55: Mount Tai, a chance encounter

The appearance of Qin Mu Feng, Old Qin, was like a stabilizing force, instantly transforming the somewhat restless and noisy banquet hall into a solemn and respectful space.

This venerable titan of the Chinese film industry, highly respected and with disciples everywhere, naturally exuded an aura that commanded admiration.

Although he was advanced in years, he was full of vigor, his eyes sparkled, and his movements carried an ethereal composure and serenity.

The guests present, no matter how influential they were in their respective industries or how dazzlingly popular they were as celebrities, all put aside their usual arrogance and ostentation in front of Old Qin, stepping forward to greet him, their words filled with genuine respect and admiration.

"Old Qin, you're still so robust!"

"Old Qin, this junior offers his greetings!"

"To be able to see Old Qin here is truly a blessing!"

Old Qin smiled and nodded to everyone, occasionally pausing to exchange pleasantries with a few familiar old friends, his demeanor showing both the kindness of an elder and the grace of a master.

Lin Da stood beside Li Shengshi, quietly observing the scene, and couldn't help but feel a sense of reverence.

Old Qin was not only a living fossil of Chinese cinema but also a revered role model for countless filmmakers.

He dedicated his life to promoting the development of Chinese cinema and nurtured countless talented filmmakers; his character and artistic integrity were exemplary in the industry.

Having the opportunity to meet such a figure was undoubtedly a valuable chance for Lin Da.

Just then, Li Shengshi suddenly leaned into Lin Da's ear and whispered with a chuckle, "Lin, my brother, do you see him? That's the stabilizing force of our Chinese film industry!

Even that old fellow Zheng Guofeng has to respectfully call Old Qin 'teacher' in his presence."

He paused, a gleam flashing in his eyes, "Later, I'll find an opportunity to introduce you to Old Qin.

Whether you can catch his eye will depend on your own fortune."

Upon hearing this, Lin Da's heart stirred, and he looked at Chairman Li gratefully, "Thank you for your guidance, Chairman Li."

He knew that Chairman Li was genuinely helping him.

To gain Old Qin's favor, even just a few words of encouragement, would have an incalculable impact on his development in the industry.

Chairman Li laughed heartily, patted Lin Da's shoulder, and then, holding his wine glass, walked towards where Old Qin was.

Lin Da took a deep breath and adjusted his state.

He knew that opportunities were fleeting, and he had to be fully prepared.

The Aura Control- Affinity skill quietly activated within him, making him appear more gentle, humble, neither servile nor overbearing.

The Words of Power (Elementary) skill was also ready to be activated, prepared to exert its maximum effect at the crucial moment.

Soon, Chairman Li found the right moment, gracefully approaching Old Qin during a pause in his conversation with a few old friends.

"Old Qin, your esteemed presence today truly honors us juniors!" Chairman Li's voice was clear and enthusiastic, his face beaming with a sincere smile.

"Oh, it's Shengshi." Old Qin's face also broke into a kindly smile upon seeing Chairman Li. "You, young man, have been making quite a stir lately.

I heard you've signed a few promising newcomers?"

"Haha, Old Qin, you truly have keen insight; nothing escapes you." Chairman Li laughed heartily and then introduced Lin Da, who was behind him, "Old Qin, this is Lin Da, the young actor I mentioned to you, who has been performing exceptionally well in 'the chronicles of the great ming dynasty' recently."

He paused, a hint of pride in his tone, "This young man, though young, possesses a spiritual insight and tenacity in his acting that even that old stubborn Zheng Guofeng praises endlessly."

Old Qin's gaze slowly fell upon Lin Da.

They were a pair of eyes, weathered yet exceptionally clear, as if they could penetrate the most hidden corners of one's heart.

Lin Da's heart couldn't help but tighten slightly.

He could feel an invisible pressure emanating from Old Qin; it wasn't an intentional display of power but a natural emanation born from years of experience and artistic cultivation.

He quickly stepped forward, bowed respectfully, his voice sincere and humble, "Hello, Old Qin.

It is my honor to have the opportunity to meet you, a junior like myself, Lin Da."

His voice, enhanced by the Ethereal Speech skill, sounded exceptionally genuine and moving, every word filled with admiration for his senior and reverence for art.

Old Qin looked at Lin Da but didn't speak immediately, simply scrutinizing him up and down with his profound eyes, as if trying to see through him.

The atmosphere in the banquet hall, at that moment, seemed to grow somewhat heavy.

The surrounding guests also instinctively stopped their conversations and turned their gaze towards them.

They all wanted to see if this recently renowned "divine extra" could gain the approval of Old Qin, this venerable titan.

Su Wanqing also stood not far away, her beautiful eyes sparkling with curiosity, quietly observing Lin Da's performance.

Time seemed to stand still at that moment.

After a full ten seconds, Old Qin finally spoke slowly, his voice aged but carrying an undeniable power:

"Lin Da... hmm, that name, I seem to have heard it somewhere."

He paused, a flash of understanding in his eyes, "Oh, I remember now.

A few days ago, I happened to see that online video about the live broadcast of 'the chronicles of the great ming dynasty'.

You, young man, are quite composed in front of the camera and quite eloquent."

Upon hearing this, Lin Da's heart relaxed slightly, and he quickly said, "Old Qin flatters me.

This junior was merely speaking the truth at the time and didn't expect it to attract so much attention."

"Speaking the truth, good." Old Qin nodded, a hint of approval in his eyes. "For us actors, the most important thing is this 'truth'.

Be true to the character, be true to the audience, and most importantly, be true to yourself."

He paused, then changed the subject, his tone becoming a bit more serious, "However, young man, gaining fame is a good thing, but you must not become arrogant or lose your way because of it.

The path of an actor is not easy.

It requires talent, but even more so, diligence; it requires opportunity, but even more so, perseverance."

"You are just starting now.

The road ahead is still long."

Old Qin's words, though seemingly a reprimand, were in fact filled with the earnest expectations and kind reminders of an elder to a junior.

Lin Da's heart trembled, and he quickly bowed again, saying sincerely, "Old Qin's teachings are well received!

This junior will always keep them in mind, guard against arrogance and impatience, and conscientiously play every role well, not letting down your expectations!"

Every word he spoke was powerful and resonant.

Old Qin looked at Lin Da's clear and resolute eyes, and a hint of almost imperceptible relief and... a touch of anticipation flashed in his cloudy gaze.

He said no more, simply patted Lin Da's shoulder lightly, and then, surrounded by the crowd, slowly walked towards the main seat in the banquet hall.

Li Shengshi watched from the side, a satisfied smile on his face.

He knew that Lin Da's performance today had successfully left a deep and positive impression on Old Qin.

Just then, the system's notification sound rang in Lin Da's mind:

"Ding! Congratulations to the host for successfully meeting a key industry figure: Qin Mufeng (Chairman of the Golden Tripod Award Jury, a revered titan of the Chinese film industry)!"

"Initial impression evaluation: Good (The other party recognizes the host's composure, humility, and sincere attitude towards acting, and has given kind guidance)."

"[golden supporting role system] mission: 'First Experience of Fame in the Magic City', 'Successfully meet at least three key industry figures who will have a significant impact on the host's future development' goal completed (1/3)!"

The mission progress finally had substantial advancement!

An indescribable joy and... a hint of even greater ambition surged within Lin Da's heart.

The Golden Tripod Award feast had just begun.

And he was already prepared to welcome more opportunities and challenges!