73: Interview across the ocean, choose from the heart

Three days passed in a flash, like a fleeting white steed.

During these three days, Lin Da almost completely isolated himself from the outside world's clamor.

He politely declined all unnecessary social activities, including Su Wanqing's renewed invitation to dinner (he merely politely stated he would certainly accept after the audition), dedicating all his energy to preparing for this cross-ocean video interview.

He knew this was not just a simple audition, but a crucial battle that would determine whether he could truly open the door to Hollywood and step onto the international stage.

He repeatedly studied the script outline of "the last silk road echo" and the detailed information of the character An Si Yuan, not missing a single detail.

He practiced his English lines over and over again in front of the mirror, striving to grasp the character's inner world and emotional changes.

He even used the precious [Protagonist Aura Experience Card (Beginner)] from the system; although it only offered a brief thirty-minute experience, it gave him a brand new understanding of the confidence, composure, and control that belong to a protagonist.

This understanding was also subtly integrated into his interpretation of An Si Yuan, the famous border general.

"System, allocate all remaining Acting Points to 'Dialogue Proficiency (English)' and 'Image and Temperament (International Style)," Lin Da silently recited in his mind.

He wanted to ensure that he could present himself in the best possible state during the interview, showcasing professional qualities that align with international aesthetics.

On the day of the interview, Lin Da entered the video conference room specially prepared for him by the hotel an hour early.

Inside the room, the lights were bright, and the equipment was debugged.

Old Qin's assistant also specially rushed over to cheer for him and handle some technical details.

"Mr. Lin, don't be nervous, just perform as usual," the assistant said with a smile, "Old Qin has great confidence in you."

"Thank you," Lin Da nodded, taking a deep breath, trying to calm his slightly agitated mood.

He knew that at this moment, across the ocean, the rising star and prodigious Hollywood director, Marcus Lee, and the production team of "the last silk road echo," were waiting to have this cross-time and space "dialogue" with him.

At exactly 3:00 PM, the video call connected on time.

On the screen, the first to appear was a white man, approximately thirty-five or thirty-six years old, wearing black-rimmed glasses and sporting a rebellious mop of golden curly hair.

His eyes were sharp and deep, and a faint, almost imperceptible, somewhat cynical smile played on his lips.

He was Marcus Lee, the prodigious director who has risen to prominence in Hollywood in recent years, known for his unique visual style and precise control over epic themes.

Beside Marcus Lee sat several team members who looked like producers and casting directors, their expressions appearing quite serious and professional.

"Mr. Lin, nice to finally meet you," Marcus Lee began, his English pronunciation pure and magnetic, carrying a unique artistic flair, "I've seen your audition tape. Very impressive."

"Thank you, Mr. Lee. It's my honor to have this opportunity," Lin Da's reply was steady and fluent; the Speech Manipulation (Intermediate) skill quietly activated at this moment, making his voice sound exceptionally sincere and infectious.

A flicker of imperceptible surprise passed through Marcus Lee's eyes.

He hadn't expected this young actor from the East to not only be fluent in English but also to be so composed and calm in front of him, a Hollywood director, showing no signs of a newcomer's nervousness or stage fright.

"Let's cut to the chase," Marcus Lee's lips curved slightly upward, revealing an intrigued smile, "An Si Yuan is a very complex character. He's a warrior, a strategist, but also a man torn between loyalty and his own heritage.

In your opinion, what is the core of this character? What truly drives him?"

The first question immediately targeted the core of the character!

Lin Da's heart slightly tightened.

He knew that this prodigious director was testing the depth of his understanding of the character.

He pondered for a moment, then calmly looked at Marcus Lee on the screen and slowly began to speak, his voice clear and penetrating:

"In my opinion, Mr. Lee, the core of An Si Yuan is his a sense of belonging, or rather, his lack of it."

"He was born in the Western Regions, but grew up in the Tang Dynasty.

He is loyal to the Tang, but he can never truly forget his roots.

This internal conflict, this constant search for identity and belonging, is what truly drives him, and what ultimately leads to his tragic fate."

His answer not only precisely summarized the core contradiction of An Si Yuan's character but also subtly demonstrated his profound understanding of the character's tragic fate.

After listening, a glimmer of approval flashed in Marcus Lee's eyes.

He hadn't expected this young Chinese actor to have such profound insight into the character.

"Interesting perspective," Marcus Lee nodded, then posed an even more challenging question: "If you were An Si Yuan, and you were faced with the choice between betraying the Tang Dynasty to save your own people, or sacrificing your people to remain loyal to the Tang, what would you choose? And why?"

This question was undoubtedly testing Lin Da's values and his understanding of the choices the character might make in extreme situations.

Lin Da's brows furrowed slightly as he fell into deep thought.

He knew there was no standard answer to this question.

Any choice would mean immense sacrifice and pain.

And he had to give an answer that was both consistent with the character's logic and could impress this prodigious director.

The question Marcus Lee posed was like a giant rock, heavily striking Lin Da's heart, stirring up a thousand ripples.

