Model to Holywood

"Good afternoon, Director Cassavetes!"

As he got into the car, Luca greeted the director of the film crew.

Nick Cassavetes, the director of *The Notebook*, was in his forties and a well-known Hollywood director. He had won the Palme d'Or in 1997 with *She's So Lovely*, helping Sean Penn secure the Best Actor award at Cannes. Cassavetes was a highly influential figure in the industry.

Wearing a baseball cap, he sat in the front row with his legs crossed, holding a progress sheet for the crew and scribbling notes. 

Hearing Luca's greeting, Director Nick Cassavetes adjusted his glasses and looked at him. "Luca? You've arrived. Welcome to the crew!"

"Thank you, Director Cassavetes!"

Luca shook his hand.

The two had met during the audition.

Nick Cassavetes was a strong-willed director. After becoming the director of *The Notebook*, he took full control of the project, requiring his approval for every actor joining the crew.

Luca had performed well in his audition, catching Nick's attention and landing the supporting role.

"Luca, your scenes start shooting the day after tomorrow. You've got two days to acclimate to the crew. I hope your performance meets my expectations," Director Cassavetes said, flipping through the director's log with a steady tone.

"I understand!"

Luca nodded slightly. The director's words added some pressure.

The crew had been filming in Charleston for over three months. It felt like a fast-moving train, and as a newcomer, Luca knew it wouldn't be easy to keep up with the established rhythm of the production.

After meeting the director, Luca was introduced to screenwriter Zan Sadie, assistant director Alexander Bernard, director's assistant John Capriche, as well as members of the cinematography, makeup, and costume teams.

Aside from the three lead actors, the car was filled with over ten key crew members.

In the back sat the three main actors: Ryan Gosling, lead actress Rachel McAdams, and supporting actress Heather Vawquist.

Seeing them, Luca could guess which scene they were filming today.

"Hey, Luca, come on over!"

Ryan Gosling called out, motioning toward the supporting actress. "This is Heather Vawquist."

"Nice to meet you, Ms. Vawquist."

After introducing Heather, Ryan turned to Rachel McAdams, using a formal tone. "Now, let me introduce you to the beautiful, kind, elegant, and noble—"

"Haha, Ryan, stop messing around."

Rachel McAdams laughed with her head thrown back. She had a bright, infectious laugh.

"Ryan, no need for an introduction. Ms. McAdams and I are not strangers."

Luca smiled slightly.

"You two know each other?"

Ryan glanced at both of them, feigning a jealous look.

Rachel blinked and then burst into laughter.

"Luca, have we met before?" Rachel asked.

"We haven't, but we have a connection," Luca said with a smile. "Think about it. In this film, I play your fiancé, and in *Mean Girls*, I played your boyfriend. Rachel, isn't that quite the connection?"

"Luca, Rachel is my girlfriend!" Ryan said, wrapping his arm around Rachel's shoulders, declaring his territory with mock seriousness.

"Haha, Ryan, you're too uptight!"

Rachel playfully patted his shoulder, clearly enjoying their close relationship. It was evident the two were dating.

Luca smiled and said, "Ryan, you don't need to worry. In *The Notebook*, you win Rachel, and in *Mean Girls*, Cady takes me away from her. So, it seems Rachel and I have a destined connection, but no real chance."

"Hm!"

Ryan nodded. "Now that you put it that way, I feel better."

"Haha, Ryan, when did you become so petty?"

Rachel teased.

"Oh, dear Rachel, I'm usually pretty relaxed, but when it comes to someone like Luca, I have to be cautious."

"Why?"

"Ryan, how am I a bad guy?" Luca asked, pretending to be offended.

"First of all!" Ryan coughed, trying to look serious. "Luca here already has a girlfriend, yet he stole Justin's girlfriend Britney, dated Gisele Bündchen, and rumors say his involvement caused trouble between Leonardo and Gisele. Rachel, doesn't that make him a bad guy?"

"Is that true?" Rachel asked skeptically. "I heard Luca and Britney were only linked after she and Justin broke up."

"Yes, Ryan is just talking nonsense," Luca agreed.

Ryan scoffed. "Haven't you heard of the 'reconciliation phase' that couples go through for six months after breaking up? Justin and Britney had a chance to get back together, but because of Luca, their love story was cut short."

Luca shook his head. "You know the real reason Justin and Britney broke up, Ryan. Don't enjoy smearing me too much."

"Fine, fine. Maybe that breakup wasn't your fault, but you can't deny your kiss with Gisele. It was all over *Star Magazine*—photos of you two on a boat!"

Ryan held up a magazine from the seat.

The inner pages showed pictures of Luca and Gisele chatting on a boat, with a few photos that appeared to show them kissing, though it was a trick of the camera angle.

"Anyone with basic photography knowledge could see through that," Luca said.

"I couldn't!" Ryan said, shaking his head. "Rachel, now you know what kind of guy Luca is, right?"

"No, I don't know," Rachel said, shaking her head before breaking into a laugh. "But I do know what kind of guy you are."

"Me?" Ryan looked confused. "What kind of guy am I?"

"A petty man. Haha!"

Rachel teased him, pinching his nose before snuggling up to him.

Both Ryan and Rachel were from London, Ontario, Canada, and now they were working on the same set, so it wasn't surprising they ended up together. But for Luca, it meant he would have to witness their love every day for the next few weeks.

Luca sighed, lamenting how tough it was to be the supporting actor.

The minibus drove west from the town center for less than two kilometers before they entered an area of lush pines, palm trees, redwoods, and willows. The towering trees, with thick trunks and dense branches, looked like they could only be embraced by three or four people standing hand in hand.

Nestled under the shade of these trees were several elegant villas, each with wide porches supported by columns, exuding a noble atmosphere.

After about five or six minutes, the bus stopped in front of a white mansion. They had arrived at the set.

The key crew members got out of the car, and the on-site staff immediately got to work.

"Scene 18, Shot 10, Take 2. Action!"

With everything ready, the clapperboard snapped shut, and the assistant director shouted into the loudspeaker. The filming officially began.