69: Departure gift pack, grand ceremony undercurrent

The morning light in the Demon Capital, filtered through the floor-to-ceiling windows of the luxurious hotel, gently illuminated Lin Da's face.

He had slept lightly all night, his mind replaying the system's exciting prompts and Su Wanqing's expectant dinner invitation.

"[Diamond Male Lead's Path - Inauguration Gift Pack]..."

Lin Da sat up from the bed, his eyes gleaming with excitement. He knew this gift pack would be a significant boost on his new journey.

He took a deep breath and silently chanted in his mind: "System, open the [Diamond Male Lead's Path - Inauguration Gift Pack]!"

"Ding! [Diamond Male Lead's Path - Inauguration Gift Pack] has been opened! Congratulations, Host, on receiving the following rewards:"

"1. [Deep Script Analyzer (One-time)] x1: Can perform a deep analysis of a specified script, providing multi-dimensional analysis reports on character motivation, emotional progression, potential explosive points, and more."

"2. [Protagonist Aura Experience Card (Beginner, Three Uses)] x1: After use, can experience a beginner protagonist aura in specific situations, enhancing one's presence and charisma for 30 minutes."

"3. Acting Points +100."

Deep Script Analyzer! Protagonist Aura Experience Card! And 100 Acting Points!

Lin Da's heart pounded; the contents of this gift pack were simply tailor-made for him!

The [Deep Script Analyzer] was undoubtedly a timely help for the "chang'an mystery" script he was about to study. And the [Protagonist Aura Experience Card] would allow him to better showcase his charm and seize more opportunities in key situations.

He unhesitatingly allocated the 100 Acting Points equally to "Image and Temperament" and "Dialogue Proficiency," two attributes crucial for a male lead.

After doing all this, Lin Da got out of bed and began preparing for tonight's Penguin Video Annual Gala.

In the afternoon, the professional styling team sent by Hua Guang Film and Television arrived on time. From hairstyle to makeup, from gown to accessories, every detail was meticulously polished, striving to present Lin Da's most perfect side to the national audience.

Lin Da in the mirror wore a custom-tailored dark blue starry night textured suit by a top Italian designer, its fitted lines outlining his tall and slender figure. The exquisite makeup perfectly highlighted his deep eyes and defined features, with a composure and confidence in his brows that belied his age.

"Teacher Lin, your styling is simply too handsome!" The stylist looked at his masterpiece and couldn't help but exclaim, "Tonight on the red carpet, you will definitely be the most dazzling guy!"

Lin Da smiled faintly, saying nothing. He knew that while outward splendor was important, inner calmness and strength were his true confidence.

In the evening, the red carpet ceremony of the Penguin Video Annual Gala officially kicked off amidst much anticipation.

Lin Da's exclusive limousine slowly pulled up to the beginning of the red carpet. The car door opened, and he calmly stepped out, instantly engulfed by deafening screams and a flurry of flashing lights.

"Lin Da! Lin Da! Look this way!"

"Wei Zhongxian! You're so handsome!"

The fans' enthusiasm was like a surging tide, almost engulfing the entire red carpet area.

Lin Da wore a gentle and confident smile, calmly waving to the media and fans on both sides. His innate [Permanent Character Charm Enhancement (Intermediate)] effect, along with the quietly activated [Aura Control- Affinity] skill, made him exude a unique charm that felt like a spring breeze. Even compared to long-established top stars, he was not at all inferior, but rather added a unique sense of composure and elegance.

"Teacher Lin Da! What are your expectations for the upcoming broadcast of the chronicles of the great ming dynasty?"

"Teacher Lin Da! We heard you're collaborating with Actress Su Wanqing on the new film 'chang'an mystery' and taking on the male lead role. Can you share some related information with us?"

Facing the barrage of questions from media reporters, Lin Da responded calmly and articulately. The use of his [Speech Manipulation (Intermediate)] skill made him eloquent and flawless. He not only appropriately promoted the chronicles of the great ming dynasty and expressed his admiration for his seniors but also skillfully avoided sensitive questions, showcasing his professionalism and personal charm, earning the unanimous favor of the media present.

After the red carpet segment, Lin Da was guided by staff into the main venue of the gala.

The entire venue was lavishly decorated, sparkling with stars and filled with distinguished guests.

Lin Da's seat was arranged relatively forward and had an excellent view. Beside him were many familiar faces with considerable influence in the industry.

Chairman Li Shengshi was still his cheerful and bold self. Upon seeing Lin Da, he enthusiastically pulled him to exchange greetings with several film and television company executives. Su Wanqing also nodded to him from afar, her beautiful eyes carrying a hint of expectant smile.

However, beneath this facade of clinking glasses and joyous camaraderie, Lin Da keenly sensed an unusual undercurrent.

