Rebirth: A big star falls in love with me

"Really?" Liu Yifei's eyes lit up. "Thank you, Mom! I will definitely study hard and train hard!"

Seeing her daughter's happy expression, Liu Xiaoli smiled too. But behind the smile was a hint of worry—she could see that her daughter's admiration for Zhang Yu had gone beyond the feelings she had for an ordinary teacher. She was all too familiar with that look in her eyes.

"Yifei," she said softly, "your mother asked you, what do you think of Director Zhang?"

Liu Yifei was taken aback: "Director Zhang is great. He's talented, responsible, and kind to everyone."

"Is that all?" Liu Xiaoli pressed.

"Hmm...and he's really handsome." Liu Yifei blushed. "Mom, why are you asking this?"

Liu Xiaoli's heart skipped a beat when she saw her daughter's flushed cheeks. Sure enough, her daughter had developed feelings for Zhang Yu that she shouldn't have.

"Yifei, you must remember this," she said seriously, "Director Zhang is your teacher, your director, nothing more. He's good to you because he's responsible, not for anything else. You can't let your imagination run wild, understand?"

Liu Yifei lowered her head and whispered, "I understand."

But did she really understand? Liu Xiaoli wasn't sure. She could only hope that time would dilute this inappropriate feeling.

It was late at night, and Liu Yifei lay in bed, unable to sleep. She remembered seeing Zhang Yu directing the actors on set that day—so focused, so professional, so charismatic. She remembered Zhang Yu's warm hand as he ruffled her hair, and the gentle look in his eyes when he spoke to her.

She knew she shouldn't have those thoughts, but she couldn't control herself. At fifteen, she was at the age when love was just beginning to blossom, and it was hard not to be moved by such an outstanding man.

The moonlight outside the window was like water, and she sighed softly.

Meanwhile, Zhang Yu was in his office reviewing the filming schedule for "Awakening of Insects." His phone rang; it was a text message from Li Xiaoran: "Director Zhang, I'm a little unsure about tomorrow's scene. Can I come talk to you about it now?"

Zhang Yu checked the time; it was 10:30 PM. He replied, "Come over."

Five minutes later, Li Xiaoran knocked on the door and came in. She had changed into a comfortable cotton and linen dress, her hair was loose, and she was not wearing makeup. She looked less aloof and more gentle than usual.

"Sit down." Zhang Yu gestured to the sofa. "Which scene are you unsure about?"

“The scene where Shen Qingqiu removes her makeup in front of the mirror after discovering her husband’s infidelity.” Li Xiaoran sat down opposite him. “The script says she ‘removes her makeup while crying, but her movements are slow and gentle, like she is performing some kind of ritual.’ I tried it a few times, but I always felt that something was missing.”

Zhang Yu thought for a moment, then stood up and walked to her: "Stand up."

Li Xiaoran stood up. Zhang Yu made her turn around so that her back was to him, and gently placed his hands on her shoulders: "Now, you are Shen Qingqiu. You just came back from a banquet, had a few drinks, and are a little tipsy. You are sitting in front of your dressing table, looking at yourself in the mirror—thirty years old, still beautiful, but there are already fine lines at the corners of your eyes."

His voice was low, almost hypnotic: "Then you remember the way your husband and that woman exchanged glances at the banquet. You remember the ten years of marriage, the nights you spent alone in the empty house, and the career and dreams you gave up for this family."

Li Xiaoran closed her eyes, her body trembling slightly.

“Now, start removing your makeup.” Zhang Yu’s hand slid down her shoulder to her arm, gently holding her hand and mimicking the motions of removing makeup. “First, take off your earrings, then your hairpin, and then wipe away the powder and rouge from your face little by little. With each bit you remove, you’ll feel a little further away from that perfect Shen Qingqiu and a little closer to your true self.”

His movements were very light and slow. Li Xiaoran's tears fell silently.

“Yes, that’s it,” Zhang Yu said. “But don’t let the tears flow too quickly, let them fall one by one, like pearls breaking from a string. Don’t stop moving, keep removing your makeup. Until finally, you see yourself in the mirror with a bare face—not perfect, but real. Then you smile, a smile with tears in your eyes.”

Li Xiaoran performed the scene according to his guidance. When she finally smiled at the mirror she had imagined, the smile was so poignant it was heartbreaking.

“Perfect.” Zhang Yu released his grip. “Remember this feeling, and act like this tomorrow.”

Li Xiaoran wiped away her tears, turned to look at him, and said, "Director Zhang, you are really good at teaching acting."

"A director's basic skills," Zhang Yu smiled. "But you're also very quick to understand; you pick things up right away."

The two were very close, and Li Xiaoran could smell the faint scent of tobacco on him. Her heart suddenly started racing, and an indescribable emotion surged in her chest.

"Director Zhang, I..." she hesitated, unable to finish her sentence.

"What?" Zhang Yu looked down at her.

Li Xiaoran looked up into his eyes. In those deep eyes, there was admiration, concern, and something else she couldn't understand. She suddenly remembered the way Shu Chang and Jing Tian looked at Zhang Yu, and their unreserved trust and reliance on him.

"It's nothing." She finally shook her head. "It's late, I should go back. Thank you, Director Zhang."

She turned to leave, but Zhang Yu called out to her, "Xiao Ran."

Li Xiaoran turned around.

"Have you been having something on your mind lately?" Zhang Yu asked. "You don't seem to be in a good mood."

Li Xiaoran was silent for a few seconds, then smiled wryly: "Director Zhang, you're too perceptive. It is indeed a bit... My mother hasn't been feeling well lately and has been hospitalized. I'm filming during the day and taking care of her at the hospital at night, so I'm a bit tired."

"Why didn't you say so sooner?" Zhang Yu frowned. "I could have adjusted your filming schedule so you would have time to take care of your family."

“No need.” Li Xiaoran shook her head. “The filming is the most important thing. My mom said the same thing. She told me to focus on filming and not to delay the schedule because of her.”

Zhang Yu looked at her. This woman, who seemed aloof and strong, actually had a very soft heart. He reached out and patted her shoulder: "If you need any help, just ask. 'Hua Yu' is a big family. If a family member is in trouble, everyone will help."

Li Xiaoran's eyes reddened: "Thank you, Director Zhang."

"Don't thank me," Zhang Yu said. "By the way, which hospital is your mother in? I'll go see her after I finish work tomorrow."

"No need for that..."

“No trouble at all,” Zhang Yu interrupted her. “It’s settled then.”

Looking at him, Li Xiaoran felt a warm current welling up in her heart. This man was always like this; seemingly casual and unrestrained, he was actually thoughtful and caring.

"Okay." She nodded. "Then I'll take you tomorrow."

After Li Xiaoran left, Zhang Yu stood by the window, looking at the night outside. The mole under his left eye felt slightly warm.

Li Xiaoran's mark is rapidly taking root. This aloof and self-possessed woman requires more patience and gentleness to win over. But once she falls in love, she will be more resolute than anyone else.

The phone rang again. This time it was a text message from Chen Chen: "The sample footage of 'The Longest Day in Chang'an' is out. Do you want to watch it? I'm in the editing room."

Zhang Yu replied, "Coming right away."