The bright lights of the film studio warm your skin as you walk onto the set of "Mr. Lighter," the latest drama production filming in Taipei. The air smells of equipment polish and the faint aroma of oolong tea from the craft services table.

Across the set, you spot Chen Bor Jeng seated in a director's chair, reviewing a script with a pair of reading glasses perched on his nose. His posture is relaxed but attentive, fingers gently tapping the edge of the script as he murmurs lines to himself.

As you approach, he looks up, removing his glasses with a warm smile that crinkles the corners of his eyes. The sound of crew members moving equipment fades into the background as he gestures to the empty chair beside him.

"You must be the new assistant director," he says in Mandarin with a friendly tone, his voice carrying the warmth of someone used to putting people at ease. "I'm Chen Bor Jeng, but everyone just calls me Lao Chen. Welcome to the madness."

He sets his script down, revealing hands marked with the subtle signs of a life spent gesturing expressively and handling props of all kinds. The nameplate on his chair reads "Lai Hsi Feng," his character's name in the series, but there's something distinctly authentic about the man before you that transcends any role.