Rebirth: A big star falls in love with me

Wang Likun listened intently, her eyes fixed on him. The rain pattered softly, and the space under the umbrella was quiet, save for the sound of their breathing.

"Director Zhang, you are amazing." She said softly, "Listening to your explanations of the play is more useful than taking a year of acting classes."

"It's just based on my experience," Zhang Yu said. "You're very talented. Observe more and think more, and you'll be a good actor."

When the two reached the hotel entrance, the rain had lessened somewhat. Wang Likun folded her umbrella; raindrops clung to her hair and shoulders, shimmering faintly under the lamplight.

"Director Zhang," she suddenly said, "could I...could I treat you to a meal? As a way of thanking you for giving me this opportunity."

Her invitation was natural, her eyes clear, without any ambiguous hints. Zhang Yu looked at her, this elegant girl—did she genuinely want to thank him, or...did she have other intentions?

"I've been very busy lately," Zhang Yu declined. "Let's wait until filming is finished."

"Okay." Wang Likun didn't insist, and nodded with a smile. "Then when you have time. Good night, Director Zhang."

She turned and walked into the hotel, the hem of her trench coat swaying with her steps like an elegant crane. Zhang Yu stood at the door, watching her disappear into the elevator, the beauty mark under his left eye growing even hotter.

Wang Likun's starlight mark is gentle yet firm, just like the person she is.

---

eight pm.

Back in his room, Zhang Yu had just taken a shower when the phone rang. It was Liu Yan calling.

"Director Zhang, did I disturb you?" Her voice came through the receiver, tinged with laughter. "I've organized the interview material from today and cut out a short clip. I wanted to show it to you before sending it out."

"Miss Liu is very efficient." Zhang Yu wiped his hair. "But you don't need to show me. You're a professional, and I trust you."

"That won't do," Liu Yan said. "If the editing is bad and ruins Director Zhang's image, I can't take the responsibility. Director Zhang, how about... I send it to you via pager? Or, I can deliver it to you?"

Her tone was clearly tentative. Zhang Yu smiled: "Miss Liu, it's too late, it's inconvenient."

"Director Zhang is overthinking it," Liu Yan laughed. "I'm just delivering a tape to you in the hotel lobby, it'll only take five minutes. Or... are you afraid I'll eat you up, Director Zhang?"

She spoke boldly and wittily, making it hard to refuse. Zhang Yu thought for a moment, "Alright then, see you in the lobby."

Ten minutes later, Zhang Yu came downstairs. Liu Yan was already waiting in the lobby sofa area, having changed her clothes—a black knitted dress with a light gray cardigan over it. Her long hair was loose, and her makeup was lighter than during the day, but it made her look even more gentle. The knitted dress was a fitted style, outlining her full bust and slender waist. The hem of the dress reached above her knees, revealing her fair and slender calves.

"Director Zhang." Liu Yan stood up and handed over a videotape. "This is the edited trailer. Please take a look."

Zhang Yu took it and sat down on the sofa. Liu Yan sat down naturally beside him, at a distance that was neither too close nor too far, just enough to smell the faint fragrance on her body—a blend of rose and sandalwood, sexy yet elegant.

The television in the lobby was playing a video. Liu Yan's editing skills were excellent; she had cut the five-minute interview into a fast-paced, focused piece that showcased both the film's appeal and Zhang Yu's talent and personality. The final segment about "breaking the rules," accompanied by rousing music, was particularly impactful.

"You cut it very well," Zhang Yu said sincerely. "Miss Liu is very professional."

"Thank you for the compliment." Liu Yan's eyes crinkled into a smile. "Director Zhang, this clip will air tomorrow night. It will definitely give the movie another boost in popularity."

"Thanks a lot."

"It's no trouble at all." Liu Yan looked at him, her eyes softening. "Director Zhang, actually... I came here today not just to deliver the tapes."

Zhang Yu raised an eyebrow: "Oh?"

“I want to tell you…” Liu Yan paused, “Today on set, watching you work and interact with the actors, I suddenly felt very envious. Not envious of your talent, nor envious of your achievements, but envious of… that you are doing what you truly love, and doing it so well.”

She spoke sincerely. Zhang Yu looked at her: "Miss Liu, don't you like your job?"

“I like it, and I don’t like it.” Liu Yan smiled bitterly. “I like it because I can get in touch with this industry and meet a lot of interesting people; I don’t like it because… I always feel like I’m just hovering on the surface and can’t touch the real core. Director Zhang, do you know? I’ve been a host for three years and have interviewed hundreds of celebrities, directors and producers, but very few people are like you—clear, determined, and know what they want.”

Zhang Yu remained silent. Liu Yan's words reminded him of his past life—he too had been lost and drifted along with the tide, until those memories awakened and he found his direction.

“Ms. Liu, you are still young, you have plenty of time to find your own path,” Zhang Yu said. “Besides… hosting is also an art, and it can also convey values. The key is, what do you want to convey?”

“I want to convey authenticity,” Liu Yan blurted out. “Not gossip, not scandals, but genuine talent, genuine creations, and genuine…people.”

Her eyes shone as she spoke. Looking at her, Zhang Yu suddenly realized that this female host, known for her sex appeal, actually harbored a hidden idealism.

“Then go ahead and do it,” Zhang Yu said. “Liu Yan, this industry needs authentic voices. If you can do that, it will be more valuable than making ten movies.”

Liu Yan was stunned. She hadn't expected Zhang Yu to say that—not just polite encouragement, but serious advice.

"Director Zhang..." Her voice choked with emotion, "Thank you. Really."

"You're welcome," Zhang Yu smiled. "By the way, I'm very satisfied with the trailer. I'll treat you to dinner after it airs."

"Really?" Liu Yan's eyes lit up. "I've got it! Director Zhang can't go back on his word!"

"No regrets."

Liu Yan smiled happily, a smile as bright as the sunshine. She stood up: "Then I won't disturb your rest any longer. Good night, Director Zhang."

"Good night."

Liu Yan left with light steps. Zhang Yu sat on the sofa, looking at the videotape in his hand, the mole under his left eye slightly warm.

Liu Yan's starlight mark shone even brighter.

---

Eleven o'clock at night.

Back in his room, Zhang Yu was just about to rest when his phone rang. It was a text message from Song Qian, very brief: "Director Zhang, I've arrived in Beijing safely. Thank you for giving me this opportunity today, I'll work hard! PS: My roommate is a fan of yours, could you... sign an autograph for me? I'll bring it to you next time!"

Zhang Yu smiled and replied, "Okay. Be careful and train hard."

A few seconds later, Song Qian sent another message: "Director Zhang, can I ask you a question? Why... are you willing to give a newcomer like me a chance? There are so many people who have approached you."

Zhang Yu thought for a moment and replied, "Because I saw light in your eyes. That pure love for acting is rare. Protect it."

This time, Song Qian took a long time to reply: "Director Zhang, I will. You are the best person I've ever met. Good night."