Rebirth: A big star falls in love with me

Zhang Yu looked at her peaceful sleeping face, and the mole under her left eye felt slightly warm.

This girl is growing at an astonishing pace. Not just in her acting skills, but also in her character. Given time, she will surely become a shining star.

Outside the window, Hengdian is brightly lit at night.

Tomorrow is another new day.

……

April 25, 2000, 6 PM, Shanghai Pudong International Airport.

The international arrivals hall was bustling with people. Zhang Yu leaned against the railing at the arrivals gate, holding a simple sign that read "Liu Yifei". He was wearing a light gray polo shirt and beige trousers, and sunglasses. The mole under his left eye was hidden by the lenses, but his tall figure and outstanding temperament still attracted a lot of attention.

"Director Zhang, you came to pick me up at the airport in person?" A young man who looked like a reporter leaned over. "Has Liu Yifei signed with 'Huayu' since returning to China to develop her career?"

Zhang Yu took off his sunglasses, glanced at the reporter, and asked, "Who are you from?"

"Entertainment Express." The young man quickly pulled out his business card.

"Oh, someone from Wang Zhongjun's side." Zhang Yu put his sunglasses back on. "Then you should ask him, why are you asking me?"

The reporter, having met with a rebuff, awkwardly retreated. Just then, a wave of passengers surged out of the arrival gate, and Zhang Yu's eyes searched through the crowd, quickly locking onto a figure.

Liu Yifei pushed her luggage cart out. She wore a simple white dress with a light blue knitted cardigan over it, her hair was loose, and she wore a straw sun hat and large sunglasses. Although her attire was understated, her tall figure and outstanding temperament still made her stand out at a glance.

Three years had passed, and she had grown considerably taller, transforming from a naive little girl into a graceful young woman. Sunglasses covered most of her face, but her jawline was exquisite, and her lips were a natural pink, full and beautiful even without lipstick.

"Yifei." Zhang Yu went up to her and took her luggage cart.

Liu Yifei took off her sunglasses, revealing her signature almond-shaped eyes—large and long, with slightly upturned corners, and clear amber pupils, her gaze as pure as a mountain spring. She looked at Zhang Yu, paused for a moment, and then smiled: "Uncle Zhang?"

"Just call me Director Zhang." Zhang Yu laughed. "You've grown up. Calling me 'uncle' makes me feel old."

Liu Yifei smiled and said, "You haven't aged at all; in fact, you've become even more handsome."

"You have such a sweet tongue." Zhang Yu pushed the luggage cart out. "Where's your mother? Didn't she say she was coming back with you?"

"Her next flight is tomorrow." Liu Yifei followed beside her, looking around curiously. "Director Zhang, what's Hengdian like? I went there once when I was a child, but I don't remember much about it."

“Hengdian…” Zhang Yu thought for a moment, “is a hybrid of a large film and television theme park, a film and television base, and a tourist city. You might find it boring to film there, because it’s all about filming.”

"I'm not afraid of being bored," Liu Yifei said earnestly. "I'm here to film."

Zhang Yu turned and glanced at her. This girl, who still looked quite young, had a firmness and purity in her eyes that transcended her age. He remembered the little girl who timidly called him "Uncle Zhang" three years ago; time really flies.

In the car, Liu Yifei sat in the passenger seat, gazing out the window at the scenery. Shanghai's skyscrapers were a novelty to her—she lived in the suburbs of the United States and rarely saw such a dense urban landscape.

"Are you used to it in the US?" Zhang Yu asked.

"I'm used to it, but I don't really like it," Liu Yifei said honestly. "It's too quiet over there, and I don't have many friends. I still prefer China, where it's lively."

"So, how long do you plan to stay this time?"

“I’m not leaving.” Liu Yifei turned to look at him. “I told my mom that I want to develop my career in China. I’ve already suspended my studies at the school in the lighthouse. I’ll study and act in China from now on.”

Zhang Yu was somewhat surprised: "Your mother agreed?"

“Agreed.” Liu Yifei nodded. “But there are conditions—it can’t interfere with her studies, she has to accompany me throughout filming, she can’t do intimate scenes, and she has to be back at the hotel before 10 p.m.

Zhang Yu laughed: "Your mother is still so strict."

"She was doing it for my own good," Liu Yifei said. "Director Zhang, is the role in 'Awakening of Insects' big? I'm afraid I won't be able to play it well..."

“You don’t have many scenes, but they are crucial,” Zhang Yu said. “You play the young Shen Qingqiu, the female lead. You only have two scenes, but you have to bring out the temperament of someone who comes from a wealthy family, is naive yet sensitive and intelligent. I think you are suitable.”

Liu Yifei's eyes lit up: "Really? I'll try my best!"

“I believe in you.” Zhang Yu glanced at her. “But before that, you need to attend the training camp. Although you have talent, you still need to solidify your basic skills.”

"Training camp?" Liu Yifei asked curiously. "The training camp where Sister Shu Chang and Sister Jing Tian are?"

You know them?

"Of course I know!" Liu Yifei said excitedly. "When I was in the US, I often read domestic entertainment news. Sister Shu Chang's Wang Yuyan is so beautiful, and Sister Jing Tian is so popular lately. Although there are some bad news stories about her, I think she is very brave..."

She paused, then whispered, "Director Zhang, you are really amazing. You can protect so many actresses."

Zhang Yu paused, his hand on the steering wheel. "This is my responsibility."

“But…” Liu Yifei hesitated for a moment, “My mother said that this industry is very complicated and that I should stay away from those messy things. She said that although you are capable, you are surrounded by too many actresses, which makes it easy for you to get into trouble.”

That was a direct statement. Zhang Yu laughed: "Your mother is right. So remember, on set, I'm your director; at the training camp, I'm your teacher. That's all. Understand?"

Liu Yifei looked at him, her eyes probing: "Director Zhang, do you say that to every actress?"

“I’ll only tell those who need it,” Zhang Yu said. “You’re only a few years old, still a child. My primary task is to protect you, nothing else.”

Liu Yifei pouted: "I'm not a child anymore..."

“In my eyes, you are.” Zhang Yu ruffled her hair. “Alright, don’t think too much. I’ll take you to the hotel to rest first, and then I’ll take you to the training camp tomorrow.”

Liu Yifei wanted to say something, but seeing that Zhang Yu was focused on driving, she had no choice but to shut up. Looking at the fleeting street scenes outside the window, she felt a pang of disappointment—she didn't want to be treated like a child.

7 PM, Hengdian “Hua Yu” training camp.

When Zhang Yu led Liu Yifei into the training camp building, it was just dinnertime. The cafeteria was full of trainees, who greeted Zhang Yu as he entered.

"Director Zhang!"

Good evening, Director Zhang!

Zhang Yu nodded in response and led Liu Yifei to the food window: "Order whatever you want to eat. Room and board are provided here."

Liu Yifei looked at the cafeteria with curiosity—it was bigger and cleaner than she had imagined. The trainees sat in twos and threes, chatting and laughing, creating a pleasant atmosphere.

"Sister Shu Chang!" She suddenly saw Shu Chang sitting in the corner and waved excitedly.