Model to Holywood

"Achoo~ Achoo~"

"Dad, Dad, can we switch seats?"

"Why do you want to switch seats?"

"The guy next to me has a cold, and he keeps sneezing. What if I catch it?"

"What about me? Aren't you worried I'll catch it? You little rascal!"

"Haha, little bro, how about we switch seats?"

"No need, Xiao Chun. Stay here and take care of your brother!"

That morning, over 30,000 feet in the air, a plane flying from Toronto Airport was smoothly en route to San Francisco International Airport.

In the middle section of the cabin, Luca was dozing off when he overheard a conversation in Chinese coming from the seats next to him. The tone wasn't very friendly.

He opened his eyes and saw a boy, around ten years old, glaring at him before getting up and moving seats. A round-faced middle-aged man followed him, lightly tapping the boy's head and sitting down beside him.

When Luca saw the man, he blinked in surprise. It was none other than Director Li An, whom he'd encountered with Rachel at a breakfast diner a few days ago.

"Haha, good morning, Mr. Li!" Luca greeted him as he stood up.

"You're... Mr. Luca Kelly!" Li An responded, surprised, extending his hand for a handshake.

"Dad, let go! He's probably got germs and viruses on his hands!" the boy who switched seats shouted, acting like he had encountered something terrible.

"Quiet, you rascal!" Li An pulled his hand back subtly, wiping it on his pants.

"Dad, what's there to be afraid of? He doesn't understand Chinese!" the boy smirked and looked at Luca. "Isn't that right, Mr. Virus?"

Luca, pretending not to understand, smiled and said, "Little guy, are you trying to ask how I am? I'm fine, thank you for your concern!"

"Haha, Dad, did you see that? I insulted him, and he thanked me!" The boy proudly wiggled his head.

"Sit still! Don't mess around! Xiao Chun, keep an eye on your brother!" Li An said sternly.

The boy made a face before being pulled down by his brother.

"Haha, Mr. Li, your children are very cute and polite," Luca smiled.

"Thank you," Li An replied, scratching his cheek a bit awkwardly.

Achoo~

Luca sneezed again, but he quickly covered his nose with a handkerchief.

"Sorry, Mr. Li. It rained heavily yesterday, and I was out by the lake. I caught a bit of a cold."

Luca explained that he and Rachel had spent the night in a melon shed, and when they woke up in the morning, the fire had gone out, and the straw bedding wasn't warm enough. Both of them ended up with slight colds.

When he boarded the plane, he had worn a mask, but the flight attendants asked him to remove it, as they feared it might alarm other passengers.

"Haha, no worries, no worries. It really did rain hard yesterday," Li An responded, though he discreetly shifted his seat slightly away while laughing. "Mr. Kelly, did you finish filming your movie?"

"Yes, I only had three scenes in Toronto," Luca replied with a shrug.

"Oh~" Li An nodded. He wanted to continue the conversation, but the two had only met twice, and there wasn't much to say. So, he pulled out a newspaper.

"Take care of yourself, Mr. Kelly!"

"Thanks!"

Luca smiled lightly and added, "Mr. Li, I really enjoy your films—*Blind Massage*, *Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon*, and *The Incredible Hulk*. When's your next movie coming out?"

Li An gave him a look and blinked, wondering to himself, *Why is he asking about my next movie? Does he know about the casting for *Brokeback Mountain*? Is he aiming for one of the lead roles?*

It was possible. Last week, the news about the casting call had been released, and now, just a few days later, they'd run into each other twice in Toronto. 

Was this really just a coincidence? Toronto was a big city. Why would they happen to meet at a breakfast diner and now again on a flight, even sitting next to each other? Maybe this guy was trying to engineer a chance encounter to get a role. He might have even chased him down from Toronto to the plane, pretending to have a cold just to attract attention. It was said this guy was smart and ambitious, and it seemed to be true.

Li An glanced at him a few more times. Luca's looks were indeed top-notch, one of the best among the new generation of young actors. He could be great on the big screen, even in a same-sex love story. But how was his acting?

Luca, noticing Li An's odd gaze, was puzzled. *I just asked about his new movie. Why is he looking at me so strangely?*

"Mr. Li, I'm just really excited about your films and hope to see your next one soon. I didn't mean anything else," Luca said openly.

Li An studied him, impressed. *Not bad. He stays calm and casual, even when being scrutinized. That's good acting.*

*Maybe I should give him a chance, considering how determined he seems.*

"Haha, it's fine!" Li An chuckled, then suddenly asked seriously, "Mr. Kelly, what's your opinion on same-sex relationships?"

"Uh..." Luca was taken aback. Why the sudden shift to such a serious topic?

*Wait a minute...* An idea struck him. Could Li An be considering him for *Brokeback Mountain*? Was he being scouted for one of the leads?

It seemed likely. After all, he was good-looking, had solid acting skills, and had a decent reputation. Plus, he was *perfect* for the role. However, the thought of playing a gay character, with kissing scenes and more, especially in a tent... It made his skin crawl. There was no way he could agree to that!

Seeing Luca's serious expression, Li An nodded internally. *Very good. He's taking the question seriously. A thoughtful young man with ambition.*

"Mr. Li, I think same-sex relationships are cool, but personally, I'm not very comfortable with it, especially between men," Luca shrugged, trying to subtly dissuade Li An from casting any fantasies on him.

"I see!" Li An said thoughtfully, his suspicions deepening. *He knows *Brokeback Mountain* is a same-sex love story, yet he says he's uncomfortable with it.*

*This guy's honest, and that's rare in the entertainment world. But his reaction is perfect for the role since the characters also struggle with their feelings.*

Li An nodded to himself. *Maybe I'll give him a chance during auditions.*

Luca, noticing Li An's silence, breathed a sigh of relief. Although he wasn't interested in this role, *Brokeback Mountain* was undeniably a great film, one that raked in both awards and praise. If Li An were to insist on him being in it, Luca wouldn't know how to turn it down. But for now, it seemed like their differences would save him from having to reject it outright.

"Attention passengers, we are now preparing to land at San Francisco International Airport."

At around noon, the plane touched down.

"Goodbye, Mr. Li, and farewell, young Mr. Li's!" Luca said as they shook hands at the airport.

"Goodbye, Mr. Kelly!" Li An replied.

Achoo~

Just as Luca walked away, Li An suddenly sneezed.

"Dad, I've got a bad feeling," the boy said, waving his hand in front of his nose.

"What is it?"

"Dad, I think you might be catching a cold!"

"Impossible!"

Achoo Achoo~