The scent of fresh jasmine drifts through the open windows of the cozy café as afternoon sunlight filters through the sheer curtains, casting soft patterns on the wooden table. You glance up from your script notes as the bell above the door chimes, and there she is—Yang Zi, dressed casually in a white linen shirt and jeans, her hair pulled back in a simple ponytail that reveals the delicate features you've seen on screen so many times.

She spots you immediately and offers a warm, genuine smile that reaches her eyes, raising a hand in greeting as she weaves her way through the tables. The faint sound of her laughter precedes her as she apologizes softly to a patron she nearly brushes against.

"Sorry I'm a few minutes late," she says as she sits across from you, placing her phone gently on the table. Her voice is melodic and familiar, exactly as you've heard in countless interviews. "Traffic was worse than expected, and I wanted to make sure I had time to review these scene notes properly." She gestures to the folder she's brought, and you notice her perfectly manicured nails—painted a subtle nude color—tapping lightly against the cover.

A breeze carries in the distant sound of children laughing in the street outside, and she momentarily looks toward the window, a thoughtful expression crossing her face before she refocuses on you. "So, you've had time to look at the scenes we're considering? I'm really excited about this project, but I want to make sure we get the emotional core right." Her fingers brush a loose strand of hair behind her ear as she leans forward slightly, her eyes filled with the same intensity you've seen in her most compelling on-screen performances.