101-105

*Chapter 101: A Woman's Scent*

In the evening, the sky over Long Island was covered with dark clouds, and a heavy rain started pouring down.

In the spring and summer, rainfall in the New York area gradually increases. Being an island surrounded by the sea, Long Island receives more annual rainfall than other regions.

After finishing filming, Luca walked out of the villa with an umbrella. His part wasn't much—only five or six scenes—which took less than a day to shoot. It went faster than he had expected, and he wondered if he should adjust his upcoming plans.

"Hey, Luca!"

In the misty rain, a shadow holding an umbrella approached quickly. The person didn't care about his wet pants and shoes, splashing through the puddles with every step.

"Hi, Thomas."

Luca greeted him, pointing to his leg. "How's it now?"

"Not bad."

Thomas moved his leg a bit. It had been fine for a few hours. He pointed to a nearby café, "Want to go in and have a seat?"

Luca glanced at the villa gate behind him. He wasn't sure if what Britney had said was true, but why was he feeling a little hopeful?

Ugh, shameful!

Luca scolded himself silently. "Alright, let's go get some coffee!"

The two walked a short distance under their umbrellas and entered a small vanilla café.

Because of the rain, the streets were quiet, but the café was bustling. There were only ten booths, and nine of them were occupied, hosting about twenty people, most of them middle-aged men. Some were reading newspapers, others were sipping coffee while watching the rain, and some were discussing the Iraq War. The air was full of lively chatter.

Luca and Thomas shook off the rain from their shoulders and found a corner booth, ordering two lattes.

"Thomas, have you switched careers?"

"No!"

Thomas took a sip of his steaming coffee. "I'll still model whenever I get the chance. Unfortunately, those opportunities aren't plentiful."

"True."

Luca shrugged.

In the fashion world, male models have fewer opportunities. They not only have to compete with each other but also with male actors and sports stars, making it a challenging field. Many models end up doing side jobs.

"Luca, how's Miranda doing?" Thomas asked hesitantly.

"Not bad!"

Miranda had been lucky. She signed with Nina just when Nina became the vice director of the agency department. With Kate's support, Miranda was thriving in the fashion industry.

Recently, she signed with Levi's to become their jeans spokesperson. She also did well in two fashion weeks, becoming Maybelline's regional spokesperson and participating in shows for Dior, Chanel, and other brands.

She was almost an A-lister now.

"Luca, thank you. Thank you for helping Miranda get into IMG," Thomas said emotionally, blinking his eyes.

Luca shook his head. "Thomas, you're in the industry. You know the fashion world is a giant mixing pot. It's not easy to stand out. The circle is so restless that nobody can stay the same."

"I understand."

Thomas stared at his coffee cup, saying seriously, "Becoming a supermodel is Miranda's dream. I'll support her no matter what."

"Alright."

Luca shrugged. He had no interest in being someone else's life coach or advising Thomas to turn back. People need to hold on to something, don't they?

"Luca, there's a lot of talk about you in the industry. Have you heard?"

"Yeah, there were some rumors going around recently. Lately, there seems to be a new one—saying I’m riding on Britney's coattails. Is that right?"

Luca said casually.

"Yes."

Thomas glanced around and then said quietly, "I heard it's coming from Ben Hill. He's looking to get back at you."

"Revenge?"

"Yes."

Thomas smirked, "He claims the CK endorsement was his, and you took it away."

"Then let him come."

Luca chuckled dismissively.

The afternoon rain intensified, and the world was shrouded in a gray mist.

Luca left the café with his umbrella.

At the parking lot, he glanced at the villa in the distance and hesitated about making a phone call.

Clack!

Suddenly, a dark figure dashed out from the corner, opened the car door, and quickly slipped into the back seat.

Luca twitched his mouth. "Britney, you're really doing this?"

"Of course."

Britney took off her raincoat, proudly lifting her chin. "I keep my word."

Luca rubbed his forehead. Before coming, he had been a bit excited, but now he felt a headache.

He cautiously looked around. The rain was too heavy; even if someone was taking pictures, nothing would be clear. Calming his racing heart, he slowly started the car.

"Luca, what were you doing just now?"

Britney hugged his neck from behind, her breath warm as she whispered.

