107: The collision of masters, the resonance of souls

Aaron Sorkin's resounding declaration, "I… Aaron Sorkin, am willing to work with you to create a… truly epic work that can shake the world!" was like a never-extinguishing lighthouse ignited in Lin Da's heart, illuminating his journey to the pinnacle of world cinema and filling him with unprecedented confidence and ambition for the future.

The new passive skill, [Oscar Road: Screenwriter's Favor (Passive Skill, Beginner)], was like an invisible bridge built between him and top international screenwriters. He could clearly feel that he had a… more acute and profound insight into scripts filled with Western narrative logic and cultural depth.

And the knowledge infusion from the system's reward, [Hollywood Screenplay Golden Rules], made him even more powerful. Those Hollywood screenwriting techniques, narrative structures, and… the "Sorkin-esque" secrets of embedding foreshadowing, advancing the plot, and showcasing character personalities through high-information-density dialogue, which once seemed mysterious and alien to him, now became crystal clear, as if they had merged with him.

He knew that he was ready to face that… ultimate clash with a Hollywood golden-tier screenwriter god!

A few days later, the first official script discussion meeting for the international adaptation of "iron-blooded censor" was held in a heavily guarded private club in the capital.

The atmosphere in the meeting room was solemn and… slightly grave.

Aaron Sorkin still maintained his serious demeanor, his eyes as sharp as an eagle's. His table was piled with various versions of scripts and reference materials, clearly indicating thorough preparation.

Director Zhang Jingzhi, Art Consultant Wu Tianming, Producer Liu, and several high-level representatives sent by Netflix were also sitting upright, their expressions focused. They knew that today's meeting would directly determine whether "iron-blooded censor" could truly… go global.

Lin Da, on the other hand, sat quietly opposite Sorkin, his posture upright and his expression composed. There was no trace of nervousness or stage fright in his eyes; instead, there was a hint of… anticipation and excitement before a game of wits with a top intellect.

"Alright, everyone, time is precious, let's get straight to the point," Aaron Sorkin began, his signature, high-information-density, and oppressive speaking speed, like a machine gun, sweeping over everyone present. "Regarding the preliminary adaptation plan for 'iron-blooded censor,' I already have some ideas. My core philosophy is to retain its Eastern cultural core and historical depth while imbuing it with more universal human introspection and… more dramatic choices of fate."

He paused, turning his gaze to Lin Da, with an undeniable critical glint in his eyes: "Mr. Lin, as the male lead of this drama and the first interpreter of the character Song Qi, I'd like to hear your opinion first. In your view, if the character Song Qi is to resonate with and move audiences worldwide, what… changes are most needed?"

Sorkin's question, seemingly seeking opinions, was in reality… more like a sudden "pop quiz."

Everyone present subconsciously held their breath, turning their gaze towards Lin Da.

Lin Da's face remained calm and unruffled. He knew this was Aaron Sorkin's style—direct, sharp, and unforgiving.

He smiled faintly, speaking unhurriedly, activating his [Spirit Speech (Advanced)] skill to its full extent. His voice was gentle and magnetic, yet carried a convincing power:

"Mr. Sorkin, it's a great honor to have the opportunity to discuss the character Song Qi with you. In my opinion, the charm of Song Qi lies not only in his integrity and unwavering loyalty but also in his… most authentic and complex human struggles as a 'person' when facing power, temptation, betrayal, and even the threat of death."

"If we are to bring him to the international stage, perhaps we can… start from the common ground of 'choice.'"

Lin Da's eyes gleamed with wisdom, as [Script Insight (Advanced)] and the knowledge of [Hollywood Screenplay Golden Rules] rapidly processed in his mind, perfectly merging with his understanding of Eastern culture and his insights into the character Song Qi:

"For instance, Song Qi's inner pain and choices when facing the dissuasion of his mentor and the betrayal of former classmates; Song Qi's forbearance and counterattack when facing the emperor's suspicion and the machinations of powerful officials; Song Qi's responsibility and sacrifice when facing the suffering of the common people and the peril of his nation…"

"We can use more dramatically conflicting events to amplify the difficulty and tragedy of each of his choices; use more information-dense dialogue to showcase the wisdom and sharpness deep within him; and use more internationally-minded cinematic language to present the turbulent historical backdrop and… the suffocating vortex of power in which he existed."

