On Saturday morning, Irene finally slept in, a rare occurrence.
Lately she had been occupied with classes or meetings, and it had been some time since she’d had a relaxed breakfast.
"Thanks for the hand-pulled noodles, Ophie."
Since Irene had expressed a love for Chinese food as a child, her family had sent Ophelia to Chinatown to learn to cook it.
The training wasn’t extensive, but Ophie made simple breakfasts well.
"Young Miss, your newspaper is on the table."
"Thank you, Ophie."
Irene ate while reading People magazine.
The cover featured Britney, with a prominent headline:
It was part of their film promotion.
In the interview, Britney mentioned Irene Coppola and her film several times, calling it the best teen movie of the year and encouraging fans to see it.
Irene was aware of the interview and had suggested the magazine run a giveaway: fans who proved they were Britney’s fans could register using a code on the back of People after purchase.
At the premiere, twenty fans would be selected to attend for free and meet the cast.
Once the promotion launched, People sold out quickly. Some fans bought multiple copies to improve their odds.
Beyond magazines, Britney mentioned the movie in every appearance or interview.
Some tabloids even claimed Britney was in the film.
Through these efforts, even people unfamiliar with Britney knew a film directed by her best friend was releasing that summer. Awareness increased significantly.
Irene noted that the industry hadn’t fully grasped fan engagement yet; when fans mobilized, the impact was substantial.
While promotion continued, she divided her time between school and her apartment, studying and beginning a new script.
To establish herself, she needed both quality and consistent output.
The second film would also be a campus comedy, her strength.
It followed a top student who transferred schools, tried to join the popular group, adopted their behavior, became consumed by status and manipulation, and eventually learned that authenticity was preferable.
Like Legally Blonde, it focused on a woman’s internal development and personal growth, aiming for broad appeal.
By late June, Irene’s freshman year ended.
Aside from the months filming, she had attended every class, sat in the front row, and submitted all assignments on time.
Her final grades were strong, closing her freshman year well.
With classes finished, she returned to work.
A week before release, she was invited to join Britney on The Rosie O’Donnell Show to promote Legally Blonde.
At noon, Irene arrived at the studio on time. Britney was in hair and makeup backstage.
She walked over quietly and placed a bottle of water on the vanity.
"I said I don’t like this brand, you—" Britney began, then turned, saw Irene, and told the makeup artist to pause. She stood and hugged her.
"I didn’t know you were particular about water brands now," Irene said, raising an eyebrow and taking the bottle back.
Britney took it from her. "If it’s from you, I’ll drink it."
A staff member knocked and entered. "Here’s the rundown and possible questions. Please review. If there’s anything you prefer not to answer, let us know in advance."
Irene took the sheet and turned to Britney. "We’re singing later. Get ready."
Britney nodded and returned to her chair for makeup. Irene sat for light touch-ups as well.
They had little time to talk before heading into the studio.
The lights were bright, and the audience applauded.
Irene sat on the sofa next to Rosie, watching Britney in the center of the stage.
Britney performed the Legally Blonde theme song, her voice clear and strong.
"This song is for my best friend, Irene, and for every girl pursuing her dreams," she said.
After the performance, she hugged Irene, and the audience cheered.
"Wow. That was excellent," Rosie said, leading the applause.
"This song fits the film perfectly. Britney, the inspiration came from Irene and her movie, correct?"
Britney took the microphone, looking at Irene. "Yes. When Irene showed me the first cut, I was drawn in."
"Elle Woods is pink and bright, but people underestimate her. She uses her intelligence and effort to prove herself."
"This story made me think of Irene. Like the character, she used her ability to answer the doubters."
Rosie picked up on that, turning to Irene. "Speaking of which, Irene, how old are you now?"
Anticipating the direction, Irene answered calmly, "Seventeen."
Rosie made an exaggerated expression. "My God, seventeen, still a minor. At an age many consider childhood, you’ve directed a multi-million-dollar film. That’s remarkable. I imagine you faced significant skepticism."
Irene thought, Not really, my father supported the decision. But she didn’t say that.
She used the moment to promote the film. "There were doubts, and that’s the film’s core message: don’t judge by appearances. Girls can enjoy fashion and still have intelligence and courage."
"Like Britney’s lyric, ’Don’t let the sparkle define the shine within.’ We want to tell all girls that their dreams matter, even if they wear pink to pursue them."
Her tone was steady and engaging.
"Well said," Rosie applauded, then looked at Britney.
"So, Brit, if Irene asked you to cameo in a Legally Blonde sequel, would you do it? Maybe as another standout law student?"
Britney laughed. "Rosie, if Director Irene asks, I’m available. But my lines better have rhythm like my songs."
The audience reacted with excitement and laughter.
"Alright, ladies, I can’t wait to see it in theaters," Rosie said, steering back to the film, then shifting to a lighter topic.
"But first, Irene, satisfy our curiosity—did our pop princess have any funny moments growing up? You must have stories from ten years of friendship."
Irene thought, then glanced at Britney, who feigned nervousness.
"Sure. When she was thirteen, she insisted on learning to ’write’ her name with her eyebrows.
She practiced in the mirror until her eyebrows cramped, and she told me, ’Irene, my forehead betrayed me.’ For a week, she looked at everyone like she was trying to lift her brows."
The audience laughed warmly.
Britney buried her face on Irene’s shoulder, laughing, her ears red. "Hey. We agreed that was secret. That affects my image."
Her tone was affectionate, with no real complaint.
The atmosphere was light and warm. The segment combined friendship, film promotion, and music effectively.
Finally, Rosie closed with, "Everyone, go see Legally Blonde in theaters on July 16."
When ratings were released the next day, they set a record for the year. Viewers responded positively to the friendship between the two.