21: The "advice" of the predecessors and the invisible smoke of war

“There’s more than just you vying for the role of Wei Zhongxian…”

The veteran actor Ge Ming’s voice was not loud, but it was like a stone dropped into a calm lake, rippling through Lin Da’s heart.

Lin Da’s respectful expression remained unchanged, but his eyes narrowed slightly: “Thank you for the guidance, Teacher Ge.”

Ge Ming’s cloudy eyes turned on his face, a half-smile playing on his lips: “No need for thanks, it’s just that our profession is a deep one. Director Zheng is known in the industry for cherishing talent, and it’s true that he values your acting skills. But a major production involves too many aspects.”

He held up two fingers, gesturing: “Capital, personal connections, and all sorts of invisible ‘balances.’ Sometimes, who a role ultimately goes to isn’t just about acting.”

The old man’s words carried a hint of the vicissitudes of an experienced person and the clear understanding of worldly affairs. He didn’t say it directly, but Lin Da had already understood the subtext.

“I understand.” Lin Da nodded, his tone still calm, “I will focus all my efforts on the role, do my best to play Wei Zhongxian well, not betray Director Zheng’s trust, and not cause trouble for the crew.”

He didn’t show the slightest panic or retreat, nor did he ask who those so-called “people vying for the role” were. This composure and calmness, on the contrary, made Ge Ming look at him with higher regard.

“Hmm, a teachable young man.” Ge Ming smiled meaningfully, said no more, just patted Lin Da’s shoulder, and then turned and strolled away.

Watching Ge Ming’s receding back, Lin Da fell into contemplation.

Jingcheng, as expected, lived up to its reputation. He had just begun to make his mark, and the invisible smoke of battle was already spreading.

He was not an inexperienced novice. Having struggled in the entertainment industry for so many years in his previous life, he had seen plenty of open and secret struggles, and capital games. He just hadn’t expected to face them so quickly in this life.

“System, does this situation affect my mission?” Lin Da asked in his mind.

“[Gaining Fame in Jingcheng] mission difficulty has been automatically adjusted to ‘Challenge Level’ based on current environmental factors.” The System’s voice was still cold, “It is recommended that the Host focus on improving his acting skills and character compatibility, while carefully handling interpersonal relationships. The System Mall has unlocked ‘Interpersonal Insight Card (Basic),’ which the Host may redeem as appropriate.”

Challenge Level?

Lin Da gave a bitter smile. It seemed the waters of Jingcheng were even deeper than he had imagined.

However, he was not discouraged by this. On the contrary, a long-lost fighting spirit quietly ignited in his heart.

Acting was his greatest reliance and his sharpest weapon. No matter how many external interferences there were, as long as he could portray the role of Wei Zhongxian with divine skill and soul, he was confident he could stand firm.

Returning to the hotel arranged by the crew, Lin Da put Ge Ming’s words and the System’s prompt out of his mind, completely immersing himself in studying the script and delving into the character.

He knew that thinking too much now was useless; only by doing what he could control to the extreme was the right path.

The next day, the final preparatory meeting before the official start of filming.

Lin Da once again saw several core creative members of the crew, as well as some other main actors.

He keenly felt that today’s atmosphere seemed subtly different from yesterday’s script reading session.

Some actors who had been quite warm to him before now looked at him with a hint of subtle distance and scrutiny. There were even one or two young actors whose eyes held a trace of imperceptible hostility when they met his gaze.

Lin Da understood in his heart; it seemed Teacher Ge Ming’s “advice” was not unfounded.

Just during the meeting’s break, Producer Qin’s assistant hurried over, handed Lin Da a cup of coffee, and whispered: “Teacher Lin Da, Producer Qin asked me to tell you that regarding the role of Wei Zhongxian, the company’s higher-ups still have some differing opinions, and you might… might need to demonstrate your abilities a bit more. Director Zheng is very optimistic about you, but… you know, a big production isn’t something he alone can fully decide.”

The assistant’s tone was a bit difficult, and her eyes held a hint of sympathy.

Lin Da took the coffee and nodded with a smile: “I understand, thank you.”

This was undoubtedly a form of indirect pressure.

It seemed those who were “vying for” the role of Wei Zhongxian had already begun to act.

Lin Da held the coffee, walked to the window, and looked at the bustling Jingcheng outside, his eyes deep.

He knew that an invisible contest had quietly begun.

And he had no choice but to speak with his acting.

In the afternoon, the crew arranged a small-scale dress rehearsal, mainly for important scenes of several core characters.

Lin Da’s portrayal of Wei Zhongxian also had a scene opposite Teacher Chen Daoming, the male lead.

This was a scene with extremely complex inner emotions. Wei Zhongxian had to show both reverence and loyalty to the Emperor Yongle, subtly convey his worries and dissatisfaction with certain court affairs, and at the same time hide some of his deeper personal schemes.

When Lin Da changed into the heavy Ming Dynasty eunuch attire, put on old-age makeup, hunched his back, and slowly walked into the rehearsal venue with small steps, everyone’s gaze once again focused on him.

At that moment, he was no longer Lin Da; he was the old eunuch Wei Zhongxian, who had experienced vicissitudes and had a deep mind within the imperial palace.

His eyes, his posture, even the rhythm of his breathing, merged with the character.

Even Director Zheng Guofeng, known for his strictness, a hint of imperceptible satisfaction flashed in his eyes when he saw Lin Da’s costume and state.

And Teacher Chen Daoming, a top-tier actor in the country, standing opposite him, looked at Lin Da with a hint of solemnity in his eyes.

Invisible smoke of battle permeated the air.

Lin Da knew this was his battlefield.

He must win, and he definitely could win!