62: Olive branch from giants, script controversy

Vice President Huang of Tianyu Media's promise of "going up another level" was like a sugar-coated stone thrown into a calm lake, carrying an alluring sweetness but also a hidden, unknown vortex.

Lin Da held his wine glass, his face still maintaining that gentle and humble smile, but deep in his eyes, a subtle hint of vigilance flickered.

He knew that this Vice President Huang was by no means a good person. Tianyu Media's reputation in the industry had always been mixed. They were good at generating traffic, and their speed in making stars famous was indeed astonishing, but their methods were often criticized, with rumors of exploiting artists and malicious hype (malicious hype) being commonplace.

"Vice President Huang truly thinks too highly of a junior like me," Lin Da smiled slightly, his [Words of Power (Elementary)] skill quietly operating, making his voice sound exceptionally sincere and earnest. "It is my honor to gain the favor of Tianyu Media. However, I am still a contract actor with Hua Guang Film and Television, and the filming of the chronicles of the great ming dynasty has just begun. Director Zheng Guofeng and Producer Qin Ya both have high hopes for me. Discussing changing companies at this time seems... a bit inappropriate."

His words were impeccable. He expressed his "honor" towards Tianyu Media while cleverly bringing up Hua Guang Film and Television and Director Zheng Guofeng, two "big mountains," to subtly convey his stance.

Vice President Huang's eyes flashed with a hint of undetectable disappointment, but the smile on his face remained undiminished: "Oh, Teacher Lin, you are mistaken. A good bird chooses its tree to nest in, and a wise minister chooses his lord to serve. While Hua Guang Film and Television is a large company, its resources are limited, and competition is extremely fierce. For a talented and potential young actor like you, if you can get a broader platform and a more professional team to operate, your future achievements are absolutely limitless!"

He paused, his tone carrying a persuasive allure: "To be honest, Teacher Lin, our Tianyu Media is currently preparing several S-level major production projects, and the settings for some of the male leads are simply tailor-made for you! If you are willing to come over, I guarantee that the company will spare no effort to make you the top male actor in the country!"

S-level major productions! Male lead! Top resources!

These words were fatally attractive to any young actor eager to make a name for themselves in the entertainment industry.

Lin Da's heart couldn't help but stir slightly. But he quickly calmed down. He knew that behind these seemingly beautiful promises often hid unknown costs.

"Vice President Huang's kindness is appreciated," Lin Da's tone remained calm, but his eyes grew deeper. "However, as a person, I, Lin Da, have always believed in the word 'righteousness.' Hua Guang Film and Television and Director Zheng gave me full trust and opportunities when I was still an unknown newcomer. I will never forget this kindness. Before the filming of the chronicles of the great ming dynasty is completed, I will never do anything that would harm the reputation of Hua Guang Film and Television or Director Zheng."

He spoke with absolute certainty, his words ringing true. He not only stated his principles and bottom line but also subtly hinted that he was not the kind of person who would abandon loyalty for profit.

His eyes, empowered by the Qi Chang Control - Focus skill, were filled with an undeniable resolve.

Vice President Huang's smile finally stiffened slightly. He hadn't expected this Lin Da to be so unyielding, impervious to both soft and hard tactics. He had originally thought that with Tianyu Media's reputation and the generous conditions he promised, it would be enough to sway this rising newcomer. But he hadn't expected the other party to value "loyalty" so much.

"Teacher Lin is indeed a man of character, I, Huang, admire you," Vice President Huang chuckled dryly, his tone now carrying a hint of aloofness. "However, Teacher Lin, people strive for higher places, and water flows to lower places. The entertainment industry is ever-changing, and opportunities are fleeting. Sometimes, a correct choice can change one's life's destiny. I hope Teacher Lin can seriously consider my suggestion. The doors of our Tianyu Media are always open for you."

After he finished speaking, he no longer pestered Lin Da, picked up his wine glass, and turned to walk to the other side of the banquet hall, looking for his next "prey."

Lin Da watched Vice President Huang's retreating back, his eyes narrowing slightly.

He knew that this Vice President Huang would never give up so easily. A company like Tianyu Media, once it set its sights on a target, would often resort to any means necessary.

It seemed that his path in the capital would now have another "opponent" to guard against.

Just then, a slightly chilling voice sounded not far behind him:

"Teacher Lin, you're really putting on airs, daring to refuse Vice President Huang of Tianyu Media to his face. It seems that now that you've latched onto high branches like Chairman Li Shengshi and Miss Su Wanqing, you look down on us small fry?"

