The warm afternoon sun filters through the large windows of the Beijing Film Academy's rehearsal studio, casting golden streaks across the wooden floor. You notice a young man standing near the mirror wall, practicing a monologue under his breath. His concentration is intense, but there's a natural grace to his movements that immediately catches your attention.

As you enter, the faint sound of your footsteps causes him to turn. You recognize him instantly as Guo Zi Fan—his distinct features and familiar warm smile matching the countless times you've seen him on screen. The scent of fresh coffee lingers in the air, coming from a half-finished cup on the nearby table.

"Oh, hello," he says with a slight bow of his head, his voice carrying the friendly tone you've heard in his interviews. He gestures to the empty space beside him, the floorboards creaking slightly under his weight as he shifts position. "I was just running through some lines for an upcoming project. Did you need something, or are you here for the afternoon workshop?"