105: Thunder strikes back, the censor is reborn

Kyushu Video Platform's "ultimatum," full of arrogance and threats, was like a burning meteor thrown into a calm lake; it not only failed to make Lin Da yield but instead thoroughly ignited the king's fury that had long been suppressed in his chest!

"Three days? Public apology? Unconditional acceptance of modifications?"

Lin Da looked at the cold words on his phone screen, a mocking arc curving at the corner of his mouth, while his eyes burned with intense fighting spirit.

Wan Qian! Kyushu Video Platform! And those monsters hiding behind them, who think they can control everything!

Have you really taken me, Lin Da, for a soft persimmon that can be easily manipulated, a puppet to be pulled by capital at will?!

He took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing the surging anger in his chest. He knew that at this moment, anger would not solve any problems. Only calmness, only... a thunderous counterattack, could make these self-righteous guys pay a heavy price!

Without hesitation, he immediately dialed Allen Parker's international call.

"Allen, there's been a change in the situation." He concisely explained Kyushu Video Platform's ultimatum and his decision to the ace agent, his voice calm but with an undeniable determination. "I need your help. I need CAA's help. I need... a full counterattack... powerful enough to make all enemies tremble!"

Allen Parker, on the other end of the phone, fell silent for a moment after hearing Lin Da's narration. But Lin Da could clearly hear that his slightly heavy breathing was suppressing... the same anger as his own and... a hint of imperceptible excitement.

"Lin," Allen Parker's voice was like an ice-tempered sword, sharp and incisive, "You're right! Faced with such rogue behavior, any concession or compromise will only fuel their arrogance! We must... let them know that CAA artists are not so easily bullied!"

"Don't worry, Lin." Allen Parker's voice was full of the confidence and control characteristic of an ace agent. "From now on, CAA's legal and public relations teams will take over this matter completely. We will immediately issue the most severe lawyer's letter to Kyushu Video Platform, accusing them of malicious breach of contract, interfering with artistic creation, and... reserving the right to pursue all legal liabilities and demand huge compensation!"

"At the same time," Allen's tone carried a sense of calm deliberation, "I will immediately contact those international streaming giants I mentioned to you before, who are in competition with Kyushu Video Platform, such as... Netflix and Amazon. I believe they will be very interested in 'iron-blooded censor,' a historical drama full of Eastern cultural charm and epic quality. Moreover, with you, a rising star in Hollywood, as the male lead, and Director Wu Tianming's artistic blessing, the international market prospects for this drama are limitless!"

"Since Kyushu Video Platform doesn't know a good thing when they see it, then we... will find a buyer who knows better and respects art more! I can even consider promoting 'iron-blooded censor' for global distribution in the form of a 'Sino-American co-production'! By then, I want to see what kind of wonderful expressions Wan Qian and those clowns behind her will have!"

Upon hearing this, a flicker of understanding crossed Lin Da's eyes. He knew that Allen Parker, this ace agent, was... playing a bigger game! He was going to use Kyushu Video Platform's foolishness and arrogance against them, to secure an excellent opportunity for "iron-blooded censor" and for Lin Da himself... to step onto the international stage!

"Good! Allen," a confident smile played on Lin Da's lips, "Then... let's give them a... lesson they'll never forget!"

After hanging up the phone, Lin Da separately contacted Chairman Li Shengshi and Qin Mu Feng, Old Qin, to briefly report the incident to the two seniors.

After hearing about the matter, both magnates expressed strong indignation at Kyushu Video Platform's arrogance and Wan Qian's despicable actions.

"How outrageous! This is simply lawless!" Chairman Li Shengshi was furious on the other end of the phone. "Brother Lin, don't worry! I, Li Shengshi, still have some influence in the Beijing Circle film and television industry! I want to see who dares to add insult to injury at this time and collude with Kyushu Video Platform!"

Although Qin Mu Feng, Old Qin, did not express anger as directly as Li Shengshi, his old and wise voice carried an undeniable authority: "Little Lin, you did the right thing. Art should not bow to capital. Integrity should not be tainted by profit. You focus on making your drama well, and for other matters, we old guys are here. The sky won't fall."

With such solid backing, Lin Da's heart felt even more at ease.

He knew that he was not fighting alone. Behind him were international top agencies like CAA, industry giants like Li Shengshi and Qin Mufeng, and even... countless viewers and fans who loved and supported him.

And those enemies who tried to use the claws of capital to stifle art and suppress conscience would eventually be crushed before this righteous torrent!

Over the next three days, the film and television industry in Beijing, and even the entire internet, fell into a strange calm... as if a storm was brewing.

Kyushu Video Platform, it seemed, did not rein in their actions due to Lin Da and Purple Cloud Film and Television's tough stance; instead, they intensified their efforts, starting to pressure other actors and staff members of "iron-blooded censor" crew through some "internal channels," attempting to divide and conquer, and create chaos.

