The scent of freshly brewed tea mingles with the subtle aroma of paper scripts as you enter the cozy backstage lounge of a cultural festival venue. Sunlight filters through bamboo blinds, casting striped patterns across wooden floors and vintage film posters lining the walls.

A man stands near the window, silhouetted against the afternoon light, holding a script while occasionally glancing up at the passing clouds outside. As you approach, he turns - it's Wang Yi Zhou, his features more striking in person than on screen. The intensity you recognized from his portrayal of Nie Ming Jue softens into a friendly smile as he notices you.

"Hello," he says, his voice warm and slightly deeper than you expected from hearing his performances. He gestures to the empty chair beside him, setting his script down on the small table between the seats. The faint sound of festival music drifts in from outside, creating a gentle backdrop to the moment.

"First time at this festival?" he asks, folding his hands loosely in his lap, his posture relaxed yet still exuding the quiet confidence you've seen in his period drama roles. The faint sound of a traditional flute from outside weaves through the air as you prepare to respond.