Model to Holywood

"Baby, can't you see I'm calling 

A guy like you should wear a warning 

It's dangerous, I'm falling 

There's no escape..."

On the dazzling stage, Britney sang and danced, her long blonde hair flowing freely. She wore a sparkling outfit, looking like a Bond girl with a hint of cute influence—sexy and captivating. A group of energetic backup dancers surrounded her, performing alongside her to the hot and intense beats.

This song was "Toxic," from her fourth album, a pop-electronic track full of hip-hop flavor.

The song had a strong rhythm, and the dance performance was equally explosive. The audience waved glow sticks in time with the beat, creating a sea of light like fireflies. From the very beginning, the atmosphere of the concert was electric.

"Britney's style has become more mature and sexier. This performance is so cool!" Fanny said, looking up at the stage like a student paying close attention.

"It's cool, but I still prefer her earlier style," Luca shrugged. Ever since Britney shed her innocent image at the 2000 VMA Awards by stripping off her jacket on stage, she had declared her transformation from the girl-next-door to a wild, untamed persona.

In her third album in 2001, she used a sultry photo for the cover and made "I'm a Slave 4 U" the lead single, officially embracing her new sexy image.

Her fourth album, *In the Zone*, was packed with 14 songs, all with sensual music videos.

That was why the steamy track "Nobody" was chosen.

"Luca, you're too old-fashioned. Female singers nowadays all take the sexy route. It's mainstream. If Britney didn't evolve, her career would have faded, and fans would have forgotten her," Fanny said confidently.

Luca knew this, and he also knew that the young girl beside him would one day follow the same path, pushing sexy to the extreme—so much so that it bordered on shocking.

He glanced at the innocent-looking girl next to him, wondering what could possibly lead her to become so daring in the future.

"Luca, why are you looking at me like that?" Fanny asked, confused.

"Nothing," Luca replied, then added, "Fanny, no matter what happens in the future, remember that you always have me as a friend."

"Why do you sound like some old wizard? Haha, okay, Luca, we'll always be friends," Fanny giggled as she grabbed his hand and playfully shook it in the air.

"Too high 

Can't come down 

It's in the air and it's all around..."

After a sizzling dance, Britney, drenched in sweat, quickly refreshed her makeup and started performing her next song, "Overprotected." Like the first, it was an upbeat, rhythm-driven track. Her third song, "Boys," kept the crowd hyped as she continued dancing.

Three high-energy songs in a row whipped the audience into a frenzy. Britney moved non-stop on stage, and the fans' cheers echoed endlessly below.

When the first segment of the performance finally ended, Britney stopped, sweat dripping from her, smiling sweetly as she greeted the crowd.

"Hello, everyone! Thank you for coming to the live concert for my fourth album, *In the Zone*," Britney said.

"Britney!" 

"Britney, I love you!" screams erupted from the crowd as soon as she spoke.

"Thank you so much! So many of my good friends are here tonight. I'm really happy!" Britney said, waving to the audience as cameras zoomed in on the crowd.

Luca flashed a charming smile, while Fanny and Rachel happily waved their glow sticks. Ryan, with a smug expression, twirled his fingers, somehow having removed his glowing headband at some point.

To Luca's right, Christina Aguilera tugged her hat lower, hiding most of her face.

Her fans often clashed with Britney's, so openly attending Britney's concert felt like she was betraying her side or spying on the competition. Justin Timberlake, too, had discreetly donned a baseball cap. His fans and Britney's had been at odds ever since their breakup, so he kept a low profile as well.

While those two were sneaky, other stars greeted the cameras confidently.

"Hey, Britney! I'm over here!" a beautiful woman stood up from the crowd, holding a microphone and waving to the camera. Her image soon appeared on the big screen.

"Wow, it's Avril Lavigne!" 

It was none other than pop sensation Avril Lavigne, who had released her debut album *Let Go* last year. In just one year, the album sold 15 million copies and earned her eight Grammy nominations. She was only 18 years old and was currently one of the fastest-rising young artists.

