Chapter 213: Crisis Averted

Chapter 213: Chapter 213: Crisis Averted

Britney didn’t say a single word of rebuttal or defense throughout the entire encounter, yet it was more powerful than any counterattack.

The female singer froze in place, the smile on her face instantly collapsing. She felt as if she had punched a pile of cotton, feeling both embarrassed and awkward.

Once the crowd of onlookers had completely dispersed and the hallway returned to silence, the female singer, who had just been acting so arrogant, immediately dropped her affected expression.

She cast a furtive glance around, then turned and quickly slipped silently into the private practice room at the end of the hall that belonged to Justin Timberlake.

The door was gently closed, shutting out all prying eyes.

She walked over to Justin, who was adjusting his microphone, and reported in a low voice: "I said exactly what you taught me, but Britney is so much more composed than before. She didn’t take it to heart at all, didn’t even offer a rebuttal, and just walked away."

Upon hearing this, Justin was not surprised. Instead, he curled his lips into a smirk full of contempt and calculation.

He casually put down his headphones, reached out, and pulled the woman beside him into his arms. His fingertips idly caressed her waist, his tone full of confident certainty:

"It doesn’t matter, I know her too well. A few words certainly won’t drive a wedge between her and Irene Coppola’s laughable friendship. I never expected this ploy to make them turn against each other."

"What I want is simply to make her want to film that movie even more."

The female singer looked up, her eyes full of confusion, and couldn’t help but ask: "Why on earth are you so insistent on forcing her to make that film? You even went through the trouble of pulling strings and organizing the project. If you go to all this trouble, what if she actually does a good job and it becomes a box office smash?"

Justin acted as if he had heard the biggest joke in the world and let out a low laugh on the spot, his laughter full of undisguised mockery and disdain:

"A good job? A box office smash? You’re overthinking it. That movie is destined to fail. Don’t you know Britney’s foundation? She’s stiff in expressions and wooden in lines even when filming a simple narrative MV. Does she even deserve to act in a movie?

Besides, I’ve read that script. The character development is terrible, the logic is forced, and it has absolutely no appeal to audiences. Even if her die-hard fans are willing to buy tickets, they’ll just be driven away by the acting and the plot."

What he wanted was never for Britney to succeed, but for her to fall flat on her face.

The female singer remained uneasy, her brow slightly furrowed: "But what if Irene Coppola gets involved? If she’s willing to help Britney rewrite the script, build the character, or even direct it herself, wouldn’t everything change?"

At the mention of Irene, the smile on Justin’s face faded slightly, yet he remained completely unruffled.

"I haven’t failed to consider the possibility you mentioned," he said slowly, his voice low and sinister.

"But don’t worry, I’ve already prepared my next move. You only need to remember one thing: as long as Britney dives headfirst into the film industry, her music career will inevitably suffer, and her popularity will decline. By then, the position of top female singer at Jive Company will be yours to command."

These words precisely struck the deepest, greediest desire in the female singer’s heart. She immediately softened her tone and playfully punched him, acting coy: "Look at you, it’s not just for myself."

As her voice trailed off, the atmosphere in the practice room instantly became ambiguous and sordid.

Irene, Britney, and Shelly were completely unaware of the sordid schemes and underhanded dealings hidden in the corners of the record company.

But when word of Britney being invited to star in a movie spread within the company and reached Shelly’s ears, he immediately realized that the situation could no longer be delayed. If he continued to let Britney be manipulated by those with ulterior motives, she would sooner or later fall into a trap dug by others.

That afternoon, Shelly rushed straight to the post-production editing room at the Disney studio, dragged Irene out from where she was buried in footage and soundtracks, and quickly arranged to meet with Britney. The three of them sat down in Irene’s office for an emergency closed-door meeting.

Once the door was closed, the atmosphere immediately turned to the main topic.

Before Britney could speak, Irene looked straight at her, her tone sincere and direct, without any beating around the bush:

"I know you’re interested in this movie, and I know the experiences in the script resonate with you. But I have to be honest with you: your current stage image and personal charisma are too distinct, too deeply ingrained in people’s minds. It’s not that you can’t act, but with your current acting foundation, no matter what role you play, in the audience’s eyes, it will only be Britney Spears, not the character itself. For a movie, that is fatal."

Britney retorted in a low, unconvinced voice: "Even if it doesn’t attract regular moviegoers, it doesn’t matter. Can’t I just make it for my fans, to give back to them? Besides, didn’t Will Smith make a very successful transition? If he can do it, why can’t I try?"

Irene shook her head gently, breaking it down for her, word by word, clearly and calmly:

"First, before Will Smith transitioned to acting, his fame as a singer was not on the same level as your current national popularity. You are a global phenomenon. He was only popular within a small circle in the rap scene at the time, so his baggage was much lighter than yours."

"Second, Will Smith’s time as a singer was very short. He only released a few songs and wasn’t completely typecast. Moreover, when he transitioned, his entire agency tailored scripts for him, polished his roles, and paved the way. He didn’t just casually take on a road movie."

"Third, and most importantly, his acting skills are far above yours. Even if he isn’t considered a top-tier powerhouse in Hollywood, he has undergone systematic training and has sufficient talent. Whereas your current acting level, in Hollywood, doesn’t even reach the standard for a competent ensemble cast."

These words were ruthless, yet every word was sincere.

Irene softened her tone and continued: "So, if you are really interested in acting and want to try it, I won’t stop you. But you need to start practicing with cameos, small roles, and MV-style short scenes, instead of trying to jump straight to being the lead in a movie."

Britney wanted to say something more, but Irene directly interrupted her most naive thought:

"As for your idea of ’just making it for the fans,’ I strongly disagree. Fans love you because of your singing voice, your stage presence, and your charm, not because you can act.

Instead of spending three to five months filming a movie destined to have mediocre reviews, you’d be better off writing more songs, preparing for another tour, and standing on stage to see them once more. That is the real way to give back."

Shelly, who was sitting to the side, immediately nodded in agreement, his tone firm and professional:

"Irene is absolutely right. You’ve already had three hit albums, your global popularity is at its peak, and you’re a big contender for the Grammys this time. Once the awards season is over, we can fully launch a US tour or even a global tour. That is what you should be doing at this stage, and it’s the best way to consolidate your position."

He secretly gave Irene a look.

Irene understood instantly and softened her tone: "Acting is not something you can rush. If you really want to experience it, I can help you find suitable cameo opportunities later, even saving a bright, small role for you in one of my own movies.

But this movie must be turned down. The filming period is at least three to six months, which will completely occupy the golden period of your career’s rise. Once you disappear from the music scene for too long, your popularity will decline, your buzz will be siphoned off, and it will be difficult to return to your current position."

The office was silent for a few seconds.

Britney lowered her eyes and didn’t speak. It wasn’t that she didn’t understand, but she was unwilling to be looked down upon.

But the two people in front of her—one her most trusted friend, the other her most professional agent—were saying every word for the sake of her future.

She took a gentle breath and finally nodded slowly.

Shelly let out a huge sigh of relief. Fortunately, Irene was there. Otherwise, given Britney’s personality, if she had really become stubborn, he might not have been able to stop her.