Model to Holywood

"Luca, what do you think?"

"I need to think about it!"

In the evening, the setting sun cast its light on the sea. The ocean, beach, and coconut trees were all bathed in a soft orange glow.

On the Pacific Coast Highway, a BMW was slowly heading north toward Malibu.

Luca was in the driver's seat, frowning in deep thought.

He had just spent nearly four hours discussing with Billy and Annie the investment for the *Step Up* project.

The initial budget for the project was around 8 million.

Through some maneuvering, Billy had secured 2 million each from Summit Entertainment and Touchstone Pictures, making a total of 4 million.

Annie Fletcher liked the project and was willing to invest 1 million.

Billy himself planned to invest 800,000.

That left a gap of 2.2 million.

Last time in San Francisco, Luca had mentioned he could contribute 2 to 3 million, which is why Billy approached him.

The current plan was for the three of them to form a movie company together, with Luca investing 2.2 million, Annie 1 million, and Billy 800,000, specifically for this project.

Such collaborations are common in Hollywood.

Often, a film is produced by one or more temporary companies, which dissolve after the project ends.

The plan sounded good.

But Luca was still hesitant.

Hollywood was a dangerous place, where big fish eat the small ones, and smaller fish eat the shrimp. He was new, without money or connections, barely even shrimp. Investing recklessly would be too risky.

But this project seemed excellent; an investment of less than 10 million could lead to a North American box office return of 110 million, and global earnings nearing 150 million.

Plus, Billy and Annie were both excellent partners.

Billy was a well-known MTV director, highly connected in the music industry, and knew many famous music producers.

Annie Fletcher was a renowned choreographer and had worked on multiple films as a producer and choreographer, with nearly ten years of experience in Hollywood, familiar with all the best dancers and choreographers in the entertainment industry.

Billy understood music, and Annie was an expert in dance choreography, which were the two most important aspects of the *Step Up* project.

As for Luca, he was a seasoned screenwriter, making their collaboration feel like a perfect match.

"Three people?"

The idea of three partners sounded promising.

Luca slightly smiled.

Honk honk!

A sports car sped up from behind.

"Hey, buddy! Taking a stroll on the highway?" a young man shouted loudly.

"Yep, care to join?"

The driver flipped him the finger and zoomed off.

Luca chuckled, shifted gears, and sped back to his estate.

With Kate and Lima gone, he was alone in the villa. He began to think Miranda's suggestion made sense—he should get a few pets to keep him company.

He just didn't want to become a slave to cleaning up after them. He was trying to figure out what kind of pet would be suitable, preferably something that didn't leave a mess.

After a ham sandwich, he stripped down and swam twenty laps in the pool.

When he was exhausted, he crawled out and lay on a lounge chair, dialing Kate's number.

This time, Kate was collaborating with Gucci for the launch of the "SUN" fashion line in Paris.

Kate was the creative director, and Lima was the deputy director and spokesperson for the SUN series. Both were extremely busy.

"Kate, are you busy?"

It was noon in Paris.

"Yes, we're on the Champs-Élysées, casting models. I'll call you back later!"

Kate hung up after a brief response.

Half an hour passed, and just as the sun was about to set, Kate called back.

"Luca, now I can talk," Kate said, sipping some water.

"Okay, since you're busy, I'll keep it brief."

Luca summarized the movie project investment and the collaboration with Billy and Annie.

"Since it's your screenplay, go ahead and invest. It's only a little over two million. Do you know how much we've made this year from royalties and commissions?"

"How much?"

"We've earned over 9 million so far, and with the second book about to be released, we'll make even more. That's more than enough for us.

"The rest of the money should be used for things we want to do. If you want to invest in a film, then go for it. No need to hesitate."

Kate spoke decisively.

"Alright."

Luca smirked. That was what he had in mind too. Every venture carries risk, and if this one failed, he would just treat it as a learning experience.

After chatting for a bit, he called his real estate agent and lawyer to inquire about property loans.

He didn't plan on using the money in their joint account for this investment. That money was already invested in stocks like Amazon, and the stock market was earning more.

The U.S. housing market was booming, and due to inflation, home prices had risen by about 6% in the past six months since he bought the house.

With his property and good credit, he could easily get a loan of 3 to 4 million. If the investment failed and he couldn't repay on time, he could hand over the house to the bank.

In two years, when the housing market crashed and the subprime mortgage crisis hit, he could buy the house back at a lower price, minimizing the losses.

"What are you up to?"

Miranda had just come home from work, wearing shorts and a white tank top. She was voluptuous and sexy, like a marshmallow.

She was holding a fluffy white kitten.

Except for a creamy patch on its face and tail, the kitten was entirely white with large ears and big eyes—probably an Angora cat.

"Where did this cat come from?"

Luca put down his papers and asked.

"Haha, I bought it. How about I give it to you as a gift?" Miranda smiled sweetly, placing the kitten in his lap as she picked up his papers and glanced at them.

