9: Is someone causing trouble? Acting skills can teach you how to be a good person!

“Alright! Cut!”

Director Wang excitedly waved his hand, standing up from behind the monitor, his face beaming with smiles.

Lin Da, playing the Shop Assistant, performed perfectly in the next few scenes.

He not only vividly portrayed the character’s shrewdness and worldly sophistication but also subtly conveyed many unwritten subtexts through his eyes and micro-expressions in his scenes with the protagonist, enriching the character’s depth.

The young actors playing the protagonists initially had some disdain for Lin Da, who had “snatched” the role, but after a few scenes, they were all awestruck by his fluid acting and powerful aura.

Several times, they were almost led astray by Lin Da’s rhythm, having to reshoot multiple times to barely keep up.

“Lin Da, you’re good!” Director Wang patted Lin Da’s shoulder, not hiding his admiration, “You’ve brought this Shop Assistant to life! I dare say, once the drama airs, your character will definitely be more eye-catching than those protagonists!”

Lin Da smiled humbly, “It’s all thanks to the opportunity Director Wang gave me, and the excellent cooperation from all the teachers.”

His words were impeccable, praising both the director and not leaving out his fellow actors, making everyone present feel comfortable.

However, not everyone was pleased.

A harsh and sarcastic voice inappropriately rang out, “Hmph, it’s just playing a glib Shop Assistant, what’s so great about that? Some people, don’t think that just because you got lucky, you can reach the sky in one step.”

Everyone looked towards the sound, only to see a thin, tall young actor with prominent cheekbones and a habitually downturned mouth, dressed in a household servant’s attire, standing with his arms crossed, looking askance at Lin Da, his tone full of disdain and jealousy.

This person, named Zhao Xiaofei, was considered an “old hand” in the crew, having played many extras and minor supporting roles.

He prided himself on his acting skills and had always hoped for a chance to stand out.

Originally, he had some ideas about the role of the “Shop Assistant,” but he never expected Lin Da to suddenly appear, not only stealing the limelight but also being so highly regarded by the director.

Naturally, he felt unbalanced.

Lin Da glanced at him, recognizing him as the guy who had shown some ill will in his eyes when he played Bandit A earlier.

For such a clown, Lin Da didn’t even have the interest to get angry; he just smiled faintly and ignored him.

His attitude of disregard, however, made Zhao Xiaofei even more furious, feeling that Lin Da was looking down on him.

“What? Did I hit a nerve, so you don’t dare to speak up?” Zhao Xiaofei provoked relentlessly.

“Xiaofei, say less!” Director Wang frowned, somewhat displeased.

Although he had a short temper, he could tell that Zhao Xiaofei was deliberately looking for trouble.

“Director Wang, I didn’t say anything wrong,” Zhao Xiaofei, relying on his slight seniority, said with a smirk, “In our line of work, it’s about real skill, not about smooth talk to get ahead.”

Just then, Zhou Xingxing squeezed over from the side.

He had long disliked Zhao Xiaofei, and rolling up his sleeves, he was about to step forward to argue, “Who are you calling smooth-tongued? If you’re so capable, why don’t you perform something for Director Wang to see!”

Lin Da quickly pulled back the impulsive Zhou Xingxing, shaking his head at him, signaling him to calm down.

Then, he turned to Zhao Xiaofei, his face still bearing that calm smile, “This friend is right; acting indeed relies on true skill.

I wonder if there will be an opportunity in the next scene for me to learn a few tricks from you?”

Zhao Xiaofei didn’t expect Lin Da to say that; he was stunned for a moment, then sneered, “I wouldn’t dare to teach.

However, in the next scene, I play a Jianghu Xiaoxiami who helps those in need, and I just happen to be staying at your Yue Lai Inn, and by the way… ‘teach a lesson’ to some ignorant Shop Assistant.”

He deliberately emphasized the words “teach a lesson,” his eyes full of provocation.

Lin Da understood in his heart; it seemed this guy planned to trip him up in the scene.

“That’s great, I’ll be waiting,” Lin Da smiled slightly, but a subtle glint of sharpness flashed deep in his eyes.

Soon, the next scene began filming.

The plot was about the “Jianghu Xiaoxiami” played by Zhao Xiaofei arriving at the inn and deliberately making things difficult for the Shop Assistant played by Lin Da over a trivial matter.

“Action!”

Zhao Xiaofei walked into the inn with his head held high and chest out, deliberately slapping his saber on the table with a loud “clank,” trying to overpower Lin Da with his imposing manner.

“Shop Assistant! Get me a premium room, eight signature dishes, and two jars of good wine! If you’re slow, see how I deal with you!” Zhao Xiaofei shouted gruffly, glaring fiercely at Lin Da.

The Shop Assistant played by Lin Da still had his professional smile, but a flash of understanding and vigilance quickly passed through his eyes.

