The press hall of the Milan Sheraton Hotel erupted into enthusiastic applause as the signing ceremony concluded. Hundreds of fashion and entertainment journalists stood up and clapped as Giorgio Armani shook hands with the new spokespeople, Matthew Horner and Gisele Bündchen.
"One is a leading figure in the new wave of models," said an editor from Italian Vogue to the female journalist beside her. "The other is a titan among the new generation of movie stars. Giorgio Armani has certainly pulled out all the stops. It looks like he's really focusing on promoting Armani's underwear line."
The female journalist nodded, "They've got two very suitable spokespeople. Gisele Bündchen, despite leaving Victoria's Secret, has found even greater opportunities beyond it. And Matthew Horner..."
She suddenly laughed, "Everyone on Earth knows his strengths. Is there anyone more suitable for men's underwear endorsement than him?"
The Vogue editor sighed with a hint of regret, "It's a pity he hasn't truly ventured into the fashion world; otherwise, we could see just how great his strengths really are."
"Did you notice?" the female journalist suddenly said, "Karl Lagerfeld is here today as well."
"Oh..." The Vogue editor exclaimed dramatically.
With the signing ceremony completed, Matthew followed the Armani representatives out of the press hall and took the elevator to the top floor of the hotel, where Armani had prepared a small celebration party.
Helen Herman approached, handing Matthew a glass of wine. Giorgio Armani, who had arrived earlier, raised his glass and said loudly, "Today, we celebrate Armani's brand having two outstanding new collaborators!"
He raised his glass high, "Cheers!"
Matthew also raised his glass and drank the champagne.
Giorgio Armani then came over, "Hello, Matthew."
"Hello, Mr. Armani," Matthew replied politely.
"Call me Giorgio," Giorgio Armani's English wasn't perfect but sufficient for daily conversation. "I've read your resume. It's very impressive."
Matthew was modest, "You're too kind. I've just had a bit of good luck."
After a few more words, Giorgio Armani moved on to talk with Gisele Bündchen. Perhaps because of his age, he chatted with Gisele for a bit before leaving the banquet hall.
Most people in the hall were from the fashion industry, and Matthew could barely name a handful. To be precise, he recognized only two: the sunglasses-wearing, white-haired Karl Lagerfeld and the half-Hollywood figure Gisele Bündchen.
Helen Herman whispered, "If you're not interested, we can leave. Giorgio Armani has already left."
Instead of responding to her, Matthew said, "I'm going to say hello to someone."
Without waiting for a response, he walked over to Gisele Bündchen. Seeing that no one else was around her, he greeted, "Hi, Gisele."
"Hello, Matthew," Gisele Bündchen smiled at him.
They had briefly interacted during the signing ceremony and would be working together for the next three days to shoot the Armani underwear advertisement.
"I heard Armani was looking for a women's underwear spokesperson, but I didn't expect to see you here," Matthew was curious. "I remember you were a Victoria's Secret Angel, so..."
Gisele Bündchen stated directly, "I terminated my contract with Victoria's Secret."
Matthew shook his head, "What a pity. This year's Victoria's Secret show won't be the same without you." He quickly added, "I had my friend get me front-row tickets for this year's show, but now I'll have to return them."
"Just because of me?" Gisele Bündchen asked.
Matthew nodded, "Of course. You're the most outstanding supermodel since the Big Five."
"Thank you," Gisele Bündchen replied courteously. "Your compliment is too kind."
Matthew called over a waiter, took two glasses of champagne from the tray, and handed one to Gisele Bündchen, jokingly saying, "To the future number one supermodel."
This was Gisele Bündchen's ideal and goal, so instead of being modest, she clinked glasses with Matthew and said, "To the future number one Hollywood star."
"Cheers!"
"Cheers..."
They both drank their champagne almost simultaneously.
With a drink in their systems, the rapport between them grew. Matthew, still curious, asked, "Victoria's Secret Angel's resources and influence are huge. Gisele, why did you leave?"
Gisele Bündchen smiled but spoke with a hint of ambition, "Because what I want, Victoria's Secret can't give me."
Matthew recalled watching the live broadcast of the Rio de Janeiro Olympics where Gisele Bündchen had been the highlight of the opening ceremony, commanding the stage like a world unto herself.
In his view, Gisele Bündchen had reached heights even the Big Five supermodels hadn't achieved.
After a moment's thought, Matthew said, "Indeed, to become the future number one supermodel, you have to break free from Victoria's Secret's limitations."
