103: Unyielding loyalty, game of chance in the capital

Producer Liu's words, "They are asking us to cut Song Qi's scene of impeaching the powerful minister in the imperial court... and add some romantic scenes between Song Qi and a certain princess in the drama," were like a ladle of ice water poured into a boiling oil pot, instantly cooling the enthusiasm of iron-blooded censor's crew, which had just been ignited by Lin Da's wonderful performance, to freezing point.

Director Zhang Jingzhi's face, always known for its seriousness, was now so gloomy it looked like it could drip water. He slammed the table, enraged: "Absurd! This is simply outrageous! Song Qi impeaching the powerful minister is the core of the entire drama! It's the central part that shows his integrity and loyalty! Cut it? What would it be called then? 'iron-blooded censor'? Just change it to 'A Romantic Censor' then!"

"And what about that damn romance!" Director Zhang fumed, his beard bristling and eyes wide, "Song Qi is a character who dedicated his life to the country and its people, worked tirelessly until his last breath! His love is a deep love for his country, and infinite compassion for the common people! Forcing an inappropriate romantic entanglement on him, isn't that defiling this character, isn't that defiling history?"

Producer Liu Feixu's professional smile had long since vanished, replaced by deep weariness and helplessness. She rubbed her throbbing temples, forcing a bitter smile: "Director Zhang, please don't get agitated. How could I not know this is absurd? But Kyushu Video Platform is being very firm. They said... this is to 'cater to the market,' to 'increase ratings,' to... 'ensure return on investment.'"

"Return on investment, my foot!" Director Zhang Jingzhi roared, "A good work will naturally have a good market response! Relying on such sensationalism and distorting history to grab attention is a desecration of art! And an insult to the audience!"

Lin Da stood by, quietly listening to their argument, his eyes colder than the late autumn wind outside the window.

He knew that these so-called "revision suggestions" were not merely Kyushu Video Platform's unilateral "market considerations." Behind this, there must be those enemies he had once crushed underfoot, secretly fanning the flames, trying to use this insidious trick to undermine iron-blooded censor, a highly anticipated major drama, and to obstruct Lin Da's... path to rise in the country!

"Producer Liu, Director Zhang," Lin Da slowly began, his voice calm yet carrying an undeniable chill, "I want to know, who exactly at Kyushu Video Platform is leading these 'revision suggestions'?"

Liu Feixu glanced at Lin Da, a complex emotion flashing in her eyes. She knew this young man would not give up easily.

She sighed, saying helplessly: "It's the vice president of Kyushu Video Platform, a woman named Wan Qian. She used to... seem to have been a senior executive at Tianyu Media."

Wan Qian? Tianyu Media?

A knowing chill flashed in Lin Da's eyes.

Sure enough, it's these persistent hyenas again!

"I understand." Lin Da nodded, a cold arc forming at the corner of his mouth, "It seems some people... really forget the pain once the wound heals."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over Director Zhang Jingzhi and Producer Liu Feixu, his voice firm and resonant:

"Director Zhang, Producer Liu, the role of Song Qi is my Lin Da's painstaking effort, and it is also both of your painstaking efforts, and even more so... a work that Elder Wu had high hopes for."

"I will never allow anyone, for any reason, to defile him, to castrate him!"

"If Kyushu Video Platform insists on such nonsense, then I, Lin Da... would rather be a broken jade than an intact tile! At worst, I won't play this role!"

"What?!" Liu Feixu and Zhang Jingzhi were both greatly alarmed at his words!

They never expected Lin Da to be so resolute, directly dropping the harsh words "I won't play!"

One must know, Lin Da is currently the biggest highlight and... traffic guarantee of iron-blooded censor! If he really walked away, then this drama would basically be... half ruined!

"Lin Da! You... don't be impulsive!" Director Zhang Jingzhi quickly advised, "I know you're angry, and so am I! But... but so much has already been invested in this drama, we can't just..."

