194 Beef

Before Sundance 2011 kicks off, Neil has been mingling with the fashion elite in the city, showcasing his knack for networking. He's successfully piqued the interest of several influential fashion designers keen on crafting Lucas's ensemble for the Sundance red carpet.

As Lucas's career portfolio expands and his star continues to rise, the difference from the past is stark. Gone are the days when finding someone to dress him was a challenge. Now, several designers in the city are eagerly awaiting the opportunity to create bespoke attire for him for the upcoming event.

In a cozy café amidst the chill of the city, Lucas and Neil warmed themselves with cups of coffee. Over the steaming brew, Neil shared, "Lucas, I've been in touch with a few designers here who are interested in dressing you. I've arranged for you to meet each of them today; the schedule's all set."

Lucas, taken aback by Neil's initiative to reach out to multiple designers when he only needed one, couldn't help but express his surprise, "I'm hardly a superstar, and yet you've lined up several designers in just one day? Are you planning to assemble a whole team for me?" he asked, half in jest.

Neil laughed, playing along, "Why not? If you like what all of them bring to the table, we could indeed form your very own design squad."

Shaking his head with a smile, Lucas responded, "That sounds like a luxury I can't afford just yet."

Neil chuckled at Lucas's modesty, "You're being too humble, especially after I've secured you an $800,000 contract for the 'Hunger Games' project, not to mention your album that's raked in millions."

Lucas smiled, shaking his head in amusement, "I'm not about to splurge on a design team just for my wardrobe when having one designer will suffice, right? The outcome wouldn't be drastically different."

He thought back to celebrities in his previous life who had their own fleets of designers, yet often ended up in eccentric, outlandish outfits. These attempts at standing out sometimes made them look more like fashion experiments gone wrong than style icons. Lucas couldn't help but find humor in the thought, and he couldn't helped but mused in his head, "Some of those stars ended up looking more like clowns than fashionistas. It's as if they thought outlandish equaled fashionable. It always made me wonder if cosplayers might have a better sense of style than some of these so-called fashion-forward celebrities. The idea that such wacky attire is considered high fashion is laughable to me."

As they continued their conversation, Neil reminded Lucas, "Ultimately, it's your money. And since we're about to meet one of the designers right here today, let's give his creations a chance. You might find something you like."

Lucas agreed, and they engaged in light conversation while waiting. When the designer they were expecting arrived, Lucas was taken aback to see who it was.

"Nice to meet you again, Mr. Knight. How have you been?" The designer approached with an assistant by his side.

"Oh, Lucas, you've met Ms. Porter before?" Neil asked, surprised by the familiarity.

Lucas, unable to conceal his discomfort, admitted, "Yes, we've met before, but it wasn't exactly... a pleasant encounter."

Cary Porter laughed off the tension, eager to move past their previous altercation. "Let's leave the past behind, Mr. Knight. If I caused any offense back then, I sincerely apologize," he offered, then took a seat at their table. "In our line of work, holding onto grudges doesn't help. As a designer, it's natural to be selective about who wears our creations. We worry about our designs not getting the recognition they deserve and our reputation potentially suffering if worn by lesser-known figures, you understand?"

While Cary attempted to justify his past behavior, his explanation only seemed to exacerbate Lucas's irritation.

Lucas's mind flashed back to a year ago, when Cary had bluntly scorned him for being merely an "unknown actor" in his eyes—a slight that obviously still stung.

Noticing Lucas's troubled expression, Neil quickly stepped in to diffuse the situation. "I'm sorry, Mr. Cary, but it seems my client is not comfortable working with you," he stated diplomatically.

"Really?" Cary responded, his annoyance palpable.

"Yes. I prefer to collaborate with designers who don't share your... perspective," Lucas replied, his tone firm and direct.

Cary's embarrassment was evident as he scanned the café, feeling the weight of the situation. With a frown, he retorted, "So, now that you've gained some fame, you feel you can dismiss me like this? Aren't my apologies enough for you?"

Lucas chose to remain silent, allowing Neil to handle the conversation. "I'm very sorry, Mr. Porter. It's clear my client isn't interested—" Neil's polite but firm response underscored their decision to move on, prioritizing respect and mutual appreciation in their professional relationships.

Cary's response was a mix of defiance and embarrassment. "I know. Why would I want to work with someone who doesn't appreciate my expertise?" He snorted dismissively, standing up. His attempt to hide his embarrassment was thinly veiled as he glanced at Lucas and retorted, "Hmph... So full of yourself just because you're in the spotlight? I doubt anyone will remember you in a few months." With that, he turned his back to Lucas and Neil, signaling to his assistant, "Let's go."

As Cary departed, making a swift exit without further drama—likely too embarrassed to cause a scene—Neil turned to Lucas with an apologetic look. "I'm sorry, Lucas. I had no idea about your past run-in with that designer. I wouldn't have arranged this meeting had I known," he said.

"It's okay," Lucas replied, shaking his head. "I'd rather not associate with designers of that sort."

Neil nodded in understanding. "Unfortunately, the industry does have its share of difficult personalities, but not everyone is like that. Let's see what the other designers I've lined up for you have to offer," he suggested optimistically.

Lucas agreed, and they proceeded to meet with the other designers Neil had arranged. After a series of meetings, they finally decided on a designer from Armani.

The Armani designs presented Lucas with a range of sophisticated and stylish men's clothing options—garments Lucas had only dreamed of wearing in his past life. It was a moment of affirmation, not just of his rising status in the entertainment industry, but also of his personal growth and the positive direction in which his career was headed.