87: French Riviera, the lighthouse

The sunlight in Cannes, carrying the unique salty humidity and warmth of the Mediterranean, streamed through the azure sky, bathing this small southern French town, famous worldwide for its films.

Palm trees swayed in the sea breeze, ancient castles and modern buildings shimmered in harmony, and the air was filled with a faint salty scent, the aroma of coffee, and… a subtle, almost imperceptible, stir of excitement and anticipation for cinematic dreams.

Lin Da stood on the hotel room balcony, looking down at the azure Mediterranean Sea below, and in the distance, the film festival’s main red carpet, where countless stars and glories would soon unfold.

His mood, like the surface of the sea, appeared calm, but beneath it, strong currents surged.

The Cannes International Film Festival, one of the world's three major international A-list film festivals, is an artistic sanctuary yearned for by countless filmmakers. And he, Lin Da, a young actor from China, was about to step onto this dazzling stage with his work, competing alongside top filmmakers from around the world.

This honor, this pressure, was enough to make any actor’s blood boil, and also… send shivers down their spine.

“Lin, are you ready? Tonight’s premiere is highly anticipated.”

Allen Parker’s voice came from behind him. This ace Hollywood agent, now also dressed in a well-tailored suit, wore a professional smile, but his eyes were filled with anticipation for Lin Da and… a hint of imperceptible nervousness.

He knew what tonight, the global premiere of “lost lighthouse,” meant for Lin Da. This was not just the unveiling of a film, but also… an excellent opportunity to showcase his strength and charm to the entire world. Success or failure might hinge on this single event.

“I’m ready, Allen.” Lin Da turned around, a confident and composed smile on his face.

His newly acquired [Gaze of the Master (Passive Skill, Beginner)] made him feel less anxious and unsettled like a newcomer when facing such a top international art event, and more… innately calm and composed. He seemed to clearly feel the artistic inspiration and passion in the air resonating with him in a wonderful way.

By evening, outside the Cannes Film Palace, it was already bustling with people and glittering with stars.

Media reporters from all over the world surrounded both sides of the red carpet, making it impassable. Flashlights flashed like daylight, one after another, and the screams and cheers of fans almost tore through the night sky of the entire French Riviera.

Lin Da, along with director Victor Antonioni and several other key creators of the “lost lighthouse” crew, stepped onto the red carpet, which symbolized cinematic glory.

He wore a black slim-fit suit sponsored by a top brand, accentuating his tall and slender figure. Exquisite makeup perfectly highlighted his deep eyes and well-defined features. He did not deliberately pursue flamboyant styles, nor did he imitate the ostentation and unruliness of Hollywood stars. He simply stood there, exuding a… restrained, elegant, yet powerful demeanor, characteristic of an Eastern person.

Under the dual enhancement of [Permanent Character Charm Increase (Intermediate)] and [Aura Control (Intermediate) — Affinity], he exuded an irresistible unique charm. Even standing side-by-side with superstars already renowned in the international film scene, he did not fall behind in the slightest, but rather added a few… mysterious Eastern nuances.

“It’s Lin Da! The male lead of ‘lost lighthouse’!”

“He looks so young! And so distinguished!”

“I heard Director Victor praises him endlessly, calling him ‘a performing genius from the East’!”

On both sides of the red carpet, some sharp-eyed international media reporters had already recognized Lin Da and aimed their cameras at him.

Lin Da, with a gentle and confident smile, calmly waved to the media and audience on both sides. Every glance, every smile was just right, showcasing his demeanor without stealing the spotlight from the director and other main creators.

“Mr. Lin! As a young actor from China, what are your thoughts on starring in a work by a top European art film director for the first time and being nominated for the Cannes main competition?” A blonde, blue-eyed foreign female reporter handed the microphone to Lin Da, her eyes full of curiosity.

Lin Da took the microphone, his gaze calmly sweeping over the audience below. The Speech Manipulation (Intermediate) skill quietly activated at this moment, and his voice, gentle and magnetic, clearly spread throughout the entire red carpet area:

“It is a great honor to have the opportunity to participate in a work full of artistic pursuit like ‘lost lighthouse’ and to collaborate with a great artist like Director Victor. For me, this is not just a performance challenge, but also… a baptism of the soul.”

“I have always believed that film art knows no borders. Truly excellent films can cross language and cultural barriers, touching the softest emotions deep within every audience member. I hope to convey the loneliness, perseverance, and hope of humanity through the character of the Tower Keeper to audiences worldwide.”

