51: The invitation of the Golden Tripod, the storm in the Magic City

The invitation letter for the Golden Tripod Award, like a golden pebble dropped into a calm lake, sent ripples through Lin Da's heart and added an unexpected highlight to his ever-changing filming life in the capital.

“Special guest of the Golden Tripod Award?”

When Lin Da informed Director Zheng Guofeng and Producer Qin Ya of the news, both of them showed undisguised surprise and… a hint of understanding.

“Lin Da, you rascal, you’ve hidden it well!” Director Zheng Guofeng patted Lin Da on the shoulder, laughing heartily, “I thought you just had good acting skills, but I didn’t expect your connections and luck to be top-notch too! Not just anyone can be given face by the Golden Tripod Award.”

Qin Ya also smiled and nodded: “Lin Da, you deserve this. Your performance in the chronicles of the great ming dynasty is evident to all. The Golden Tripod Award organizing committee noticing you shows their discerning eye. This is also an affirmation for our the chronicles of the great ming dynasty.”

Lin Da knew that they might have misunderstood something. This invitation did not come from his connections; it was more likely that he attracted the attention of the Golden Tripod Award organizing committee by relying on the as-yet-fully-unveiled charm of his character, Wei Zhongxian, and the immense online buzz generated by the previous live broadcast incident.

Of course, there might also have been subtle pushing from Chairman Li Shengshi behind the scenes. That industry giant seemed to genuinely favor him.

“Director Zheng, Producer Qin, I was just lucky,” Lin Da said humbly, “To have the opportunity to witness such a top domestic film event is also a valuable learning experience for me.”

“Mm, go, and feel it out properly,” Director Zheng Guofeng encouraged, “But don’t take it too seriously. An actor’s foundation is still their work. The Golden Tripod Award’s halo, no matter how dazzling, is only temporary. Only by creating more deeply resonant characters can one truly establish a firm footing.”

“I understand, Director Zheng,” Lin Da nodded solemnly.

In the following days, Lin Da continued to fully immerse himself in the filming of the chronicles of the great ming dynasty. He did not slack off or get distracted in the slightest because of the Golden Tripod Award invitation.

He continuously honed the character of Wei Zhongxian, utilizing the system-rewarded [Intermediate Acting Enhancement Fluid] and [Minor Acting Bottleneck Breakthrough Card], as well as that precious [Character Charm Aura (One-time use)] (which he decided to use at a crucial moment during the Golden Tripod Award ceremony).

His acting skills were improving at a visible rate. Every gaze, every movement, was full of drama, as if the character of Wei Zhongxian had merged with him.

Within the crew, news of his upcoming attendance at the Golden Tripod Award quietly spread. The way everyone looked at him, besides admiration, held more envy and… a sense of distance.

After all, the Golden Tripod Award is a revered hall that countless actors in the country look up to. For Lin Da, a newly emerging talent, to be invited to participate in such an honor was enough to make many people feel out of reach.

In a blink of an eye, the day came to go to Shanghai to attend the Golden Tripod Award.

The crew specially granted Lin Da a few days off. Before his departure, Director Zheng Guofeng and Producer Qin Ya personally saw him off, repeatedly cautioning him to mind his image and be careful with his words and actions.

Zhou Xingxing also called, excitedly clamoring to watch Lin Da’s red carpet live broadcast, and joked that when he eventually wins the Golden Tripod Award for Best Director, he would definitely ask Lin Da to be his exclusive male lead.

Lin Da smiled and agreed, his heart filled with anticipation for the future.

Shanghai, this international metropolis hailed as the “Oriental Magic City,” was now star-studded and the center of attention due to the impending Golden Tripod Award.

When Lin Da walked out of the airport and stepped onto this bustling land, an aura completely different from that of the capital city washed over him.

If the capital was a steady, grand, and deeply historical ancient city, then Shanghai was a fashionable, avant-garde, and modern city full of vitality and opportunities.

Soaring skyscrapers, dazzling neon signs, and stylishly dressed, hurried men and women in the streets and alleys, all showcased the unique charm of this city.

The hotel arranged for Lin Da by the Golden Tripod Award organizing committee was located in the most prosperous part of the city center, a five-star luxury hotel. From the floor-to-ceiling windows of the room, one could take in the entire city’s brilliant night view.

After settling in simply, Lin Da did not rush to rest. Instead, he changed into casual clothes and walked out of the hotel alone.

He wanted to personally experience the pulse of this city and also make some small “preparations” for the upcoming Golden Tripod Award ceremony.

Shanghai at night was even more enchanting than during the day.

The Bund’s collection of international buildings, illuminated by lights, resembled a flowing historical scroll. On the Huangpu River, cruise ships shuttled back and forth, their whistles intertwining with the clamor on both banks, forming a symphony unique to this city.

Lin Da strolled along the bustling Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, feeling a long-lost sense of ease and comfort.

Just as he was immersed in the unique charm of this city, the system’s notification sound suddenly rang in his mind:

“Ding! Detected that the host has arrived in a new important city—Shanghai—and is about to participate in a major industry event [Golden Tripod Award].”

“[golden supporting role system] Special Mission Released: ‘First Experience of Gaining Fame in the Magic City’!”

“Mission Objective: During the Golden Tripod Award series of events, successfully meet at least three key industry figures who will have a significant impact on the host’s future development, and obtain a clear intention for cooperation or high praise from at least one of them.”

“Mission Reward: Acting Points +80, [Intermediate Network Expansion Card] x1, [Mysterious Skill Fragment] x1.”

“Mission Hint: The Golden Tripod Award is not only a hall of honor but also a convergence point of connections and opportunities. Please actively showcase your charm and talent, and seize every possible opportunity.”

A new system mission!

Lin Da’s eyes lit up slightly. This mission came at just the right time.

He had originally planned to use this opportunity at the Golden Tripod Award to expand his connections within the industry, but he didn’t expect the system to directly issue a related mission.

“Meet three key figures… obtain cooperation intention or high praise…” Lin Da rubbed his chin, a confident smile appearing on his lips.

It seemed this trip to Shanghai was destined not to be peaceful.

Just as he was pondering how to complete this new mission, a slightly familiar, yet somewhat surprised voice suddenly sounded behind him:

“Eh? Isn’t this… Lin Da?”

Lin Da turned his head and saw a young woman, fashionably dressed, wearing sunglasses, but still unable to conceal her outstanding temperament, looking at him with some uncertainty.

Behind the woman were several assistants and bodyguards.

Lin Da was slightly startled, then recognized the other party.

Wasn’t this the popular domestic top-tier actress, known for both her acting skills and beauty… Su Wanqing?

He never expected to encounter this top-tier actress, whom he had met a few times in his previous life, here and in this manner.