He knew this was someone looking for trouble.

“Alright, honored guest, please wait a moment!” Lin Da responded deftly, turning to prepare.

Just then, Zhao Xiaofei suddenly extended his foot, trying to trip Lin Da.

This move was very subtle; if Lin Da wasn’t careful, he would definitely fall flat on his face, not only embarrassing himself but also potentially disrupting the filming.

However, Lin Da seemed to have eyes in the back of his head; his foot merely shifted slightly, and he easily avoided Zhao Xiaofei’s sneaky kick.

At the same time, the wiping cloth on his shoulder “accidentally” flicked, just brushing Zhao Xiaofei’s cheek.

“Ouch!” Zhao Xiaofei was hit squarely by the wiping cloth.

Although it didn’t hurt, it instantly broke the “heroic” aura he had meticulously created, making him look somewhat comical.

Lin Da, meanwhile, acted as if nothing had happened, turning back with an apologetic smile, “Honored guest, are you alright? I wasn’t paying attention for a moment.

Please, you are a person of great magnanimity, don’t bother with a small person like me.”

On the surface, his words were an apology, but combined with his half-smile and Zhao Xiaofei’s somewhat disheveled appearance at that moment, it seemed more like veiled sarcasm.

Lin Da utilized his “Emoticon Master” skill to perfection at this moment.

An expression of innocence mixed with a hint of mischievousness instantly made everyone present see through Zhao Xiaofei’s intentions.

Director Wang frowned tightly behind the monitor.

He naturally saw Zhao Xiaofei’s small movements, and his dissatisfaction with him increased by several points.

In the subsequent scenes, Zhao Xiaofei became even more relentless.

One moment he complained that the tea Lin Da poured was too hot, the next he said the dishes weren’t to his taste, and even when Lin Da was serving him food, he deliberately swayed his body, trying to make Lin Da spill the soup.

But Lin Da always managed to defuse the situations with his superb acting and keen reactions.

At times, he transformed into a wronged little wife, using teary puppy eyes to gain sympathy; at other times, he became a cunning old hand, using his eloquent tongue to deftly resolve Zhao Xiaofei’s provocations with minimal effort.

His performance was natural and well-paced.

Every expression, every movement, was full of comedic effect yet retained a sense of realism.

In contrast, Zhao Xiaofei, because he was so focused on being malicious, neglected his own character’s portrayal.

His “Jianghu Xiaoxiami” didn’t look like a chivalrous hero but rather an unreasonable hooligan, with stiff expressions and exaggerated movements, forming a stark contrast to Lin Da’s natural and vivid performance.

After several rounds of confrontation, Zhao Xiaofei not only failed to make Lin Da look foolish but also made himself look like a clown.

He was so angry that his face turned ashen, veins bulged on his forehead, and he even stammered his lines.

“Cut!” Director Wang finally couldn’t help but call a halt.

He walked up to Zhao Xiaofei with a grim face and scolded him unceremoniously, “Zhao Xiaofei! What kind of performance is that? Are you a Jianghu Xiaoxiami or a street thug? You can’t even speak your lines clearly, and you want to act? I think you should change professions as soon as possible!”

Zhao Xiaofei was thoroughly reprimanded, his face alternating between red and white, but he dared not retort.

The people around him also looked at him with strange eyes, many with disdain.

Zhou Xingxing watched from the side, feeling greatly relieved, almost clapping his hands in approval.

He secretly gave Lin Da a thumbs up.

After scolding Zhao Xiaofei, Director Wang turned to Lin Da, his tone softening considerably, “Lin Da, your performance just now was excellent, especially those small expressions; they were used just right.

However, this character is a positive figure after all, so rein it in a bit, don’t steal the show too much.”

He was advising Lin Da and also protecting him.

After all, being too prominent easily invites jealousy.

“I understand, Director Wang,” Lin Da humbly accepted.

After filming ended, Zhou Xingxing found Lin Da, still somewhat indignant, “Lin Da, that guy surnamed Zhao was too much just now! If you hadn’t stopped me, I would have beaten him up!”

Lin Da patted his shoulder and smiled calmly, “Xing Zai, it’s not worth getting angry with people like that.”

He paused, looking at Zhou Xingxing, his eyes deepening, “Remember, in our line of work, petty tricks ultimately don’t amount to anything.

Acting, in the end, is about speaking with strength.

Performing your role well is more important than anything else.”

Zhou Xingxing heard this and lowered his head thoughtfully.

“Speaking with strength…” He chewed on this phrase repeatedly, a flash of understanding in his eyes.

Just then, the set manager rushed over and said to Director Wang, “Director Wang, the producer called.

They said the first batch of edited clips for our Jianghu Xiaoxiami received an exceptionally good response online! Especially… especially the segment of that ‘Divine Extra’ Bandit A, the click-through rate is almost exploding!”