Congratulations!”

Director Marc Forster of Mean Girls laughed on the phone.

“Thanks!”

“Luca, the producer just informed me that you’ve been recast as the male lead. I’m really surprised. In just one day, you got back the role that should’ve been yours. Unbelievable! I’m curious, how did you pull that off?”

Luca raised an eyebrow. This guy was fishing for information.

Of course, he couldn’t tell the truth. If he did, how could he keep up the mystery? Being mysterious had its benefits.

“I didn’t expect it either. Must’ve been a miracle.”

“Haha, yes, a miracle. Thanks to the miracle.”

Director Forster sounded a bit disappointed.

Luca chuckled to himself. “Director Forster, besides the miracle, I should also thank you for your support. Without you, I doubt I’d have gotten the role.”

“Haha, you earned it.”

After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Luca hung up and sent a message to another director, Billie Woodruff, informing him that he’d landed the role.

Ding 

Billie quickly replied, congratulating him, and mentioned that Honey was wrapping up soon, asking if Luca could attend the wrap party.

Luca thought for a moment. The script for Step Up was finished, and he could show it to Billie. Attending the party seemed like a good idea.

“Sure, I’ll be there. Time, place, and will there be pretty girls?”

“Haha, of course!”

(End of chapter)

*Chapter 133: I Definitely Don’t Want to Be Friends with Luca*

"Maggie, I don’t want to go back to New York. Can I stay in Los Angeles?"

"Lindsay, stop it. The audition is over, and you need to go back home for school. Otherwise, your dad will criticize me again."

In the afternoon, at Los Angeles Airport's waiting area, there were still over 40 minutes until the 5:30 flight would take off.

Sitting in the front row of blue airport chairs, Luca was wearing a white t-shirt and oversized jeans, with a white baseball cap covering his face. He was dozing off at the airport, eyes closed.

He had been busy writing a script the past few days and hadn’t gotten much rest. Now, sitting quietly, he found himself drifting off.

While he was in a light sleep, someone sat down next to him and started chatting away.

"But, but… we haven’t signed the contract yet. What if someone else takes the role?"

A mischievous, stubborn voice with a hint of rebelliousness and slyness asked.

"How could that happen?"

Responding was the voice of a middle-aged woman. "You’re the lead actress. That was decided a long time ago. Everyone thinks you're perfect for the role of Katie. No one will take it from you."

"Of course it could happen!"

The rebellious girl pouted, "Didn’t you hear earlier today? The role of Aaron was supposed to go to Joseph Bennett, but in just one day, it got snatched by that guy named Luca."

Underneath the brim of his cap, Luca’s mouth twitched. He had run into people from the Mean Girls crew.

"Lindsay, the role was always Luca’s. Director Waters and screenwriter Tina both approved him. Joseph only got in because of the production company, but Luca had even bigger backing."

"Tch, what backing?"

The young girl said dismissively, "I know Luca. He’s in the New York papers every day. He’s just some guy who got famous by sleeping around. The only reason he got the role this time is that he must’ve slept with someone again."

Under his hat, Luca’s face turned red, then pale. In broad daylight, how could someone slander him like that? This girl seriously needed to watch her mouth.

From their conversation, Luca figured out that the girl with the apple-scented perfume sitting next to him was Lindsay Lohan, the lead actress of Mean Girls, and just 17 years old.

Lindsay Lohan had been a child star, shooting to fame at ten with The Parent Trap. With Mean Girls, her career would continue skyrocketing. She had a bright future ahead of her.

But this girl played way too hard—drugs, wild parties, leaked nude selfies. One minute she was into girls, the next she was bi. She was caught with drugs multiple times. A masterclass in self-sabotage.

She ruined a golden career.

"Lindsay, don’t say things like that."

The middle-aged woman said seriously, "Hollywood plays by winner’s rules. No matter how he got the role, Luca won. It shows he’s got some serious skills. I hope you can watch your words. If Luca hears you, it won’t do you any good."

"Tch, I’m not afraid of him. OK, OK, I get it. I’m just complaining on Joseph’s behalf because he’s my friend."

"Joseph doesn’t have Luca’s potential. I hope Luca becomes your friend."

"Tch, I’m never gonna be friends with him."

"Haha, alright. I’m off."

The middle-aged woman left the waiting area.

Luca got up, adjusting his hat as he headed for the restroom, trying to avoid an awkward encounter.