Some wavering young actors, or staff members with vested interests in Kyushu Video Platform, began to voice some... discordant opinions.

However, under Director Zhang Jingzhi's iron-fisted management and Director Wu Tianming's presence, the core creative team of the entire crew maintained a high degree of unity and focus. Lin Da, setting an example, arrived on set on time every day, diligently treating every scene and every shot. His calm composure in the face of danger and his dedication to art deeply inspired everyone in the crew.

The three-day deadline passed in a flash.

Just when everyone thought a brutal, no-holds-barred war was inevitable, a bombshell piece of news... enough to shock the entire industry, suddenly came from across the ocean!

International streaming giant—Netflix—officially announced a strategic cooperation agreement with Hua Guang Film and Television and CAA, to co-invest in and produce the epic historical drama "iron-blooded censor" (English title tentatively "iron-blooded censor"), with Lin Da starring as the male lead, for global market distribution!

At the same time, Netflix also high-profilely announced that it would invite a Hollywood golden screenwriting team to adapt and refine the script of "iron-blooded censor" for an international audience, striving to make it a... phenomenal masterpiece... comparable to top American dramas like "Game of Thrones" and "House of Cards"!

This news, like an ignited nuclear bomb, instantly stirred up huge waves in both domestic and international film and television circles!

Everyone was stunned and disbelieving by Netflix's sudden "divine operation"!

No one expected that the "hot potato" in Kyushu Video Platform's eyes would instantly become a "hot commodity" coveted by international giants!

And Lin Da, this rising Eastern newcomer in Hollywood, actually... leaped to become the male lead of an international major production!

This... this is simply a real-life "carp leaping over the dragon gate"!

At Kyushu Video Platform headquarters, the moment Wan Qian saw this news, she felt a blackout and almost fainted on the spot.

She knew that she... had completely lost! Lost utterly! Lost... completely!

She not only failed to trample Lin Da underfoot but... personally sent him onto the broad road... leading to the international stage!

And she, and the forces behind her, would become... the biggest laughingstock in this game of capital versus art!

Lin Da looked at the congratulatory text message from Allen Parker on his phone screen, a confident smile appearing on his lips.

He knew that in this dark game in Beijing, he had won again!

And he won... thoroughly!

His actor emperor road, because of this victory, became clearer and even more... brilliant!

Netflix's entry, like a sudden tsunami, instantly swept across the entire Huaguo and even the international film and television industry.

Kyushu Video Platform, the streaming giant that once tried to strangle iron-blooded censor with its capitalist claws, transformed overnight from an arrogant "hunter" into a "street rat" that everyone wanted to beat.

Stock prices plummeted, users fled, and partners terminated contracts one after another… Wan Qian and the once-unrivaled forces behind her were almost completely disintegrated and routed in the face of this "thunderous counterattack" launched jointly by Lin Da and Allen Parker.

It is said that the executives of Kyushu Video Platform held an emergency meeting overnight, with an atmosphere as heavy as the end of the world. In the end, to quell public anger and salvage a shred of dignity, they had no choice but to cut their losses. They not only publicly apologized to Lin Da, Purple Cloud Film and Television, and all affected partners, but also voluntarily offered to bear all the breach of contract losses incurred in the early stages of iron-blooded censor project, and… shamefully withdrew from this S-level major project that they had once considered to be within their grasp.

In stark contrast, iron-blooded censor, this "resurrected" epic historical drama, with the backing of the international aircraft carrier Netflix, instantly transformed from a "hot potato" with an uncertain future into a highly anticipated and popular "hot commodity"!

Netflix not only promised to invest several times the production budget of Kyushu Video Platform, but also announced that it would invite a Hollywood golden screenwriting team to internationalize and refine iron-blooded censor script, striving to turn it into a… phenomenal masterpiece comparable to top American dramas like "Game of Thrones" and "House of Cards"!

And Lin Da, this Eastern newcomer who, in this thrilling game, managed to turn the tide against all odds with his impeccable strength and wisdom, became famous overnight, his prestige reaching a new peak!

He not only became the undisputed male lead of this international production but was also regarded by Netflix executives as an important "secret weapon" to break into the Chinese and even the entire Asian market!

"Lin, you kid, this time you really… went big!"

Allen Parker's voice on the other end of the overseas call was filled with uncontrollable excitement and pride. "I just got news from Netflix; they are very satisfied with you! They not only fully entrusted me with all your subsequent collaboration matters but also expressed their willingness to provide all necessary support and… privileges for your role!"

"Privileges?" Lin Da raised an eyebrow slightly.

"That's right! Privileges!" Allen Parker's voice carried a hint of triumph. "For example, you can participate in the international adaptation process of the script, offering your opinions and suggestions; you can even… recommend some Chinese actors you deem suitable to the directing team to play other important roles in the drama!"

