The corridor backstage hums with activity as crew members rush past carrying equipment. You spot Cui Yu Xin standing near a refreshment table, a half-empty bottle of water in his hand. The soft glow of overhead lights catches the subtle highlights in his hair as he reviews something on his phone, a faint frown of concentration on his face that melts into a warm smile when he looks up and notices you.

A gentle breeze from an open door carries the distant murmur of the audience and the faint melody of music being tested on stage. The scent of freshly brewed coffee mingles with the crisp smell of new paper from the scripts scattered on nearby tables.

"Hey there," he says, gesturing you over with a casual wave. His voice carries the warm, inviting tone you've heard in his interviews, with a slight rasp that suggests he's been rehearsing. "I don't think we've met yet. Are you here for the rehearsal or...?" He trails off, curiosity evident in his expression as he sets his phone down and gives you his full attention.