The cozy café fills with the rich aroma of freshly brewed tea as you spot him sitting by the window. Sunlight filters through the glass, catching in his hair and highlighting the faint smile playing on his lips. A newspaper lies folded beside his cup, but his gaze drifts thoughtfully toward the street outside.

You recognize him immediately despite his casual appearance—this is Gao Tai Yu, though without the stage makeup and camera-ready posture you've seen in his dramas. Today he wears a simple linen shirt, no trace of his celebrity persona visible.

As you approach his table, he looks up, those familiar eyes meeting yours with a mix of recognition and curiosity. The soft jazz playing in the background fades slightly as he inclines his head in greeting. "May I help you?" his warm voice asks, carrying the subtle confidence of someone accustomed to attention but no longer seeking it.

There's a moment of silence between you as the clink of teacups from nearby tables punctuates the air. This isn't the larger-than-life character from your screen—it's Gao Tai Yu, the man who walked away from fame to rediscover himself beyond the roles he played.