Rebirth: A big star falls in love with me

At 4 p.m., news spread throughout Hengdian World Studios that the filming of "The Scholarly Family" had been suspended due to a scandal, and that director Zhang Yu and the two leading actresses, Chen Chen and Yang Mi, had been called in for a talk by the investors and might face replacement.

The news spread quickly, and within an hour, several media outlets arrived at the film set. But what they saw there was a completely different scene—

Zhang Yu, Chen Chen, and Yang Mi were sitting together eating hot pot, chatting and laughing. There was also a cake on the table with "Happy April Fool's Day" written on it.

"You reporters have come at the perfect time." Zhang Yu waved enthusiastically when he saw the camera. "Come on, let's have hot pot together! Today is April Fool's Day for our crew. The news about the filming being suspended was just a joke we made up!"

The reporters were stunned.

Chen Chen elegantly wiped his mouth and smiled, "We read the report in *Entertainment Express*, it was very imaginative. But it's April Fool's Day, so we won't dwell on it. We'd like to take this opportunity to tell everyone—the reshoots for *The Scholarly Family* are 85% complete and are expected to finish three days ahead of schedule. As for my relationship with Director Zhang and Mimi..."

She looked at Yang Mi, who naturally replied, "We're work partners, comrades-in-arms, and friends who help each other succeed. Everyone in this crew is working towards the same goal; there's no time or inclination for those messy things. As for those photos..."

Yang Mi took out her camera: "We also have photos. This is a photo of Director Zhang teaching us woodworking, this is a photo of him teaching us how to dye fabric, this is a photo of everyone working late into the night together... If being close to each other means there's something going on, then the whole crew is all about something going on."

She spoke with a hint of irony, but her eyes were clear and open. The reporters were left speechless, both amused and bewildered, but their cameras still captured everything honestly.

Zhang Yu concluded: "Thank you to Entertainment Express for promoting us. However, next time you write a report, I suggest you clarify the facts first. Today is April Fool's Day, joking is fine, but spreading rumors and slander is another matter. We have already retained lawyers and will take legal action against false reports."

The impromptu "press conference" was unexpectedly successful. Reporters captured the footage they wanted—not a public feud, not a clarification, but a team's unity and humor in the face of adversity. This positive energy is more persuasive than any explanation.

That evening, the video was broadcast on the local television station. The title was amusing: "April Fool's Day Reversal Drama: The Crew of 'Scholarly Family' Responds to Rumors with Hot Pot."

---

Eight o'clock in the evening, on the rooftop.

After the farce ended, Zhang Yu and Chen Chen stood on the hotel rooftop. The night wind was cool, but the air was fresh, and they could see the scattered lights of Hengdian and the distant, dark green mountain outlines.

"That move you made today was really impressive." Chen Chen leaned against the railing, glancing at Zhang Yu from the side.

"He was forced into it." Zhang Yu lit a cigarette, but didn't smoke it, just watched the embers flicker in the darkness. "Wang Zhongjun's move was ruthless, but he forgot—a true team cannot be broken up."

"Are you so sure we won't fight amongst ourselves?"

“I believe you.” Zhang Yu turned to look at her. “Chen Chen, do you know what? In these three months, my biggest gain was not completing the movie, but witnessing your growth. Yang Mi has transformed from a little girl who only thought about becoming famous into a responsible core member of the team; Bai Bing has gone from a cold loner to someone who knows how to care for others; Gao Yuanyuan, Zhao Liying, and other newcomers have gone from being timid at the beginning to daring to speak in front of the camera... and you too.”

He paused for a moment: "You went from being my girlfriend to a director who can stand on his own, a leader who can carry the entire team. This kind of change is more valuable than any box office success."

Chen Chen's eyes welled up with tears again, but this time it was from gratitude: "Zhang Yu, you're always like this... giving me strength when I'm at my weakest, and guiding me when I'm most lost."

“Because I believe in you.” Zhang Yu stubbed out his cigarette. “Chen Chen, once ‘The Scholarly Family’ is released and the studio is stable, I want to officially pursue you. Not as a director pursuing an actor, but as Zhang Yu pursuing Chen Chen. Are you willing to give me that chance?”

This is the second promise I've made tonight, and it's more formal and solemn than the first.

Chen Chen stared at him for a long time. The night breeze ruffled her long hair, and her eyes shone like stars in the moonlight.

“Okay,” she said. “I’ll wait for you. But Zhang Yu, if you disappoint me again this time…”

“No, it won’t happen again.” Zhang Yu interrupted her. “I swear on my career, it won’t happen again.”

He extended his hand, and Chen Chen hesitated for a moment before placing his own hand in his. Their hands clasped, and warmth flowed from their palms to their hearts.

The birthmark under his left eye burned intensely at that moment. Zhang Yu could feel all the starlight marks within him resonating—Chen Chen's mark had reached an unprecedented level of perfection, a complete, healthy, and mutually reciprocating love.

Other imprints also become brighter in this resonance—Yang Mi's admiration is enriched with understanding, Bai Bing's respect is enriched with closeness, and Gao Yuanyuan's innocence is enriched with trust...

This is not collecting, it is resonance.

It's not about taking, it's about giving.

Perhaps this is the true meaning of the Starshine Mark—not possession, but illumination.

The wind was still blowing on the rooftop, but the two people's hands, clasped together, felt warm.

In the distance, the lights of Hengdian lit up one after another, like stars scattered on earth.

The real stars are in the sky, in their hearts, and in the eyes of all those who strive for their dreams.

……

April 3, 2000, 10:00 AM, Beijing, sunny, 10~22°C.

In the Golden Hall of the Beijing Hotel, crystal chandeliers reflected the morning light, illuminating the entire space in a magnificent golden glow. A red carpet stretched from the entrance to the stage, with flower baskets from various sectors lining both sides—"Congratulations from China Film Group," "Congratulations from Orange Field Culture," "Congratulations from Director Feng Xiaogang," "Congratulations from Huayi Brothers"... The signature on the last flower basket drew the attention of many guests; Wang Zhongjun had ultimately sent a gift, but one wonders how much resentment was hidden behind that single word, "Congratulations."

Zhang Yu stood in the lounge to the side of the stage, peering through the crack in the door at the growing crowd in the hall. Today, he wore a custom-made dark blue suit, a white shirt, and a silver-gray tie. The mole under his left eye was still clearly visible despite his meticulously applied makeup. The person in the mirror looked much more mature than three months ago; there were fine lines at the corners of his eyes, and his gaze held a mature composure.

"Are you nervous?" Wang Jinghua's voice came from behind. Today she was wearing a burgundy velvet cheongsam with a black embroidered shawl, her short hair was meticulously styled, her makeup was exquisite, and her aura was as powerful as a queen about to be crowned.

"A little," Zhang Yu admitted frankly. "Mr. Wang, how many people do you think will come today?"