68: After the storm, the prelude to the grand ceremony

The “smear campaign” incident at the Penguin Video Annual Gala was like a giant stone thrown into a calm lake, stirring up a huge commotion in the entire entertainment industry, and its subsequent impact was far more profound than Lin Da had initially anticipated.

Tianyu Media and Xinghui Entertainment, two entertainment companies that were considered reputable in the industry, became notorious overnight due to the foolish actions of Vice President Huang and Wang Hong, and the decisive measures taken by Chairman Li Shengshi.

Their stock prices plummeted, and they faced the biggest crisis of trust and public relations disaster since their establishment.

It is said that Tianyu Media held an emergency board meeting overnight, and Vice President Huang was immediately relieved of all his duties and ordered to issue a public apology and bear all related losses.

As for Xinghui Entertainment, Wang Hong’s fate was even more tragic; not only was she fired by the company, but she was also officially investigated by the police for suspected instigation and defamation, and severe legal punishment awaited her.

As for Zhang Yang, who was once so arrogant, after losing Wang Hong as his backer and Xinghui Entertainment’s strong support, he completely became a laughingstock in the industry, and his acting career was essentially declared over.

The so-called “friends” and “resources” that once surrounded him scattered like birds and beasts, disappearing without a trace.

This incident also sounded an alarm for the entire entertainment industry.

It made everyone realize that in this seemingly glamorous world of fame and fortune, strength and character are the true foundations for success.

Any attempt to gain prominence through crooked means will ultimately backfire and lead to ruin.

And Lin Da, after this incident, stood before everyone with an even more dazzling presence.

He not only proved his innocence with impeccable strength and wisdom but also won unanimous praise from both inside and outside the industry with his composure in the face of danger and his character of adhering to principles.

“This Lin Da not only acts well, but his character is also beyond reproach!”

“Yes, to be able to remain calm and calmly counterattack in the face of such malicious slander, this kind of temperament and wisdom is truly admirable!”

“I’ve become a fan! I will definitely follow Teacher Lin Da’s dramas from now on!”

On the internet, positive comments about Lin Da surged like a tide.

His high emotional intelligence and professional demeanor, which he had previously displayed during livestreams, were also re-examined and widely discussed by netizens.

His social media follower count skyrocketed by millions in just a few days, making him one of the most talked-about and highly anticipated new-generation actors.

The crew of the chronicles of the great ming dynasty even regarded Lin Da as a “lucky star” and a “stabilizing force.”

After the incident subsided, Director Zheng Guofeng specifically praised Lin Da’s professionalism and noble character in front of the entire crew and called on all cast and crew members to learn from him.

Teacher Chen Daoming also privately chatted with Lin Da for a long time, his words filled with admiration and expectations for this young junior.

He even joked that if there was a chance in the future, he would definitely have a good “verbal sparring session” with Lin Da.

The other crew members looked at Lin Da with kindness and admiration.

The previous estrangement and suspicion caused by rumors had long since vanished, replaced by genuine recognition and respect.

Lin Da did not become complacent because of this victory.

He still arrived on set on time every day, as usual, and treated every scene and every shot seriously.

He knew that an actor’s foundation would always be their work.

Only by truly successfully portraying the character of Wei Zhongxian could he completely shatter those rumors and doubts, and only then could he truly gain a firm foothold in the fiercely competitive capital.

He applied the Speech Spirit (Intermediate) skill rewarded by the system with increasing proficiency during filming.

When filming a scene where Wei Zhongxian conspired with several confidants to discuss how to deal with political enemies in the court, Wei Zhongxian, played by Lin Da, sat upright in the grand armchair, his eyes deep, his tone calm, but every word seemed to carry an undeniable power and convincing magic.

He analyzed the situation incisively; he deployed his forces meticulously.

The heroic aura of strategizing within the war room and winning battles from a thousand miles away was vividly portrayed by him.

The veteran actors playing the confidants on set were involuntarily drawn into that tense and exciting atmosphere when acting opposite him, as if they were truly immersed in a treacherous power struggle.

“Good! Excellent!” Director Zheng Guofeng watched excitedly from behind the monitor, “Lin Da, your Wei Zhongxian is no longer just acting; you are simply… ‘convincing’ everyone! Your line delivery, your linguistic charisma, it’s incredible!”

Lin Da smiled slightly, thinking to himself that the “one word settles all” effect of the Speech Spirit (Intermediate) skill was indeed extraordinary.

