Chapter 256: Each Gets What They Need

Chapter 256: Chapter 256: Each Gets What They Need

The two then chatted for a while about the specific details of the promotion. Adelaide mentioned wanting to combine the Facebook promotion with the release of Pirates of the Caribbean.

letting the lead cast members like Johnny Depp and Keira Knightley share filming highlights and behind-the-scenes stories on Facebook to attract fans, while also helping to drive traffic to Irene’s platform.

Irene agreed with a smile, "I’ll have Chen Shiyu’s side cooperate with you. We’ll set up an official account specifically for Pirates of the Caribbean and provide exclusive verification for the lead cast.

We can even hold online interactive events, like fan Q&As and giveaways for merchandise. This will promote the movie and liven up the platform’s atmosphere at the same time."

Adelaide smiled with satisfaction. "Then it’s settled! Once the party is over, I’ll have my team send you the specific plan so we can implement it as soon as possible."

While they were chatting, Shelly walked over with two fresh drinks and said with a smile, "You two seem so engrossed in your conversation. Are you conspiring on some big plan?"

"You could say that." Adelaide raised his glass and smiled at Irene, "Here’s to the great success of our Pirates of the Caribbean series, and to Facebook becoming an instant hit upon launch!"

"Cheers!" Irene smiled and raised her glass, lightly clinking it against his.

After the party ended, everyone left one after another, leaving only Britney behind. After the two finished washing up, Irene pulled Britney aside and asked how she had met Paris Hilton, Lindsay Lohan, and Kim Kardashian. Britney didn’t take it too seriously and casually said they had met at a bar.

Britney’s personality was more fun-loving than Irene’s, so she often went to various bars in her spare time, but she wasn’t addicted. She just looked for some fun when she was bored.

Britney said with a laugh, "It’s all because Shelly always tells me to find some other friends to hang out with and not to stick to you all the time, otherwise people will think I’m just riding on your coattails."

Irene looked disapproving. "I’ll go talk to him. I’ve never felt that you were inferior to me."

Britney waved her hand. "I don’t feel that way either. It’s just that Shelly is also afraid that those reporters will write nonsense and misunderstand our relationship, so I chose to find a few friends ’below’ me. That way, it helps build my persona as being approachable, doesn’t it?"

Irene reminded Britney, "Then remember, play is play, but there are some things you can’t get involved in with them. The main things are alcohol and drugs. You must stay far away from those two."

Seeing Irene’s serious expression, Britney also responded seriously, "I will. I can distinguish between what’s good and what’s bad. They only want my fame and fortune, and I only seek them out to build my persona and pass the time.

Everyone gets what they need. I’ll occasionally go to bars with them, but I won’t lose my head. Don’t worry, I know how to protect myself."

Irene nodded with satisfaction and reached out to ruffle Britney’s soft blonde hair. "That’s right. It’s good as long as you know what you’re doing."

Moonlight from outside spilled through the sheer curtains, casting fragmented silver spots on the carpet.

A faint fragrance from the party still lingered in the room, mixed with the citrus scent of the matching body wash they both used, making the atmosphere exceptionally quiet.

Britney lay down on the bed, her limbs spread out like a lazy kitten.

"Actually, hanging out with them is quite interesting. Paris can always find the trendiest bars, Lindsay is surprisingly good at singing, and Kim..." She paused, a playful smile curling at the corner of her mouth.

"She’s a very interesting person. She doesn’t seem to stand out in any particular way, but she’s the one among them who knows best how to read the situation."

Irene also lay down next to her, remembering how Kim Kardashian had just huddled next to Britney to take who knows how many photos. "You’ve got it figured out quite clearly."

"I’ve just seen too much of it," Britney turned over to face Irene. "Do you remember when I first debuted? I was forced by the management company to make ’friends.’

Those people were warm and caring to my face, but behind my back, they secretly sold dirt on me to the media, saying I was acting like a diva and had a messy private life. If it weren’t for you, I definitely would have been driven into depression by them." Her voice lowered, a fleeting trace of loneliness crossing her eyes.

Irene reached out and gently took Britney’s hand. "That’s all in the past. Now you have me and Shelly. You don’t have to force yourself to please others anymore." She knew that while Britney seemed cheerful and fun-loving, she was more insecure than anyone else deep down.

"By the way," Britney suddenly sat up, her eyes sparkling as she looked at Irene. "Paris said there’s a private yacht party next weekend with many celebrities invited. She said I could bring a friend. Do you want to come with me?" She knew Irene usually didn’t like these crowded occasions, but she still wanted to invite her.

"Just think of it as going to relax. There’s lots of good food on the yacht, and we can watch the sunrise. I heard it’s at Malibu beach, and the scenery is gorgeous."

Irene shook her head and firmly refused. "I have things to do and can’t get away. Go by yourself. Promise me, don’t drink too much, and don’t get too close to those shady characters."

Britney immediately raised her hand as if taking an oath. "I promise! I’ll absolutely listen to you. I’ll only drink a little bit, and I won’t accept anything anyone hands me. How’s that?"

"Mhm. Also, about the challenge activity I mentioned to you before—you can use this time to think about who would be best to @ then."

"Mission accomplished!" Britney happily threw herself into Irene’s arms and hugged her tightly.

When the next day’s sunlight slipped into the room through the gaps in the curtains, Irene was still fast asleep in the soft bedding. The phone on the nightstand suddenly rang sharply, breaking the morning silence.

Irene dizzily groped for her phone and pressed the answer button with her eyes closed, her voice raspy from just waking up. "Hello?"

"Irene! Quick, look at the news!" Shelly’s voice was urgent. "At the party yesterday, did you talk to Rachel McAdams about Ridley Scott’s new project? The one still in pre-production, Kingdom of Heaven? Did you tell her not to take the role?"

Irene rubbed her bleary eyes, clearly recalling the conversation from the night before.

"I mentioned a few things. I only said the risks for this movie were high and suggested she shouldn’t take it. Nothing more." At the time, she had purely given a friendly reminder out of goodwill.

After all, Rachel was in a rising phase of her career and needed to be cautious in her film choices. Moreover, Kingdom of Heaven was just a project in its early stages. Everything was uncertain, and who could say for sure that the movie would be a success.

"But now the media is in an uproar!" Shelly’s voice was filled with helplessness.

"Someone leaked those words and even added fuel to the fire. The newspaper headlines are going crazy—’Rising Director Irene Maliciously Obstructs Senior’s Project, Advises Rachel to Reject Kingdom of Heaven,’

’Irene Recklessly Criticizes New Film in Production, Questions Ridley Scott’s Directorial Ability,’ and they even say you’re ’using your slight fame to openly provoke Hollywood seniors’!"