On October 25th, the SUN Series new product launch was held at the Petit Palais Museum.
The event was a huge success.
The SUN Series fashion line received recognition from many renowned designers and caused quite a stir in Europe.
Coverage of the event appeared in magazines like *VMAN*, *Elle*, and *Grazia*.
The French edition of *Vogue* wrote in its latest issue that the SUN Series is the most dazzling highlight of this season's Paris Fashion Week. Its vibrant colors have taken Europe by storm and become a trendy street style.
Thanks to this launch, Kate and Lima's reputations in the fashion world skyrocketed.
Luca also benefited from the exposure. During Paris Fashion Week, he received invitations to 22 fashion shows and secured endorsements for two top French brands, making great strides.
After the fashion week ended, Luca returned to Los Angeles early.
The *Step Up* project officially kicked off, and he dove into the work, traveling back and forth between New York, Los Angeles, and Baltimore for on-location shoots.
Casting actors, discussing the plot, and scouting filming locations kept him busy every day, so much so that he didn't even have time to attend this year's Victoria's Secret Fashion Show.
"This is the main filming location at the Maryland Institute College of Art. During filming, set everything up from here to here exactly as I said. Got it, Jack?"
In Baltimore, Luca walked through the hallway of a local art school, wearing a baseball cap and a tan trench coat, giving instructions.
"Got it!"
Several crew members followed him, quickly taking notes after he spoke.
After the crew was formed, Luca took it upon himself to find filming locations and outdoor settings. After spending over half a month in Baltimore, he managed to recreate all the locations and scenes from the original movie.
In films, the location is just like a picture frame—a good frame can perfectly tie the story together and enhance the quality and realism of the visuals.
This past month, Luca had been racking his brain every day to recall the movie's scenes, so much so that new wrinkles had appeared on his forehead.
Since he took charge, the pace of work had significantly increased, saving both time and a lot of money.
"Remember to remove this bulletin board, and these sculptures…" Luca frowned, thinking hard. "Replace them with two sculptures of dancing female figures."
He pulled a notebook from his pocket and quickly sketched the shape of the sculptures from memory. "Follow this design. You can decide the size and proportions."
"Got it!"
The production assistant nodded.
Luca continued organizing the work.
*Riiiing~*
His phone rang. As soon as he answered, before he could even speak, a voice on the other end bombarded him with questions.
"Christmas is almost here! Are you coming back to Brazil or not? If not, I'm leaving early. You're not the only one in the crew, running around all the time. I haven't seen you for ten days to two weeks."
Luca was stunned for a moment. "Christmas already? Let me check my schedule… Okay, okay, I'll stop. My work is basically done, so I'll leave the rest to them. I'll be back tomorrow or the day after."
Hanging up the phone, Luca shook his head and said to the people around him, "Follow my instructions for now. If there are any issues, just call me. I'm going home for the holidays."
"Okay, boss!"
"Boss, have a great holiday!"
"Mr. Kelly, Merry Christmas in advance!"
Several crew members sighed with relief.
When Luca worked, he was very strict and somewhat domineering.
Once he made a decision, it was final—no one was allowed to argue.
There were a few times when Director Billy had a different opinion, which led to arguments between the two, creating some tension.
Luca kept a stern face, buried in work every day, with no time for entertainment or relaxation. He didn't go to bars or chase women, a far cry from the playboy image portrayed in the tabloids.
At the beginning of the project, everyone fought to work with him, thinking they could have fun while earning money. But two people had already been fired for not taking the work seriously.
"Guess we lost this round!"
Everyone secretly chuckled to themselves.
"You guys have done well,"
Seeing the assistants' expressions, Luca paused for a moment and said, "Each of you will get a $300 weekly bonus. Consider it my treat for drinks."
"..."
Everyone was taken aback, then quickly cheered up.
"Thanks, boss!"
"You earned it,"
Luca waved them off and continued arranging the next scene.
On December 4th, Luca handed over the crew's responsibilities to Annie, Billy, and Mr. Ross, then drove back to New York.
It was December, and the weather in New York had turned cold and dry. Pedestrians were bundled up in thick autumn and winter clothing—black jackets, tan trench coats, wool suits—and even in the cold, they remained stylish.
Back on 76th Street, Luca took off his hat, tidied his hair and clothes at the apartment door, and then gently knocked.
*Click~*
The door opened.
A wave of warmth mixed with a pleasant aroma hit him.
"What are you standing there for? Come in!"
Kate, her long hair tied back and wearing a rainbow apron, stood at the door, the smell of food surrounding her.
"Kate, I missed you!"
Luca warmly hugged her by the shoulders.
Kate smiled and then suddenly wrinkled her nose, sniffing his neck.
"When was the last time you took a shower?"
"Uh, three or four days ago…"
"Three or four days?!"
Kate raised her eyebrows, disgustedly pushing him away.
"Go shower. Throw your clothes straight into the trash. And when was the last time you got a haircut? Don't they have barbers in Baltimore?"
"Too busy, didn't have time!"
Luca chuckled, taking off his coat and stuffing it into a trash bag.
"And you're still smiling?!"
Kate grabbed his ear and started pulling him toward the bathroom.
"I was going to hit you, but you're so dirty, I don't want to get my hands filthy."
"You could always use your feet!"
"You said it!"
Kate lifted her leg as if to kick him.
"Ha! Missed!"
Luca dodged quickly and darted into the bathroom.
"Hmph, I'll deal with you when you come out."
Kate flipped her hair and went into the closet, finding a set of loose clothes to place by the bathroom door.
"Clothes are at the door!"
"Got it!"
"Clean yourself thoroughly, or I'll call two nurses to scrub your back—two 280-pound nurses."
"…You're ruthless!"
"Now you know!"
Kate laughed, turning back into the kitchen.
Half an hour later, Luca emerged from the bathroom smelling of body wash, his skin red from scrubbing.
"Barely clean enough. Come eat!"
In the dining room, Kate waved him over, sparing him from further punishment.
Luca sighed in relief and sat down to eat.
Lunch was lavish—chicken pot pie, pumpkin pie, truffle soup, steak, and, of course, a fresh fruit salad.
"Kate, your cooking gets better every time,"
Luca said after tasting the chicken pie, rich with the savory aroma of onions and butter.
"Then eat more. You've lost weight,"
Kate smiled, pinching his cheek.
"Alright!"
Luca eagerly dug in, showing his true appetite.
Kate, having eaten only a little, put down her fork and quietly watched him, a satisfied smile on her face.
"Honey, are you excited to go home?"
"Not really,"
Luca replied after thinking for a moment.
"Why not? You haven't been home in two years."
"My home is wherever you are. Whether it's Brazil, America, or the Sahara Desert, it's all the same to me."
"Haha, good boy!"
Kate chuckled, wiping his mouth with a napkin.
"Your hair's grown out. It needs a trim."
"Alright, whatever you say!"
(End of chapter)