Chapter 63: The Superstar’s Favor

Chapter 63: Chapter 63: The Superstar’s Favor

"I heard Miss Coppola’s next film is an action movie, a genre you’ve never worked in before. I’m curious. When everyone wants to typecast you in teen comedies, why do you want to break out and take on something as tough as an action film?"

His words caused a stir in the crowd around them.

Irene’s new project was already a hot topic. No one had expected her to make such a big leap, and for a moment, the air was filled with murmured conversations.

"Actually, watching your movies strengthened my resolve not to stay in my comfort zone," Irene said.

"You break through the boundaries of technology, genre, and imagination again and again. That made me realize that a true director shouldn’t be defined by a genre. A director should define the genre."

Her words were both a tribute to Cameron and the best explanation for her choice to direct The Italian Job. She wasn’t running away from teen comedies. She was actively expanding her creative territory.

The interest in Cameron’s eyes grew noticeably stronger. Seeing such insight from someone so young, he dropped his joking tone and was about to discuss the details of filming action movies with Irene when the host’s booming voice rang out through the hall.

"Distinguished guests, good evening! Welcome to the annual Christmas gala hosted by 20th Century Fox!"

The host’s voice carried through the banquet hall over the speakers and captured everyone’s attention. He reflected on Fox’s brilliant achievements over the past year and thanked every collaborator present. After a passionate opening, he announced loudly, "And now, please give a warm welcome to our special guest performer for tonight—Britney Spears!"

As soon as he finished speaking, the intro to "...Baby One More Time" played. The song had echoed around the globe, and it instantly ignited the atmosphere.

Irene suddenly realized why she hadn’t seen Britney in the crowd. Her friend had a performance to give.

A spotlight hit the center of the stage, and Britney appeared in a dazzling performance outfit. With her signature sweet smile and energetic steps, she immediately became the center of attention.

Cameron’s attention was also drawn to the stage. He raised an eyebrow, seemingly surprised that Fox had arranged for a pop idol to perform at such a formal gala, but his expression also held a hint of observation.

Irene watched her radiant friend on stage and felt proud of her. At the same time, she knew her conversation with Cameron was over for now, but that brief exchange had undoubtedly planted a seed for a possible future connection.

If she could earn Cameron’s friendship, she thought, wouldn’t it be possible to invest in Avatar someday?

Britney’s performance brought the house down, and she bowed out to thunderous applause. Before long, she changed into a delicate dress more suited for a banquet and quietly sat down in the empty seat next to Irene.

As soon as she sat down, Britney impatiently grabbed Irene’s wrist. Her whispered exclamation of excitement was almost a breathy gasp.

"Irene! Did you see? Leonardo! Leonardo DiCaprio! Oh my god, he’s right in front of us, next to that table with the champagne tower!"

Irene was amused by her and looked in the direction she indicated. Sure enough, the young superstar who had swept the world with Titanic and was now at the height of his fame stood there, swirling a wine glass and chatting with a veteran producer.

His mid-length blond hair looked exceptionally soft under the lights, and his blue eyes held a charming, slightly rebellious languor when he smiled.

"I see him. He really is unfairly handsome," Irene commented objectively. Then she noticed a detail and nudged Britney’s shoulder teasingly. "But have you noticed? He’s already glanced in our direction at least three times since just now."

"Really?" Britney instantly straightened her back, subconsciously smoothing the stray hairs by her ear, then quickly picked up her wine glass to feign composure. "Is he looking at us? Or is my makeup messed up?"

"Relax, superstar. You look gorgeous." Irene was amused by her nervousness and analyzed the situation in a low voice. "I think he might be looking at you. After all, you’re the hottest voice on the radio right now, and he was even tapping his foot to your song earlier. But," she said with a mischievous grin, letting the word hang, "no matter how much he looks, it’s useless. Our little pop princess already has Edward in her heart."

"Oh, please." Britney’s face turned slightly red as she gave Irene a playful shove, but the joy in her eyes was unmistakable. Being admired by the hottest superstar in Hollywood was enough to make anyone feel proud.

She stole another glance and caught Leonardo just as he seemed to finish his conversation. His gaze swept over again and met hers for a brief moment. He paused slightly, then gave a brighter, somewhat inquisitive smile and raised his glass toward them.

"He... he’s greeting us!" Britney quickly raised her glass in response, her movements a bit flustered.

"Be confident. There’s no ’he seems to be’ about it." Irene raised her glass elegantly in acknowledgment, laughing softly in Britney’s ear. "See, I told you. Even Hollywood’s ’Jack’ can’t resist our Britney’s charm." Then she gestured with her eyes toward another part of the room. "Don’t you think Tom Cruise standing alone over there has a very special, steady coolness to him as well?"

Like any other girls their age, the two whispered observations about the stars present, sharing playful comments that only best friends would understand.

Just then, a new guest performer took the stage. When a familiar figure appeared, Irene’s expression faltered slightly. It was Justin Timberlake, a very important person in Britney’s past life, but currently just the lead singer of the popular boy band *NSYNC.

She turned to look at Britney, only to find her attention still on Leonardo. Britney was completely ignoring the guest on stage. In this life, Irene thought, she probably wouldn’t repeat the same mistakes.

Justin sang and danced on stage with high energy, drawing cheers from the audience. Irene watched the performance and then looked at the thoughtful Britney beside her. An idea suddenly sparked in her mind, clear and brilliant.

She lightly touched Britney’s arm and lowered her voice, though it carried irrepressible excitement. "Britney, I was thinking. What would you think about being a guest performer at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show?"

Britney was stunned for a moment, clearly not following the jump in logic. Part of her attention still lingered on Leonardo. "Victoria’s Secret? Performing?"

"Exactly!" Irene’s eyes shone brightly. Recalling information from her past life, her tone became increasingly certain. "Look, Victoria’s Secret is very closely tied to you now. The news about us visiting backstage is already popular in Hollywood, and their audience and your fan base overlap a lot. This wouldn’t be hard to arrange.

Imagine you singing ’Oops!... I Did It Again’ or ’...Baby One More Time’ behind the Angels. That would definitely be one of the most iconic moments of the night. It would be the perfect collision of music and fashion, allowing your influence to break out of the music circle and reach every corner of fashion and popular culture."

This bold proposal left Britney completely dazed. Her first instinct was to ask if it could really work, but seeing the unreserved trust and affirmation in Irene’s eyes, and thinking back to Leonardo’s appreciative gaze just now, a competitive spirit and an unprecedented ambition quietly sprouted in her heart.

It didn’t seem that hard. Her performance could conquer that stage too.

Her eyes gradually shifted from doubt to a spark of eagerness. She leaned in closer to Irene and said in an even lower voice, though her tone had become firm. "Irene, you’re right. We really should try! I’m going to call Shelly!"

Irene quickly pulled her back. "Wait. This year’s Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show is already over. There’s no rush."

Britney thought about it and agreed. She quietly returned to her seat and continued judging the men’s outfits with Irene.