Just as the filming of the chronicles of the great ming dynasty was nearing its end, and Wei Zhongxian, played by Lin Da, was about to meet his ultimate fate, Producer Qin Ya found him again.

“Lin Da, I have good news for you.” Qin Ya’s face held a mysterious smile, “The first-round broadcast rights for the chronicles of the great ming dynasty have been pre-purchased by Penguin Video, the largest video platform in the country, at an astronomical price!

And they specifically requested that you, as a special representative of the crew, attend the platform’s Annual Gala next month in Shanghai!”

Penguin Video Annual Gala? Special representative?

A hint of surprise flashed in Lin Da’s eyes.

It seemed that his “fame-gaining battle” in the capital had achieved a phased victory.

And a new, broader stage was slowly unfolding before him.

Shanghai, he was back.

Only this time, his identity was completely different.

After the incident, Lin Da’s life seemed to return to its usual calm, but only he knew that beneath the calm surface of the lake, often lay more turbulent undercurrents.

He politely declined many media interviews and commercial event invitations, dedicating all his energy to filming the last few scenes of the chronicles of the great ming dynasty.

The character of Wei Zhongxian had become one with him.

He could clearly feel the character’s inner struggles, helplessness, and the deep-seated loneliness and sorrow.

The final scene was Wei Zhongxian, upon learning that his power was gone and the new emperor had ordered his death, drinking poisoned wine alone in a dilapidated courtyard, facing a withered plum tree.

This scene had no lines and relied entirely on the actor’s inner emotions and gaze.

Before filming, Lin Da sat quietly alone in a corner for a long time.

He did not deliberately try to conjure emotions but completely emptied himself to feel Wei Zhongxian’s desolation and… liberation in the last moments of his life.

When Director Zheng Guofeng called “Action,” Lin Da slowly opened his eyes.

His eyes were cloudy and hollow, as if he had seen through all the prosperity and illusion of the world.

He shakily picked up the cup of poisoned wine in front of him, his movements as slow as a truly frail old man on the verge of death.

He showed no hesitation or fear, just quietly looked at the poisoned wine in the cup, a faint, mocking smile even playing on his lips.

Was he mocking those who had betrayed him? Or was he mocking his own helpless, destined-to-be-tragic life?

No one knew.

He slowly brought the poisoned wine to his mouth and drank it all.

The pungent liquid slid down his throat, bringing a burning pain.

But there was no sign of pain on his face; instead, he revealed a hint of… relieved liberation.

He slowly closed his eyes, and his body softly collapsed, like the withered plum tree withering in the cold wind, ending his controversial and legendary life.

“Cut!”

Director Zheng Guofeng’s voice carried a barely perceptible choke.

The entire studio was dead silent.

Everyone was deeply shaken by Lin Da’s performance, which could be called a “swan song.”

They seemed to truly see that eunuch who wielded immense power yet lived a lonely life, and in the last moments of his life, all grievances and affections turned into fleeting clouds.

After a long while, thunderous applause erupted.

Lin Da slowly stood up from the ground and bowed deeply to everyone.

The character of Wei Zhongxian had wrapped up filming.

And he, Lin Da, was about to embark on his own, even broader and more brilliant… path to becoming a Diamond Male Lead!

The filming of the chronicles of the great ming dynasty concluded perfectly after Lin Da’s “swan song” wrap-up scene.

When Director Zheng Guofeng called out the final “Cut,” the entire crew erupted in thunderous applause.

Many crew members who had spent months with Lin Da couldn’t help but tear up.

They knew that this young actor, with his impeccable acting skills and charismatic personality, had conquered everyone and infused the freshest soul into this annual blockbuster.

“Lin Da, you’ve worked hard!” Director Zheng Guofeng stepped forward and gave Lin Da a strong hug, his voice tinged with reluctance and anticipation, “You’ve brought the character of Wei Zhongxian to life!

I dare say that after this drama airs, you, young man, will definitely soar!”

“Thank you, Director Zheng, for your guidance, and thank you to all the teachers in the crew for your care.” Lin Da’s eyes were also a little moist as he bowed deeply to everyone.

These months of filming were not just a test of his acting skills but also a valuable life experience.

Here, he gained recognition, friendship, and growth.

At the wrap-up party, Lin Da naturally became the center of attention.

Producers, directors, and lead actors all toasted him, their words full of praise and blessings.

Even the few veteran actors who had previously held some reservations about him were now completely won over by his skill and character, treating him like a brother and chatting happily.

Lin Da did not get carried away by these praises.

