Model to Holywood

"Mr. Kelly, according to the MDC website survey, you're consistently ranked among the top three male models this year. You've had a very successful career. What made you want to become an actor?"

"Because I enjoy it. Making movies is cool—way cooler than playing a league match. I love the feeling."

---

The next afternoon, at the TNT TV show recording.

In a brightly lit, high-tech recording studio, Luca, dressed in a black suit, sat casually on a sofa, talking confidently.

TNT stands for Turner Network Television, a Los Angeles-based cable channel that broadcasts sports events and movie programs around the clock.

During their movie segments, they also include interviews about upcoming films. This episode's interview was about *Sweetheart Dance*, with six key members of the production team, including Billy, Luca, Jessica, Mekhi Phifer, and two younger actors.

"Mr. Kelly, this was your first movie. Why did you choose to play a villain?"

The host asked, following the usual format.

"Villain? Strictly speaking, Michael isn't a villain. He's a talented young director who helps people by giving them opportunities. But he's also inexperienced, which is why he comes across as arrogant. Though in the film he plays a headstrong boss, the character feels real. Before facing setbacks, haven't we all been a bit reckless in our youth and made mistakes? This character resonates with us."

"Mr. Kelly, you're only 21, yet you seem so mature," the host said with a smile.

"Maybe it's because I'm wearing a Helmut Lang suit," Luca replied, adjusting his black tie.

"Luca, are you doing product placement?" Billy teased.

Jessica giggled softly.

"Why not? You can always cut it out."

It was a pre-recorded show, so the conversation was relaxed and informal.

The host smiled gently before asking, "Mr. Kelly, it's been reported that Britney visited the set during filming. Are you and Britney close?"

Luca raised an eyebrow. This was an off-script question. The media just couldn't resist chasing hot topics, like a dog with an unshakable habit.

"Are you referring to the time Britney visited the set? Yes, Britney came by. She's a friend of mine. She had just finished shooting a music video in Los Angeles and decided to stop by. I assume she came to see me since I was the only one she knew there."

"Hey, Luca, did you forget about me? When Britney and I worked together, you were still playing soccer in Brazil!" Billy said, mock-offended.

"Alright, alright. Britney came to see you," Luca said, shrugging, as if to say he wasn't competing for friends.

The audience chuckled lightly.

Backstage, Ed cracked a small smile, thinking the response was appropriate. But the next question made him frown.

"Mr. Kelly, will you invite Britney to the premiere of your new movie?"

**Damn!**

Ed cursed silently. This was a trap.

If Luca said "yes," people would speculate it was a PR stunt. If he said "no," it could fuel rumors about their breakup, confirming recent gossip about their split.

The show's producers had changed the questions without consulting them, a major lack of respect.

Just as Ed was about to interrupt the recording, Luca smiled and said, "Billy, can I invite Britney?"

"Of course. Britney and I are friends, so I'd invite her even if you didn't ask. But she's quite busy, so hopefully, she'll be free."

Billy said earnestly.

Ed breathed a sigh of relief and turned to the director, who was behind the scenes.

"Mr. Henry, you should focus more on the director and lead actors," Ed said with a stern expression.

"Relax, Mr. Manager. Luca has more media buzz, which helps promote the movie better, don't you think?" The director, who was also Black, grinned, showing his pearly white teeth.

"You're not wrong, but Luca is just a supporting actor. He's not responsible for the film's box office performance," Ed replied seriously.

"Got it!"

The director picked up the walkie-talkie and said a few words. Soon after, the host shifted the conversation toward the director, Billy, Jessica, and Mekhi Phifer.

An hour later, the interview ended.

---

"Thanks for helping out earlier, Billy," Luca said as they sat in a café across from Turner Broadcasting on Berryman Street.

"No problem. We're a team, aren't we?"

"Indeed!"

Luca smiled and bumped fists with him.

"Luca, why didn't you want to talk about Britney on the show? Are you worried people will misunderstand your relationship?" Jessica asked, smiling slyly.

Luca shrugged, "Everyone pretty much knows about me and Britney by now. There's nothing to worry about."

"So, what's the reason?"

"It's simple. The appearance fee was too low. If they paid me more, I wouldn't mind chatting about Britney on air."

Luca said shamelessly.

"Just because of the money?" Billy asked curiously.

"Yeah, you know, I just bought a house and still owe a lot on the mortgage. I've got to budget carefully."

"Paying off a mortgage?" Billy burst out laughing.

"Luca, you bought property in L.A.?"

Jessica asked, surprised.

"Yeah, just last week, in Malibu's 17th district."

"The 17th district?" Jessica paused. "Malibu's property values have skyrocketed in recent years, especially in the 17th district, where many celebrities and wealthy people live. That's impressive."

"Yeah, the prices are high. The down payment alone wiped out my savings."

Luca sighed, sipping his coffee. "Billy, you're covering the bill, right?"

"Me? You live in a mansion and can't afford a coffee? You're so cheap!" Billy exclaimed, caught off guard.

"Ha ha~"

Jessica covered her mouth, laughing so hard she could barely sit up straight.

---

(Chapter ends)