35: Hidden arrows from the Internet, taking advantage of the enemy's strategy

The 'farce' of the Duan Inkstone being lost and then recovered did not cause much stir in the crew; instead, it highlighted Lin Da's composure and resourcefulness, in stark contrast to the petty behavior of Zhang Yang and others.

Although Director Zheng Guofeng did not flare up on the spot, anyone with discernment could see that his impression of Zhang Yang and Sun Hao had plummeted.

In the subsequent filming, he was noticeably more demanding of the two, and any slight mistake would result in an unforgiving reprimand.

Zhang Yang and Sun Hao's days began to become somewhat unbearable.

They originally thought that with the capital and connections behind them, even if they couldn't force Lin Da out, they could at least create enough trouble for him to make him retreat in the face of difficulties.

However, they never expected that Lin Da was like a stone in a latrine, both smelly and hard; not only was he unaffected by their petty actions, but he also became increasingly popular within the crew due to his excellent acting skills and personal charm.

"Useless! A bunch of useless people!"

Inside Xinghui Entertainment's luxurious office, Zhang Yang's agent, Wang Hong, a middle-aged woman dressed gaudily with sharp eyes, was cursing at her assistant on the phone, "You can't even handle a small prop! What's the point of keeping you all?"

The assistant on the other end of the phone was obsequious and dared not retort.

Wang Hong took a deep breath, trying to calm her anger.

She knew that directly targeting Lin Da in the crew was no longer realistic.

Director Zheng Guofeng, that old stubborn man, was notoriously protective of his people, and Lin Da's current performance was indeed impeccable.

"If we can't do it openly, then we'll do it covertly."

A hint of ruthlessness flashed in Wang Hong's eyes.

"Immediately contact the 'troll army' we employ and have them dig up all of Lin Da's dirt! What 'acting like a big shot,' 'under-the-table rules,' 'chaotic private life'... whether it's true or false, just spread it! I refuse to believe I can't ruin his reputation!"

She refused to believe that a newcomer who had just emerged could withstand such overwhelming cyberbullying!

Soon, a cyberattack targeting Lin Da quietly began.

On some marketing accounts and forums, some ambiguous revelations began to appear, hinting that a certain 'L-named' new actor in the chronicles of the great ming dynasty crew, relying on the director's favoritism, was acting arrogantly on set and bullying seniors.

Immediately after, some so-called 'insiders' jumped out, adding fuel to the fire, describing how Lin Da had 'acted like a big shot' in previous crews, how he 'disrespected directors,' and even fabricated some scandalous rumors about his private life.

These rumors, under the deliberate guidance of the troll army, quickly fermented online.

Some netizens who didn't know the truth began to form negative impressions of Lin Da, and even went to the official social media accounts of the chronicles of the great ming dynasty to leave messages, demanding that Lin Da be replaced.

Lin Da naturally also noticed these online rumors.

At first, he didn't pay much attention.

The clear will clear themselves, and the muddy will muddy themselves.

He believed that as long as he acted uprightly, these rumors would eventually collapse on their own.

But gradually, he found that things were not that simple.

The other party was clearly prepared; the troll army's offensive came in waves, and became increasingly outrageous, even starting to attack his family and friends.

Even Zhou Xingxing and Director Wang, who were far away in the small town, called, anxiously inquiring about the situation.

"Lin Da, why are those people online talking nonsense! You absolutely must not take it to heart!" Zhou Xingxing was so angry he was jumping up and down on the phone.

"Lin Da, did you offend someone? Their methods are too dirty!" Director Wang also broke out in a cold sweat for him.

Lin Da comforted them for a few sentences, and after hanging up the phone, his eyes became unusually cold.

He could not care about his own reputation, but he would never allow anyone to harm the people he cared about.

It seemed that some people had truly pushed him into a corner.

"System, is there any way to quickly and effectively counter this kind of online rumor?" Lin Da asked in his mind.

"Detected host facing an online public opinion crisis, System Mall has unlocked special items: [Public Opinion Reversal Card (One-time)], [Eye of Truth (Passive Skill, Beginner)]."

"[Public Opinion Reversal Card (One-time)]: After use, it can create a powerful reversal opportunity for specific negative public opinion events, with a high probability of turning around public perception. Consumes 1000 Reputation Points."

"[Eye of Truth (Passive Skill, Beginner)]: When the host faces false information or rumors, there is a certain chance to discern their essence and origin. After the skill level increases, the discernment probability and depth will be significantly enhanced. Activation requires 50 Acting Points."

Lin Da's eyes lit up slightly as he looked at these two newly unlocked items and skills.

Although the [Public Opinion Reversal Card] was powerful, it consumed too many Reputation Points and was a one-time use.

In contrast, the passive skill [Eye of Truth] seemed to have more long-term value.

He unhesitatingly spent 50 Acting Points to activate [Eye of Truth (Beginner)].

Instantly, he felt his thoughts become clearer, and his ability to discern information also seemed to have improved significantly.

Just then, Xiao Min, Producer Qin's assistant, found him in a hurry.

"Teacher Lin Da, this is bad!" Xiao Min's face showed a hint of anxiety and worry.

"Tomorrow afternoon, the crew has arranged a small online live interaction, mainly to promote the chronicles of the great ming dynasty and answer some netizens' questions.

Originally, this event had little to do with you, but... but just now, the production team suddenly decided to specifically request that you must also participate!"

"And," Xiao Min paused, lowering her voice, "I heard that Xinghui Entertainment has already bribed some media and troll armies, preparing to intentionally ask sharp and even tricky questions during tomorrow's live broadcast, wanting to make you embarrass yourself in public and completely ruin your reputation!"

Live interaction? Embarrass myself in public?

A cold arc formed at the corner of Lin Da's mouth.

It seemed the other party wanted to achieve their goal in one fell swoop.

However, they probably miscalculated.

"I understand." Lin Da nodded, no hint of panic on his face.

"Please tell Producer Qin that I will participate in tomorrow's live broadcast on time."

Xiao Min looked at Lin Da's calm eyes, secretly admiring him.

This young man, facing such great pressure and crisis, could still remain so composed; it was truly extraordinary.

After sending Xiao Min away, Lin Da's eyes deepened.

He knew that tomorrow's live broadcast would be a banquet with ill intentions.

But so what?

Since the other party had already set up the stage, he would play along and put on a good show for them!

He wanted to see, in this battlefield of public opinion, who would be the one to have the last laugh!

He opened his phone and carefully scrolled through the negative comments and so-called 'dirt' targeting him.

With the assistance of the Eye of Truth, those seemingly seamless lies and deliberately guided narratives became clearly visible in his eyes.

He could even vaguely sense where the faint black hand behind these rumors originated from.

"Zhang Yang... Xinghui Entertainment..." A cold glint flashed in Lin Da's eyes.

Since you want to play, I'll play with you to the end!

Tomorrow's live broadcast will be your Waterloo!