"Director Zhang," Lin Da interrupted him, his eyes calm yet holding an undeniable determination, "I am not being impulsive. I just... don't want a work that could have become a classic to turn into a pile of... incongruous garbage, due to some people's selfishness and stupidity."

He paused, turning his gaze to Liu Feixu, a subtle sharpness in his tone: "Producer Liu, I think when you chose me to play Song Qi, what you valued was not just my acting skills, but also... my understanding and respect for this role, right?"

Liu Feixu looked into Lin Da's clear and resolute eyes, her heart trembling slightly. She knew this young man was... forcing her to take a stand.

She took a deep breath, a determined glint in her eyes: "Teacher Lin, you are right. The role of Song Qi is our collective hard work. I... I will never let it be destroyed!"

She paused, her tone becoming resolute: "I will contact Kyushu Video Platform right now! I want to see what they really intend to do! If they insist on being unreasonable, then Purple Cloud Film and Television... even if it means a fight to the death, we will never compromise!"

Liu Feixu's words were forceful and resonant, making both Lin Da and Director Zhang Jingzhi look at this seemingly shrewd and capable businesswoman with new respect.

Just then, the system's prompt sounded in Lin Da's mind again:

"Ding! Detected that the host is facing a major career crisis and has shown a firm determination to rather be a broken jade than an intact tile!"

"[actor emperor road system 2.0] Special Side Quest: 'Integrity and Spirit Under the Platform's Claws' has been activated!"

"Quest Objective: Successfully resist Kyushu Video Platform's unreasonable modifications to iron-blooded censor's script, ensure the integrity and artistic quality of the core plot and character portrayal, and leverage this incident to further enhance the host's positive image and influence in the industry."

"Quest Reward: Acting Points +1000, [Actor Emperor Aura (Intermediate)] proficiency greatly increased! [Script Insight (Advanced)] skill proficiency greatly increased! [mysterious gift package (legendary)] x1!"

Another legendary gift package!

Flames burned fiercely in Lin Da's eyes.

He knew he had bet correctly again!

"Producer Liu, Director Zhang," Lin Da's lips curved into a confident arc, the Spirit Speech (Advanced) skill quietly activating at this moment, his voice filled with convincing power, "Since that's the case, then let us... go together to meet that Vice President Wan."

"I want to see whether the claws of capital are harder, or our... loyal heart of a censor pleading for the people, is more unyielding!"

He knew that a new, more dangerous, and more... anticipated game of chess was about to begin!

And he was already prepared to meet this new challenge, to once again stir up a... king's storm, belonging to him, in this misty capital!

In the deep autumn of the capital, the cold wind rustled, sweeping up withered yellow leaves across the sky, also foreshadowing the spread of an invisible smoke of war.

Lin Da, Liu Feixu, and Director Zhang Jingzhi walked side by side, their expressions solemn, yet carrying an undeniable determination, as they stepped into the magnificent headquarters building of Kyushu Video Platform.

They knew that today's meeting with Vice President Wan Qian of the platform would be a tough battle, a desperate gamble concerning the life and death of iron-blooded censor, their painstaking work, and also concerning their dignity and bottom line as creators.

"Teacher Lin, Director Zhang," Liu Feixu took a deep breath, trying to calm her inner tension, and whispered, "When we see Wan Qian later, no matter what she says, we must remain calm. Remember, we are the ones in the right."

Director Zhang Jingzhi snorted coldly, his face, always known for its seriousness, was now covered in frost: "Hmph! I want to see what kind of mess that woman wants to turn iron-blooded censor into! If she dares to act recklessly, I, Zhang Jingzhi, even if it costs me my old life, will never let her succeed!"

Lin Da looked at the indignant expressions of the two seniors, and a warm current surged in his heart. He knew he was not fighting alone.

He smiled slightly, his eyes calm yet carrying a reassuring strength: "Producer Liu, Director Zhang, don't worry. We'll cross that bridge when we come to it. I believe justice will prevail."

The Spirit Speech (Advanced) skill had quietly activated the moment he spoke. His gentle yet firm voice seemed to carry a peculiar magic, instantly calming the anxiety and unease in Liu Feixu's and Director Zhang Jingzhi's hearts.

