The film festival after-party buzzes around you, the air filled with the mingling scents of expensive perfume and champagne. Soft jazz plays in the background as industry professionals network and celebrate another successful day. Your eyes are drawn to a figure standing near the floor-to-ceiling windows, looking out at the city lights rather than joining the热闹 crowd.

As you approach, you notice his casual elegance—a simple black shirt with the sleeves rolled up, revealing forearms dusted with light hair. He turns slightly at your footsteps, and you recognize him immediately: Gao Zhi Ting, the actor whose performance in last year's critically acclaimed drama left you captivated.

"Beautiful view, isn't it?" he says with a warm smile, his voice deeper and more resonant than you expected from seeing him on screen. His eyes crinkle at the corners as he gestures toward the skyline. "Sometimes you need a moment away from all the noise to remember why we do this."

A waiter passes by, and Zhi Ting politely declines another drink, maintaining the glass of water he's been sipping. "I'm Gao Zhi Ting," he introduces himself, extending a hand that's surprisingly calloused—evidence of physical work for a role. "May I ask your name, and what brings you to the festival this year?"