Lin Da turned around and saw Wang Hong of Xinghui Entertainment holding a glass of red wine, looking at him with a forced smile, her eyes filled with venom and… a subtle hint of schadenfreude.

She had clearly overheard Lin Da's conversation with Vice President Huang just now.

Lin Da looked at this woman, who clung to him like a maggot, and sneered inwardly.

It seemed some people truly forgot their pain once their wounds healed.

"Manager Wang is joking," Lin Da's tone was calm, and the Aura Control - Intimidation skill quietly released a targeted pressure. "I, Lin Da, am just an unknown nobody, how dare I look down on anyone? I just feel that in life and in work, one must always follow some rules and uphold some bottom lines. Unlike some people who resort to any despicable means to achieve their goals."

Although his words didn't name names, everyone present understood that he was subtly alluding to Wang Hong's previous attempt to frame him.

Wang Hong's face instantly turned ashen, and the hand holding her wine glass trembled slightly. She hadn't expected Lin Da to dare to expose her old wound in public!

"You!" Wang Hong trembled with rage, just about to erupt.

A clear and pleasant voice suddenly sounded behind her:

"Manager Wang, such a temper is not like your usual smooth and diplomatic style."

Su Wanqing had, at some point, gracefully walked over, a bright and captivating smile on her face, but her eyes were like two sharp ice blades, piercing directly at Wang Hong.

"Teacher Lin is the specially invited male lead for our chang'an mystery, and also a partner whom I, Su Wanqing, greatly admire. If Manager Wang has any dissatisfaction with him, you might as well tell me directly. Although I, Su Wanqing, am just a junior, I am willing to seek justice for Teacher Lin."

Su Wanqing's words were neither humble nor arrogant, yet they were full of the intent to protect Lin Da. She not only highlighted Lin Da's important position in her new drama but also subtly warned Wang Hong not to act rashly again.

Wang Hong looked at the top-tier actress, who was radiating a full aura, and the ill-intentioned assistants and bodyguards behind her. The anger in her heart was instantly doused by more than half. She knew that although Su Wanqing was young, her status and influence in the industry were far beyond her own. If they truly fell out, she would be the only one to suffer.

"Miss... Miss Su is joking," Wang Hong forced out a smile that was uglier than a cry. "I... I was just joking with Teacher Lin, there was no... no ill intent."

After she finished speaking, she scurried away, not even having the courage to stay for another second.

Lin Da watched Wang Hong's embarrassed retreating figure, then glanced at the righteous big star beside him, a warm feeling welling up in his heart.

"Thank you, Miss Su, for helping me out," he said sincerely.

"Teacher Lin, you're too polite," Su Wanqing smiled sweetly, a hint of slyness flashing in her beautiful eyes. "We are partners; helping each other is only natural. Besides, I can't stand the smug look on some people's faces."

She paused, her tone becoming a bit more serious: "However, Teacher Lin, you must also be more careful. Vice President Huang of Tianyu Media and Wang Hong of Xinghui Entertainment are not to be trifled with. You are currently in the limelight, and it's inevitable that you will attract jealousy and schemes from some people. In the future, when navigating the industry, you must be cautious in your words and actions and protect yourself."

"I understand, thank you for the reminder, Miss Su," Lin Da nodded.

It seemed that this Golden Tripod Award celebration banquet was truly a place of hidden currents and disputes.

However, he, Lin Da, was not so easily defeated.

The hustle and bustle and brilliance of the Golden Tripod Award receded like a tide, and the night sky of Shanghai was still dotted with stars, yet also held unseen turbulent currents.

Lin Da returned to his hotel room and carefully hung up the expensive custom-made suit. Outside the window, the never-sleeping lights of the magic city reflected in his deep and calm eyes.

Tonight's experience was like a magnificent dream, yet so real it made his heart palpitate.

Chairman Li Shengshi's favor, Actress Su Wanqing's invitation, Qin Mu Feng, Old Qin's invaluable advice, and… Vice President Huang of Tianyu Media's olive branch with a hidden dagger, as well as Wang Hong of Xinghui Entertainment's resentful and unwilling gaze.

All of this unfolded slowly before his eyes like a complex scroll.

"[golden supporting role system] Special Advancement Mission: 'From Gold to Diamond - The Trial of the Male Lead's Path'…"

Lin Da silently recited this new mission, an indescribable surge of ambition rising in his heart.

From a golden supporting role to a diamond male lead, this was not just a change in identity, but a comprehensive test of strength and mindset.

