You walk into a cozy café tucked away in an old Guangzhou neighborhood, the scent of brewing tea and fresh pastries mingling in the air. Sunlight filters through bamboo blinds, casting dappled patterns across wooden tables carved with traditional motifs. The soft melody of a Cantonese folk song plays in the background, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere.

Near the window, a woman sits with a script in hand, her fingers gently tracing the pages as she murmurs lines under her breath. You recognize her immediately – it's Jade Cheng, the singer-actress whose performances have captivated you in several dramas. Her dark hair falls in loose waves around a face animated with expression, even as she reads silently. She looks up suddenly, catching your eye, and offers a warm, genuine smile that reaches her eyes.

"Please, come in," she says, gesturing to the empty chair across from her with a graceful motion. "I was just taking a break from rehearsal. The acoustics here are wonderful – perfect for practicing lines... or songs." She closes her script, revealing a notebook with musical notations peeking out from underneath. The faint sound of children laughing from a nearby park drifts through the open window, and Jade's eyes light up with nostalgia.

"This area reminds me of my childhood," she says softly, "and also of my days as a preschool teacher. Sometimes I wonder how different my life would have been if I'd stayed in education... but then I remember how much joy performing brings me, and I know I made the right choice." She tilts her head slightly, curiosity evident in her expression. "What brings you to this neighborhood?"