Rebirth: A big star falls in love with me

Tang Yan was a little stunned by this barrage of information. Zhang Yu, however, calmly said, "Turn down all variety shows, and only accept high-quality brand endorsements. Put the scripts aside for now, and we'll look at them after Tang Yan has rested for a few days."

"Understood." Li Wei nodded. "Also, Director Hu Mei sent word that she hopes to meet with Tang Yan as soon as possible."

"The Glamorous Imperial Concubine?"

"Yes. After winning the Berlin Award, the production company's attitude became much more positive."

This was expected. International awards are the best stepping stone, especially for a director like Hu Mei who values ​​actors' abilities.

"Let's arrange it for tomorrow afternoon," Zhang Yu said. "Let Tang Yan get a good rest today."

The car first took Tang Yan back to her residence. Her rented apartment was in an ordinary community in Chaoyang District. Although Zhang Yu had offered to arrange better accommodation for her, she refused—she wanted to improve her life through her own efforts.

At her doorstep, she unexpectedly saw Yang Mi. The woman, carrying a fruit basket, smiled brightly: "Welcome back our international film queen!"

"Honey Sister? What brings you here?"

“I happened to be nearby and heard you were back today, so I came to see you.” Yang Mi handed her the fruit basket. “Winning an award in Berlin is such a great honor for Chinese actors. Congratulations.”

The two entered the house. Yang Mi looked around the simple one-bedroom apartment: "You live here? With your current net worth, you should move somewhere else."

"This place is nice; it's close to the company and quiet." Tang Yan poured tea. "What's Sister Mi been busy with lately?"

"I just finished filming a period drama and am taking a break." Yang Mi took the teacup, her eyes becoming serious. "Tang Yan, winning the Berlin award is a good thing, but it also means you'll become a target. Many people will want to work with you, but you need to carefully discern how many of them are genuine."

This was consistent with what Zhang Yu had said. Tang Yan nodded: "I understand. Director Zhang and Li Wei will help me with the selection."

“Director Zhang is trustworthy,” Yang Mi said, “but you have to understand that the rules of the game in this industry are very complicated. Some people may congratulate you on the surface, but behind your back they may already be thinking about how to suppress you.”

"For example, Jing Tian?" Tang Yan asked directly.

Yang Mi laughed: "It seems you've already realized it. Jing Tian and Wang Zhongjun are on the same side. Your award in Berlin is like a slap in their face—the award that their protégé didn't get was won by Director Zhang's newcomer."

She paused for a moment, then said, "But you don't need to worry too much. This Berlin award gives you a shield. At least on the surface, no one dares to touch you easily."

After seeing Yang Mi off, Tang Yan packed her luggage. The trophy was on the bookshelf, next to the script and stills of "Awakening of Insects." Looking at these, she felt as if she were dreaming.

My phone kept ringing with congratulatory messages. Gao Yuanyuan and Liu Yifei both sent messages, as well as some colleagues I don't usually contact. That's how the entertainment industry is; when you're successful, the whole world becomes your friend.

Tang Yan politely replied to each message, then turned off her phone and made herself a cup of tea. She needed quiet time to process everything that had happened over the past ten days.

The red carpet in Berlin, the flashing lights of the media, the applause during the awards ceremony... these images replay in my mind. But even clearer are Zhang Yu's words on the plane: "This award is a starting point, not an end point."

Yes, the beginning. She still has a long way to go, many roles to play, and many stories to tell.

The following afternoon, Tang Yan met Director Hu Mei at Huayu Media. This director, known for her strictness, was unusually gentle today.

"Congratulations on winning the Berlin award." Hu Mei got straight to the point. "I've seen 'The Awakening of Insects,' and your performance was indeed nuanced. The character of Lin Wan'er requires just that kind of nuance."

"Thank you, director."

“However, TV series are different from movies,” Hu Mei changed the subject, “movies can be meticulously crafted, while TV series have to be rushed. Can you adapt?”

"I've already gotten used to the pace of TV dramas while working on the set of 'Love Story in Beijing'," Tang Yan replied. "Moreover, I believe that the depth of understanding of the characters is the same whether it's a movie or a TV series. It's just that the way they are expressed is different."

A look of approval flashed in Hu Mei's eyes: "Well said. Then let's talk about Lin Wan'er..."

The audition turned into an in-depth discussion about the character. Hu Mei asked many detailed questions: Lin Wan'er's childhood memories, her relationship with her sister, her understanding of love, her views on the fate of her family... Tang Yan answered them one by one, some based on the script, and some based on her own understanding.

The discussion lasted for two hours. At the end, Hu Mei said, "You'll be joining the crew next Monday for a makeup test. If the styling is approved, the role is yours."

This was almost a clear signal that she had been accepted. Tang Yan bowed excitedly, "Thank you, director, I will do my best."

As she stepped out of the conference room, Zhang Yu was waiting for her: "How did the meeting go?"

"The director asked me to have a makeup test next Monday."

“Very good.” Zhang Yu smiled. “This means you have passed the professional assessment. The rest is the business negotiations with the production company, which will be handled by the company.”

"Director Zhang, thank you so much," Tang Yan said sincerely. "Without you, I wouldn't have had these opportunities."

"Opportunity favors the prepared mind." Zhang Yu patted her shoulder. "If you're prepared, opportunity will come naturally."

The next few days were filled with activity for Tang Yan. Media interviews, magazine shoots, brand negotiations... the chain reaction from winning the Berlin award exceeded her expectations. For the first time, she truly experienced what it felt like to be "famous"—she was recognized everywhere she went, her social media followers skyrocketed, and she was overwhelmed with work offers.

But Zhang Yu strictly controls her exposure. "Actors need to maintain an air of mystery; excessive exposure will deplete their artistic life," he said. "She will only accept a maximum of two in-depth interviews per month, will not be taking on variety shows for the time being, and will only update her social media once a week."

This restraint seems unusual in the entertainment industry, which prioritizes popularity, but Tang Yan understands Zhang Yu's intentions. He wants to cultivate actors, not internet celebrities.

On Friday evening, Zhang Yu took Tang Yan to a private party. Several heavyweights in the industry were present, including two well-known directors, a senior producer, and Gao Yuanyuan.

"Tang Yan is now our pride." A director raised his glass. "Winning an award in Berlin has brought glory to young Chinese actors."

"It's thanks to the directors' excellent guidance," Tang Yan replied modestly.

Gao Yuanyuan sat down next to her and said in a low voice, "Have you gotten used to the attention that comes with sudden fame?"

"I'm still getting used to it," Tang Yan said honestly. "Sometimes it feels unreal."

“Remember this sense of unreality,” Gao Yuanyuan said. “It can keep you alert. The easiest thing to get lost in this industry is mistaking illusion for reality.”

After the party, Zhang Yu drove Tang Yan home. In the car, he suddenly said, "Wang Zhongjun has made a move."

"What action?"

“He invested in a movie with a similar theme to ‘Awakening of Insects,’ also set in the Republican era and telling a woman’s story.” Zhang Yu said with a serious expression, “The director is a famous Hong Kong director, and the female lead… is Jing Tian.”