On TV, Kate gradually regained her composure, and the interview continued.
"Luca, I've heard that your back injury hasn't fully healed. Why did you still decide to rescue someone while you were hurt?" the host, Charlie, asked.
Luca shook his head. "The situation was urgent, and I forgot I was injured. I just felt like I could reach that spot, like I was going for a steal on the field. I thought I could do it, so I did."
"Luca, you're a brave man," the host praised.
"More people call me an idiot, right, Kate?" Luca chuckled softly.
"You are an idiot. Hurt and yet you acted like your life didn't matter," Kate said, raising her eyebrows.
"Kate, is that why you were pulling Superman's ear?" the host joked.
"Yes, I didn't want to. But Luca can be impulsive. His back injury hadn't healed, and he risked more injury by doing something so dangerous. I was scared out of my mind. When he got back, I couldn't help but yell at him. I didn't expect anyone to catch it on camera. Now I'm seen as the villain who bullies Superman."
The audience laughed again.
The host smiled. "Kate, from the footage, it seems like you're quite good at pulling Luca's ear."
"No!" Kate said seriously, her face stern. "This was my first time pulling Luca's ear. Right, Luca?"
"Huh?" Luca pretended to be confused. "Should I say yes or no?"
"What do you think?" Kate raised her eyebrows again, a dangerous gleam flashing in her blue eyes.
"Uh, alright, of course, it was the first time. Kate's a gentle girl; she never likes to use force," Luca said, sounding slightly afraid.
"Hahaha!" The host and the viewers couldn't help but laugh at the siblings' interaction.
"Such a fake b****!" In her Tribeca apartment, Bundchen angrily turned off the TV.
"Hey, Gigi, that's not fair," Leonardo said, displeased.
"Sweetheart, that b**** stole my endorsement. Can't you help me get it back?" Bundchen sat on the couch, wrapping her arms around Leo's neck as she pouted.
"Gigi, that endorsement was originally Kate's. Because of Luca's situation, it affected how LV's brand team viewed her. Now that Luca's a hero, Kate's fame has skyrocketed, so LV chose to work with her again. They're not going to switch again this time," Leonardo explained, rubbing his temples.
"Sweetheart, you must have a way. I know you're friends with Mr. Patrick Whedon," Bundchen said, stroking Leo's chest and pleading softly.
"It's no use. Patrick and I are just casual friends. We don't talk business," Leonardo refused gently.
"Alright." Bundchen sighed lightly and left the living room.
Leonardo shook his head and turned the TV back on, continuing to watch the interview.
"Let's take another look at the thrilling footage."
In the studio, the host replayed the moment Luca dashed in front of the bus, leaping in slow motion. The footage was a bit blurry.
In the final second before the bus was about to hit the stroller, Luca, like an eagle, soared through the air and grabbed the baby, holding the child in his arms as he flew past the bus. He rolled on the ground once before coming to a stop.
The entire event lasted less than a second. If he had been just a bit slower, both he and the baby would've been hit by the bus.
"Wow, Luca, you were really brave! Just a second slower, and it would've been a tragedy," the host said in awe.
"Yes, I brushed past death once again," Luca shrugged.
"Some people say only Superman could be that fast," the host commented.
Luca smiled slightly. "I wish I were Superman, but I'm not. The reason I had enough time to react was mainly because I'm quick. If you look closely, you'll see it's like I was grabbing the ball during a steal. But this time, it was a handball, and I committed a foul."
"Haha, you used a foul tactic to save the lucky baby. The referee won't blow the whistle for that."
"Thank you, ref. Thanks for not blowing the whistle while I was holding the baby," Luca laughed.
"Hahaha!"
Everyone chuckled softly.
"Luca, we saw that when you fell, you shielded the baby with your body," the host pointed out.
"Yes, I grabbed the ball, so it was mine. I had to protect it," Luca said, striking a defensive pose.
The host smiled. "Did this move cause your injury?"
Luca thought for a moment. "I think so. When I hit the ground with the baby, I heard a cracking sound, like it came from my spine."
"Oh, Luca, why didn't you tell me?" Kate raised her eyebrows in frustration.
Luca spread his hands. "I just heard a sound and didn't feel any pain. I thought I wasn't hurt."
"So that's why you hurried off to your fashion show?"
"Yes, it was my debut. It meant a lot, and I didn't want to miss it."
"First times are certainly important," the host chuckled. "When exactly did your injury start acting up during the show?"
"During the first show, right when I turned at the front of the runway," Luca said.
"Alright, let's take a look at Superman Luca's fashion show," the host announced, and the screen switched to footage from the show, focusing on Luca.
In the first shot, Luca, wearing a sleek new suit, confidently walked down the runway. As he reached the front and turned, the footage slowed, showing Luca frown slightly for a moment before returning to his normal expression.
"Luca!" Kate squeezed his hand.
"Kate, it's all in the past," Luca smiled nonchalantly.
In the second and third shots, the audience could see Luca's energy shift. His demeanor became more intense, and it was clear he was fighting through pain. At the time, everyone thought he was just portraying a certain attitude that matched the clothes, which helped him stand out in the show.
"Wow, what a stunning show!" The host, Charlie, led the applause.
"Luca, your walk and presence were impressive. When did you start practicing?"
"Last year," Luca lied, not wanting to admit he'd only practiced for a month. That would've been unprofessional.
"Last year, when I came to New York. I'd just left my wheelchair. Kate told me, 'Since you can't run, why not practice walking?' So, I started practicing with her."
"Kate, you're a great teacher," the host complimented.
Kate shook her head slightly. "Luca is very smart. He picks things up quickly."
"But didn't you just call him an idiot?" the host laughed.
"Sometimes he really is dumb," Kate shrugged, her expression saying she was just being honest.
"So, is that why you twisted his ear?"
"Charlie, can we move past that?" Kate covered her forehead, sounding exasperated.
"Hahaha!"
Everyone burst into laughter again.
"Oh, Kate..." Leon softly murmured her name as he watched the TV.
On the screen, Kate wore a white suit, looking elegant and poised. Her charm was undeniable, sometimes cold, sometimes gentle, sometimes sophisticated, and sometimes seductive. She seemed to glow on stage, drawing everyone's attention.
Leon couldn't help but think back to when he dated Kate. She was fiercely independent and strong-willed, never interrupting his work or making unreasonable demands.
Compared to Bundchen and his previous girlfriends, Kate was something special.
Suddenly, Leon realized he might never have truly understood her, nor had he ever really had her. Losing a woman like her felt like a terrible mistake.
He stared at the TV for a moment longer, then picked up the phone.
"Hey, Kate, do you have time? I'd like to grab a coffee with you," he said, flashing his most charming smile and voice.
But on the other end, a man's voice answered, "Sorry, Leon. Kate says she doesn't have time."
Beep, beep, beep.
"Damn it, Luca! It's you again!"