53: The night before the golden tripod, the fragrance floats in the air

Back at the hotel, Lin Da looked at the mysterious text message signed “L” on his phone, a knowing smile playing on his lips.

Chairman Li Shengshi.

Aside from this decisive and unconventional industry giant, he really couldn't think of anyone else who would send him an invitation in such a slightly rough-and-tumble manner.

It seemed that Chairman Li’s “interest” in him was indeed extraordinary.

As for Su Wanqing…

Lin Da thought of the top-tier starlet who had smiled charmingly and proactively exchanged contact information with him on Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, and a ripple of emotion stirred in his heart.

While her overtures certainly stemmed from an appreciation of his acting, they probably also involved shrewd considerations for expanding her own connections and future collaborations.

The entertainment industry was, after all, a place of fame and fortune. Whether it was genuine or feigned, having one more friend was always better than having one more enemy.

Lin Da placed his phone on the bedside table and did not immediately reply to the text message signed “L.”

He knew that tomorrow night's Golden Tripod Award welcome banquet was destined to be anything but peaceful. It would be a stage where various forces contended, and connections and resources intertwined. And he, a newcomer who had just emerged in the capital, would undoubtedly become the focus of attention for some, and even… the target of schemes for others.

But so what?

Since Lin Da had come, he had no intention of returning empty-handed.

The golden supporting role system’s mission—“First Taste of Fame in Shanghai”—was still waiting for him to complete.

The following evening, as the streetlights began to glow.

The Golden Tripod Award welcome banquet was held at a top-tier private club in Shanghai. The security here was stringent, and privacy was paramount; only prominent figures in the domestic film and television industry were invited.

Lin Da arrived on time according to the address on the invitation.

He was still dressed in a discreet yet tasteful dark suit, without excessive adornments, yet he exuded a natural air of calm composure. With the enhancement of his Aura Control- Affinity skill, he appeared gentle and refined, making others feel as if they were basking in a spring breeze.

Inside the banquet hall, it was already a scene of glamorous attire and clinking glasses.

The air was filled with a mixture of high-end perfume and rich wine, and melodious jazz music echoed in the background. 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 unspoken understanding.

Lin Da’s appearance did not cause much of a stir. After all, in such an setting, a newcomer who had just emerged was hardly a focal point.

Only a few industry insiders who had seen him at the Beijing reception or knew him through news reports showed a flicker of surprise and curiosity in their eyes when they saw him.

Lin Da did not rush to curry favor with the so-called “big shots,” nor did he deliberately try to blend into the lively circles. He simply held a glass of champagne and strolled unhurriedly through the banquet hall, silently observing everything around him.

The passive effect of the Eye of Truth allowed him to clearly capture every subtle expression and glance, discerning the true emotions behind those smiles.

He saw that some big stars, who usually appeared glamorous in front of the media, were now showing humble, even fawning, smiles in front of certain investors.

He also saw that some seemingly congenial “partners” exchanged glances that revealed a hint of imperceptible vigilance and calculation.

This was the true face of the entertainment industry. A place of fame and fortune, filled with both flowers and applause, and also traps and lies.

Just then, a familiar figure, holding a wine glass, walked towards him with a smiling face.

It was none other than Li Shengshi, the Chairman of Shengshi Film and Television.

“Brother Lin, you’re finally here! I’ve been waiting for a long time, old brother!” Li Shengshi still maintained his hearty and unrestrained demeanor, extending his hand to warmly shake Lin Da’s.

“Chairman Li, I apologize for being late.” Lin Da replied with a smile, neither servile nor overbearing.

“Haha, not late at all, just in time!” Li Shengshi took Lin Da’s hand and led him to a relatively quiet area in the banquet hall, where several seemingly influential middle-aged men were already seated.

“Come, come, Brother Lin, let me introduce you to some old friends.” Li Shengshi enthusiastically introduced Lin Da, “This is Vice President Zhang of Huaying Group, this is President Yu of Bona Film Group, and this is President Wang of Enlight Media…”

Each name represented a giant in the domestic film and television industry.

Lin Da’s heart stirred slightly, knowing that Li Shengshi was intentionally promoting him and helping him expand his network. He quickly and respectfully greeted each of the big shots, his words humble and appropriate, and his use of the [Words of Power (Elementary)] skill left a deep and positive first impression on these influential figures.

The big shots were also quite interested in Lin Da, this young man who had recently risen to prominence, and they began to chat with him, their words filled with subtle probing and evaluation.

Lin Da responded calmly and articulately. He neither appeared overly reserved due to their status, nor did he get carried away by temporary praise. His composure and wisdom, which belied his age, made the big shots nod in approval, their estimation of him rising a few notches.

Just as Lin Da was chatting amiably with the big shots, a voice, slightly playful and surprised, suddenly sounded behind him:

“Teacher Lin Da? It really is you! I thought I’d have to wait until the awards ceremony to see you!”

Lin Da turned around and saw Su Wanqing, wearing an elegant light blue evening gown, standing gracefully not far away, her beautiful eyes sparkling with a radiant smile, like a delicate jasmine quietly blooming in the night.

Her appearance instantly drew the attention of many around her.

And Lin Da knew that this “First Taste of Fame in Shanghai” tonight was probably going to be even more exciting than he had imagined.