60: The Road to Male Protagonist

“I’m very interested in this role!”

Lin Da’s clear and affirmative answer made Su Wanqing’s beautiful eyes, which had been filled with a mix of scrutiny and anticipation, instantly light up with surprise.

“That’s wonderful, Teacher Lin!” Su Wanqing’s smile grew even brighter as she extended her hand and shook Lin Da’s again. “I knew you wouldn’t disappoint me!”

Her hand was soft and warm. As they shook hands, Lin Da could feel a slight firmness in her fingertips, a decisive and controlling touch befitting a producer.

“It’s my honor to have Miss Su’s trust,” Lin Da said with a smile. “However, I am still a newcomer with limited experience. Isn’t it… too risky for Miss Su to entrust such an important leading male role to me?”

His words were both humble and a probing test. He wanted to know whether Su Wanqing chose him for his potential or for other deeper considerations.

Upon hearing this, Su Wanqing put away some of her girlish coyness, her eyes becoming serious and focused, gleaming with the shrewdness and confidence of a producer:

“Teacher Lin, you’re underestimating yourself.”

“I’ve witnessed your acting skills, and they’ve been recognized by seniors like Director Zheng Guofeng and Teacher Chen Daoming. I believe that an actor who can portray a complex character like Wei Zhongxian so vividly definitely has the ability to handle the male lead in our film.”

She paused, her tone carrying an undeniable certainty: “Moreover, when I, Su Wanqing, select actors, I never look at experience; I only look at ability and… feeling.”

“The feeling you give me is that you are the only choice for this role.”

Lin Da looked into Su Wanqing’s eyes, filled with trust and expectation, and a surge of ambition rose within him.

“With Miss Su’s trust, Lin Da will certainly go all out and live up to the expectations,” he said solemnly.

“Good!” Su Wanqing nodded with satisfaction, her smile becoming even more sincere. “Our film, tentatively titled ‘Chang’an Mystery,’ is an ancient costume suspense detective film. The male lead is a Dali Temple Young Minister who appears unrestrained but is actually meticulous and exceptionally talented. This character has a very rich inner world; he needs to possess a cynical, bohemian charm, yet also have the wisdom and responsibility to see through people’s hearts and turn the tide at crucial moments.”

“It certainly sounds like a very challenging role,” Lin Da’s eyes sparkled with excitement. He loved challenges, and even more, he loved roles that allowed him to fully showcase his acting skills.

“I believe Teacher Lin will be able to portray him perfectly,” Su Wanqing said with a smile. “For this film, we’ve invited Director Li Mo, who is known in China for directing suspense films and is a frequent recipient of the Golden Tripod Award. As for the other main actors, they are still being cast, but it’s certain that it will be a golden team with both talent and good looks.”

Director Li Mo? Lin Da was not unfamiliar with that name. This director was known for his unique narrative style and precise control over suspenseful atmospheres, having directed many critically acclaimed and commercially successful suspense films. Collaborating with such a director was undoubtedly another valuable learning opportunity for Lin Da.

“Teacher Lin,” Su Wanqing continued, “If you have no issues, after the Golden Tripod Award ceremony concludes, my team will contact you as soon as possible to discuss the specific contract and subsequent arrangements. I will also send you the script at the first opportunity.”

“Understood, Miss Su. I await your news at any time,” Lin Da nodded.

Just then, there was a gentle knock on the VIP lounge door, and Su Wanqing’s agent entered, reminding her in a low voice: “Su Wanqing, it’s almost time. The Best Actress award is about to be presented.”

Upon hearing this, Su Wanqing showed a hint of apology: “I apologize, Teacher Lin, it seems our conversation will have to pause here.”

“Please, Miss Su,” Lin Da stood up to see her off.

“Then… Teacher Lin, shall we meet again at the awards ceremony?” Su Wanqing smiled enchantingly, her beautiful eyes carrying a meaningful glint.

“Yes.”

Watching Su Wanqing gracefully depart, Lin Da’s mood, like the dazzling night view of the magical city outside the window, was filled with infinite possibilities.

From an unknown extra to now collaborating with a top actress and starring as the male lead in a major film, all of this felt like a dreamlike journey.

But he knew it wasn't a dream.

This was something he had earned with his own strength and sweat, step by step!

Just as he was about to leave the VIP lounge and return to the main hall of the awards ceremony, the system’s prompt sounded in his mind again:

“Ding! Detected that the host has successfully received a verbal invitation for the male lead role in the important film project ‘Chang’an Mystery’!”

“The [golden supporting role system] special advancement quest has been issued: ‘From Gold to Diamond—The Trial of the Male Lead’s Path’!”

“Quest Objective: Successfully sign and brilliantly portray the male lead in the film ‘Chang’an Mystery,’ earning high recognition from the industry and audience (Specific criteria: After the film’s release, professional film review website rating not lower than 7.5, personal character reputation rating not lower than 8.5, and receive at least one Best Actor nomination from a mainstream film award).”

“Quest Reward: Acting Points +200, [Golden Supporting Role Exclusive Skill—Character Possession (Beginner)] activated, [System Mall Diamond Tier Access] unlocked, [Mysterious Gift Package] x1.”

“Quest Hint: From a Golden Supporting Role to a Diamond Male Lead, it’s not just a change in status, but a comprehensive test of strength and mindset. Please continue your efforts, host, and climb to new heights!”

A new advancement quest! And the rewards were so generous!

Especially the [Character Possession (Beginner)] skill and [System Mall Diamond Tier Access] made Lin Da’s heart burn with excitement.

It seemed the system also recognized his “leap” and had planned a brand new growth path for him.

Lin Da’s eyes sparkled with even greater determination.

“Chang’an Mystery” would be a new starting point, a new challenge, and a new… legend in his acting career!

He straightened his suit, took a deep breath, and with steady steps, re-entered the star-studded main hall of the awards ceremony.

He knew that tonight in the magical city, his brilliance was just beginning!

And the Golden Tripod Award stage was about to witness the rising of a new star!