That evening, at the Madison Avenue Convention Center, Victoria's Secret held a lingerie show, inviting numerous fashion elites from New York. Richard attended to support Bündchen, who, along with Angela and Ambrosio, was walking the runway for Victoria's Secret for the first time. Their performances were stellar.
In the fashion world, lingerie shows are the most highly anticipated and widely recognized events, akin to heavyweight matches in boxing. The Victoria's Secret platform, in particular, is the pinnacle of the fashion industry.
In January this year, Victoria's Secret broadcasted a live segment of their models strutting in lingerie during halftime at the Super Bowl, with additional broadcasts in Times Square, attracting over a billion viewers. With Victoria's Secret investing heavily in promotion, the brand's reputation has soared, making the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show a coveted stage for models. Walking the Victoria's Secret runway essentially guarantees a model's rise to the top.
The show kicked off at around 6 PM, led by the top model, Daniela Pestova, who graced the runway with a large pair of white feathered wings. She was followed by Heidi Klum, Laetitia Casta, Tyra Banks, Angela Lindvall, Gisele Bündchen (who was sixth in line), and Alessandra Ambrosio, who was ninth. The opening featured a total of ten models.
"Their figures are amazing!" Ellie remarked in admiration.
"They're all well-trained. Bündchen trains for at least three hours a day—running, yoga, and practicing her walk. She even boxes sometimes. She's more disciplined than I am," Richard said, clapping with a smile.
"How long have you and Bündchen been dating?" Ellie asked.
"If I think about it, it's been exactly two years."
"Two years? I didn't expect you two to last that long."
"Why wouldn't we?"
Richard smiled softly, glancing at Bündchen as she approached on the runway. He raised his hand and made a heart gesture. Bündchen smiled back, blowing him a kiss, which caused the photographers to snap away furiously.
"Ellie, are you envious?" teased Michelle, Ellie's friend who had come along.
"Envious of what?"
"Of them!" Michelle laughed. "Ellie, we're about the same age, and I already have kids. You should start thinking about marriage."
"I'd like to get married, but I just haven't met the right person yet. What can I do?" Ellie said, a bit frustrated.
"You have so many suitors—investment banking elites, millionaires, internet entrepreneurs, even Peyton, that NFL star. They're all great options."
Michelle laughed, "You're comparing them to Richard? Do you have a thing for him?"
"No, but with someone like Richard as a benchmark, I can't settle for anything less."
"Someone not less than Richard? That's a tall order."
"Hard doesn't mean impossible," Ellie smiled.
Michelle shook her head, feeling a bit exasperated. It seemed like Richard had set her standards too high.
After the opening, there were three more segments. Angela opened the second segment, wearing light blue lingerie with a green chiffon wrap around her waist, making her look ethereal as she walked, her soft arms twisting gracefully. Richard smiled and snapped a photo. Just then, Angela playfully winked at him, her expression as captivating as a fox.
Ambrosio followed as the fourth model in the second segment, wearing white feathered lingerie, looking stunning as well. Richard took several more photos. Bündchen took the runway again as the second model in the third segment, her walk exuding confidence and power, drawing applause from the audience.
The show featured four segments in total, along with performances from four guest artists, lasting about an hour.
By 7 PM, the fashion show concluded. Richard saw Ellie and Michelle off before waiting in the parking lot. Soon, Bündchen, Angela, and Ambrosio came walking toward him.
"Hey, you three beauties, congratulations! The show was fantastic tonight," Richard said with a smile.
"Thanks!" Bündchen smiled, giving him a hug.
"Richard, I heard from Tyra Banks that you were crouching under the stage, taking upskirt photos of the models. Don't you feel ashamed?" Angela teased, crossing her arms.
"Nonsense! When did I ever take upskirt photos?" Richard responded, his face darkening.
"Angela, stop joking around. Let's get in the car; it's getting colder," Bündchen said as she opened the car door.
"Alright!" Angela and Ambrosio joined Bündchen in the car, stretching out their long legs and covering themselves with a blanket, enjoying the warmth.
Richard, playing the role of chauffeur, started the car and drove them away."Richard, who do you think was the most beautiful model today?" Angela mischievously asked.
"Is there even a question? Of course, it's Bündchen," Richard replied.
"Other than Bündchen!"
"Ambrosio!" Richard grinned.
"Haha, thank you!" Ambrosio smiled softly.
"And other than Ambrosio?" Angela shook her fist playfully.
"You, Miss Angela Lindvall, are the most beautiful!" Richard said with a chuckle.
"Now that's more like it!" Angela leaned back in her seat, satisfied.
"Richard, thank you for this," Ambrosio suddenly said.
"Thank me? For what?"
"If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have had the opportunity to walk the Victoria's Secret runway. I'm really grateful," Ambrosio explained with a smile.
"No need to thank me, though that time did give everyone a bit of a scare," Richard replied.
"That incident didn't bother me at all; I actually found it thrilling," Ambrosio laughed.
"It was definitely thrilling. Richard, with your skills, why didn't you become a spy?" Angela asked, intrigued.
"Become a spy? And save the world?" Richard smirked.
"You really have no ambition, but thank you anyway. Even if you're a bit of a bad guy, you can still count as a good person," Angela teased.
"What kind of backhanded compliment is that?" Richard shook his head, amused.
"My dear, I want to thank you too," Bündchen smiled as she wrapped her arms around his neck. "If it weren't for you, I don't know where I'd be right now, but I certainly wouldn't be as happy as I am now."
"In that case, I should thank you too. Without you, I wouldn't be as happy as I am now either," Richard said with a smile.
"Oh, here we go again with the lovey-dovey stuff. I can't take it," Angela groaned, pulling the blanket over her face.
"Angela, are you jealous?" Ambrosio teased, before suddenly yelping, "Angela, stop touching me!"
"It wasn't me! It was Bündchen!"
"Don't blame me for something I didn't do. Ah! Angela, stop fooling around," Bündchen protested, grabbing hold of Angela.
"It really wasn't me this time! Look, my hands are right here in the open," Angela defended herself.
"It has to be you. Ambrosio wouldn't do something like that. Ah! You're still doing it! Ambrosio, let's get her!"
"Haha, alright!" Ambrosio joined the fray.
"Stop! It really wasn't me!" Angela laughed as the three of them playfully wrestled in the backseat.
Richard shook his head, smiling as he drove them back to Tribeca.
After spending two days in New York, Richard had to leave Bündchen and head to Los Angeles for a few promotional events for the upcoming releases of "The Talented Mr. Ripley," "The Bone Collector," and "Girl, Interrupted."
(End of Chapter)