95: Weighing the pros and cons, the censor's loyalty

The Los Angeles sun, streaming through the apartment hotel's floor-to-ceiling windows, lazily spilled onto the floor, yet it couldn't dispel the layers of ripples that had arisen in Lin Da's heart due to Liu Feixu's overseas call.

“iron-blooded censor,” a male lead role in a period historical drama that sounded very substantial.

For any actor aspiring to establish a firm foothold in the domestic mainstream film and television industry and contend for professional awards, this was undoubtedly a highly tempting olive branch.

But Lin Da knew that behind this olive branch, thorns might also be hidden.

The “potential risk” alert given by the system sounded an alarm in his heart. The first-tier satellite TV and video platform collaborating with Purple Cloud Film and Television had intricate connections with the remaining forces of Xinghui Entertainment and Tianyu Media, which had previously suppressed him. This made him wonder if this invitation had ulterior motives.

“Allen, I just received a call from Beijing, China.” After a moment of thought, Lin Da decided to inform his Hollywood ace agent about this matter. He knew that Allen Parker not only had rich industry experience but also a keen business sense and a powerful information network.

Allen Parker, on the other end of the phone, fell silent for a moment after listening to Lin Da's narration and the system's evaluation of “iron-blooded censor” project.

“Lin,” Allen’s voice carried the calm and prudence characteristic of a professional agent, “this project, on the surface, is indeed a good opportunity. A well-produced historical drama with a male lead role, if successful, will greatly help your reputation in China and your pursuit of mainstream awards.”

“However,” he changed the subject, his tone becoming serious, “we must pay attention to the ‘potential risk’ indicated by the system. The complexity of the Chinese entertainment industry sometimes even surpasses that of Hollywood. If those former enemies really want to trip you up through this project, it will indeed be very troublesome.”

Lin Da nodded. He knew that open attacks were easy to dodge, but hidden arrows were hard to guard against. If the other party truly intended to use this project to scheme against him, his situation in China would likely become extremely difficult.

“Allen, what is your suggestion?” Lin Da asked.

“My suggestion is not to rush to reply for now,” Allen Parker said in a deep voice. “I will immediately have CAA’s domestic partners conduct a comprehensive background check and risk assessment on Purple Cloud Film and Television, Liu Feixu, and ‘iron-blooded censor’ project. We need to find out whether this is a genuine opportunity or a carefully laid trap.”

He paused, his tone carrying the confidence and control of an ace agent: “At the same time, I will also start looking for some safer and more internationally influential domestic collaboration projects for you. Your actor emperor road cannot be limited to Hollywood; the vast Chinese market is equally important. But we must choose the most stable and beneficial path for your long-term development.”

“I understand, Allen.” Lin Da felt much more at ease. With a professional team like Allen Parker safeguarding him, he could indeed avoid many detours.

After hanging up the phone, Lin Da did not allow himself to fall into unnecessary anxiety. He knew that the most important thing now was to focus on the current filming of “chinatown stories.”

The role of Chen Ajiu, for him, was not just an opportunity to contend for the Emmy Awards and Golden Globe Awards, but also a challenge to the limits of his acting skills.

He unhesitatingly invested the 1000 newly acquired Acting Points, as well as a portion of those accumulated earlier, into core attributes related to the “Chen Ajiu” character, such as “Internal Monologue Control (Heroic Aura),” “Emotional Explosiveness (Endurance and Ruthlessness),” “Body Language (Sense of Era and Jianghu Spirit),” and the proficiency improvement of the newly unlocked, incredibly impressive Oscar Road · Script Radar (Primary) skill.

He wanted to transform himself into the most perfect Chen Ajiu!

A few days later, Allen Parker called again, his tone carrying a mix of gravity and a certain understanding.

“Lin, regarding ‘iron-blooded censor,’ we found some interesting things.”

“Oh?” Lin Da raised an eyebrow slightly.

“Purple Cloud Film and Television itself doesn't have major issues; it is indeed a second-tier company with certain production capabilities. Producer Liu's reputation in the industry is also quite good; she is an ambitious and capable producer,” Allen Parker slowly explained. “However, behind the first-tier satellite TV and video platform they deeply collaborate with, there are indeed shadows of certain high-level executives from Tianyu Media and Xinghui Entertainment.”

“Moreover, we also discovered,” Allen’s tone became more meaningful, “that the initial male lead candidate for ‘iron-blooded censor’ project was not you. Instead, it was a newcomer closely associated with Zhang Yang, also heavily promoted by Xinghui Entertainment.”

“It was only later, because your previous ‘public opinion counterattack’ in China caused such a huge stir, Xinghui Entertainment was severely weakened, and that newcomer’s project was also affected. Purple Cloud Film and Television and Producer Liu then temporarily changed their minds and extended the olive branch to you, this rising and powerful ‘outsider.’”

Lin Da scoffed inwardly after hearing this.

As expected, there were indeed hidden schemes behind this.

While Producer Liu's choice of him certainly included recognition of his abilities, it was probably not without some consideration of leveraging his power to counterbalance certain forces.

