Rebirth: A big star falls in love with me

Outside the window, the night in Xitang is deep. Lanterns sway gently in the wind, and the reflections in the river break and reassemble, just like the ever-changing and fickle human relationships in this circle.

And tomorrow, a new story awaits.

This long night has only just begun.

……

At 1 p.m. on January 29, 2000, the lanterns in Xitang Ancient Town were gradually extinguished.

In the study on the second floor of the Shen family ancestral home, Zhang Yu stood by the window, the cigarette in his hand burned to the end. The river outside the window was as black as ink, with only a few lonely lights in the distance reflected on the water, broken into swaying spots of light.

The mole under his left eye gleamed faintly in the night.

The fragments of memory that awakened him in the morning mist three days ago are now circulating within him in a strange way. It is not a dream, but a real imprint—about the Star Gate, about the one hundred and eight starlight marks, about the mission that must be completed.

But at this moment, Zhang Yu chose to put all of this aside for the time being.

Since the decision has been made to return to real life first, then let's focus on finishing filming "My Memories of Jiangnan." As for the female celebrities... let nature take its course.

"Knock knock."

There was a gentle knock on the door.

Zhang Yu turned around and saw Chen Chen standing in the doorway. She had changed into a light purple silk nightgown, her long hair was loose, and her bare feet were on the wooden floor. Under the dim wall lamp, she looked like a violet blooming at night.

"Still not asleep?" Zhang Yu stubbed out his cigarette.

"Can't sleep." Chen Chen walked in, the hem of his bathrobe swaying gently with his steps, revealing slender, fair ankles. "What are you thinking about?"

Zhang Yu didn't answer immediately. He watched her approach, seeing the clear worry in her eyes, and a complex mix of emotions welled up inside him. In both his past and present lives, this woman always seemed to see through his facade.

“I’m thinking about tomorrow’s play,” he finally said, “and also... about this industry.”

Chen Chen sat down in the wicker chair opposite him, her legs curled up, the collar of her robe slightly open, revealing her delicate collarbone and a line of snow-white skin. She didn't seem to notice, only focusing on him: "Zhang Yu, you talked with Yang Mi for a long time today."

“She’s vying for a role,” Zhang Yu said frankly, “the second female lead in ‘The Scholarly Family’.”

"Is that all?" Chen Chen's eyes were calm, but Zhang Yu could sense the undercurrent beneath that calm.

He walked over, squatted down in front of her, and took her hand: "Chen Chen, I admit I've changed. In this industry, you can't survive if you're too naive. But I promise you, there are some bottom lines I will never cross."

His palms were warm, and his eyes were sincere. Chen Chen looked into his eyes for a long time, then softly asked, "And what about your heart? Isn't it divided among too many people?"

This question was too direct and too pointed. Zhang Yu fell silent.

What could he say? That she would always hold the most important place in his heart? That the other women were merely objects to be collected for the Starshine Mark? That it was all for that vague and uncertain mission?

he can not.

"You'll always be the most special one." That was all he could repeat in the end.

Chen Chen smiled, a smile tinged with bitterness, but mostly with understanding: "Okay, I believe you. But Zhang Yu, you must remember—relationships are not a game; playing with fire will only lead to self-destruction."

She spoke softly, yet every word carried immense weight. Zhang Yu nodded and pulled her into his arms. Her body beneath the light purple robe was warm and soft, and the faint fragrance of her hair wafted over. At this moment, he truly wanted to hold her like this, forgetting all his calculations and missions.

But the sound of a car engine outside the window broke the silence.

Zhang Yu frowned and walked to the window to look down. Two black cars were parked in the yard. Li Xiaoming got out of the first car, followed by several middle-aged men in suits. Two young women got out of the second car.

Even through the darkness and distance, Zhang Yu could recognize them—Bai Bing and Shu Chang.

Bai Bing wore a beige cashmere coat, her long hair styled in an elegant updo. Her features were cool and refined, and her demeanor was like a plum blossom in winter. She was just twenty years old, a sophomore at the Shanghai Theatre Academy, and had already filmed several commercials. She was considered a promising newcomer in the industry.

Shu Chang, on the other hand, was completely different. She wore a light pink down jacket, her long hair tied in a ponytail, and her features were lively and playful, making her as approachable and adorable as a girl next door. She was only seventeen years old, a student at the Affiliated Secondary School of Beijing Dance Academy, and had just made her debut in the TV series "Single Parent Family," a rising star indeed.

Two beauties with contrasting styles stood in the night, creating a stunning scene.

Li Xiaoming looked up and saw Zhang Yu by the window. He smiled and waved, "Director Zhang, still not resting? Perfect timing, let me introduce you to two newcomers."

Zhang Yu frowned, but still went downstairs. Chen Chen followed behind him, wearing a light purple bathrobe with a cashmere shawl over it.

The courtyard was brightly lit. The several middle-aged men that Li Xiaoming brought were clearly investors; their eyes were scrutinizing and assessing Zhang Yu.

"Director Zhang, I'm sorry to bother you so late," Li Xiaoming said with a smile. "These are General Manager Wang, General Manager Zhao, and General Manager Sun from Beijing. They are very interested in 'Old Tales of Jiangnan' and wanted to come and see it."

Zhang Yu nodded politely: "Hello everyone, it's getting late, filming has ended, come back to watch tomorrow."

“No rush, no rush,” said Mr. Wang, a middle-aged man in his fifties with shrewd eyes. “We’re just passing by and thought we’d take a look. We heard that Director Zhang is a top student from the Beijing Film Academy and his student films are of very high quality.”

"You flatter me," Zhang Yu said detachedly.

At this moment, Bai Bing stepped forward. Her steps were elegant and composed, and her beige coat shimmered softly in the night: "Hello, Director Zhang, I am Bai Bing, a student at the Shanghai Theatre Academy. I have long admired Director Zhang and have come here today specifically to learn from you."

Her voice was clear and melodious, like a mountain stream. Zhang Yu looked at her; in the night, her features were as delicate as porcelain, her eyes clear yet carrying a hint of barely perceptible aloofness. This kind of cool and aloof temperament was rare in the industry.

"Miss Bai, you're too kind," Zhang Yu replied politely.

Shu Chang skipped over, her light pink down jacket making her skin look even whiter than snow: "Director Zhang, Director Zhang, I'm Shu Chang! I've seen your short film 'Autumn Day,' and I really liked it! Could you give me your autograph?"

As she spoke, she actually pulled out a notebook, her eyes sparkling and playful, like a lively little deer. That youthful energy was irresistible.

Zhang Yu laughed: "Still chasing stars this late?"

"It's not about idolizing celebrities, it's about appreciating talent!" Shu Chang said confidently. "Director Zhang is truly talented, I can see that!"

Li Xiaoming laughed heartily: "Shu Chang is just that straightforward. Director Zhang, please don't mind her."

Zhang Yu took the notebook and casually signed it. His handwriting was elegant and strong. Shu Chang took it, her eyes sparkling: "Thank you, Director Zhang! I want to be an actress in the future. Could you teach me?"

"If there's an opportunity," Zhang Yu said politely.

At this moment, Chen Chen stepped forward, his light purple bathrobe swaying gently in the night breeze: "President Li, it's getting late. Zhang Yu has to get up early to film tomorrow. Why don't you let the guests rest first?"