He knew that this was just the beginning.

The character of Wei Zhongxian was just an important milestone on his “Golden Supporting Actor” path.

His true goal was the broader and more challenging… Diamond Male Lead path!

Just as he was immersed in the joy of wrapping up and the anticipation of the future, the system’s notification sound rang in his mind again:

“Ding! Congratulations to the host for perfectly portraying the core supporting role ‘Wei Zhongxian’ in the chronicles of the great ming dynasty.

The character portrayal has deeply resonated with people, receiving consistent high praise from the director and core creative team!”

“The second phase of the [Golden Supporting Actor Path] mission: ‘Gaining Fame in the Capital,’ ‘Excellent portrayal of the character’ evaluation has reached S-rank!”

“Ding! Comprehensive evaluation of the host’s outstanding performance in the ‘Gaining Fame in the Capital’ phase (Character acquisition S-rank, Creator praise S-rank, Character portrayal S-rank, Public reputation S-rank), the second phase of the [Golden Supporting Actor Path] mission has been over-fulfilled!”

“Final mission evaluation: SSS-rank!”

“Mission rewards issued: Acting Points +200 (50 points for over-fulfillment), [Golden Supporting Actor Exclusive Skill Fragment] x1 (Two pieces collected), [System Mall Advanced Authority] unlocked, [Permanent Character Charm Enhancement (Intermediate)]!”

“[Permanent Character Charm Enhancement (Intermediate)]:

The host’s personal charm value has significantly increased, making it easier to gain others’ favor, trust, and attention, and becoming more attractive in social and performance settings.”

“Ding! Due to the host’s over-fulfillment of the phased mission and demonstration of excellent growth potential, special reward: [Diamond Male Lead Path · Journey Gift Pack] x1!”

A series of system prompts made Lin Da’s heart pound, and his eyes gleamed with uncontrollable joy!

SSS-rank evaluation! This was the highest honor he had ever received!

200 Acting Points, the second exclusive skill fragment, advanced mall authority, and that passive skill for permanently enhancing character charm! Every reward was incredibly generous!

What surprised him even more was the [Diamond Male Lead Path · Journey Gift Pack]! This was undoubtedly a clear guide and huge support from the system for his future development direction!

Lin Da suppressed the urge to open the gift pack immediately, his heart filled with infinite anticipation for the future.

A few days later, Lin Da bid farewell to the chronicles of the great ming dynasty crew and boarded a flight to Shanghai.

The Penguin Video Annual Gala, the most influential annual event held by an online audio-visual platform in the country, was about to kick off in Shanghai.

And he, Lin Da, would attend this star-studded gala as a special representative of the chronicles of the great ming dynasty crew.

The plane landed at Pudong International Airport, and as Lin Da walked out of the terminal, a moist sea breeze, distinctly different from Beijing’s, mixed with the unique prosperity and hustle and bustle of an international metropolis, swept over him.

Penguin Video’s reception staff were already waiting at the airport and took him directly to a top luxury hotel on the Bund.

Looking out from the floor-to-ceiling windows of the hotel room, the dazzling night view of both banks of the Huangpu River was fully visible: the Oriental Pearl Tower, the Jin Mao Tower, the Shanghai World Financial Center… these iconic buildings, once only seen on television, now stood majestically before him, radiating enchanting light.

After settling in, Lin Da did not rush to rest.

He changed into casual clothes and walked out of the hotel alone, strolling along the glittering Bund.

He wanted to personally experience the unique charm of this “Oriental Magic City” and also do some “mental preparation” for the upcoming Penguin Video Annual Gala.

He knew that tonight’s gala, for him, was not just a simple commercial event but also an important opportunity to showcase his value to the entire industry and expand future possibilities.

Just as he was immersed in the city’s prosperity and vitality, his phone suddenly vibrated.

It was a text message from Su Wanqing:

“Teacher Lin, welcome to Shanghai. I look forward to meeting you again at the Penguin Gala tomorrow night.

May I have the honor of inviting Teacher Lin to dinner after the gala to discuss the chang'an mystery script?”

Su Wanqing’s renewed invitation brought a knowing smile to Lin Da’s lips.

It seemed that this top actress was full of anticipation for the drama chang'an mystery, and… for him, the “male lead.”

“It is my pleasure, I would not dare to ask.” Lin Da quickly replied to the message.

He knew that tonight’s Penguin Video Annual Gala was destined to be a sleepless night.

And he was ready to embrace this new wave of events and write his own… new legend!