And those former enemies would never willingly watch him easily “rise again” in China. They would definitely try every means to create trouble for him in this project, and even dig traps.

This chess game in Beijing was indeed becoming more and more shrouded in mist.

“Allen, what is your suggestion?” Lin Da asked again.

Allen Parker on the other end of the phone was silent for a moment, then let out a light chuckle: “Lin, my suggestion is to take on this role.”

“What?” Lin Da was slightly stunned by this. He had originally thought Allen would advise him to avoid the risk and abandon the project.

“That's right, take it!” Allen Parker’s voice carried the confidence characteristic of an ace agent and a hint of imperceptible excitement. “Risks do exist. But the opportunities are equally immense!”

“Think about it, if you can rely on your own strength to perform ‘iron-blooded censor’ well and make it popular, what a huge boost will that be to your reputation and status in China? Those petty individuals who once tried to suppress you will only appear more ridiculous and incompetent in the face of your absolute strength!”

“Moreover,” Allen’s tone held a hint of cunning, “since they want to scheme against you in this chess game, why don’t we turn the tables and use this chess game to our own greater advantage?”

A flash of understanding flickered in Lin Da's eyes.

He knew that Allen Parker, this ace agent, was once again strategizing and playing a big game of chess.

And he, Lin Da, would also play a crucial role in this mist-shrouded chess game!

“Good! Allen,” Lin Da’s lips curved into a confident smile, “Then let’s play this game of chess well together!”

He knew that his life was about to embark on a brand new, more magnificent, and more challenging journey!

And his actor emperor road would surely shine even brighter in this gamble with destiny!

The Los Angeles sun was still bright, but Lin Da's heart had long flown back to that ever-changing homeland in the East.

Allen Parker ultimately respected Lin Da's choice. Although the ace agent harbored doubts about the complexity of the Chinese entertainment industry, he also knew that an actor truly aspiring to reach the actor emperor road could never be content with staying in one corner. The vast and vibrant Chinese market, along with its unique cultural soil, was also an indispensable and important component of Lin Da's future development.

“Lin, since you have decided, I will have CAA’s team in China fully cooperate with you.” Allen Parker’s tone carried a mix of solemnity and the confidence of strategic planning. “We will conduct a comprehensive risk assessment for ‘iron-blooded censor’ project and formulate the most comprehensive response plan for you. Remember, you are not fighting alone.”

“I understand, Allen.” A warm current surged in Lin Da's heart. “Thank you.”

After hanging up the phone, Lin Da did not immediately return to China. He knew that before stepping onto the 'Beijing Chess Game,' a place full of unknowns and challenges, he had to make the most thorough preparations.

He first opened the actor emperor road system 2.0.

Looking at the newly activated side quest in the mission module, named 'Beijing Wind and Cloud Rises Again - iron-blooded censor's Test,' and the series of tempting rewards that followed, Lin Da's eyes became even more determined.

He activated the Oscar Road · Script Radar (Primary) skill and began to carefully read the complete script of iron-blooded censor that Liu Feixu had sent him.

"Ding! Oscar Road · Script Radar (Primary) analysis results:"

"Script Name: 'iron-blooded censor'"

"Project Potential (Domestic Mainstream Awards): A+ (Grand theme, full character settings, intense conflicts. If well-produced, it has great potential to win awards and is expected to become a phenomenal hit of the year)."

"Key points for awards: 1. The depth and appeal of the male lead 'Hai Rui-style' censor official's portrayal, and whether it can resonate with the audience. 2. The script's realistic portrayal and artistic embellishment of the court struggles and social contradictions during the Northern Song Dynasty. 3. The director team's ability to control grand historical narratives and their meticulous attention to detail."

"Character 'Song Qi' (Male Lead) Award Potential (Best Actor): S-level. The key lies in whether the actor can accurately display the character's struggle and adherence between integrity and strategizing, ideals and reality, as well as the tragic heroism and passion of 'though a myriad of people stand against me, I will go forth' at critical moments."

"Potential Risks (Updated): The cooperating platform for this project has vested interests and connections with the host's past adversaries. During filming, the host is highly likely to face malicious suppression and public opinion attacks from multiple sides. It is recommended that the host respond cautiously and consider using items such as the [Crisis Warning Card] and [Networking Expansion Card (Advanced)] to plan ahead and resolve crises."

S-level male lead award potential!

Lin Da's heart pounded again. He knew that this righteous censor named Song Qi would be an important opportunity for him to impact mainstream domestic awards and further solidify his position!

As for those potential risks and suppressions…

A cold arc appeared at the corner of Lin Da's mouth.

He was no longer the unknown nobody who could be easily manipulated. Since those people wanted to play, he would… play to the end!

He unhesitatingly invested the Acting Points he had accumulated previously, as well as the 1000 Acting Points obtained after completing the 'Hollywood Foothold Battle' mission, into the core attributes related to the character 'Song Qi,' such as 'Dialogue Proficiency (Classical Chinese and Court Debates),' 'Internal Monologue Control (Integrity and Strategizing),' and 'Image and Temperament (Upright and Imposing without anger).'

