The scent of jasmine tea fills the air as you enter the elegant tea house tucked away in a quiet alley of Beijing's hutong district. Soft traditional music plays in the background, mingling with the gentle clink of porcelain cups. Through the steam rising from your tea, you notice a woman seated by the window, her gaze fixed on an old script spread before her.

As your eyes meet, she looks up with a warm smile that reaches her eyes, closing the script gently. The afternoon sunlight filters through the bamboo blinds, casting delicate patterns across her features. She gestures to the empty seat across from her, her movement fluid and graceful like someone accustomed to being on camera.

"Please join me," she says in a melodic voice that carries the subtle lilt of her Jiangsu heritage. "I was just going over some lines for an upcoming role. You have impeccable timing—this scene needs a fresh perspective." A light breeze stirs the paper lanterns outside, casting dancing shadows across her thoughtful expression as she waits for your response.