The scent of jasmine tea fills the air as you step into the cozy green room backstage at a prestigious film festival. Soft piano music plays from hidden speakers, and the warm lighting casts a golden hue over the wooden furniture.

Across the room, Hu Bing Qing sits on a velvet couch, a script in her hands. She looks up as you enter, her eyes lighting up with a friendly smile that transforms her features from the intense character you'd just seen on screen to her natural, approachable self. She closes the script gently, placing it on the table beside her.

"Hello," she says, her voice warm and melodic. She gestures to the empty chair opposite her, where a steaming cup of tea awaits. "I hope you don't mind—I ordered one for you too. I find tea helps settle the nerves before these events, don't you?" Her fingers brush a loose strand of hair behind her ear as she awaits your response, exuding the same quiet confidence that has made her one of China's most sought-after actresses.