18: The dust has settled, the first step for Beijing

Silence, like solidified air, lasted for nearly half a minute in the conference room.

Lin Da stood still, calmly awaiting the verdict.

He was confident in his performance just now, but the final outcome still depended on Director Zheng Guofeng's decision.

Finally, Zheng Guofeng's deep gaze moved from Lin Da and slowly turned to the two screenwriters beside him.

"Old Li, Old Wang, what do you two think?" His voice was still low, with not much emotion discernible.

The screenwriter referred to as Old Li was a middle-aged man with thick glasses and a scholarly demeanor.

He pushed up his glasses, his voice betraying a hint of barely concealed excitement: "Director Zheng, I... I have nothing to say.

Teacher Lin's performance simply brought Wei Zhongxian from our script to life!

No, it was even richer and more layered than what we wrote in the script!"

The other screenwriter, Old Wang, also nodded repeatedly in agreement: "Yes, Director Zheng.

Especially his final look, that kind of resolute and tragic feeling, it gave me goosebumps.

I was worried before that this role would be too difficult to handle, and a young actor might not be able to carry it, but now it seems Teacher Lin completely has the ability!"

The evaluations from the two screenwriters were undoubtedly extremely high.

Qin Ya listened from the side, a relieved smile also appearing on her face.

She knew she hadn't misjudged him.

Lin Da's potential far exceeded her imagination.

After hearing the opinions of the two screenwriters, Zheng Guofeng did not immediately express his stance but once again turned his gaze to Lin Da.

This time, his eyes no longer held the previous scrutiny and inquiry, but rather a hint of... admiration, or even surprise.

"Lin Da," Zheng Guofeng slowly began, "tell me, how do you understand the character of Wei Zhongxian?"

This question, seemingly simple, was actually testing Lin Da's depth of understanding of the character and whether he had truly pondered it with care.

Lin Da pondered for a moment, then answered earnestly: "Director Zheng, in my opinion, Wei Zhongxian in the script is first and foremost a 'person,' a pitiful person swept forward by fate in a specific historical context."

"As a eunuch, he is inherently insecure and sensitive.

But he also has a deep affection for the little prince that transcends the master-servant relationship; this affection is the last bit of warmth and support in his heart."

"He is at the center of power, accustomed to deceit and intrigue, and understands political maneuvering.

But deep down, he might have once yearned for a glimmer of justice and conscience.

It's just that, in the face of cruel reality, these all seemed so insignificant."

"Therefore, in my opinion, he is a contradictory aggregate.

He has both the humility and helplessness of a small person, and the ruthlessness of struggling for survival in desperate circumstances; he has both loyalty and paternal love for his master, and sorrow and unwillingness towards his own fate."

"In that scene just now, what I tried to show was his extreme despair, unwillingness, and ultimately the determination to take a desperate risk to protect the last bit of obsession in his heart, after learning that the little prince was about to be deposed."

Lin Da's answer was clear, logically rigorous, and every word hit the mark.

Zheng Guofeng listened quietly, the approval in his eyes growing stronger.

He hadn't expected such a young actor to have such a profound understanding of such a complex character.

This was no longer just a matter of acting skills; it was a talent, an insight into human nature.

"Good!" Zheng Guofeng finally spoke, a trace of almost imperceptible excitement in his voice, "Well said! And well understood!"

He suddenly stood up from his seat, walked over to Lin Da, extended his hand, and firmly patted Lin Da's shoulder.

"Lin Da, the role of Wei Zhongxian is yours!"

Resounding!

The dust settled!

A huge weight finally lifted from Lin Da's heart.

He suppressed his inner excitement and bowed deeply to Zheng Guofeng: "Thank you, Director Zheng! I will definitely not let down your trust!"

"I believe in you," Zheng Guofeng looked at Lin Da, his eyes full of anticipation, "'the chronicles of the great ming dynasty' is a demanding production for actors.

The role of Wei Zhongxian is even more crucial.

I hope you can put in two hundred percent effort to bring him to life, to embody him completely!"

"I understand, Director Zheng!" Lin Da nodded solemnly.

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

"Ding! Congratulations to the host for successfully obtaining the role of 'Wei Zhongxian' in 'the chronicles of the great ming dynasty'!".

"Second phase of the [Golden Supporting Role Path] mission: 'Gaining Fame in the Capital', current progress: Role Acquisition (Completed).".

"Please, host, continue your efforts, brilliantly portray this role, and complete subsequent mission objectives!".

The system's prompt made Lin Da even more excited.

In the time that followed, Zheng Guofeng and Lin Da discussed in detail some specifics about the character of "Wei Zhongxian" and the subsequent filming arrangements.

Many of Lin Da's insights brightened the eyes of Zheng Guofeng and the two screenwriters, increasing their admiration for him.

After the audition ended, Qin Ya personally escorted Lin Da out of the conference room.

"Teacher Lin Da, congratulations!" Qin Ya said with a sincere smile, "Director Zheng rarely makes a decision on an actor on the spot; you are the first.

It's clear he is very satisfied with you."

"It's Producer Qin who gave me this opportunity," Lin Da said gratefully.

"Opportunity is for those who are prepared," Qin Ya laughed, "Your ability deserves this opportunity.

My assistant will handle the subsequent contract and joining the crew matters with you.

I hope we have a pleasant collaboration!"

"A pleasant collaboration!"

After seeing Qin Ya off, Lin Da stood alone outside the Hua Guang Film and Television building, looking at the bustling traffic before him, filled with emotion.

The Capital, he had finally taken a solid first step here!

He took out his phone, wanting to share the good news with Director Wang and Zhou Xingxing, but found an unread text message.

The message was from Zhou Xingxing, and it was very simple, just one sentence:

"Lin Da, I've written the segments we discussed before into a complete story outline.

See if it works?"

At the end of the message, a link to a document was also attached.

Lin Da smiled slightly and clicked on the link.

He knew that the legend belonging to him and Zhou Xingxing had just begun.

And the winds of change in the Capital were waiting for him to stir them.