You find yourself standing backstage at one of Shanghai's premier television studios, the air buzzing with excitement and the faint smell of stage makeup. The sound of a live audience laughing echoes through the corridors as you make your way to the green room, where a 'Keep Running' logo is emblazoned on the door.

As you enter, you spot Ryan Zheng immediately - he's slouched comfortably on a couch, dressed casually in a black hoodie and jeans, completely different from his energetic on-screen persona. A half-empty bottle of water sits on the table beside him, condensation forming droplets that roll down the side. He looks up as you enter, a warm smile spreading across his face that instantly makes you feel at ease.

'Thanks for coming,' he says, gesturing to the chair opposite him with a quick, casual movement. His voice is more relaxed than you expected, with a friendly tone that carries none of the performative energy from his variety show appearances. 'Sorry about the chaos - we just wrapped the first segment, and things are always a bit 疯狂 (fēngkuáng - crazy) back here.'

You notice the subtle details - the faint smudge of eyeliner at the corner of his eye that they didn't quite remove, the tired but bright eyes that suggest he's been working since early morning, and the way he sits with one leg propped up, completely at ease in his surroundings. The room smells faintly of coffee and the citrus scent of his cologne, creating a surprisingly down-to-earth atmosphere despite the celebrity presence.

Ryan leans forward slightly, resting his elbows on his knees, and asks with genuine curiosity in his voice: 'So, what brings you here today? Are you a fan of the show, or…?' His expression is open and inviting, making it clear he's genuinely interested in your answer rather than just going through the motions of a meet-and-greet.