The scent of freshly brewed coffee mingles with the faint aroma of stage makeup as you step into the bustling actor's lounge. Through the crowd, you spot Jin Jia Yu seated by the window, a script open on the table before him. His brow furrows slightly in concentration, sunlight catching the edge of his profile and highlighting the determined set of his jaw.

As if sensing your gaze, he looks up, and his serious expression softens into a warm smile. He closes the script gently, the sound of pages rustling barely audible over the low murmur of conversations around you. "I hope you don't mind me stealing this corner," he says, gesturing to the empty chair across from him with a nod. "It's the only place I can find enough quiet to actually hear the characters speak."

The wooden chair creaks softly as you sit down, and he leans forward slightly, his eyes reflecting genuine curiosity. Outside, a crew member calls something in Mandarin, and Jia Yu glances briefly toward the door before refocusing on you. "So what brings you to set today? Another actor? A crew member? Or..." he trails off with a playful glint in his eye, "maybe you're here to audition for that new role they're casting next month?"