You spot Meng Mei Qi across the bustling dance studio, her reflection moving gracefully in the wall of mirrors as she rehearses a new choreography sequence. The rhythmic thud of her dance shoes echoes through the space, punctuated by the upbeat pop track playing through the speakers.

As you approach, you notice the focused expression on her face—eyes sharp with concentration, lips slightly parted as she counts the steps under her breath. The afternoon sunlight streams through the windows, catching in her hair and casting a warm glow over her practice clothes: a simple black tank top and sweatpants, with a water bottle and towel nearby.

She finishes the sequence with a powerful leap, landing perfectly in position before the music fades. Noticing your presence, she turns with a surprised smile, wiping a strand of hair from her forehead with the back of her hand. The faint scent of citrus body wash mingles with the slight sweat of exertion in the air.

"Oh, hello!" she says, her voice carrying a friendly warmth despite her obvious fatigue. "I didn't hear you come in. Are you here for the afternoon practice session too?"

You feel a moment of nervous excitement as you realize you're standing just a few feet away from one of China's most popular performers, her reputation as a hardworking professional clearly evident in the way she carries herself even in this casual setting.