"Luca, the role you're playing is a big shot. It could be a gang leader, a big boss, or even a king."
"Is it that complicated?"
"It's not complicated at all. You just need to show the aura and presence of a big figure. Leave the rest to us."
"Alright then!"
In Huntington, Long Island, inside a closed makeup trailer, Luca changed into a black designer suit, his hair slicked back. A black vine-like tattoo adorned his temple.
With his makeup done, his facial features appeared more chiseled, his looks more striking. The black tattoo added a strange allure to his handsome face, giving him a cold, ruthless edge.
"Not bad!"
MV director Terry Hunter stroked his short beard. "Luca, your eyes need to be sharper, colder. Okay, that's better!"
Luca smirked. "Terry, don't I have a script?"
"Your role is simple. You get out of the car in front of a villa, walk up the stairs, enter the hall, sit in the middle to watch the dance, and then you go upstairs with Britney, where she kills you."
Luca froze for a moment. Does this sound simple? Why does it feel complicated?
"Terry, do Britney and I have beef? Why does she want to kill me? Is this all a setup?"
"Well, honestly, it doesn't really matter whether you know or not. The MV is straightforward. Britney is a hitwoman. She's taken a contract on you and seduces you through the performance before killing you."
"Alright!"
The plot was intense, but wasn't **Nobody** supposed to be a love song? Is murder really the right fit?
"Luca, ready? We're about to start filming!"
"OK!"
Filming began with Luca seated in a black stretch Lincoln, flanked by two stone-faced bodyguards in the front.
The car slowly started moving, and after a few minutes, stopped in front of a luxurious villa.
The villa was massive, with a European classical design. Glistening in gold and marble, it resembled an ancient castle. The sky was overcast, heavy clouds looming above, casting a dark shadow over the mansion, adding an oppressive atmosphere to the scene.
In front of the villa was a small plaza, with a fountain, lush green lawns, marble sculptures, and gray-white tiles.
A film crew of more than a dozen people was gathered at the small plaza, filming.
"Action! Actor out of the car!"
Director Terry shouted into a megaphone.
With a click, the car door was opened from the outside. Four men in black suits stood by and pulled the door open.
The bodyguards stepped out first, forming a line with guns drawn, scanning the area vigilantly.
Luca silently applauded their professionalism. He bent down, stepping out of the car, both feet landing firmly on the marble tiles.
"CUT!"
Terry walked over, saying, "Luca, your presence wasn't strong enough. Let's do it again!"
"Alright!"
Luca got back in the car.
The car reversed a dozen meters, then slowly drove back to the villa entrance.
"Step out!"
Just like before, the four men opened the car door from outside.
Luca closed his eyes for a moment, then opened them again. His once-bright eyes turned cold and sharp, his face hard and emotionless.
In previous scenes, he'd always had a reference point, just mimicking movements with his own flair. But this time, there was no one to imitate. He had to rely on his own imagination, drawing inspiration from scenes of crime bosses stepping out of cars in movies like **The Godfather**, **God of Gamblers**, and **Once Upon a Time in America**, trying to surpass their energy with his own style.
With a thud, his right foot touched the ground, followed by the left. His body straightened as he exited the car, his posture tall and commanding. He gave the villa a cold glance, his expression indifferent.
Suddenly, raindrops began to fall, landing on his hair, eyelashes, and clothes, forming a light drizzle.
The group stood still in the rain, looking as if they were ready for a funeral.
"Perfect! Keep going!"
Luca looked at the steps leading up to the villa, then took the lead, his long legs striding forward, with four grim-faced bodyguards following. The group exuded a deadly aura, looking like they were filming a gangster movie.
"CUT!"
As Luca approached the villa entrance, Terry called for a stop.
"How was that, Terry?"
Luca asked as he walked back down the steps.
Terry folded his arms and stared at the monitor. "Not bad. Just like that, one more time."
"Got it!"
After the exterior shots were done, Luca shook the rain off and followed the crew into the lavish villa.
From the outside, the villa was already impressive, but the interior was even more luxurious. Giant crystal chandeliers, vibrant murals, red carpets, and marble sculptures adorned the place, giving it the vibe of an art museum.
As they entered the grand hall, the other half of the MV crew was busy filming different scenes.
