94: The aftermath, a chess game in the fog

The “online public opinion counterattack” orchestrated by Lin Da, and strongly supported by Chairman Li Shengshi and Hua Guang Film and Television, was like a deep-water nuclear bomb dropped into the calm domestic entertainment industry. The chain reactions it triggered were far more intense and… thorough than anyone had anticipated.

Tianyu Media and Xinghui Entertainment, two entertainment companies that once held some sway in the industry, plummeted from the clouds to the bottom overnight due to the foolish actions of Vice President Huang and Wang Hong, and the “black materials” precisely exposed by Lin Da, which were enough to ruin their reputations and even land them in jail.

The verbal attacks from mainstream media, the swift intervention and investigation by relevant departments, and… the collective backlash from artists and employees who had once been suppressed and bullied by them, like surging tides, completely engulfed these two seemingly powerful entertainment carriers.

Stock prices plummeted, artists terminated contracts, projects stalled, and lawsuits piled up…

Vice President Huang and Wang Hong, two figures who once wielded immense power and influence in the entertainment world, ultimately paid a heavy price for their misdeeds. Vice President Huang was immediately dismissed by the Tianyu Media board of directors and faced multiple charges of economic crime and unfair competition. Wang Hong, on the other hand, was officially investigated by the police for alleged instigation, defamation, and… some deeper “power-for-sex” transactions and “capital operation scandals” (all of which were explosive revelations dug out by Lin Da through the “Hacker Master’s Gaze” and anonymously provided to relevant departments). What awaited her would be severe legal punishment and a long prison sentence.

As for the internet trolls and marketing accounts that had once aided and abetted, participating in the spread of rumors and attacks against Lin Da, they were also uprooted and received their due punishment in this “great purge.”

The entire domestic entertainment industry became jittery and self-preservative due to this sudden “earthquake.” But precisely because of this, those practitioners with genuine talent and integrity gained more attention and opportunities.

And Lin Da, after this storm, stood before everyone in an even more dazzling and… awe-inspiring posture.

He not only proved his innocence with impeccable strength and wisdom, but also earned unanimous praise from inside and outside the industry with his composure in the face of danger and his character of adhering to principles.

“This Lin Da, not only acts well, but his methods… are also quite tough!”

“Yes, he doesn’t make a sound until he strikes, and when he does, he shocks everyone! This time, he completely exposed Tianyu and Xinghui’s true colors!”

“Serves them right! Such scoundrels deserve to be dealt with!”

On the internet, positive comments about Lin Da surged like a tide. His high emotional intelligence and professional demeanor, which he had previously displayed during live broadcasts, were re-discovered and enthusiastically discussed by netizens. The number of followers on his social media accounts skyrocketed again in just a few days, subtly showing the potential of a top-tier celebrity.

Allen Parker, looking at the news from China and Lin Da’s astonishing rise in popularity and reputation, was filled with emotion. He knew that this time, he had truly… found a treasure!

This young man from the East, his potential was far more unfathomable than he had imagined!

“Lin, things in China have basically settled down,” Allen Parker said on the other end of the phone, his tone a mix of relief and anticipation for the future. “Next, you can focus on preparing for the filming of chinatown stories. HBO is very serious about you; they are even willing to adjust part of the filming schedule for your role to ensure you have more time to understand and portray it.”

“I understand, Allen.” Lin Da nodded, a hint of undetectable sharpness flashing in his eyes. “However, I, Lin Da, have never been someone who only takes passive hits.”

He paused, a cold curve forming at the corner of his mouth: “Since they want to play, then I will… play along to the end. It’s just that, next time, I hope… I can make them lose even more miserably, and more thoroughly!”

Allen Parker felt a slight chill upon hearing this. He could clearly feel that… the chilling aura of a formidable figure emanating from Lin Da was becoming increasingly intense.

He knew that this young man would never be content with the current victory. His goal was that broader, and even more… treacherous sea of stars!

Hanging up the phone, Lin Da cast aside all distractions and once again completely immersed himself in the script of chinatown stories and the character of Chen Ajiu, who was filled with tragedy and the aura of a formidable figure.

He activated the newly unlocked item in the system store—【Oscar Road · Script Radar (Primary)】.

“System, conduct a deep analysis of all key scenes of the character ‘Chen Ajiu’ in the first five episodes of the script.”

“Ding! 【Acting Deep Analysis Report (Chen Ajiu · First Five Episodes)】 has been generated. Consumed 800 reputation points.”

As the system prompt sounded, a stream of information, larger and more refined than before, flowed into Lin Da’s mind like a trickle.