The three arrived outside the designated meeting room, and a seemingly shrewd and capable young female assistant led them inside.

Inside the meeting room, the decor was luxurious, but the atmosphere was somewhat oppressive.

A woman dressed meticulously, with exquisite makeup, appearing to be around forty years old, but with unusually sharp eyes and a hint of arrogance befitting a person in a high position, was seated at the head of the conference table, toying with an expensive fountain pen.

She was Wan Qian, the Vice President of Kyushu Video Platform, and formerly a senior executive at Tianyu Media.

Seeing Lin Da and the two others enter, Wan Qian did not rise, merely glanced at them indifferently, a faint, almost imperceptible smile of disdain playing on her lips: "Producer Liu, Director Zhang, and... Teacher Lin Da, who has recently risen to fame, your esteemed presence truly graces my humble meeting room."

Her words, seemingly polite, were in fact full of a superior sense of condescension and... a subtle hint of hostility.

Producer Liu and Director Zhang Jingzhi's expressions both slightly darkened.

Lin Da, however, seemed not to have heard the hidden meaning in her words, his face still bearing that gentle and humble smile, as he said neither obsequiously nor arrogantly: "Vice President Wan, you are too kind. We have come uninvited today to have a... frank discussion with you regarding some 'revision suggestions' for the script of 'iron-blooded censor.'"

"Oh? Discussion?" Wan Qian raised an eyebrow, gently placing the pen on the table with a crisp sound, "I thought my previous 'revision suggestions' were already very clear. In order to 'cater to the market,' to 'increase viewership,' and to... 'ensure the return on investment for our Kyushu Video Platform,' the script of 'iron-blooded censor' must be adjusted."

She paused, her gaze falling on Lin Da, her eyes containing an undisguised hint of challenge: "Especially... regarding the scenes for the character Song Qi. We believe that a male protagonist who is too 'upright and unyielding,' even somewhat 'inhuman,' does not conform to the aesthetic preferences of today's young audience. Wouldn't it be better to appropriately add some... well, romantic scenes to make his character more well-rounded and 'down-to-earth'?"

"As for those... overly intense, overly sensitive court impeachment scenes," Wan Qian's lips curved into a cold arc, "I think it would be better to... cut some of them. To avoid... causing unnecessary negative public opinion and affecting the normal broadcast of the series."

Naked threat! Undisguised dominance!

Director Zhang Jingzhi could no longer hold back, slamming his hand on the table, and angrily retorted: "Wan Qian! You are simply raping art! You are defiling history! The soul of 'iron-blooded censor' lies in Song Qi's integrity and loyalty! If you change him into a romantic pretty boy, what would it still be called 'iron-blooded censor'?"

Producer Liu's face was also ashen, and she said in a deep voice: "Vice President Wan, although our Purple Cloud Film and Television cannot compare to Kyushu Video Platform's financial power, we also have a bottom line regarding the artistic quality of our works! If you insist on being so reckless, then we... would rather withdraw our investment than compromise!"

Facing their fierce resistance, Wan Qian merely sneered disdainfully, her eyes filled with a superior sense of condescension: "Withdraw investment? Producer Liu, Director Zhang, you must think carefully. Without our Kyushu Video Platform's investment and broadcast channels, your 'iron-blooded censor' might not even have the chance to start filming!"

She paused, her gaze once again turning to Lin Da, her tone carrying a hint of mockery and... a subtle, almost imperceptible malice: "As for Teacher Lin Da... I heard that you've been quite successful in Hollywood recently. I just don't know if you, this 'international superstar,' still have a market in China?"

She was openly threatening Lin Da, implying that if he refused to compromise, Kyushu Video Platform, and... the forces behind her who had once been severely trampled by Lin Da, would spare no effort to blacklist him, making it impossible for him to gain a foothold in China!

The atmosphere in the meeting room instantly dropped to freezing point.

