71: Mr. Qin's "difficulties" and unexpected surprises

“A challenge?”

Lin Da’s heart rippled like a small stone dropped into water. He looked at Old Qin’s deep, somewhat playful eyes, knowing that this titan of the film industry would never speak without purpose.

This so-called “challenge” could be a true test, or it could be… an unexpected opportunity.

“Please speak, Old Qin.” Lin Da’s tone was calm, but his eyes were filled with anticipation and… a hint of imperceptible nervousness. He knew that every answer he gave next could influence Old Qin’s final evaluation of him.

Old Qin smiled slightly, picked up a piece of Xuan paper from his desk, and handed it to Lin Da: “You look at this first.”

Lin Da took the Xuan paper and saw a brief scene description written on it with vigorous brushstrokes:

Scene: A stormy night, inside a dilapidated temple.

Characters:

A: An old beggar, ragged and blind, clutching a cold steamed bun.

B: A young scholar, dressed in fine clothes but disheveled, who stumbled into the temple to escape the rain.

Situation: The scholar is hungry and cold. In the darkness, the old beggar hands his only steamed bun to the scholar.

Just a few lines, yet they sketched a scene full of dramatic tension.

“Little Lin,” Old Qin took a sip of tea and slowly began, “This scene has no dialogue. I want you to use your performance to present these two characters and their inner activities in this specific situation.”

“Time limit, five minutes.”

A performance without dialogue! And two completely different characters! And to present it within five minutes!

This… this was simply a hellish difficulty!

Lin Da’s heart sank sharply. He knew that Old Qin was testing his fundamentals, his ability to understand and shape a role, and even more so… his ability to move people purely through his acting, without any external assistance!

This was far more difficult than any previous audition or any scene filming!

The atmosphere in the study, at this moment, seemed to become somewhat solemn.

Old Qin’s assistant also subconsciously held his breath, his gaze fixed on Lin Da, wanting to see how this young man would respond to this seemingly impossible challenge.

Lin Da took a deep breath, trying to calm his chaotic thoughts.

He knew that at this moment, any tension or panic would be useless. Only calmness, only focus, only completely immersing himself in the role, could… create a miracle!

He slowly closed his eyes.

In his mind, he began to rapidly construct the scene of that stormy night inside the dilapidated temple.

The sound of wind and rain, the rumble of thunder, the musty smell of the temple, and… the despair and kindness of the old beggar, the dishevelment and longing of the young scholar.

The Aura Control (Intermediate) skill quietly activated at this moment. He did not choose “deterrence” or “affinity,” but instead tried to evoke a more restrained aura, one closer to the character’s inner world: “pity” and “resilience.”

Although the Speech Manipulation (Intermediate) skill had no dialogue to be used, its precise control over language rhythm and emotion subtly influenced his understanding and presentation of the character’s inner monologue.

The effect of the [Permanent Character Charm Boost (Intermediate)] also made every subtle expression and movement he made at this moment full of unique appeal.

Time passed, minute by minute.

Lin Da remained with his eyes closed, as if he had been isolated from the surrounding world.

Old Qin and his assistant did not make a sound to disturb him, just waited quietly.

Finally, after nearly three minutes of silence, Lin Da slowly opened his eyes.

At that moment, his gaze changed!

It was no longer Lin Da’s calmness and confidence, but instead filled with the cloudy, empty gaze of the blind old beggar… and a hint of desolation about the impermanence of life, deeply hidden in his eyes, and… the most basic desire for life.

His back instantly hunched, as if bent by the winds and frosts of time. His hands also became withered and slightly trembling, tightly guarding his chest, as if his only treasure in life was hidden there.

He slowly, gropingly, pulled out an… invisible “steamed bun” from his embrace.

The movement was so cautious, so reverent, as if what he held in his hands was not a cold steamed bun, but a heavy hope.

He brought the “steamed bun” to his nose, took a deep breath, and a satisfied yet somewhat bitter smile appeared on his face.

Then, he heard… the howling wind and rain outside the dilapidated temple, and… the stumbling footsteps of a young man entering.

His body instinctively flinched, and a flicker of vigilance and… an imperceptible hint of sympathy flashed in his eyes.

He fumbled, and with those calloused, slightly trembling hands, he slowly extended the cold “steamed bun” from his embrace towards the young scholar, who was also fumbling in the darkness.

There was no expression on his face, but his empty eyes seemed to contain a thousand words.

There was the pity of fellow sufferers, the kindness that had not yet been extinguished in despair, and even more… a most simple reverence for life.

