Model to Holywood

"What were you just talking about? Why does it seem a bit awkward?" Nia sat down and asked curiously.

"Haha, nothing much," Mr. Ross rubbed his nose. "Luca was just saying he wants to win an Oscar and asked me how to do it."

"Really? Luca, you want to win an Oscar?" Ms. Nia asked in surprise.

Luca glanced at a certain unscrupulous teacher, "Yes, that's my goal."

"Hmm, not bad. It's good to have a goal," Ms. Nia nodded approvingly, then glanced at Ross and sighed, "Too bad you asked the wrong person. Asking him how to win an Oscar is like asking a blind man for directions."

"Hey, Nia! I'm a member of the Actor's Guild and I've participated in the Oscar voting three times. Why can't I answer this question?"

"Then tell us, how can Luca win an Oscar?"

"It's impossible! He's Brazilian. How could he win an Oscar?"

"Anything's possible. Luca writes scripts, and he's very good at it. Why couldn't he win an Oscar?"

"We're talking about an Oscar for acting." 

The two started arguing again.

Luca shook his head. They like to argue so much—why don't they get married? Imagine the noise at home.

Just as he was thinking this, he caught sight of a pair of eyes across from him. Ms. Jennifer was holding her coffee cup, raising an eyebrow, her eyes filled with a playful smile, as if to say, "I knew this would happen."

Luca smiled softly. Ms. Nia and Ross were like Chekhov's master and Ms. Gorya from the textbooks.

It was rumored that the two had been passionately in love when they were younger, but Ross had cheated. Now, being targeted like this was just karma.

"Jen, I watched your new movie the other day. Your portrayal of Grace was amazing. Here's to a huge box office success!" Luca raised his coffee cup in congratulations.

"Thanks!" Jennifer smiled softly.

The comedy film *Bruce Almighty*, starring her and Jim Carrey, had just been released this week. It was leading the box office after five days and was expected to take the top spot for the week.

However, with Disney's *Toy Story* and *The Matrix Reloaded* about to be released, competition in the box office was fierce, and *Bruce Almighty* would struggle to maintain its momentum.

"Luca, I also saw your performance. It was very impressive," Jennifer smiled slightly.

"My performance?" Luca was momentarily stunned. So far, the only role he had played was in *Sex and the City*. Was that nude scene really that impressive?

"Thank you!" He said awkwardly.

"Ross, shut up!" 

At that moment, Ms. Nia stood up and said, "Jen, how about we move somewhere else? There's someone here I really can't stand."

"No need!" 

Mr. Ross, embarrassed, wiped his beard and stood up. "Jen, you two chat. I'm heading out!"

"Uh, okay!" Jen was momentarily stunned and then chuckled softly.

Luca glanced at Ross, then at the two ladies. With Ross gone, was there any point in sticking around?

"Ms. Nia, Jen, I've got something to take care of. I'll head out. See you later!" He waved goodbye and prepared to leave as well.

"Luca, wait!" Jen suddenly called out.

"Jen, what's up?" Luca stopped and asked.

Jen looked him up and down before suddenly smiling, "I've taken on a new film called *Along Came Polly*, a romantic comedy. There's a role that needs a sexy male actor. Would you be interested in trying out?"

"Along Came Polly?" Luca hadn't seen this movie before, so it probably wasn't a big deal. Still, since his senior was asking, it wouldn't be polite to refuse.

"Jen, do you know when filming will start?" 

Luca explained, "Next week I'm heading to Charleston for a shoot, and I'll be there for about three weeks."

"No worries, your scenes will start filming in early July."

"Great, thanks, Jen!"

"You're welcome. I'm your senior, after all," Jen smiled and exchanged phone numbers with Luca.

After the two left, Nia rubbed her temples and asked in confusion, "I've read the script for *Along Came Polly*. Is there really a role that suits him?"

"There is!" Jen smiled after putting down her phone. "What do you think about the scuba instructor? I watched his performance in *Sex and the City*. He's got a sexy physique, especially with that joke about Mr. Big. Someone mentioned it on set, so I thought of him."

"The scuba instructor?" Nia recalled the character and said with a strange expression, "That role requires full nudity. Do you think Luca can handle it?"

"Not full nudity, just a bare butt. If he was willing to do *Sex and the City*, this shouldn't be a problem, right?"

"That's not certain. Back then, he had no roles and had to take anything. Now he's somewhat famous. What if he doesn't want to strip?"

"You're right. I'll ask him when I get a chance."

Jen nodded, then suddenly smiled. "Nia, you said Luca has little chance of winning an Oscar. What about me?"

"You?" Nia's stern face broke into a smile. "You've already won an Emmy. Why are you still thinking about an Oscar?"

"Why not? If a rookie like Luca can dream of winning an Oscar, why can't I?"

Jen raised an eyebrow and began to talk about her film plans.

Ms. Nia, in addition to teaching, was also a director, playwright, and producer on Broadway.

Jen wanted her opinion.

"You want to make a female-centered film?"

"Yes!" Jen took a sip of coffee. "Looking at the recent Oscar winners, the Academy seems to favor female-centric films. Julia Roberts in *Erin Brockovich*, Halle Berry in *Monster's Ball*, and this year, Nicole Kidman in *The Hours*—they're all strong female leads."

"It's difficult. You've won an Emmy, and winning an Oscar would make you a part of history," Nia laughed.

"It's hard, yes, but I still have a better chance than that Brazilian junior, right?" Jen teased.

Nia nodded slightly but then remembered something.

"You don't lack funding. To win an Oscar, the first step is picking a good script. Look at Charlize Theron's new film *Monster*. It's not a hard movie to make, but the script is excellent.

"You might want to talk to Luca about it. During our screenwriting class, he shared a concept with me, and I thought it was really good."

"Luca?" Jen was surprised. "Which Luca?"

"The little guy from earlier," Nia smiled.

"Why would I talk to him? What could a small-time actor do for me?"

"Jen, don't underestimate that little guy. He's more than just a model or actor. He's also a very talented screenwriter. This year, two of his scripts, *Goal!* and *Soccer Dad*, have both been picked up, with investments in the millions."

"Goal!? I've heard of that one."

A hint of curiosity flashed in Jen's eyes.

"I've read all of his scripts, and they're excellent. The foundation is incredibly solid. I couldn't find a single flaw. I honestly think he might be a better writer than I am."

"Better than you? That can't be. He's so young."

"It's true. He's young, but his mind is sharp and he's full of ideas. During the last screenwriting class, he brought up another script idea to get my opinion. It's a female-led film that deals with race and humanity. The story is quite good. You might want to talk to him about it."

"Alright, I'll find some time to chat with the junior. Hopefully, he won't disappoint me."

Jen smiled lightly.

(End of the chapter)