**Chapter 153: Ryan's Threat**

"Go for it!"

On Tuesday morning, the eighth day of being on set, Luca stood in front of the mirror and pumped his fist energetically.

Today was finally the big scene, the one where Ron Hammond proposes to Ellie.

The scene takes place at a large party with over a hundred people, including a band, numerous dancers, and party guests.

The main characters for this scene are Ron Hammond, Ellie, Ellie's parents, and the host. The actors involved are himself, Rachel, Joan Allen, Sam Shepard, and Ryan.

Other than him and Rachel, they were all seasoned actors. To avoid being overshadowed, he had to give it his all.

"How are you feeling, nervous?"

In the makeup tent, Rachel asked softly.

"A bit. I'm worried about dragging everyone down," Luca shrugged.

"It's okay. I'm actually nervous too."

"But you don't seem like it."

"Do you want to know why?" Rachel blinked playfully.

"What?"

"Have you heard the story about the two people who encounter a bear? You're the slower runner. With you around, I feel at ease," Rachel threw her head back and laughed.

"You're too cruel!" Luca shook his head. If they really encountered a bear, he was sure he'd run faster than Rachel.

"Luca, are you ready? We need to go on set."

"Ready!"

Luca glanced at the mirror. The person in the mirror was wearing a black pinstripe suit with a red bow tie. His thick, dark eyebrows stood out like sharp swords. In his deep eye sockets were a pair of shiny black eyes. Under his high nose bridge, a sexy, mischievous smile played on his lips.

He looked righteous, cool, and striking.

"Toni, don't you think the makeup on my face is a bit thick?" Luca asked his assistant and makeup artist, Toni, behind him.

The original makeup artist was too talkative and not very skilled, so he was kicked out. Toni liked doing makeup and couldn't sit still, so he temporarily took on the role.

Toni shook his head. "This is party makeup. The lighting inside is a bit dim. To stand out, the makeup has to be a bit thicker."

"Alright then!"

Luca stood up.

Rachel stood up beside him too, wearing a red party dress and looking stunning with her radiant makeup.

"Rachel, you look beautiful!"

"Luca, you look very, very handsome!"

They both spoke in unison.

After speaking, they both burst out laughing.

"Miss Rachel, shall we go?" Luca extended his hand in invitation.

"Of course!"

Rachel placed her hand in his.

They shared a light laugh and walked out of the makeup room.

Today's set was in a luxuriously decorated banquet hall.

After the crew's makeover, the banquet hall looked even more opulent.

A huge crystal chandelier hung from the ceiling. Golden petals bloomed on the red carpet. The golden walls shimmered, making everything look splendid and magnificent.

As Luca and Rachel walked hand in hand into the hall, other actors and extras followed suit.

The men were in suits and the women wore 1950s-60s-style party dresses. The scene resembled a grand party.

Including the crew, there were over two hundred people on set, making it quite lively.

Seeing so many people made Luca feel a lot of pressure.

If they delayed the shoot, all two hundred-plus people would be held up. Each day of delay would cost the production at least a hundred thousand dollars.

No one wanted to be labeled as the weak link in such a setting.

"Hey, you two!"

As they were walking in, a young guy with a cheeky look jumped out from the crowd, blocking their way. He was wearing suspenders, a gray cap, and had a face begging to be punched.

"Ryan?"

"What are you doing here?" Luca and Rachel asked in confusion.

"Hmph, the shoot hasn't started yet. Did you two really need to hold hands?" Ryan Gosling stared at their hands disapprovingly.

"Ryan, it's the director's request. We're supposed to enter like we're attending a party."

"But he didn't ask you to hold hands," Ryan said, clearly not happy.

"Ryan, shut up. We're shooting a scene here," Rachel gave him an annoyed look, noticing John approaching.

"John, what's Ryan doing here?" Rachel asked.

"Ryan insisted on being here," John replied helplessly.

"You said this scene was like a grand party. How could I not join? Look, how do I look?" Ryan tugged on his suspenders and grinned.

"So you're here as an extra?"

"Yes, a free extra!"

"Alright, you can be an extra, but you can't interrupt our shoot. Otherwise, I'll file a complaint with the director. I'm not kidding," Rachel said with a frown.

"Okay, okay, I get it. I was just joking," Ryan chuckled.

"Alright, Ryan, we're about to start filming. You should go to the back, and make sure you don't get your face on camera," John reminded.

"I understand!"

Ryan pulled on his suspenders again and walked over to Luca. He whispered, "Buddy, good luck. This kiss scene better be done in one take. If you dare to delay, I'll push you into the lake tonight."

Then Ryan walked off.

Luca couldn't help but smirk. This guy had already figured out where to push him.

"What did Ryan just say?" Rachel asked.

Luca shrugged. "I think he was cheering me on!"

At around one in the afternoon, everything was ready, and the shoot officially began.

Ding ding dong dong ding ding dong dong~

The music started playing on set.

In the middle of the hall, at a round table, Luca and Rachel were sitting together, acting out the scene where Ron Hammond proposes to Ellie.

"Ellie, I've been thinking lately, why aren't we getting married?" Ron Hammond said, holding Ellie's hand with a slight smile.

"Alright, then tell me, why aren't we getting married?" Ellie asked curiously, as if joking, with a surprised smile on her face.

"That's the problem. I couldn't think of a reason at first, and then it hit me—your parents."

Ron Hammond spread his hands and smiled. "I am the perfect candidate for their son-in-law."

"Really?" Ellie asked in surprise.

"Yes, I'm from the South, I'm wealthy, I have a good job, I'm a great dancer, I'm smart, and I'm handsome too."

"Ugh~" Ellie put a finger in her mouth, pretending to gag.

"Hahaha~"

Ron Hammond chuckled. "So I think we must get married."

"Cut!"

"Luca, your performance isn't natural enough."

"Got it!"

Luca wiped his face and psyched himself up.

"It's okay. I don't mind doing a few more takes indoors," Rachel smiled.

Luca shook his head. He didn't want to be the weak link.

"Scene 13, take 2, shot 3, and... action!"

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