63: Dark clouds over the city, Jedi counterattack

A cold threat, like a viper's tongue flicking out, With a chilling chill， Lingering on Linda's fingertips.

He held his phone, the veins on the back of his hand slightly bulging, but in his deep eyes, a more intense rage burned than ever before, and… a hint of cold determination.

Withdraw from "chang'an mystery"? Publicly apologize?

What a pipe dream!

These hyenas, hiding in the dark corners, challenged his bottom line again and again. Did they really think Lin Da was a lamb to be slaughtered?

"System, can this photo analyze more information?" Lin Da muttered in his heart, his voice terrifyingly calm.

"Ding! 【Eye of Truth (Beginner)】 has been activated. Photo analysis in progress…"

"Analysis results: The photo was taken with a common smartphone, approximately a week ago in the evening, at a KTV bar private room in Beijing Circle. The photo has been slightly cropped and brightness adjusted to highlight specific visual effects, but there are no obvious signs of PS synthesis. In the photo, the distance, posture, and expression between the host and the target person (former crew member Wang) can indeed easily lead to negative associations such as 'private contact' and 'benefit transfer' under specific angles and lighting."

"The photographer has a certain anti-reconnaissance awareness and deliberately avoided other reference objects and people in the private room. However, judging from the subtle noise and light and shadow distribution in the photo, the photographer was no more than three meters away from the host and Wang at the time, and it is highly likely that they used the phone's zoom function."

No PS synthesis marks…

Lin Da's brows furrowed slightly. This indicated that the photo was indeed a "snapshot" of him and that crew member on some occasion.

But when had he ever met that crew member in a bar private room?

Lin Da quickly searched his memories.

A week ago… evening… a KTV bar in Beijing Circle…

A blurry fragment gradually became clear in his mind.

It was after the "Ancient Sword Fall" incident in the chronicles of the great ming dynasty crew had subsided. Director Wang (who had been promoted to executive director) organized a small gathering to calm him down and to celebrate the crew getting back on track. After the dinner, a few young actors and staff who were still in high spirits suggested going to a nearby KTV to sing.

Lin Da had also had a little to drink at the time, and unable to refuse their enthusiasm, he followed along.

In the KTV private room, he did indeed see Wang, the crew member who had been fired. At the time, Wang seemed to have drunk too much and came over to toast him, his words full of regret and apology, and he also spoke some details about how Sun Hao and Zhang Yang had coerced and enticed him.

Lin Da didn't pay too much attention at the time, just politely clinked glasses with him, chatted briefly, and then ignored him.

He never expected that such a short few minutes of contact would be so meticulously secretly photographed and even fabricated into so-called "dirt"!

"Good! Very good!" A cold killing intent flashed in Lin Da's eyes.

The other party's trick of "substitution" and "taking out of context" was truly masterful!

If this photo really appeared on the headlines of major entertainment media tomorrow, coupled with some exaggerated text, then Lin Da would probably be unable to defend himself and his reputation would be ruined!

"System, what useful items can all my current prestige points and integral be exchanged for?" Lin Da asked in a deep voice.

"Host's current prestige points: 3500 points. integral: 850 points."

"Key items available for exchange: 【Public Opinion Reversal Card (one-time use)】 (consumes 1000 prestige points), 【Advanced Network Expansion Card】 (already owned), 【Crisis Warning Card (one-time use)】 (already owned), 【Acting Grandmaster Experience Card (fragment)】 (already owned), 【Acting Enhancement Fluid (Intermediate)】 (already owned)."

"New items available for exchange: 【Evidence Collection Drone (miniature, one-time use)】 (consumes 500 integral, can fly continuously for 30 minutes, highly concealed, can be remotely controlled for shooting and evidence collection), 【Hacker Technology Introduction (skill book)】 (consumes 2000 prestige points, can master basic hacker technology after learning)."

Evidence collection drone? Hacker technology introduction?

Lin Da's eyes lit up slightly. These two new items and skills seemed to be very targeted.

It's just that time was too tight. The other party threatened to leak the photo tomorrow, and for him to learn hacker technology now, or to operate a drone to collect evidence, might be too little too late.

Although the 【Public Opinion Reversal Card】 was powerful, it could only be used after the event occurred, and it was a one-time use, only treating the symptom, not the root cause.

He had to find a more direct and effective way to completely crush the other party's conspiracy before the photo was exposed!

Lin Da paced back and forth in the room, his mind racing.

He knew that since the other party dared to use such means, they must have made thorough preparations, and perhaps even bribed some media, preparing for overwhelming press releases.

What he had to do now was not just to prove his innocence, but to… take the initiative to attack! To make those enemies hiding in the dark pay a heavy price!

Suddenly, his gaze fell on his phone, on the unfamiliar number signed "L."

Chairman Li Shengshi!

A bold idea flashed through his mind.

Li Shengshi had extensive connections in the Beijing Circle film and television industry, with powerful influence. If he could get his help, perhaps…

Lin Da took a deep breath, his eyes becoming firm.

