บท 20: Chapter 20: Is There Still a Chance?
**"Best New Model? No, He's Just a Junkie."**
Yesterday, while many fashion magazines and newspapers were still abuzz about Luca, *The New York American* suddenly released a very different story.
*The New York American* is the most famous tabloid in the U.S., formerly known as *The New York News*.
Its editorial policy is to spare no expense in obtaining firsthand news, often using sensational images to grab readers' attention. It loves to report on celebrity gossip, scandals, and divorce cases.
This newspaper is arguably one of the most shameless in the country.
This time, in the entertainment section, *The New York American* reported on the new "supermodel" Luca, using a contrarian approach to capture readers' interest.
As usual, *The New York American* used a lot of images to back up its story.
**Image 1:** Luca squatting in a corner, face pale, gritting his teeth, looking grim.
**Caption:** Luca experiencing withdrawal symptoms right before going on stage, preparing to take a drug pill.
**Image 3:** Luca standing energetically on the runway.
**Caption:** Luca forcing himself on stage after taking the drug pill.
**Image 7:** Luca lying naked on the cold floor to relieve his pain.
**Caption:** After completing his second show, Luca took another drug pill, but overdosed and collapsed on the floor, unconscious.
**Image 9:** Luca being carried to a vehicle on a stretcher by Ed and others.
**Caption:** Luca fell into a coma after taking too many drug pills and was taken away by ambulance.
The newspaper used nine images to "prove" that Luca was taking drugs, portraying him as a problematic model.
While the modeling industry does have its share of issues—drug use, promiscuity, suicide, HIV—on the surface, at least, it presents a glamorous and polished image.
A problematic model has no future because very few brands want a troubled model representing their products.
And this report confirmed that Luca was an unhealthy model.
At the end of the article, *The New York American* mocked, "Is the fashion industry really in such dire need of talent? Why are so many media outlets simultaneously promoting an obscure new model?
Is it for PR fees?
Oh, come on, folks, you can't do that. As journalists, our reporting must be objective, fair, and truthful. We can't just blindly hype up a newcomer and claim he's on par with veteran supermodels.
Oh, maybe you're right. That just means the quality of supermodels has declined.
Mr. Marton from *Details*, you said Luca has a 'raw energy' about him. I think that's just the result of his drug use. You said he's the most promising new model of the year? I think your expectations have already fallen flat.
Oh, and Mr. Frank from Armani, I heard you're considering Luca for your new denim ad. Are you sure about that?!"
"F**k!"
Kate furiously threw the newspaper to the ground. Seeing the painful images of Luca on the paper made her heart ache, yet the newspaper slandered Luca for drug use.
"F**k, f**k, I'm going to sue them until they're bankrupt!"
"Kate, calm down. Drug use in the fashion world is not uncommon, and Luca didn't actually use any. We can explain."
Lima tried to calm her down.
"No, some things can't be explained away."
Kate shook her head. In the modeling industry, drug use might be brushed off, but once it's brought to the forefront, it's a big deal.
For a newcomer to face such news right as they're starting out is like pouring boiling water on a young sapling.
Luca also felt a bit helpless after reading the report. Several newspapers and magazines had covered his performance at the Armani fashion show over the past few days. Some genuinely believed he performed well, while others were the result of PR efforts by Ed and Kate. They used their company's network to promote him, turning him into a famous model.
And it was working.
Unfortunately, just as success was within reach, someone came along to muddy the waters with a swift and brutal move, catching everyone off guard.
If this issue isn't clarified, Luca's path in the fashion industry would be cut short. But even if they explain it, what good will it do?
Right now, Armani is selecting models for its denim fashion ad.
If he misses this chance, the next opportunity will be far off.
"Kate, don't worry just yet,"
Luca said, holding Kate's hand to calm her. "Ed, what do you think we should do?"
Ed was an experienced agent. He shouldn't lose his composure in crisis management.
After pondering for a moment, Ed spoke slowly, "First, these photos were taken by backstage staff, most likely your temporary assistant, John."
Luca nodded; there were partitions in the dressing areas, and John was the only one present at the time.
"According to the rules, staff members are not allowed to take photos backstage, let alone sell photos of the models. John broke the rules, and the organizers also bear some responsibility. We can ask the organizers for help with the investigation. If necessary, we can sue John and *The New York American*."
Ed spoke steadily.
"No, the litigation process is too long. We're Brazilians, and regardless of the lawsuit's outcome, Luca will miss the chance to be the face of Armani."
Kate shook her head, disagreeing with this approach.
Ed sighed. "Kate, Frank's assistant already called. Luca has lost this opportunity."
"What?!"
Kate was furious. "How could this happen!"
"Kate, don't get upset. I'm just a newcomer. I never expected to become a supermodel overnight or to land this endorsement. It wasn't mine to begin with, so losing it doesn't mean much."
Luca initially hadn't planned to be a model. He aimed to be an actor, writing scripts and novels on the side. Modeling was just a way to make some pocket money. He never anticipated this series of events.
Everything happened so quickly; it was dizzying.
"Luca, you shouldn't think like that. You pushed through the pain to complete three shows and performed brilliantly, earning recognition and praise. This endorsement is rightfully yours."
Kate said firmly, her eyes like sharp swords.
In her career, she always aimed to perform her best, to seize every opportunity. She would never hand over benefits that were rightfully hers.
Luca didn't want to argue with her, so he asked again, "Ed, is there any way to salvage this?"
"There is! The day you got injured saving someone on the street, if we can find a few eyewitnesses and surveillance footage to prove you saved a life, then there won't be any problem."
"That's right!"
Kate exclaimed excitedly. "If we can find these two things, or the baby's parents, not only can we turn the tables, but we can also make Luca a city hero."
Lima agreed. "Luca, did you get the young mother's contact information?"
Luca shrugged helplessly. "I never thought this would happen, and I didn't expect any reward, so I didn't get her information."
"What a pity,"
Lima sighed.
"Luca, you're an idiot. Doing good deeds without expecting anything in return—what do you think you are, Superman? You're dumber than a three-toed sloth!"
Kate scolded him without hesitation.
Luca hung his head, not daring to argue. In his previous life, he was taught that doing good deeds without expecting anything in return was virtuous, so he hadn't even asked for the woman's name.
Kate rubbed her forehead. "Ed, is there surveillance on the street in front of Hearst Plaza?"
"I'll go check!"
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