**Chapter 8: Soaked to the Skin**

Upper East Side, New York City, Apartment on 76th Street.

In the dining room, Luca and Kate were having breakfast.

"Luca, do you think Ed would still want to be your agent if he knew about you?"

"Doesn't matter. Someone as exceptional as me doesn't need to worry about appreciation."

"Haha, it's good that you think that way!"

"Of course, I've always been optimistic."

Luca shrugged, taking big bites of peppered beef, corn on the cob, baked eggs, and pancakes—a very hearty breakfast.

Kate's breakfast was much simpler: fruit salad, toast, and oatmeal—a completely vegetarian meal. 

As a model, she's very strict about her diet, eating only low-fat, low-calorie, anti-aging foods—nuts, fruits, vegetables, and a bit of fish. It's almost like she's on an elf's diet.

Gulp~

Luca heard someone swallowing. He grinned and cut a piece of beef, offering it.

"Kate, want some?"

"Do you want to die?"

Kate glared, gritting her teeth, her brows like sharp swords drawn from their sheath.

"Alright then!"

Luca didn't dare argue, obediently withdrawing his hand. "Kate, you work out a lot every day and still diet; that's not good for your health."

"So what? I'm a model!"

Kate calmly said while eating blueberries.

"Have you ever thought about quitting?"

"Quit? Haha~ If I quit, how would we survive in America?"

Kate looked at him curiously.

"There's me! I can earn money and support us!"

Luca put down his fork, speaking earnestly, "Kate, you say I'm a genius, and I agree with you. So I've decided to work seriously, make money, and before long, I'll be a billionaire."

"A billionaire?"

Kate chuckled, biting the silver spoon. "Alright, Luca, when you're a billionaire, we'll go back to Brazil, buy a big estate, build a mansion, and spend our days riding horses, making wine, and growing cocoa, okay?"

"Okay, it's a deal."

Luca bumped his fist against Kate's.

Ding-dong~

Around ten o'clock, the apartment doorbell rang.

Kate put down her magazine and opened the door monitor. Nina and Ed were at the door.

"Good morning."

Kate opened the door, greeting them with a smile.

"Good morning, Kate!"

Ed followed Nina into the apartment, glancing around the living room. "Is Luca home, Kate?"

"Yes, he's in the gym!"

"Oh~"

Ed nodded. Working out is a good sign.

He took the coffee Kate handed him, thanking her. "Kate, I have something to discuss with you and Luca."

"Oh?"

Kate raised an eyebrow. Just as expected?

"Kate, I saw Luca at the pier square yesterday. He's outstanding—his appearance and demeanor are very striking. I'd like to invite him to join Ford Models and be his agent."

"Ed, I already know about this."

Kate spoke up, not wanting to make things awkward. "Have you changed your mind now? But you don't have to worry. I understand your thoughts, and Luca won't mind."

"Changed my mind?"

Ed was taken aback. He spread his hands with a smile. "No, Kate, I haven't changed my mind."

"What?"

Kate was surprised. "You still want to be Luca's agent?"

"Kate, it's true."

Nina smiled, a bit helpless. "I told Ed about Luca's situation, everything, hoping he would reconsider, but he insisted."

"Luca is a promising newcomer. I'm looking forward to working with him."

Ed said sincerely.

"Oh, that's fantastic!"

Kate exclaimed in surprise. Ed is a great agent, more experienced than Nina. He's worked with famous models like Heidi Klum and Courteney Cox and has a wealth of experience.

With his help, Luca's chances of becoming a star increased.

In the apartment's gym, Luca, wearing workout shorts and a T-shirt, was training his upper body strength and leg power on the equipment.

He had been at it for so long that his clothes were soaked with sweat, dripping onto the carpet. Still, he gritted his teeth and continued—one, two, three times.

Ed stood at the door for a while, nodding in satisfaction. This energy is excellent.

"Hey, Luca!"

"Ed, what are you doing here?"

Luca let go of the resistance bands, greeting him.

"Nina and I came together."

