101: Thunder strikes, the cornerstone of the best actor

The “Censor’s Sword” incident during the live broadcast of “Focus Dialogue” was like a deep-sea nuclear bomb dropped into a calm lake, and the chain reaction it triggered subsequently was far more intense and… thorough than anyone had anticipated.

When Lin Da calmly threw out irrefutable evidence, enough to nail Vice President Huang and Wang Hong to the pillar of shame, in front of the live camera, the entire internet, and even the entire domestic entertainment industry, was shaken!

"Holy cow! What a shocking scandal! Lin Da is too hardcore!"

"Ironclad evidence! Those chat records and transfer receipts are simply appalling! The entertainment industry is indeed unfathomable!"

"Support Lin Da! An actor who dares to declare war on dark forces is the role model we truly need!"

"Kyushu Video Platform really shot itself in the foot this time! How dare they provide a stage for such people!"

On the internet, topics about Lin Da’s “live counterattack” and “tearing apart the dark curtain” swept through the hot search lists of major social platforms with an overwhelming force. Countless netizens who had only heard of him or were adopting a wait-and-see attitude before the live broadcast became his fans, or even… black-turned-fans.

The number of followers on his social media account surged by several million again overnight! Terms like “Lin Da’s Integrity” and “Iron-Blooded Censor Lin Da” even became internet buzzwords.

And those enemies who had once tried to drag Lin Da into the abyss were trembling in this sudden “Jinghua Storm,” awaiting their… judgment!

Kyushu Video Platform bore the brunt.

As the “stage provider” for this live broadcast incident, and… one of the “behind-the-scenes manipulators” intricately linked with the remnants of Tianyu Media and Xinghui Entertainment, Kyushu Video Platform instantly fell into the biggest trust crisis and public relations disaster since its establishment after Lin Da threw out the ironclad evidence.

Countless enraged netizens flooded the official social media accounts of Kyushu Video Platform, leaving messages denouncing it for “aiding the wicked” and “assisting evil.” The platform’s stock price plummeted, and several ongoing cooperation projects were also shelved as a result.

It is said that the senior executives of Kyushu Video Platform held an emergency meeting overnight, and the atmosphere was as heavy as the end of the world. Finally, to appease public anger and salvage their reputation, they had no choice but to make painful concessions, dismissing several middle and high-level managers involved in the matter, as well as… the “well-known entertainment critic” (actually a ghostwriter employed by the platform) who tried to make things difficult for Lin Da during the live broadcast. They also issued a public apology statement, promising to thoroughly investigate the matter and show no leniency.

The remaining forces of Tianyu Media and Xinghui Entertainment faced even greater adversity.

Already severely weakened by the previous “framing” incident, they were virtually… disintegrated under Lin Da’s more precise and fatal “finishing blow” this time.

The chat records and transfer receipts exposed by Lin Da not only confirmed their crimes of malicious suppression and manipulating public opinion but also revealed some… deeper, shocking industry malpractices and power-for-money transactions.

Relevant departments swiftly intervened in the investigation.

What awaited them was severe legal punishment and moral judgment.

As for Lin Da, after this storm, he stood before everyone in an even more dazzling and… awe-inspiring manner.

He not only proved his innocence with impeccable strength and wisdom but also won unanimous praise from within and outside the industry with his composure in the face of danger and his character of adhering to principles.

"This Lin Da, not only acts well, but his mind and tactics... are too formidable!"

"Yes, he keeps quiet until he makes a splash! This time, he really exposed the dirty secrets of Kyushu Video and those unscrupulous capitalists!"

"Serves them right! Such scoundrels deserve to be dealt with!"

The crew of iron-blooded censor also gained unprecedented attention and… anticipation due to this storm.

Producer Liu looked at the overwhelmingly positive reviews online and the unprecedented popularity that iron-blooded censor project had gained because of Lin Da, her smile almost overflowing. She knew that this time, she had truly… bet on a “game-changer” that could alter the fate of the entire project!

