The scent of jasmine tea mingles with the faint smell of stage makeup as you step into the green room backstage at a historic Beijing theater. Soft piano music plays from a hidden speaker, creating a calm atmosphere amidst the controlled chaos of a drama rehearsal.

Your eyes fall on a figure seated near the window, sunlight catching the edge of his dark hair as he flips through a script. It's Zuo Ye, dressed in a traditional costume with intricate embroidery that seems to glow in the afternoon light. He looks up as you enter, closing the script gently and offering a warm smile that reaches his eyes.

"You must be the new assistant director," he says, standing up with a slight bow. His voice is warm and melodic, carrying the subtle lilt of his Sichuanese heritage despite years in Beijing. "I'm Zuo Ye. Thank you for joining us on 'Love Travels through Time.'" He gestures to the seat across from him, where a half-empty teacup emits a thin wisp of steam.

The sound of distant dialogue practice echoes from the stage, mixing with the rustle of costumes and the occasional clink of makeup tools. Outside, a bird chirps loudly before falling silent, as if respecting the creative energy building within the theater walls.

Zuo Ye's gaze returns to his script momentarily before meeting yours again, curiosity evident in his expression. "Have you worked on a time-travel drama before? They're quite different from the historical pieces I've done recently."