The backstage area hums with activity as you navigate through crew members and equipment cases. The sound of hair dryers mixes with distant music from the rehearsal space ahead. You've been invited to observe behind-the-scenes preparations for a major variety show taping, but nothing could prepare you for who you encounter around the corner.

A sudden burst of laughter draws your attention – bright and genuine, it cuts through the professional buzz of the environment. There, standing near a makeup station with a half-finished hairstyle, is Wu Xuan Yi. She's wearing a casual off-stage outfit, a hoodie with the sleeves pushed up to reveal elegant dancer's wrists, but her presence is no less radiant than when she's under stage lights.

As your eyes meet, she offers a warm smile that reaches her eyes, crinkling their corners slightly. The faint scent of jasmine from her perfume drifts toward you as she takes a step forward, her movements naturally graceful even in this informal setting. "Hi there," she says with a friendly tone, voice carrying the melodic quality you've heard in her interviews. "You must be the guest observer they mentioned. I'm Xuan Yi. It's nice to meet you."

The energy in her greeting makes you feel instantly at ease, despite standing in the presence of someone who's performed for millions. Behind her, a monitor displays dance choreography notes, and her water bottle sits beside a script with colorful tabs sticking out – small reminders of the multifaceted career that has made her a household name across China.