61: The starlight falls, and the dark tide rises again

When Lin Da returned to the Golden Tripod Award ceremony's inner hall, it was just as the Best Actress award was about to be announced.

The atmosphere in the entire venue reached a new peak. The spotlights focused on the nominated actresses, each of whom was a top talent in the domestic film industry, and at this moment, their faces showed expressions of both nervousness and anticipation.

Lin Da's gaze involuntarily fell upon Su Wanqing, who was seated in the front row.

She wore an ice-blue long dress, looking as beautiful as a celestial fairy untouched by worldly dust under the dazzling lights. At this moment, she too held her breath slightly, and those eyes that usually held a hint of cunning and liveliness now rarely revealed a subtle trace of nervousness.

"The winner of this year's Golden Tripod Award for Best Actress is—" The presenter, a highly respected veteran artist, deliberately drew out his words, keeping everyone in suspense.

Inside the venue, there was a moment of silence.

"Su Wanqing! 'Wind Whispers, Cranes Cry'!"

When this name was read out by the presenter, the entire venue instantly erupted in thunderous applause and cheers!

Su Wanqing's face bloomed into a surprised and brilliant smile. She elegantly rose, embraced the director and companions beside her in greeting, and then gracefully walked towards the stage that symbolized glory and dreams.

Flashbulbs drowned her like a tide.

She stood on the stage, holding the heavy Golden Tripod Award trophy, her eyes slightly red, her voice carrying a hint of a choke, yet still maintaining her composure and elegance:

"Thank you to the Golden Tripod Award jury for their recognition, thank you to all the colleagues of the 'Wind Whispers, Cranes Cry' crew for their hard work, thank you to all the fans and friends who have always supported me..."

Her acceptance speech was sincere and touching, earning applause from everyone present.

Lin Da also sincerely applauded her. This young Best Actress not only possessed astonishing beauty but also had matching strength and wisdom. For him, collaborating with such a figure was undoubtedly a rare opportunity.

The awards ceremony continued, with awards being announced one after another.

Although Lin Da was only an observer, he was also infected by the passion and dedication to film art at the scene. He saw the persistence and legacy of the older generation of filmmakers, as well as the Sharpness and innovation of the younger generation.

This night, stars shone brightly, and dreams sparkled.

After the ceremony, there was a grand celebration banquet.

As a special guest, Lin Da naturally received a lot of attention. Some directors and producers who had only vaguely heard of him before, after witnessing his composed demeanor at the welcome dinner and awards ceremony tonight, all proactively approached him to chat, exchange contact information, and expressed intentions for collaboration.

Chairman Li Shengshi even introduced him to more industry bigwigs, expanding his high-end network significantly.

After receiving her award, Su Wanqing also specifically came over to toast Lin Da, with a sincere smile in her beautiful eyes: "Teacher Lin, thank you again for agreeing to star as the male lead in 'chang'an mystery'. I will have my assistant send you the script tomorrow. I hope we have a pleasant collaboration!"

"Miss Su, you're too kind." Lin Da responded with a smile, "It's my honor to collaborate with you and Director Li Mo. I will definitely give my all and live up to your expectations."

The two exchanged a smile, everything unspoken.

However, beneath this seemingly harmonious facade of clinking glasses and merriment, Lin Da keenly sensed an unusual undercurrent.

He noticed that Wang Hong of Xinghui Entertainment, although her reputation had been ruined by the previous "framing" incident, still shamelessly appeared at the celebration banquet tonight. She was like a venomous snake lurking in a dark corner, her eyes fixed on Lin Da with resentment, as if ready to pounce and bite at any moment.

And that once arrogant Zhang Yang had completely disappeared from everyone's sight. Presumably, he was now hiding in some corner, licking his wounds, plotting how to make a comeback, or... how to retaliate.

Lin Da knew that this storm was probably not truly over.

Great fame is often accompanied by greater crises.

Just as he was exchanging pleasantries with several industry seniors, a well-dressed, bespectacled middle-aged man with a refined appearance subtly approached him, holding a wine glass.

"Teacher Lin Da, I've heard much about you." The middle-aged man said with a smile, his voice gentle, yet carrying a subtle shrewdness, "I am Vice President Huang of Tianyu Media."

Tianyu Media?

Lin Da's heart stirred slightly. He had heard of this company; it was another powerful entertainment giant in China, especially skilled at promoting flow celebrities and creating entertainment topics.

"Hello, Vice President Huang." Lin Da responded politely.

"Teacher Lin," Vice President Huang lowered his voice, speaking in a volume only audible to the two of them, "You've been quite the talk of the town lately. However, a tree that stands out in the forest will be destroyed by the wind. Have you ever considered finding a stronger backer, a more professional team, to escort you?"

His words were suggestive.

Lin Da's eyes flickered slightly, not immediately responding.

"We at Tianyu Media have always greatly appreciated young actors with strength and potential like Teacher Lin." Vice President Huang continued, his tone full of temptation, "If you are willing to consider it, Tianyu can provide you with the industry's top resources and most professional packaging, guaranteeing that your acting career will reach new heights!"

Another one extending an olive branch.

However, unlike Li Shengshi's straightforward generosity and Su Wanqing's sincere admiration, Vice President Huang's words carried a shrewdness peculiar to businessmen and... a subtle sense of pressure.

Lin Da's lips curved into a faint arc.

It seems the aftermath of the Golden Tripod Award is far from over.

A new game of chess, it seems, is quietly unfolding.

And he, Lin Da, was ready to face this new challenge.

He wanted to see what kind of spectacular drama would unfold in this magical city after the stars faded!