Capítulo 161: Chapter 161: Competing for the Spotlight
"What's wrong with your face?"
In the parking lot of Corte Tower One, Ed frowned as he stared at Luca, who had just gotten out of the car.
The purpose of attending the party was to promote Luca and get the attention of brands. But now, with him looking like he's been roughed up, how can he make a good impression?
Luca shrugged. "Got a little too into filming yesterday, ended up with a minor injury."
"Injured while filming?!" Ed was surprised. "The promo says *The Day After Tomorrow* is a sci-fi movie. How'd you get hurt?"
"Sci-fi can still have action scenes, you know, like *The Matrix*. Lots of punches and kicks," Luca said while throwing a few mock punches.
Ed gave him a sideways look, then smirked. "You're really pushing it for just $500."
"Of course," Luca said with a wry smile. "Ed, I don't think I should attend the party like this. How about we head back?"
"No way. We're already here, so we might as well go check it out. If anyone asks, just say you got injured during filming and stick to that story."
"I really did get injured on set. What else am I supposed to say?" Luca emphasized.
"Exactly. That tone — firm, no doubt. Your acting is getting better," Ed said, nodding approvingly.
Luca shrugged, not bothering to argue further.
Beep beep~
Just then, a champagne-colored BMW pulled up in front of them.
"What are you two doing here?" Mrs. Nina asked through the car window.
"Same as you, here for Helmut Lang's party," Ed replied with a smile.
"Good afternoon, Luca and Ed!"
The rear window slowly rolled down, revealing a beautiful round face, dimples, and a sweet smile that seemed to add a sugary scent to the air.
"Hi, Miranda!" Luca waved.
"Luca, what happened to your face?" Mrs. Nina suddenly asked, frowning.
Luca sighed inwardly. He had tried to cover it up before coming but apparently hadn't done a good enough job.
"I got a little injured while filming yesterday."
"Really?" Mrs. Nina stared at his face for a few moments, her expression tightening.
"You two go ahead, stay away from us."
"Why?"
"No reason!" Mrs. Nina rolled up the window and drove off to find a parking spot.
"Ed, shouldn't we wait for her?" Luca asked.
"Nope. If Nina says go ahead, we go ahead. No questions, or there'll be consequences."
"You really don't represent us men well."
"I don't care!" Ed chuckled and marched towards the building's elevator.
Luca shook his head and followed him.
Today's party was hosted by Helmut Lang, a famous Austrian fashion brand. Back in 1999, Helmut Lang — the renowned designer and owner — sold the brand to the Prada Group, making it one of their sub-labels.
Helmut Lang had a huge reputation in the design world, often referred to as the Austrian Scissorhands and the master of minimalism.
The brand specialized in high-end women's and men's fashion. Now, Helmut Lang was retiring, and the successors, the designer couple Conrost, were taking over. Today's event was both a handover ceremony and a product launch.
Rumor had it that the brand was looking for a new spokesperson for their upcoming collection, which attracted many models and celebrities from the fashion and entertainment industries.
"Ed, do we have a chance?"
"The odds are slim, but it's no big deal. Helmut Lang and the Conrosts have wide connections in the fashion world. A lot of brand designers will be here today, so it's a good opportunity to network."
When the elevator arrived, they stepped into the party venue with their invitations in hand.
The event was set in a large exhibition hall.
Inside, there were numerous glass cases displaying various outfits, with labels explaining that most of them were Helmut Lang's designs or classics from the brand, like a fashion art exhibition.
Besides the fashion displays, the hall was filled with people — models, celebrities, designers, businesspeople — all dressed to impress. Some were gathered in groups chatting animatedly, others stood by the glass cases making comments, and some wandered around, looking for opportunities.
"Would you like some champagne?" a server asked, offering a tray with four glasses.
"Thank you!" Luca took two glasses, handing one to Ed.
"Don't drink too much. It's hard to find a bathroom here," Ed whispered.
"Got it," Luca replied with a smile. The hosts were definitely being strategic — providing drinks but making bathrooms scarce, probably saving a lot of money that way.
"Hey, Ed, you're here too!"
Just as he was thinking this, a familiar woman approached.
Luca's first thought was *Friends'* Monica, but when he heard Ed greet her, he remembered her name — Courteney Cox, a model Ed had worked with. Judging by their conversation, they seemed to be on good terms.
"Ms. Cox, nice to meet you. I'm Luca," Luca greeted her quickly after Ed introduced him.
"Luca, I know you," Courteney Cox glanced at his face, then smiled. "Your makeup is eye-catching. Hope you find some success tonight."
"My makeup?" Luca paused, touching his mouth. This was a real injury, not makeup.
Without saying more, she turned back to chat with Ed, leaving Luca to wander off on his own.
The event was filled with many familiar faces, including Susan Sarandon, David Schwimmer, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Emmy Rossum, along with plenty of other stars whose names he couldn't recall.
"Hey, Luca! You're here too?"
As he walked, he bumped into a familiar face — the blue-eyed British model David Gandy, who looked utterly shocked, as if he'd seen a ghost.
Luca frowned. "What's up, David? Is something wrong?"
David Gandy shook his head. "I've never seen you at a party like this before. What brings you here?"
"Haha, don't be surprised. I know why!"
At that moment, a mischievous-looking French model, Eric Rutherford, walked over.
