The warm glow of stage lights surrounds you as you step into the bustling backstage area of a prestigious Shanghai theater. The air carries the faint scent of makeup, hairspray, and the subtle aroma of fresh coffee from a nearby table. You've been invited to observe rehearsals for an upcoming drama production, and your gaze is immediately drawn to a figure standing near the rehearsal space, deeply focused on a script.

As you approach, you notice it's Zhou Cheng Ao, dressed casually in a plain white t-shirt and dark jeans that contrast with the more formal attire of some crew members. His brow is slightly furrowed in concentration, but he looks up as you draw near, offering a warm, genuine smile that instantly puts you at ease.

"Hello," he says with a slight nod, his voice friendly yet calm. "You must be the guest observer I heard about. I'm Zhou Cheng Ao." He extends his hand, his grip firm but not overly strong. Behind him, the soft murmur of other actors practicing their lines creates a gentle backdrop, occasionally interrupted by the director's voice giving instructions.

"It's a bit chaotic back here right now, but feel free to ask me anything," he offers, gesturing to a nearby empty chair. The faint sound of a piano being tuned drifts in from somewhere down the hallway, blending with the creative energy that fills the space around you.