19: Xingzai's Ambition and First Experience in Beijing

It was late at night, and outside the window of the small hotel, the neon lights of the capital city flickered, illuminating Lin Da's slightly tired yet unusually excited face.

He clicked on the document link sent by Zhou Xingxing, and a story synopsis titled "Urban Adventure: "salted fish turn over battle plan" (Provisional)" immediately popped up on the screen.

Lin Da read it with great interest.

Zhou Xingxing had indeed not disappointed him. Although this story synopsis still had many areas that needed polishing in terms of structure and details, its core comedic creativity and character settings had already taken initial shape.

The protagonist of the story is an ordinary delivery boy named "A Xing" who, due to an accident, gains the superpower to communicate with small animals. From then on, his life undergoes earth-shattering changes. He uses this superpower to help stray cats and dogs find homes, assists the police in solving pet smuggling cases, and even inadvertently exposes a massive business conspiracy…

The entire story was filled with Zhou Xingxing-style nonsensical humor and wild imagination, and the hardships and kindness of the ordinary person were vividly displayed amidst the absurd and bizarre plot.

Lin Da could even see Zhou Xingxing's winking, trying-to-be-funny face between the lines.

"This kid is truly an uncut gem," Lin Da muttered to himself, a relieved smile unconsciously curling at the corners of his mouth.

He picked up his phone and sent a message back to Zhou Xingxing: "Xing Zai, I've read the story synopsis, it's very interesting! Especially the interaction between A Xing and that talking husky, it's simply brilliant! However, the logic in some places could be refined further, such as the superpower setting and the villain's motivation. Once you've written the complete script, we can discuss it thoroughly."

After thinking for a moment, he added another sentence: "Oh, by the way, I succeeded in the audition and got the role of 'Wei Zhongxian'. I'll be officially joining the crew in a few days."

Almost the instant the message was sent, Zhou Xingxing's call came through, his voice as excited as if he had won the lottery:

"Lin Da! You're amazing! I knew you could do it! Wei Zhongxian! That's Director Zheng Guofeng's play! Are you… are you going to play a big villain?"

Lin Da was amused by his barrage of questions: "It's not the historical Wei Zhongxian; it's a positive character, an old eunuch."

"An old eunuch?" Zhou Xingxing was stunned for a moment, then became excited again, "That's awesome too! Lin Da, don't worry, I'll definitely write the script for ""salted fish turn over battle plan"" well! By then, maybe… maybe I can also go to the capital city to find you!"

"I'll be waiting," Lin Da said with a smile.

After hanging up the phone, Lin Da's heart remained restless for a long time. He knew that Zhou Xingxing, this dusty pearl, was also about to unleash his own brilliance. And how fortunate he was to be a guide and partner on his growth path.

Over the next two days, Lin Da did not rush to contact Hua Guang Film and Television, but instead shut himself in the small hotel, diligently studying the complete script of "the chronicles of the great ming dynasty" and the character of "Wei Zhongxian."

What Qin Ya sent him was not just the audition segment, but also the electronic version of the entire script, as well as a thick stack of reference materials on Ming Dynasty historical background and court etiquette.

Lin Da read it with rapt attention.

"the chronicles of the great ming dynasty" truly lived up to its reputation as Hua Guang Film and Television's annual blockbuster, with a grand script structure, numerous characters, a convoluted plot, and a rich sense of history and human complexity.

And the character of "Wei Zhongxian," though not the protagonist in the entire script, was a crucial and pivotal soul figure who ran through the entire story. His fate was closely linked to the rise and fall of the Ming Dynasty; his joys and sorrows also tugged at the heartstrings of countless people.

The deeper Lin Da delved into his research, the more he found this character to be full of challenges and charm.

He not only had to portray Wei Zhongxian's endure and inferiority as a eunuch, but also his wisdom and loyalty as an imperial tutor; he had to show the ruthlessness of his power-wielding methods, yet also depict the warmth and helplessness deep within his heart.

This complexity and multifaceted nature placed extremely high demands on the actor's skills.

Lin Da completely immersed himself in the role, contemplating Wei Zhongxian's psychological state and behavioral logic at different periods. He even began to imitate the gait and tone of an elderly person, repeatedly practicing his gaze and micro-expressions in front of a mirror.

At the same time, he also consciously began to consult more historical materials about the Ming Dynasty, especially about the eunuch community, hoping to gain a deeper understanding of that era and the living conditions of that group.

The [Character Deep Experience Card (Supporting Role Level)] was also unhesitatingly used by him on the character of "Wei Zhongxian."

The card transformed into a warm current, merging into his mind. Instantly, countless "life fragments" about "Wei Zhongxian" flashed before his eyes. The joys and sorrows, loves and hates belonging to the character, all seemed to become his own personal experiences.

This immersive experience deepened his understanding of the character Wei Zhongxian by several levels.

Two days later, Lin Da proactively contacted Qin Ya's assistant and arranged a time to sign the contract.

In the office building of Hua Guang Film and Television, Lin Da met Qin Ya's assistant, a capable and efficient young woman.

The contract terms were not complicated. For Lin Da, a "newcomer," the conditions offered by Hua Guang Film and Television were already quite generous. Although the remuneration was not high, Lin Da was already very satisfied with being able to participate in Director Zheng Guofeng's play and portray such an important role.

After successfully signing the contract, the assistant then took him to complete the joining procedures, where he received his work permit and some daily necessities.

"Mr. Lin Da, the crew has rented a hotel in the suburbs of the capital city as a temporary residence for the actors. Your room has been arranged, and here is the room card." The assistant handed a room card to Lin Da. "Tomorrow at 9 AM, the crew will have a full cast script reading session. Director Zheng requires all main actors to attend, so please be sure to arrive on time."

"Okay, thank you," Lin Da said, taking the room card.

After leaving Hua Guang Film and Television, Lin Da took a taxi directly to the hotel arranged by the crew.

The hotel was located in a relatively secluded area in the suburbs of the capital city, and the environment was quite good.

Lin Da checked in at the front desk and went to his room. The room was not large, but it was clean, tidy, and well-equipped.

He put down his luggage and stood by the window, looking at the unfamiliar scenery outside, his heart filled with mixed emotions.

From an unknown extra to now being able to participate in a large-scale historical drama produced by a top domestic production team, and portraying such an important role, all of this felt like a dream.

But he knew it wasn't a dream.

This was something he had earned step by step with his own efforts and strength.

Life in the capital city had just begun.

Greater challenges and a more exciting stage awaited him.

He took out his phone and sent a message to Director Wang and Zhou Xingxing respectively, letting them know he was safe.

Then, he took a deep breath, and his eyes became firm and sharp.

Tomorrow's script reading session would be his first official meeting with the other main creators of "the chronicles of the great ming dynasty" crew.

He knew that there would be hidden talents and masters everywhere.

And he, Lin Da, was also ready to embrace new challenges, to learn, to collide, and to unleash his own brilliance!