Director Zhang Jingzhi, though still outwardly stern, could not hide the admiration in his brows. He even publicly praised Lin Da’s courage and responsibility at an internal crew meeting, calling him “the most needed… actor of integrity in our era!”

Just as Lin Da was immersed in the joy brought by this victory and the anticipation of future filming, the exciting system prompt sounded in his mind again:

"Ding! Congratulations to the host for successfully crushing the major online public opinion attack targeting yourself and iron-blooded censor project, and for bringing the masterminds to justice with wisdom and courage, causing a shock throughout the industry!"

"[actor emperor road system 2.0] Special Side Quest: 'Distinguishing the Pure from the Turbid—iron-blooded censor's Battle for Rectification' has been perfectly completed!"

"Mission final evaluation: SSS-level (The host displayed excellent wisdom, courage, eloquence, and powerful personal charisma at a critical moment, successfully reversing public opinion, punishing evil, and setting a positive example for the industry)!"

"Mission rewards issued: Acting Points +1200 (400 points for over-completion), Speech Spirit (Intermediate) skill proficiency greatly increased! Successfully advanced to Speech Spirit (Advanced)! Crisis Warning Card (one-time) x1 (already owned, automatically converted to 500 reputation points), mysterious gift package (legendary) x1!"

"[Speech Spirit (Advanced)]: The host’s language’s infectiousness, persuasiveness, and Incitement reach a top-tier level, easily guiding the audience’s emotions, gaining deep recognition and fervent following, and having a higher chance of triggering the ‘A Word is Law’ effect (in any setting, a single sentence can set the tone, influence final decisions, and even… change the fate of others)."

SSS-level evaluation! 1200 Acting Points! Ethereal Speech skill directly advanced to Advanced! And a legendary gift package!

Lin Da’s heart was like a nuclear bomb dropped into it, instantly bursting into bloom!

This reward was simply… outrageously generous!

Especially the advanced [Speech Spirit (Advanced)] skill and the description “change the fate of others” filled him with endless possibilities.

He knew that in this chess game in the capital, he had once again… won a great victory!

And his “actor emperor road” had become clearer and more… brilliant because of this victory!

He opened the mysterious gift package (legendary) that emitted a dazzling light, his eyes filled with anticipation.

He wanted to see what kind of… earth-shattering surprise the system would bring him this time!

Lin Da’s fingertips trembled slightly in the air.

The mysterious gift package (legendary)!

These five words, as if possessing immense power, made his breathing halt. He knew that what the system produced must be of excellent quality. And the three words “legendary” pushed this expectation to an unprecedented peak!

He took a deep breath, suppressing the ecstasy in his heart, and carefully examined the four “legendary” rewards that emitted dazzling light.

The first one was the passive skill that made his heart race—[Actor Emperor Halo (Beginner)]!

“When the host plays a protagonist or core role, personal charm and presence will be significantly enhanced, making it easier to gain deep recognition from directors, producers, and audiences, and there is a certain chance to trigger the ‘Protagonist Moment’ effect at critical moments (instantly raising one’s performance limit, showcasing stunning performance beyond usual levels).”

Actor Emperor Halo! Protagonist Moment!

Lin Da’s eyes burst with incredible brilliance!

He knew that from a “golden supporting actor” to a true “Actor Emperor,” it was not just an improvement in acting skills, but a… transformation of aura and charm! A true Actor Emperor, no matter where he goes, no matter what role he plays, can bring his own halo, become the focus of attention, and easily capture the hearts of the audience.

And this [Actor Emperor Halo] was undoubtedly tailor-made for him, a… exclusive “pass” to that supreme hall of honor!

The effect of “Protagonist Moment” filled him with endless possibilities. At critical moments, instantly raising the performance limit, showcasing stunning performance beyond usual levels? This was simply… a “killer weapon” tailor-made for him to impact various awards and create classic roles!

He suppressed the urge to try it out immediately and turned his gaze to the second reward—

Script Insight (Advanced) (Passive Skill): “When the host reads a script, they can instantly discern the script’s core value, potential risks, and the character’s shaping potential and award-winning potential, and can accurately judge the script’s market prospects and artistic achievements.”

