57: Under the fame

The clamor of the Golden Tripod Award welcome banquet gradually faded, but the ripples in Lin Da's heart lingered.

Back in his hotel room, he threw himself onto the soft sofa, letting out a long sigh. Tonight's experience was like a meticulously choreographed play, full of unexpected twists and surprises.

The S-rank evaluation for the "Rising to Fame in Shanghai" mission and the astonishingly generous rewards made Lin Da's lips curl into an involuntary smile.

100 Acting Points! For his attributes, which were currently in a period of rapid growth, this was undoubtedly a godsend.

He unhesitatingly allocated 50 points to "Line Delivery" and the other 50 points to "Emotional Contagion."

He could clearly feel that his command over language and his ability to convey emotions had both risen to another level.

The "Networking Expansion Card (Advanced)", however, piqued his curiosity.

"Networking Expansion Card (Advanced): Upon use, you can designate a key industry figure, significantly increasing the success rate of establishing a deep cooperative relationship or gaining their strong support.

Note: The effect is influenced by the current relationship foundation between both parties and the host's own strength."

"Good stuff…" Lin Da murmured to himself.

This card was undoubtedly a powerful weapon for him to expand his network in the Beijing Circle and even the entire film and television industry in the future.

However, on whom to use it and when to use it still required careful consideration.

As for the "Mysterious Skill Shard," the system did not provide many hints, only showing "Collect three identical shards to synthesize a brand new exclusive skill for a Golden Supporting Actor."

This was undoubtedly another long-term hook, filling Lin Da with anticipation for future system rewards.

Outside the window, Shanghai's nightscape remained dazzling, like a giant arena of fame and fortune, attracting countless dream chasers one after another.

Lin Da knew that in this game, he had only just taken a tiny, insignificant step.

The next day, reports about the Golden Tripod Award welcome banquet swept the headlines of major entertainment media.

Lin Da's name was prominently linked with industry giants such as Li Shengshi, Qin Mufeng, Su Wanqing, and Zhang Qiming.

The media used various exaggerated headlines to describe how this "suddenly emerging" new actor had debated with a group of scholars at the banquet (though this was not entirely true), how he had gained the favor of the bigwigs, and how he had become the biggest "dark horse" of this year's Golden Tripod Award.

In an instant, Lin Da's popularity and topicality once again soared to a new height.

Calls from Director Wang and Zhou Xingxing followed one after another.

"Lin Da! You little rascal, you're amazing! You're on the entertainment headlines! And you're chatting and laughing with Li Shengshi and Old Qin! You've made Brother Fatty proud!" Director Wang's voice was still as boisterous as ever, full of excited pride.

"Lin Da! You're incredible! I saw the news! You're simply my idol!" Zhou Xingxing's voice was filled with adoration and... a barely perceptible sense of urgency.

"I've revised my script again, and it feels much better than before! Lin Da, wait for me, I'll be able to come to Beijing to find you very soon!"

Lin Da smiled and exchanged a few pleasantries with them, feeling warm from their sincere blessings.

However, beneath great renown often lurked even stronger undercurrents.

Just as Lin Da was preparing for the upcoming Golden Tripod Award ceremony, Producer Qin Ya made a special call.

"Lin Da, you're really making waves lately." Qin Ya's voice carried a hint of a smile, but also a touch of seriousness.

"However, a towering tree in the forest will be destroyed by the wind.

You're a hot commodity now, and there are many people watching you.

An occasion like the Golden Tripod Award is even more a focal point for various forces to contend.

You must be cautious in your words and actions, and absolutely do not let anyone catch you with any dirt."

"I understand, Sister Qin," Lin Da said gratefully, "I will be careful."

"Hmm, that's good." Qin Ya paused, then continued, "Oh, right, the company has already prepared your attire and styling team for the awards ceremony.

Someone will contact you tomorrow.

Although you are only a special guest at this Golden Tripod Award and have no nominated works, it is still a very rare exposure opportunity, so you must seize it well."

After hanging up the phone, Lin Da's eyes deepened.

He knew that Qin Ya's reminder was by no means groundless.

After that "Hongmen Banquet" in Beijing, although Xinghui Entertainment and Zhang Yang were severely damaged, it was hard to guarantee that other forces wouldn't develop hostility towards him due to jealousy or conflicts of interest.

The Golden Tripod Award red carpet and awards ceremony, while seemingly glamorous, were in fact a battlefield without smoke.

Every smile, every handshake, could conceal hidden agendas.

He had to be extremely vigilant to navigate this game of fame and fortune with ease.

In the evening, Lin Da received an unfamiliar call.

On the other end of the line was a slightly aged but robust voice.

"Is this young friend Lin Da? I am Qin Mufeng."

Lin Da's heart skipped a beat, and he quickly and respectfully said, "Old Qin! Hello! How could you..."

"Haha, what, you don't welcome an old man calling you?" Old Qin's voice carried a few hearty laughs.

"I heard from that boy Shengshi that you've been performing well in the chronicles of the great ming dynasty production.

That old fellow Zheng Guofeng is practically praising you to the heavens."

"Old Qin, you flatter me, this junior is undeserving," Lin Da quickly and modestly said.

"Alright, stop being so polite with me." Old Qin paused, and his tone became a bit more serious.

"I'm calling you today because I want to talk to you about some things concerning acting.

I've seen some of your clips; you have a lot of spirit and ideas.

However, in the handling of certain details, there still seems to be some... artificiality."

Artificiality?

Lin Da's heart tightened slightly.

This assessment was truly incisive.

He knew that although he had two lifetimes of experience and system assistance, in the highest realm of acting, compared to a towering figure like Old Qin, there was indeed still a considerable gap.

"Please, Old Qin, do not hesitate to enlighten me." Lin Da's tone was full of sincerity and eagerness.

"It's not about enlightening; I just want to chat casually with an interesting young man like you." Old Qin laughed, "Tomorrow is the Golden Tripod Award ceremony, and as a special guest, you'll probably be very busy.

How about this: after the Golden Tripod Award is over, if you have time, you can come to my home in Shanghai for a visit.

We, grandfather and grandson, can have a good cup of tea and talk about acting, how about it?"

Old Qin, actually invited him to his home as a guest, and wanted to "talk about acting" with him?

This was an enormous stroke of luck!

An indescribable excitement and gratitude surged in Lin Da's heart.

He knew that this was not just a simple visit, but an excellent opportunity to learn from an elder master and elevate his own acting realm!

"Old Qin! This junior... this junior couldn't ask for more!" Lin Da's voice trembled slightly with excitement.

"Haha, good! Then it's settled!" Old Qin laughed heartily, "This old man will be waiting for you in Shanghai."

After hanging up the phone, Lin Da's heart remained restless for a long time.

Old Qin's call undoubtedly gave him a strong boost, and also filled him with more anticipation for the upcoming Golden Tripod Award ceremony.

He knew that this trip to Shanghai was destined to become a crucial turning point in his acting career.

And he was already prepared to welcome the coming, star-studded night, and... that unknown future, full of opportunities and challenges!