บท 37: **Chapter 37: The First Paycheck**
*Ding ding ding!*
In downtown Manhattan, on Worth Street, there's an abandoned subway station.
This subway station has been out of service for over 40 years, and everything around it reeks of decay. The remnants of an early urban era linger here.
Even though it's abandoned, the walls of the subway are covered in artistic graffiti.
A few dim traffic lights struggle to illuminate the old subway, but amid the gloom, a subtle artistic vibe starts to emerge.
Today, the crew came here to shoot an outdoor scene.
Luca stood by the subway entrance in a denim outfit, standing on a track that still shimmered with metallic luster.
Behind him was the architecture of a bygone era, while in front of him lay the prosperity of the new.
At the intersection of the old and new stood Luca's fashionable outfit and the graffiti on the wall.
The ad campaign was designed to convey a message: times keep moving forward, but classics and art never fade away.
Luca didn't fully grasp the sentiment behind the concept, but it didn't stop him from playing his part.
Following the director's cue, he tugged on his collar and struck a cool pose. Behind him, three other models stood, scattered across the tracks, striking rebellious poses.
They looked like a group of rebellious youths.
"Good!"
The director shouted, ending the shoot.
"That's a wrap!"
It was past five in the afternoon, and the day's work was done. The crew began packing up, ready to head out for drinks.
"Luca, great job. You're really getting the hang of this."
Ed, carrying a black leather bag and dressed in a suit, walked down the subway stairs. The sunset illuminated his face, making him look even darker, with his teeth shining even whiter. He had recently dyed his hair too, getting rid of the white strands on his temples, and his overall energy was great.
"Ed, I know you're busy. No need to come down here every day. I'm doing fine."
Luca took a sip of coffee from his cup, smiling. Ed was juggling two other signed models besides him, so he had a lot on his plate.
"Haha, but there's good news this time, so I had to come!"
Ed smiled and pulled a check from his bag.
Luca took it and, upon seeing it, raised his eyebrows, a smile lighting up his face.
It was a check from National Bank for $100,000.
"This is the money from selling your script," Ed said with a grin.
"Well, that's certainly good news!"
Luca shook the check, listening to its crisp sound, feeling a wave of satisfaction. He'd been living off others for so long, and now he finally had something to show for it.
"Ed, as we agreed, ten percent is yours. Deduct it from the next endorsement fee?"
"Sounds good!"
The endorsement was worth $500,000, and Luca had a 60/40 split with the company and his agent. Compared to the script sale, the endorsement was where the real money was.
"Ed, I've written two more scripts recently. I'll bring them to you tomorrow and you can help manage them."
"Two more scripts?!" Ed was surprised.
"Yep, they're both about soccer."
Since he had free time, he'd copied two more soccer-themed movie scripts, *She's the Man* and *Kicking & Screaming*, both of which had decent box office numbers. Selling them would be an easy way to make extra cash.
"You're really full of surprises."
Ed couldn't help but feel amazed.
When he first noticed Luca, it was because of his looks and aura. He didn't expect Luca to be so talented—writing novels, scripts, and with decent quality at that. It was a pleasant surprise. Still, wasn't the original plan for Hollywood? Maybe this was a little off track?
No, once the commercial is done, we need to get him back to auditions.
"Luca!"
The crew had dispersed, and Miranda waved from the top of the subway stairs.
She was wearing an oversized wool coat, carrying a pink backpack. She was tall, with a sweet smile, looking like a college student.
"See you tomorrow!"
Luca waved back, striking a cool pose with his fingers.
Miranda hesitated for a moment, then walked up the steps, the long strap of her backpack playfully slapping her hips. It was a bit lazy and kind of funny.
"Ed, what do you think of her?"
"She's a pretty girl, could make a good actress."
Ed observed her for a few seconds and gave his verdict.
"What about as a model?"
"Sure, she's a model now, isn't she?"
"Do you think she could become a supermodel?"
"Her?"
Ed looked again. "No. She's a bit short, her calves are too short, and she's a little chubby. She also lacks that commanding presence. Compare her to your sister, Gisele, or Eugenia—next to them, this girl looks like a kid."
Luca smirked. Ed's analysis was spot on. Compared to Gisele Bündchen, the current Miranda did seem like a naïve girl. Even if she became a supermodel one day, it would probably be thanks to tabloid headlines. On the big runways, she'd be crushed by the likes of Bündchen or Lima.
"Ed, I think she's got potential. It's the 21st century now. Models like Kate Moss, who are praised for being super thin, are gradually falling out of the mainstream. The fashion world will become more inclusive and diverse, and pretty faces like Miranda's will become more common. If you're interested, check out her profile. She's not even nineteen yet, lots of potential. Just a suggestion."
With that, Luca went into the RV to change out of his outfit. Not wearing any undergarments under new clothes felt uncomfortable, and a bit chilly too.
"Luca, I'll think about what you said."
Ed said softly.
Luca smiled. "I'm giving you a potential star; it's up to you to take it or leave it."
"But…"
Ed hesitated and then said, "Luca, you're not interested in that girl, are you?"
"What?"
Luca tilted his head.
Ed grinned. "Luca, you've got a girlfriend. Lima's a great girl. She's one of the few supermodels in the industry with almost no scandals."
Luca burst into laughter. "Ed, Ed, I'm just recommending talent, not trying to cheat. No need to worry about that."
"Haha! Luca, don't mind me. I just hope you have a warm, happy, and stable family while pursuing your career, just like me and Nina."
Ed smiled happily.
Luca was a bit touched. He walked down from the RV and gently hugged Ed's shoulder.
"Thanks for the reminder, Ed. I'll cherish everything I have."
"Haha!"
Ed patted him on the shoulder.
It was nearly six, and night was falling.
Darkness gradually engulfed the abandoned subway, the traffic lights in the tunnel dimming one by one, like a black curtain slowly covering the old era.
*Whoosh whoosh.*
Suddenly, eerie winds echoed from deep in the dark tunnel, urging people to pick up their pace as they left.
Climbing the stairs, they reached the parking lot.
Luca got into his car, a black Ford.
*Beep beep!*
Ed honked twice and drove off first.
Luca waved as the car slowly pulled out of the parking lot.
Outside the abandoned station, only a few streetlights lit up the long road. Compared to other parts of New York, this area seemed much quieter.
Under the dim lights, a tall girl with a pink backpack walked slowly, keeping her head down and steering clear of the looming figures nearby.
Luca honked twice and slowly pulled up.
"Hey Miranda, need a ride?"
(End of chapter)
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