49: Favored by giants, the future is promising

On the other end of the phone, Li Shengshi’s hearty laughter was still full of vigor, carrying an undeniable confidence and… a hint of imperceptible probing.

Lin Da held his phone, pondering for a moment. He knew that Li Shengshi’s words were by no means simple pleasantries, but a genuine invitation. The big tree that was Shengshi Film and Television held a fatal allure for any actor aspiring to make a name for themselves in the entertainment industry.

But he, Lin Da, was not someone who would easily be swayed by fame and fortune.

“Chairman Li, your appreciation deeply moves this junior,” Lin Da’s tone was sincere and humble, and the Language of Truth (Beginner) skill quietly activated at this moment, making his every word seem exceptionally genuine. “It is my great honor to receive your recognition. This junior has also heard much about Shengshi Film and Television’s standing and reputation in the industry, and I aspire to it.”

He first expressed his full gratitude and admiration, giving Li Shengshi ample face.

Then, he changed the subject, his tone carrying a perfectly measured hint of difficulty and determination: “However, Chairman Li, as you know, I am currently a contracted actor with Hua Guang Film and Television, and for the chronicles of the great ming dynasty, Director Zheng Guofeng and Producer Qin Ya have placed great expectations on me. The role of Wei Zhongxian, for me, is not only a valuable opportunity but also a heavy responsibility.”

“A drop of kindness should be repaid with a gushing spring. Before the chronicles of the great ming dynasty finishes filming, and before this junior can give Hua Guang Film and Television and Director Zheng a satisfactory account, I truly dare not divert my attention to consider other matters.”

His words were watertight, expressing both his respect and aspiration towards Li Shengshi, and also demonstrating his focus on his current work and his adherence to the spirit of contract. He did not directly refuse, but subtly expressed his temporary stance.

Li Shengshi, on the other end of the phone, fell silent for a few seconds after hearing Lin Da’s words.

Immediately, he burst into hearty laughter again: “Hahahaha! Good! What a ‘drop of kindness should be repaid with a gushing spring’! Brother Lin, your character and your sense of responsibility impress me, Old Li, even more than your acting skills!”

Not only was he not angry because of Lin Da’s “gentle refusal,” but his good impression of him increased by several points.

In Li Shengshi’s view, a young man who was talented, capable, and also knew how to be grateful and adhere to principles was truly worth investing in and nurturing.

“Brother Lin, don’t worry,” Li Shengshi’s tone became even more cordial. “Your elder brother is not someone who takes what others love. You can wholeheartedly do well in the chronicles of the great ming dynasty crew, and portray the role of Wei Zhongxian well and thoroughly! Once you finish this drama, the doors of our Shengshi Film and Television will always be open for you!”

“Thank you, Chairman Li, for your understanding!” Lin Da breathed a slight sigh of relief, saying gratefully.

“Alright, I won’t disturb your rest,” Li Shengshi chuckled. “If there’s an opportunity in the future, come to my office for tea. I have a lot of good tea, waiting to be savored with young talents like you!”

Hanging up the phone, Lin Da let out a long sigh.

Li Shengshi’s call undoubtedly reassured him and gave him more anticipation and confidence for his future development.

In the following days, the filming of the chronicles of the great ming dynasty gradually picked up pace.

Wei Zhongxian, played by Lin Da, had an increasingly significant role in the drama, and the character’s inner world became more complex.

At times, he would feign compliance with the scheming princes and ministers in the imperial court, using watertight words and unfathomable eyes to resolve crisis after crisis; at other times, he would be in the Directorate of Ceremonial late at night, facing the flickering candlelight, savoring the loneliness and helplessness of being at a high position.

His scenes with Teacher Chen Daoming were even more sparks-flying and spectacular.

The two powerful actors, in front of the camera, vividly portrayed the complex relationship between Emperor Yongle and Wei Zhongxian—one of mutual reliance yet mutual suspicion, of both monarch-subject etiquette and intimate friendship—which made Director Zheng Guofeng repeatedly praise and exclaim how satisfying it was behind the monitor.

Lin Da’s Aura Control (Intermediate) skill played a crucial role in these scenes. He could precisely adjust his aura according to the needs of the plot, sometimes like a gentle spring breeze, subtly influencing everything; at other times, like Mount Tai pressing down, sending chills down one’s spine.

His performance was no longer just “acting” the character, but “becoming” the character.

In the crew, no one dared to underestimate this young actor anymore. Everyone was impressed by his professionalism, his dedication, and his unfathomable acting skills.

Even some of the veteran actors who previously had reservations about him would now proactively greet him on set, and even discuss the script with him and exchange acting insights.

Lin Da’s status in the crew rose steadily.

On this day, they were filming a crucial scene where Wei Zhongxian, upon learning that one of his most trusted eunuchs was actually an undercover agent planted by his political enemies, was filled with grief and indignation, yet had to force himself to remain calm and devise a plan to counter-kill him.

This scene involved a huge emotional shift and demanded extremely high levels of inner acting and explosive power from the actor.

Before filming began, Lin Da was alone in a corner, building up his emotions. He closed his eyes and completely immersed himself in the pain and despair of Wei Zhongxian being betrayed by his most trusted person.

The effect of the [Character Deep Experience Card] made him feel as if he had truly experienced that heart-wrenching pain.

The moment Director Zheng Guofeng called “Action,” Lin Da suddenly opened his eyes.

His eyes were filled with disbelief, shock, the anger of being deceived, and… a hint of deep-seated sorrow.

He looked at the young actor playing the eunuch, who was kneeling before him, trembling, his voice hoarse as if rubbed with sandpaper:

“Why… I treated you well… why did you betray me?”

Every word he spoke was like a knife, sharply piercing the heart of the young actor playing the eunuch.

Under Lin Da’s powerful aura and genuine emotional contagion, the young actor actually shed tears of remorse, kowtowing like a pestle: “Your Excellency, spare me! Your Excellency, spare me! This servant was just confused for a moment, misled by villains…”

In the subsequent performance, Lin Da even more vividly portrayed Wei Zhongxian’s complex emotional journey from heartbreak to despair, then from despair to ruthlessness, and finally to taking decisive action, which made everyone present hold their breath, their hearts heavy.

When the last shot was finished, Director Zheng Guofeng was the first to stand up and applaud.

“Good! Excellent! Lin Da, this scene of yours is simply a textbook-level performance!”

Lin Da smiled slightly, but in his heart, he was thinking that he was one step closer to completing the second stage of the [Path of the Golden Supporting Actor] mission.

Just then, his phone suddenly vibrated.

It was a text message from Zhou Xingxing, the content was simple, but it made Lin Da’s eyes light up instantly:

“Lin Da! The first draft of my "salted fish turn over battle plan" script is complete! When are you free to take a look?”

Lin Da’s lips curved into a relieved smile.

It seemed that Xing Zai’s path to becoming a director was also about to officially begin.

The situation in the capital, because of their existence, was destined to be even more exciting.