14: An olive branch from Beijing

The Capital?

Lin Da looked at the unfamiliar number and its location on his phone screen, his heart stirring slightly.

At this time, right after he had just finished his online media conference, a call from the Capital always felt like it wouldn't be that simple.

He pressed the answer button and said calmly, "Hello, I'm Lin Da."

A clear and pleasant female voice came from the other end of the phone, polite and professional: "Hello, Teacher Lin Da, please forgive my abruptness. I'm Qin Ya, a Producer from Hua Guang Film and Television."

Hua Guang Film and Television!

Lin Da's pupils contracted almost imperceptibly.

This name, in the entertainment industry of his previous life, was a household name. Hua Guang Film and Television was renowned for producing high-quality, critically acclaimed film and television dramas, especially excelling in historical dramas and realistic themes. It had propelled countless talented actors to fame and won numerous awards both domestically and internationally.

Being associated with Hua Guang Film and Television meant a valuable opportunity for any actor.

"Hello, Producer Qin." Lin Da's voice remained steady, showing little emotional fluctuation.

"Teacher Lin Da, it's like this." Qin Ya's voice carried a hint of a smile, "We noticed your excellent performance in the web drama Jianghu Xiaoxiami, especially your roles as Bandit A and Shop Assistant. Although the screen time was not much, they left a very deep impression on us. Your precise portrayal of small characters and that flexible performance tension are very rare."

"Producer Qin, you flatter me. I just tried my best to do my duty as an actor." Lin Da responded modestly.

"Teacher Lin Da is too modest." Qin Ya laughed, "To be honest with you, our company is currently preparing a large-scale historical drama called "the chronicles of the great ming dynasty". The Director of this drama is Director Zheng Guofeng, who is known in the industry for his strictness and pursuit of quality. We currently have a very important supporting role, and after watching your performance clips and today's online interview, Director Zheng and our team both feel that your temperament and acting skills are very well-suited for this role."

Large-scale historical drama? Director Zheng Guofeng?

Lin Da's heart couldn't help but beat a little faster.

Director Zheng Guofeng was a towering figure in the entertainment industry of his previous life! Almost all of the works he directed were masterpieces, and his demands on actors were notoriously high. Being able to participate in his drama, even if it was just a small role, would be a significant highlight on an actor's resume.

"May I ask which role Producer Qin is referring to?" Lin Da asked, with a hint of imperceptible anticipation in his tone.

"This role is called Wei Zhongxian." Qin Ya said slowly, "Of course, this Wei Zhongxian is not that Wei Zhongxian. In our drama, he is not the powerful eunuch who dominated the court in history, but an old eunuch who had a significant influence on the protagonist during his youth, acting as both a teacher and a friend, and who was loyal and devoted. This character has a relatively large age span, from middle age to old age, and his inner world is very rich, posing an extremely high test for an actor's acting skills."

Old eunuch? Wei Zhongxian?

Lin Da's brows furrowed slightly.

This role sounded a bit... sensitive and challenging. Eunuch roles were inherently difficult to play; poorly played, they could become stereotypical, and overly played, they could appear exaggerated. Moreover, it was a character with such a large age span.

"Teacher Lin Da, I know this role might be a bit unexpected for you." Qin Ya seemed to sense Lin Da's hesitation and continued, "But Director Zheng believes that you possess a unique calm demeanor and a deep insight into small characters, which makes you very suitable for this role. Furthermore, although this character is an eunuch, in the drama he is a very positive, wise, and humane figure, with many shining moments that can easily make him stand out if played well."

"We know you might still be in the promotional period for Jianghu Xiaoxiami, but "the chronicles of the great ming dynasty" will start filming next month in the Capital, so time might be a bit tight. Therefore, we would like to formally invite you to audition for this role in the Capital. If it's convenient for you, we can arrange the time and itinerary as soon as possible."

Qin Ya's tone was very sincere and showed great respect for Lin Da.

Lin Da was silent for a moment.

This was an opportunity, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

To cooperate with Hua Guang Film and Television, to participate in Director Zheng Guofeng's drama, this was a shortcut to instant success for any new actor.

But at the same time, it was also a huge challenge.

