38: Smiling face hides a knife, a murderous intention

Lin Da's performance in the chronicles of the great ming dynasty crew could be described as nothing short of “stunning.”

Not only did he perfectly embody the complexity of the Wei Zhongxian character, but in his scenes with veteran actors like Chen Daoming, he also displayed a maturity and tension that belied his age. His newly acquired Qi Chang Control - Focus and Ethereal Speech skills were like adding wings to a tiger, making his performance full of unique charm and infectious appeal.

Director Zheng Guofeng praised him endlessly, almost treating him as the crew’s “stabilizing force.” Producer Qin Ya also stated on multiple public occasions that signing Lin Da was one of the most astute decisions for the chronicles of the great ming dynasty.

Those in the crew who once harbored doubts or jealousy towards him were now completely convinced. Lin Da earned everyone's respect with his impeccable strength.

However, beneath the calm surface of a lake, there are often more turbulent undercurrents.

Inside Xinghui Entertainment’s office, Wang Hong’s face was so gloomy it looked like it could drip water.

Lin Da’s counterattack during the live broadcast, and his subsequent unstoppable rise within the crew, caused her and Zhang Yang, whom she strongly supported, to feel an unprecedented sense of defeat and crisis.

“What exactly is the background of this Lin Da?” Wang Hong slammed the pen in her hand onto the table. “Investigate! Keep investigating for me! I refuse to believe he has no dirt at all!”

However, the feedback from the people she sent out only made her more disappointed.

Lin Da’s background was as simple as a blank sheet of paper. An orphan, he had just graduated from film school a year ago, and the roles he had played before were all insignificant extras. The only thing that could be called a “blemish” was some minor friction with Sun Hao and others in the Jianghu Xiaoxiami crew due to the “costume incident” and “inkstone incident.”

But these things, under Lin Da's current halo, were nothing at all; they even served to highlight his composure and quick wit.

“Ms. Wang, this Lin Da… it seems there’s really nothing to hold against him,” the assistant reported cautiously. “Moreover, he’s very popular with the crew now; Director Zheng and Teacher Chen Daoming both praise him endlessly. We… I’m afraid it will be very difficult to target him from within the crew anymore.”

“Useless!” Wang Hong cursed, a hint of ruthlessness flashing in her eyes. “If we can’t touch him within the crew, then find a way from outside the crew!”

She pondered for a moment, a cold curve appearing at the corner of her mouth: “I remember there’s a Beijing Circle film and television investor’s cocktail party next week, and Zhang Yang will also attend. Find a way to ‘invite’ Lin Da there as well.”

The assistant was startled upon hearing this: “Ms. Wang, do you mean…?”

“Hmph,” Wang Hong sneered, “a poor boy like Lin Da, who hasn’t seen the world, is most likely to get carried away when he first becomes famous. Put him in a setting where glasses clink and everyone has ulterior motives, and I don’t believe he can remain as flawless as he is in the crew!”

“At that time, if he’s even slightly careless, says the wrong thing, or offends some big shot, it’ll be enough to give him a hard time!”

Wang Hong’s eyes gleamed with calculation. She wanted to meticulously prepare a “Hongmen Banquet” for Lin Da, to let him know that the capital’s arena of fame and fortune was not so easy to navigate!

A few days later, Lin Da indeed received an “unexpected” invitation.

The invitation was exquisitely made, politely worded, inviting him to an industry exchange cocktail party jointly organized by several well-known film and television investment companies in the capital. At the bottom, the official seal of Hua Guang Film and Television was prominently stamped.

Lin Da looked at the invitation, his eyes narrowing slightly.

He knew that behind this, Xinghui Entertainment’s “handiwork” was probably indispensable.

“System, use Eye of Truth on this invitation.”

Item Name: Beijing Circle Film and Television Investor Cocktail Party Invitation

Authenticity Assessment: Authentic and Valid (Hua Guang Film and Television did participate in co-hosting, but the main purpose was for early promotion and attracting investment for the chronicles of the great ming dynasty; inviting Lin Da was not the original intention of the senior management, suspected to be influenced by external pressure).

Potential Risks: The cocktail party venue is a mixed bag, with potential malice and traps targeting the host. Xinghui Entertainment and Zhang Yang are highly likely to set up a trap at the venue, attempting to ruin the host's reputation or cause trouble.

Suggestion: Proceed with caution. If attendance is necessary, please remain vigilant, speak and act carefully, and consider using the Human Relations Insight Card and Aura Control- Affinity/Deterrence skills to deal with unexpected situations.

As expected.

A cold curve appeared at the corner of Lin Da's mouth.

Since the other party had already set the stage, how could he not participate?

He wanted to see what tricks these so-called “big shots” and “capital” wanted to play.

On the day of the cocktail party, Lin Da deliberately changed into a dark suit that was understated yet tasteful. He didn't deliberately dress ostentatiously, nor did he, like other young artists, pile every fashion element onto himself. He simply stood there, exuding a calm and composed demeanor.

The cocktail party was held in the banquet hall of a top hotel in the capital, with elegantly dressed guests and clinking glasses. Executives from major film and television companies, renowned directors, popular artists, and wealthy investors gathered in small groups, chatting and laughing, the atmosphere lively yet full of insincere pleasantries.

Lin Da's appearance did not cause much of a stir. After all, in such an occasion, he, a newcomer who had just emerged, was not considered a big shot.

Only a few industry insiders who had seen him in live broadcasts or news before showed a hint of surprise and curiosity in their eyes when they saw him.

Lin Da was not in a hurry to make connections with the so-called “big shots,” nor did he deliberately try to blend into the lively circles. He simply held a glass of champagne, strolling leisurely through the banquet hall, silently observing everything around him.

The Qi Chang Control - Focus skill allowed him to clearly capture every subtle expression and glance.

The passive effect of Eye of Truth also allowed him to vaguely perceive which smiles were sincere, which pleasantries were false, and what hidden motives lay behind seemingly unintentional approaches.

Soon, he saw several familiar figures in the crowd.

Zhang Yang was surrounded by a group of young girls, looking radiant and full of vigor, as if he were the protagonist of the night. And Sun Hao, like a follower, trailed behind him, nodding and bowing from time to time, fawning over him.

Wang Hong, dressed in a sexy evening gown, moved among several seemingly influential investors, smiling sweetly and skillfully navigating the social scene.

Lin Da noticed that when Wang Hong was talking to those investors, her eyes would subtly glance in his direction, a hint of an almost imperceptible cold smirk on her lips.

It seemed that tonight's “Hongmen Banquet” had quietly begun.

Just then, a well-dressed, pot-bellied middle-aged man who looked like the boss of some company, holding a wine glass, walked straight towards Lin Da, his face full of “enthusiastic” smiles.

“Oh, this must be the recently renowned Teacher Lin, right? I’ve heard so much about you! I’m Wang Defa, chairman of Feiyang Entertainment. Teacher Lin’s performance in Jianghu Xiaoxiami really left a deep impression on me!”

Lin Da looked at the other party’s small eyes, which glittered with shrewdness and calculation, and sneered inwardly.

Feiyang Entertainment? He didn't remember having any dealings with that company.

It seemed the show was about to begin.