Around fifty people were arranged in various poses by the choreographer, with a camera moving around, capturing every angle.
"CUT! Take ten!"
After a while, Terry called for a break, and the music and dancers in the hall all paused.
"Hey, Luca!"
Britney called out with a wave. "What do you think? Isn't your role cool?"
"It's definitely cool. Thanks for not making me wear a dress."
"Of course, you're my guy!"
Britney looked him up and down, her eyes glowing. "You look so cool and sexy!"
"Thanks!"
Luca chuckled, gesturing around. "You guys are going all out for this MV. A stretch limo, a luxury villa, all this setup. How much does an MV like this cost?"
Britney shook her head. "Not a dime. In fact, we're making money."
"Making money?"
Luca thought for a moment. "Sponsorships?"
"Exactly. Don't forget who I am."
Britney lifted her chin proudly. "The car's easy, but this villa? It's one of Trump's real estate properties. The price is too high, so it's been unsold for three years. This MV doubles as an ad for the house. Same with the wine, watches, and outfits—all provided by sponsors."
"Got it."
Luca now understood what being a big star meant.
"Jealous?"
"No way. I couldn't handle being followed by paparazzi every day."
Britney smirked. Suddenly, she blinked and leaned in closer. "Luca, after we finish shooting tonight, how about I come over to your place?"
"Wait, what? That's a bit sudden, isn't it?"
"You don't want me there?"
"Of course, you're welcome!"
"Great, it's a date!"
Britney snapped her fingers and headed back to the stage.
"Hey, Luca!"
Terry walked over, pointing to a chair in the middle. "In a minute, you'll sit there and watch the performance. When it's over, you'll go on stage, take Britney's hand, and walk her upstairs. Got it?"
"Got it, Director!"
After a ten-minute break, filming resumed.
Luca sat in the chair, his face stern as he watched the performance on stage, not needing to act at all.
Director Terry had said that coolness was a form of stillness. Any unnecessary movement would ruin the effect.
After watching for a while, Luca suddenly noticed a familiar face among the backup dancers. The tall, lean figure in stockings and shorts had heavy makeup, but the face looked familiar—it seemed to be Thomas, Miranda's boy toy.
Isn't Thomas a model? What's he doing as a backup dancer?
Suddenly, **boom**!
Thomas tripped over his own feet, face-planting on the stage.
"CUT!"
"Hey, Thomas, what's going on? You've been practicing for two weeks. How could you mess up?"
Terry and the choreographer shouted in frustration.
"Sorry, sorry!"
Thomas quickly got up and apologized.
"Alright, Martha, don't scold him."
Britney waved her hand. "Thomas, can you still dance?"
"I can, Ms. Spears!"
Thomas quickly bounced around like a monkey, drawing laughs from the crew.
"Alright, let's continue!"
Terry shouted.
"Wait!"
Luca stood up. "Director, can we take a five-minute break?"
Everyone looked at him in surprise. He'd been sitting the whole time and had the easiest role. Why was he asking for a break?
Terry and the choreographer frowned. They knew he was rumored to be Britney's boyfriend, so they treated him with respect. Otherwise, who would care about him?
"Haha, let's take a break. Coffee's on me!"
Britney shouted.
"Yeah!"
"Thanks, Ms. Spears!"
"Britney's the best!"
The backup dancers and extras cheered.
Britney had the final say, so the director had no choice but to announce a five-minute break.
"Luca, what's up?"
Britney asked as she wiped the sweat from her forehead.
"He's a friend of mine."
Luca glanced at Thomas. "Hey, Thomas!"
"Hey, Luca!"
Thomas smiled shyly.
"Thomas, are your feet okay?"
When he was jumping earlier, Luca noticed a pained expression on his face. That's why he asked for the break.
"I'm fine!"
Thomas glanced at Britney beside him and shook his head repeatedly. Being Britney's dance partner was a golden opportunity, and he didn't want to give it up.
Luca patted him on the shoulder. "Thomas, there's still five minutes left. Go take a break."
Thomas hesitated for a moment, nodded to both Luca and Britney, then limped off the stage.
"Your friend?" Britney asked.
"Yes, Thomas used to be a model, but I think he's changed careers now."
"Haven't you also changed careers?"
"No, I've always been an actor from the start."
"A porn actor?"
"..."