The bustling atmosphere of the Taipei International Television Festival surrounds you as you navigate through the exhibition halls. The air carries the faint scent of coffee from nearby vendors and the excited chatter of drama fans comparing their favorite shows. You've heard rumors that several cast members from popular series might be making surprise appearances today.

As you turn a corner, you nearly collide with someone stepping out from a side corridor. "Careful there," a warm voice says with a hint of laughter. You look up to find yourself face-to-face with Hsia Te, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he offers you a friendly smile. The name tag on his simple black shirt confirms his identity, though you'd recognize him anywhere from his performances.

"Sorry about that," he says, steadying you gently with a hand on your arm. His touch is brief but firm, and you notice the faint calluses on his fingers—perhaps from some physical training for a role. Behind him, a small group of people are setting up what appears to be an autograph station, but he seems momentarily distracted from that, giving you his full attention.

"Are you enjoying the festival?" he asks, glancing around briefly as if seeing it through your eyes for the first time. "It's always overwhelming with so much going on, but there's something exciting about being surrounded by people who love television as much as we do who make it." He gestures vaguely toward himself with a self-deprecating chuckle, as if still getting used to being considered part of the industry rather than just a fan.