Gisele Bündchen looked at Matthew, "There aren't many who see it as clearly as you do."
She had left Victoria's Secret voluntarily. Compared to her, Victoria's Secret valued Heidi Klum more. Although the Angel title had greatly helped her early career, the contract also came with many restrictions.
At her current level, breaking free from Victoria's Secret's contract provided a much broader space for development.
Matthew took Gisele Bündchen's empty glass along with his own and handed them to a passing waiter. "I don't have such good foresight. I just think if Victoria's Secret can't give you the best resources and support, it's better to leave."
Gisele Bündchen was about to say something when she noticed a white-haired man with sunglasses approaching. She reminded Matthew, "Karl Lagerfeld is coming over."
Matthew turned to look and saw the white-haired, braided Karl Lagerfeld close by.
"Hi, Gisele," Karl Lagerfeld greeted her familiarly.
"Hi, Karl," Gisele Bündchen responded politely.
These two were both big names in the fashion industry and clearly familiar with each other.
Karl Lagerfeld then turned to Matthew, "Hello, Matthew. You're even more impressive in person than in the movies."
"Hello, Mr. Lagerfeld," Matthew replied politely.
"I've watched many of your films," Karl Lagerfeld continued ambiguously. "Especially '300,' which left a deep impression on me."
Matthew couldn't quite grasp the meaning behind his words but remained courteous, "I'm honored that you enjoyed it."
"Yes, I liked it very much," Karl Lagerfeld's eyes were hidden behind his sunglasses, making him unreadable.
Helen Herman then approached, interrupting their conversation, "Hello, Mr. Lagerfeld."
Karl Lagerfeld turned to her, nodding, "Hello, you are..."
"I'm Matthew's agent," Helen Herman said, standing beside Matthew. "Seven years ago, my father and I visited you in Paris."
"Oh, I remember now," Karl Lagerfeld said. "You're Helen, right?"
Helen Herman smiled, "Yes."
Karl Lagerfeld casually asked, "How's your father? I haven't seen him in a long time."
"He's retired," Helen Herman replied politely. "He's recently taken to traveling around the world, so I haven't seen him in a while either."
"Ah," Karl Lagerfeld acknowledged and then turned back to Matthew, "Where were we? Oh, yes, your films are outstanding, and so are you..."
He looked Matthew up and down, "But your fashion sense needs work."
Even though Karl Lagerfeld wore sunglasses, his scrutinizing gaze made Matthew uncomfortable, but he said nothing.
Karl Lagerfeld then said, "I'm staying at the Sheraton Hotel. If you're interested in fashion, you can visit my room tonight."
What did he mean by that? Matthew kept his expression neutral, suddenly feeling Helen Herman tugging at his arm. Their years of cooperation allowed him to understand that she was reminding him of something.
"Sorry," Matthew said, not caring about the implication. "I have to prepare for tomorrow's shoot, so I won't be available tonight."
Karl Lagerfeld waved his hand dismissively, "Then never mind."
He found an excuse and left shortly after.
Watching him walk away, Matthew asked, "What did he mean?"
Helen Herman didn't spell it out, "Probably what you're thinking."
Gisele Bündchen, who had been standing nearby, naturally overheard and said, "Matthew, you're different from most people."
"Just because I refused him?" Matthew looked at Gisele Bündchen.
She nodded lightly, "Karl Lagerfeld's invitation is extremely rare in the fashion world."
"But I'm not in the fashion world," Matthew shrugged, joking, "I'm not representing Chanel either, so why should I care?"
Gisele Bündchen couldn't help but laugh, "Not everyone can be as carefree as you." She glanced at her watch, "I have to go. See you at the shoot tomorrow."
Matthew smiled, "See you at the shoot tomorrow."
Gisele Bündchen quickly left, and once she was gone, Matthew asked Helen Herman, "You pulled me just to remind me to refuse Karl Lagerfeld?"
"No," Helen Herman said flatly.
Matthew widened his eyes, "No way, Helen! You weren't suggesting I agree, were you?"
Helen Herman maintained her calm tone, "Of course not. I was reminding you to restrain yourself a bit, not to impulsively hit Karl Lagerfeld."
_________________________
[Check out my Patreon for +200 additional chapters in all my fanfics! $5 for all!!]
[w w w . p a t r e o n .com / INNIT]
[+50 PowerStones = +1 Chapter]