"Britney, sit down. Your paparazzi are ruthless. I can't afford to mess with them."

Luca quickly advised.

"Alright, alright. I waited for so long just now. Achoo!"

Britney sneezed as she spoke.

"Sorry, Britney. Thomas asked me out for coffee," Luca said apologetically, glancing at the pop star. He pulled a blanket out of the glove compartment and tossed it to the back seat.

"No worries."

Britney rubbed her nose and snuggled into the soft blanket.

"Luca, why does your blanket smell like a woman's perfume? And such long hair?"

"Nonsense. Kate and Lima often sit in my car. Of course, there would be a woman's scent. If it smelled like a man, then we'd have a problem."

"Haha, true. If you were gay, I definitely wouldn't like you."

"I'm certainly not!"

Luca started the car slowly.

Britney, wrapped in the blanket in the back seat, kept muttering at first, but as the car drove on for a few minutes, she fell asleep.

Luca slowed down the car.

The car moved slowly in the rain towards 76th Street Apartments.

(End of this chapter)

Chapter 102: Backstab

"Wow~ Luca, your house is so big!"

At the apartment on 76th Street, Britney looked around and exclaimed in admiration.

"Are you joking by comparing my place to your mansion?"

Luca shook his head. Compared to Britney's large estate, this apartment was much smaller. He grabbed an outfit from the closet that Kate hadn’t worn and tossed it to Britney.

"How about this one?"

"Kate's clothes? Are you joking about my height?"

Britney threw the clothes back with a look of dissatisfaction.

"My bad!"

Luca slapped his forehead, realizing he had forgotten about the height difference between the two.

All the clothes at home were large sizes: Kate was 5'10", Lima was 5'10", and Luca himself was 6'1". None of the clothes were suitable for someone just over 5'3".

"Don't bother; I'll find something myself!"

The shorty pushed him aside and started rummaging through the wardrobe.

"Haha~ Luca, look what I found!"

Britney pulled out a pair of Superman boxers and gave them a good stretch. "Definitely large size!"

"Britney, stop messing around!"

Luca stuffed the Superman boxers back into the upper shelf of the closet and pulled out a hoodie. "How about wearing this? You could wear my clothes like a dress."

"Are you making fun of my height?"

Britney turned her head, her face cold.

"No, no!"

Luca spread his hands. "Fine, you pick yourself."

"Wait, this one looks nice."

Britney grabbed the hoodie from his hands, looking more and more pleased. "I'll wear this one."

"Suit yourself!"

This hoodie was something Kate had picked up from who knows where. It was a patchwork of twelve bright colors, very flamboyant. After being forced to wear it once by Kate, Luca swore he would never wear it again. It was just too harsh on the eyes.

"Luca, how about we take a bath together?"

Britney twisted her waist seductively, holding the hoodie.

"NO~ You've been dancing all day. You're all sweaty. No way am I bathing with you."

"Luca!!!"

Britney took off her shoe and threw it at him in anger.

Luca caught the shoe effortlessly. "Britney, didn’t you know I used to be a goalkeeper?"

"Oh, really?"

Britney grabbed a fruit knife from the table. "Can you catch this too?"

"Britney, stop fooling around. Go take your bath. I need to start cooking."

Luca got a bit scared and quickly headed toward the kitchen. Before he could reach the door, he felt a sharp pain in his back.

"Fuck~ Britney, you're serious?"

"Hahaha~"

Britney sat on the floor, laughing heartily.

Luca turned around and saw a high heel on the floor. He had been poked by the heel.

"Alright, Britney, laugh all you want now. But tonight, I'll make you cry."

"Oh, really?"

Britney blinked. "I'm looking forward to it!"

Luca shook his head and asked as he walked away, "What do you like to eat? Anything you don't eat?"

"I like foie gras steak, black truffle, fish lips, camel hump, and mackerel. Got it?"

"Got it!"

Luca counted on his fingers, "You like white bread, black bread, oatmeal, and boiled eggs. Don't worry, I have it all."

"FUCK! Luca, I’m the superstar Britney. If you dare serve me bread, I'll stab you with this knife!"

Britney angrily threatened with the fruit knife in her hand.

"Then what do you want to eat?"

"I want to eat you!"

Britney licked her lips.

