74: The dust has settled, the lights and shadows of Los Angeles

Director Marcus Lee's words, “I think… we might have found our An Si Yuan,” echoed like a heavenly melody in Lin Da’s ears for a long time.

The moment the video call ended, Lin Da felt as if all his strength had been drained, but what followed was an indescribable ecstasy and excitement.

He succeeded!

He truly, by his own strength, knocked on Hollywood’s door!

Although this was merely a preliminary recognition from a video interview, there was still some way to go before truly getting the role and signing the contract.

But Lin Da knew that he had taken a crucial step on this journey to the international stage!

“The International Vision Expansion Card (One-time use)…” Lin Da looked at the card in his system backpack, which emitted a faint glow, his eyes sparkling with anticipation.

He knew that this card would be an important aid for him to adapt to the Hollywood environment, understand Western culture, and better portray the character of An Si Yuan.

He did not use the card immediately, but instead took a deep breath, trying to calm his agitated emotions.

He needed to share this good news with those who had always cared for and supported him.

The first call he made was to Qin Mu Feng, Old Qin.

“Old Qin, your junior has not failed you.” Lin Da’s voice carried a hint of uncontrollable excitement.

Old Qin, on the other end of the phone, after listening to Lin Da’s narration, was silent for a moment, then burst into a hearty laugh: “Good! Good boy! I knew you could do it! That Marcus Lee fellow, his eyesight is still pretty good!”

“However, Little Lin, don’t celebrate too early.” Old Qin’s tone shifted, becoming earnest, “Hollywood is a deep place. The intensity of the competition is far beyond your imagination.

Although you have received preliminary recognition this time, the subsequent challenges will only be greater.”

“You will not only face competition from excellent actors from all over the world but also need to adapt to a completely different cultural environment and working model.

Language, acting style, and even… social etiquette, all require you to re-learn and adapt.”

“Old Qin’s teachings are wise, your junior understands.” Lin Da said earnestly.

“Mm, it’s good that you understand.” Old Qin nodded with satisfaction, “Remember, no matter where you go, don’t forget that you are a Chinese actor.

Use your strength to conquer them, and use your character to win their respect.”

“Your junior will always keep that in mind!”

Hanging up Old Qin’s call, Lin Da’s heart was filled with warmth and strength.

The expectations and teachings of this film industry doyen were a treasure more precious than any reward for him.

The second call he made was to Chairman Li Shengshi.

“Hahahahaha! Brother Lin! I knew you were good material!” Li Shengshi’s loud and joyful laughter almost burst through the phone receiver, “That Marcus Lee fellow, he does have good taste!

How is it? When are you going to Hollywood? Your elder brother will arrange a welcoming feast for you!”

“Chairman Li, it’s not set in stone yet, I’ve only passed the preliminary interview.” Lin Da said with a wry smile.

“Hey! If you’ve passed the preliminary interview, isn’t that a done deal?” Li Shengshi said indifferently, “Go ahead and boldly make your mark! Here in China, your elder brother will look after you, no one dares to have any ill intentions towards you anymore!

In the future, our Shengshi Film and Television and Hollywood might even have more opportunities for cooperation because of your connection! You, my boy, are truly my lucky star!”

Listening to Li Shengshi’s undisguised admiration and support, Lin Da was also filled with gratitude.

He knew that this industry giant was sincerely paving the way for him.

The third call he made was to Su Wanqing.

Su Wanqing, on the other end of the phone, was silent for a moment after hearing the news, then said with a somewhat complex tone: “Teacher Lin, congratulations.

To be recognized by Director Marcus Lee, this is truly… great news.”

“Thank you, Miss Su.” Lin Da could hear a hint of… disappointment in her tone?

“Then… for Chang’an Mystery…” Su Wanqing hesitated for a moment but still asked.

She knew that if Lin Da really went to Hollywood, then the male lead for her drama would probably need to be recast.

Lin Da pondered for a moment, then said earnestly: “Miss Su, please rest assured.

I really like the character of Li Mubai, and I am very much looking forward to collaborating with you and Director Li Mo.

If the schedule permits, I will definitely go all out to portray this character well.”

He paused, his tone carrying a hint of apology: “However, the opportunity in Hollywood is indeed very rare for me.

I might need some time to coordinate and arrange.”

