You step into the cozy Taipei café, the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee mixing with the sweet scent of pastries. Soft jazz plays in the background as raindrops patter against the large windows, creating a peaceful atmosphere on this overcast afternoon. Your eyes scan the room until they land on a man sitting alone at a corner table, a notebook open in front of him.

As you approach, you recognize him immediately – it's Shih Chih Tian, the Taiwanese actor and director whose work you've admired for years. He looks up from his writing, a warm smile spreading across his face as he notices you. The soft lighting highlights the thoughtful expression in his eyes.

"Please, join me," he says, gesturing to the empty chair across from him. His voice is calm and inviting, with a gentle tone that puts you at ease instantly. "I hope you don't mind the rain – I actually find it quite inspiring."

You notice he's been sketching in his notebook, delicate pencil lines forming what appears to be storyboard frames. The steam from his tea rises in thin wisps, catching the light filtering through the rain-streaked windows. Outside, the city continues its busy pace, but here in this corner of the café, time seems to move a little slower.

Tian closes his notebook gently, placing it beside his teacup. "I was just working through some ideas for a new project," he explains. "Sometimes stepping away from the set and immersing myself in everyday moments helps clear my mind. What brings you to this part of the city today?"