Page 114 of Rookie Rules

"Any kissing?"

"Not in this board. Hand at your lapel, shared elevator, proximity on the rooftop. We can prohibit improvisation beyond approved contact."

The specificity helped. Work could have rules. Consent could be written down. The problem was not standing beside a woman or acting inside a story. Luca performed stories for cameras every week.

The problem was how perfectly this one matched what people already assumed, and how much money appeared when no one had to revise the assumption.

She advanced to a page labeled NEGOTIABLE CREATIVE.

"No dating questions in scheduled interviews. Approval over final copy attributed to you. No language saying you're straight, interested in the model, or currently single. We can request less narrative between you and her: separate frames, crowd setting, attraction implied rather than paired."

"Can we remove her?"

"We can ask."

"Which means?"

"Boreal may reduce the offer, change the concept, or decide the campaign no longer does what they want. They may also agree. We do not know until we negotiate."

Pragmatic. Not threatening. The market did not need a villain when incentives could apply pressure politely.

Luca studied the woman on the board. She was beautiful, anonymous, and almost certainly had her own contract concerns. None of this was her fault.

"What if I say no to all of it?"

"Then you say no. The team will not punish you. I will not tell you you're wasting your career."

"But?"

Claire folded her hands. "It is a strong offer. National work this early can create leverage for every deal after it. You may want that leverage later for campaigns that fit better."

There was the reasonable argument. Accept the imperfect version now to earn control over future versions.

Luca had heard versions of it since he was old enough for adults to call him a prospect.

Smile now. Choose later. Be useful first.

"Would they make the same offer if I arrived with a boyfriend?" he asked.

Claire did not answer quickly.

"The same exact creative? No."

"The same money?"

"I don't know. Anyone who says they know is selling you certainty."

"Good slogan for the office."

"Luca."

The use of his name stopped the performance.

"I can help you negotiate the deal," Claire said. "I can help you decline it. I can protect you from questions you do not agree to answer. I cannot promise the market will treat every version of you as equally simple to sell."

"I'm excellent when simplified."

"You are excellent when you're not."