Rebirth: A big star falls in love with me

“We’re just focusing on promising newcomers,” Jing Tian smiled. “Besides, she was recommended by Gao Yuanyuan, and we trust Yuanyuan’s judgment.”

Hu Mei's expression softened when Gao Yuanyuan was mentioned. She had worked with Gao Yuanyuan many times and knew the girl's taste and character.

“Alright,” Hu Mei finally decided, “let Tang Yan be on the final shortlist, but we still need to meet her one more time. I need to see how she pairs with the other actors.”

This decision meant that Tang Yan still had a chance. When Gao Yuanyuan told her the news on the phone, Tang Yan breathed a sigh of relief, but her heart tightened again—there was still one hurdle to overcome.

……

In early December, the official invitation to the Berlin Film Festival arrived at Huayu Media. Inside the gold-embossed envelope, besides the formal invitation, were detailed travel arrangements.

Zhang Yu called Tang Yan into his office and handed her the invitation: "Keep this safe, it's the first major milestone in your career."

Tang Yan took it, her fingers tracing the German and English text on it, her feelings a complex mix. Excitement, nervousness, anticipation, apprehension... a multitude of emotions intertwined.

“From now on, your main task is to prepare for the trip to Berlin.” Zhang Yu opened the schedule. “English classes for three hours every day, media training twice a week, and physical training for one hour every day. In addition, there will be five interviews with international media during the film festival, which need to be prepared in advance.”

"so much..."

“This is just the beginning.” Zhang Yu said seriously, “The Berlin Film Festival is an A-list international film festival. Your performance represents not only yourself, but also the image of young Chinese actors. There can be no carelessness.”

He paused for a moment: "There's another important arrangement: during the film festival, you'll participate in an 'Asian Rising Stars Forum,' where you'll exchange ideas with young actors from Japan, South Korea, India, and other countries. This is a great opportunity to showcase yourself and also a great opportunity to learn."

The pressure came like a tidal wave, but Tang Yan had learned to stay calm under pressure: "I will be prepared."

“I believe in you.” A hint of relief flashed in Zhang Yu’s eyes. “But before that, you still need to solve one problem: the final audition for ‘The Glamorous Imperial Concubine’ is after the Berlin Film Festival. Director Hu Mei wants to see your performance on the international stage before deciding whether to cast you.”

"So Berlin's performance directly affected this role?"

“A direct impact.” Zhang Yu nodded. “That’s the reality of the entertainment industry—every opportunity is interconnected, and every performance affects the future.”

In the days that followed, Tang Yan began intensive preparations. She spent her days filming on the set of "Love Story of a Drifter in Beijing," and her evenings and weekends were all dedicated to preparing for her trip to Berlin.

My English teacher was the wife of a retired diplomat, and she was extremely demanding. "Pronunciation isn't just about accuracy; it has to be beautiful. Your intonation and rhythm when you speak English reflect your overall quality."

Her media training coach was a former CCTV host who taught her how to maintain her best performance in front of the camera. "International media questions can be very pointed; you have to learn to resolve them with wisdom, not avoid them."

The posture coach was a professor at a dance academy, who specialized in correcting her posture. "Every step on the red carpet is important; your shoulders should be relaxed, your back straight, and your gaze firm yet gentle."

Meanwhile, the promotional campaign for "Awakening of Insects" was also fully launched. After the trailer was released, it quickly garnered over a million views, and Tang Yan's monologue in the rain became a popular clip. Netizens' opinions were polarized—some praised her amazing acting skills, while others said she got the role through connections.

Li Wei's public relations team constantly monitored public opinion and provided timely guidance. But the real battlefield was in Berlin.

In mid-December, filming wrapped up for "Love Story of Beijing Drifters." After the final scene was shot, director Chen Jian gave flowers to each actor. When it was Tang Yan's turn, he specifically said, "You've shown me the dedication of a young actor. Keep it up, and the future is bright."

Yang Mi also gave her a gift—a brand-name fountain pen. "A pen for writing, a pen for recording life. I hope you can use it to write a wonderful acting career."

At the wrap party, everyone bid each other a reluctant farewell. Three months of living and working together, from strangers to friends, and now they were going their separate ways. Tang Yan drank a little wine, and in her tipsy state, she felt a sense of melancholy—that's the life of an actor, a constant cycle of meeting and parting.

After the banquet, Zhang Yu came to pick her up. In the car, Tang Yan leaned against the window, looking at the passing night scenery.

"You can't bear to part with it?" Zhang Yu asked.

"A little," Tang Yan said honestly. "Although filming was tiring, it was also very fulfilling. Now that it's suddenly over, I feel a bit empty."

“This is the norm for actors,” Zhang Yu said. “You have to learn to find a balance between different roles and switch between the character and yourself.”

He handed her a folder: "Work arrangements after returning from Berlin. If 'The Glamorous Imperial Concubine' is approved, I'll join the production team next March. If not, the company has two backup projects."

Tang Yan flipped through the book and saw a densely packed schedule, from January to June of next year. This is the life of a professional actor—always preparing, always on the move.

"Director Zhang, how far do you think I can go?" she suddenly asked.

Zhang Yu did not answer immediately. The car drove along Chang'an Avenue, and Tiananmen Square was solemn and quiet in the night.

"The answer to this question isn't with me, it's in your own heart," he finally said. "I can give you opportunities, teach you skills, and pave the way for you. But how far you go depends on your determination, your perseverance, and your choices."

He turned to look at her: "Tang Yan, you asked me why I'm so good to you. Now I'll tell you: because I believe that Chinese films need actors like you. Not impetuous, not opportunistic, truly respecting acting and respecting the audience. There are too few actors like you, and I hope you can become one of them."

These words were too heavy. Tang Yan felt the burden on her shoulders grow even heavier, but it also became clearer—she was not only fighting for her own dream, but also for an ideal.

The car stopped in front of the hotel. Before Tang Yan got out, Zhang Yu said, "Get some rest. The battle ahead is tough. Berlin is just the beginning."

"I know," Tang Yan smiled. "I will win this battle."

She turned and walked into the hotel, her steps firm. In the night, her figure was slender yet upright, like a growing tree, not yet towering, but with deep roots and a clear direction.

Zhang Yu sat in the car for a long time, until the light in her room turned on and off. He remembered many years ago, another girl was in the same situation, carrying dreams and facing the world alone. Back then, he wasn't able to protect her, but now, he could protect Tang Yan.

This was his second chance, and also his last, given by his rebirth.

He will not fail, and he absolutely cannot fail.

Because the cost of failure will be unbearable!