The Capital, that was the center of national film and television resources, full of hidden talents, with fierce competition. That "Wei Zhongxian" role also sounded like no easy feat.

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

"Ding! Congratulations, Host, for completing the first stage mission of [Road to Golden Supporting Actor]: 'Emergence'!

"Mission Evaluation: S-rank (Successfully gained the attention and recognition of mainstream production companies and renowned directors in the industry with superb acting skills and excellent media handling)!"

"Mission Reward Issued: Acting Points +50, [Character Deep Experience Card (Supporting Actor Level)] x1, System Mall Intermediate Authority Unlocked!"

"Ding! The second stage mission of [Road to Golden Supporting Actor]: 'Fame in the Capital' has been activated!"

"Mission Objective: Successfully obtain and excellently portray the role of 'Wei Zhongxian' in "the chronicles of the great ming dynasty", receive public praise from at least three core creative members of the crew (Director, Screenwriter, Lead Actor), and achieve a character reputation score of over 8.0 after the series airs (based on professional film review website standards)."

"Mission Reward: Acting Points +100, [Golden Supporting Actor Exclusive Skill Fragment] x1, System Mall Advanced Authority Unlock Opportunity x1."

The system's prompts, like a shot in the arm, instantly strengthened Lin Da's resolve.

"Fame in the Capital," the mission name itself was full of allure.

Moreover, the [Golden Supporting Actor Exclusive Skill Fragment] in the reward made Lin Da's heart burn with excitement. This was the first time the words "exclusive skill" had appeared, so it must be extraordinary.

"Producer Qin," Lin Da took a deep breath, his tone becoming firm, "Thank you very much for your and Director Zheng's appreciation. I am very interested in this role and very much hope to have the opportunity to work and learn with Director Zheng. Please arrange the audition time, I will rush to the Capital as soon as possible."

"That's great! Teacher Lin Da!" Qin Ya's voice was full of joy, "Then we will send the script excerpts and specific audition information to your email shortly. We... will be waiting for you in the Capital!"

After hanging up the phone, Lin Da let out a long breath, his eyes sparkling with excitement and anticipation.

The Capital, here I come!

Director Wang, who had heard the gist of it nearby, was now flushed with excitement, grabbing Lin Da's arm: "Lin Da! You... you're about to soar! Hua Guang Film and Television! Director Zheng Guofeng! My goodness! This is a ship countless actors are desperate to get on!"

Lin Da smiled: "Director Wang, nothing's set in stone yet, it's just an audition."

"What do you mean 'just an audition'? For Director Zheng to personally name you for an audition, that means more than half the battle is won!" Director Wang was full of confidence in Lin Da, "You, kid, prepare well! Bring glory to our Jianghu Xiaoxiami crew!"

The news quickly spread within the small circle of the crew.

Everyone's gaze towards Lin Da had changed from initial envy and jealousy to utter admiration and respect.

Zhou Xingxing was even too excited to speak. He just forcefully patted Lin Da's shoulder, his eyes full of blessings and a hint of imperceptible... urgency.

Lin Da is going to the Capital, I can't fall too far behind!

That evening, Lin Da received the script excerpts and audition notice sent by Qin Ya.

The audition was scheduled for three days later.

Looking at the lines and character biography of the old eunuch named "Wei Zhongxian" in the script, Lin Da's brows gradually furrowed, but his eyes grew brighter and brighter.

This role was indeed not simple.

His life was full of helplessness and steadfastness, and his heart held too many stories and vicissitudes.

This was a truly worthwhile golden supporting role to meticulously sculpt!

Lin Da unhesitatingly added those 50 Acting Points to "Character Understanding" and "Dialogue Proficiency," as these two attributes were crucial for portraying the character of "Wei Zhongxian" well.

Having done all this, he began to pack his bags.

A few simple changes of clothes, a copy of "An Actor Prepares" that he had read until the edges were curled (the original version, of course, not Zhou Xingxing's magically altered one), and... a boundless ambition filled with longing and a desire for challenge for the future.

The Capital, this city that held countless film and television dreams, was opening its arms, awaiting his arrival.

And he, Lin Da, was ready to embrace that broader world and write his own legend as a "Golden Supporting Actor"!