78: Hollywood's "recognition" and survival in adversity

That "textbook-level" performance was like a bombshell dropped on the set of "the last silk road echo", with its aftershocks rapidly spreading, allowing Lin Da, a young actor from the East, to truly "gain a firm foothold" in the competitive world of Hollywood.

Director Marcus Lee's appreciation and regard for Lin Da were evident.

He not only gave Lin Da full trust and creative freedom during filming but also privately invited Lin Da multiple times to discuss the script, listening to his understanding and suggestions for the character An Si Yuan and even the entire Eastern cultural background.

Such treatment was unheard of for a newcomer actor in Hollywood, especially an Asian actor.

The international actors on the set, who had previously been hesitant or skeptical of Lin Da, after witnessing his astonishing acting skills and extreme dedication to the role, all put away their usual arrogance and prejudice, and began to re-examine this young man from the distant East with a new gaze, tinged with admiration and curiosity.

The Hollywood A-list star playing the protagonist, a tough-guy actor named Jack Reynolds, also showed genuine appreciation for Lin Da.

Although he had a rough and unrestrained personality, he was an absolute "acting addict" when it came to performance.

Lin Da's scene of "Drinking Alone Under the Moon, Singing a Lament in a Foreign Tongue" captivated him, and he even proactively sought out Lin Da after filming to exchange acting insights, his words filled with strong interest in Eastern culture.

"Lin, the An Si Yuan you played is f*cking cool!" Jack Reynolds, speaking in slightly stiff Chinese, gave Lin Da a thumbs up. "That tragic and heroic spirit of an Eastern general was brought to life by you! I used to think that all you Chinese actors acted the same, but now it seems I was too ignorant!"

Lin Da responded with a smile, not showing the slightest bit of pride because of the other party's praise.

He knew this was just the beginning.

He wanted to use his strength to break more Western stereotypes about Chinese actors and to earn their heartfelt respect.

His newly acquired "Character Essence (Beginner Level)" skill played a crucial role in the subsequent filming.

Every time he portrayed An Si Yuan, he was able to capture the core emotions and qualities deep within the character more quickly and accurately.

Whether it was his bravery in killing enemies on the battlefield, his strategic responses in the imperial court, or his painful struggles when facing the dilemma between his homeland and loyalty, he was able to fully display the essence of the character's soul.

He even triggered the "finishing touch" effect several times at critical moments.

For example, in a scene where An Si Yuan was engaged in a verbal battle with an enemy envoy, the other party's words were tricky and pressing.

Just as An Si Yuan was about to fall into a passive position, a flash of inspiration struck Lin Da's mind, and he subconsciously added a highly provocative sneer and a disdainful look at the end of his lines.

This impromptu improvisation not only perfectly resolved the character's predicament but also vividly portrayed An Si Yuan's outwardly unrestrained yet deeply cunning personality, drawing repeated praise from Director Marcus Lee behind the monitor, who exclaimed, "A stroke of genius!"

As filming progressed smoothly, Lin Da's reputation in Hollywood gradually rose.

Some producers and directors who had only vaguely heard of him before, after learning of his outstanding performance on the set of "the last silk road echo", all extended olive branches to him, inviting him to participate in new film and television projects.

Although most of them were supporting roles, or "functional" roles specifically set for Asian actors, Lin Da knew this was already a very positive sign.

It meant that Hollywood, a stage once out of his reach, was slowly opening its doors to him.

Just then, the system's prompt sound rang in his mind again:

"Ding! Congratulations to the host for successfully gaining high recognition from the director, core lead actor, and multiple internationally renowned actors in the Hollywood epic production 'the last silk road echo' with superb acting skills and perfect character portrayal!"

"[The Golden Supporting Role Path] Advanced Mission: 'Hollywood's Stepping Stone', current mission completion rate has reached 90%!"

"Ding! Host's international prestige value has greatly increased! Current prestige value: 8500 points."

"Ding! Due to the host's excellent adaptability and professional qualities demonstrated in cross-cultural performance and high-intensity filming environment, the proficiency of "Character Essence (Beginner Level)" skill has greatly improved! The proficiency of [Language Talent (Intermediate)] skill has improved!"

