Rebirth: A big star falls in love with me

Meng Ziyi walked to the center of the classroom. Today, she wore her hair in a high ponytail, revealing her smooth forehead, and her signature sweet smile graced her face. Music began to play, and she danced a modern dance called "Breaking the Cocoon."

She has excellent physical attributes, with long limbs and exceptional flexibility. Her dance movements are fluid and natural, and her emotional expression is spot-on. Especially the final pose—she curls up on the ground and then slowly stretches her body, like a butterfly emerging from its cocoon—she perfectly portrays the process of moving from constraint to freedom.

"Great!" The dance instructor couldn't help but applaud. "Meng Ziyi, you've made great progress. Last month you were still stumbling around, but now you're dancing with a lot of professional flair."

Meng Ziyi smiled happily: "Thank you, teacher!"

Zhang Yu gave Meng Ziyi a high score on the evaluation form and turned to Wang Ou, saying, "This Meng Ziyi has great potential. Although she is not from a professional acting background, she is talented, hardworking, and has a likable personality."

Wang Ou nodded: "I've been observing her for a few days, and she's indeed quite good. However, she's a bit too lively and sometimes can't control her mouth, so she needs some restraint."

“Being lively is a good thing,” Zhang Yu laughed. “This industry needs a bit of fresh air. Just guide her appropriately, don’t stifle her.”

Wang Ou glanced at him: "Director Zhang is always so lenient with female artists."

“It depends on the person,” Zhang Yu said. “Be lenient with those who are sensible, and strict with those who are not. Meng Ziyi falls into the sensible category.”

Next up was Zhang Zilin's assessment. She performed a segment from the ballet "Swan Lake," her movements were precise and her demeanor elegant, but she lacked emotional depth.

"Zhang Zilin, your technique is fine, but it's too much like you're just going through the motions," the dance instructor commented. "Dance isn't gymnastics; it needs a soul. You need to bring out the swan's solitude and elegance, not just strike a standard pose."

Zhang Zilin humbly accepted the answer: "I understand, teacher."

Zhang Hanyun's vocal performance was even more stunning. She sang Teresa Teng's "Tian Mi Mi" (Sweet Honey), her voice clear and sweet, her emotions sincere, giving the old song her own unique flavor.

"Very good," the vocal coach said approvingly. "Your pitch, rhythm, and emotion are all on point. But you need to be careful to protect your voice and avoid overusing it."

The assessment lasted all afternoon. At the end, Zhang Yu announced the results: the top three in overall score were Meng Ziyi, Zhang Hanyun, and Zhang Zilin. These three will have the opportunity to participate in the recording of the theme song for "Awakening of Insects" and in extra roles.

"Yay!" Meng Ziyi jumped up happily and hugged Zhang Hanyun next to her. "We can make a movie now!"

Zhang Hanyun smiled, but her smile was subtle. Zhang Zilin maintained her elegant posture, though the joy in her eyes was undeniable.

Looking at these young women, Wang Ou was filled with mixed emotions. She recalled her own early days in the industry, when she too was full of dreams and energy. Time flies; twelve years have passed in the blink of an eye.

"Director Wang," Zhang Yu called to her, "Let's have a meeting in the office at seven o'clock tonight to discuss the development plan for this group of trainees."

“Okay, Director Zhang.” Wang Ou nodded.

7 PM, Zhang Yu's office.

Wang Ou arrived on time, carrying a notebook and a detailed student analysis report. Today she had changed into comfortable loungewear—a light gray knit sweater and black casual pants, her hair loose, looking less capable and more feminine.

"Sit down." Zhang Yu was making tea. "What would you like to drink? Green tea or black tea?"

“Green tea, please.” Wang Ou sat down on the sofa and opened his notebook. “Director Zhang, this is my preliminary analysis of the second batch of twelve trainees. Meng Ziyi has the best talent, but needs systematic training; Zhang Hanyun has outstanding vocal skills and could be considered for a career as a singer; Zhang Zilin has excellent potential, but is somewhat introverted and needs more encouragement…”

She spoke very professionally and her analysis was very insightful. Zhang Yu listened and nodded, "Very good, let's go with your approach. But I want to add one point—don't typecast them. Actors need to be versatile; today they can play a lively character, tomorrow they can play an introverted one. Give them more opportunities to try different roles."

“I understand.” Wang Ou wrote it down. “In addition, I have formulated new rules and regulations regarding the management of the training camp, including the schedule, leave policy, and reward and punishment measures. Please take a look and see if there are any problems.”

She handed him a document. Zhang Yu took it and quickly glanced through it. The rules and regulations were detailed and reasonable, ensuring both the quality of training and giving trainees a certain degree of freedom.

“Not bad,” Zhang Yu said approvingly. “However, we need to be careful about the methods when implementing this. These girls are all young, and some may be quite rebellious. We need to use a combination of kindness and firmness, and not just be forceful.”

Wang Ou laughed: "Director Zhang, are you teaching me how to manage?"

"I suppose so," Zhang Yu smiled. "You've just transitioned to this field, so you need to accumulate some experience. But I believe in your abilities; you'll get the hang of it quickly."

The two chatted for a while about the specifics of the training camp. After they finished talking, Wang Ou packed her things to leave, but Zhang Yu suddenly called her back.

"Wang Ou".

"Hmm?" Wang Ou turned around.

“Thank you.” Zhang Yu looked at her. “Thank you for choosing to join ‘Hua Yu’ during the most difficult time. I know this decision was not easy, after all, ‘Hua Yu’ has made many enemies now.”

Wang Ou was silent for a few seconds, then said, "Director Zhang, I'm thirty-five years old, and I've been in this industry for twelve years, experiencing ups and downs. I've seen too many rises and falls, and I know what's most important. Although you're young, you have courage, principles, and genuinely care about the artists. I feel at ease working under you."

She paused, then continued, "Moreover, you gave me a chance to start over. The position of artist director is not just a job for me, it's a new beginning. I will cherish it."

Zhang Yu walked up to her and said earnestly, "You will do very well. I believe in you."

The two were very close; Wang Ou could smell the faint scent of tobacco and tea on him. Her heart suddenly skipped a beat, and her face flushed slightly.

"Director Zhang, I..."

"what?"

"It's nothing," Wang Ou shook his head. "I should go back. I have to get up early tomorrow."

She turned and left, her steps hurried. Zhang Yu watched her departing figure, the mole under his left eye feeling slightly warm.

Wang Ou's mark is beginning to emerge. This mature, intelligent woman with a story to tell will be a great partner, and also... a great prey.

Nine o'clock in the evening, Liu Yifei's dormitory.

Liu Xiaoli was checking her daughter's homework. Liu Yifei was lying on the desk, doing her homework while muttering, "Mom, please let me stay at the training camp. I really like it here. The teachers are very good, and the classmates are very friendly."

"Have you finished your homework?" Liu Xiaoli asked seriously.

"Almost done..." Liu Yifei quickened her pace, "Mom, how did your talk with Director Zhang go today? Did he agree to let me stay?"

Looking at her expectant eyes, Liu Xiaoli softened: "Director Zhang agreed, but it depends on your performance. If you can guarantee that your grades won't drop and that you train diligently, I can consider letting you stay until the end of the summer vacation."