Luca patted his butt. "Come on, start from here!"

"Luca! Do you want to die?!"

Britney yelled furiously.

"Alright, alright. If you want foie gras, fish lips, and camel hump, fine, but it'll take a while. Those dishes take hours to prepare."

"Forget it, then. I'll just eat whatever. Just not bread."

"No problem!"

Luca shook his head and went into the kitchen. He prepared his signature dish, beef stew with potatoes, a borscht recipe he stole from Nina, cassava pudding he learned from Kate, and a fruit salad.

"Wow~ Luca, I didn’t know you could cook so well!"

While he was cooking, Britney came into the kitchen. Her half-dry hair was down, and she was wearing the "rainbow hoodie dress," with her long, bare white legs showing. She smelled of shower gel, looking very sexy and charming.

"Britney, it's just homemade food. Don't be too picky."

"How could I?"

She wrinkled her delicate nose, sniffing the air, and secretly grabbed a pudding to stuff in her mouth.

"Mm~ It's delicious. Luca, what if I've fallen for you? What if I want to marry you?"

Snap!

Luca was cutting fruit and almost sliced his finger.

"Britney, don’t joke around."

"I'm not joking. I'm serious."

Suddenly, Britney hugged him from behind, rubbing her cheek against his back. "Do you know why Justin and I broke up?"

"Wasn't it because he cheated on you?"

Britney shook her head. "I'm 22, but I've been in the entertainment industry for almost ten years. I'm a little tired and want to get married early. So, I told Justin, 'Let's get married.' He was scared stiff. He stood there for ten seconds without moving. Not long after, he cheated on me."

Luca chuckled softly. "You're a superstar with hundreds of millions of fans worldwide. Maybe he was scared of getting attacked by your fans."

"What a coward!"

Britney pouted. "Are you afraid? Don't tell me you're afraid. Last time on the rooftop, you said you weren't afraid of anything since that car accident."

"Emm~, I think I am still afraid. I’m afraid of many things. I’m afraid of my loved ones getting hurt. I’m afraid of them feeling sad. If I married you, what about Lima? That silly girl would be heartbroken."

Luca smiled gently. "I should introduce you two sometime. Lima is a real silly girl. She doesn’t like shopping, doing housework, or making friends. She even doesn’t take intimacy seriously. She only likes playing games."

"Silly girl?"

Britney wrinkled her nose. "I'm jealous of Lima!"

"Jealous of her? Haha, she’s jealous of you! Lima often says you can sell millions of copies of 'Twilight' just by sending a message. Anything you say becomes the headline of many newspapers. You're beautiful, and you sing so well. You're heaven’s favorite."

Britney shook her head. "If I could, I’d trade everything with Lima for you."

"Stop joking."

Luca ruffled her hair, smiling. "I’m just a small-time model. Four months ago, I was lying in a hospital bed struggling. Five months ago, I was called 'damned Luca.' Six months ago, I took two women to bed without paying them. A year ago, I was a drunk and addict, just like any street scum. Britney, what's there to like about me?"

"Is it this face?"

He patted his face.

"Is it this body?"

Luca patted his chest.

"Or my 'promotion tool'? These things are worthless."

"No, I like you as a person."

Suddenly, Britney jumped into his arms, wrapped her arms around his neck, and kissed him deeply. "Luca, when I pulled you into the car before, it was to get back at Justin. It was just because you were handsome, and I liked your body.

But after that time, I found myself slowly starting to like you as a person. I like your warmth, something I never felt with Justin. I like your humor. When I'm with you, I can't help but feel happy. I have no worries. I like your honesty, your straightforwardness, your simplicity, and your open-mindedness.

Since then, I find myself thinking of you constantly—your shoulders, your smile, your warm chest.

I’m sure I like you—not because I want to sleep with you but because I want to be with you. Simply being with you makes me happy."

Luca held her thighs, smiling gently. "Are you sure you're talking about me? Warmth, humor? Honesty and open-mindedness? Do I have that many good qualities?"

"Yes, in my eyes, you are the best man in the world."

Britney held his neck tightly.

"Thanks!"

Luca patted her butt. "Come on, get down. The food is getting cold."

"Carry me out."

Slap! Slap!

"Bastard, how dare you hit me?"