It was the most precise and profound interpretation of Chen Ajiu’s every appearance, every line, every gaze, every subtle expression, and even… every inner emotional struggle and human questioning in the first five episodes.

The report not only meticulously analyzed Chen Ajiu’s psychological motivations and behavioral logic in different periods but also provided… suggestions for performance details that could instantly elevate the character and even… subvert the audience’s perception.

For example, when Chen Ajiu was forced to kill for the first time, his eyes should not be simply fear or numbness, but rather a… complex emotion mixed with compassion for the passing of life, despair for his own destiny, and… a hint of a desire for power quietly growing in the darkness.

Another example, when Chen Ajiu dealt with the gang elders, his smile should not be a false flattery, but rather a… disguise with a hint of cynical mockery and… deep, hidden cunning.

These details, like the final touch to a painting, instantly elevated Lin Da’s understanding of the character Chen Ajiu to a new, astonishing height.

He knew that he had found… the soul key to portraying this tragic formidable figure!

He began to practice in front of the mirror, over and over again.

His eyes, sometimes cold as a knife, sometimes full of warmth; his smile, sometimes cynical, sometimes unfathomable; his every movement, every posture, was filled with… the unique charm and… dangerous aura of Chen Ajiu.

He seemed to have truly become that tragic hero who, amidst the bloody storms of San Francisco’s Chinatown, rose step by step, paving his path as a formidable figure with blood and bones.

Just as he was completely immersed in this wonderful experience of soul fusion with the character, his phone rang again.

It was an unfamiliar number, and the caller ID showed… China, Beijing.

Lin Da’s eyebrow twitched slightly.

Who could it be at this hour?

Could it be that those crippled hyenas were still unwilling to give up and wanted to play some new tricks?

A cold curve appeared at the corner of Lin Da’s mouth, and he pressed the answer button.

He wanted to see, this time, which ignorant fellow wanted to challenge his bottom line!

On the other end of the phone, after a brief static sound, a clear and pleasant, yet somewhat professionally capable female voice came through:

“Excuse me, is this Teacher Lin Da?”

Lin Da’s eyebrow twitched slightly. He was not familiar with this voice. But the fact that the other party could directly call his private number and accurately know that he was currently in Los Angeles clearly indicated that she had done her homework.

“I am Lin Da, may I ask who you are?” His voice was calm, showing no emotional fluctuations.

“Hello, Teacher Lin, I apologize for the abrupt call.” The female voice was very polite, with a hint of just the right amount of respect. “I am Liu Feixu, a producer from Purple Cloud Film and Television in Beijing, China.”

Purple Cloud Film and Television? Liu Feixu?

Lin Da quickly searched his mind for these two names. Purple Cloud Film and Television was a relatively well-known film and television company in China. Although it couldn’t compare to industry giants like Hua Guang, Shengshi, Tianyu, and Xinghui, it had produced several well-received boutique dramas, especially excelling in historical themes. As for the name Liu Feixu, Lin Da had no impression, so he figured she must be a relatively low-key but influential figure within the company.

However, at this critical juncture, what was the intention of a producer from a film and television company in Beijing suddenly contacting him, who was far away in Hollywood?

“Hello, Producer Liu.” Lin Da’s tone remained indifferent. “May I ask what you need from me, Producer Liu?”

“Teacher Lin is straightforward, so I won’t beat around the bush.” There was a hint of a smile in Liu Feixu’s voice. “Our Purple Cloud Film and Television is currently preparing a large-scale historical drama, tentatively titled iron-blooded censor. The drama is set in the Northern Song Dynasty and tells the legendary story of a righteous censor who, undeterred by powerful forces, outwitted and outmaneuvered corrupt officials in the court, ultimately rectifying the administration and upholding justice.”

“We have all seen your brilliant performance in the trailer for the chronicles of the great ming dynasty, Teacher Lin, and the huge impact you created in China previously. Director Zheng Guofeng and Teacher Chen Daoming both spoke highly of your acting skills and character. We believe that your image, temperament, and acting ability are all very well-suited to the requirements of the male lead in our iron-blooded censor—that upright, wise, and courageous Censor.”

“Therefore, we would like to formally invite you, Teacher Lin, to star as the male lead in iron-blooded censor!”

Male lead! Another male lead offer! And it was for a historical drama that sounded very substantial!

A complex, inexpressible emotion surged in Lin Da’s heart again.

He knew that this was undoubtedly the positive effect brought about by his previous “public opinion counterattack” in China. His strength and influence had begun to be recognized by more mainstream film and television companies.