"As for those cultural elements and historical details imbued with Eastern charm," Lin Da's lips curved into a confident smile, "we can subtly integrate them into the character's motivations and emotional logic, making them the 'flesh and blood' that shapes the character, rather than… 'barriers' that hinder audience understanding."

His words were clear, logical, and well-structured, not only demonstrating his profound understanding of the character but also cleverly incorporating Hollywood narrative techniques and market considerations. Under the dual enhancement of the [Spirit Speech (Advanced)] skill and the [Oscar Road: Screenwriter's Favor] passive skill, every word he spoke seemed to carry a magical power, making everyone present involuntarily convinced and moved.

Aaron Sorkin listened quietly, and in his sharp eyes, a hint of… genuine appreciation and… surprise gradually emerged!

He hadn't expected that this young actor from the East not only had such a profound understanding of Hollywood's creative logic but could also, on that basis, propose such constructive and… creative insights!

He had originally thought he would need to spend a lot of effort to persuade these Chinese creators, who clung to traditional Eastern narrative styles, to accept his "transformation" concept. Yet, he hadn't expected Lin Da to… be in complete agreement with him, and even… give him more inspiration!

The atmosphere in the meeting room became exceptionally lively because of Lin Da's brilliant exposition.

Director Zhang Jingzhi and Art Consultant Wu Tianming looked at Lin Da with undisguised admiration and… a hint of awe for the younger generation. They knew that this young man's future was limitless!

Producer Liu's beautiful eyes glowed with excitement! She knew that this time, she had truly… unearthed a "peerless genius" capable of changing the entire landscape of Chinese film and television!

The high-level representatives sent by Netflix also nodded, their gazes at Lin Da filled with pleasant surprise and… a determination to win him over. They knew that with an actor like Lin Da and a screenwriter god like Aaron Sorkin working together, it would be hard for "iron-blooded censor" not to be a hit!

After a long moment, Aaron Sorkin slowly spoke, his voice carrying an undeniable excitement and… the thrill of meeting a worthy opponent:

"Lin… you… you're simply a monster!"

He abruptly stood up from his seat, walked quickly to Lin Da, and extended his hand, gripping Lin Da's hand firmly and tightly, his eyes filled with the appreciation of kindred spirits:

"I retract all my previous prejudices! The international adaptation of 'iron-blooded censor' and the 'rebirth' of the character Song Qi will follow your ideas! No! We will work together to make him… an even greater, even more… immortal classic character than we imagined!"

This was more than just a simple collaboration.

It was more like a… passionate collision and… perfect resonance between two top artistic souls, transcending cultures and national borders!

An indescribable surge of ambition also welled up in Lin Da's heart.

He knew that he had once again… conquered this top figure from Hollywood… with his strength!

And the character "Song Qi," thanks to this "clash of masters," was about to undergo a… transformative "rebirth"!

His "actor emperor road" also became clearer and more… brilliant because of this "pinnacle dialogue"!

Just then, the system's exciting prompt sounded in his mind again:

"Ding! Congratulations to the host for successfully leading the adaptation direction during the 'script re-forging' process with Hollywood golden-tier screenwriter Aaron Sorkin, relying on your excellent wisdom, eloquence, and profound understanding of the script, and for gaining his high recognition and commitment to deep cooperation!"

"[actor emperor road system 2.0] Core Quest Chain First Link: 'Battle for a Foothold in Hollywood,' quest evaluation received an additional epic-level bonus!"

"Ding! Host's reputation value (international and professional fields) has surged! Current reputation value: 25,000 points!"

"Ding! Due to the host's display of master-level talent and great potential in cross-cultural script adaptation and character shaping, the proficiency of the [Script Insight (Advanced)] skill has greatly increased! It has successfully advanced to [Script Insight (Grandmaster)]! The proficiency of the [Spirit Speech (Advanced)] skill has greatly increased!"

"[Script Insight (Grandmaster)]: The host can instantly perceive and perfectly analyze any script's core value, potential risks, artistic height, and market prospects, and can accurately predict its award potential and profound impact on the actor's career development. At the Grandmaster level, the 'Midas Touch' effect can be triggered (making critical modifications or suggestions to promising scripts, significantly improving their final quality and success rate)."

