Rebirth: A big star falls in love with me

These words warmed Tang Yan's heart. She realized that these veteran actresses, despite their different experiences, were all very sincere towards their juniors.

After finishing work that evening, Tang Yan called Zhang Yu and told him what Liu Yifei had said.

“Yifei has been through it all,” Zhang Yu said. “She went through a lot back then, so she understands. You can listen to what she says, but ultimately you have to make your own decision.”

"Director Zhang, will our situation really affect my career?"

"It might happen in the short term, but not in the long term," Zhang Yu said. "If you're strong enough, relationships are just a bonus; if you're not strong enough, relationships are a penalty. So the key lies within yourself."

Tang Yan seemed to be deep in thought.

"Don't overthink it," Zhang Yu said. "Focus on making 'Her Era' well first, and let the rest take its course."

……

In mid-July, when filming for "Her Era" was halfway complete, Tang Yan received an unexpected invitation—Jing Tian wanted to invite her for coffee.

The coffee shop where they met was on the East Third Ring Road, offering good privacy. When Tang Yan arrived, Jing Tian was already there. She was dressed casually and without makeup, looking more approachable than usual.

"Sit down," Jing Tian gestured. "Order whatever you'd like to drink."

Tang Yan ordered an Americano, and the two sat facing each other while the coffee was served.

"You must be wondering why I'm looking for you," Jing Tian said bluntly. "I'm here to apologize."

Tang Yan was taken aback.

“I know those smear articles were published by Wang Zhongjun’s side, and I know you suspect me,” Jing Tian said. “But I want to tell you, I wasn’t involved. Although I don’t like you, I won’t resort to such despicable means.”

She paused for a moment, then said, "I, Jing Tian, ​​have been in this industry for so many years, relying on my abilities, not on schemes. If Wang Zhongjun wants to suppress you, that's his business; I won't be his pawn."

Tang Yan looked at her, trying to discern the truth in her words. Jing Tian's gaze was very calm.

"I accept your apology," Tang Yan said. "Sister Tian Tian, ​​I never really thought you were the mastermind."

"That's good." Jing Tian took a sip of coffee. "Also, I have a favor to ask."

"Please speak."

"The release dates of 'The Beauty of the Past' and 'Awakening of Insects' clashed, which is unavoidable. But I hope that no matter what the outcome, we won't become enemies," Jing Tian said. "This industry is complicated enough; it's always better to have one more friend than one more enemy."

Tang Yan thought for a moment and said, "Sister Tian Tian, ​​I never thought about making enemies with anyone. I just want to act well."

"That's good." Jing Tian smiled. "Tang Yan, I underestimated you before. You're smarter than I imagined, and stronger than you seem. I hope we'll have the opportunity to work together in the future."

The two shook hands and made peace. Stepping out of the coffee shop, Tang Yan felt much lighter. She realized that some seemingly complicated relationships can actually be quite simple.

That evening, she told Zhang Yu about it. After listening, Zhang Yu was silent for a moment: "Jing Tian is not a simple person. What she said is true, but not entirely true. She did not participate in Wang Zhongjun's side, but she did not stop him either. She came to see you today to leave herself a way out."

"A way out?"

“If ‘The Beauty’ doesn’t do well at the box office, she needs someone to help her,” Zhang Yu said. “You’re on the rise, and you’ll have more and more resources in the future. She doesn’t want to offend a future A-list star.”

Tang Yan suddenly realized: "I see."

“But that’s good,” Zhang Yu said. “At least it shows she recognizes your potential. You can maintain a friendly facade from now on, but keep things in mind.”

"I understand."

Hanging up the phone, Tang Yan looked out at the night view of Yanjing. This circle was becoming increasingly complicated, but she was no longer afraid. Because she knew that there were people behind her, and people ahead of her, and she was learning to walk on her own.

……

At the end of July, filming for "Her Era" wrapped up. At the wrap party, Chen Chen drank quite a bit and talked a lot with Tang Yan.

"Tang Yan, thank you for bringing Su Jin to life," she said. "This character has been in my heart for five years, and now someone has finally brought her to life."

"Sister Chen, it's because you wrote it so well," Tang Yan said.

“No matter how good the script is, it’s all for nothing without good actors.” Chen Chen shook his head. “You know, I once thought about playing Su Jin myself, but I was too young back then and couldn’t portray that sense of vicissitude. Later, I tried to find other actors, but it just didn’t feel right. Until I saw you.”

She paused for a moment, then said, "Zhang Yu is right, you are a genius."

Mentioning Zhang Yu, Chen Chen's eyes softened: "He's a good person, worth cherishing. You two, take good care of yourselves."

Tang Yan felt a pang of sadness: "Sister Chen, where are you going?"

“I’m going back to the US,” Chen Chen said. “I still have work there. But I’ll come back often. I’ll definitely come back to see the premiere when the movie is released.”

"Sister Chen, thank you."

"You're welcome." Chen Chen hugged her. "Tang Yan, you're a good girl, and you'll have a bright future. Remember, no matter what happens, stay true to yourself."

At the end of the wrap party, Chen Chen and Zhang Yu stood at the door talking for a long time. Tang Yan watched from afar, not knowing what they were saying, but she could see that both of them had calm expressions.

Finally, Chen Chen got into the car and left. Zhang Yu stood there, watching the car disappear into the night.

Tang Yan walked over and asked, "Director Zhang, are you alright?"

"It's nothing." Zhang Yu came to his senses. "Let's go, I'll take you home."

The two remained silent in the car. As they approached Tang Yan's apartment complex, Zhang Yu suddenly spoke up: "Chen Chen said she wishes us happiness."

Tang Yan's heart skipped a beat: "What did you say?"

“I said thank you,” Zhang Yu smiled. “Then she said let’s stay together and she’ll wish us well.”

Tang Yan's eyes reddened slightly: "Sister Chen is so kind."

“She was a very good person,” Zhang Yu said. “But we missed our chance. That’s life. Some people are destined to accompany you for a while, and then go their separate ways.”

The car was parked at the entrance of the residential area. Before Tang Yan got out of the car, Zhang Yu said, "Tang Yan, I don't want to miss you."

Tang Yan looked at him; his eyes shone brightly in the night.

“You won’t,” she said. “Neither will I.”

She turned and walked into the residential area, her steps light and quick. The headlights of the cars behind her illuminated her silhouette, then slowly went out.

At that moment, she knew that some things didn't need to be said, and some feelings were already clear.

……

In August, "Awakening of Insects" and "The Beauty of the Past" were both scheduled for release during the National Day holiday, facing off against each other.

The publicity war began ahead of schedule. Both sides went all out, using every means at their disposal: roadshows, interviews, variety shows, trending topics... Wang Zhongjun's side went even further, booking outdoor advertising in major cities across the country, creating a massive buzz.

Zhang Yu, on the other hand, took a steady and pragmatic approach, focusing on word-of-mouth. He arranged dozens of preview screenings in advance, allowing film critics and general audiences to see the film first. After the preview screenings, "Awakening of Insects" received a high rating of 8.7 on Douban, and its positive word-of-mouth spread rapidly.

"Best domestic film of the year is a shoo-in!"

"Tang Yan's performance was absolutely stunning; she truly deserved her award in Berlin!"