"Surprise?"
Luca looked curiously toward the center stage.
Ding ding dong~
Suddenly, familiar music began playing on stage.
"This is…"
"I've seen the world
Done it all, had my cake now
Diamonds, brilliant, and Bel-Air now."
As Luca heard the singing, he froze. Was that Britney's voice?
"Britney's here?"
"Haha, yes!"
Britney made her entrance.
Wearing a long, colorful dress encrusted with countless gems, she gracefully walked onto the dazzling crystal stage.
With a sweet smile on her face, she was singing "Young and Beautiful," the theme song from The Great Gatsby.
Clap clap clap~
As she appeared, the audience erupted into thunderous applause.
"Luca, surprised?" Ed asked, clapping.
"Yes, kind of…"
Just as Luca was responding, a thought hit him—Britney was here, but so was Lima.
Whoosh!
Cold sweat broke out instantly.
This wasn't a surprise; it was a shock!
He wiped his forehead. "Ed, why is Britney here?"
"Haha, relax," Ed patted his shoulder and explained, "To elevate a brand's image, the launch event has to be top-tier. This is a common strategy for luxury brands.
At Paris Fashion Week, Gucci invited tons of celebrities, and it worked wonders.
Now that we're in New York, the standards can't be any lower. Look around; it's all celebrities and big names. So, of course, the performer has to be top-notch too."
"So you invited Britney?"
Luca asked with a strange expression.
"Of course, Britney's a global superstar," Ed chuckled, patting his shoulder. "I know what you're worried about. Don't worry, Kate suggested it, and Lima agreed. They even rehearsed together for three days. They seem to get along well."
"Really?"
Luca frowned, feeling uneasy.
He'd been in frequent contact with Kate, Lima, and Britney recently, but none of them had mentioned this to him. It was way too risky.
Witnessing the world, lights on stage
Appear in splendor, eras passing by
In the summer sun, music and dance resound
I adorn myself just to sing for you.
Britney slowly walked across the stage. Under the lighting, the gems on her dress sparkled brilliantly, making her appear vibrant, beautiful, and dreamy.
As she approached the front, she suddenly noticed someone in the crowd. A sweet smile appeared on her face, and she winked, as if to say, "You're here."
Luca smiled and waved.
Once.
Twice.
He was about to wave a third time when he abruptly put his hand down.
At the entrance, a striking figure appeared. She walked confidently, her colorful dress flowing, every step radiating powerful energy.
"Lima's presence seems even stronger!" Ed exclaimed.
Indeed.
Luca thought the same because, at this moment, he could sense something from Lima—an aura of danger.
Father, tell me if you can
All that grace, all that body.
As the song continued, Lima strutted to the front with her sexy steps.
Britney turned around.
The two met, exchanged slight smiles, and passed each other.
Lima confidently walked to the front of the stage. Her brown eyes sparkled as she spotted someone.
"You're dead."
"…."
Luca's lips twitched as cold sweat reappeared.
"Haha, Britney and Lima on the same stage—this show is definitely going to make headlines!" Ed said, rubbing his chin with a smile.
Luca ignored him, focusing on how to survive this ordeal. A beating was inevitable; maybe he should reserve a hospital room in advance?
"Kate really set me up this time."
After Lima's opening walk, Britney also exited the stage.
Other models began appearing one by one, all supermodels—Audrey Marnay, Monica Mitro, Daniela Pestova, Rie Rasmussen, and Miranda Kerr.
They were showcasing the Sun-Gucci collection, featuring four distinct styles and over fifty outfits.
The designs were vibrant, sexy, and bold.
However, the styles differed significantly from those at the Paris Fashion Week.
In Paris, fashion could be revealing, as long as it wasn't too sheer.
For this collection, the fabric choices were more flexible—silk, chiffon, lace, organza—delicate yet alluring. The clothes were beautiful and seductive.
The use of colors was bold and daring, with bright yellows, deep blues, vibrant greens, and striking reds. The influence of Lima's Salvadoran heritage was subtly visible in the designs.
After the first round, the second followed.
Lima led the way again, this time in a white gown. As she reached the front of the stage, a sudden flash of light hit her, instantly transforming the white gown into a dazzling array of colors, like magic.
Clap clap clap~
The audience, intrigued, burst into applause.
Luca smiled softly. He had once mentioned the idea of 3D virtual clothing to Kate, and she'd used it here. It was high-tech and futuristic.
Following Lima, other models appeared. As the lights hit them, their outfits transformed into different designs, drawing gasps of awe from the audience.
"Wow, this is stunning!"
"The designer for this series is very imaginative!"
"Yes, the creativity is amazing!"
The crowd buzzed with chatter.
"It's a success!"
Luca smiled, feeling happy for Kate and Lima.
"What's a success?"
Suddenly, a soft voice asked beside him, sweet with a familiar fragrance.
"Britney!"
He turned and saw Britney standing next to him, her golden hair cascading over her shoulders, her blue eyes fixed on him with a bright, almost scorching gaze.
"Surprised to see me?"
Britney's lips curved into a sweet smile.
"No, it's a pleasant surprise!" Luca smiled, taking her hand under the table. "Why are you here as a guest?"
Britney playfully nudged his arm, laughing. "I'm good friends with Kate. How could I not support a friend's fashion show?"
"You and Kate are friends? Since when?"
Luca was surprised.
"We've been friends for a while! Don't forget, I'm a Rainbow Girl!"
Britney raised her chin proudly.
"Yes, my Rainbow Girl!" Luca wrapped an arm around her waist and kissed her lightly.
"Sweetie, I missed you," Britney said softly, gazing into his eyes.
"I missed you too!"
Luca squeezed her hand. If they weren't in public, he would've hugged her tightly.
Britney smiled and nodded.
"The single for Remember Me, the song we wrote together, is being recorded. Want to come listen?"
"Of course!" Luca agreed, and they set a time.
Meanwhile, the fashion show continued. The entire event featured four series and lasted over two hours, full of excitement.
At the end, the lead designer, Kate Kelly, finally made her appearance.
Her golden-brown hair flowed freely, and she wore a floor-length off-the-shoulder gown as she walked onto the stage. With her tall figure, delicate features, and elegant demeanor, she made quite an impression.
Clap clap clap~
The audience erupted into enthusiastic applause.
"Thank you!"
Kate stood on stage with a microphone, Lima by her side, and all the models and design assistants behind them as they took their final bow.
With a gentle smile, Kate thanked the staff and guests and shared her thoughts on the collection, exchanging ideas with industry peers.
On stage, she was poised and graceful, exuding elegance and confidence.
"Kate is so cool!" Britney admired.
Luca nodded. Kate on stage was indeed stunning and strong, like a true angel. But offstage, she was a violent queen who often bullied her brother.
Sigh, no one's perfect.
Clap clap clap~
The Sun-Gucci fashion show concluded successfully.
Kate and Lima walked out together, laughing happily.
Luca smiled softly, preparing to join them when he noticed Lima holding a sparkling, dangerous-looking object.
The cold sweat returned.
(End of Chapter)