79: The game of giant crocodiles, the turning point of fate

The sunlight in Los Angeles, filtering through the massive floor-to-ceiling windows of the luxurious Beverly Hills villa, cast dappled light and shadows on the floor, yet it couldn't dispel the suffocating oppression and solemnity in the air.

This was the private reception room of Karl Rothschild, the media mogul who held sway over Hollywood, turning clouds into rain with a flip of his hand.

Lin Da sat on the soft leather sofa, his back straight, his expression calm, but deep down, his heart was already in turmoil.

He knew that this meeting today would be the most difficult and crucial gamble in his Hollywood journey.

Through the swirling cigar smoke opposite him, Karl Rothschild—an old man over sixty, with white hair but eyes still as sharp as an eagle's—was scrutinizing the young actor from the East with a gaze that was both appraising and slightly disdainful.

"Mr. Lin," Karl's voice was hoarse and deep, carrying an undeniable aura of a superior, "Marcus has gone to great lengths to speak on your behalf.

He says you're a genius, an actor who can bring a surprise to 'the last silk road echo.'

But, with all due respect, I don't have high hopes for you… or for An Si Yuan, the character you play."

He paused, picked up the cigar from the table, took a deep puff, and slowly exhaled thick smoke: "Hollywood has its own rules.

A supporting character full of so-called 'Oriental charm' and 'tragedy' does not fit the aesthetic of our mainstream market.

Reducing his scenes is to ensure the commercial interests of the film, and also… for your own good."

It was blatant contempt, an undisguised commercial logic.

Anger surged in Lin Da's heart, but his face remained calm and unruffled.

He knew that in front of such a capital leviathan, any anger or agitation would only appear pale and powerless.

He took a deep breath and silently recited in his mind: "System, use [International Vision Expansion Card (One-time)].

At the same time, activate [Desperate Rebirth (Primary)], [Aura Control (Intermediate) - Focus/Intimidation (Switch as appropriate)], [Speech Manipulation (Intermediate)]."

Instantly, a massive and detailed stream of information poured into his mind, regarding Hollywood's market operations, audience psychology, and Karl Rothschild's personal style of doing things and potential weaknesses… Everything became crystal clear.

And the activation of the [Desperate Rebirth] skill made his thinking exceptionally sharp, elevating his eloquence and insight to a new level.

"Mr. Rothschild," Lin Da slowly began, his voice calm yet carrying a convincing power, his gaze fixed directly on Karl's sharp eyes, without the slightest hint of backing down, "I fully understand your consideration for the film's commercial interests.

After all, for an epic blockbuster with an investment of hundreds of millions of dollars, commercial returns are paramount."

"However," he changed his tone, his eyes sharpening, "I do not believe that a full, three-dimensional, tragic, and charming image of an Eastern hero will conflict with the film's commercial value.

On the contrary, I believe he might become the key to the film's greater success in the Eastern market, and even the global market."

Karl's eyebrow twitched slightly, a hint of imperceptible surprise flashing in his eyes.

He hadn't expected this young Chinese actor to dare to openly refute his views.

"Oh? How so?" Karl's tone carried a hint of amusement.

Lin Da smiled slightly and said calmly, "Mr. Rothschild, you know that in today's global film market, Eastern audiences, especially Chinese audiences, have become a force that cannot be ignored.

They long to see characters on the big screen in Hollywood that truly represent Eastern culture and showcase the spirit of Eastern heroes, rather than those stereotypical, 'functional' symbols.

"The character An Si Yuan is at the crossroads of Eastern and Western civilizations, his heart filled with contradictions and struggles.

His loyalty and betrayal, his glory and tragedy, all possess universal human brilliance, enough to resonate with audiences from different cultural backgrounds.

"If we portray him as a simple, crude 'henchman' or an insignificant 'backdrop,' it would not only be a waste of this character but also… a disrespect to the Eastern market."

"And an An Si Yuan with flesh and blood, a soul, and tragic charm, could very well become a bridge connecting the emotions of Eastern and Western audiences, bringing unexpected word-of-mouth and… box office surprises to the film!"

Lin Da's words were impactful and logically clear.