“System, evaluate the project iron-blooded censor and Producer Liu Feixu’s invitation.” Lin Da thought to himself.

“Ding! 【Oscar Road · Script Radar (Primary)】 has been activated. Project evaluation in progress…”

“Project Name: iron-blooded censor”

“Production Company: Purple Cloud Film and Television (A second-tier film and television company in China, with certain production capabilities, but relatively limited network resources).”

“Project Potential (Domestic Mainstream Awards): Class A (Positive theme, conforms to mainstream values, likable character setting, with certain award-winning potential).”

“Key points for awards: 1. Quality of the script and meticulous research of historical details. 2. Depth and appeal of the core character ‘iron-blooded censor’. 3. Control ability of the directorial team and post-production quality.”

“Potential Risks: 1. Purple Cloud Film and Television has relatively weak capabilities in promotion and distribution, which may affect the final broadcast effect and influence of the series. 2. This project has deep cooperation with a certain first-tier satellite TV and video platform in China, and this platform seems to have intricate connections with some residual forces of Xinghui Entertainment and Tianyu Media, which previously suppressed the host. If the host accepts this drama, they may inadvertently get involved in new industry power struggles.”

Indeed, there was no free lunch.

Lin Da’s eyes narrowed slightly. The “potential risks” given by the system made him have to be cautious.

“Producer Liu, thank you very much for your trust and recognition of me and Purple Cloud Film and Television.” Lin Da pondered for a moment, then said sincerely, “To have the opportunity to star in a historical drama full of positive energy like iron-blooded censor, and to play such an important male lead, is undoubtedly a very valuable opportunity for me.”

“However,” he changed his tone, with a hint of just the right amount of difficulty, “I am currently in Hollywood, participating in the filming of the HBO limited series chinatown stories, and there are also promotional and filming tasks for the two films the last silk road echo and lost lighthouse. In terms of schedule, I’m afraid…”

He didn’t directly refuse, nor did he immediately agree, but cleverly threw out the “schedule” as a universally applicable reason.

Producer Liu Feixu on the other end of the phone had clearly anticipated that Lin Da might say this. She chuckled lightly, her tone carrying a hint of confident assurance:

“Teacher Lin, you don’t have to worry about the schedule at all. iron-blooded censor is currently in the script polishing and early preparation stage, and the earliest it can officially start filming is in the second half of next year. I believe that with your dedication and professionalism, Teacher Lin, you will definitely be able to arrange your time reasonably.”

She paused, her tone becoming more meaningful: “Moreover, Teacher Lin, although our Purple Cloud Film and Television cannot compare to the financial powerhouses like Hua Guang and Shengshi, we have always been full of sincerity towards truly talented actors. In terms of remuneration, treatment, and… subsequent resource allocation, we are willing to show the greatest sincerity and have in-depth discussions with you, Teacher Lin.”

“More importantly,” Liu Feixu’s voice carried a subtle hint of temptation, “we know that you, Teacher Lin, also need a platform in China that can… continuously vocalize, consolidate popularity, and… bring you more positive evaluations and mainstream award recognition.”

“And iron-blooded censor, as well as our Purple Cloud Film and Television, might… be a good choice for your development in China.”

Listening to Liu Feixu’s impeccable yet subtly provocative words, Lin Da couldn’t help but admire her inwardly. This Producer Liu was indeed not a simple person.

She not only knew his background but also precisely grasped his “pain points” in his current development in China.

He knew that Liu Feixu’s words were both an olive branch and… a kind of invisible “open conspiracy.”

If he accepted this role, he would certainly be able to further consolidate his position in China and gain more mainstream recognition. But at the same time, as the system prompted, he might inadvertently get involved in new industry power struggles, and even… encounter some former enemies again.

The waters in Beijing were truly… getting murkier and murkier.

“Producer Liu,” a faint curve appeared at the corner of Lin Da’s mouth, his eyes as deep as the sea, “I have felt your sincerity. I will carefully read the script. As for subsequent cooperation, after I finish things here in Hollywood and return to China, we can discuss it in person. What do you think?”

He didn’t immediately agree, nor did he completely refuse, but rather took the initiative back into his own hands.

After a brief silence, Producer Liu Feixu on the other end of the phone let out a light chuckle: “Okay, Teacher Lin is straightforward, so I will… await your good news.”

Hanging up the phone, Lin Da looked at the Hollywood stars still shining brightly in the night outside the window, his eyes becoming even deeper and… sharper.

He knew that his life had entered a brand new, more complex, and even more… challenging chess game.

And he was ready to welcome this new game, to walk his own… king’s path in this misty chess game!