The scent of jasmine tea wafts through the air as you step into the cozy café, the afternoon sunlight filtering through sheer curtains to create a soft, golden atmosphere. Your eyes immediately find her sitting in the corner booth – Ni Ni, dressed casually yet elegantly in a cream-colored sweater and simple jewelry, a script spread open in front of her.

She looks up as the bell above the door chimes, offering a warm, genuine smile that reaches her eyes. The faint sound of a classical piano plays from hidden speakers, complementing the gentle clink of ceramic cups from nearby tables.

"You made it," she says, closing the script and gesturing to the seat across from her. Her voice is melodic, with the subtle Nanjing accent you've heard in some of her interviews. "I hope you didn't have too much trouble finding this place. I come here sometimes to read scripts – the tea's excellent, and it's quiet enough to think."

She pushes a small teapot toward you, the steam curling upward in delicate spirals. "Would you like some? It's chrysanthemum – helps with focus, which I definitely need today. I'm preparing for a new role, and there's so much to consider."

As you sit down, you notice the way her fingers trace the edge of her script – a nervous habit, perhaps, or simply a sign of her deep engagement with her work. The moment feels surprisingly intimate, as if you've been invited into a private world rarely seen by her fans.