"Are you making a movie?"

She asked in surprise.

"Yes, there's a project I think is worth investing in."

Luca picked up the kitten from his lap. It was about a foot long, with soft pink paws, and had just grown in its adult teeth, around five or six months old.

"Meow~"

The little one stuck out its pink tongue and meowed sweetly, with light blue eyes, looking adorable and easy to care for.

But the thought of becoming a slave to cleaning up after it made him a little distressed. Should he hire someone just for that?

"Isn't it cute?"

Miranda bent down, gently stroking the kitten's ears.

The kitten's ears twitched, and it meowed again, sweet and soft.

"It's adorable, but who's going to take care of it? Who's going to feed it and clean the litter?"

"Of course, you! You love staying at home, sitting around for hours. Wouldn't it be nice to have a few cats keeping you company?"

Miranda smiled sweetly.

"A few?"

Luca was taken aback.

"Haha, one cat would be lonely, so I bought three more to keep it company. If you can accept one, then you should be able to accept the other three, right?"

Miranda turned toward the door.

Three more little kittens strutted gracefully toward them.

Thud!

One kitten tumbled down the steps, followed by the other two, rolling into a pile. They were adorably clumsy.

"Haha, they're so silly, just like you!"

Miranda scooped up the three kittens and placed them in his arms. "Luca, what do you think? Four kittens, one for each of us."

Luca looked at the four little furballs: two black-and-brown tabby cats and two white Angoras with yellow patches. They were adorable, and maybe keeping them wasn't such a bad idea after all.

"Alright, I hope the four little ones will like it here."

Luca stroked the kittens' backs. They were soft and warm, quite comforting. Uh-oh, he was getting addicted.

"Haha, Luca, Kate was right. It's not that you don't like pets; you just didn't know what to choose."

Seeing how attached he had become, Miranda couldn't help but laugh.

Luca shrugged. "No, I've actually decided. Next time we go to Brazil, I'm going to buy two macaws. There are a lot of parrots in Brazil."

"Parrots?"

Miranda thought for a moment about the colorful birds. "That sounds nice. Then let's get four—one for each of us!"

"Four is too many. With eight pets, the house would turn into a zoo."

"Haha, a zoo wouldn't be bad!"

Luca shook his head. It was too hot, and holding the kittens was making him sweat, so he decided to put them down.

"Wait, let me take a picture to send to Kate and Lima!"

Miranda pulled out her phone and snapped a couple of photos.

By the pool, Luca sat on a white lounge chair, wearing shorts and a T-shirt, with four kittens lined up in his lap. It was an adorable scene.

"Okay!"

Miranda smiled as she sent the photos to the two in Paris.

Soon after, Kate and Lima called back, and the four of them had a lovely conversation. They also handed over the responsibility of taking care of the four little "lords" to Luca.

Luca could only "reluctantly" accept his new role as chief caretaker.

Luca could only "reluctantly" accept the role of head caretaker.

With four new adorable pets at home, it also meant added responsibility.

The next day, Luca spent time registering them, getting checkups, setting up insurance, and getting vaccines, all while helping Miranda pick out cat houses, litter, and food. The busy schedule lasted two full days.

"Luca, the Armani fashion show is set at the Hammer Museum. Come over for rehearsal at noon," Ed called that morning.

"Got it!"

Luca thought for a moment. "Ed, are there any other brand invitations? I'm running short on cash lately!"

"You? Short on cash?" Ed asked, confused.

"Yeah, I'm even thinking about selling my house to fund a movie. How could I not be short on cash?"

"Haha, okay, let me check with my assistant."

After a moment, Ed's voice returned. 

"Luca, you're a top model now. Any show you walk in becomes news. There are plenty of brands reaching out. 

Two top-tier brands, eight first-tier, and even more second and third-tier brands. However, I don't recommend taking on second or third-tier ones, as it could hurt your reputation."

"That's fine, I'll leave that decision up to you."

Luca hung up the phone and walked out of the gym.

The gym in the villa had just been renovated, located on the second floor, facing the ocean, and equipped with more workout equipment than the one in his New York apartment—complete with a multi-functional workout machine, pommel horse, ab roller, punching bag, and more.

He went downstairs, took a quick shower, and changed into some loose clothes. "Miranda, I'm heading to the city for rehearsal. I won't be back until the afternoon. If you're hungry, make yourself some food, and don't forget to feed the cats!"

Huff, huff~

Miranda was skipping rope on an open patch of lawn, working on her runway walk's explosiveness, while the four kittens circled around her playfully.

"Where's the rehearsal?" Miranda paused and took a deep breath.

"The Hammer Museum Garden."

"Wait, I'm coming with you!"

Miranda wiped the sweat off her face and headed upstairs.

"What are you going for?"

"I have a runway show too, okay?"

"Alright!"

Luca petted one of the cats and turned toward the garage.

(End of chapter)