**Chapter 12: Mount & Blade**

At noon, the crew took a break, and Ed arrived, dressed in a sharp suit and carrying several coffees for the team.

"Luca, how does it feel shooting your first scene?" Ed asked as he set down the coffee.

"Not bad!" Luca smiled. "It's just a little cold filming without clothes."

"Hahaha~" Ed patted his arm. "Don't worry, you'll get used to it!"

"Get used to it?" Luca raised an eyebrow, slightly displeased. "Ed, don't tell me you're planning to have me keep playing these kinds of roles?"

"Haha, no, no," Ed laughed, then brought up something else.

"Luca, there's an Armani ready-to-wear fashion show at Lincoln Center next week. I submitted your portfolio along with some other models, and you got an invite. Interested in earning some extra cash?"

"Armani?" Luca was surprised. "That's a world-class brand. My portfolio clearly states that I'm a rookie. Why would they choose me?"

After joining Ford Modeling Agency, there were free training sessions for models. Out of curiosity, he participated for a while, but it was just practice—he hadn't actually done a runway show yet and wasn't a full-fledged model.

Ed chuckled softly. "Because you're with Ford. Models from Ford are always a good value. Plus, you're new. New faces are cheaper and fit fresh designs better."

Ed then explained the rules of the modeling industry. It's highly competitive and rapidly evolving. New faces are popular but also easier to replace.

Statistics show that among the models who walk the runways during the Big Four Fashion Weeks, about 47% vanish without a trace after their brief moment in the spotlight. So, using new talent is the norm in the fashion world.

Using only supermodels is too expensive, and sometimes, a famous model's face can overshadow the clothing.

Luca started to understand, "How much is the appearance fee?"

"Two thousand dollars."

"That low?"

Kate's starting rate was thirty thousand, and the highest-paid model at the time, Gisele Bündchen, earned two hundred thousand per show—one hundred times what Luca would make.

"Luca, you're new. The Armani fashion show is a big stage. It's also a great learning opportunity."

"Alright, I'm in!"

Two thousand dollars for a runway show, about ten dollars per step, compared to the fifteen hundred dollar fee he got for playing a minor role—where he had to strip and get ridden by someone.

Modeling seemed like quicker money in comparison.

"By the way, Ed, did you read the script I gave you?"

A few days ago, Luca had finished writing *Goal*, registered the copyright, and handed it to Ed.

"Luca, your script is amazing. The quality is so high that I can't believe a beginner like you wrote something this mature. It's impressive!"

Ed praised him repeatedly.

"It's nothing, just my own story," Luca smiled modestly.

"Haha, I can see that. I'm just surprised by your writing skills. It's rare. You might want to consider writing a novel."

Luca smiled faintly. "I'll think about it, Ed. But right now, I'm more concerned about the script. Do you think a film company will pick it up?"

"Luca, don't rush it. I submitted the script to several film companies and even pulled some strings for an early review. It takes time to get feedback."

"Alright!"

Break time ended, and filming resumed.

This was the second bedroom scene. In this part, Chip and Samantha were in bed when several FBI agents barged in, arresting Chip on charges of insider trading.

The reason? In the previous scene, Chip had revealed stock market secrets to Samantha while they were in bed.

"Yeah! Yeah!" Luca, lying in bed, shouted excitedly.

"Luca, give me more! Be more excited!" Director Darren shouted.

"Yes, sir!" Luca replied.

"Sorry, Kim, I've dragged you into this again," Luca apologized to the actress on top of him, Ms. Kim Cattrall.

Kim smiled lightly. "It's alright, Luca. With such a strong and handsome prince, I don't mind staying on top a bit longer."

Luca smiled sheepishly.

Even though he had lived two lives, when it came to feeling embarrassed, he still couldn't outdo this foreign woman.

"Scene two, take two, action!"

The clapperboard snapped.