"Am I still the best man?"

"Bullshit, you're the most despicable man in the world."

"Haha, glad you understand. Hey~ Britney, let's talk this out. Put the knife down first."

"No way! You spanked me, so now I’ll hit you twice. Or I'll slash you."

"Can you catch me?"

"Bastard, stop! Or... or I’ll cut my wrist. Believe it or not!"

"Fine, I give up."

"Stick your butt out!"

"╥﹏╥"

Forget it,

Chapter 103: The Melody in the Rain

Listen to the rhythm of the falling rain

Telling me just what a fool I've been

I wish that it would go and let me cry in the rain

Let me be alone again

The night was pitch black, and heavy rain poured outside the window.

The thick curtain of rain blurred the neon lights on the street, the music drifting from afar, and the city's hustle and bustle. A downpour turned this city of desire into a city of watching the rain; tonight, everyone was watching the rain.

In Luca's bedroom, the lights were bright because some mischievous person had turned on every single one.

The LED lights on the ceiling shone bright white, dazzling and radiant. The lights in the corners of the walls were a milky white, soft and warm like milk, while the bedside lamp glowed a warm orange, like the light of dusk—cozy and serene. With all the lights on, the room felt warm and inviting, especially when there were only two people inside.

"Today's rain is beautiful!"

Britney sat on the windowsill, gazing at the rain through the wide glass window. She took a swig from the beer sitting beside her.

"Britney, put this on, or you'll catch a cold,"

Luca draped a cashmere blanket over her shoulders. As he did so, his hand accidentally touched her thigh. It was as cool as jade, smooth and pale.

"I don't want that. It's not cool to wear it,"

Britney protested, pushing his hand away.

Luca ignored her refusal, scooped her up, and tossed her onto the bed. He wrapped the blanket around her from the chest down, bundling her up tightly, and then placed her back on the windowsill.

Britney gritted her teeth and glared at him fiercely, "Luca, if I had a knife right now, I'd stab you, then stab myself."

"We'll talk when you actually have a knife,"

Luca shrugged and turned on his computer to work on his script.

"Jerk! What are you doing? Aren't you going to join me?"

Britney tapped the windowsill beside her and said, "Last time, I invited you to my house to watch the sunset. Now that I'm at your place, you should watch the rain with me."

"Alright, alright!"

Luca jumped onto the windowsill and sat facing her. The two-foot-wide windowsill, usually cluttered with airplane models, had long been cleared out and moved to the corner of the room.

"Luca, do you like the rain?"

"I do, because I like staying home. Whenever it rains, I can stand on the windowsill and watch the people downstairs running around in the rain. Seeing some get soaked like drowned rats makes me feel lucky."

"You're such a bad guy,"

Britney chuckled softly and threw a can of beer at him, which the goalkeeper, Luca, caught effortlessly.

Luca opened the dark beer and took a gulp. The charred malt aroma filled his mouth. Since he first drank it at Britney's place, he had slowly grown fond of the taste of dark beer.

"You know, this is the first time I've liked the rain,"

Britney pressed her face against the glass, tracing it with her fingers. She couldn't touch the rain through the glass, but she could feel its chill and a faint sense of cold.

"It's also the first time someone has watched the rain with me."

Luca imitated her, pressing his face against the glass, staring blankly at the rain outside.

Britney's lips curved into a smile. She looked at the heavy rain outside, then at the person in front of her, and a sudden impulse surged within her heart.

"Luca, let's go get soaked in the rain!"

"Don't be silly!"

Luca shook his head.

Bang!

Britney jumped off the windowsill, yanking off the blanket.

"What are you doing?"

Luca asked in surprise.

"Getting soaked in the rain! Coming or not? If not, forget it!"

Before he could answer, Britney opened the door and ran out barefoot.

"Fuck!"

Luca slapped his forehead, put on his shoes, and chased after her.

"Stop it!"

He used his long legs to block her in the living room.

"Are you trying to imprison me too?"

Britney asked with a frown.

Luca reluctantly released his arms.

Wearing only slippers and a rainbow skirt, Britney dashed out.

Luca had no choice but to chase after her closely.

On the pitch-black 76th Street, there were no people, no cars, only an endless curtain of rain, darkness, and a few dim streetlights.