"Oh, and what's the reason?"
David Gandy asked, puzzled.
"Of course, it's about making money!"
Noah Mills, last year's highest-paid male model, chimed in. After ending his contract with CK, his income halved, and life hasn't been easy for him. He said with deep feeling, "Isn't everyone here trying to land a new endorsement?"
"Yes, exactly!"
Someone nearby echoed in agreement.
As Luca turned around, he suddenly realized a large group of handsome men had gathered around him. They were all supermodels, and even first and second-tier models were standing at a distance, pointing and staring with envy.
"Hey, Luca, I heard you made $500 as an extra on set yesterday?"
"Haha, Luca, you scored two big contracts earlier this year—why are you working as an extra now?"
"Luca, your sister is a famous author. Do you really need to work as an extra to make money?"
A group of men surrounded him, bombarding him with questions like a bunch of gossiping women.
Luca grinned. These handsome guys looked like gods when they weren't talking or smiling, but the moment they opened their mouths, their cool aura completely vanished.
"Luca, did you really work as an extra yesterday? You're a supermodel!"
Blue-eyed David Gandy asked in surprise.
Luca raised an eyebrow. "Is working as an extra that strange?"
"Of course it is."
Bad boy Eric Rutherford laughed. "You're a supermodel with endorsements. You should be careful when taking side jobs. Have you ever seen a supermodel waiting tables at a hotel?"
Well, Luca actually had. One future supermodel worked as a bartender after retiring.
"Yeah, no matter how tough it gets, as a supermodel, you have to keep up appearances. Hey, Luca, what happened to your face?"
Former top earner Noah Mills asked in shock.
"Wow, Luca, is that makeup for an injury?"
"Luca, this is a clever move. I bet you'll catch the eye of every designer in the room!"
"Luca, you're a genius. At Fashion Week, you stunned everyone. You'll definitely do it again today!"
The group of gossipers started clucking again.
Luca shook his head. "I got a minor injury on set yesterday. It's a real wound, not makeup."
"Really?"
Eric Rutherford leaned in to take a closer look. "Looks real. You really pushed yourself hard for $500."
"Hey, it's not easy for anyone!"
"True, do you guys know Matthew? I heard he slept with that old witch for a month to get the Bill Cardin endorsement."
"That's nothing. Remember the seven-day trip to Phuket? Four models ended up in the hospital."
"That's true. Some guy named Thomas Mitton from my agency went on that trip and came back a lot thinner."
"Sleeping with women is one thing, but have you heard about Ben Hill and a few—"
"Shh, stop! Ben Hill is coming."
At that warning, everyone turned to look. Sure enough, a pale, thin man with no beard was approaching. It was Ben Hill, the former bearded model and now the top-earning male model.
"Hey, Ben!"
As soon as Ben arrived, many people flocked to chat with him.
When the crowd moved away, Luca instantly felt a lot cooler.
Just as he was about to leave, Ben Hill pushed past everyone and walked straight up to him.
"Heh, nice makeup!"
Ben Hill sneered, raising his chin high. "Trying to use cheap tricks to get attention again? This time, you're going to be disappointed."
Luca shrugged. "I've never used cheap tricks, and I'm too proud to. As for what happened last time, I should thank you. Without your encouragement, I wouldn't have become so strong."
"You!"
Ben Hill's temper flared at the memory of last time, which had completely changed his life, sending him down a path of no return.
That incident was like a ticking time bomb inside him, ready to explode with the slightest trigger.
Gritting his teeth, he spat, "That had nothing to do with me! It was all your scheming. You stole my endorsement and ruined my career with that shameless stunt. You're despicable and sly—"
"Shut up!"
Luca's eyes suddenly turned cold. His dark pupils became sharp and arrogant as he squinted and said calmly, "Who do you think you are to bare your fangs at me?"
Ben Hill was momentarily stunned by Luca's sudden burst of energy, standing frozen in place.
Luca gave him a cold glance and turned to leave.
"Oh my god, Luca just got so scary all of a sudden!"
"Yeah, Ben Hill looked totally freaked out."
"Luca seems so mild-mannered, but he can turn terrifying in an instant."
The surrounding crowd murmured to each other.
"Luca!!"
It wasn't until Luca had walked far away that Ben Hill snapped out of it, his face flushing with embarrassment and anger. He clenched his fists tightly, looking ready to fight, and the people around him stepped back.
"Ben, calm down!"
His agent, James, stepped in and placed a hand on his shoulder. "The endorsement is almost locked in, and Ms. Aniston has given her approval. This is not the time to do anything stupid."
"Take your hand off me!"
Ben Hill gave him a disgusted look and said coldly, "I secured that endorsement myself. I know how important it is. I don't need you reminding me."
"Okay!"
James raised his hands in surrender.
Ben Hill let out a cold snort, staring daggers at Luca from across the room. But just then, a woman approached, and his whole demeanor changed, a bright smile spreading across his face.
"Good evening, Ms. Aniston. I'm Ben Hill, and I'm thrilled to be working with you!"
"Hello!"
Jennifer Aniston nodded slightly, but as she was about to speak, her eyes lit up, and she walked toward another handsome man. "Hi, Luca!"
"Luca?!!"
Ben Hill froze, alarm bells ringing in his head. Luca and Ms. Aniston knew each other—and they were close?
The end of this chapter.
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