"Ding! Special Reward: [Oscar Road: Director's Favor (Passive Skill, Beginner)] activated!"

“The Road to Oscar: Director’s Favor (Passive Skill, Beginner): When the host cooperates or communicates with international top directors, it is easier to gain their appreciation, trust, and… ‘creative authorization,’ and there is a certain chance to obtain the opportunity for them to ‘tailor-make’ exclusive projects for the host.”

Grandmaster-level Script Insight! And… Director’s Favor!

Lin Da’s heart pounded wildly!

… …

The late autumn in the capital city brought an increasingly intense chill, yet it did not cool the almost boiling creative passion within the preparation office for iron-blooded censor production.

Lin Da’s first formal script discussion with Hollywood’s golden screenwriter, Aaron Sorkin, began amidst widespread anticipation (at least from within the crew and Netflix’s senior management).

Beside the long table in the conference room, the atmosphere was solemn and subtle.

Aaron Sorkin, this screenwriting titan known in Hollywood for his “fast pace, high information density, and rigorous logic,” immediately displayed his decisive work style from the start. On the table in front of him lay several versions of iron-blooded censor script outline—Purple Cloud Film and Television’s original Chinese version, his preliminary internationalized English adaptation, and… several “special editions” he had specifically adjusted in detail for the tastes of different target markets (North America, Europe, Asia).

“Lin, Director Zhang, Wu Tianming, Producer Liu, and colleagues from Netflix,” Aaron Sorkin’s gaze was as sharp as an eagle’s, sweeping over everyone present. His signature speaking speed, full of information density and a sense of oppression, made the translators in the conference room somewhat flustered. “The story of iron-blooded censor possesses a fantastic core of Eastern culture and a central character, Song Qi, who is deeply tragic and heroic.”

“But,” he changed his tone, his voice becoming unquestionable, “if we want this story to succeed in the international market, to resonate with and grip audiences worldwide, we must undergo… drastic, even… transformative changes!”

He pushed a fully English script adaptation proposal in front of everyone, his voice carrying an undeniable confidence: “This is my preliminary adaptation idea. I hope to retain Song Qi’s ‘integrity’ and ‘devotion,’ but at the same time, also imbue him with more universally valuable human struggles and… choices of fate that better align with Hollywood narrative rhythms.”

Director Zhang Jingzhi and Director Wu Tianming looked at the densely packed English script, their brows unconsciously furrowing slightly. Although they also hoped to push iron-blooded censor onto the international stage, Aaron Sorkin’s “transformative” adaptation and his undeniable assertive attitude still made them feel a bit… uncomfortable.

Producer Liu, on the other hand, secretly observed Lin Da’s reaction. She knew that Lin Da’s attitude was crucial in today’s meeting.

Lin Da’s face still maintained its calm, unruffled expression. He listened intently to Aaron Sorkin’s exposition, carefully flipping through the English adaptation proposal. Script Insight (Grandmaster) and the Hollywood Script Golden Rules knowledge rapidly circulated in his mind, intensely colliding and… merging with his understanding of Eastern culture and his insights into the character of Song Qi.

After a long while, he slowly raised his head, meeting Aaron Sorkin’s sharp gaze, a faint curve on his lips. Spirit Speech (Advanced) quietly activated at this moment. His voice was gentle and magnetic, yet carried a convincing power:

“Mr. Sorkin, thank you very much for your dedication and wisdom regarding iron-blooded censor. Your adaptation ideas are full of keen market insight and profound understanding of human nature. Many aspects have greatly benefited me.”

He first gave full affirmation, which slightly softened Aaron Sorkin’s taut expression.

Then, he changed the subject, his eyes deepening: “However, regarding the ‘rebirth’ of the character Song Qi, I also have some… immature thoughts that I hope to discuss with you, and with all the seniors and teachers present.”

“Oh?” Aaron Sorkin’s brow raised slightly, a hint of barely perceptible surprise flashing in his eyes. He hadn’t expected this young Eastern actor to dare to proactively propose a “discussion” in front of him, a Hollywood golden screenwriter.

“Please speak.” Aaron Sorkin’s tone carried a hint of playfulness, and also a hint of… undeniable consideration.