Su Wanqing was silent for a few seconds upon hearing this, then smiled brightly, her voice returning to its usual calm and generous tone: “I understand, Teacher Lin.

Go ahead and strive for it.

I believe that true gold always shines.

No matter what choice you ultimately make, I will support you.”

“As for Chang’an Mystery,” she paused, a hint of slyness in her tone, “If you really can’t play the male lead due to scheduling issues, then… playing an exceptionally talented supporting role is always an option, right?

I’m still waiting to ‘learn’ acting secrets from you!”

Lin Da couldn't help but chuckle upon hearing this.

This great star, Miss Su, truly is… impeccable.

“That is precisely what I desire, but I dare not ask for it.”

The last call he made was to Zhou Xingxing, who was far away in a small town.

“Wow—!!! Lin Da! You… you’re really going to Hollywood?! That’s amazing! It’s even more awesome than me winning five million!” Zhou Xingxing was incoherent with excitement on the other end of the phone, jumping up and down.

“It’s not set in stone yet, I’ve only passed the preliminary interview.” Lin Da said with a smile.

“That’s still incredible! Lin Da, you are my idol! My god!” Zhou Xingxing’s voice was full of admiration, “Don’t worry! I will definitely write the script for "salted fish turn over battle plan" even better!

When I become a great director in the future, I’ll go to Hollywood to find you! We brothers will conquer the world together!”

Listening to Zhou Xingxing’s vibrant and dream-filled voice, Lin Da’s heart was also filled with endless yearning for the future.

Just as he finished his call with Zhou Xingxing and was about to get some rest, Old Qin’s assistant called again.

This time, they brought… a formal invitation from across the ocean!

The producers of the last silk road echo, after communicating with Director Marcus Lee, unanimously decided to invite Lin Da to play the role of An Si Yuan!

And they hoped he could go to Los Angeles as soon as possible for more in-depth communication with the crew and… signing the contract!

Happiness came so suddenly, and so… intensely!

Lin Da held his phone, looking at the dazzling night view of the magic city outside the window, his eyes gleaming with determination.

He knew that his life was about to embark on a brand new, even more magnificent… journey!

Hollywood, here I come!

The formal invitation from across the ocean, like a golden feather dropped into a calm lake, stirred ripples in Lin Da’s heart and drew a new arrow full of infinite possibilities on his life trajectory.

Los Angeles, Hollywood, An Si Yuan.

These words, as if possessing magic, constantly revolved in his mind, stirring the long-dormant passion and ambition in his chest.

He knew that this was not just a simple cross-border filming, but also an opportunity to prove the strength of Chinese actors to the world, a truly meaningful… journey re-commenced!

Before departing for Los Angeles, Lin Da still had some matters to attend to.

He first contacted Su Wanqing, frankly informing her of his upcoming trip to Hollywood to participate in the filming of the last silk road echo, and expressed his deep apologies and… a hint of regret regarding the male lead offer for Chang’an Mystery.

“Miss Su, I am truly sorry.” Lin Da’s voice was full of sincerity, “The opportunity in Hollywood is indeed once in a lifetime for me.

I might… temporarily be unable to fully commit to the filming of Chang’an Mystery.”

Su Wanqing, on the other end of the phone, after a brief silence, surprisingly smiled brightly, her voice carrying a hint of relief and… a subtle blessing:

“Teacher Lin, you are too polite.

To have the opportunity to participate in a top Hollywood production is something many actors dream of.

I am happy for you, and I am proud of you.”

She paused, her tone carrying a hint of slyness: “However, Teacher Lin, don’t forget, you still owe me an ‘exceptionally talented supporting role’!

When you return from Hollywood with honors, the script for my Chang’an Mystery will always have a role reserved for you… a role even more brilliant than the male lead!”

Lin Da felt a warmth in his heart and a sigh of relief upon hearing this.

He knew that Su Wanqing was expressing her support and understanding in her unique way.

“Miss Su’s generosity, Lin Da will engrave it in his heart.” He said solemnly, “When I return, I will read the script at the first opportunity.”

After resolving the matter of Chang’an Mystery, Lin Da also specially took time to bid a brief farewell to the core creators of the chronicles of the great ming dynasty.

Director Zheng Guofeng and Teacher Chen Daoming both expressed their sincere blessings and expectations for his Hollywood trip.

