Chapter 17: **Chapter 17: Fainting**
"Look, that handsome model is on stage again!"
At the exhibition, Ed and a few agents from the same company stood at the periphery, watching the models' performances on stage.
As Luca stepped onto the runway for the third time, someone in the audience whispered.
The agents stopped talking and simultaneously turned their attention to Luca.
In fact, they had already noticed this extraordinarily handsome model when he first appeared.
His facial features were sharply defined, and his tailored suit clung to his athletic physique as if it had been made just for him, making him appear even more energetic and striking.
The second time, he walked out wearing a denim outfit.
On him, people sensed an indomitable will, a strong resilience, and a tenacious spirit, exuding the true essence of a cowboy.
Once again, he captured the full attention of the audience.
If this were an exam, he would have already scored two A+'s.
Now he was back on stage.
To the sound of music, he strode from the back of the stage to the front, dressed in a silver trench coat.
Like the other models, his performance was highly professional, his face calm, but his deep-set eyes seemed to carry a powerful intensity.
As he walked briskly on the runway, the breeze tousled his long hair and coat. He looked like a general draped in a battle robe, marching forward with great momentum.
Once again, everyone was stunned by his aura.
The fashion industry's "Kaiser," Karl Lagerfeld, once said that charisma is precious. In the modeling industry, looks and body shape have limited influence; charisma is the cornerstone of a model's survival.
Charisma is a set of behavior norms based on social expectations, requiring intensive informal cultural training or the accumulation of life experiences.
It can manifest as avant-garde, futuristic, edgy, and so on.
Some people may look average or even unattractive, but if their charisma meets the standards of designers, agents, and luxury brands, they can become famous models or supermodels.
And Luca, a newcomer, already exuded a mature fashion charisma. Is he still a rookie?
"Ed, where did you find this new talent? Amazing!"
"Congratulations, Ed. You'll be a supermodel agent again soon."
Hearing his colleagues' congratulations, Ed grinned broadly, the wrinkles on his forehead smoothing out considerably.
Luca had only undergone training and guidance for a little over a month, yet his debut was surprisingly brilliant. What a surprise!
Ed was secretly delighted; he had indeed found the right person this time. Luca was a genius.
Ring~
His phone rang.
Ed answered it, and after listening for just a couple of sentences, his eyes gleamed with joy. "Mr. Frank, thank you for this opportunity. Luca will not disappoint you."
"Is it Mr. Joseph Frank?"
"Is Mr. Frank offering Luca a brand endorsement?"
The eyes of the agents around him lit up. Joseph Frank was the organizer of this fashion show and also an assistant designer to Giorgio Armani, the founder of the Armani brand.
Just as Ed was about to speak, his phone rang again.
He answered and listened briefly, his face filled with even more joy. "Mr. Marton, thank you for your appreciation. I'll bring Luca to visit you later."
"Mr. Marton?"
"Is that Mr. Marton from *Details* magazine?"
This time, everyone was a bit incredulous.
*Details* is one of the top three male fashion magazines in the United States. Every year, it introduces a new model in its pages, and without exception, those models become famous or even supermodels.
Could it be that *Details* magazine has chosen Luca this time? What a stroke of luck!
"It's just an opportunity to be shortlisted; nothing's been decided yet," Ed said modestly and left the venue.
The others watched his back, full of envy, jealousy, and resentment. Lucky Ed and lucky Luca.
Ed also felt that he was fortunate. Who would have thought he'd find such a promising talent like Luca just by casually browsing around?
Over the past month, Luca had performed admirably, whether it was working out, attending classes, acting, or training. No matter how tough it got, he never slacked off.
Ed often told his wife that Luca was a complex person. Though he appeared to be only twenty years old, he had a mature and steady soul. If he continued like this, success was inevitable.
He had expected Luca to succeed, but not this quickly.
As long as Luca first landed the Armani endorsement and seized the opportunity, he could quickly rise from a newcomer to a second-tier or even first-tier model.
Excitedly, Ed pumped his fist and briskly walked toward the backstage area.
"Luca, just inhale this. It will make you feel better and give you the strength to participate in the closing show."
As he arrived backstage, he saw Luca sitting on the floor, head hanging motionlessly. A staff member squatted beside him, holding out a small bag and foil, speaking in a coaxing tone, "Luca, this one's free; I'll give it to you for free."
Ed's brows furrowed, and he shouted, "What are you doing?!"
The man turned around, startled, and shrugged, "Nothing. He's about to die, and I'm trying to save him."
"What?!"
Ed was shocked. He quickly squatted down and grabbed Luca by the shoulders. "Luca, Luca, what's wrong?"
Luca slowly raised his head, his face pale, beads of sweat dripping from his nose and chin, and blood smeared at the corner of his mouth.
Ed's heart sank. "Luca, what happened?"
"Ed!" Luca's voice was weak and hoarse. "Has the closing show started?"
"Forget the damn closing show! What's wrong with you?" Ed asked anxiously.
"Ed, I don't think I can make it to the closing show. Will it cost a lot of money?" Luca grinned, his blood-stained teeth showing.
"No, Luca, you've already made it, you know? You've got the endorsement. I'm taking you to the hospital!" Ed said, his eyes red.
"Ed, don't tell Kate!"
"Ha! Kate, I just ran into Luca at the exit. He was standing there dazed, not responding even when I greeted him," said Lima in the female model dressing area. Lima and Kate were about to go on stage and were preparing in front of the mirror.
Kate pursed her vibrant red lips and smiled. "It's his first time on stage. Maybe he's nervous."
"Impossible. He's so brave. He's not afraid of death; why would he fear walking the runway?" Lima couldn't believe it.
Kate blinked her long lashes, a trace of doubt flashing in her eyes. "I don't know. Let's ask him when we get off stage."
"Sure. If he's nervous, I'll laugh at him," Lima said playfully.
The third show began.
After making a round on stage, Lima returned, puzzled. "I didn't see Luca."
"Neither did I," Kate said, frowning slightly.
"Did you hear? A male model fainted backstage just now."
"Yes, it seems like he had a drug relapse and was rushed to the hospital."
Suddenly, someone was whispering nearby.
Lima looked at Kate. She had heard about Luca's drug problem.
Kate shook her head. "Luca used to only smoke marijuana. For the past month, he's been working out daily and hasn't touched any of that stuff. It can't be Luca."
"Where did Luca go? Could he have chickened out?" Lima speculated.
Kate shook her head, her worry growing.
The closing show began, with all the models standing on the runway for three minutes, showcasing the fashion.
Kate and Lima stood on stage, scanning the male models' lineup, but Luca was nowhere to be found.
Kate's heart sank.
Backstage, she immediately took out her phone and called Luca, but there was no answer. She then called Ed, and after a long while, he finally picked up.
"Ed, how's Luca?"
"Luca is in the emergency room."
"The emergency room?!"
Kate's body went cold, and she collapsed to the floor.
(End of Chapter)
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