39: The wine party was full of undercurrents, with a smile on one's face
“Director Wang, you are too kind.” Lin Da’s face showed a perfectly appropriate look of being flattered, and he took the initiative to extend his hand, gently shaking Wang Defa’s thick hand. “Jianghu Xiaoxiami was just good luck on my part. Thanks to Director Wang and all the teachers in the crew for their support, I was able to achieve that little bit of success. Compared to a senior like you, who presides over a well-known entertainment company in the country, I am still far behind.”
His words were impeccable, both humble and polite, yet subtly hinting at his relationship with the director of Jianghu Xiaoxiami, and that he was not a naive young man who would easily be swayed by a few compliments.
The Aura Control- Affinity skill had quietly activated the moment he shook Wang Defa’s hand. A gentle and comfortable aura emanated from him, making Wang Defa’s originally somewhat exaggerated enthusiasm seem a few shades more sincere.
“Oh, Teacher Lin is too modest!” Wang Defa chuckled, a subtle glint flashing in his eyes. “I heard that Director Zheng Guofeng also speaks highly of you, personally selecting you to play such an important role as Wei Zhongxian in the chronicles of the great ming dynasty. This isn’t something you can achieve with just luck!”
As he spoke, he affectionately pulled Lin Da’s arm, leading him towards a relatively secluded corner of the banquet hall, where several small round tables covered with white tablecloths were placed.
“Come, come, Teacher Lin, let’s sit down and chat.” Wang Defa greeted him warmly. “I’ve long wanted to have a good exchange with talented young people like Teacher Lin. Our Feiyang Entertainment has also been committed to discovering and cultivating potential new actors. Who knows, we might even have opportunities to collaborate in the future!”
Lin Da sneered inwardly, but his face remained warm and humble: “It is my honor to gain Director Wang’s appreciation. However, I am currently a contract actor with Hua Guang Film and Television, and the filming schedule for the chronicles of the great ming dynasty is also very demanding, so I’m afraid…”
“Oh, Teacher Lin, what are you saying!” Wang Defa waved his hand, interrupting Lin Da. “More friends, more paths! Besides, in our industry, actor mobility is a common occurrence. Although Hua Guang Film and Television is a big company, when the temple is big, there are also many Buddhas, and competition is fierce. Sometimes, choosing a platform that is more suitable for oneself might lead to faster development!”
His words already carried a blatant hint of enticement and suggestion.
Lin Da’s eyes flickered slightly, and he didn’t immediately respond. With the aid of the Eye of Truth, he clearly saw a hint of calculation and… malice flickering in the depths of Wang Defa’s eyes as he spoke those words.
It seemed that Director Wang was not sincerely trying to win him over but had other intentions.
“Director Wang is right.” Lin Da nodded, his tone still calm. “However, I am still a newcomer, and the most important thing for me right now is to conscientiously perform the current role, accumulate experience, and improve myself. As for future development, I don’t dare to think too much about it.”
“Haha, Teacher Lin is truly young and promising, diligent and hardworking!” Wang Defa chuckled again, picking up the wine glass in front of him. “Come, Teacher Lin, I’ll toast you! I wish you a stunning performance in the chronicles of the great ming dynasty and even greater success!”
Lin Da also picked up his wine glass and gently clinked it with his: “Thank you for your auspicious words, Director Wang.”
Both of them drank it all.
Putting down his glass, Wang Defa asked casually, “Teacher Lin, I heard that you have a very good relationship with several of the lead actors in the chronicles of the great ming dynasty crew. Especially Teacher Chen Daoming, who also praises you highly. This is truly rare!”
Lin Da’s heart stirred. Here it comes!
He knew that this was probably Wang Defa’s true purpose for approaching him tonight.
“Teacher Chen is my senior, and also a performing artist I deeply respect.” Lin Da’s tone was full of sincerity. “It is my honor to have the opportunity to learn from Teacher Chen. Teacher Chen often gives me pointers on acting techniques on set, which has benefited me greatly.”
He skillfully avoided the trap in Wang Defa’s words, neither showing off his relationship with Chen Daoming nor disparaging other actors.
“Oh? Is that so?” A hint of disappointment flashed in Wang Defa’s eyes, but it was quickly masked by a smile. “Then, Teacher Lin, which do you find more impressive: Teacher Chen Daoming’s acting skills or Director Zheng Guofeng’s directing style?”
This question was even more tricky. No matter how Lin Da answered, he could potentially offend one party or be caught in a verbal trap, leading to a big fuss.
A subtle curve appeared at the corner of Lin Da’s mouth.
He knew that the opponent’s “Hongmen Banquet” had officially begun.
He slowly put down his wine glass, looking at Wang Defa’s smiling fat face, his eyes as deep as the sea.
“Director Wang, this question of yours truly puts me in a difficult position.” Lin Da feigned distress and shook his head, then changed the subject, his tone becoming incredibly sincere:
“In my opinion, Teacher Chen Daoming’s acting is like a towering mountain, unfathomable. Every glance, every movement of his, is filled with a profound understanding and precise control of the character. Being able to act alongside him is both pressure and motivation for me.”
“And Director Zheng Guofeng’s directing style is like a skilled sculptor. He can keenly discover the shining points in every actor and use his unique artistic methods to infinitely magnify these shining points, ultimately polishing out an astonishing work of art.”
“Therefore, for me, Teacher Chen’s acting and Director Zheng’s style are both objects of my learning and admiration. They are like two lighthouses on my acting path, guiding me forward.”
His words were impeccable, expressing profound respect for both seniors, cleverly avoiding the comparison and choice in the question, and subtly demonstrating his high emotional intelligence and reverence for art.
The [Words of Power (Elementary)] skill played a crucial role at this moment. Every word he spoke seemed to carry a convincing power, making Wang Defa’s prepared “follow-up tactics” somewhat impossible to execute.
Wang Defa’s smile was slightly stiff. He hadn’t expected Lin Da, who looked so young, to be so seasoned and difficult to deal with.
Just then, a familiar figure, holding a wine glass, walked over with a smile.
It was Wang Hong from Xinghui Entertainment.
Behind her were the arrogant Zhang Yang and Sun Hao, who was like a shadow.
“Oh, Director Wang, Teacher Lin, what are you chatting about, so happily?” Wang Hong’s voice was seductive, but her eyes were like a poisoned scorpion, sweeping across Lin Da’s face.
Lin Da looked at these “uninvited guests” and sneered inwardly.
It seemed that the second “main dish” of this “Hongmen Banquet” was about to be served.
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