Rebirth: A big star falls in love with me

Her perfume wafted over, a cool, woody scent mixed with the aroma of tea, creating a strange allure. Zhang Yu could see his reflection in her pupils and feel the warmth of her breath.

"We're still figuring it out," Zhang Yu said honestly.

“Then let’s figure it out together.” Yang Mi smiled, a smile that was both cold and playful. “You teach me acting, and I’ll teach you… how to navigate the complexities of this industry. Fair trade.”

As she spoke of "fair trade," her fingers lightly traced the back of Zhang Yu's hand. The touch was soft and provocative, carrying a clear meaning.

Zhang Yu didn't flinch, but simply looked at her: "Miss Yang, what kind of deal do you think we can make?"

“Many.” Yang Mi’s eyes deepened. “For example… I can help you win over Li Xiaoming and the investors, making them completely trust you. You can give me a standout role, allowing me to prove that I’m not just a pretty face.”

She spoke directly and intelligently. She was demonstrating her value—she was not just a beautiful actress, but also a shrewd woman who understood the rules and could navigate complex situations.

Zhang Yu smiled: "Miss Yang is very good at negotiating."

“Because I understand that in this industry, equal exchange is the only way to survive.” Yang Mi straightened up, transforming back into her cool and elegant self. “Director Zhang can consider it. My suggestion is valid indefinitely.”

After she finished speaking, she nodded slightly, turned, and left. Her silhouette in the dark green cheongsam was elegant and mysterious in the sunlight, like a proud peacock.

Zhang Yu sat there, picked up his now-cold tea, and slowly sipped it. Yang Mi's words echoed in his mind—equivalent exchange, effective in the long run...

This woman is indeed extraordinary.

Footsteps sounded outside the window; Liu Shishi had returned. She paused at the doorway and asked softly, "Yang Mi is gone?"

"Okay." Zhang Yu nodded. "Have a seat."

Liu Shishi sat down opposite him. Today she wore a light blue sweater, her long hair was loose, and she had a gentle and aloof temperament. Compared to Yang Mi's sharp and outspoken nature, she was more like a calm lake.

“Director Zhang,” she said softly, “Yang Mi…sometimes she’s too direct, please don’t mind her.”

"No," Zhang Yu laughed. "It's a good thing to be direct, saving us from guessing."

Liu Shishi smiled too, her smile as gentle as a spring breeze: "That's good. Actually, Yang Mi is a very nice person, but she's impatient; once she sets her mind to something, she'll definitely do it."

"And you?" Zhang Yu looked at her. "What do you want to do?"

Liu Shishi was silent for a moment: "I want to...act well, to act in plays that can touch people's hearts. I don't seek to become a big star, I only want to be worthy of all the years of dance I've studied, and worthy of the word 'actress'."

She spoke simply, but sincerely. Zhang Yu could sense that this woman truly loved performing, not for fame or fortune, but for the passion she held in her heart.

“You will be a good actor,” Zhang Yu said, “because you understand that ‘truth’ is more important than ‘beauty’.”

Liu Shishi's eyes lit up: "Thank you, Director Zhang. Then...can I learn from you? Like a Stormtrooper, could you please give me some pointers?"

“Of course you can,” Zhang Yu nodded. “However, my guidance is very strict, and you might cry.”

"I'm not afraid," Liu Shishi said earnestly. "As long as I can improve, I'll accept any strictness."

Her eyes were clear and firm. Zhang Yu looked at her, and a familiar feeling welled up in his heart—in his previous life at Xingmen, when he took on disciples, those talented and hardworking young people also had such eyes.

“Okay, starting tomorrow, you can come see me whenever you have time,” Zhang Yu said.

"Thank you, Director Zhang!" Liu Shishi smiled happily, a smile as pure as mountain spring water.

The two chatted for a while longer about acting, and the similarities between dance and drama. Liu Shishi discovered that Zhang Yu not only understood film, but also dance and traditional opera; he was knowledgeable in almost every art-related field. This erudition impressed her, and also... stirred her heart.

A handsome, talented, knowledgeable man who knows how to appreciate and guide women is fatally attractive to any woman.

But Liu Shishi was very restrained. She simply listened quietly, occasionally asking questions, her eyes gentle and focused. That subtle affection was more touching than a direct pursuit.

They chatted until 3 PM, when Zhang Yu said he was going to the film set to check out the shooting location for tomorrow. Liu Shishi said she wanted to learn from him, and the two left the tea room together.

When she reached the courtyard, she saw Chen Chen standing under the plum tree. She had changed into a casual light purple cotton robe, her long hair loosely tied up, and was admiring the plum blossoms. When she saw Zhang Yu and Liu Shishi come out together, her eyes darkened for a moment, but she quickly regained her composure.

"Sister Shishi is here too." She greeted her with a smile.

“Senior Chen Chen,” Liu Shishi replied politely, “Director Zhang is teaching me acting, and I have benefited greatly from it.”

“Zhang Yu really knows how to teach people.” Chen Chen looked at Zhang Yu. “Where are you guys headed?”

"Let's go check on the film set," Zhang Yu said. "Have you rested enough?"

"Okay." Chen Chen nodded. "I'll go with you guys, it'll be good for a walk."

The three walked out of the Shen family ancestral home side by side. The afternoon sun in winter was warm, its rays feeling lazy on their skin. The bluestone pavement of the ancient town had been worn smooth by time, and each step made a slight creaking sound.

Chen Chen walked to Zhang Yu's left, and Liu Shishi to his right. Both women were quiet, but the atmosphere was subtle. Zhang Yu could sense Chen Chen's unease—she was bothered by Liu Shishi's presence and by him being alone with another woman.

But he didn't explain. Some things get more confusing the more you explain them.

When we arrived at the filming location, the crew was setting up the scene for tomorrow—a scene where Shen Qingwan bids farewell to Gu Jiangnan at the dock. This is one of the climaxes of the film, and it's very emotionally intense.

Zhang Yu inspected the location, discussed camera work with the cinematographer, and confirmed details with the art director. Chen Chen and Liu Shishi quietly followed behind, watching him work.

Zhang Yu is incredibly focused and captivating at work. He speaks concisely and forcefully, each instruction clear and precise, with meticulous attention to detail. His professionalism and control inspire both admiration and...fascination.

“Chen Chen,” Zhang Yu suddenly turned around, “For tomorrow’s scene, you need to portray three emotions—reluctance, blessing, and… relief. Shen Qingwan knows Gu Jiangnan has to leave, and she doesn’t want to be a burden to him, so her farewell will be gentle, yet resolute. Do you understand?”

Chen Chen nodded: "I understand. To love someone is not about possession, but about fulfillment."

As she spoke, she looked into Zhang Yu's eyes. Her gaze was complex, containing deep affection, helplessness, and an indescribable sadness. Zhang Yu's heart skipped a beat—was she using the character to speak about them?

“Yes, that’s exactly how I understand her.” His voice softened. “You understand Shen Qingwan very well.”

“Because I am Shen Qingwan,” Chen Chen said softly.

These words were spoken softly, yet carried a heavy weight. Zhang Yu looked at her, momentarily at a loss for words.

Liu Shishi watched from the side, a complex mix of emotions welling up inside her. She could sense a special bond between Chen Chen and Zhang Yu, a bond so deep that outsiders could hardly intrude.

This made her somewhat disappointed, but it also made her more certain—Zhang Yu was a lovable person, because he could make a woman like Chen Chen love him so deeply.