111: A battle of wits, a new chapter for the Imperial Censor

Late autumn in the capital city brought a biting chill, but the atmosphere at the international version script seminar for "iron-blooded censor" was heated, almost incandescent.

Around the long table in the conference room, on one side sat Hollywood's top screenwriter, Aaron Sorkin, along with several senior producers from Paramount Pictures and Netflix, representing cutting-edge commercial operations and an international perspective; on the other side were China's national treasure Director Wu Tianming, acclaimed historical drama Director Zhang Jingzhi, and Producer Liu Feixu, who upheld the essence and spirit of Eastern culture.

Lin Da, meanwhile, sat at the intersection of these two powerful forces, his expression composed and his eyes bright. He knew that this clash of intellects today would directly determine the ultimate fate of "iron-blooded censor" and whether Song Qi, the character he played, could shine brightest on the international stage.

From the outset of the meeting, Aaron Sorkin demonstrated his decisive work style. He presented a preliminary outline for an internationalized script, which included several "explosive" plots featuring Hollywood narrative rhythm and commercial elements.

For instance, he suggested incorporating a love-hate entanglement with an exotic princess into Song Qi's growth story to enhance the narrative's "romantic appeal" and "international allure."

He also proposed transforming some of the more subtle and restrained court power struggles from the original script into more direct, sensorily stimulating "action scenes," and even adding some "spy thriller" elements.

These "drastic" revision suggestions caused Director Zhang Jingzhi and Director Wu Tianming's brows to furrow involuntarily. While they also hoped to bring "iron-blooded censor" to the international stage, Sorkin's almost "subversive" adaptations clearly touched upon their bottom line regarding Eastern culture and historical authenticity.

The atmosphere in the conference room became somewhat heavy for a time.

Just then, Lin Da spoke.

His voice was neither loud nor fast, yet it was like a clear spring, instantly breaking the dullness and oppression in the conference room.

"Mr. Sorkin," Lin Da said with a gentle, humble smile, but his eyes sparkled with an unquestionable wisdom as his Spirit Speech (Advanced) skill quietly activated, "I greatly admire your courage and… creativity in internationalizing the script. Many of your ideas are very novel and full of commercial considerations, and they can indeed significantly enhance the pacing and watchability of 'iron-blooded censor.'"

He first offered full affirmation, which slightly eased Sorkin's tense expression.

Then, he shifted his tone, his eyes deepening, as the "Midas touch" effect of his Script Insight (Grandmaster) skill rapidly worked in his mind:

"However, Mr. Sorkin, if I may be frank, I worry that… excessive commercialization and the piling up of so-called 'international elements' might… weaken the core… Eastern spirit and unwavering loyalty of the character Song Qi and the entire story."

"In my opinion, the charm of the character Song Qi lies not only in his political wisdom and love-hate relationships but, more importantly, in his unique… stubbornness and tragic heroism as a 'Chinese scholar' and a 'righteous censor,' who, amidst the dark officialdom, can still uphold the inner light and justice of… 'knowing it's impossible yet still doing it.'"

"This spiritual core may not have a direct equivalent expression in Western culture. However, the pursuit of fairness and justice, the steadfast adherence to ideals and beliefs, and… the human brilliance displayed when facing tyranny and darkness that it embodies, I believe, can transcend cultural barriers and resonate with audiences worldwide."

Lin Da paused, his gaze sweeping over everyone present, his voice becoming even more firm and powerful:

"Therefore, I hope that when we undertake international adaptation, we do not, in order to deliberately cater to Western audiences, mold the character of Song Qi into a… 'hybrid' that merely possesses an Eastern facade but is, in essence, a Hollywood-style hero."

"We can draw upon Hollywood genre film narrative techniques to enhance the story's pacing and watchability; we can also incorporate some… more universally valuable human struggles and emotional entanglements into Song Qi's growth process."

"However, Song Qi's 'unwavering loyalty,' his 'spirit,' that unique soul belonging to a Chinese censor… must be preserved, and it must… be artistically elevated in a way that audiences worldwide can understand and accept!"

His words were resonant and powerful! He expressed his profound understanding of the character and his unwavering pursuit of art, while also cleverly integrating Hollywood's creative concepts and market considerations. With the blessings of the Spirit Speech (Advanced) skill and the passive skills "Oscar Road: Screenwriter's Favor" and "Oscar Road: Director's Favor," 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 trace of… genuine appreciation and… the excitement of meeting a worthy opponent gradually emerged!

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

He had originally thought he would have to expend a great deal of effort to persuade these Chinese creators, who clung to traditional Eastern narrative methods, to accept his "reformation" ideas. Yet, unexpectedly, Lin Da… was in complete agreement with him, and even… gave him more inspiration!

The atmosphere in the conference room became extraordinarily lively due to Lin Da's brilliant exposition.

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

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

Several senior representatives from Paramount Pictures and Netflix also nodded, their gazes toward Lin Da filled with pleasant surprise and… a determination to win him over. They knew that with an actor like Lin Da and a screenwriting guru like Aaron Sorkin joining forces, it would be difficult for "iron-blooded censor" not to be a hit!