“Lin Da, you, my boy, have truly brought honor to us Chinese actors!” Director Zheng Guofeng patted Lin Da’s shoulder, his eyes filled with satisfaction, “When you get to Hollywood, act well, don’t disgrace us!

Let those foreigners see that our Chinese actors also have real talent!”

Teacher Chen Daoming said earnestly: “Little Lin, Hollywood is a place with hidden talents and fierce competition.

You not only need to hone your acting skills but also learn to protect yourself and stay true to your original aspirations.

Remember, no matter where you go, you are a Chinese, and your roots are here.”

Lin Da kept all these teachings from his seniors in mind.

Finally, he called Zhou Xingxing.

“Xing Zai, I’m going to Hollywood to film.”

Zhou Xingxing, on the other end of the phone, after a brief silence, let out an earth-shattering howl: “Wow—!!! Lin Da! You… you are simply my god! My superman!

Hollywood! That’s Hollywood! You… you must take me with you! When I finish filming "salted fish turn over battle plan", I’ll go to Hollywood to be your assistant! I’ll serve tea and water! I’ll give you shoulder and leg massages! Anything!”

Lin Da burst into laughter at his exaggerated tone: “Alright, you, my boy, focus on your filming.

When I’m settled there, I’ll contact you.

Who knows, maybe in the future, we brothers can truly fight side by side in Hollywood!”

“Definitely! It will definitely happen!” Zhou Xingxing’s voice was filled with endless yearning for the future.

After bidding farewell to all his relatives and friends, Lin Da boarded the flight to Los Angeles.

A dozen hours of flight, spanning the vast Pacific Ocean.

When the plane slowly landed at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), an indescribable complex emotion surged in Lin Da’s heart.

There was both anticipation and excitement for the unknown future, as well as a hint of apprehension and unease about being in a foreign land.

The crew of the last silk road echo sent a young blonde girl named Emily to pick him up.

She was one of Director Marcus Lee’s assistants, enthusiastic and capable.

“Welcome to Los Angeles, Mr. Lin!” Emily had a professional smile on her face and extended her hand proactively.

“Thank you, Emily. Nice to meet you.” Lin Da responded with a smile, his English pronunciation was standard and fluent, causing a subtle hint of surprise to flash in Emily’s eyes.

The car sped along the wide highway, with typical California sunshine and palm trees outside the window.

Lin Da looked at the scenes that had appeared countless times in movies, his heart filled with novelty.

Hollywood, this film mecca that once only existed in his distant dreams, now, he had truly arrived.

The crew arranged for Lin Da to stay in a high-end apartment hotel near Beverly Hills.

The room was spacious and bright, with complete facilities, and from the balcony, one could even see the famous “HOLLYWOOD” white giant letter sign in the distance.

After settling in simply, Emily handed Lin Da a thick itinerary and the latest revised script.

“Mr. Lin, Director Marcus Lee and the producers would like to have dinner with you tonight. They are very much looking forward to discussing the role of An Si Yuan with you in more detail.”

“Of course, I’d be delighted to.” Lin Da nodded.

He knew that this dinner would be his first formal contact with a top Hollywood production team, and also a crucial step in whether he could truly integrate into this new environment.

As night fell, the Los Angeles sky was exceptionally charming, adorned with countless twinkling stars.

Lin Da changed into a suitable casual suit and, accompanied by Emily, arrived at a high-end private restaurant near Santa Monica Beach.

In the private room of the restaurant, the lighting was soft and the atmosphere elegant.

Director Marcus Lee had been waiting for a long time.

Beside him sat several middle-aged men and women who looked distinguished, presumably the core producers of the last silk road echo.

“Lin! Welcome! Welcome!” Director Marcus Lee enthusiastically stood up and gave Lin Da a big hug as soon as he saw him, without any airs of a Hollywood director.

Lin Da also smiled in response, shaking hands and greeting everyone one by one.

He noticed that these Hollywood producers, although they all had professional smiles on their faces, their eyes were full of scrutiny and… a subtle hint of pickiness.

It seemed that this “welcoming feast” was not just a simple dinner.

It was more like a… silent contest.

The corners of Lin Da’s mouth curved into a confident smile.

He was ready to meet this new challenge, to conquer those… discerning gazes from the film mecca!