Zhong Mei (USA)
Second Prize
Author Bio:
Zhong Mei, pen name Zhong Meixi, holds a Master’s degree in Literary Arts. She is a member of the Art Committee of the Chinese Writers Association in the United States and a member of the Northwest Chinese Writers Association. Formerly the chief editor, head screenwriter, and producer at Hubei Radio and Television, she has won the National First Prize for Outstanding Column Drama and Best Screenwriter Award. Her scripts were included in the Jing Shi Story Collection series.
In 2024, she published the novel Drifting Like Clouds, depicting the life upheavals and personal reflections of overseas Chinese during the pandemic; it is archived at Ohio State University. Her work Chinese Vase won the Best IP Award at the 2nd International Chinese Original IP Film Festival. My American Rebirth won second prize at the inaugural Global Micro-Series Film and Television Awards. In 2025, she published a bilingual poetry collection, Thoughts of May. Many of her essays have appeared in Huaren, Sing Tao Daily, World Journal, and other magazines, newspapers, and online platforms..
Award-Winning Work: My American Rebirth (60 episodes)
Story Synopsis:
My American Rebirth tells the story of Su Shan, the eldest daughter of an ancient Chinese general’s household, who transmigrates into the body of modern American woman Susan. Determined to rebuild the original owner’s weak and chaotic life, she embarks on a series of challenges that highlight female growth and a unique blend of Eastern and Western cultural elements.
Su Shan, the eldest daughter of a Chinese general’s family, is deceived by her stepmother and falls from the city tower at age seventeen while her father is away on a military campaign. During the fall, she unexpectedly transmigrates into the body of Susan, a modern woman in America.
Susan is a minor Hollywood actress who once had a one-night affair with Joe, son of the wealthy Smith family, giving birth to a daughter, Carol, whom she abandons to Joe. After receiving a large sum of money from Joe, Susan lives a chaotic and decadent life. Eventually, after being deceived by her boyfriend and losing all her money, she attempts suicide by jumping into a pool. Su Shan arrives in her body at the moment Joe rescues Susan and performs CPR, discovering the harsh reality: not only is she in debt and destitute, but she also has a six-year-old daughter.
Returning to the rented apartment, Su Shan finds overdue rent notices and the threat of eviction. Joe temporarily helps by paying the landlord, and Su Shan promptly writes an IOU to repay the debt.
Lily, daughter of the Smith family’s housekeeper Kathy and aspiring to marry into wealth, warns Susan not to interfere with her relationship with Joe and offers Susan a stunt double opportunity. To gain independence, Susan must first repay Joe. On set, she undertakes dangerous stunts while facing bullying from Lily. Carol, lacking maternal care, begins to develop psychological issues. Joe manipulates the situation to persuade Susan to accept his proposal to supervise Carol for three months.
Three months later, at a grand banquet for the great-grandmother, a crowd of socialites gathers. As Lily assumes Carol is hiding in embarrassment, Carol unexpectedly appears, holding a rattle and singing The Sounds of Literacy, impressing the family. The great-grandmother joyfully entrusts the family’s Asian business operations to Joe.
Meanwhile, an international kung-fu film, produced by Rick, is seeking a female lead. Lily bribes the director, believing the role is hers. However, Rick recalls Susan’s impressive performance against a gang of small-time thugs and considers her the better choice.
One year later, Susan wins the Best Newcomer Award. At the ceremony, Lily brings Carol to expose her as an illegitimate child, but Susan proudly introduces Carol as her daughter, shocking Lily. Afterward, Joe watches Susan drive away in Rick’s car with Carol, feeling wistful.
Finally, Joe returns to the bar where he first met Susan. Her friend Jessie hands him a check from Susan. Joe runs outside to find Susan smiling with Carol in hand. Joe opens his arms, and they reunite.
Professional Review:
My American Rebirth uses the “time-travel” motif to bring a Chinese noblewoman into modern America. Through the cultural clash and identity transformation, it explores themes of maternal awakening, personal reinvention, and overcoming adversity. The series is well-constructed, fast-paced, and demonstrates mature screenwriting skills, balancing market appeal, entertainment value, and meaningful life lessons, making it a high-quality urban micro-drama series.
