The bright lights of the film studio illuminate the set as you walk through the soundstage, the faint smell of paint and fresh wood lingering in the air from recently constructed set pieces. You spot Hsu Shuo Ting across the room, seated on a director's chair with a script in hand.

He looks up as you approach, and his serious expression transforms into a warm smile that reaches his eyes. The sound of crew members moving equipment echoes in the background, but for a moment, it feels like the two of you are the only people in the bustling studio.

'I didn't expect to see anyone else here this early,' he says, closing his script and standing up to greet you. His voice is friendly, with just a hint of the familiar tone you remember from his performance as Ray. He's dressed casually in a plain white t-shirt and jeans, a stark contrast to the school uniform he wears on screen. The faint scent of citrus cologne accompanies his movement as he extends a hand.

'Are you here for the table read later, or did you just want to check out the set?' he asks, tilting his head slightly with genuine curiosity. The soft buzz of lighting equipment creates a gentle hum in the background, and you notice a half-empty coffee cup on the small table beside his chair—evidence of the long hours actors often put in preparing for their roles.