"Attention all passengers on flight B7703 to New York: We are now boarding. Please have your boarding passes and personal belongings ready, and proceed to gate A2 for boarding. We wish you a pleasant journey."

A little after five, Luca boarded the plane with his ticket in hand.

It was a United Airlines Boeing 767, a mid-sized jet with over 200 seats. Luca’s seat was by the window, in the middle section of the plane.

As soon as he sat down, he closed his eyes and resumed his nap. Not long after, he noticed a familiar scent in the air—like fresh apples, sweet and crisp with a hint of tartness.

He opened his eyes out of curiosity, only to lock gazes with a pair of bright blue eyes.

They stared at each other.

The girl blinked.

Luca was a little surprised—it was Lindsay Lohan.

Red hair, blue eyes, a face lightly dotted with freckles, and a yellow baseball cap worn at an angle. She was dressed in an oversized white hoodie, with a bit of a hip-hop vibe.

At this point, Lindsay Lohan looked stunning—rosy cheeks, sweet and charming, like a good girl. But the constant chewing of her gum raised a few suspicions.

"Are you Luca?"

Lindsay Lohan was the first to speak.

There was surprise and curiosity in her voice, but no awkwardness. She probably hadn’t noticed him in the waiting area, or maybe this girl was just a great actress with nerves of steel.

Luca smiled slightly. "Yes, I’m Luca. And you’re Miss Lindsay Lohan."

"You recognized me too?"

Lindsay’s blue eyes sparkled with delight.

"Yes, I’ve seen your movie Get a Clue. You were great. Very impressive."

"Thanks!"

Lindsay beamed even more, her smile wide. "Luca, I know about you too. You’re the Superman Supermodel, Britney Spears’ boyfriend, and the little brother of the famous supermodel-author. Your name’s been in the papers a lot this year."

"Newspapers?"

Luca raised an eyebrow with a smirk. "Not scandals?"

"Haha~"

Lindsay laughed. "I heard you landed the lead male role in Mean Girls, right?"

"Yes, your information is spot-on."

Luca chuckled lightly.

"Ha, of course. Do you know who the female lead is in Mean Girls?"

Lindsay blinked playfully, her smile growing wider.

Luca smiled to himself and pretended to frown. "Rachel McAdams?"

"Nope!"

"Scarlett Johansson?"

There had been rumors Scarlett had auditioned for the role too.

"Nope!"

Lindsay’s smile grew even more mischievous.

Luca shook his head. "I’ve been really busy the past few days, so I haven’t kept up with the auditions. Do you know who it is?"

"It’s me!"

Lindsay Lohan puffed out her chest proudly, looking smug.

"Wow~ Really?"

Luca spread his hands in mock surprise. "That’s unbelievable. We’re both the leads in the same movie?"

"Yes, yes! Isn’t that incredible? We’re even on the same flight, sitting next to each other. This is just too unbelievable!"

Lindsay was so excited her face flushed, and she was almost stumbling over her words.

Luca smirked inwardly. This was indeed a coincidence, but what made it even more ironic was that he had just overheard her badmouthing him minutes ago.

"Luca, there’s something even more incredible."

Lindsay struggled to contain her excitement, her blue eyes shining even brighter.

"What is it?"

Luca wondered, hoping she hadn’t figured out he had overheard her.

"Ha, ha!" Lindsay let out a couple of laughs and said excitedly, "You’re a model with Ford Models, right?"

"Yes."

"Ha, ha, did you know? I was also a Ford model!"

"Really?"

Luca was genuinely surprised.

"Yes, yes! I signed with Ford when I was three years old. I was a child model."

"Three? You’re my senior then."

"Yes, isn’t that amazing?"

Lindsay pulled out her phone. "Since we’re both in the same movie now, let’s exchange numbers."

"OK!"

Luca smirked to himself. Just minutes ago, someone had said, "I’m never gonna be friends with him." How quickly things change.

The plane took off with a rumble.

New York awaited.

---

*Chapter 134: Compensating Kate*

"Luca, you got my clothes wet. How are you going to fix this?"

"Sorry, Lindsay. Next time we’re on set, I’ll buy you dinner."

"Fine, I’ll forgive you for now!"

That evening, at LaGuardia Airport in New York, Lindsay Lohan waved and got into her car, driving off.

