Rebirth: A big star falls in love with me

Zhang Yu smiled, but there was an indescribable weariness in his smile: "In this industry, you can't survive if you're too innocent. Chen Chen, I don't mean to hurt anyone, I just... want to play this game a little better."

“But feelings aren’t a game.” Chen Chen’s voice was soft. “Those girls are sincere towards you. If you’re only approaching them for a certain purpose, that’s not fair to them.”

“I understand.” Zhang Yu stopped and looked into her eyes. “I promise you, I will try my best… not to hurt anyone. And…”

He paused, his voice lowering: "You will always be the most special one. That will never change."

Chen Chen looked at him, her emerald eyes clear and unfathomable. She could sense Zhang Yu's sincerity, and she could also sense his struggle. But some things cannot be resolved with promises alone.

“Zhang Yu,” she finally said softly, “I just hope... you don’t lose yourself.”

"I will remember." Zhang Yu reached out and gently took her hand.

His palm was warm and strong, its comforting temperature seeping through his skin. Chen Chen didn't pull away, letting him hold it. The two walked side by side through the alleys of the ancient town, the sunlight casting long shadows, like a tranquil painting.

But how long can this tranquility last?

At 7 p.m., Zhang Yu received a phone call. It was from Yang Mi.

"Director Zhang, are you free tonight? I'd like to invite you for coffee and we can talk about acting." Her voice was clear and pleasant on the phone.

Zhang Yu glanced at the time, then at Chen Chen who was reading the script, hesitated for a moment, and then said, "Okay, where?"

"There's a coffee shop called 'Time Station' near the east gate of the ancient town. See you at eight?"

"it is good."

After hanging up the phone, Chen Chen looked up: "What's up?"

"Yang Mi invited me for coffee to talk about acting," Zhang Yu said truthfully. "Do you want to come along?"

Chen Chen shook his head: "No, I'll look at the script a little longer. Come back soon."

Her expression was calm, but there was an indescribable emotion in her eyes. Zhang Yu walked over and gently hugged her: "Don't worry, we're just talking about work."

Chen Chen didn't speak, but simply leaned against him, inhaling the faint scent of soap on him. The embrace was warm and familiar, but she always felt... something was subtly changing.

At eight o'clock sharp, Zhang Yu appeared at "Time Station" on time. It was a very charming coffee shop with wooden decor, warm yellow lighting, old photos on the walls, and Teresa Teng's "Tian Mi Mi" playing on the record player.

Yang Mi was already waiting by the window. She had changed her clothes today, wearing a deep red velvet dress with a black cashmere coat over it. Her long hair was slightly curled, and her makeup was more exquisite than during the day, with fiery red lips. She looked both cold and alluring.

"Director Zhang, you're right on time." She greeted him with a smile.

“It’s impolite to make a lady wait.” Zhang Yu sat down opposite her, his posture languid. “Miss Yang, your outfit today… is stunning.”

"Thank you." Yang Mi waved to the waiter. "Director Zhang, what would you like to drink?"

"American style, thank you."

After the waiter left, Yang Mi looked at Zhang Yu with a serious expression: "Director Zhang, the reason I asked you out today wasn't just to talk about acting."

"Oh?" Zhang Yu raised an eyebrow. "Then what else do you want to talk about?"

"Let's talk about the future." Yang Mi's voice was soft but powerful. "I've been in this industry for several years and have seen many people and many things. But directors as talented as Director Zhang, who also knows how to respect actors, are rare."

Zhang Yu smiled and said, "Ms. Yang, you flatter me. I just did what I was supposed to do."

“No, you really understand.” Yang Mi’s eyes deepened. “You know what actors need, and you know how to tap into their potential. And you have a… very special charm. You can make actors trust you, rely on you, and even… be infatuated with you.”

She spoke the last three words in a very low voice, her eyes fixed intently on Zhang Yu. The dim light of the café illuminated her face, making her skin appear snow-white against her deep red velvet dress, her red lips luscious and inviting. She was as beautiful as a rose blooming in the dark night.

Zhang Yu's heart stirred. He could sense Yang Mi's intention—it wasn't simple admiration, but a deeper approach, tinged with probing and seduction.

“Ms. Yang,” he said calmly, “in this industry, talent and charm are just tools. Used well, they can produce great works; used poorly, they can hurt many people.”

“I know.” Yang Mi leaned forward slightly, the neckline of her deep red velvet dress slightly open, revealing her delicate collarbone and a line of snow-white skin. “That’s why I admire people like Director Zhang even more—who know how to use tools, but are not controlled by them.”

Her perfume wafted over, a cool, woody scent mixed with the bitterness of coffee, creating a strange allure. Zhang Yu looked at her; the beauty mark under her left eye was clearly visible in the light.

“Miss Yang, please feel free to say what you want to say.” His voice deepened.

Yang Mi smiled, a smile that was both cold and sly: "I want to work with Director Zhang. Not just as a formality, but a real collaboration. I know Rong Xinda is preparing 'A Family of Scholars,' and if Director Zhang accepts the role, I'd like to play the second female lead."

"The second female lead?" Zhang Yu was somewhat surprised. "With Miss Yang's qualifications, she could definitely play the female lead."

"The female lead is too gentle and doesn't suit me," Yang Mi said frankly. "The second female lead is a complex character. On the surface, she is a well-bred lady, but she has many secrets behind the scenes. I like this kind of challenging role."

Zhang Yu looked at her, his gaze becoming serious. Yang Mi was indeed very smart—she knew where her strengths lay and how to get what she wanted. Moreover, she was very direct and didn't beat around the bush, a frankness that was rare in this industry.

“If I really take that role, I’ll consider you,” Zhang Yu finally said.

"Thank you, Director Zhang." Yang Mi raised her coffee cup. "Well... I wish us a pleasant collaboration."

The two clinked glasses. The bitterness of the coffee melted on their tongues, but the atmosphere became ambiguous. Outside the window, the lanterns of the ancient town lit up one after another, their red glow reflected in the river like scattered stars.

"Director Zhang," Yang Mi suddenly said softly, "what kind of person do you think I am?"

Zhang Yu looked at her, his eyes deep: "Beautiful, intelligent, ambitious, and knows how to use wisdom and charm as weapons. But you are too cold, so cold that people dare not approach you. Like... a rose in a winter night, beautiful as it may be, but with too many thorns."

Yang Mi was stunned. She hadn't expected Zhang Yu to evaluate her so directly, and so accurately. Her expression shifted, from cold and aloof to surprise, and then to... a strange softness.

“Director Zhang is right.” Her voice softened. “I am indeed too cold. I’ve always been competitive since I was little, and I always wanted to do my best in everything, but as a result, I’ve wrapped myself up too tightly. Sometimes I’ve thought about changing, but… I don’t know how.”

“Then let’s start with softness.” Zhang Yu’s voice was gentle. “It’s not about giving up your strength, but about learning to show vulnerability. True strength isn’t about never falling down, but about being able to get back up after you fall. And… a little softness will make you more attractive.”