Under the enhancement of [Speech Manipulation (Intermediate)] and [Desperate Rebirth] skills, every word he spoke seemed to carry a magical power, causing Karl Rothschild's originally firm gaze to begin to waver slightly.

"What's more," Lin Da continued, a confident smile in his tone, "art and commerce are not always in opposition.

Truly great commercial films often contain profound artistic value.

I believe that the goal of 'the last silk road echo' is not merely to be a profitable popcorn movie, but rather to become… a classic that audiences will remember and history will commemorate."

"And a deep character that can provoke audience thought and discussion will undoubtedly add more artistic weight and… lasting vitality to the film."

Karl Rothschild fell silent.

He looked at the eloquent young man before him, whose eyes were filled with wisdom and self-confidence, and couldn't help but feel a certain… appreciation.

He had seen too many actors and directors who were obsequious in front of him or tried to flatter him with empty words.

Someone like Lin Da, who dared to confront his authority and contend with him using clear logic and a dedication to art, was truly rare.

"Mr. Lin," after a long pause, Karl slowly spoke, the disdain in his voice having significantly dissipated, replaced by a cautious consideration, "Your eloquence is indeed commendable.

But how do you guarantee that what you say can be achieved?

How do you guarantee that a 'tragic' Eastern hero can be accepted by mainstream Western audiences?"

"I cannot guarantee that," Lin Da shook his head frankly, "but I can assure you that I will use all my efforts to create an An Si Yuan who will move all audiences."

He paused, a resolute light shining in his eyes, and the [Aura Control - Intimidation] skill was subtly released at this moment, an invisible yet convincing aura enveloping Karl:

"Moreover, I believe that what truly touches people's hearts is not superficial labels, nor deliberate pandering, but rather… the most authentic and universal human brilliance contained within the character himself."

"Mr. Rothschild, you are a legend in Hollywood, you have created countless classic commercial blockbusters.

I believe your vision will never be limited to just the immediate box office numbers.

You must also wish to leave something… truly valuable for this world."

"Give me a chance, give An Si Yuan a chance, and give 'the last silk road echo' a chance… to become a true classic."

Lin Da's gaze burned as he looked at Karl Rothschild, his eyes filled with undeniable confidence and… a hint of desperate earnestness.

The entire reception room fell silent once more.

Karl Rothschild looked at the young man before him, his heart a mix of emotions.

He had to admit, this Lin Da truly had some tricks up his sleeve.

He not only had talent and strength but also rare wisdom, courage, and… ambition.

Perhaps… he really could give him a chance?

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

"Ding! Detecting that the host, in the struggle with the Hollywood media mogul, has successfully swayed the other party's decision with excellent eloquence, wisdom, and powerful personal charisma!"

"[Path of the Golden Supporting Actor] Advanced Mission: 'Hollywood's Stepping Stone,' 'Successfully persuade the Hollywood media mogul to preserve and elevate the scenes and core characteristics of the character 'An Si Yuan'' target, about to be achieved!"

Lin Da's heart pounded!

He knew he was just… one step away from victory!

The cigar smoke curled from Karl Rothschild's fingertips, blurring his face, which was etched with the ravages of time yet still shrewd and sharp.

The entire reception room fell into a suffocating silence.

Lin Da's heart was in his throat.

He knew that his desperate words just now had put all his cards on the table.

What awaited him next would be fate's final judgment.

Karl Rothschild's eyes, sharp as a hawk's, lingered on Lin Da's face for a long time, as if trying to see through the young Eastern actor completely.

Time, at this moment, became exceptionally slow.

Every second felt as long as a century.

Finally, Karl slowly extinguished the cigar in his hand in the ashtray, letting out a soft hiss.

He looked up at Lin Da, and a… an inscrutable smile appeared at the corner of his mouth.

"Mr. Lin," his voice was still hoarse and deep, but the undeniable pressure of a superior had quietly dissipated, replaced by a… complex emotion tinged with admiration and amusement, "You… you have successfully persuaded me."

Boom!

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

He… he succeeded?!

He actually managed to persuade this media mogul, who could turn clouds into rain in Hollywood, with his wisdom, courage, and… his purest dedication to art!

Lin Da felt an indescribable surge of euphoria, like a surging tide, instantly engulfing him.

