Chapter 135: Choosing an Assistant

On 43rd Street in Manhattan, in a restaurant called Lima's, a lavish breakfast was spread across the table.

Golden slices of toasted bread gave off a sweet, wheat-like aroma in the morning air.

A fruit platter with strawberries, blueberries, and melons was enticingly fresh, drawing the eye and appetite.

A serving of ham and green beans was being shared, with thinly sliced Spanish ham and vibrant green beans glistening on the plate.

Each dish added to the symphony of scents, filling the restaurant with delicious aromas.

"Since we started dating, I've gained at least two pounds!" 

Lima, spearing a green bean with her fork, took a firm bite and gazed at him with her brown eyes, a mix of playful annoyance.

"You're welcome!" 

Luca put down his plate, wiped his hands with a napkin, and began to enjoy the hearty breakfast.

"Did I say I was thanking you?" 

Lima pouted her full red lips, clearly a little dissatisfied.

"I think you should."

"Why?" 

Lima asked, puzzled.

Luca gestured a half-circle with his hand, smiling. "Those two pounds went to your chest and hips. Doesn't that make your figure even more perfect?"

Lima smiled slightly and puffed out her fuller chest. "Alright, thank you, you jerk!"

"No need to thank me, darling, it's my pleasure." 

Luca shrugged, half-joking as he flipped open the newspaper. Being in the entertainment industry, he mostly kept up with celebrity news.

On June 20th, Johnny Depp's new film *Pirates of the Caribbean* wrapped up shooting.

Another Disney animated film, *Finding Nemo,* was about to be released.

Actress Demi Moore, after divorcing Bruce Willis, had started a new relationship with a much younger actor, Ashton Kutcher, who was 16 years her junior.

Among the headlines of big stars and productions, Luca came across one story that caught his own attention:

"Paramount Pictures has completed casting for its new project *Mean Girls.* 

The four main actresses are tentatively set as Lindsay Lohan, Rachel McAdams, and Amanda Seyfried.

Renowned comedian and writer Tina Fey is confirmed to make a cameo appearance.

Surprisingly, Luca Kelly's name appeared on the cast list. 

It is reported that he will play an important role in the new movie. Over the past six months, Luca Kelly has made a mark in the fashion world and delivered notable performances in the entertainment industry.

Recently, he had a guest appearance on HBO's hit series *Sex and the City,* portraying Mr. Chip, sharing a few steamy scenes with Kim Cattrall, sparking much public discussion. His good looks and seasoned acting skills have won over many viewers."

Luca smirked. At last, the papers were speaking some truth. The past few months had seen a lot of negative press about him, with stories ranging from a wardrobe malfunction at Fashion Week, to scandals involving cars and intimate encounters. The stress had been getting to him, but now he could finally relax a little.

"Any funny news?" 

Lima didn't care to read the paper and preferred to listen to Luca summarize the headlines.

Luca chuckled and pointed to one. "Look at this: Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams were spotted holding hands while strolling in L.A. yesterday. The media's speculating that they might be dating after connecting on set."

"And what does that have to do with us?" 

"Everything! Rachel's the lead in *The Notebook.* So once I join the crew, you won't have to worry about me and the lead actress getting involved in any funny business."

Luca smiled lightly.

"Do you really think I'm that petty?" 

Lima bit her silver spoon, clearly displeased.

"You're not? Ah! Don't hit me!" 

Luca winced, quickly pleading for mercy.

"Hmph, I've already got some extra weight. You're coming with me to work out later." 

Lima let go of his hand with a hint of disdain.

"Extra weight? Impossible. Alright, alright, we'll get a good workout in later."

Just after 11 a.m., they finished their workout.

Luca changed into a casual hip-hop jacket and headed back to his apartment on 76th Street.

Kate was about to return, so he called someone to come clean the place, added a few pots of fresh flowers, and rearranged the room a bit. After a few hours, the place looked brand new, though it still lacked a bit of energy. Maybe a party would help.

By around 2 p.m., he drove to the office to pick out a personal assistant.

"Take a look!" 

In the office of the general manager, Mrs. Katie Ford, smoking with authority, tossed a folder at him.

"These candidates were selected based on your criteria. See if you're satisfied."

"Thanks!" 

Luca opened the folder.

The first candidate was a 38-year-old Black woman, heavyset and sturdy, somewhat resembling a flight attendant.

She had 10 years of experience, was physically strong, and skilled at driving.

Luca couldn't help but smile wryly. This one could be a bodyguard.

The second candidate was a thin-faced white woman, 33 years old, with five years of experience. She was good at wardrobe styling, makeup, and basic cooking.

This one seemed promising.

The third was a 26-year-old woman, looking sharp in her suit in the photo, attractive and stylish. After graduating from college, she worked as a telemarketer for a while, spoke three languages, and was good at socializing, but had no experience as an assistant.

Luca raised his eyebrows—this one was a bit too pretty, not quite what he had in mind.

"Is there a problem?" 

Mrs. Katie Ford asked coolly.

"I said I wanted someone plain-looking." 

Luca said, puzzled.

Katie Ford glanced at him. "You barely glanced at the first two candidates for a minute, but you spent three minutes on the third. Hmph."

Luca felt a bit embarrassed. Well, it was undeniable—she did catch his eye!

"Are you going to pick the third one?" 

Katie Ford smiled. "Her name's Joyma, and she's pretty good. She wants to be an assistant first, then a manager. If your workload increases in the future, you'll need an executive assistant, and she could easily step up."

Luca felt satisfied but also a bit conflicted about going against his original preference.

"Wait, there's one more candidate?" 

Luca flipped the page, surprised.

"Yes, the fourth is a backup—Ed's recommendation."

"Tony?" 

Luca saw the familiar face in the fourth candidate's profile—it was Tony, the mortician.

"Wasn't he going to Hollywood?" 

"Do you think I'd know?" 

Katie Ford tapped her cigarette ash, uninterested.

"Fair enough!" 

The boss lady really wouldn't know.

Luca still wasn't sure who to choose. "I need to interview them."

"Go ahead." 

(End of Chapter)