Model to Holywood

Luca made a little joke and then dragged his suitcase into the villa across the street—a red, pointed-roofed, gothic-style building.

In the yard, two tall red maple trees grew, their branches lush and full in the summer. Sunlight filtered through the leaves into the windows, accompanied by the chirping of cicadas.

*Sss~ Sss~*

The sound wasn't exactly friendly.

The villa had two floors. Upstairs, there were three large bedrooms, one for him, director Mark, and assistant director Luis.

Luca stayed in the east guest room. It was fully furnished, with new bedding and a stylish interior design.

The window faced the main road of the villa area, where cars came and went, giving it a lively vibe.

After closing the window, he opened his suitcase and organized his belongings. With only three days of work, he hadn't brought much besides some books and clothes—not even Tony.

He sat on the bed and stared out at the maple tree leaves for a while.

*Ring, ring, ring~*

His phone rang.

"Hey, Luca, how's the view in Toronto?" 

Kate asked on the phone.

"It's similar to New York, just with maples instead of pine trees."

Luca lay down, staring at the ceiling, and replied softly.

"That's such a boring explanation."

Kate chuckled lightly. "Are you coming back to New York after filming?"

Was he going back?

Luca thought about it. Toronto was near New York State, less than 800 kilometers from New York City, which would take less than half a day by car.

"I won't be going back for now. After this, I'll be heading to San Francisco with the 'Honey' crew for promotions."

"Is it because I'm dating someone?"

"What?"

"I'm in a relationship, so you don't want to come back to New York to see me?"

"Oh, it's not that."

Luca sat up and said, "You know, I used to encourage you to find a boyfriend. I don't mind at all. I'll be back after the movie promotions."

"You encouraged me before?"

"."

Luca thought for a moment. "Maybe, probably!"

"Haha, well, I took your advice. Are you happy now?"

"Yeah, sure."

Luca forced a smile.

"Really? Well, enjoy your time in Toronto!"

Kate smiled, biting her lip, and put her phone away as she walked back into the hall.

In the lobby of the fifteenth floor of Trump Tower, Manhattan, lights shone brightly, and people bustled about.

Today was the second round of the Polo Design Contest.

More than fifty design groups were displaying their work in the hall for guests to view, including Kate and Lima's Expression series and Rainbow series.

After the exhibition, the organizers would announce which designs made it to the finals.

Both Kate and Lima had been invited to the party.

"Hi, Ms. Kelly, it's great to see you!"

"Ms. Kelly, your work is impressive!"

"Hi, Ms. Kelly, I'm registered designer Porter Grant. It's a pleasure to meet you!"

As Kate passed by, men eagerly greeted her—some were competing designers, others judges, and some were fashion industry elites.

They were all captivated by Kate's presence.

She was tall, dressed in a white shirt and black wide-leg pants. Her simple black-and-white outfit carried an effortless charm. Wearing only a platinum necklace and watch, she still exuded a luxurious aura.

In a crowd of fashion elites, she shone like a diamond—impossible to ignore.

Kate responded politely before making her way to Lima.

Lima stood in front of the exhibition platform, her shiny chestnut curls flowing down her back. She wore a light purple off-the-shoulder dress, her figure sensually striking.

"Your butt looks even bigger!" 

Kate smirked as she walked over and gave her a hug.

"Lima, what are you looking at?"

"Nothing, Mr. Graphie was just explaining his work to me."

Lima pointed to the man in his thirties beside her.

"Ms. Kelly, I'm Michael Graphie, a registered designer with Checkered House. It's an honor to meet you."

The man introduced himself politely.

Kate nodded slightly and glanced at the displayed work. "Mr. Graphie is very talented!"

"Haha, thanks for the compliment! I graduated from the University of Chicago's design program and interned for three years in Helena's fashion department. 

"After that, I fully entered the design field, participating in three major competitions and winning third place. 

"My designs were even featured in *Vogue*, and I received praise from Anna Wintour. In terms of design, you could say I'm half her student."

He spoke proudly.

Kate pressed her lips together slightly. "Mr. Graphie's resume is impressive!"

"Yes, I just need an opportunity. If I get one, I'm sure I can lead global fashion trends like Ms. Wintour. This competition is my chance. I'm confident my work will be selected."

The man said excitedly.

Kate glanced at Lima. This guy was amusing.

Lima shrugged. She had already heard this spiel once—it was an unimpressive brag. Clearly, his emotional intelligence was lacking.

"Everyone, please pay attention. The second-round results are in!"

The music stopped as a man in his fifties took the stage, catching everyone's attention.

This man was Ralph Lauren, chief designer at Polo and a legend in the fashion industry.

"Kate, the results are about to be announced. Are you nervous?"

Lima asked, looking at the stage.

"Not really. I have a feeling our design will make it."

Kate smiled.

"That's unlikely!"

The man next to them chimed in, "Twenty of the works that made it this far were created by professional designers. You're just amateurs, so making the finals will be tough."

"Is that so?"

Kate raised an eyebrow and looked toward the stage.

Of the 53 entries, only 8 would make it to the finals.

"Bike Series!"

"Holiday Series!"

Mr. Lauren announced seven finalists, each causing a round of cheers. When it came to the eighth, he paused slightly.

"It has to be mine. It has to be mine!"

Graphie clenched his fists.

"The eighth group!"

Mr. Lauren scanned the room and shouted, "Rainbow Series!"

"Kate, we actually made it!" Lima said, surprised.

"How is that possible?"

Mr. Graphie exclaimed, "I saw your designs—the Expression series is too simple, and the Rainbow series lacks a primary color scheme. How could you be chosen?"

Kate glanced at him. "Maybe you're right, but some competitions aren't just about the work."

"What do you mean?"

Graphie didn't understand.

Kate didn't respond. Instead, she grabbed Lima and headed toward the stage.

"Ms. Kelly, congratulations!"

"Ms. Adriana, congrats to you both!"

"You're the only non-professional group to make it! That's amazing!"

People around them congratulated the two women.

"Thank you!"

"Kate, how did you know we'd be chosen?"

That night, after the exhibition, Lima and Kate climbed into a Mercedes.

Gina started the car slowly.

"It's simple. First, for amateurs, our designs are pretty good. Second, compared to the other designers, we're more famous. Having a celebrity team like ours brings more attention to the contest."

Lima frowned, thinking her logic made sense.

"So we were just used by the organizers?"

"What does it matter? For our first design competition, making the finals is already great."

Kate stretched out her legs and gently massaged her ankle.

"So, this is as far as we go?"

"Probably. Winning is hard—unless a miracle happens."

Kate shook her head.

Even a miracle wouldn't help. Anna Wintour was one of the final judges.

She sighed softly and, while pressing on her ankle, asked, "Lima, how's Luca been these past few days?"

"Not good!" Lima chuckled, "Ever since he found out you had a boyfriend, he's been in a terrible mood. Every morning, he's been punishing himself in the gym—like he's torturing himself."

Lima laughed again.

"That petty guy!" 

Kate cracked her knuckles, itching to tug on someone's ear.

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