Model to Holywood

October 3rd, afternoon, West Hollywood.

The movie *Honey Dance* had finished its promotional period and was released today in 2,025 theaters across the U.S., with its premiere held at the Laser Cinema.

The distributors invited numerous celebrities to the premiere, including actors, singers, directors, and famous critics. The event was bustling with excitement.

"Luca, once you get out of the car, if reporters ask sensitive questions, you'd better be careful!" 

In a car slowly pulling up outside the Laser Cinema, the driver, Ed, turned around and said.

"Sensitive questions? What do you mean?" 

Luca adjusted his tie. Today, he was dressed in a black suit with a black tie, looking serious and sharp.

"Lots of things: the Iraq War, same-sex marriage, box office predictions, scandals, and so on," Ed said with a shrug.

"I understand. I'm just a supporting actor; I won't say too much!"

"Alright, good luck!" Ed smiled lightly and extended his fist.

Luca bumped fists with him, pushed the car door open, and stepped out.

Outside the cinema, a red carpet had been laid, and both sides were packed with people—reporters, paparazzi, fans, and onlookers. The crowd was loud and chaotic, with noise levels increasing every time a celebrity appeared.

"Luca is here!"

"Mr. Kelly, are you walking the red carpet alone today?"

"Luca, did you break up with Lima? Was it because of Britney?"

"Luca, will Britney be coming today? Why aren't you two together?"

The reporters were eager, throwing questions at him.

Before Luca could respond, they already started spinning the story.

Luca smirked slightly. If he didn't clear this up, tomorrow's newspapers would be full of breakup rumors. 

He waved and walked into the interview area. "Thanks for your concern. My relationship with Miss Lima is stable; she's just in Paris for Fashion Week."

"Mr. Kelly, will Britney be attending?"

A reporter from *Star Weekly* asked loudly.

"Supposedly, yes, but she's been busy with work, so she might not come."

Luca shrugged politely.

Britney's fourth album was about to be released, and she'd been busy promoting her single and gearing up for the album. They had only met three times this month, mostly staying in touch by phone.

The reporters weren't satisfied with his response.

"Mr. Kelly, there's a rumor that you and Jessica grew close during filming. Is that why Lima and Britney aren't attending the premiere?"

A reporter wearing a sun hat shouted.

Luca smiled faintly and said, "That's an interesting question. Maybe you could ask Lima and Britney if they skipped the event because of that rumor. If you get an answer, let me know."

The reporter frowned. He expected Luca to deny the rumor outright and explain why Lima and Britney weren't present. Instead, Luca dodged the issue, leaving no room for further probing.

"Mr. Kelly, yesterday, two more soldiers died during a search of an Iraqi village, bringing the total U.S. military casualties in this war to 187. What's your take on the Gulf War?"

Another reporter suddenly asked.

Luca paused for a moment.

This year, public figures were often asked such questions, as if every celebrity had to take a stance on the matter.

With a serious expression, he replied, "War is the devil's work. Throughout history, neither side in any war has ever truly won. I wish for world peace!"

Another meaningless answer. The reporters were dissatisfied. To get bonuses and perks, they needed big stories, and Luca's statement was worthless.

"Mr. Kelly, it's rumored that you're in talks with the *Brokeback Mountain* production team. Are you interested in films with LGBT themes?"

"I'm an actor. I'm only interested in good scripts."

Luca waved his hand. "Today is the *Honey* premiere. Please ask questions related to the movie."

"Mr. Kelly, premieres often include a box office prediction segment. How much do you think *Honey* will make?"

A reporter asked loudly.

Luca thought for a moment. "*Honey* is an excellent dance film. I'd say the total box office and DVD sales should be around 100 million dollars."

"One hundred million?"

The reporters sneered.

Based on presales, the movie wasn't performing well. Previous interviews with the main cast predicted around 40 to 50 million, with some avoiding the topic entirely.

But here was Luca, confidently tossing out a 100 million estimate. It seemed overly optimistic.

"Britney's here!"

Suddenly, someone shouted.

Instantly, all the reporters and paparazzi turned toward the other end of the red carpet, where a white stretch Lincoln had just pulled up.

The car door opened, and a beautiful figure appeared.

She had shoulder-length blonde hair, a silver Zara jacket, a printed short skirt, with a sliver of skin showing at her waist. Her figure was full and sexy.

As she stepped out into the sunlight, she seemed to radiate a dazzling aura.

"Britney!"

"Britney!"

At that moment, everyone—reporters, paparazzi, fans, onlookers—rushed toward the entrance, as if drawn by a magnet.

They forgot about all the other interview subjects, forgot about time, space, even their own families. Right now, all they could see was Britney.

Interviewing Britney meant bonuses and perks, the most tangible rewards.

Luca smirked. No wonder Britney supported half the paparazzi industry. She was like a goddess of fortune, and running into her was like striking gold.

He glanced at the crowd surrounding Britney, waved his hand, and strode toward the cinema.

A few Black singers who had been surrounded by reporters moments ago were now left standing alone once Britney arrived.

"Luca, wait for me!"

As Luca stepped onto the stairs, Britney, protected by bodyguards, broke free from the crowd and hurried over.

"Britney!"

But the paparazzi weren't going to let her off easily.

Ignoring the barriers along the red carpet and the security guards, they rushed after her with cameras and microphones, like hyenas smelling blood, eager to surround her.

Britney, wearing a baseball cap and high heels, was jostled in the crowd.

"Britney!"

Luca stepped down the stairs, grabbed her wrist, and pulled her into the safe zone, like rescuing someone from drowning.

As he took hold of Britney, the paparazzi closed in, blocking the stairs to the cinema.

"Look, they're holding hands!"

"Wow, this is their first time holding hands in public!"

*Click, click, click!*

Everyone raised their cameras, snapping away. The flashing lights from below were even brighter than the sun in the sky.

Luca felt his hand getting hot, as if he were holding a hot potato. He wanted to let go, but Britney held his hand tightly.

"Luca, thanks for grabbing me!"

Britney shook his hand playfully.

"No problem, it's my honor!"

Luca smiled slightly, holding her hand confidently.

"Britney, are you officially dating Luca?"

"Luca, are you using Britney to promote the movie?"

"Devil Luca, let go of Britney!"

Reporters, paparazzi, and fans shouted in sharp voices.

The two ignored them and walked side by side into the theater lobby.

(End of chapter)