"Ding! System Mall has unlocked new items: [Hollywood Industry Dynamics Weekly (Subscription Service)], [International Agent Contact Card (One-time)]."

Mission completion rate reached 90%! New mall items unlocked!

An unspeakable joy surged in Lin Da's heart.

The [Hollywood Industry Dynamics Weekly] would allow him to keep abreast of the latest project information and casting dynamics in Hollywood, which would undoubtedly be of significant reference value for his future development there.

And that [International Agent Contact Card] made his eyes light up even more.

He knew that to truly establish himself in Hollywood, a professional and powerful agent team was essential.

This card might introduce him to a true "patron" who could help his career take off.

However, just as Lin Da was delighted with his phased success in Hollywood, a new and more severe challenge quietly arrived.

On this day, Director Marcus Lee suddenly called Lin Da to his private lounge and said to him with a solemn expression:

"Lin, something has happened."

Lin Da's heart sank sharply.

"We just received a notice from the production side," Marcus Lee's brows furrowed tightly, "because of some... well, you know, 'force majeure' factors, our film may need to... make some... adjustments to some of An Si Yuan's scenes."

"Adjustments?" Lin Da's eyes narrowed slightly, "Director Li, do you mean..."

"It means," a hint of helplessness and... anger flashed in Marcus Lee's eyes, "we may need to... cut some of An Si Yuan's scenes, especially those... heavy scenes involving his inner struggles and tragic elements."

Cutting scenes?! And the heavy scenes that best show the character's depth and the actor's acting skills?!

Lin Da's expression instantly darkened.

He knew that this so-called "force majeure" was by no means groundless.

Behind this, there must be some unknown... conspiracies and games of power!

It seemed that his path in Hollywood was far more rugged and... perilous than he had imagined!

Director Marcus Lee's words "cut scenes" were like a huge stone dropped into Lin Da's heart, stirring up a thousand waves.

The smile on his face froze instantly.

In its place was a chilling coldness and... a hint of imperceptible anger.

The character An Si Yuan was one he had painstakingly created, pouring all his emotions into it.

From the immersive experience in the Western Regions to the day and night pondering in Hollywood, he had long become one with this character, feeling his joys and sorrows, experiencing his contradictions and struggles.

Now, a light phrase of "force majeure" was going to ruthlessly cut the most precious, most soul-revealing heavy scenes of his character?

How could he accept this!

"Director Li," Lin Da took a deep breath, trying to calm his turbulent emotions, his voice calm but with an undeniable firmness, "May I know what this so-called 'force majeure' actually is?"

He knew that in Hollywood, a highly commercialized world of fame and fortune, so-called "artistic creation" often had to bow to capital and power.

But this time, he didn't want to compromise easily.

Marcus Lee looked at Lin Da's eyes, burning with anger yet forcibly restrained, and sighed helplessly, a hint of fatigue and... apology appearing on his face.

"Lin, I'm very sorry." His voice was a little hoarse, "This matter is very complicated.

It involves... some forces that we cannot contend with for now."

He paused, then lowered his voice and said: "It's one of the biggest investors of the production company, a... media mogul with a pivotal position in Hollywood.

He heard some... well, not-so-good rumors about you from somewhere, and coupled with the 'Eastern color' of An Si Yuan's character itself, he believes that showing too much of this character's inner world and tragic elements might... affect the film's distribution and box office in certain regions."

"So, he put pressure on the production company, demanding... a significant reduction in An Si Yuan's scenes, to mold him into a more 'functional' and more... 'in line with mainstream Western values' supporting role."

Rumors again! Prejudice again!

An unnamed fire surged in Lin Da's heart.

From Beijing to Hollywood, these hyenas hiding in dark corners seemed to never miss any opportunity to attack him!

"Director Li," Lin Da's eyes sharpened, "Do you also believe that the character An Si Yuan should be 'castrated' in this way?

Do you also believe that artistic creation should bow to such baseless prejudice and short-sighted commercial interests?"

His words were resonant, full of persistence in art and resistance against injustice.

Marcus Lee felt a little ashamed looking at Lin Da.

He knew Lin Da was right.

As a director, he should have adhered to his artistic creation principles.

But reality is often crueler than ideals.

"Lin, I understand how you feel." Marcus Lee sighed, "Of course, I don't want the character An Si Yuan to be treated like this.