He knew this was a risky move. Actively seeking help from Li Shengshi would undoubtedly put him in a relatively passive position, and it might also make the other party think he had ulterior motives.

But now, he had no better choice.

He picked up his phone and dialed the unfamiliar number.

The phone rang a few times and was quickly answered.

"Hello? Who is this?" Li Shengshi's slightly hoarse but strong voice came from the other end of the line.

"Chairman Li, hello, I'm Lin Da." Lin Da's voice was calm and steady, "I'm really sorry to bother you so late. It's just that I've encountered some trouble and… I'd like to ask for your help."

Li Shengshi on the other end of the phone was silent for a few seconds.

Then, his hearty laughter rang out again: "Haha, little brother Lin, you finally called me on your own! Tell me, what trouble have you encountered? As long as I can help, I will not refuse!"

A warm current surged in Lin Da's heart.

He knew he had made the right gamble with this move!

He briefly explained the photo incident and his suspicions to Li Shengshi.

Li Shengshi on the other end of the phone, after listening, his tone instantly became cold: "Outrageous! These bastards are getting more and more lawless! Little brother Lin, don't worry, I will take care of this matter!"

"Send me that photo and the threatening message. I want to see who has the guts to mess with someone I, Li Shengshi, value!"

"Thank you, Chairman Li!" Lin Da said sincerely.

"Don't mention it!" Li Shengshi snorted, "You rest assured, wait for my good news tomorrow morning!"

After hanging up the phone, Lin Da's heart finally settled down a little.

He knew that with Li Shengshi's intervention, this crisis might see a turning point.

But he also understood that the real confrontation had just begun.

He had to be fully prepared to face the "headline storm" that was destined to be anything but calm tomorrow!

He opened the system mall and looked at the 【Evidence Collection Drone】, his eyes flashing slightly.

Perhaps, this thing could also come in handy…

In the early morning of the Magic City, sunlight filtered through the heavy curtains, casting a faint glow on the room's floor.

Lin Da had not slept all night.

He was not anxious or afraid, but calmly thinking about countermeasures, and at the same time silently accumulating strength, waiting for the "headline storm" that was destined to be anything but calm.

Sure enough, as soon as dawn broke, the internet world was like a depth charge thrown in, instantly exploding!

The headlines of major entertainment media were almost simultaneously occupied by a photo of "Lin Da secretly meeting with a mysterious man in a bar, suspected of engaging in improper transactions"!

The photos were taken from tricky angles, with ambiguous lighting.

Lin Da’s polite smile was interpreted by those with ulterior motives as “a tacit understanding,” while the former crew member Wang’s panic and unease were described as “guilt after being caught red-handed.”

This was immediately followed by an overwhelming flood of “in-depth reports” and “insider revelations.”

Some claimed that Lin Da, in his bid for advancement, had bribed crew members with large sums of money to gain more opportunities.

Others alleged that Lin Da had a chaotic private life, frequently visited entertainment venues, and colluded with various shady characters.

Even more shockingly, the “Ancient Sword Fall” incident was rehashed, implying that Lin Da and the crew member Wang had colluded long before, and that the accident was merely a self-orchestrated ploy to frame Sun Hao and Zhang Yang, elicit sympathy, and generate buzz!

For a time, the internet was rife with negative rumors and speculation.

Countless unsuspecting netizens were swayed by the narrative, flooding Lin Da’s social media accounts and the official platform of the chronicles of the great ming dynasty with various offensive comments and insults.

“I can’t believe Lin Da is this kind of person! So disappointing!”

“You never truly know a person! I thought he was a breath of fresh air!”

“Boycott tainted artists! the chronicles of the great ming dynasty must replace Lin Da!”

The onslaught of the internet trolls was like a surging tide, threatening to completely drown Lin Da.

In the office of Xinghui Entertainment, Wang Hong looked at the one-sided negative comments online, a sinister and triumphant smile spreading across her face.

“Lin Da, I’d like to see how you’ll recover this time!” She slammed her coffee cup onto the table, her eyes filled with the thrill of revenge, “Fighting me? You’re still too green!”

Vice President Huang of Tianyu Media also watched the unfolding situation with interest.

Although he hadn’t directly participated in this “smear campaign,” he was naturally pleased to see Lin Da, this uncooperative newcomer, stumble.

However, just as these masterminds behind the scenes were celebrating, believing Lin Da was doomed this time, an unexpected counterattack, with the force of a thunderbolt, suddenly descended!

At exactly nine o’clock in the morning, Shengshi Film and Television, one of the most influential film and television giants in China, suddenly released a strongly worded statement on its official social media platform!

In the statement, Chairman Li Shengshi publicly supported Lin Da in his personal capacity!

He not only sternly condemned the malicious slandering and framing but also directly released several clear and undeniable KTV private room surveillance videos, authenticated by professional agencies!

The videos clearly recorded the entire process of Lin Da’s interaction with the crew member Wang that night.

Wang took the initiative to offer a toast, his words filled with regret and apology for the previous “Ancient Sword Fall” incident, and he detailed how he had been coerced and enticed by Sun Hao and Zhang Yang into doing something foolish.