After a long moment, Aaron Sorkin slowly spoke, his voice carrying a hint of barely concealed excitement and… sincere admiration for Lin Da's talent:

"Lin… You… You spoke so well!"

He abruptly stood up from his seat, walked quickly to Lin Da, extended his hand, and firmly, tightly clasped 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 'unwavering loyalty' and 'spirit'! 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… most important partner in script creation! I need your Eastern wisdom, your artistic inspiration, to jointly polish this… character that will shake the world!"

This was more than just simple recognition.

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

An unspeakable 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… truly profound "rebirth"!

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

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

"Ding! Congratulations to the host for successfully guiding the adaptation direction and gaining high recognition and a deep cooperation commitment from Hollywood's top screenwriter Aaron Sorkin in the 'iron-blooded censor' international version script seminar, thanks to your excellent wisdom, eloquence, and profound understanding of the script!"

"[actor emperor road system 2.0] Core Mission Chain First Link: 'Hollywood Foothold Battle,' mission evaluation received an additional epic-level bonus! Current mission completion rate has reached 85%!"

"Ding! Host's reputation value (international and professional fields) has skyrocketed! Current reputation value: 30000 points!"

"Ding! Due to the host's display of master-level talent and great potential in cross-cultural script adaptation and character shaping, Script Insight (Grandmaster) skill proficiency has greatly increased! Spirit Speech (Advanced) skill proficiency has greatly increased! Oscar Road: Screenwriter's Favor (Basic) skill proficiency has increased!"

"Ding! Special Reward: [Cultural Integration Master (Basic)] (Passive Skill) activated!"

"[Cultural Integration Master (Basic)]: When the host deals with cross-cultural works or cooperates with creators from different cultural backgrounds, they can more keenly perceive cultural differences, more skillfully integrate cultural elements, and more easily gain the understanding and recognition of others, significantly improving cooperation efficiency and the international communication potential of the work."

A new passive skill! And it was "Cultural Integration Master"!

Lin Da's heart pounded wildly again!

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

And he was already prepared to meet the even more challenging, and even more… anticipated challenges from the pinnacle of world cinema!

That "summit dialogue" with Hollywood's top screenwriter Aaron Sorkin was like injecting a strong easterly wind into the ambitious project of "iron-blooded censor," and it also elevated Lin Da's name to a new height of attention in the international film and television industry.

When the news spread that Lin Da and Aaron Sorkin had reached a high degree of consensus on the core concept of the international adaptation of “iron-blooded censor” and had established a “most important partner” relationship, the entire crew preparation office was plunged into a kind of… near-boiling ecstasy and disbelief!

Director Zhang Jingzhi and Art Consultant Wu Tianming, two highly respected seniors in the Chinese film and television industry, after their initial shock, looked at Lin Da with undisguised approval and… a hint of awe for the younger generation. They knew that this young man, his future, was no longer limited to the domestic market, but… the broader and more challenging international stage!

Producer Liu’s beautiful eyes glowed with excitement! She knew that this time, she had truly… unearthed a “once-in-a-lifetime genius” who could change the entire landscape of Chinese film and television, and even… stir up waves in Hollywood! The future commercial value and artistic achievements of “iron-blooded censor,” thanks to the strong collaboration between Lin Da and Aaron Sorkin, were already… immeasurable!

High-level representatives from Netflix and Paramount Pictures also praised Lin Da's performance and immediately decided to elevate the production budget and global distribution resources for “iron-blooded censor” to another level! They firmly believed that with an actor like Lin Da and a screenwriting master like Aaron Sorkin at the helm, this epic drama, full of Eastern wisdom and international vision, would undoubtedly become the most dazzling star in the global film and television market next year!

Lin Da did not lose himself amidst these sudden praises and opportunities. He knew that all of this was just the beginning. The real test was yet to come.

Back in his hotel room, the first thing Lin Da did was to completely immerse himself in the system's incredibly generous rewards.

The “Midas Touch” effect of Script Insight (Grandmaster) gave him a deeper understanding and… more creative interpretive space for the script of “iron-blooded censor.”

And the brand new passive skill—Cultural Integration Master (Beginner)—filled him with confidence for the upcoming international adaptation work.

“Cultural Integration Master (Beginner): When the host deals with cross-cultural themed works or collaborates with creators from different cultural backgrounds, he can more keenly perceive cultural differences, more skillfully integrate cultural elements, and more easily gain the understanding and recognition of others, greatly improving cooperation efficiency and the international communication potential of the work.”

“Cultural Integration Master…” Lin Da murmured to himself, his eyes sparkling with excitement. He knew that this skill would be an important bridge for his “soul collision” with Aaron Sorkin, the Hollywood screenwriting master!

Over the next few days, Lin Da, Aaron Sorkin, Director Zhang Jingzhi, Director Wu Tianming, and others held round after round of intense and fruitful “brainstorming” sessions on every detail of the international version of “iron-blooded censor” script.