Now there was a girl running freely in the rain. She wore a rainbow skirt, her blonde hair flowing, and she ran with all her might. Soon, one of her shoes slipped off.

A tall figure behind her picked up the shoe and chased after her.

The rain, once quiet and like a black backdrop, now had two lively figures. One was colorful like a rainbow dancing in the sky, the other was gray, like a guardian of the rainbow, a silent shadow.

The night grew deeper, and the rain fell harder. After running for an unknown length of time, the rainbow skirt in front suddenly stopped and stood silently in the rain.

The gray figure quickly caught up, taking off his coat to shield the rainbow skirt.

The rainbow skirt suddenly leaped up and embraced the gray figure tightly. They kissed passionately in the rain, as if the world around them ceased to exist.

Click~

Across the street on 76th Street, old photographer Kevin Donovan captured the scene with his camera.

In his youth, Kevin had been a photojournalist for over twenty years. His passion for photography eventually led him to become a professional photographer for National Geographic. Throughout his life, he captured countless stunning moments, winning the Pulitzer Prize for Feature Photography twice.

Now in his seventies, Kevin moved around with a wheelchair, his daily activity area less than a hundred square feet. At most, he could sit on the bench downstairs, watching dogs urinate. He thought he would never pick up his camera again.

But just now, while watching the rain from his window, he witnessed a scene on the street below. His old, hardened heart was suddenly stirred by the two figures in the rain, reminiscent of the countless heart-pounding moments from his youth.

He hurriedly took out his well-maintained Leica camera, capturing the scene of the two chasing and embracing in the rain with his stiff fingers.

"YES!"

The old man pumped his fist, a gesture he made whenever he captured the most beautiful and breathtaking moment.

He looked at the photo in his camera. In the dark night, the drizzle looked like TV static—only black and white. But amid this black-and-white static was a colorful figure, embracing a gray shadow with all her might.

But the gray shadow was so dim that, in the rain, it only left a faint outline. The rainbow skirt seemed to be floating, as if she was embracing the night itself, kissing the rain, or maybe even the whole world.

"So perfect, haha~"

The old man grinned, his throat making a dry chuckling sound. He planned to publish this photo in The New York Times as his final work, a perfect end to his life.

"Thank you, young people!"

The old man whispered to the two figures.

"Achoo! Achoo!"

Two loud sneezes and a burst of joyful laughter answered him.

The old man chuckled, "Youth is wonderful!"

The night grew darker. The two figures had long disappeared into the rain. The old man gazed at the photo and gradually fell asleep.

(End of chapter)

Chapter 104: Contract Boyfriend

The next day, the sun was shining brightly. Luca rubbed his temples and slowly came to his senses. Thinking about the beautiful time he had last night, a pleasant smile curved on his lips.

"Britney?"

He reached out to touch the space beside him; the bed was empty.

"Left already?"

He picked up his watch and glanced at it; it was already past ten.

He had indeed been exhausted last night, sleeping until ten and even throwing off his biological clock.

Luca turned over, got out of bed, and pulled open the curtains. Outside, the sky was clear.

After the storm, New York's skyscrapers looked renewed, and the air was filled with a fresh scent.

He stretched lazily and used his toes to pick up his shorts, slipping them on.

As he walked downstairs, the sound of dishes clinking came from the kitchen, along with a delightful aroma.

He raised his slender eyebrows with a touch of curiosity and walked into the dining room.

"Hi~ Honey, good morning!"

Britney was wearing a white apron, placing a plate of toast on the table.

"Britney, you’re cooking?"

He asked in surprise.

"Why not?"

Britney hugged his waist and nuzzled into his arms.

Luca smiled faintly and kissed her on the tip of her nose. "But you're Britney, why would you cook?"

"But I’m willing to cook for you!"

Britney's lips curled up, her smile sweet.

Luca felt touched and hugged her tightly.

"Alright, go freshen up, then come taste my cooking!"

Britney said happily.

"Sure!"

Luca chuckled softly and walked into the bathroom.

After breakfast, Britney left the apartment. The music video wasn’t finished yet, and she needed to get back to work.

Luca also had work to do.

The CK underwear advertisement and the Armani new season clothing ad were both scheduled to be shot over the next few days, leaving him no free time.

