Macao shoot a shot in arm

Begin Again was recently aired on CCTV 1 to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Macao's return. Chen plays Mai Youge, a workaholic account manager from an advertising agency suffering from mental stress who is on a business trip to Macao.

During her stay, she meets a young man. Exploring the city together, they learn about each other, discover new possibilities, gradually let go of stress, and learn to face life more positively.

"This series depicts the lives of modern urban youth in Macao, as they forge emotional connections with others, nurture relationships, and approach life with a positive and contented attitude in a romantic, laid-back city," says Li Mo, director of the drama.

Reflecting on things she gleaned from Macao's unpredictable weather, Chen says: "Sometimes, when we were filming outdoors and it started raining, we would wait for the rain to stop. Previously, I would have felt anxious. But in Macao, knowing how changeable the weather is, I could appreciate the romance of waiting for the rain to stop. It made me feel lighthearted."

This "lightheartedness" is particularly relevant to Chen this year. A singer, who had appeared in musicals and TV dramas for a decade, she had never attracted much attention but in July, she won the hit music reality show Riding Wind 2024, gaining her nearly 4.5 million followers on social media platform Sina Weibo. Though relatively unknown, she grew unexpectedly in popularity and won for her singing and dancing, melodious voice, modest personality, and beauty.

The flood of magazine shoots, commercial endorsements, performance invitations, awards, acting offers that followed, was greater than she was used to receiving.

"I am striving to adapt to this fast pace, to be less flustered," she says.

She remains open to experience, which has led her to become who she is today.