His words were neither humble nor arrogant, expressing respect for the director and the work, while also showcasing his artistic pursuit and international vision as an actor.

Under the enhancement of the Speech Manipulation (Intermediate) skill, every word he spoke seemed to carry a unique infectious power, moving the media reporters and audience present involuntarily.

The female reporter who asked the question nodded repeatedly, her eyes sparkling with admiration.

After the red carpet segment, Lin Da and the crew’s main creators entered the magnificent premiere hall inside the Film Palace.

The entire hall was packed, with film critics, film buyers, and invited celebrities from all over the world, all eagerly anticipating “lost lighthouse,” directed by the brilliant Victor Antonioni and starring a mysterious new talent from the East.

The lights gradually dimmed, and the giant screen lit up.

The ancient lighthouse, standing alone in the storm, and… the Tower Keeper, played by Lin Da, with his deep eyes and a heart full of loneliness and struggle, slowly appeared before everyone.

Lin Da’s heart, at this moment, couldn't help but rise slightly.

He knew the real test was just beginning.

Could “lost lighthouse” conquer the most discerning eyes from all over the world?

And could he, Lin Da, with the role of the Tower Keeper, ignite his… first ray of light on this dazzling French Riviera?

Just as he held his breath in anticipation, the system’s prompt sounded again in his mind:

“Ding! Detected that the host’s starring art film ‘lost lighthouse’ has premiered globally at the Cannes International Film Festival, attracting high attention from the global film industry!”

“The system - road to movie emperor special side quest: ‘Temple of Art — The Challenge of Independent Film,’ final evaluation is about to begin!”

“Ding! Due to the host’s outstanding personal charm and professional quality displayed at an international A-list film festival, special rewards: [International Media Favorability (Slightly Increased)], [Mysterious Skill Shard] x1 (Five shards have been collected, a brand new Actor Emperor exclusive skill can be synthesized — [Technique - Character Dimension (Beginner)]!)”

Another mysterious skill shard! And collecting five can synthesize a brand new Actor Emperor exclusive skill!

Lin Da’s heart pounded wildly again!

He knew that tonight, regardless of whether “lost lighthouse” ultimately won an award, he had already… won his own glory!

And his “actor emperor road” had become even more anticipated, and even more… full of infinite possibilities, because of this unexpected skill shard!

On the giant screen, light and shadow flowed.

The story of “lost lighthouse,” like a deep and melodious poem, slowly unfolded in the magnificent premiere hall of the Cannes Film Palace.

There were no intense conflicts with dramatic ups and downs, no deliberately created plot twists.

There was only the isolated island in the North Atlantic, the ancient lighthouse standing alone in the storm, and… the Tower Keeper, who, day after day, year after year, held onto a faint glimmer of faith amidst endless loneliness and despair.

Lin Da’s performance, like the light emitted by that lighthouse, seemed faint, yet possessed the power to penetrate hearts.

He portrayed the Tower Keeper, a character full of internal contradictions and struggles, who gradually became alienated in solitude yet never gave up his longing for light, with such depth and precision that it reached the soul.

Every one of his glances was full of story. Sometimes murky and hollow, as if he had seen through all the illusions of the world; sometimes clear and stubborn, shimmering with the most primal reverence for life.

Every subtle expression of his was full of tension. Whether it was the confusion and helplessness when facing the turbulent sea, or the madness and tenderness when talking to the seagull in his hallucination, or the relief and compassion when finally finding salvation, he portrayed them all vividly and heartbreakingly.

He didn’t even need many lines; simply through body language and the rhythm of his breathing, he could clearly convey the character’s deep, unspeakable pain, struggle, and… the stubborn longing for light in the darkness, to every audience member.

The entire premiere hall was silent.

Everyone was captivated by the lonely yet great soul on the screen, as if they were truly on that isolated island, experiencing the Tower Keeper’s joys and sorrows, his despair and hope, alongside him.

Allen Parker, sitting beside Lin Da, this ace agent who had seen countless storms in Hollywood, also held his breath, his eyes filled with incredible shock. He knew Lin Da’s acting was excellent, but he never expected Lin Da could portray such a complex art-house character with such… ethereal skill!

Director Victor Antonioni, like a devout believer, gazed at the artwork he had “sculpted” with his own hands on the screen, his eyes slightly moist. He knew he had not misjudged. Lin Da, with his soul, had endowed the character of the Tower Keeper with… eternal life.