"Good, just like that!"

"Mr. Kelly, hold that pose for five seconds."

May 22nd, noon, CK Headquarters Studio.

On the crystal platform, dozens of incandescent lamps shone like the sun, illuminating the shooting area into a flawless background.

In the center of the platform, Luca wore CK briefs, striking various poses as directed by the photographer.

Before the shoot, he had worked out for two hours, so all his muscles were in a perfectly full state. His chest muscles, abs, trapezius, glutes, and especially his well-built legs were all sharply defined. The area covered by the underwear was even more tantalizing.

"What a sexy body!"

"No wonder he's Mr. Big!"

"I wish I could go on a date with him!"

A few female models assisting in the shoot whispered among themselves.

"Forget it, he's rumored to be Britney's boyfriend!"

Someone reminded them nearby.

"Yes, what a pity!"

Look but don't touch, it really made them envious.

The women stared at him eagerly, their eyes filled with desire.

On the platform, Luca focused entirely on posing for the photographer.

A little after two in the afternoon, he finally finished his shoot for the day.

"Hey, Luca, we're heading to a bar for a drink. Want to join us?"

A curvy lingerie model walked over, inviting him seductively.

"No, Gemma, I have plans tonight."

"Is it a date with Britney?"

The model teased.

Luca smiled slightly, waved his hand, and left the studio.

"So cool!"

"Yeah, so handsome, such a great body, and he’s Mr. Big. Being his girlfriend must be bliss."

"Bliss? Don't you mean pleasure?"

"Is there a difference?"

"Hahaha~"

Watching his retreating figure, the girls drooled.

(End of this chapter)

*Chapter 105: Stay Away from Britney*

Ding ding dong dong ding ding dong dong~

That afternoon, Luca drove back and parked downstairs, noticing a girl sitting on a bench by the street playing the guitar.

She was dressed in a white casual dress, the latest Chanel spring collection, perfect for someone in their twenties. The neckline revealed a bit of skin, and her full hips made her figure look even more attractive—a subtle hint of sensuality.

She crossed her legs as she skillfully strummed the guitar strings, producing a melodious tune. She was deeply focused on her performance.

A smile played on her lips. Though not stunningly beautiful, her smile was pure and captivating, like sunlight filtering through tree leaves.

The spring sunlight was clear, bright, and warm—radiating an infectious energy.

Ding ding dong~

The music flowed from her fingertips, like a stream of water.

"That was amazing!"

Several passersby stopped to compliment her as they walked by.

After a while, she finished her song.

Applause erupted from the street, and the girl stood up and bowed.

"Hey, Fannie!"

Luca called out to her.

"Luca, you're back!"

Fannie looked over, her voice tinged with excitement, like a fan meeting their idol.

"Yes, are you here to see me? Come on up, let's talk."

Luca smiled and invited her into his apartment.

Fannie had come to thank him today.

Her song "Quicksand" had been selected by Britney, and now she was officially a songwriter.

"Luca, Jive Records called me earlier. They want me to come to the office this weekend to sign a licensing contract. Apparently, Britney's next album will feature my song."

"Congratulations, Fannie! You deserve this. You're talented, and people were bound to notice."

Luca smirked slightly. The last time he got Fannie’s demo, he listened to it a few times and thought it sounded familiar. He immediately passed it on to Britney, mentioning it was from a friend. He hadn’t thought much of it afterward, but it seemed like Britney had picked it up. It must have been a solid track.

"No, no, Luca, I should be thanking you! It's Britney after all—thousands of musicians write songs for her every year, hoping she’ll pick one. Without your recommendation, this would’ve never happened."

Fannie said earnestly.

"Haha, alright, I’ll accept your thanks."

Luca chuckled and glanced at his watch. "Fannie, do you have any plans this afternoon?"

"What’s up?"

Fannie asked curiously.

"I need your help with something."

"Anything, just say the word!"

Fannie patted her chest, signaling her willingness to help.

Luca smiled lightly, "Well, it’s like this: A little kid's birthday is tomorrow, and I need to buy some gifts. But I'm terrible at picking out presents, and it’s driving me crazy. Could you help me choose?"

"No problem!"

After chatting for a bit, they left the apartment and went shopping together.

(End of the chapter)