70: The aftermath of the grand ceremony, asking for the truth

On the stage of the Penguin Video Annual Gala, the verbal battle initiated by Vice President Huang ultimately ended with Lin Da's complete victory.

The thunderous applause, like invisible giant waves, shattered the pale and distorted faces of Vice President Huang and Wang Hong. They could no longer maintain their composure and, under the disdainful and mocking gazes of the crowd, almost embarrassingly fled from everyone's sight, hiding in the most inconspicuous corner of the banquet hall, their eyes filled with resentment and unwillingness.

After this battle, Lin Da's reputation in the industry undoubtedly rose to a new height. He not only conquered the audience with his impeccable acting skills but also won the respect of everyone present with his calm wisdom and resonant words.

In the latter half of the gala, Lin Da clearly felt that the gazes directed at him were more enthusiastic, and more... complex than before.

Some directors and producers who had previously only given him a nod of acquaintance now actively approached him to chat, their words full of admiration and intentions for cooperation. Some popular young artists also put aside their usual arrogance, giving him kind smiles and gestures of goodwill.

Lin Da responded calmly, neither humble nor arrogant. He knew this was the reality of the fame and fortune arena. When you are weak, no one cares; when you are strong, the world will treat you kindly.

"Little Lin, you've really done me proud today!" Chairman Li Shengshi walked over, his face flushed, holding a wine glass, and patted Lin Da's shoulder forcefully. "That Huang fellow, and that Wang Hong, I wonder how they'll have the face to stay in this industry after this!"

"Chairman Li, you flatter me," Lin Da said with a humble smile. "I just didn't want to be slandered for no reason."

"Haha, what a 'didn't want to be slandered'!" Li Shengshi laughed heartily. "Little Lin, your courage and spirit impress me, old Li, even more than your acting! From now on, in our circle, if you have any trouble you can't solve, just come to me! Although I, Li Shengshi, am not a big shot, protecting a talented young man like you is more than enough!"

Li Shengshi's words were undoubtedly a declaration of his stance and attitude to Lin Da and everyone present. He was determined to vigorously promote Lin Da!

Lin Da felt a warmth in his heart and said gratefully, "Thank you for your kindness, Chairman Li. I will remember it."

Just then, Su Wanqing also walked over gracefully. She had changed out of her luxurious evening gown into a more simple and capable white suit, but it still couldn't hide her outstanding temperament and beautiful appearance.

"Teacher Lin, congratulations," Su Wanqing said with a sincere smile, her beautiful eyes sparkling with an unusual light. "Your performance on stage just now was truly spectacular! Su Wanqing is utterly impressed!"

She paused, her tone carrying a hint of expectation: "I wonder if Teacher Lin is free tonight? I'd like to... discuss the chang'an mystery script with you in more detail. Director Li Mo is also very much looking forward to meeting you."

Lin Da looked at Su Wanqing's eyes, full of anticipation and scrutiny, and understood. This top-tier actress not only had exquisite acting skills, but her wisdom in seizing opportunities and expanding her network was also first-rate.

"It's my honor to discuss the script with Miss Su and Director Li Mo," Lin Da responded with a smile. "However, tonight might be a bit inconvenient. Qin Mu Feng, Old Qin, and I had an agreement earlier that after the Golden Tripod Award, I would visit his residence to seek his guidance."

He skillfully brought out the "great mountain" of Qin Mu Feng, Old Qin, subtly declining Su Wanqing's invitation for the evening while also subtly elevating his own standing.

Upon hearing this, a flicker of imperceptible surprise flashed in Su Wanqing's beautiful eyes. She hadn't expected that Lin Da could actually get a personal summons from Old Qin! He was a revered figure whom even she couldn't easily meet!

"So it's an appointment with Old Qin, then Su Wanqing won't disturb Teacher Lin," Su Wanqing quickly regained her composed smile, her tone carrying a hint of genuine envy. "To receive guidance from Old Qin is Teacher Lin's good fortune. Then... shall we arrange a time after Teacher Lin returns from Old Qin's place?"