On stage, Britney smiled slightly. "Hi, Avril! Come sing with me!"

"It would be an honor!" Avril was one of tonight's guest performers.

After exchanging a few words, the two sang "Showdown" together. Avril walked from the audience to the stage as they sang, hand in hand, which stirred excitement among the crowd.

After Avril, other artists like Enrique Iglesias, B2K, and Blue Cantrell performed.

By the 11th song, it was Britney's time to shine again.

She stepped onto the stage in a white, sexy short dress, moving gracefully like a swan on ice. She looked breathtaking.

"Thank you, everyone. This next song, 'Everytime,' I wrote while traveling in Germany last year. I hope you like it."

As the soft, delicate sounds of the piano started, the pianist raised his hands, and a deep, emotional melody filled the air.

"Hey, Justin, I heard this song is Britney's apology to you, a response to your song 'Cry Me a River' from last year," Christina whispered to Justin.

"I know," Justin smirked.

"Hey, Luca, listen closely. After hearing this song, you'll realize Britney still loves Justin," Christina teased Luca with a mischievous smile after she finished teasing Justin.

"Maybe," Luca replied. He had heard the song many times before and liked it the most out of Britney's songs. He never got tired of it.

"Notice me 

Take my hand 

Why are we strangers when 

Our love is strong 

Why carry on without me?"

On stage, Britney stood still, gently holding the microphone, her voice tender and emotional. The piano, violin, cello, and harp came together to create a serene, intimate, and heartfelt performance.

"This song is so beautiful! This is the kind of music I love," Rachel clapped lightly in admiration.

"Hey, Luca, what do you think?" Ryan smirked at him.

"Yeah, I used to love Britney's 'Sometimes,' but now this is my favorite," Luca replied sincerely.

"You're just pretending!" Christina scoffed, though she had to admit, the song was amazing.

"I feel so small 

I guess I need you, baby 

And every time I see you in my dreams 

I see your face, it's haunting me 

I guess I need you, baby..."

As the song ended, the crowd responded with soft, respectful applause.

"Hey, Justin, did that move you?" Christina couldn't resist teasing again after Britney left the stage.

Justin shrugged, "It's all in the past."

Christina smiled and turned back to Luca. "Luca, what did you feel after hearing those lyrics?"

"It was amazing. Britney really is America's best female pop singer—gorgeous, sexy, with great singing, songwriting, and dancing skills. She's perfect," Luca clapped.

Christina snorted. "Don't try to hide it. From the lyrics, it's clear Britney's true love is Justin. Aren't you feeling a bit down now?"

"No."

"Really?"

Luca didn't respond, just turned to gaze at her. His dark eyes were deep and serene, like the night sky—peaceful and beautiful.

"Why... why are you looking at me like that?" Christina asked, flustered.

"Eyes are the windows to the soul. Whatever you see and feel in mine is what I'm thinking," Luca blinked and smiled.

"I feel like you're flirting with me!" Christina said.

Luca shook his head. "Impossible."

"Why not?"

"We just don't have that kind of chemistry."

"..."

Christina glared at him. "You're the least gentlemanly guy I've ever met!"

"That's a shame," Luca replied.

"Hmph!" Christina turned away, frustrated.

Fanny chuckled softly, "Luca, don't take the lyrics too seriously. Singer-songwriters often write about their exes. No matter how touching it sounds, it usually doesn't mean much."

"I get it. Heartbreak is a great source of inspiration. Some female singers even keep changing boyfriends just to find inspiration for their next song."

"Are there really singers like that?" Fanny asked curiously.

"Of course. One day, you'll write about your ex-boyfriend too," Luca teased.

"Will I?" Fanny blinked and then smiled. "I don't know if I'll write about others, but I'll definitely write about you."

"Please don't. We're friends," Luca replied.

"Haha, don't worry, I'll write only good things about you," Fanny laughed.

"Should I say thank you?"

"You're welcome!"