Luca wiped the corner of his mouth, feeling a bit embarrassed. He had fallen asleep on the plane and drooled a little on Lindsay's shoulder.

"Luca, another fling?"

Ms. Lima showed up right on time again, leaning against the car door with a mischievous smile.

"Yes, meeting you is the best 'fling' of my life."

Luca smiled slightly and hugged her.

"Such a smooth talker!" Lima grinned.

"Wow, what a hottie!"

"She looks like supermodel Lima."

"Yeah, she’s got an amazing body!"

As they were talking, Luca overheard some admiring comments from nearby.

That’s when Luca noticed how provocatively Lima was dressed and his face darkened a bit.

Her outfit was way too revealing today.

Her brown curls contrasted beautifully with her tanned skin, a platinum necklace hung over her chest, and a white silk camisole paired with high-waisted denim shorts exposed her curves in all the right places.

Luca wasn’t too pleased. "Do you always dress like this?"

"Don’t you like it?" Lima posed seductively, hands on her hips. A couple of guys nearby even walked into a streetlamp, and someone rear-ended a car.

"It looks great, but the sun’s pretty strong. Be careful not to get a tan."

"Haha, like I care! You’re such a worrywart."

Lima wrapped her arms around his neck and gave him a fiery kiss.

Click, click!

Turns out there were reporters snapping pictures.

A blue Maserati, a tall handsome man, a hot and sexy woman, curious onlookers, and the grand airport building made for a high-quality shot.

After shamelessly flaunting their affection, the two finally got into the car.

"You still haven’t answered my question from earlier."

As they left the airport, Lima flipped her hair and asked.

"What question?"

"The girl who said goodbye to you—who is she, and what’s your relationship?"

Suddenly, Lima pulled out a baseball bat from the space between the seats.

Luca’s eye twitched. "Come on, don’t start. That girl’s Lindsay Lohan, just a small-time actress. She was also auditioning for a part in Mean Girls. We met on the plane and just said hello."

"Is that all?"

"What else? Do you think everyone likes me as much as you do?"

"Haha, okay."

Lima relaxed her grip on the bat. "How did the audition go?"

"There were a few bumps, but it went pretty well."

Luca hadn’t had time to tell Kate or Lima about it, so he texted them while explaining what had happened.

"Wow, Tom Cruise actually helped you? He’s a huge star!"

Lima looked at him in disbelief, her brown eyes twinkling with a dirty hint, much like Ed’s.

"Seriously? I’m your boyfriend, and you don’t believe me?"

Luca complained.

"No, no, I believe you," Lima said, scratching her cheek. "I’m just surprised. Tom Cruise is known for being difficult to work with. Why would he help you?"

Luca shrugged. "You’ve seen Taken, right? I rewrote the script into a screenplay and sent it to Tom Cruise. He liked it, so he decided to help."

"Wait, Taken? You based that on what happened to us? And now Tom Cruise is interested?"

Lima was shocked.

"Yep. I wrote two scripts based on what happened to you all. Tom Cruise liked the one with the male lead."

"Wow, you’re amazing!"

Lima kissed his cheek in excitement.

"You’re just realizing this now?" Luca boasted.

"Haha, I’ve known all along," Lima laughed, slamming the pedal to the floor.

With the roar of the engine, they quickly returned to their apartment in lower Manhattan.

The door slammed shut, and the two resumed their shameless lifestyle.

---

Ding dong, ding dong...

In Stockholm, Sweden, on Queen Street, inside a cozy bookstore café.

Located next to an art gallery, the café was bustling in the morning. The sound of piano music flowed like a stream, and dozens of well-dressed men and women filled the booths.

People were drinking coffee and discussing current events—it was lively but not noisy.

In the middle of the café, a beautiful figure was constantly drawing the attention of those around her. She wore a cream-colored suit, black knee-high boots, and a red hat. Her outfit was fashionable, and her elegant demeanor made her stand out, like a tulip blossoming quietly in the spring breeze.

This was Kate Kelly, who had been hosting book signings across Europe, with over twenty events in the past month alone, spanning more than ten major cities.

Now, with the book tour nearing its end, Kate finally had some time to relax.

Today, she was chatting with her literary agent, Hanley, her assistant, Gina, and Delilah Cobell, who was in town for a conference, as they enjoyed an art exhibition and coffee.

"Kate, you lost two endorsements over the last incident. As compensation, we’ve managed to secure you a new one."