But he suppressed his inner excitement, maintaining his composure and calm expression, merely bowing slightly and saying sincerely, "Thank you for your trust, Mr. Rothschild.

I will certainly not disappoint your expectations, and I will use all my efforts to create an An Si Yuan who will move all audiences."

"I look forward to it," Karl Rothschild nodded, a hint of imperceptible… anticipation flashing in his eyes?

He paused, then added, "Of course, commercial considerations are still paramount.

The scenes for An Si Yuan can be retained, and even… some segments that showcase his 'heroic spirit' and 'tragic charm' can be appropriately increased.

But the premise is that it must not affect the overall rhythm of the film and… the acceptance of the mainstream market."

"I understand, Mr. Rothschild," Lin Da immediately grasped the implication, "Art and commerce are not always in opposition.

I believe that with Director Marcus Lee's exquisite skill and your brilliant guidance, we will surely find a perfect balance point, allowing 'the last silk road echo' to both win critical acclaim and… win at the box office!"

His words were impeccable, expressing his adherence to art while fully considering the other party's commercial interests, bringing a satisfied smile to Karl Rothschild's face.

"Very good," Karl nodded, "Marcus's vision is indeed excellent.

You, young man, also truly have some skills.

I'm starting to look forward to what kind of surprise you can bring to 'the last silk road echo.'"

He stood up and extended his hand to Lin Da: "Mr. Lin, a pleasure to work with."

"A pleasure to work with, Mr. Rothschild," Lin Da also extended his hand, firmly grasping the immense hand that controlled the flow of countless capital.

He knew that from this moment on, his journey in Hollywood would usher in a brand new, and even more magnificent… turning point!

Just as the two shook hands, the system's exciting prompt sounded in Lin Da's mind again:

"Ding! Congratulations to the host for successfully persuading Hollywood media mogul Karl Rothschild to preserve and elevate the scenes and core characteristics of the character 'An Si Yuan'!"

"[Path of the Golden Supporting Actor] Advanced Mission: 'Hollywood's Stepping Stone,' 'Successfully persuade the Hollywood media mogul' challenge target has been perfectly achieved!"

"Mission Final Evaluation: SSS-rank (Host, in a desperate situation, successfully reversed the situation and created a miracle with outstanding wisdom, courage, eloquence, and powerful personal charisma)!"

"Mission Rewards Issued: Acting Points +800 (300 points for exceeding completion), [Golden Supporting Actor Exclusive Skill - Desperate Rebirth (Primary)] has been activated and automatically upgraded to [Desperate Rebirth (Intermediate)]! [International Top Agent Signing Opportunity (Designated - CAA Ace Agent Allen Parker)] x1! [Mysterious Gift Package (Epic)] x1!"

"[Desperate Rebirth (Intermediate)]: When the host faces a desperate situation or major crisis, it will be easier to trigger the 'flash of inspiration' state, instantly and significantly enhancing its adaptability, persuasiveness, and insight, and highly likely to resolve crises, turn the tide, and even… turn defeat into victory!"

"Ding! Due to the host's outstanding performance in Hollywood, international top agencies have successfully taken notice! CAA ace agent Allen Parker has sent a formal signing invitation to the host.

Please check the relevant email and make a decision as soon as possible!"

SSS-rank evaluation!

800 Acting Points!

Exclusive skill directly advanced!

And a designated CAA ace agent signing opportunity!

As well as… an epic mysterious gift package!

Lin Da's heart was once again struck hard by a series of surprises!

He knew that this time, he had truly… won the gamble!

And he had won big!

CAA!

That was one of the top agencies in Hollywood and even the world!

And Allen Parker was an ace agent within CAA, holding countless top resources, having single-handedly propelled countless Hollywood superstars to fame!

To gain his favor was undoubtedly to pave a golden, gleaming path for Lin Da's future development in Hollywood!

Lin Da suppressed his inner euphoria, maintaining his composure and calm expression.

He knew that while this game with the capital leviathan had temporarily concluded, his journey in Hollywood had just begun.

Greater challenges and a more spectacular stage awaited him to conquer!

And he was ready to embrace the even more magnificent… turning point of destiny that was about to arrive!