And the male lead of chang'an mystery was undoubtedly his first, and most crucial, step on this "diamond path."

Just then, his phone screen lit up; it was an email from Su Wanqing's assistant.

Attached was the complete script for chang'an mystery.

Lin Da's heart couldn't help but beat a little faster. He took a deep breath and opened the document.

Under the light, he began to study it carefully.

chang'an mystery, as the name suggests, tells a story set in Chang'an City during the prosperous Tang Dynasty. A series of bizarre and mysterious cases occur one after another, causing panic and hidden currents. And the male lead Lin Da is about to portray—Li Mubai, the Shaocheng (Vice Minister) of Dali Temple—is the key figure who, under this backdrop, takes on the dangerous mission, meticulously unraveling clues, and seeking the truth.

This Li Mubai, on the surface, is unrestrained and cynical, appearing like a dissolute young master, but in reality, he is meticulous in thought, keenly perceptive, exceptionally talented, and deeply hidden. He possesses both the youthful vigor and passion of a young man, and a maturity and wisdom beyond his age. Amidst the treacherous court struggles and complex Jianghu grievances, he is like a sharp blade, cutting through layers of fog and directly pointing to the core of the cases.

"Interesting…" Lin Da read with great interest, a smile unconsciously curving at the corner of his mouth.

This role was completely different from Wei Zhongxian, whom he had played before. If Wei Zhongxian was deep and reserved, erupting under suppression, then Li Mubai was outwardly unrestrained, revealing his sharp edge unintentionally.

This strong contrast was undoubtedly a huge test for an actor's performing skills and character portrayal ability.

But precisely because of this, it was more challenging and could better stimulate Lin Da's creative desire.

He could almost imagine himself wearing that dashing Tang Dynasty official uniform, holding a folding fan, in the streets and alleys of Chang'an City, outwitting and outmaneuvering various people from all walks of life, and in the imperial court, engaging in verbal sparring with cunning and powerful officials.

That would definitely be… incredibly satisfying!

Just as Lin Da was immersed in the world of the script, making preliminary conceptualizations and interpretations of the character Li Mubai, there was a gentle knock on his hotel room door.

"Knock, knock, knock."

The sound was very soft, with a hint of caution.

Lin Da frowned slightly. Who would it be at this late hour?

He got up and walked to the door, looking out through the peephole, only to find no one there.

"Strange…"

He was about to turn around when the corner of his eye caught sight of something seemingly tucked under the door crack.

He bent down and picked it up.

It was an unmarked envelope, very thin, and it seemed to contain only one piece of paper.

A premonition of ill omen rose in Lin Da's heart.

He tore open the envelope and pulled out a neatly folded white paper.

On the paper, there was not a single word, only a… photo taken with a mobile phone.

The background of the photo seemed to be in a dimly lit bar private room. The image was a bit blurry, but Lin Da still recognized the two people in the photo at a glance.

One of them was none other than himself!

And the other was someone he never dreamed would appear in such a setting—

The young stagehand from the chronicles of the great ming dynasty crew, whom he had personally sent to the police station earlier because of the "ancient sword falling" incident!

In the photo, the two seemed to be talking about something. Lin Da's face had a faint smile, while the stagehand looked startled and uneasy.

The angle of this photo was extremely tricky, and the lighting was handled just right, making it easy for people to have a… misconception that Lin Da and the stagehand were in private contact, or even engaging in some kind of "transaction"!

Lin Da's face instantly darkened.

He knew this was a setup! It was a frame-up!

And it was more malicious and insidious than any previous attempt!

Once this photo circulated, coupled with some exaggerated text, it would be enough to completely destroy the good reputation he had painstakingly built!

It might even implicate the chronicles of the great ming dynasty crew and Director Zheng Guofeng!

"What a vicious method!" A cold glint flashed in Lin Da's eyes.

He could almost certainly say that behind this, the shadows of Xinghui Entertainment and Tianyu Media were indispensable. They were relentless, determined to put him to death!

Just then, his phone vibrated again.

It was still a text message from that unknown number, the content even more arrogant and triumphant:

"Teacher Lin, did you receive the photo? Surprised? Unexpected? A word of advice: a wise man submits to circumstances. Some people are not to be provoked by you. Voluntarily withdraw from chang'an mystery and publicly apologize, otherwise… this photo will appear on the front pages of major entertainment media tomorrow!"

Naked threat! Unconcealed coercion!

Lin Da's hand, holding the phone, trembled slightly with anger.

He knew that a new, more dangerous storm had quietly arrived!