Betray the Tang Dynasty to save his own people, or sacrifice his people to remain loyal to the Tang?

This was a classic "trolley problem"; no matter which side he chose, it would mean bearing heavy moral shackles and endless inner torment.

For An Si Yuan, a character with a complex background and full of contradictions and struggles, this choice was even more a questioning of his entire soul.

Lin Da's brows were tightly furrowed; he did not answer immediately but fell into deep contemplation.

He knew that there was no so-called "correct answer" to this question.

What Marcus Lee wanted to see was not a simple "Yes" or "No," but his depth of understanding of the character's inner world as an actor, and the choice the character might make in extreme situations that best aligned with his personality logic and emotional motivation.

Time passed, minute by minute.

The atmosphere in the video conference room became somewhat heavy due to Lin Da's silence.

Old Qin's assistant watched from the side, palms sweating, afraid that Lin Da would answer poorly and miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

On the other end of the screen, Marcus Lee and his team members watched Lin Da with great interest, their eyes filled with scrutiny and… a hint of imperceptible expectation.

They had seen too many actors, when faced with such questions, either give empty and “standard answers” or try to use flowery language to conceal their inner emptiness.

They wanted to see what kind of unique answer this young actor from the East would give.

Finally, after nearly a minute of contemplation, Lin Da slowly raised his head.

His eyes were clear and firm, as if he had made a difficult decision.

“Mr. Lee,” his voice was calm and steady, yet carried a convincing power, the Speech Manipulation (Intermediate) skill quietly operating at this moment, “if I were An Si Yuan, I believe… I would choose to save my people, even if it means betraying the Tang Dynasty in the eyes of some.”

This answer completely surprised everyone!

In traditional values, “loyalty to the monarch and love for the country” is often placed in the supreme position.

Yet, Lin Da chose to let An Si Yuan “betray”!

Marcus Lee's brow slightly raised, a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes, but more so… intense interest.

“Oh? And why is that?” he pressed.

Lin Da's gaze deepened, as if he had truly transformed into that frontier general struggling between loyalty and bloodline:

“Because, Mr. Lee, for An Si Yuan, his people are not just a group of individuals he needs to protect.

They are his roots, his blood, the very essence of his identity.

He grew up hearing their stories, singing their songs, and feeling their joys and sorrows.

This connection is something carved into his soul, something he can never truly sever.”

“Loyalty to the Tang Dynasty is important to him, yes.

He has shed blood for the Tang, and he respects the Emperor.

But when faced with the absolute annihilation of his own people, I believe the primal instinct to protect his kin, to preserve his heritage, would ultimately prevail.”

“It wouldn’t be an easy choice.

It would tear him apart.

He would be branded a traitor, reviled by those he once fought alongside.

He would live with immense guilt and pain for the rest of his life.

But I believe, deep down, he would know that he made the only choice he could live with – the choice to save the lives of those integral to his very being.”

Lin Da's words were sincere and deeply moving.

He did not talk about grand principles, nor did he intentionally elevate the character's moral halo.

He merely analyzed An Si Yuan's most authentic and painful choice in an extreme situation from the most instinctive human perspective.

This profound insight and precise grasp of the character's inner world moved everyone present.

Marcus Lee listened quietly, his eyes shining with an increasingly bright light.

He seemed to truly see that tragic hero struggling between loyalty and bloodline, ultimately making a difficult choice.

The producers and casting directors beside him also nodded, their gazes towards Lin Da filled with approval and… a hint of admiration.

This young actor from the East had far exceeded their expectations in his understanding of the role!

When Lin Da finished his last word, the video conference room fell into a moment of silence.

After a long pause, Marcus Lee slowly spoke, his voice carrying a hint of undisguised admiration:

“Mr. Lin, that was… a very profound and moving answer.”

He paused, a sincere smile curving his lips: “You truly understand An Si Yuan.

You understand his pain, his struggle, and his humanity.”

“I think… we may have found our An Si Yuan.”

These words, like a clap of thunder, exploded in Lin Da's mind!

He… succeeded?!

Just then, the system's prompt also sounded in his mind at the opportune moment:

“Ding! Congratulations to the host for an excellent performance in the Hollywood director's interview, successfully gaining Director Marcus Lee's high recognition with your profound understanding of the character and brilliant answer!”

“The Golden Supporting Role Path advanced quest: ‘Hollywood Stepping Stone’, current completion greatly increased!”

“Ding! Host's reputation value has increased! Current reputation value: 6500 points.”

“Ding! Due to the host's excellent potential shown in cross-cultural character understanding and English expression, special reward: Language Talent (Intermediate) skill proficiency increased! International Vision Expansion Card (one-time) x1!”

The generous rewards, along with Marcus Lee's affirmative words, filled Lin Da's heart with an indescribable joy and… even greater anticipation!

He knew that he was one big step closer to that dazzling international stage!

And his Diamond Male Lead path was about to embark on a brand new, even more magnificent… journey!