The whiteboard in the meeting room was densely covered with various keywords and plot points interwoven with Chinese and English— “Integrity and Moral Courage,” “Power Vortex,” “Humanity's Inquisition,” “Cultural Conflict,” “Global Resonance”…

Aaron Sorkin truly lived up to his reputation as a top Hollywood screenwriter; his thinking was agile, his logic rigorous, and he could always unearth dramatic conflict points from seemingly ordinary plots, and then package them in a breathtaking way using Hollywood's most adept narrative rhythm and commercial elements.

However, when it came to expressing some core elements of Eastern culture and historical details, he inevitably encountered some… “unfamiliar” difficulties.

For example, when discussing a scene where Song Qi fiercely debated with treacherous officials in the Golden Imperial Hall, Sorkin's initial idea was to have Song Qi, like a Hollywood-style “lone hero,” vehemently denounce the other party's crimes with passionate speeches and highly inflammatory rhetoric, eliciting resonance from the officials, and ultimately… bringing the treacherous official to justice under the watchful eyes of all.

While this approach was full of dramatic tension and aligned with Western audience aesthetics, Director Zhang Jingzhi and Director Wu Tianming believed that it… did not quite conform to the true situation of ancient Chinese officialdom, and… weakened the tragic and forbearing quality of Song Qi's character, who “knew it was impossible but still did it.”

Both sides reached a stalemate.

Just then, Lin Da spoke.

He activated the Cultural Integration Master (Beginner) skill, and at the same time, silently chanted in his mind: “Script Insight—Midas Touch!”

Instantly, he felt his thoughts become exceptionally clear and sharp. He gained a keen insight into the differences between Eastern and Western cultures and the psychology of audiences from different cultural backgrounds.

“Mr. Sorkin, Director Zhang, Old Wu,” Lin Da's voice was calm and confident, with the Spirit Speech (Advanced) skill quietly operating at this moment, “I fully understand Mr. Sorkin's pursuit of ‘dramatic tension’ for this scene, and I also agree with Director Zhang and Old Wu's adherence to ‘historical authenticity’ and ‘character integrity.’”

“In my opinion, these two are not completely opposite, but can be… cleverly integrated.”

He paused, his eyes gleaming with wisdom: “We can retain Song Qi's awe-inspiring righteousness and eloquent rhetoric when facing powerful figures in the imperial court. But what he denounces should not merely be the treacherous official's crimes, but more importantly… the corrupt system and… twisted human hearts that led to treacherous officials being in power and loyal officials being wronged!”

“His words can be sharp, they can be indignant, but more importantly, they must carry a kind of… ‘pity for their misfortune, anger at their inaction’… a compassionate sentiment! He is not just impeaching a treacherous official, but also… questioning the conscience of the entire era!”

“As for the final outcome,” Lin Da's lips curved into a meaningful smile, “perhaps… a happy ‘heroic victory’ is not necessary. Song Qi's impeachment might fail, or even… lead to his imprisonment. But it is precisely this ‘failure,’ this ‘sacrifice,’ that can better highlight his stubbornness and tragic heroism of ‘knowing it is impossible but still doing it,’ and can be more deeply moving, eliciting deep resonance from the audience for fairness and justice and… infinite admiration for the hero!”

His words were powerful and resonant! They retained the integrity and moral courage of Eastern culture while cleverly incorporating Hollywood-style dramatic conflict and human introspection. Under the dual enhancement of the Spirit Speech (Advanced) skill and the Cultural Integration Master skill, every word he spoke seemed to carry a magic, making everyone present involuntarily convinced and moved!

Aaron Sorkin listened quietly, and a hint of… genuine admiration and… the excitement of meeting his match gradually appeared in his sharp eyes!

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 propose such constructive and… creative insights based on it!

He had originally thought that he would have to spend a lot of effort to persuade these Chinese creators, who adhered to traditional Eastern narrative methods, to accept his “transformation” concept. He never expected that Lin Da would… see eye to eye 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 approval 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 “once-in-a-lifetime genius” who could change the entire landscape of Chinese film and television!

Several high-level representatives from Netflix and Paramount also nodded, their gazes towards Lin Da filled with pleasant surprise and… a determined resolve to win him over. They knew that with an actor like Lin Da and a screenwriting master like Aaron Sorkin joining forces, it would be hard 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… heartfelt admiration for Lin Da's talent:

“Lin… you… you're simply a monster!”

He suddenly stood up from his seat, walked quickly to Lin Da, extended his hand, and firmly, tightly grasped Lin Da's hand, his eyes filled with mutual appreciation:

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

“Lin, from today on, you are not just the male lead of this drama, but also… my, Aaron Sorkin's… most important partner in script creation! I need your Eastern wisdom, your artistic inspiration, to jointly polish this… character that will shake the world!”

This was more than just simple recognition.

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

An indescribable surge of heroic spirit 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 of “Song Qi,” thanks to this “clash of masters,” was about to undergo a… truly transformative “rebirth”!

His “actor emperor road” also became clearer and more… brilliant because of this victory of “cultural fusion”!