"Certainly," Lin Da nodded.

The gala, amidst its enthusiastic yet subtly turbulent atmosphere, gradually drew to a close.

Although Lin Da did not win any awards, his performance tonight was more eye-catching than many of the award winners. He successfully resolved a crisis with his strength and wisdom and earned more recognition and respect.

Just as the gala was about to end and everyone was preparing to leave, a middle-aged man in a black suit with gold-rimmed glasses, who looked like an assistant to some important figure, quickly walked up to Lin Da and said respectfully:

"Hello, Mr. Lin. I am Qin Mu Feng, Old Qin's assistant. Old Qin asked me to tell you that he is hosting a dinner at his home tomorrow night and specifically invites you to come for a few drinks, and by the way... to discuss some matters regarding acting."

Old Qin actually personally invited him to dinner!

An indescribable excitement and... a hint of even greater anticipation surged in Lin Da's heart.

He knew that this trip to Shanghai was more than just a simple awards ceremony for him.

A new journey, full of opportunities and challenges, had just begun!

And he was already prepared to welcome the even more magnificent future that was about to arrive!

The lingering warmth of the Penguin Video Annual Gala had not completely dissipated, but Lin Da's heart had already flown to another, more important "feast"—Qin Mu Feng, Old Qin's family dinner.

This was not merely a simple visit, but more like a junior's "seeking guidance" from a senior. To receive personal instruction from this titan of the Chinese film industry was an opportunity many young actors dreamed of.

Lin Da knew that Old Qin's status and influence in the industry far surpassed that of Li Shengshi, Su Wanqing, and others. Every word he spoke, every evaluation he made, could have a profound impact on his acting career.

Therefore, before attending the dinner, Lin Da deliberately secluded himself in his hotel room, meditating and adjusting his state. He did not deliberately prepare any flowery prose or clever remarks, but rather silently reviewed his two lifetimes of acting experience and his understanding of art in his mind.

He knew that in front of a wise man like Old Qin, any pretense or trickery would appear pale and powerless. Only sincerity, only reverence for art, could truly move him.

In the evening, Old Qin's assistant arrived punctually at the hotel downstairs in a car.

It was an inconspicuous black Hongqi sedan, low-key and steady, just like the impression Old Qin himself gave.

Lin Da changed into a simple and elegant Zhongshan suit, which he had specially prepared for this visit. He didn't want to appear too ostentatious, nor did he want to lose respect for his senior.

The car weaved through the bustling streets of Shanghai and finally drove into a quiet alley. At the end of the alley was an ancient courtyard house. Green bricks and gray tiles, a vermilion gate, and two majestic stone lions in front of the door all revealed the owner's extraordinary status and profound heritage.

"Mr. Lin, Old Qin is waiting for you in the study," the assistant respectfully opened the car door for Lin Da and led him into this historical courtyard.

Inside the courtyard, rockeries were verdant, and winding paths led to secluded spots. Several winter sweet blossoms proudly bloomed in the cold wind, emitting a faint fragrance. The air was filled with a calming scent of ink and tea.

Lin Da's heart also couldn't help but settle down.

Inside the study, the lighting was soft. Old Qin was sitting behind an antique desk, engrossed in a thread-bound ancient book. He was wearing a loose cotton Tang suit, his hair meticulously combed, and a kind smile on his face, like an old man next door.

"Old Qin, your junior, Lin Da, greets you," Lin Da stepped forward and bowed respectfully.

"Heh heh, Little Lin is here, quickly, sit down, sit down," Old Qin put down the book in his hand and pointed to an armchair opposite the desk, his tone gentle, without any pretense.

Lin Da sat down as instructed, but he dared not show the slightest slackness in his heart.

"That kid Shengshi told me that you've been quite the talk of the town recently on the set of the chronicles of the great ming dynasty," Old Qin said with a chuckle, a hint of imperceptible scrutiny in his eyes. "That old fellow Zheng Guofeng rarely praises a young person like that."