He noticed that Vice President Huang of Tianyu Media, although his reputation had been ruined by the previous "framing" incident, still shamelessly appeared at the gala tonight. He was whispering with several other high-ranking executives from Tianyu and some individuals who appeared to be investors, their eyes occasionally glancing towards Lin Da, a faint cold smile playing on his lips.

And beside Vice President Huang, Lin Da also saw a familiar figure—Wang Hong, the Xinghui Entertainment executive who had tried to frame him with despicable means at the Beijing banquet!

Although she had changed into a more understated outfit, her resentful eyes were still fixed on Lin Da, as if she wanted to devour him alive.

These two people, they both showed up here!

An alarm blared in Lin Da's heart. He knew these people would not give up easily. Tonight's gala was probably another "Hongmen Banquet" targeting him!

Just then, the gala lights suddenly dimmed, and melodious music began to play, signaling that the annual gala was about to officially begin.

Lin Da's gaze turned towards the dazzling stage, his eyes deep and calm.

He knew that a new challenge had quietly arrived.

And he was ready to face this new storm, to crush all conspiracies against him!

He wanted to see what new tricks these clowns could pull tonight!

The stage of the Penguin Video Annual Gala was resplendent and star-studded.

One by one, highly anticipated awards were announced, and the winners, amidst thunderous applause and flashing lights, excitedly held up their trophies, sharing their glory and joy.

Lin Da sat in the guest section, quietly observing the grand ceremony. He did not feel disappointed or impatient just because he was an "onlooker"; instead, he treated it as a rare opportunity to learn and observe. He carefully listened to each winner's acceptance speech, feeling their passion and dedication to the art of performance; he also silently observed the words and actions of the industry magnates below the stage, learning their art of navigating this world of fame and fortune with ease.

As Penguin Video's most anticipated drama for next year, the chronicles of the great ming dynasty naturally occupied a significant portion of the gala. A meticulously edited, three-minute exclusive preview was powerfully broadcast on the giant LED screen, instantly igniting the atmosphere of the entire venue.

In the preview, Emperor Yongle's brilliant strategies, the unpredictable twists and turns of the imperial court, and... Lin Da's portrayal of Wei Zhongxian's unfathomable gaze and morally ambiguous aura, all left an extremely deep impression on the guests present and the hundreds of millions of netizens watching the live broadcast.

"This Wei Zhongxian is quite interesting!"

"Played by Lin Da? Can't tell he's a newcomer at all!"

"That gaze, that aura, it's amazing! the chronicles of the great ming dynasty is a must-watch!"

On the bullet screen, the discussion about Lin Da and Wei Zhongxian once again sparked a small climax.

Midway through the gala, the host specifically invited several main creators of the chronicles of the great ming dynasty onto the stage for a brief interaction and promotion.

As the crew's "special guest representative," Lin Da was naturally among them.

He stood shoulder to shoulder with Teacher Chen Daoming, who played the Emperor Yongle, and several other veteran actors with important roles in the drama, facing the countless attentive gazes from the audience with calm and composure, neither humble nor arrogant.

"Teacher Lin Da," the host handed the microphone to Lin Da, a professional smile on her face, "We all know that the Wei Zhongxian you portrayed in 'the chronicles of the great ming dynasty' is a very complex and challenging role. Can you share with us what your biggest insight was when shaping this character?"

Lin Da took the microphone, his gaze calmly sweeping over the audience. The Speech Manipulation (Intermediate) skill quietly activated at this moment. His voice, gentle and magnetic, clearly echoed throughout the entire venue:

"It is a great honor to have the opportunity to portray such a captivating character as Wei Zhongxian. For me, the process of shaping this role was more like a journey of dialogue with history and a game of chess with human nature."

"I have always believed that no matter the size of the role, whether good or evil, deep within its core, there must be something worth exploring and understanding. The historical figure Wei Zhongxian may be highly controversial, but in 'the chronicles of the great ming dynasty,' he is more like a complex individual caught in the vortex of power, swept forward by the currents of his era."

"I hope that through my portrayal, the audience will see not just a stereotypical 'treacherous official,' but a flesh-and-blood 'human' with struggles, helplessness, and even... a hint of warmth."

His words were neither humble nor arrogant, not only demonstrating his profound understanding of the character but also subtly raising the audience's expectations for the role of Wei Zhongxian.

Below the stage, many industry insiders nodded in approval, expressing their admiration for Lin Da's insights. Even Qin Mu Feng, Old Qin, seated at the main table, had a barely perceptible flicker of satisfaction in his cloudy eyes.

However, just as Lin Da was about to hand the microphone back to the host, a slightly abrupt voice, tinged with a hint of sarcasm, rang out from a corner of the guest seating area:

"Teacher Lin's words are truly more pleasant to listen to than singing! I just wonder if these 'profound insights' are Teacher Lin's own genuine feelings, or... 'standard answers' pre-arranged by some expert? After all, for Teacher Lin, at such a young age, to have such a 'profound' understanding of such a complex historical figure is truly 'admirable'!"

