Chapter 18: The Call to Battle
Evening, Mount Sinai Hospital, New York.
Ed paced back and forth outside the emergency room, his face heavy with worry.
During this latest product launch event, Luca had been nothing short of stunning, on par with the top supermodels. Not only did he leave a deep impression on the fashion industry insiders present, but he also caught the attention of big names like Frank and Martin.
Just when it seemed Luca was on the brink of a career resurgence, this happened.
Such a twist of fate!
"Ed, how's Luca?"
Kate rushed in, followed closely by Lima and Nina.
Ed sighed. "Luca's old injury flared up while he was rescuing someone. He endured the pain to complete the show without seeking immediate treatment, which made things worse."
"How did this happen?"
Kate choked up, covering her mouth. "Luca said he wasn't hurt at the time... Damn it! I should have dragged him to the hospital."
"Kate, don't worry. Luca will be okay."
Lima tried to comfort her, holding her shoulder.
Kate shook her head. "He shouldn't have tried to rescue anyone. He wasn't fully recovered yet, that idiot."
"Ed, Luca seemed fine during the show. How did it become so serious?"
Nina, who was also at the event, hadn't noticed anything wrong.
"Luca didn't look quite right the first time he came out. I thought he was just trying to portray a certain look, so I didn't pay much attention. Who knew... sigh."
"That idiot! It's just a fashion show; why did he have to push himself?"
Kate, overwhelmed with tension, guilt, and worry, slapped the wall and began to tear up.
"Kate, Luca is strong," Lima said, also feeling sad. She had been a little upset when Luca ignored her earlier, but thinking back, his pale face suggested he had likely been enduring pain.
"Ah..."
An hour later, the light in the emergency room went out, and a bearded doctor in a white coat walked out.
"Doctor, how is Luca?"
Kate hurriedly asked.
"The patient is stable, but due to the lack of timely care, the lumbar fracture worsened and led to a spinal displacement. He will need another surgery," the doctor explained patiently.
"Spinal displacement? Is the surgery complicated?"
Kate asked nervously.
"Spinal correction surgery isn't too complex,"
The doctor took out a piece of paper, sketched a simple diagram, and explained Luca's current condition and the corrective procedure to the group.
"Thank you, doctor!"
Kate breathed a sigh of relief. Thank God!
Whirr...
The sound of wheels echoed as two large, burly nurses pushed a gurney out.
"Luca, Luca, how are you?"
Kate called out twice, but seeing his eyes closed, she felt something choke up inside her, rendering her speechless.
"Luca, you idiot. Why did you have to play hero? Just wait till you wake up. I'll... I'll beat you up."
She stroked Luca's cheek as tears flowed from her eyes.
"Half-dead, okay?"
Suddenly, Luca opened one eye and pleaded.
Kate was stunned for a moment, then laughed through her tears.
"No way, I'm going to beat you up until you're really dead."
"Then I'll just go back to sleep!"
"Hahaha..."
Everyone burst into laughter.
The bearded doctor nearby also cracked a smile.
Earlier, before the surgery, the patient had requested a reduced dose of anesthesia to wake up sooner.
The doctor hadn't understood why the patient wanted to take such a risk at the time. Now he understood.
What a remarkable young man.
---
The next day, several New York media outlets covered the ARMANI Ready-to-Wear Fashion Show in great detail.
The reports provided an in-depth review of this season's Armani fashion show, covering everything from the designers and design styles to the models and the creativity behind the designs, and even the shortcomings.
Many newspapers published large photos of supermodels like Kelly Kate, Adriana Lima, and Eric Rutherford.
Amidst the photos of these supermodels was a new face, a breakout star from this fashion show—rookie model Luca Kelly.
The media's reviews of him were glowing.
"A Stunning New Face" – *New York Daily News*
"A Rising Supermodel Star" – *New York Forum*
"Best New Model of the Year" – *Fashion Review*
Some newspapers also revealed his connection with Kate, sparking further public interest.
Over the following week, New York's fashion magazines hit the shelves.
In their reviews of the ARMANI Ready-to-Wear Fashion Show, they frequently mentioned the new model Luca.
In this issue of *Details*, America's largest men's fashion magazine, editor-in-chief Martin wrote:
"In recent years, new faces in the modeling world have become increasingly rare. Few newcomers leave a lasting impression on the runway. At this season's ARMANI show, I was pleasantly surprised to discover a model with great potential, Luca Kelly. Today, he's twenty years old and a former member of Brazil's national soccer team reserves."
The magazine featured a photo of Luca in a Brazilian national team jersey.
"He's also the younger brother of up-and-coming supermodel Kate Kelly—a stunning sibling duo."
The article included a fashion shot of Kate as well.
"Luca's performance at this fashion show was astounding. There was a fierce intensity in his eyes, a depth that comes from a life well-lived. Though he's a newcomer, his runway presence was stable, matching even the top supermodels. Luca's style is versatile. He can carry off various outfits with different vibes, showcasing his potential as a model."
The magazine also featured photos of Luca on the runway: one in a Chinese-style suit, looking vibrant; another in denim, exuding a rebellious attitude; and a third, the most striking, showing an indomitable spirit.
Mr. Martin praised Luca highly, calling him the most promising new talent.
Meanwhile, a rumor was circulating in the fashion world.
According to the rumor, Frank, the design director of ARMANI's latest collection, greatly admired Luca.
On the day of the fashion show, Mr. Frank contacted Luca's agent, intending to offer him the endorsement for the latest denim collection.
Luca might become Armani's newest resident model.
"Wow, Luca has become a famous model?"
In a luxurious Tribeca apartment, Leonardo flipped through a magazine on the sofa, a slight smile curling at his lips.
"Leo, are you interested in Kate's useless brother?"
Bundchen lay in his arms, gently stroking his chest.
"He's just a small player. Why would I care about him?"
Leo casually tossed the magazine aside and leaned down to laugh softly. "My dear Gigi, I'm much more interested in you."
The room echoed with the call to battle.
"Hmph, a mere rookie model dreaming of an Armani endorsement?"
In a modeling agency, a bearded handsome man glared at Luca's picture in the magazine and sneered. "James, I must get this endorsement. I mean it—no matter the cost."
"Don't worry, Ben. This endorsement will be yours."
The fashion world was rife with tension.
No matter what was happening outside, Luca had no energy to care.
During these days, he underwent two lumbar recovery surgeries in the hospital, both successful.
The attending doctor said that with some time to recuperate, his old injury could heal by seventy to eighty percent.
However, to achieve full recovery, he had to avoid intense physical activity in the coming months. If the fracture site were to sustain more damage, he might spend the rest of his life in a wheelchair.
He tentatively asked what activities qualified as "intense."
The doctor gave him a meaningful smile.
(End of Chapter)