“Hiss—!”

Lin Da couldn't help but gasp.

If [Actor Emperor Halo] was a sharp tool to improve his “hardware,” then this Script Insight (Advanced) was undoubtedly a divine tool for his “software” upgrade!

In this era of information explosion and uneven script quality, the importance of accurately judging the value of a script is self-evident. This not only allows him to avoid many detours but also ensures that every step he takes on his future “Actor Emperor Road” lands on… the most solid and correct beat!

With this skill, he no longer had to worry about taking on bad movies or missing out on good roles that could truly make him shine!

The third reward was a card emitting a faint golden glow—[One-time Perfect Performance Card (Protagonist Exclusive)].

“Can be used when playing a protagonist, designating a key scene. After use, it will ensure that the host achieves the perfect performance realm of ‘man and role in one’ in that scene, with a high probability of creating a classic scene that will be remembered in film history.”

"A classic scene that will be remembered in film history…" Lin Da murmured, his eyes filled with endless yearning for the future.

He knew that although this card could only be used once, its value was immeasurable! In a future key work, a key scene, this card might become his… “trump card” to secure victory, or even… achieve godhood and prove his way!

And the last reward was a fragment of a mysterious diagram—[Hollywood Golden Connections Map (Fragment)].

“A mysterious map fragment recording some core Hollywood connections and potential cooperation opportunities. Collecting more fragments can unlock a more complete network of connections, providing powerful assistance for the host’s international development.”

"Connections…" Lin Da’s lips curved into a knowing smile.

He knew that in Hollywood, a fiercely competitive arena, besides strength, the importance of connections was equally self-evident. This seemingly insignificant fragment might be his important opportunity to expand his horizons in Hollywood and even the international film industry in the future!

"The legendary gift package, as expected… lives up to its name!"

Lin Da let out a long sigh, feeling an unprecedented surge of power and confidence throughout his body.

He knew that with the blessing of these “god-tier equipment,” his “actor emperor road” would undoubtedly be steadier and more… brilliant!

Just as he was immersed in this immense joy, Allen Parker’s call came in again.

"Lin, the domestic matters are basically settled." Allen Parker’s voice carried a hint of relief and anticipation for the future. "Those clowns have paid the price for their foolishness. Next, you can focus on preparing for the filming of iron-blooded censor."

He paused, his tone becoming a bit more serious: “HBO is very satisfied with your performance in chinatown stories. Producer Mark Johnson specifically called to say they have decided to make chinatown stories a key project for next year’s Emmy Awards and Golden Globe Awards! And you, Lin, will be their… core candidate for Best Actor in a Drama Series!”

Emmy Awards! Golden Globe Awards! Core candidate for Best Actor in a Drama Series!

Lin Da’s heart pounded wildly again!

He knew that he was one step closer to that once distant dream!

"Allen," Lin Da took a deep breath, his eyes shining with firm resolve, "Please thank Mr. Johnson for his trust. I will not disappoint them."

"I believe in you." Allen Parker smiled, "However, Lin, don't be too careless. Although iron-blooded censor is filmed domestically, its importance is no less than chinatown stories. It will be an important cornerstone for you to consolidate the domestic market and accumulate recognition from mainstream awards."

"I understand." Lin Da nodded, "I will put my whole heart and soul into portraying the character of Song Qi."

After hanging up the phone, Lin Da’s gaze once again turned to the bright lights of the capital outside the window, still dazzling in the night.

He knew that his life had begun a brand new, more magnificent, and more… challenging journey.

And he was ready to embrace his… star-studded future!

He opened the script of iron-blooded censor, his gaze falling once again on the character of Song Qi, a role filled with integrity and tragedy.

This time, his eyes became deeper and more… powerful.

He seemed to have already seen him, iron-blooded censor who, in the dark officialdom, went against the current, using his pen as a sword and his body as a shield, vowing to plead for the common people and punish the corrupt officials!

And he, Lin Da, would use his soul to give this character… eternal life!

His Actor Emperor Road, the foundation is set, the future is promising!