He was created by us together; he has flesh and blood, a soul.

But... in Hollywood, the director's voice is not always the strongest."

He paused, a hint of unwillingness flashing in his eyes: "I've tried my best to fight for it, but that media mogul's attitude is very tough.

If I don't compromise, he even threatened to... withdraw his investment."

Withdraw investment!

Lin Da's heart sank sharply.

He knew what withdrawing investment meant for an epic production with an investment of hundreds of millions of dollars.

It would be a catastrophic consequence, possibly even leading to the entire project being aborted.

Was he really going to watch the character he had painstakingly created be mercilessly dismembered like this?

No! He would never be reconciled!

"Director Li," a fierce fighting spirit burned in Lin Da's eyes, "Things may not be at a dead end yet."

He took a deep breath, his mind racing, the Speech Manipulation (Intermediate) skill quietly activated at this moment, his voice filled with convincing power:

"That media mogul, the reason he made such a request, is nothing more than his concern that An Si Yuan's 'Eastern color' and 'tragic nature' will affect the film's commercial value."

"But what if we can prove that a full, three-dimensional An Si Yuan, full of tragic charm, will not only not affect the box office but will also add more artistic value and... buzz to the film?"

"What if we can let him see that a truly flesh-and-blood Eastern hero can also resonate with and be loved by Western audiences?"

Marcus Lee looked at Lin Da's eyes, sparkling with wisdom and confidence, and his heart stirred slightly: "Lin, do you mean..."

"What I mean is," a confident arc appeared at the corner of Lin Da's mouth, "we might be able to... take the initiative!"

"Director Li, can you arrange an opportunity for me to talk to that media mogul face to face?"

"I believe that if you give me a chance, I will definitely be able to persuade him, to move him, with my understanding and my love for the character!"

His words were resonant, full of determination to burn his bridges and... a hint of desperate heroism!

Marcus Lee looked at the young man in front of him, a complex emotion welling up in his heart.

He admired Lin Da's talent and courage, but also worried about the huge challenge he was about to face.

That media mogul was not so easy to persuade.

He was known for his tough style and business-first philosophy; many famous Hollywood directors and actors had hit a wall with him.

For Lin Da, an unknown Chinese newcomer, to change his decision was simply... a pipe dream.

However, looking at Lin Da's eyes, burning with a fierce flame, Marcus Lee inexplicably nodded.

"Good!" he said in a deep voice, "Lin, I'll fight for you one more time! I'll try my best to arrange a meeting between you and that gentleman.

But... I can't guarantee the outcome."

"Thank you, Director Li!" Lin Da's eyes were filled with gratitude.

He knew that for him, this would be a true... gamble!

If he won, he would completely conquer Hollywood and secure a place for Chinese actors on the international stage!

If he lost, he might lose everything.

But so what?

He, Lin Da, was never one to give up easily!

Just then, the system's prompt sound rang in his mind again:

"Ding! Detected that the host is facing a major career crisis and challenge, and has shown a firm determination to survive adversity!"

"[The Golden Supporting Role Path] Advanced Mission: 'Hollywood's Stepping Stone', mission difficulty has increased again! Mission rewards have greatly increased again!"

"New challenge objective: Successfully persuade the Hollywood media mogul to retain and elevate the scenes and core qualities of the character 'An Si Yuan'."

"New challenge rewards: Acting Points +500, [Golden Supporting Role Exclusive Skill - Turn the Tide (Beginner Level)] activated, [International Top Agent Signing Opportunity (Designated)] x1, [Mysterious Gift Pack (Epic Level)] x1!"

"[Turn the Tide (Beginner Level)]: When the host faces a desperate situation or major crisis, there is a certain chance to trigger a 'flash of inspiration' state, instantly improving self-response ability, persuasion ability, and insight, and greatly increasing the success rate of resolving crises and turning the situation around."

New exclusive skill! Epic gift pack! And a designated top agent signing opportunity!

Lin Da's heart pounded again!

This sudden "help in time of need" from the system undoubtedly gave him a boost of confidence!

He knew that in this game with the Hollywood capital giant, he had to win! And he would definitely win!

His Diamond Leading Man path would never stop here!