Ms. Delilah Cobell, wearing a black suit and glasses with perfect makeup, smiled as she handed over some documents.

"An endorsement?" Kate raised a sharp brow, surprised.

The previous incident had caused quite a stir. The media had used the opportunity to expose some of the fashion industry's darker secrets, and a few prominent figures were left reeling from the scandal.

As a key player, Kate was inevitably affected, losing a few French brand endorsements and gaining a reputation as a feminist troublemaker—a bit of an outcast in the industry.

Still, she didn’t mind. She had gained fame and didn’t care about losing a few deals.

"Yes, as the face of Cartier rings."

Delilah handed her the contract.

"Cartier?" Kate blinked, her long lashes fluttering. "Thank you!"

"It’s what you deserve," Delilah smiled, handing over another document.

"We’re also offering you the position of UN Women Goodwill Ambassador for Brazil. Interested? We have a nomination spot since our organization is meeting in Stockholm."

"Goodwill Ambassador?" Kate tapped the table with her brightly polished nails, smiling. "What does that even mean?"

"It’s a symbolic title, but it comes with responsibility. As an ambassador, you’ll promote women’s rights and fight gender inequality and violence against women."

Delilah went on about women’s rights, her experience as both a lawyer and a supporter of the UN Women’s organization.

"So, this is also compensation?"

"No, it’s a responsibility. It’s about raising a flag for women’s rights in the fashion industry. Are you willing to take on that role?"

Delilah asked seriously.

Kate rested her chin on her hand and pondered for a while. "Sure, I’m already an outlier in the modeling world, so adding one more label won’t hurt."

"Kate, you’re so brave!"

"Not as brave as you!"

Ding dong... 

While they were chatting, Kate’s phone buzzed. She glanced at it, her red lips curving into a captivating smile.

"What’s up, Kate?" Hanley asked, setting down a women’s magazine.

"Did another big celebrity ask you out?" Delilah teased, putting down her work.

Kate shook her head with a smile. "Luca passed his audition. He got the lead role."

"Congratulations! Double the good news!" Hanley said, raising her coffee cup in a toast.

"Thanks!" Kate laughed softly.

"Luca’s a model, though. Why is he acting?" Delilah asked, confused.

"He’s always been an actor. Modeling is just his side gig."

"Really?"

Delilah raised an eyebrow, then smiled mysteriously. "Actually, I might have something he can help with."

"What is it?" Kate asked.

"I’ll tell you later!" Delilah winked, keeping the secret.

Kate smiled and glanced at her watch.

"The art exhibit is about to start. Shall we?"

"Let’s go!"

(End of Chapter)

Chapter 135: Choosing an Assistant

On 43rd Street in Manhattan, in a restaurant called Lima's, a lavish breakfast was spread across the table.

Golden slices of toasted bread gave off a sweet, wheat-like aroma in the morning air.

A fruit platter with strawberries, blueberries, and melons was enticingly fresh, drawing the eye and appetite.

A serving of ham and green beans was being shared, with thinly sliced Spanish ham and vibrant green beans glistening on the plate.

Each dish added to the symphony of scents, filling the restaurant with delicious aromas.

"Since we started dating, I've gained at least two pounds!"

Lima, spearing a green bean with her fork, took a firm bite and gazed at him with her brown eyes, a mix of playful annoyance.

"You're welcome!"

Luca put down his plate, wiped his hands with a napkin, and began to enjoy the hearty breakfast.

"Did I say I was thanking you?"

Lima pouted her full red lips, clearly a little dissatisfied.

"I think you should."

"Why?"

Lima asked, puzzled.

Luca gestured a half-circle with his hand, smiling. "Those two pounds went to your chest and hips. Doesn't that make your figure even more perfect?"

Lima smiled slightly and puffed out her fuller chest. "Alright, thank you, you jerk!"

"No need to thank me, darling, it’s my pleasure."

Luca shrugged, half-joking as he flipped open the newspaper. Being in the entertainment industry, he mostly kept up with celebrity news.

On June 20th, Johnny Depp's new film Pirates of the Caribbean wrapped up shooting.

Another Disney animated film, Finding Nemo, was about to be released.

Actress Demi Moore, after divorcing Bruce Willis, had started a new relationship with a much younger actor, Ashton Kutcher, who was 16 years her junior.

