Rebirth: A big star falls in love with me

Zhang Yu stopped and turned to look at her. Her light purple cheongsam shimmered softly in the lantern light, and her eyes were clear and firm, filled with deep worry.

In his past life at the Star Gate, she had the same look in his eyes when he decided to do something dangerous.

“Chen Chen,” his voice lowered, “I promise you, no matter what happens, you will always be the most special one. And… I will not betray your trust.”

“It’s not just my trust,” Chen Chen shook his head, “it’s also the trust of those girls. The way they look at you is sincere. If you’re only approaching them for a certain purpose, that’s not fair to them.”

Zhang Yu fell silent. He couldn't refute it, because Chen Chen was right.

But that mission... he had to complete.

"I will try my best... not to hurt anyone." That was all he could say in the end.

Chen Chen looked at him, her eyes filled with complex emotions. She knew that Zhang Yu was hiding something from her, and it was something very important. But she could also sense his struggle and his inner conflict.

"Okay," she finally said softly, "I believe you."

The two continued walking. As night deepened, the ancient town quieted down. Lanterns swayed gently in the wind, and the reflections in the river shattered and then coalesced again.

Looking at Chen Chen beside him, Zhang Yu felt a complex mix of emotions—she was special, always had been. But for the sake of that mission, he had to keep moving forward, to continue this game.

Even if... it might disappoint her.

Back at the Shen family ancestral home, everyone went to their rooms. Zhang Yu stood by the window, looking at the stars in the night sky, feeling the flow of the nine "starlight imprints" within his body.

Nine are left, there are still ninety-nine.

This task is arduous and has a long way to go.

But with the opportunity to star in Rong Xinda's drama, the progress will be much faster.

He closed his eyes and began planning his next move—which women were already interested, which needed more effort, and which could be used as bait for a role in his new drama...

This game is becoming more and more complex, and also more and more interesting.

What he needs to do is play well, play to his heart's content, and play without... any regrets.

The night deepens and the stars twinkle.

A playful smile curved at the corners of Zhang Yu's mouth.

This game of seduction has only just begun.

……

At 6:30 a.m. on January 28, 2000, the morning fog in Xitang Ancient Town was thicker than usual. In the courtyard of the Shen family ancestral home, Zhang Yu stood under the old locust tree, the sleeves of his dark gray sweater casually rolled up to his elbows, revealing his smooth forearms. The mole under his left eye was faintly visible in the thin fog, and his eyes carried the weariness of a sleepless night, as well as a certain indescribable sharpness.

Chen Chen's words last night felt like a thorn piercing his heart. She was right; the girls' gazes towards him were sincere—Jing Tian's clear curiosity, Gao Yuanyuan's gentle appreciation, Liu Yan's passionate boldness, Liu Shishi's cool reserve... Each one was a genuine flutter of the heart, not emotions to be toyed with.

But that mission...

Zhang Yu closed his eyes and took a deep breath of the moist air. The morning mist carried the cool fragrance of plum blossoms and the fishy smell of water plants in the distant river. Memories of his past and present lives intertwined in his mind, finally turning into an almost inaudible sigh.

Forget it. Since I've decided to return to real life, I'll focus on acting and directing. As for those female celebrities... let nature take its course.

"Good morning, Director Zhang."

A crisp sound interrupted his thoughts. Zhang Yu opened his eyes and saw Jing Tian standing at the courtyard gate. Today she was wearing a beige tracksuit, her long hair tied in a high ponytail, her face bare, but her skin was so white it was almost translucent, like a white magnolia with morning dew.

"Jing Tian? Up so early?" Zhang Yu adjusted his expression, revealing his usual lazy smile.

"I couldn't sleep, so I wanted to come and watch the filming." Jing Tian walked to his side, looked up at the old locust tree, and said, "This tree is really beautiful. It must be over a hundred years old."

“Aunt Shen said it’s over two hundred years old.” Zhang Yu also looked up at the tree. “It’s been here since the Republican era, and it has witnessed too many stories.”

Jing Tian turned to look at him, her clear eyes filled with curiosity: "Director Zhang, why did you choose Xitang to film this movie? Is it just because of the beautiful scenery?"

“It’s not just the scenery.” Zhang Yu leaned against a tree trunk, relaxed. “Xitang has a feeling of time standing still. Look at these old houses, these stone-paved roads, these rowing boats… it’s like it was a hundred years ago. The character of Shen Qingwan needs this kind of atmosphere—a woman who perseveres through time.”

He spoke very seriously, his eyes shining with focused concentration. Jing Tian watched intently, and whispered, "Director Zhang is truly passionate about film."

“Because film is the art of creating dreams.” Zhang Yu smiled. “It’s amazing to be able to turn the stories in your heart into images, move the audience, and make the actors shine.

As he spoke, the morning light pierced through the mist, illuminating his face. The mole under his left eye was clearly visible, and his profile was clean and sharp. Jing Tian's heart skipped a beat, and her cheeks flushed slightly.

"Then...can I still learn from Director Zhang in the future?" she asked, mustering her courage. "Although I've acted in a few films, I still feel there's a lot I don't understand..."

“Of course.” Zhang Yu looked at her, his eyes gentle. “You have great talent, but you need more practice. Remember, acting is not imitation, it’s becoming. You have to truly believe that you are that character.”

As he spoke, he suddenly reached out and gently tapped her forehead: "Here, you need to let go of the idea that 'I'm acting.' Only when you truly become that person will the audience believe you."

His fingertips were warm, and his movements were intimate and natural. Jing Tian was stunned, her face flushed even more, but a warm feeling welled up inside her. In this complicated industry, it was so rare to meet such a sincere mentor.

"Thank you, Director Zhang." Her voice was soft, but sincere.

"You're welcome." Zhang Yu withdrew his hand, a hint of laziness in his smile. "By the way, your sportswear today... is very refreshing. But next time you come to the set, you could try a cheongsam. Your temperament is very suitable for a Republic of China era look."

Jing Tian's eyes lit up: "Really? Then I'll try it next time!"

As the two were talking, someone else entered the courtyard. It was Gao Yuanyuan. Today, she was wearing a light gray cashmere coat over a beige turtleneck sweater, her long hair styled in an elegant updo, exuding a gentle and intellectual air. Upon seeing Zhang Yu and Jing Tian standing together, she paused for a moment, but quickly regained her composure.

"Director Zhang, Jing Tian, ​​good morning," she greeted with a smile.

"Good morning, Sister Yuanyuan," Jing Tian replied obediently.

Zhang Yu nodded: "Miss Gao's outfit today... has the air of a female teacher. If she wore glasses and carried a book, she could easily play a female teacher from the Republican era."

Gao Yuanyuan smiled, a gentle and graceful smile: "Director Zhang is joking. However... I am indeed considering taking on a role in a period drama set in the Republican era, playing a female teacher."

"Oh?" Zhang Yu became interested. "What kind of play?"

"Rongxinda is preparing 'A Family of Scholars,' which tells the story of a scholarly family during the Republic of China era," Gao Yuanyuan said softly. "President Li mentioned to me yesterday that he might ask you to direct it."