A silent performance of just a few tens of seconds, yet it unfolded like a richly painted scroll before Old Qin and his assistant.

They seemed to truly see that stormy night, that dilapidated ancient temple, that ragged, blind old beggar, and the cold steamed bun in his hand… symbolizing life and hope.

Old Qin’s eyes sparkled with an increasingly bright light. He even subconsciously held his breath, fearing to disturb the young man who was completely immersed in the role before him.

However, just as everyone thought Lin Da’s performance was about to end, his gaze changed again!

The muddiness and sorrow belonging to the old beggar receded like a tide. In its place was a kind of… dishevelment, terror, and… the most instinctive craving for food in the midst of hunger and cold, belonging to the young scholar.

His body, which had been hunched, also straightened somewhat, though still with a hint of stumbling and weakness.

He seemed to see a blurry figure in the darkness, handing him a “steamed bun.”

His eyes were filled with unbelievable shock and… a heartfelt gratitude and… shame.

He stretched out his hand, trembling, and took the… life-saving “steamed bun.”

He did not devour it immediately, but first bowed deeply to the blurry figure.

Then, he brought the “steamed bun” to his mouth, carefully, and took a small bite.

At that moment, an incredibly complex expression appeared on his face. There was the relief of surviving a disaster, gratitude for the kindness of a stranger, helplessness at his own desperate situation, and even more… a renewed hope for the future, rekindled in despair.

Five minutes quietly slipped away.

When Lin Da emerged from the role and regained his own calmness and confidence, the study was still dead silent.

Old Qin stared at him, his eyes filled with unspeakable shock and… a hint of excitement.

After a long while, he slowly spoke, his voice carrying an imperceptible tremor:

“Little Lin… you… what you’ve given me is more than just a pleasant surprise.”

He paused, his eyes gleaming with admiration:

“What you’ve given me is… hope!”

“It is the… hope for the future of Chinese cinema!”

Just then, the system’s prompt sounded again in Lin Da’s mind:

“Ding! Congratulations to the host for successfully completing Qin Mufeng’s impromptu performance test and receiving his high recognition and praise!”

“The golden supporting role system mission: ‘First Experience of Gaining Fame in the Magic City,’ ‘Obtain clear cooperation intention or high praise from at least one of them’ objective has been over-fulfilled! Mission evaluation has further improved!”

“Ding! Due to the host’s excellent character shaping ability and emotional control displayed in the no-dialogue performance, special reward: [Golden Supporting Role Exclusive Skill — Realm of Silence (Beginner)] has been activated!”

“[Realm of Silence (Beginner)]: When the host performs without dialogue, he can more precisely convey the character’s inner activities through eyes, expressions, and body language, and generate stronger emotional resonance with the audience. As proficiency increases, the effect will be significantly enhanced.”

“Ding! Qin Mufeng’s favorability towards the host has greatly increased! He has regarded the host as a key training target and has decided to recommend an… unexpected opportunity to the host!”

An unexpected opportunity?

A strong premonition surged in Lin Da’s heart.

He knew that Old Qin’s “challenge” tonight was far more than just a simple test.

Behind it, there must be an even greater… surprise!

“An unexpected opportunity?”

Lin Da’s heart, like a stone dropped into a calm lake, rippled in layers, then quickly expanded into surging waves.

He looked at Old Qin’s deep, slightly smiling eyes, knowing that what this film industry titan would say next would be earth-shattering.

“Old Qin, your junior is all ears.” Lin Da’s tone was still respectful, but his voice was uncontrollably tinged with anticipation and nervousness.

Old Qin smiled slightly, motioning for his assistant to withdraw. In the study, only he and Lin Da remained, along with the rising aroma of tea.

“Little Lin,” Old Qin took a sip of tea and slowly began, his voice not loud, but carrying a wisdom that saw through worldly affairs, “Do you know why I have been out of the film industry for many years, yet still pay close attention to the younger generation of our Chinese cinema?”

Lin Da shook his head, his expression focused.

“Because I hope to see young people emerge who can truly carry the banner of Chinese cinema.” Old Qin’s eyes sparkled with the purest love and expectation for cinematic art, “They must have talent, inspiration, and even more, virtue and responsibility.”

He paused, his gaze burning as he looked at Lin Da: “And in you, I see this possibility.”

Lin Da’s heart leaped!

The weight of Old Qin’s words was too heavy!

“Old Qin, you flatter me; your junior is unworthy.” Lin Da quickly stood up and bowed deeply.

