59: Hidden secrets

The text message from Miss Su on the phone screen looked particularly out of place amidst the noisy awards ceremony.

Su Wanqing?

Lin Da’s eyebrow twitched slightly as he quickly weighed his options. For this top-tier rising star to specifically arrange a meeting with him at such an important event, it certainly wasn't for a simple reunion or casual greetings.

“There’s something important to discuss…”

These four words were full of infinite possibilities and hidden unknowns.

Was it an opportunity? Or a trap?

Lin Da’s gaze lingered for a few seconds on the figure not far away, dressed in a magnificent evening gown, still dazzling and eye-catching amidst the surrounding stars.

He knew that Su Wanqing was no ordinary person. Her ability to maintain her position as a top-tier rising star in such a competitive entertainment industry was not only due to her beauty and acting skills but also inseparable from her extraordinary intelligence and superb social skills.

“System, perform a risk assessment on this text message from Su Wanqing,” Lin Da murmured inwardly.

“Ding! [Crisis Warning Card] No direct malice detected. However, target individual Su Wanqing has a special identity, and the purpose of this meeting is unclear, posing some unknown risks. It is recommended that the Host respond cautiously and consider using the [Interpersonal Insight Card] or [Aura Control] skill to obtain more information or control the conversation pace.”

No direct malice, but the purpose was unclear.

A knowing smile appeared on Lin Da’s lips.

He decided to meet this big star, Miss Su.

He quietly got up and, taking advantage of a break in the awards ceremony, subtly left his seat and walked towards the VIP lounge backstage, following the instructions in the text message.

The backstage area of the Golden Tripod Award was even busier and more complex than the front stage. Staff, security personnel, and some celebrities and guests waiting to go on or who had just come off stage, hurried about, constantly moving.

Lin Da, relying on his identity as a special guest of Hua Guang Film and Television and his pass bearing the logo of the chronicles of the great ming dynasty crew, smoothly passed several security checkpoints and arrived at the VIP lounge area deep backstage.

The security here was noticeably stricter, and everyone entering or exiting had to undergo a thorough identity verification.

Lin Da stated his name and Su Wanqing’s invitation, and a staff member responsible for reception, after confirming with Su Wanqing’s assistant, politely led him in.

The VIP lounge was elegantly and privately furnished; the soft lighting, comfortable sofas, and the faint aroma lingering in the air all made one feel relaxed.

Su Wanqing sat alone on a sofa by the window, holding a glass of red wine, gently swirling it, her gaze fixed on the dazzling night view outside, lost in thought.

Hearing footsteps, she slowly turned her head, and upon seeing Lin Da, a bright and charming smile appeared on her face.

“Teacher Lin, you’re here. Please, have a seat.” She gestured to the sofa opposite her, her voice soft, carrying a hint of… anticipation?

“Miss Su, you’re too kind.” Lin Da sat down on the sofa opposite her, his gaze calmly fixed on her. “May I ask, Miss Su, what urgent matter you wished to discuss by inviting me over so late?”

He didn’t engage in much small talk, getting straight to the point. He knew that in such a setting, time was precious, and there wasn’t much time for idle chatter.

Su Wanqing put down her wine glass, and a hint of approval flashed in her beautiful eyes. This Lin Da was indeed different. Ordinary young actors, upon seeing her, would either be too nervous to speak coherently or try every means to get close to her. Yet, he maintained a composed and calm demeanor, as if he were only facing an ordinary colleague.

“Teacher Lin is a straightforward person, so Su Wanqing won’t beat around the bush either.” Su Wanqing smiled slightly, her tone becoming a bit more serious. “I did invite Teacher Lin over this time to discuss an important matter, or rather… a presumptuous request.”

“Please speak, Miss Su.”

“I’m currently preparing a new film, a historical suspense film,” Su Wanqing said slowly, her gaze fixed on Lin Da’s eyes. “This film is the first production invested and produced by my personal studio, and I will also serve as the female lead and… co-producer.”

Lin Da’s heart stirred slightly. Su Wanqing was going to be a producer and make a film herself? This was no small matter in the entertainment industry.

“We’ve been refining the script for this film for nearly two years, and we are very confident that it will be a well-received and commercially successful masterpiece,” Su Wanqing continued. “However, regarding the male lead, we haven’t found a particularly suitable candidate.”

She paused, a glimmer of anticipation in her eyes: “Until… I saw Teacher Lin’s performance in the chronicles of the great ming dynasty trailer, and your conversation during the live broadcast.”

“I feel that you, whether in acting, temperament, or understanding of the character, perfectly meet the requirements for the male lead in our film. So… I would like to presumptuously ask, Teacher Lin… are you interested in starring as the male lead in our film?”

Male lead?!

Lin Da’s pupils suddenly constricted!

He never expected that Su Wanqing invited him over to ask him to star as the male lead in her new film!

This was simply… a godsend!

One must know, what level of existence was Su Wanqing? A film where she personally serves as the female lead and producer would undoubtedly attract immense attention! If he could star in such a film, and as the male lead no less, it would undoubtedly be an unparalleled opportunity for Lin Da to rise to prominence!

His acting career would directly leap from “golden supporting actor” to the ranks of “A-list male leads”!

However, after the immense surprise, Lin Da quickly calmed down.

He knew there was no such thing as a free lunch. While Su Wanqing choosing him certainly involved an acknowledgment of his acting skills, it probably also involved other deeper considerations.

“System, perform a risk assessment on this ‘invitation’ from Su Wanqing,” Lin Da murmured inwardly.

“Ding! Target event: Starring as the male lead in a film produced by Su Wanqing’s studio. Risk assessment: Low to medium. Opportunity assessment: Extremely high.”

“Detailed analysis: This project is led by Su Wanqing, the script quality is high, and the production team is guaranteed. If the Host successfully stars, it will significantly increase his popularity, industry status, and commercial value. Potential risks mainly come from possible power struggles within Su Wanqing’s studio, and the public pressure and acting challenges the Host may face as a newcomer taking on a male lead role.”

“Overall recommendation: Opportunity far outweighs risk, it is recommended that the Host actively pursue it. Consider using items such as [Advanced Network Expansion Card] or [Acting Master Experience Card (Fragment)] to increase success rate and cope with subsequent challenges.”

Opportunity far outweighs risk!

Lin Da instantly made his decision.

He looked at Su Wanqing’s beautiful eyes, which were full of anticipation and scrutiny, and a confident smile appeared on his face:

“Miss Su, it is my honor to receive your favor.”

“I am very interested in this role!”