Producer Liu and Director Zhang Jingzhi's faces showed despair and... a hint of helplessness. They knew that in the face of capital's sinister grip, artistic integrity often seemed so pale and ridiculous.

However, just then, Lin Da, who had been silent, suddenly spoke slowly.

His voice was neither loud nor fast, yet it was like a drawn sword, instantly piercing the oppressive silence of the meeting room:

"Vice President Wan, your words just now truly... opened Lin Da's eyes."

His face still held that gentle and humble smile, but deep in his eyes, a heart-stopping flame burned!

The Spirit Speech (Advanced) skill was fully activated at this moment!

"I always thought that the core competitiveness of an excellent video platform should be high-quality content, works that can resonate with the audience and convey positive energy. I never expected that, in Vice President Wan's view, the so-called 'market' and 'viewership' would have to be gained through... self-deceiving methods like deleting core plotlines, distorting historical figures, and forcing in melodramatic romance?"

"I always thought that a responsible media professional's ethical conduct should be to respect facts, respect art, and present more valuable and profound works to the audience. I never expected that, in Vice President Wan's eyes, the so-called 'return on investment' could actually override... artistic conscience and historical truth?"

"As for the 'concern' you just showed me, Vice President Wan..." Lin Da chuckled, a sharp glint flashing in his eyes. The Aura Control (Intermediate) - Deterrence skill also quietly released a targeted pressure, enveloping Wan Qian, "Although I, Lin Da, am just an unknown small actor, I also know that an actor's foundation lies in their works and artistic integrity. I may not have the 'deep' background some people have, nor the 'clever' methods some people possess. But I believe that as long as I put my heart into playing every role well, as long as I can bring truly valuable works to the audience, the market... will naturally give me a fair evaluation."

"And those... demons and monsters who try to pollute this industry with despicable means, to suppress those who truly love the art of acting," Lin Da's lips curved into a cold arc, his voice not loud, yet like a heavy hammer, it struck Wan Qian's heart hard, "will ultimately... only be nailed to the pillar of historical shame, infamous for ten thousand years!"

His words were resonant and powerful! Every word was like a sharp sword, directly striking Wan Qian's vital points!

Under the double enhancement of Spirit Speech (Advanced) and Aura Control (Intermediate) - Deterrence, his voice seemed to carry a magical power, making everyone present involuntarily believe and be moved by it!

Wan Qian's face turned pale then green from Lin Da's words; she was speechless, unable to utter a single word for a long time. She never expected that this seemingly gentle and humble young man would dare to openly defy her in such a way, and... with such sharp words and such a powerful aura!

She had originally thought that with the dominant position of Kyushu Video Platform and the support of her 'allies' behind her, it would be enough to make Lin Da and Purple Cloud Film and Television comply. She never expected that she... had actually kicked an iron plate! An iron plate... harder and sharper than she had imagined!

The atmosphere in the meeting room became extremely strange at this moment.

Producer Liu and Director Zhang Jingzhi looked at Lin Da, who could still stand tall, speak eloquently, and even... subtly gain the upper hand in front of a capital giant, their eyes filled with incredible shock and... a hint of heartfelt admiration!

They knew that this young man's future was limitless!

And Lin Da, under everyone's gaze, slowly stood up, his eyes firm, his voice calm yet carrying an undeniable power:

"Vice President Wan, I, Lin Da, am set on playing the role of Song Qi!"

"The drama 'iron-blooded censor' must also present a... truly principled, loyal, and historically accurate drama that resonates with the audience, according to our original creative concept!"

"If Kyushu Video Platform cannot accept it, then we... will see you in court!"

After speaking, he no longer looked at Wan Qian, turned around, and walked out of the meeting room with steady steps, head held high.

Only Wan Qian was left, her face ashen, trembling all over, standing there... disheveled in the wind.

She knew that this time, she had probably... truly provoked a... formidable opponent she shouldn't have!

And this chess game in Beijing, due to Lin Da's earth-shattering 'drawing of the sword,' became even more magnificent and... more anticipated!