"Old Qin, you flatter me," Lin Da quickly and humbly said. "I was just lucky to encounter a good script, a good director, and the meticulous guidance of all the senior teachers, which allowed me to make a tiny bit of progress."

"Luck?" Old Qin shook his head, his eyes deepening. "On the path of an actor, luck is important, but how far one can ultimately go still depends on strength and... comprehension."

He paused, then changed the subject: "I saw the video of you responding to Vice President Huang's Make things difficult at the Penguin Video Annual Gala. Little Lin, not only are you good at acting, but you're quite eloquent too."

Lin Da's heart subtly tightened at these words. He hadn't expected Old Qin to have paid attention to that incident.

"I was just forced into it at the time; I didn't want to be slandered for no reason," Lin Da said with a wry smile.

"Hmm, neither humble nor arrogant, reasonable and restrained, handled quite appropriately," Old Qin nodded, then shook his head. "However, young man, being too sharp is not necessarily a good thing. Our industry is very deep. Sometimes, knowing how to hide your talents is more important than knowing how to show them."

Old Qin's words, seemingly a reprimand, were in fact full of a senior's care and guidance for a junior.

Lin Da's heart trembled, and he immediately stood up, bowing again: "Thank you for your teaching, Old Qin! Your junior will always keep it in mind!"

"Heh heh, sit down, no need to be so formal," Old Qin waved his hand, signaling Lin Da to sit down. "I invited you here today not to put on airs as a senior, but just to chat about acting and life with an interesting young man like you."

He personally poured Lin Da a cup of clear tea. The tea fragrance wafted, refreshing and calming.

"Little Lin," Old Qin took a sip of tea and slowly began, "I watched the clip of you playing Wei Zhongxian, and it was very flavorful. Especially the complexity and layering in his eyes, which is truly rare among young actors. Can you tell me how you understood this character?"

It's finally here!

Lin Da knew that this was Old Qin's true purpose for inviting him tonight.

He took a deep breath and, without reservation, slowly and clearly explained his understanding of the character Wei Zhongxian, as well as some of his insights and experiences during the portrayal process to Old Qin.

He began by discussing Wei Zhongxian's background, analyzing his psychological state and behavioral logic at different periods; he then explained from the perspective of acting techniques how he used details such as eyes, tone, and body language to express the character's inner struggles and helplessness.

He did not deliberately show off any profound theories, nor did he boast about how exquisite his acting skills were. He simply used the most sincere language to share his reverence for the character and his passion for acting.

His Speech Spirit (Intermediate) skill was used to perfection at this moment. Every word he spoke seemed to carry a unique infectiousness, making the listener involuntarily immerse themselves in the character's world he described.

Old Qin listened quietly, nodding from time to time, his eyes sparkling with increasing brilliance.

He didn't interrupt Lin Da, nor did he raise any questions. He simply listened attentively like a patient audience member to this young man's unique insights into the art of acting.

When Lin Da finished his last word, the study fell into a brief silence.

After a long while, Old Qin slowly spoke, his voice carrying a hint of undisguised admiration:

"Good! What a Wei Zhongxian! What a Lin Da!"

He looked at Lin Da, his eyes filled with satisfaction and... a hint of expectation.

"Little Lin, your understanding of the character has exceeded my expectations. You not only portrayed Wei Zhongxian's 'form' but also his 'soul'!

This level of comprehension, this spiritual insight, is truly... invaluable!"

To receive such high praise from Old Qin, an indescribable excitement surged in Lin Da's heart.

Just then, Old Qin's assistant gently knocked on the study door and whispered, "Old Qin, it's getting late, you should rest."

Old Qin nodded and said to Lin Da, "Little Lin, let's stop here for tonight. This old man is a bit tired."

He paused, a meaningful glint flashing in his eyes: "However, I do have a small 'challenge' here that I'd like to test you with. I wonder if you're interested in taking it on?"

A challenge?

Lin Da's heart stirred slightly.

He knew that the real test had just begun!