Model to Holywood

"Lee, what do you think about these two?" 

After the interview, Seamus approached Lee An for a one-on-one chat.

"Jake Gyllenhaal is definitely good—he's got fame and great acting skills. If it weren't for Luca, I'd pick Jake as my first choice," Lee said seriously.

Seamus could tell that Lee still had his eyes on Luca.

"Lee, can I know why?"

"Luca is a talent that can be molded!" Lee thought for a moment and replied.

"A talent that can be molded?" 

"Yes, Luca is humorous, passionate, ambitious, and great at socializing. He also has a bit of an Eastern vibe—calm, reserved, smart, and diligent.

He has an impressive appearance, reminiscent of actors like River Phoenix, Leonardo DiCaprio, or Keanu Reeves."

"Does he really have that much potential?"

Seamus was secretly amazed. This wasn't just admiration; it was strong admiration.

Lee shrugged. "He has a lot of the traits that lead to success. If he sticks with it, he could be on par with those three."

"So, you want to shape him?"

"Not shape—more like uncover. I'm interested in him. However, for the supporting role, I agree with your choice. Jake Gyllenhaal has more advantages, and picking him is the safer bet," Lee said calmly.

Seamus leaned back in his office chair, lost in thought.

He knew Lee. Directors often have a habit of coaching actors.

When they spot someone with potential, they can't resist wanting to guide them.

If successful, it becomes a badge of honor.

That's part of the joy and reward of being a director.

In contrast, Jake Gyllenhaal, who's already thriving in his career, is less moldable.

Now, Lee was agreeing with the choice of Jake more out of respect for him.

Should he support that decision?

After a while, veteran screenwriter Annie came in. Annie was in her sixties, a very serious older woman.

Seamus handed the question to Annie.

Annie pondered for a moment and said, "Find Ennis first!"

---

At the Focus Features building, the elevator was brightly lit.

Luca stood on the left, and Jake Gyllenhaal on the right.

As the elevator descended slowly, both had their hands in their pockets, striking a pose, the atmosphere slightly tense.

"Jake, have you finished filming *The Day After Tomorrow*?" Luca broke the silence.

Jake Gyllenhaal looked at him in surprise. "Yes. I remember seeing you on set."

Luca smiled lightly. "I was an extra that day."

Jake smirked and, after a pause, asked, "Do you like *Brokeback Mountain*?"

"I like challenging roles!" Luca responded confidently.

"...So do I."

Ding~ The elevator arrived at the ground floor. Jake Gyllenhaal suddenly stopped and said, "Luca, I'm glad you're also interested in the role. Good luck!"

He waved and strode out of the hallway.

Luca shook his head—this competitor was tough.

Jake Gyllenhaal had been in the industry since he was 11, starring in more than a dozen films.

He'd worked with big-name actors like Jennifer Aniston, Susan Sarandon, and Dustin Hoffman. This year, he was even nominated for Best Actor at the Independent Spirit Awards.

His father is renowned director Stephen Gyllenhaal, and his mother is producer and Oscar-nominated screenwriter Naomi Foner, both Jewish. His godparents are industry insiders too.

He had the credentials, acting skills, connections, and box-office appeal—a solid second-tier actor, much stronger than Luca.

Luca sighed. He had hoped to grab the supporting role before Jake even noticed, but today they ended up meeting head-on.

"Hey, Luca!" 

In the lobby downstairs, someone called out from afar. Luca looked over in confusion and saw a handsome guy in his early twenties wearing a blue suit, looking cool.

After thinking for a moment, Luca recognized him—Jamie Dornan, one of CK's brand ambassadors, barely a top-tier model.

They had met at a CK event before.

This guy was also the male lead in the *Fifty Shades of Grey* film.

"Hey, Jamie, didn't expect to see you here!" Luca smiled and shook hands.

"I'm here waiting for my girlfriend," Jamie said, holding several shopping bags like a porter.

"Is your girlfriend Miss Knightley?" Luca asked after thinking for a moment.

"Yeah!" Jamie raised his chin, looking a bit proud, though the pride vanished when he remembered Luca's girlfriend is Lima, with rumors of Britney Spears as well.

"Keira and I were out shopping earlier. Then her agent called, asking her to come here for a meeting, so she went upstairs to talk business while I waited here," Jamie shrugged, looking a bit frustrated.

Luca smiled lightly, understanding how he felt.

Jamie Dornan's girlfriend was Keira Knightley, the female lead of *Pirates of the Caribbean*. Thanks to the film's success, she had quickly risen to a second-tier actress.

Meanwhile, Jamie was just a small-time model.

"Miss Knightley went to Focus Features?"

Luca didn't want him to misunderstand, so he explained, "I just came from there."

"You were auditioning?" Jamie asked.

"Yeah! It's for Focus Features' new film, but I don't have much hope. My competitor is a second-tier actor."

"That's still impressive!" Jamie said enviously.

They were the same age and both CK models, but Luca was already a supermodel, topping the earnings list and acting in several films. Now, he was even competing with second-tier actors.

Among his peers, Luca was doing so well it was hard not to envy him.

"Sorry, dear, did I keep you waiting long?" 

A girl rushed over, apologizing repeatedly.

It was Keira Knightley, the 18-year-old British actress, slim, with delicate features, exuding an art-house film actress's aura.

"No problem, Keira. This is Luca. Do you know him?"

"Nice to meet you, Miss Knightley," Luca greeted politely.

"Are you Luca?" Keira sized him up curiously.

"Have you heard of me, Miss Knightley?"

"Hehe~" Keira Knightley smirked, revealing her signature smile with her distinctive toothy grin.

"Keira, Luca's also auditioning for a Focus Features film. Are you two in the same movie?" Jamie frowned, knowing too much about Luca's rumors and not wanting them in the same project.

Keira shook her head. "I'm not auditioning. I'm here to discuss a new project."

"I'm auditioning for a role in *Brokeback Mountain*," Luca explained.

"*Brokeback Mountain*?" Keira gave him a peculiar look and quickly pulled Jamie away. "Goodbye, Luca!"

"Keira, don't rush off! I didn't even get to say goodbye."

"Don't say goodbye, and stay away from that guy from now on!"

"Why?"

"Never mind!"

"..."

Luca's face darkened as he got into his car, heading to Universal for his next audition.

---

(End of Chapter)