When the last shot, frozen on the Tower Keeper’s weather-beaten face, which carried a hint of relieved smile, and the lighthouse’s light penetrated layers of sea fog, illuminating the endless darkness, the entire premiere hall remained deadly silent.

This silence lasted for a full ten seconds.

Then, like a volcanic eruption, thunderous applause suddenly erupted!

It was long and unceasing!

Everyone spontaneously stood up, facing the screen, facing this great work of art, and facing the Eastern actor who had delivered a “god-tier” performance, paying their highest respects!

Flashlights lit up again like daylight, clearly capturing Lin Da’s face, smiling through tears.

He knew he had succeeded!

He had conquered the most discerning eyes from all over the world with his strength!

“Lin! You’re amazing! You’re simply a genius!” Director Victor Antonioni could no longer suppress his excitement and hugged Lin Da tightly, his voice choked with emotion.

Allen Parker also excitedly patted Lin Da’s shoulder, his eyes filled with pride and admiration. He knew that from tonight, Lin Da’s name would resound throughout the entire international film industry!

After the premiere, a tide of praise poured in for Lin Da from all directions.

Film critics, film buyers, and industry peers from all over the world gave extremely high praise to the film “lost lighthouse” and Lin Da’s performance in it.

“An artistic masterpiece full of philosophical contemplation and humanistic care!”

“Lin Da’s performance is perfect! He portrays the Tower Keeper’s inner loneliness and struggle heartbreakingly!”

“Undoubtedly, this is the biggest surprise of this year’s Cannes Film Festival! Lin Da, this young actor from the East, has an unlimited future!”

Major film magazines and websites also reported extensively on “lost lighthouse” and Lin Da’s performance at the first opportunity. For a time, Lin Da’s name became one of the hottest topics at the entire Cannes Film Festival.

As Lin Da reveled in this sudden glory and joy, the system’s exciting prompt sounded in his mind once again:

“Ding! Congratulations to the host for starring in the art film ‘lost lighthouse,’ which received overwhelming praise at its global premiere at the Cannes International Film Festival, causing a sensation in the global film industry!”

“The system - road to movie emperor special side quest: ‘Temple of Art — The Challenge of Independent Film,’ the goal of ‘Excellently portray the male lead of a designated independent art film’ has been perfectly achieved!”

“Current quest completion: 100%!”

“Final quest evaluation: SSS-rank (The host, through ultimate understanding of the character and soulful portrayal, successfully conquered an international A-list film festival, establishing a new monument for Chinese actors in the world film industry)!”

“Quest rewards issued: Acting Points +1500 (500 points rewarded for exceeding completion), [Character Deep Customization Authority (Diamond)] x1 (Quest reward upgraded), [Actor Emperor Halo (Beginner)] proficiency greatly increased! Successfully advanced to [Actor Emperor Halo (Intermediate)]! [Mysterious Skill Shard] x1 (Five shards have been collected, a brand new Actor Emperor exclusive skill can be synthesized — [Technique - Character Dimension (Beginner)]!)”

“[Technique - Character Dimension (Beginner)] : When portraying any character, the host can more quickly construct and immerse themselves in the character’s multi-dimensional inner world, and can freely switch and merge between different character states, greatly enhancing the layering and realism of the performance. At the beginner stage, it can slightly increase the final evaluation of all character portrayals, and there is a certain chance to trigger the ‘Dimension Breakthrough’ effect (in specific situations, instantly burst forth with performance energy beyond the character setting, imbuing the character with new vitality and interpretive space).”,

“Ding! Due to the host’s outstanding achievements at an international A-list film festival, several top international film and television companies and renowned directors have successfully taken high interest! Numerous collaboration invitations are about to be delivered!”

“Ding! The Actor Emperor Road System is about to undergo a major version update based on the host’s current development stage and future potential! Please look forward to it!”

SSS-rank evaluation! 1500 Acting Points! Diamond-level character deep customization authority! Actor Emperor Halo advancement! And… a brand new Actor Emperor exclusive skill — [Technique - Character Dimension]!

Lin Da’s heart, as if a nuclear bomb had been dropped into it, instantly exploded into bloom!

This reward was simply… outrageously generous!

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

The light of the Cannes lighthouse had already illuminated his path.

And he was ready to embrace the… even more severe, and even more… anticipated challenges from the pinnacle of world cinema!

His actor emperor road, the legend, restarts!