“Sit down, sit down.” Old Qin waved his hand, signaling him not to be constrained, “I, an old man, always speak frankly. If it’s good, it’s good. If it’s raw jade, it’s worth carving.”

He put down his teacup, his tone becoming a bit more serious: “The opportunity I’m talking about this time is related to a film.”

“An… epic big production led by a top Hollywood production team, with actors from multiple countries.”

Hollywood! Epic big production!

Lin Da’s pupils suddenly contracted!

This… this was simply a fantasy!

With his current qualifications and fame in China, let alone participating in a Hollywood big production, he wouldn’t even dare to dream of it!

“This film is tentatively titled ‘the last silk road echo’.” Old Qin continued, his voice carrying a hint of imperceptible pride, “It tells the story of a Western Regions envoy during the prosperous Tang Dynasty, who, bearing a mission, endured countless hardships and narrowly escaped death, finally reconnecting the lost Silk Road civilization.”

“And I, at the invitation of an old friend, serve as the art consultant for this film and am responsible for recommending several suitable Chinese actors.”

Lin Da’s heart was in his throat.

“There is a very important role in this film.” Old Qin’s gaze fell on Lin Da again, with a hint of scrutiny and a hint of expectation, “A… morally ambiguous, internally conflicted and struggling… famous general of the Great Tang.”

“This role does not have many scenes, but every appearance is crucial, being one of the key figures in driving the entire plot. It has extremely strict requirements for the actor’s acting skills, temperament, and even… eyes.”

“I had previously recommended several well-known and powerful domestic actors to Hollywood, but… they always felt something was missing.”

Old Qin paused here, looking at Lin Da, and said word by word:

“Until I saw your portrayal of Wei Zhongxian.”

“And I saw your silent performance just now.”

“Little Lin, that vigor in you, that control over the character, that ability to reveal the complexity of a character’s inner world in subtle details… makes me feel that you, perhaps, are the… best candidate for this role!”

Best candidate!

A thunderclap seemed to explode in Lin Da’s mind!

He never expected that the “unexpected opportunity” Old Qin spoke of would be… an important role in a Hollywood epic big production!

This was simply… a meteoric rise!

“Qin… Old Qin, are… are you serious?” Lin Da’s voice trembled slightly with excitement.

“I, an old man, never lie.” Old Qin smiled slightly, his eyes full of encouragement, “Of course, whether you can ultimately secure this role depends on your own strength and… Hollywood’s final decision.”

“Their selection of actors has always been rigorous. You need to prepare an all-English audition segment, and you will also compete with excellent actors from all over the world.”

“This path is not easy. But if you succeed, it will undoubtedly be a… qualitative leap for your future development!”

Lin Da took a deep breath, trying to calm his surging emotions.

He knew this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and an unprecedented challenge.

Hollywood, that is the highest temple for filmmakers worldwide. To have the opportunity to participate in it is a dream that many actors cannot achieve in their entire lives.

And now, this dream was right before him.

“System, how will this mission affect my subsequent [Diamond Male Lead Path]?” Lin Da murmured in his mind.

“Ding! Detecting a major development opportunity for the host! If the host successfully obtains and brilliantly portrays the designated role in ‘the last silk road echo,’ his international fame and industry status will be greatly enhanced, laying a solid foundation for the advancement of the [Diamond Male Lead Path]!”

“Special tip: This opportunity is highly consistent with the [Diamond Male Lead Path] mission objectives. Completing this role will greatly increase the probability of unlocking higher-level system functions and exclusive skills!”

The system’s prompt undoubtedly gave Lin Da a shot in the arm.

He looked at Old Qin’s eyes, full of expectation and encouragement, and an unspeakable heroic feeling surged in his heart.

“Old Qin!” Lin Da suddenly stood up from his seat, his eyes firm, his voice clear and powerful, “Your junior… is willing to give it a try!”

“No matter how difficult this path is, no matter how fierce the competition, your junior will go all out and not let down your trust and expectations!”

“Good! Good boy! What courage!” Old Qin clapped his hands and laughed, his eyes filled with satisfaction, “This is how our Chinese actors should be!”

He picked up another pre-prepared document from his desk and handed it to Lin Da: “This is the script outline for ‘the last silk road echo,’ as well as detailed information and audition requirements for that role. Take it back and prepare well.”

“Remember, opportunity always favors the prepared.”

Lin Da took the heavy document, feeling his hands trembling slightly.

He knew that from this moment on, his acting career would embark on a new, even more magnificent… journey!

And he was ready to face the even more severe… challenge from the international stage!