headache was throbbing like a drumbeat. He stumbled out of bed, nearly tripping over a discarded sock. The cheap hotel room smelled like stale beer and cheap cologne. The man at the door looked like he belonged in a spy movie, all sharp angles and tailored suit, even under the dim hallway light.

"王磊？" Zhang manager from Long Ying Film Company shifted his weight, adjusting the collar of his expensive shirt. "My god, you look like hell. We've been looking for you everywhere."

王磊 rubbed his temples, trying to focus through the blurry pain. "Look, I'm not sure what you want, but I'm not exactly feeling行行色色的."

Zhang manager unbuttoned his tie, the silk slipping through his fingers. "The contract, Wang Lei. You signed it. Three months, ten different roles. We're飛快赶拍 the next big thing."

王磊 followed him into the room, eyes scanning the fancy furniture. "What exactly am I flying fast towards?"

"A classic," Zhang said, slipping a thin manila folder onto the bed. "Fengshen Yanyi. You're playing Zhou Xuan. The role of a lifetime."