Model to Holywood

"This time the situation is urgent. Gucci hopes you can have the full set of designs ready by October, so it can be showcased at next year's Spring-Summer Fashion Week."

"Alright, Lima and I will stay in the studio, working day and night without eating or sleeping, to finish the designs."

In the brightly lit studio, Kate, Lima, and Nina were sitting together discussing work.

On the central work table, there was a messy pile of design drafts, papers, pens, and coffee cups.

"What are you talking about?"

Luca pushed the door open and walked in.

Nina glanced at him and packed up her workbag.

"That's it for today. Miranda has an ad shoot, so I'll head out first!"

Luca felt a bit helpless. No matter how well or poorly he did, Nina never seemed to think much of him.

Kate smiled slightly, "Nina, Eve loves it here. Since you and Ed are busy with work, you can let her stay here for a few days."

"Do you have time to watch her while you're rushing designs? Eve has become quite a handful lately," Nina shook her head.

"Nina, did you forget? We still have someone idle here," Kate patted Luca on the shoulder.

"Haha, this job is perfect for him," Lima chuckled softly.

Nina gave him a critical look, "Can you handle it?"

Luca nodded gravely. This was a matter of male pride, and he couldn't refuse.

"Alright then."

Nina and Ed left, leaving the little girl behind.

According to Kate, with his current situation, Luca wasn't likely to be running around freely. His most suitable job now was staying at home, doing laundry, cooking, and looking after the child—a stay-at-home dad.

Luca opened his mouth, wanting to protest, but fearing a beating, he chose to remain silent.

"Wow~! Mommy's finally gone, I'm free now!" 

As soon as Ed's car left the estate, the little girl threw herself onto the lawn, rolling around with giggles.

"You little actress!"

When they were saying goodbye earlier, she had looked so sad with tearful eyes, but as soon as her back was turned, she was all sunshine again.

"Brother Luca, can we go climb the tree?"

The little girl excitedly jumped up, eyeing the big pear tree to the west.

"No, it's too dangerous," Luca stopped her.

"It's fine. I climb trees all the time at school, even ones taller than this."

She said confidently.

"Is that so?" 

Kate tousled her hair with a smile, "Eve is so brave. Go ahead then, climb up."

"Alright, Sister Kate, watch me!"

The little girl stood under the big tree, rubbing her hands together eagerly.

"Kate!" 

Luca called out in displeasure.

Kate curled her lips slightly and took out her phone, smiling, "Go on, Eve, climb high. I'll take a picture. If Nina sees it, she'll definitely praise you."

"(⊙o⊙)..." 

Eve blinked her big eyes and spread her little hands.

"Sister Kate, what are you saying? I'm a lady, I don't climb trees!"

"Haha, Eve is such a good girl!" 

Kate glanced at Luca triumphantly, smiling.

Luca smirked—women always know how to make things hard for each other.

With a little one now in the house, to prevent her from climbing the tree again, Luca rummaged through the storage and found a few things for her to play with: a trampoline, a swing, and a scooter.

The little girl had a great time, her laughter ringing constantly.

Her laughter must have been too contagious, as several other kids soon showed up, including young Theodore Hanks and his friends.

A group of kids ran around the yard, dragging cats, pulling dogs, kicking balls, causing chaos everywhere with their chatter.

"Ah, youth is wonderful!"

Luca sighed with a smile as he sat on a bench to take a break.

"It is!" 

On the lawn, Kina watched the children from afar, her expression softening.

"Kina, how's Yaya's condition?"

Luca suddenly remembered the little girl back home in China.

Kina nodded and smiled, "She's doing quite well. The big hospital has great facilities, and as long as you have money, they'll do everything to treat her with the best medicine. In just over half a year, her condition has stabilized, and she's gained over 10 pounds."

"She's all chubby and white now. Look, here's a picture of Yaya." 

Kina took out her wallet and pulled out a photo.

In the picture was a beautiful little girl. She wore a white princess dress, holding a few wildflowers, standing in a flowerbed. Her round, egg-shaped face was pale but adorable, with a sweet smile.

The most striking feature was her big black eyes, which seemed to speak, as if calling out for her mother.

Luca looked at the photo, then at Kina, "Yaya's dad must be a handsome man!"

Kina blushed, "What good is being good-looking? If you have no sense of responsibility, you're still useless. Oh, sorry, Luca, I wasn't talking about you, don't take it personally."

"..." 

Luca felt a bit stung. "Kina, I wasn't thinking that at all. You didn't need to say the last part."

"Oh~" 

Kina glanced at him nonchalantly and carefully put the photo away.

Luca shook his head, feeling a bit helpless. Good-looking people always seem to be misunderstood—he had been misunderstood for a long time now.

"Kina, Yaya's condition seems good. Maybe you could bring her to the U.S. for treatment."

Even though the little girl in the photo was cute, her pale lips and weak complexion were heartbreaking.

Kina nodded, "Right now, she's already using imported medicine, so treatment is even more expensive in China. I'm planning to bring her over here next year or the year after."

"That sounds good. Let me know if you need any help. I have quite a few connections."

"Thank you, Luca!"

"No need, as long as you don't think I'm living off a woman," Luca waved her off as he walked into the villa.

Kina chuckled softly. After working with Kate for over half a year, she felt quite good about everything.

Initially, she earned $6,000 a month. Now, it had increased to $10,000, with bonuses and allowances on top.

The job not only paid well, but also included food, accommodation, clothes, and a car.

The workload wasn't heavy, and there wasn't much danger. In half a year, she had only been involved in three altercations, something even a high-ranking official back in China wouldn't tolerate.

On top of that, Kate's circle was nice.

Maybe it was because they were foreigners, but there wasn't any discrimination or bias. The atmosphere was very friendly, which she greatly appreciated.

She had managed to rent a place in New York and build up some savings. Her next goal was to save more and bring Yaya over.

Kina looked up at the eastern sky and exhaled lightly.

"Haha, Theodore, you lost! Bark like a dog!"

"Woof woof woof~"

"That's not it! Your dad is an Oscar winner, you can't be too bad. Try again!"

"Woof woof woof~"

Watching the little rascals, Kina smiled slightly. If Yaya came, maybe she could play with them too!

Ding-dong, ding-dong~

A little later, the estate's front gatebell rang.

Kina went to the door to greet the guest. In the parking space outside, there was an orange-red sports car.

The door opened, and a long, fair leg stepped out.

A voluptuous woman got out of the car, her long hair flowing and wearing a long dress. Her red lips were strikingly alluring.

Kina was puzzled. Why is she here?

"Is Luca around?"

"Yes, Ms. Julie!"

(End of Chapter)