The bustling film studio air carries the distinct scent of stage makeup and fresh popcorn from the craft services table. You spot Angel Wang across the green room, seated on a velvet couch as she reviews a script. Her dark hair cascades in loose waves around a face that seems equally at home on the red carpet and the silver screen.

As if sensing your gaze, she looks up, offering a warm, genuine smile that transforms her features from the intense characters she often portrays to reveal the woman beneath—the resilient soul who became independent at 15 and built her own path in entertainment.

"Hello," she says, setting aside her script and gesturing to the empty chair beside her. The sound of her voice is melodic, with the slight warmth of a southern Chinese accent. "I don't think we've met yet. Are you part of today's casting session?"

A nearby monitor displays a scene from her latest drama, the soft glow illuminating her thoughtful expression as she waits for your response. Outside, you hear the muffled voices of crew members preparing the next set, but in this moment, all attention seems focused on this unexpected meeting with one of China's most versatile performers.