Lin Da, meanwhile, maintained politeness and restraint throughout, offering a few simple words of comfort before ignoring him.

The entire process was open and aboveboard, a stark contrast to the “private meetings” and “improper transactions” described in the “smear campaign”!

Not only that, Shengshi Film and Television’s statement also included a lawyer’s letter issued by a top legal team, sternly warning the media and individuals spreading rumors that they reserved the right to pursue legal responsibility!

This statement, like a flash of lightning piercing through the darkness, instantly illuminated the entire internet!

Those netizens who had previously been swayed by the internet trolls instantly woke up after seeing the clear surveillance video and Chairman Li Shengshi’s strong support, turning their allegiance and beginning to denounce the rumor-mongers and masterminds behind the scenes.

“Holy crap! It’s a reversal! So Lin Da was framed!”

“Those marketing accounts and internet trolls are truly disgusting! They’ll fabricate any lie to smear someone!”

“Chairman Li Shengshi is awesome! This is truly the demeanor of a big shot!”

“My heart aches for Lin Da! To be so maliciously framed and still remain calm, it’s incredibly difficult!”

Online public opinion underwent a dramatic reversal in just a few hours!

Those internet troll accounts that had been frantically attacking Lin Da, like cockroaches exposed to light, deleted their posts and fled.

And those marketing accounts involved in spreading rumors were so scared they fell silent, quickly apologizing and clarifying.

When Wang Hong and Vice President Huang saw Shengshi Film and Television’s statement and the clear surveillance video, the triumphant smiles on their faces instantly froze, replaced by endless horror and… despair!

They never imagined that Li Shengshi would go to such great lengths for a mere Lin Da! Nor did they expect Lin Da to be able to produce such damning evidence!

That surveillance video, like a sharp dagger, not only completely shattered their conspiracy but also exposed their ugly faces in broad daylight!

Just as the online storm intensified, Lin Da’s personal social media account quietly posted a new update.

It was a short video.

In the video, Lin Da, dressed in Wei Zhongxian’s costume from the chronicles of the great ming dynasty, had calm and profound eyes, and his tone was indifferent yet carried an undeniable power:

“The pure remain pure, and the turbid remain turbid.

Thank you to all friends who believe in me and support me.

Rumors stop with the wise, and justice resides in people’s hearts.

I, Lin Da, will repay everyone’s love with better works.

As for those hiding in dark corners, attempting to pollute this industry with despicable means, I only want to say one thing—”

He paused, a cold arc forming at the corner of his mouth, and the skills [Words of Power (Elementary)] and [Aura Control - Intimidation] were activated simultaneously at this moment!

“Good and evil will eventually be repaid, and the way of heaven is a good cycle.

If you don’t believe it, look up, who has Heaven spared?!”

This video, like the last straw that broke the camel’s back, completely ignited the emotions of netizens!

“Teacher Lin is domineering!”

“Well said! Who has Heaven spared?!”

“Support Teacher Lin in protecting his rights! Severely punish the masterminds behind the scenes!”

A carefully planned online ambush ultimately not only failed to harm Lin Da in the slightest but instead propelled his popularity and prestige to a new peak!

And those enemies hiding in the shadows, trembling in this tumultuous backlash of public opinion, awaited their… judgment!

Lin Da looked at the gradually brightening sunlight outside the window, a confident smile on his lips.

He knew he had won this desperate counterattack!

And his path as a golden supporting actor would undoubtedly become even more brilliant because of this!

Just then, the system’s notification sound rang in his mind again:

“Ding! Congratulations to the host for successfully resolving a major online public opinion crisis targeting himself, and with the help of wisdom and allies, achieving a perfect counterattack!”

“The second phase of the [Golden Supporting Actor’s Path] mission: ‘Gaining Fame in Beijing Circle,’ and the goal of ‘Character Reputation Score reaching above 8.0 (Professional Film Review Website Standard),’ has received overwhelming positive public opinion support, and the mission completion rate has greatly increased!”

“Ding! Host’s reputation value has skyrocketed! Current reputation value: 6000 points!”

“Ding! Due to the host’s excellent psychological quality, adaptability, and strong personal charisma demonstrated in crisis management, the proficiency of the [Words of Power (Elementary)] skill has greatly improved! It has successfully advanced to [Speech Manipulation (Intermediate)]!”

“[Speech Manipulation (Intermediate)]: The host’s language infectivity and persuasiveness are further enhanced, making it easier to guide the audience’s emotions, gain deep recognition, and there is a certain chance of triggering the ‘Decisive Word’ effect (at critical moments, a single sentence can reverse the situation or influence others’ important decisions).”

“Ding! System Mall has unlocked new items: [Perfect Disguise Mask (One-time)], [Crisis Transfer Card (One-time)].”

The incredibly generous rewards made Lin Da’s mood as brilliant as the sunlight outside the window!

Especially the advanced [Speech Manipulation (Intermediate)] skill, it was simply a divine artifact tailor-made for him!

It seemed that this “dark cloud pressing down on the city” crisis was, for him, another… opportunity to return with a full load!