Rebirth: A big star falls in love with me

Zhang Yu quickly helped her up: "Auntie, please don't do this. Tang Yan earned this opportunity through her own abilities. She is very talented and hardworking."

“That’s not entirely true.” Tang’s mother shook her head. “Although I don’t understand this industry, I know how difficult it is for a newcomer to make it. Without your discerning eye and persistence, no matter how hard Yan Yan tries, it will be useless.”

She spoke sincerely, and Zhang Yu no longer feigned modesty. He invited Tang's mother to visit the filming location and explained the production process. Tang's mother listened attentively, asking questions from time to time, showing great curiosity about every detail of the film.

"Director Zhang, I have a favor to ask," Tang's mother said as they parted. "Could I play a small role in the movie? No lines, just a character in the background. I want... I want to participate in my daughter's first film in this way."

This request surprised everyone. Zhang Yu considered for a moment, then nodded: "There's a teahouse scene tomorrow, and we need a few extras. If Auntie doesn't mind..."

"I don't mind at all!" Tang's mother waved her hands repeatedly.

The next day, Tang's mother put on the Republic-era clothing prepared by the film crew, styled her hair in a bun, and sat in a corner of the teahouse. Her role was just an ordinary tea drinker, but when the camera panned across her, she naturally lowered her head to drink tea and raised her hand to tidy her hair, exuding the gentle and graceful temperament of a woman from the old era.

"The auntie has a great sense of the camera," Zhang Yu commented from behind the monitor.

Tang Yan watched her mother in front of the camera, a complex mix of emotions welling up inside her. Her mother had sacrificed so much of her own potential for her family throughout her life. And now, in this world of light and shadow, she finally had a moment that belonged to her.

……

Wang Zhongjun's second wave of attacks came faster and was more insidious than expected.

A set of photos allegedly taken by "crew members" has circulated online. The photos show Zhang Yu and Tang Yan interacting on set, taken from unusual angles, with some appearing unusually intimate. In one photo, Zhang Yu is seen fixing Tang Yan's hair—actually, it's a pre-shoot haircut adjustment, but the photo captures that moment, completely distorting the image.

The accompanying text implied that Zhang Yu used his position as director to sexually harass newcomers, and further implied that Tang Yan obtained the role through improper means.

This time, the rumors came on strong. Several marketing accounts launched their attacks simultaneously, and online trolls flooded the comment section, pushing the topic to the top of the trending search list.

The atmosphere within the film crew became subtle. Although most people knew the truth, in the entertainment industry, the truth or falsehood often doesn't matter; what matters is the buzz surrounding the topic.

For the first time, Tang Yan felt pressure from all sides. In the dressing room, the way the staff looked at her changed; during breaks, whispers rose from the corners; even the usually friendly stagehands became somewhat cold.

“This is the entertainment industry,” Zhou Xun said calmly, sitting next to her. “When you have no value, nobody cares; when you have value, rumors spread. The difference is that the former makes you disappear, while the latter makes you strong.”

“But those words were too harsh…” Tang Yan bit her lip.

“I’ve heard too many hurtful things.” Zhou Xun smiled. “Some people say I’m being kept by a sugar daddy, some say I’m arrogant, some say I got awards through connections. If I had to respond to every rumor, I wouldn’t have anything else to do in my life.”

She turned to Tang Yan: "Do you know why Director Zhang hasn't responded yet?"

Tang Yan shook her head.

“Because he’s waiting.” A hint of appreciation flashed in Zhou Xun’s eyes. “Waiting for the rumors to spread to a certain extent, waiting for the other party to show a weakness, waiting for a moment to strike decisively. That’s his style—if he doesn’t act, he doesn’t act at all; but when he does, he wants to solve the problem.”

Sure enough, that afternoon, Zhang Yu convened a brief meeting with the production crew. He didn't mention the rumors, but simply announced one thing: "Tomorrow is a media open day, and twenty mainstream media outlets will be visiting the set. Everyone can continue filming as usual; there's no need for special preparations."

After the meeting, Zhang Yu called Tang Yan over: "There's a love scene between you and Chen Kun tomorrow, remember to prepare well."

"Filming romantic scenes at a time like this?" Tang Yan asked, somewhat uneasy.

“It is precisely at times like these that we must film well.” Zhang Yu looked directly into her eyes. “Let them see what a professional actor is, what real acting is.”

……

On the day of the media open day, reporters from more than 20 media outlets, carrying their cameras and microphones, flooded into the film set. Among them were "special reporters" secretly arranged by Wang Zhongjun, who were prepared to capture more "evidence."

The scene that day was Lin Wan and Xu Wenqiang's farewell scene in the rain. This scene was emotionally complex, requiring the actors to convey overwhelming emotions through extremely restrained performances.

Before filming began, Zhang Yu gave Tang Yan and Chen Kun some final instructions: "Remember, the key to this scene is the 'unspoken words.' There is love, deception, and betrayal between you, but more than anything, there is a sense of helplessness. All the emotions are in your eyes and in the subtle body language."

"Action!"

In the rain, Tang Yan and Chen Kun stood facing each other. She didn't have an umbrella, and raindrops dripped from her hair. Chen Kun held up a black umbrella, but it couldn't conceal the chasm between them.

"I'm leaving," Chen Kun said. "To Chongqing."

Will they come back?

silence.

Tang Yan smiled, a smile that contained so much: understanding, helplessness, relief, and deep-seated pain. "I understand. Mr. Xu, take care."

She turned to leave, but Chen Kun suddenly grabbed her wrist. The camera zoomed in on her two hands—one slender and fair, the other with distinct knuckles; one trying to break free, the other unwilling to let go.

"Lin Wan..." Chen Kun's voice was low, "There are some things I can't say right now. But please believe me, I..."

"No need to say anything more." Tang Yan gently withdrew her hand. "In chaotic times, everyone has their own reasons. I don't blame you."

She eventually left, her figure receding into the distance in the rain. Chen Kun stood there, his umbrella slowly tilting, raindrops soaking his shoulders.

“Cut!” Zhang Yu’s voice rang out.

The scene was quiet, save for the patter of rain. Several female reporters secretly wiped their eyes.

After the performance came the interview segment. As expected, a reporter went straight to the point: "Director Zhang, there have been some rumors circulating online recently about you and Ms. Tang Yan. What is your response?"

Zhang Yu said calmly, "Today is the media open day for 'Awakening of Insects,' and we will only answer questions related to the film."

"But this relates to the film's sound..."

“The sound of a film should come from the film itself.” Zhang Yu interrupted the reporter. “If you have seen the performance just now and still think that Tang Yan got the role because of other things, that is an insult to the acting profession and an underestimation of the audience’s intelligence.”

His tone was not heavy, but every word was firm and resounding. The room fell silent.

Another reporter turned to Tang Yan: "Ms. Tang, as a newcomer, do you feel a lot of pressure acting opposite a veteran actor like Chen Kun?"

Tang Yan took the microphone, her eyes clear: "The pressure was immense, but it was also a learning opportunity. Brother Kun gave me a lot of guidance on acting, and Director Zhang even helped me analyze the character scene by scene. I'm very lucky to have encountered a team that truly cares about acting and respects actors."