Lin Da smiled faintly and said calmly, “Mr. Sorkin, I highly agree with your positioning of Song Qi as a ‘complex individual’ and the adaptation direction of giving him ‘more universally valuable human struggles.’ ”

“However, in my opinion, the charm of the character Song Qi, its root, still lies in his… unique ‘stubborn integrity’ as a ‘Chinese literati,’ a ‘righteous censor,’ and his ‘devotion to the world and the people’s destiny’ as a family and national sentiment.”

“This kind of integrity and sentiment may not have a completely corresponding expression in Western culture. But the pursuit of fairness and justice, the adherence to ideals and beliefs, and… the human brilliance displayed when facing tyranny and darkness, which are contained behind it, I believe, can transcend cultural barriers and resonate with audiences worldwide.”

Lin Da paused, his gaze becoming even more resolute. The two passive skills, The Road to Oscar: Screenwriter’s Favor and The Road to Oscar: Director’s Favor, seemed to be activated simultaneously at this moment, causing him to emit an… irresistible artistic charm:

“Therefore, I hope that during international adaptation, we do not weaken the most unique and precious… Eastern spiritual core of the character Song Qi for the sake of deliberately catering to Western audience tastes.”

“We can use more dramatically tense plots to show his rise and fall and perseverance in the vortex of power; we can use more information-dense dialogues to show the wisdom and sharpness deep within him; we can even… draw on some Hollywood genre film narrative techniques to enhance the story’s rhythm and watchability.”

“However, Song Qi’s ‘devotion,’ his ‘integrity,’ that unique soul belonging to a Chinese censor… must be preserved, and must… be sublimated!”

His words were powerful and resounding! He not only expressed his profound understanding of the character and his persistent pursuit of art but also cleverly integrated Hollywood’s creative concepts and market considerations. With the enhancement of Spirit Speech (Advanced) and those two “favor” passive skills, every word he spoke seemed to carry a magic that made everyone present involuntarily convinced and moved!

Aaron Sorkin listened quietly, and in his sharp eyes, a hint of… genuine appreciation and… the excitement of meeting a worthy opponent gradually emerged!

He hadn’t expected this young actor from the East to not only have such a profound understanding of Hollywood’s creative logic but also to be able to propose such constructive and… creative insights based on it!

He had originally thought he would need to spend a lot of words to persuade these Chinese creators, who adhered to traditional Eastern narrative methods, to accept his “transformation” concept. He hadn’t expected Lin Da to… agree with him, and even… give him more inspiration!

The atmosphere in the conference room became exceptionally warm due to Lin Da’s brilliant exposition.

Director Zhang Jingzhi and Art Consultant Wu Tianming looked at Lin Da with undisguised admiration and… a hint of awe for his potential. They knew that this young man’s future was limitless!

Producer Liu’s beautiful eyes shone with excitement! She knew that this time, she had truly… unearthed a “once-in-a-lifetime genius” capable of changing the entire landscape of Chinese film and television!

Several senior representatives sent by Netflix also nodded, their gazes at Lin Da filled with pleasant surprise and… determination to secure him. They knew that with an actor like Lin Da and a screenwriting titan like Aaron Sorkin working together, it would be difficult for iron-blooded censor not to be a hit!

After a long while, Aaron Sorkin slowly spoke, his voice carrying a hint of undisguised excitement and… sincere admiration for Lin Da’s talent:

“Lin… you… you spoke so well!”

He suddenly stood up from his seat, walked quickly to Lin Da, extended his hand, and firmly, tightly gripped Lin Da’s hand, his eyes filled with the appreciation of kindred spirits:

“I completely understand! The soul of iron-blooded censor lies in that unique Eastern ‘devotion’ and ‘integrity’! And what we need to do is to perfectly present this soul in a way that audiences worldwide can understand and accept!”

“Lin, from today onwards, you are not just the male lead of this drama, but also… my, Aaron Sorkin’s… important partner in script creation!”

This was more than just a simple acknowledgment.

This was more like a… perfect resonance and… mutual appreciation between two top artistic souls, transcending cultures and national borders!

Lin Da’s heart also surged with an indescribable pride.

He knew that he had once again… conquered this top figure from Hollywood… with his strength!

And the character “Song Qi,” thanks to this “clash of masters,” was about to usher in a truly… transformative “rebirth”!

His “actor emperor road” also became clearer and more… radiant because of this “resonance of souls”!