Among the headlines of big stars and productions, Luca came across one story that caught his own attention:

"Paramount Pictures has completed casting for its new project Mean Girls. 

The four main actresses are tentatively set as Lindsay Lohan, Rachel McAdams, and Amanda Seyfried.

Renowned comedian and writer Tina Fey is confirmed to make a cameo appearance.

Surprisingly, Luca Kelly’s name appeared on the cast list.

It is reported that he will play an important role in the new movie. Over the past six months, Luca Kelly has made a mark in the fashion world and delivered notable performances in the entertainment industry.

Recently, he had a guest appearance on HBO's hit series Sex and the City, portraying Mr. Chip, sharing a few steamy scenes with Kim Cattrall, sparking much public discussion. His good looks and seasoned acting skills have won over many viewers."

Luca smirked. At last, the papers were speaking some truth. The past few months had seen a lot of negative press about him, with stories ranging from a wardrobe malfunction at Fashion Week, to scandals involving cars and intimate encounters. The stress had been getting to him, but now he could finally relax a little.

"Any funny news?"

Lima didn’t care to read the paper and preferred to listen to Luca summarize the headlines.

Luca chuckled and pointed to one. "Look at this: Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams were spotted holding hands while strolling in L.A. yesterday. The media’s speculating that they might be dating after connecting on set."

"And what does that have to do with us?"

"Everything! Rachel’s the lead in The Notebook. So once I join the crew, you won’t have to worry about me and the lead actress getting involved in any funny business."

Luca smiled lightly.

"Do you really think I'm that petty?"

Lima bit her silver spoon, clearly displeased.

"You're not? Ah! Don’t hit me!"

Luca winced, quickly pleading for mercy.

"Hmph, I've already got some extra weight. You’re coming with me to work out later."

Lima let go of his hand with a hint of disdain.

"Extra weight? Impossible. Alright, alright, we’ll get a good workout in later."

Just after 11 a.m., they finished their workout.

Luca changed into a casual hip-hop jacket and headed back to his apartment on 76th Street.

Kate was about to return, so he called someone to come clean the place, added a few pots of fresh flowers, and rearranged the room a bit. After a few hours, the place looked brand new, though it still lacked a bit of energy. Maybe a party would help.

By around 2 p.m., he drove to the office to pick out a personal assistant.

"Take a look!"

In the office of the general manager, Mrs. Katie Ford, smoking with authority, tossed a folder at him.

"These candidates were selected based on your criteria. See if you’re satisfied."

"Thanks!"

Luca opened the folder.

The first candidate was a 38-year-old Black woman, heavyset and sturdy, somewhat resembling a flight attendant.

She had 10 years of experience, was physically strong, and skilled at driving.

Luca couldn’t help but smile wryly. This one could be a bodyguard.

The second candidate was a thin-faced white woman, 33 years old, with five years of experience. She was good at wardrobe styling, makeup, and basic cooking.

This one seemed promising.

The third was a 26-year-old woman, looking sharp in her suit in the photo, attractive and stylish. After graduating from college, she worked as a telemarketer for a while, spoke three languages, and was good at socializing, but had no experience as an assistant.

Luca raised his eyebrows—this one was a bit too pretty, not quite what he had in mind.

"Is there a problem?"

Mrs. Katie Ford asked coolly.

"I said I wanted someone plain-looking."

Luca said, puzzled.

Katie Ford glanced at him. "You barely glanced at the first two candidates for a minute, but you spent three minutes on the third. Hmph."

Luca felt a bit embarrassed. Well, it was undeniable—she did catch his eye!

"Are you going to pick the third one?"

Katie Ford smiled. "Her name’s Joyma, and she’s pretty good. She wants to be an assistant first, then a manager. If your workload increases in the future, you’ll need an executive assistant, and she could easily step up."

Luca felt satisfied but also a bit conflicted about going against his original preference.

"Wait, there’s one more candidate?"

Luca flipped the page, surprised.

"Yes, the fourth is a backup—Ed's recommendation."

"Tony?"

Luca saw the familiar face in the fourth candidate’s profile—it was Tony, the mortician.

"Wasn’t he going to Hollywood?"

"Do you think I’d know?"

Katie Ford tapped her cigarette ash, uninterested.

"Fair enough!"

The boss lady really wouldn’t know.

Luca still wasn’t sure who to choose. "I need to interview them."

"Go ahead."

(End of Chapter)