I became a movie star at the age of three; Dilraba and I are childhood sweethearts.

This period of time was the first time since they graduated from kindergarten that they had been able to spend so much time with Xiao Chen.

When they were little, they were the older girls in that small kindergarten.

He was the prettiest and most popular student in the class.

They will unite and drive away all the reporters who want to bully him.

Share your snacks with him, and protect him like a precious treasure.

Later, he became a household name as a child star, gradually stepping onto the world stage.

They could only watch him on television and on the big screen, watching him drift further and further away from them.

In order to stand by his side again, they studied desperately and got into film school.

Squeezing into this bizarre and dazzling entertainment industry, they made following in his footsteps their only faith.

When they received a call from Xiao Chen himself, inviting them to star in "Chinese Paladin 3", the feeling was no less than that of believers hearing a divine revelation.

Over the past few months, they have witnessed firsthand his professionalism and charm as an actor.

He would patiently explain the scenes to them on set, personally demonstrating how to handle even the smallest facial expressions.

He would carefully check the equipment to ensure its safety while they were suspended by wires.

He would remember everyone's preferences and, after work, have his assistant buy everyone's favorite late-night snacks.

The more outstanding and gentle he was, the more wildly their long-dormant feelings grew.

The sadness of parting is like an invisible net, tightly enveloping them.

Yang Mi took a deep breath; being the most outgoing of the three, she was the first to break the silence.

She walked a few steps to Xiao Chen, crossed her arms, and raised an eyebrow in a seemingly relaxed manner.

"Hey, Teacher Xiao, congratulations on wrapping up filming!"

Her voice carried a hint of feigned cheerfulness.

"Filming's finished, and now they're leaving?"

"Does this mean there won't be any more opportunities to work together in the future?"

Xiao Chen had just finished talking with the director when he turned around and saw her.

The girl's bright face showed reluctance, but her lively fox-like eyes stared straight at him.

She carried a tension and anticipation that she herself was unaware of.

Before he could speak, the gentle Tang Yan walked over, holding a script in her hand, her fingertips turning white from the pressure.

"Little brother Xiao Chen..."

She called out softly, her voice gentle and sweet.

"Thank you this time..."

I learned a lot from working with you.

Her eyes held gratitude, and an indescribable longing.

Finally, there was Liu Shishi, who remained as aloof as ever, simply standing silently to the side.

But those eyes, which were always calm and serene, were now like a deep pool, churning with complex emotions.

She didn't speak, she just looked at him, as if trying to etch his image into her heart.

Xiao Chen's gaze swept across the faces of the three women one by one.

How could he not understand what they were thinking?

Yang Mi's feigned strength, Tang Yan's tender reluctance, and Liu Shishi's unspoken words were all clearly reflected in his eyes.

He remembered his past life.

In their past lives, although they were top-tier actresses, their acting skills always hovered around the passing grade and were criticized by others.

In this life, perhaps because they took him as their role model, each of them put in their best efforts to hone their acting skills and refine themselves.

Their performance in this play far exceeded his expectations.

Whether it's Xuejian's charming and feisty nature, Zixuan's alluring and persistent character, or Longkui's gentle yet strong personality, they all portrayed her perfectly.

Such an actor is someone no director or producer could refuse.

A gentle yet confident smile appeared on his lips.

That handsome face, so striking it was almost mesmerizing, seemed to glow under the set lights.

"Nonsense."

He spoke, his voice not loud, but clearly reaching each of their ears.

"There will be plenty of opportunities for cooperation in the future."

He paused, looked at their eyes that lit up instantly, and added another sentence.

"Excellent people will always meet again."

Yang Mi's eyes immediately reddened, but she still raised her chin and spoke in her usual proud tone.

"You said it yourself! A gentleman's word is as good as his bond!"

"If you dare forget, I'll... I'll wait for you at your doorstep!"

Tang Yan completely relaxed, a sweet and bright smile blooming on her face, and nodded heavily.

"Um!"

Liu Shishi's lips also curled up slightly.

Although the arc was small, it was as if starlight shattered in those clear, cold eyes, making them incredibly bright.

They knew that Xiao Chen never made empty promises.

He said there would be another opportunity to cooperate, and there definitely will be.

After saying goodbye to the film crew, Xiao Chen got into the van back to Beijing.

Outside the car window, the film set of the movie studio was rushing past.

Wang Jinhua sat beside him, holding the phone, and enthusiastically arranging the company's upcoming matters.

"Yes, we need to speed up the post-production of 'Chinese Paladin 3' and get the best team to do it. Money is not a problem."

"A publicity plan? I'll talk about it when I get back."

"This time, the theme will revolve around reunion and destiny."

"Also, there are the actresses Yang Mi, Tang Yan, and Liu Shishi."

"Pay close attention to their future resources, and take the initiative to reach out if there are any good scripts available."

Xiao Chen leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes to rest.

But his mind was not as calm as it appeared.

The filming of "Chinese Paladin 3" made him realize the potential of China's new generation of actors and the huge market demand.

Fantasy and martial arts films can certainly create stars and bring huge traffic and commercial value.

But as an actor who once had acting ingrained in his very being, deep down he always yearned for works that were more profound and could touch the soul.

His thoughts drifted involuntarily to another story.

A story about faith, loyalty, and betrayal.

In that story, there were no magical powers of flying or disappearing, nor any poignant love that lasted for a thousand years.

Only oppressive darkness, silent gun barrels, and imposters walking on the edge of a knife.

Behind every smile may lie a deadly threat.

Every turn could be a matter of life and death.

The extreme repression, the extreme pretense, and the extreme yearning for light in the darkness deeply attracted him.

He needed a character, someone who was outwardly gentle and refined, even somewhat slick and worldly.

A man whose heart burns with unwavering faith.

He needs to switch between different identities and struggle between family, love and national righteousness.

This character is named Yu Zecheng.

And this story is called "Lurking".

Once the idea popped into his head, it took root and sprouted wildly in his mind.

Countless scenes, lines, and networks of relationships began to automatically construct and unfold in his mind.

He needs a female lead who is intelligent enough and down-to-earth enough to complement Yu Zecheng's undercover work.

She cannot be a beautiful female spy in the traditional sense.

She has to be rustic and loud.