Ed flashed a bright smile.

"Ed, I didn't expect you and Nina to be married; what a coincidence."

Luca wiped the sweat off his face, laughing.

"Haha~ I didn't expect you to be Luca either. We've met before, remember? You were in terrible shape then. Yesterday, when Nina mentioned you, I couldn't believe you were the same person."

Luca thought about it but had no impression; he was probably too dazed back then.

"Ed, are you here for something today?"

"Luca, I want to officially be your agent."

Ed said seriously.

His decision to sign Luca wasn't impulsive but something he had planned for a while.

The fashion industry is highly competitive, with supermodel incomes soaring. Mid- to lower-level models not only earn less but also face the risk of being replaced.

Agent incomes are also declining.

The models under his management weren't doing as well as Kate, making his income less than his wife Nina's. He didn't have much say at home.

After six months of careful consideration, he decided to use his resources to cultivate an actor. He searched for a long time before choosing Luca.

This is an attempt, an investment, hoping for a good outcome.

Luca was a bit surprised but also happy. Ed has a good character and strong social skills. Having an agent like him would be beneficial for his career.

"Ed, years from now, people will say you have a great eye."

"Haha, I look forward to that day!"

Since Ed came, Luca ended his workout early.

He took a quick shower in the bathroom, changed into casual wear, and went to the living room.

Kate and Nina were discussing the weekend's winter fashion show.

Luca greeted them and walked straight to the floor-to-ceiling window.

There was a 20-square-foot coffee bar, a well-decorated counter, and two booths by the window.

Sitting in the booth, one could see the bustling Third Avenue below, Lexington Avenue in the distance, and even Central Park.

In his previous life, he had dreamed of owning an apartment like this—gazing out at the metropolis, brewing a cup of coffee, holding a notebook, writing what he wanted to write, leisurely and free.

Now, he had it, but it all belonged to Kate. What he truly wanted, he still had to strive for himself.

"Luca, what kind of person do you want to become?"

Ed withdrew his gaze from the window.

"A rich man."

Luca replied casually.

"Haha, that's right. In New York, everyone wants to be rich."

Ed laughed. "Luca, I told you yesterday I'd arrange a role for you soon. Now I want to change the plan."

"Please, go on."

Luca poured two cups of coffee, sat on the soft sofa, and listened as Ed said, "Luca, you're not fully recovered yet. Acting now might not be a good idea."

"Oh, what do you suggest?"

"First, I suggest you keep working out and build a sexy physique. I'll try to get you some modeling shoots, as well as MV and commercial endorsement work, to hone your performance in front of the camera."

"I have no objections!"

Whether Ed mentioned it or not, he would continue to work out. A healthy body is essential.

"Luca, would you be willing to study at a performing arts school for a while?"

Ed asked gently.

"Go to school?"

Luca pondered. He's a screenwriter, and in the future, he wants to succeed by "borrowing" scripts.

But the previous Luca practiced soccer from a young age and didn't graduate high school, so his education was limited. Suddenly becoming a screenwriter might raise some eyebrows.

Going to school for a while could be a good cover.

"Yes, Luca, you're Brazilian. To establish yourself in the American entertainment industry, you need to blend in and gain recognition.

Starting from school is a good option.

When people ask about your background, you can say you graduated from a performing arts academy in the U.S. rather than being a foreign actor with no acting foundation, which is hard for audiences and media to accept."

Luca nodded. Though the former Luca had a Western appearance, he was still a Brazilian immigrant.

English, French, and Canadian actors can win Oscars, but there's still a bias against actors from developing countries like China, India, and Brazil in Hollywood.

It's like an African actor trying to win the Golden Rooster and Hundred Flowers Award—almost impossible due to prejudice. Even if they do get the award, it's usually for political reasons.

The same bias exists in America.

"Ed, how long do I need to study? I hope it won't be too long."

Luca didn't want to waste precious time in school.

"Half a year or a year, depending on your learning ability."

"Alright then."

(End of the chapter)