"#$%^&*" Luca shouted louder, letting himself go completely. Back when he worked as a screenwriter, he often hung out on set, watching many actors perform and directors teach newbies.

Directors would often tell beginners that being an actor was like becoming a monk—you first had to learn to let go of yourself. Let go of manners and shame, unconditionally liberate yourself, and constantly push your limits in order to tap into your full potential.

In simple terms, learn how to be shameless.

"Oh@*%%" Luca shouted excitedly, vibrating with energy.

"Haha~" Kim couldn't help but laugh.

"Kim, is there a problem?" The director sighed, forced to stop again.

"No, hahaha~" Kim giggled as she lay her head on Luca's chest.

Luca raised an eyebrow. Was it really that funny?

"Sorry, Luca," Kim straightened up, still laughing. "Looks like I'll have to sit on you a little longer."

What could Luca say? "It's my honor?"

"Scene two, take three, action!"

The clapperboard snapped again.

"Oh yeah~" The set grew lively once more.

This time, the shoot went smoothly and wrapped in one take.

After two bedroom scenes, Luca's voice was hoarse, and he was freezing.

Thankfully, there was only one scene left—the first time Chip and Samantha meet.

It was nighttime, under the dim lights of an apartment building.

Luca, dressed in a luxury suit and sporting a slick hairstyle, stylishly stepped out of a Hummer.

This Hummer was part of the new H2 SUV concept series. Its black, shiny body, rugged lines, and large, imposing size made it look fierce, though it wasn't as smooth as a Ferrari.

Both the Hummer H2 and the suit he wore were product placements, meant to show that Chip was a successful man.

Chip shut the Hummer door, holding his keys as he walked to the apartment entrance and opened the door.

"Please wait!" Samantha called out, running up to him and smiling as she stood in front of him. "Thank you, I live here. These are my keys."

Chip introduced himself. "I'm Chip Gickandy. I just moved in."

"Samantha Jones. I live on the third floor!" Samantha said, her eyes burning with intensity.

"I live on the fourth. You're right below me," Chip said with a smirk, his tone slightly flirtatious.

"Haha, what a coincidence."

Samantha glanced at his car and smiled. "That's a nice ride. I love Hummers."

This line was both an advertisement and a way to seduce Chip, using the Hummer as a metaphor for a strong man.

Chip glanced at the Hummer behind him, flashing a charming smile.

"Cut!"

Chip and Samantha's scene was done.

Three scenes in a day—not fast, but not slow either.

Luca removed his suit and handed it to the crew's wardrobe staff.

"Luca, want to grab a drink?" Kim waved from her car as she prepared to leave.

Luca hesitated for a moment. Was this a date?

He shrugged and replied, "Kim, I'm too tired today. All I want is to find a bed and sleep."

"Haha, alright. Goodnight!"

Kim started her car and drove off.

"Luca, you missed a great opportunity!" someone on the crew teased.

Luca shrugged. "Mark, you know I've been ridden all day. Even a horse would be tired."

The crew froze for a second before erupting into laughter.

"Oh, poor Luca. You've had a rough day."

"Luca, you were yelling so loud during filming, I thought you were enjoying it!"

"Hahaha~"

Suddenly, a fiery red Ferrari screeched to a stop by the roadside.

"Luca!" someone called from the car.

Everyone turned to look. Wow, what a beauty.

The woman behind the wheel was stunning, with flowing blonde hair, full, sexy red lips, and a low-cut white rock-style blazer. She looked effortlessly cool and incredibly alluring.

"Kate, what are you doing here?"

"I finished my shoot and thought I'd swing by. Hop in!" Kate tilted her head.

Luca smiled, said goodbye to the crew, and got in the car.

Vroom~

The red Ferrari shot off like a rocket into the distance.

"Wow~ what a stunner."

"Luca's in for a great night!"

"Lucky guy!"

The crew watched the car speed away with envy. No wonder he turned down Kim's invitation—he had such a gorgeous girlfriend. It made them all jealous.

Chapter end.