Rebirth: A big star falls in love with me

Behind her followed another woman, slightly older, about twenty-eight or twenty-nine years old, wearing a beige wool coat, with her long hair tied in a low bun, and a gentle and graceful demeanor.

Her features aren't strikingly beautiful, but they are very pleasing to the eye. Her skin is so fair it's almost translucent, giving her a classic beauty's charm. She is Li Xiaoran, a graduate of the Beijing Dance Academy. After transitioning to acting, she won over audiences with her elegant demeanor and is a favorite of many art-house film directors.

Two women with very different styles but equally outstanding stood together, instantly attracting everyone's attention.

"Director Zhang, I apologize for the intrusion," Zeng Li said, her voice soft and sweet, "I am Zeng Li, and this is Li Xiaoran. We heard you are filming here, so we came to learn from you."

As she spoke, her gaze swept over Zhang Yu, her eyes fixed intently, revealing undisguised interest and assessment. Her burgundy coat opened slightly with her movement, revealing a black knitted dress underneath, the neckline perfectly plunging to reveal her delicate collarbone and a sliver of fair skin.

Zhang Yu stood up, polite but distant: "Ms. Zeng, Ms. Li, we are filming, so it's not convenient."

"We'll just take a look, it'll be absolutely quiet." Zeng Li had already walked over to the monitor and sat down naturally. "Director Zhang wouldn't be so stingy, would he?"

Her perfume was unique, a rich rose scent mixed with a woody note, both sexy and sophisticated. As she sat down, she crossed her legs, the hem of her coat slipping down to reveal her long, slender legs clad in stockings. Her legs were exquisitely beautiful, gleaming softly in the winter sunlight.

Li Xiaoran, on the other hand, was much gentler. Standing a little further away, she said softly, "Director Zhang, we really just came here to learn. We've heard that you're serious about filming, and we wanted to come and see for ourselves."

Her voice was soft and gentle, like a spring breeze. The off-white coat accentuated her gentle and graceful demeanor; standing there, she resembled a delicate ink painting.

Zhang Yu checked the time; filming had to continue, and he didn't want to delay the schedule. "Then please keep quiet."

"Definitely." Zeng Li smiled, a smile as bright as a fire in winter.

Filming continued, but the atmosphere was noticeably different. Zeng Li's presence was overwhelming; sitting there, she was like a burning flame, drawing everyone's attention. Her gaze towards Zhang Yu was so direct and intense that even Chen Chen noticed it.

After filming a scene, Chen Chen stepped out of character and her gaze met Zeng Li's. For a fleeting moment, their eyes met—Chen Chen's were clear and calm, Zeng Li's alluring and bold. An unseen contest unfolded silently.

During halftime, Zeng Li stood up and gracefully walked to Zhang Yu's side. Her burgundy coat swayed with her steps, like flowing flames.

"Director Zhang did a really good job." Her voice was soft. "Especially Miss Chen, her acting was so moving. But I think... isn't the character of Shen Qingwan a bit too restrained? Women in the Republican era also dared to love and hate."

Zhang Yu didn't even look up: "Every play has its own style."

“That’s true.” Zeng Li didn’t take it seriously. Instead, she leaned closer, almost whispering in Zhang Yu’s ear, “So, Director Zhang, what kind of role do you think I’m suited for?”

Her breath brushed against Zhang Yu's ear, warm and provocative. The collar of her burgundy coat opened wider with her movement, revealing a deep cleavage beneath her black dress from Zhang Yu's angle. It was a patch of snow-white, delicate skin, dazzling in the winter light.

Zhang Yu shifted his body to the side: "Miss Zeng's temperament is suitable for playing a stunningly beautiful socialite. For example, Chen Bailu in 'Sunrise'."

“Chen Bailu…” Zeng Li laughed, a laugh tinged with self-mockery, “Her life was glamorous, yet she was utterly lonely. Director Zhang, do you think I’m that kind of person?”

“I have a good eye for people.” Zhang Yu finally turned to look at her, the mole under her left eye clearly visible in the sunlight. “Miss Zeng appears warm on the outside, but she is actually very clear-headed. You know what you want and how to get it. This kind of woman often lives a wonderful life, but also a lonely one.”

His words hit the nail on the head. Zeng Li's smile froze for a moment, but she quickly recovered: "Director Zhang really knows how to talk. But you're right, in this industry, if you don't compete and fight, you won't get anything. That's why I'm here today—I want to try for a role in 'The Scholarly Family'."

She was very direct. Zhang Yu liked that directness: "Which role?"

“The fourth female lead, that socialite from Shanghai.” Zeng Li’s eyes turned serious. “Although she doesn’t have many scenes, there’s a lot of room for her to shine. I want to play her.”

Zhang Yu looked at her. Zeng Li was indeed suitable for the role—beautiful, charming, shrewd, and calculating. Moreover, her acting skills were quite solid among the younger generation.

“I can consider it,” Zhang Yu said, “but you need to audition.”

“Anytime is fine.” Zeng Li smiled, a bright and confident smile. “Right now.”

"We're filming now."

"I'll wait for you after filming is over," Zeng Li insisted.

When she said "I'll wait for you," she drew out the last syllable, her eyes looking at Zhang Yu with an ambiguous gaze. There was provocation, a test, and a determined resolve in her eyes.

At this moment, Li Xiaoran walked over. She was much quieter than Zeng Li, and simply said gently, "Director Zhang, may I ask you a question?"

"Please say."

“I’m preparing for a period drama set in the Republican era, where I’ll play a dancer who marries into a wealthy family.” Li Xiaoran’s voice was soft. “This role is very complex. I have to portray both the worldliness of a courtesan and her longing for true love. I can never quite get the balance right.”

Zhang Yu looked at her. Li Xiaoran's temperament was indeed very special—gentle yet resilient, delicate yet powerful. This sense of contradiction was very suitable for complex roles.

"Have you studied dance?" he asked.

"Yes, I've studied ballet for over ten years."

“Then use your dance skills,” Zhang Yu said. “The charm of a dancer lies in her body language. Every movement she makes should be dance—walking is dance, pouring tea is dance, even crying should be dance. But remember, this kind of dance is not a performance on stage, but a charm honed by life.”

As he spoke, he suddenly reached out and grabbed Li Xiaoran's wrist: "For example, this action—if an ordinary woman's wrist is grabbed by a man, she will panic and struggle. But a dancer won't; she will go with the flow."

With a gentle pull, Li Xiaoran's body spun around, her beige coat tracing a graceful arc in the air. The movement was natural and fluid, like an impromptu duet.

After Li Xiaoran regained her footing, her cheeks flushed slightly, but her eyes lit up: "I understand... I need to use my body's memory to act."

“Yes.” Zhang Yu released his hand. “Your body understands acting better than your brain. Trust it more.”

"Thank you, Director Zhang," Li Xiaoran said sincerely.

Zeng Li watched from the side, a smile curving her red lips: "Director Zhang is truly a tireless teacher. It seems we made the right choice coming here today."

There was a hint of bitterness in her tone. Zhang Yu noticed it, but said nothing. Jealousy and competition were everywhere in this circle; he was used to it.