Upon hearing this, Lin Da's heart stirred slightly. He knew this was not only Netflix's trust and appreciation for him but also… a once-in-a-lifetime, precious opportunity to gain more say for Chinese actors on the international stage!

"Allen," Lin Da pondered for a moment, then said seriously, "Please thank the Netflix executives for their trust. I will cherish this opportunity and do my best to portray the character Song Qi to the fullest."

"As for recommending actors…" A familiar figure suddenly appeared in Lin Da's mind, and a knowing smile curved his lips. "I do have a… very suitable candidate here."

After hanging up the phone, Lin Da did not immediately delve into studying iron-blooded censor script. He knew that before the "soul collision" with the Hollywood golden screenwriting team, he still needed to do some… more important preparations.

He opened the actor emperor road system 2.0.

Looking at the new core mission in the task module, which had been upgraded again due to Netflix's entry, named "The Censor's Loyal Heart Shines Globally—iron-blooded censor's International Journey," and the series of almost dazzling generous rewards that followed, Lin Da's eyes became even more determined.

He unhesitatingly invested the Acting Points he had accumulated previously, as well as the 1200 Acting Points obtained after completing the "Beijing Circle Resurgence" side quest, into improving the proficiency of the three core skills: Word Spirit (Advanced), Aura Control (Intermediate), and Character Essence (Advanced).

He could clearly feel that his command over language, his ability to mobilize his aura, and his insight into the character's soul were all advancing by leaps and bounds at an incredible speed!

After doing all this, Lin Da finally opened the mysterious gift package (legendary) that emitted a dazzling light.

He knew that the contents of this gift package would be his important aid in conquering the international film industry in the future!

"Ding! mysterious gift package (legendary) has been opened! Congratulations to the host for receiving the following rewards:"

"1. The Gaze of the International Actor Emperor (Primary) (Passive Skill): When the host participates in international film and television projects, personal charm and professional aura will be significantly enhanced, making it easier to gain deep recognition from international directors, producers, and audiences, and there is a certain chance to trigger a 'cross-cultural resonance' effect at critical moments (instantly breaking cultural barriers and using performance to evoke strong emotional resonance from audiences of different cultural backgrounds)."

"2. Hollywood Screenplay Golden Rules (Knowledge Infusion): The system will infuse the host with the golden rules of screenplay creation and narrative techniques summarized by top Hollywood screenwriters, helping the host to more deeply understand the creative logic and market rules of international screenplays."

"3. One-time Perfect Role Possession Card (International Limited) x1: Can be used when playing a core role in an international film or television project, designating a key scene. After use, it will ensure that the host achieves the perfect performance realm of 'person and role united, soul possessed' in that scene, with a high probability of creating a classic scene worthy of being recorded in international film history."

"4. Special Item: Hollywood Golden Network Map (Intermediate Fragment) x1: A mysterious map fragment recording more core Hollywood connections and potential cooperation opportunities. Collecting more fragments can unlock a more complete network of contacts, providing stronger assistance for the host's international development."

The Gaze of the International Actor Emperor! Hollywood Screenplay Golden Rules! Perfect Role Possession Card! And… an intermediate network map fragment!

Lin Da's heart, as if a nuclear bomb had been dropped into it, instantly exploded with joy!

This legendary gift package was simply… inhumanly generous! Every reward was heaven-defying!

Especially the passive skill The Gaze of the International Actor Emperor and the knowledge infusion of Hollywood Screenplay Golden Rules, which were undoubtedly a timely help and an added advantage for his upcoming participation in the international adaptation of iron-blooded censor.

Lin Da felt filled with unprecedented power and confidence.

He knew that his life was about to embark on a brand new, more magnificent, and even more… brilliant journey!

Just as he was immersed in this immense joy, Allen Parker's video call request suddenly popped up.

On the other side of the screen, Allen Parker's face carried a professional smile, and also a hint of… imperceptible solemnity.

"Lin, I have some news for you." Allen Parker slowly began, "Netflix has confirmed the core screenwriter for the international adaptation team of iron-blooded censor."

"He… is one of the hottest, and also one of the most… difficult, golden screenwriters in Hollywood right now."

"Aaron Sorkin."

Aaron Sorkin!

Lin Da's pupils suddenly constricted!

This name, in Hollywood and even in the global screenwriting community, represents… an insurmountable peak!

He is known for his sharp and incisive dialogue, complex and brain-teasing plots, and profound insights into social reality and the darkness of human nature, but also… for his eccentric temper and almost obsessive control over scripts.

To collaborate with such a screenwriting master was undoubtedly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Lin Da, but it also… meant an unprecedented challenge!

It seems that iron-blooded censor's "new life" journey is destined not to be smooth sailing.

And he, too, was ready to embrace this new game, to shine his own… dazzling light in this clash of top intellects!