The voice was not loud, but it was like a poisoned needle, precisely piercing Lin Da and instantly breaking the harmonious atmosphere of the scene.

There was a moment of silence throughout the entire venue, and everyone's eyes instinctively turned towards the direction from which the voice came.

They saw Vice President Huang of Tianyu Media, holding a wine glass, looking at Lin Da on the stage with a fake smile, his eyes filled with undisguised provocation and disdain. Beside him, Wang Hong was also standing with her arms crossed, a gloating sneer on her lips.

They had clearly calculated the timing, intending to publicly embarrass Lin Da and make him lose face!

The host also didn't expect such a sudden situation and was momentarily caught off guard, beads of sweat appearing on her forehead. She quickly tried to smooth things over.

Chairman Li Shengshi and Su Wanqing in the audience also frowned slightly, a hint of displeasure flashing in their eyes.

Lin Da, however, smiled slightly at the host, signaling him to remain calm. Then, he turned his head, looking calmly at Vice President Huang, a faint curve on his lips, as if completely unaffected by the other party's provocation.

"Vice President Huang, that's a very interesting question."

His voice remained gentle, yet it carried an undeniable power. The effect of the Speech Manipulation (Intermediate) skill was maximized at this moment:

"I think, for an actor, whether it's their own genuine feelings or the guidance of a senior expert, the ultimate goal is to better shape the character and present a more wonderful work to the audience. This process itself is a process of learning and growth, isn't it?"

He paused, his eyes sharpening. The Aura Control - Intimidation skill also quietly released a targeted pressure, enveloping Vice President Huang:

"As for the 'standard answers' you mentioned, Vice President Huang... Lin Da is not talented, and I'm still new to the industry, so I really don't know when the art of acting started having 'standard answers'? Does Vice President Huang think that all roles should be understood in the same way and performed in the same manner?"

"If that were truly the case, wouldn't all of us actors become puppets produced on an assembly line? Then what would be the meaning of us gathering here today to discuss art and commend craftsmanship?"

"What's more," Lin Da's tone shifted, his gaze sweeping over all the audience members, his voice filled with sincerity and confidence, "My understanding of the character Wei Zhongxian is not mere conjecture, but stems from repeated study of the script, in-depth research into history, and... continuous exploration of human nature. I believe that all the seniors and colleagues present here also go through such a difficult yet enjoyable creative process when shaping every character."

"If Vice President Huang has a different perspective on my understanding, or a more brilliant insight, Lin Da is all ears and would be very happy to have a professional discussion with you. After all, the charm of art lies in communication and collision, doesn't it?"

His words were resonant and forceful! He not only cleverly refuted Vice President Huang's difficult question, elevating it to a discussion and reflection on the entire art of acting, but also subtly demonstrated his professional competence and humble attitude, instantly seizing the moral and public opinion high ground!

Vice President Huang's face turned pale and then green from Lin Da's words. He was speechless, unable to utter a single word for a long time. He never expected that this Lin Da not only had excellent eloquence but also such quick reactions. In just a few words, he had forced himself into an awkward situation where he was trapped and even somewhat humiliated!

He had originally intended to use this opportunity to publicly humiliate Lin Da and dampen his arrogance, but he never expected to be checkmated so thoroughly by the other party instead!

Inside the venue, there was a moment of silence, followed by even more enthusiastic applause than before!

"Well said!"

"Teacher Lin is amazing! This is the true spirit of an actor!"

"Some people, without substance themselves, only know how to be jealous of others!"

"Support Teacher Lin! Let strength speak!"

Even Qin Mu Feng, Old Qin, at the main table, couldn't help but nod slightly, a glint of approval flashing in his cloudy eyes.

Chairman Li Shengshi even clapped his hands and laughed heartily, openly showing his admiration for Lin Da and his disdain for Vice President Huang.

Su Wanqing's beautiful eyes also shifted, looking at the calm and composed Lin Da on the stage, her eyes filled with an unusual brilliance. This young man always brought her unexpected surprises.

Under the gaze and applause of the crowd, Vice President Huang felt his face burning, as if he had been slapped countless times. He knew that this time, he had lost again, and he had lost even more miserably and thoroughly than at the Golden Tripod Award welcoming banquet last time!

He hunched his shoulders and lowered his head, no longer daring to meet Lin Da's gaze, wishing he could find a hole to crawl into.

A carefully planned challenge ultimately served to further enhance Lin Da's reputation.

Amidst the applause, Lin Da bowed slightly to the audience, then handed the microphone back to the host, his achievements deeply hidden.

He knew that the drama of this grand event was far from over.

And he was ready to face more challenges, to write his own... even more brilliant legend!