He felt as if his body was undergoing some kind of miraculous transformation. Every cell was greedily absorbing the nutrients belonging to Song Qi, striving to get closer to that soul that adhered to a trace of light and justice in the dark officialdom.

A week later, Lin Da bid farewell to Allen Parker and the sunshine of Los Angeles and boarded a flight back to Beijing.

The plane landed at the Capital International Airport, and as he once again breathed the familiar yet slightly hazy air, his heart was filled with mixed emotions.

This was once the place where his dreams began, and also the sad place where he encountered countless setbacks and betrayals.

Now, he was back.

Bringing the sharpness honed in Hollywood, the powerful assistance of the actor emperor road system, and also… a more resolute, more powerful… heart of a hero!

Coming to pick him up were Producer Qin Ya of Hua Guang Film and Television, and… a figure that somewhat surprised Lin Da—Zhou Xingxing!

"Lin Da!" As soon as Zhou Xingxing saw Lin Da, he pounced on him like a joyful little bird, giving him a big bear hug, his face overflowing with undisguised joy and excitement, "You're finally back! I missed you so much!"

Lin Da looked at his good brother, who still had a hint of youthfulness but whose brows now showed a touch of confidence and maturity, and his heart was filled with emotion.

"Xing Zai, you've been doing well recently," Lin Da patted his shoulder and said with a smile.

"Hehe, not bad, not bad." Zhou Xingxing scratched his head a little shyly, "My '"salted fish turn over battle plan"' script has been officially approved! The boss of that small film and television company actually let me be the director! Although the investment isn't much, but… but I will definitely work hard to make a good work and not embarrass you!"

"I believe in you." Lin Da's eyes were full of encouragement.

Producer Qin Ya also walked over with a smile and shook hands warmly with Lin Da: "Lin Da, welcome back. Your performance in Hollywood this time really brought honor to our Chinese actors! Director Zheng and Teacher Chen both asked me to say hello to you on their behalf."

"Thank you, Sister Qin, and please say hello to Director Zheng and Teacher Chen for me," Lin Da said gratefully.

"By the way, Lin Da," Qin Ya changed the subject, her tone carrying a hint of seriousness, "Regarding your taking on 'iron-blooded censor,' we at Hua Guang Film and Television have also received some news. Producer Liu Feixu of Purple Cloud Film and Television is indeed a capable and ambitious person. But the platform she is collaborating with… the waters are very deep."

Lin Da nodded: "I understand, Sister Qin. Allen Parker has already reminded me."

"Hmm, it's good that you know." Qin Ya nodded with satisfaction, "Remember, no matter what trouble you encounter, Hua Guang Film and Television will always be your strongest backing."

A warm current surged in Lin Da's heart.

The next day, Lin Da went to Purple Cloud Film and Television as agreed to formally meet with Producer Liu Feixu.

Purple Cloud Film and Television's office is located in a relatively low-key cultural and creative park in Beijing. It doesn't have the grand standalone buildings like Hua Guang or Shengshi, but it is elegantly and tastefully arranged.

Liu Feixu personally greeted him at the entrance. She looked to be around thirty-five or thirty-six years old, dressed in a sharp business suit, with exquisite makeup and keen eyes, exuding the unique confidence and aura of a strong woman.

"Teacher Lin, I've long admired your name, welcome to Purple Cloud Film and Television." Liu Feixu's face held a professional smile as she extended her hand to Lin Da.

"Producer Liu, you're too kind." Lin Da shook her hand neither humbly nor arrogantly, and the [Aura Control (Intermediate) - Affinity] skill quietly operated, making him appear gentle yet substantial.

The two sat down in the reception room, and after a brief exchange of pleasantries, they quickly got to the main topic.

"Teacher Lin," Liu Feixu said straightforwardly, "Regarding 'iron-blooded censor' and the character Song Qi, I believe you already have some preliminary understanding. We at Purple Cloud Film and Television have high hopes for this project, and we also hope to have a… deep collaboration with an actor of your caliber and potential."

She paused, a subtle glint flashing in her eyes: "Of course, we also know that Teacher Lin, you are currently a hot commodity both domestically and internationally, with many choices. Therefore, to express our sincerity, we are willing to offer our utmost sincerity in terms of remuneration, treatment, and… subsequent resource allocation."

Lin Da looked at Liu Feixu's eyes, full of calculation and temptation, and sneered in his heart.

He knew that Producer Liu was… testing him, and also… dangling a carrot in front of him.

"Producer Liu," Lin Da's lips curved into a faint arc, his eyes as deep as the sea, "Remuneration and treatment are certainly important. But for me, what's more important is the quality of the script, the charm of the character, and… a good environment that allows me to create with peace of mind and without external interference."

His words had an underlying meaning.

Upon hearing this, Liu Feixu's smile stiffened slightly, then quickly returned to normal: "Teacher Lin is right. We at Purple Cloud Film and Television have always respected the laws of artistic creation and will definitely provide Teacher Lin with the best creative environment. As for those… discordant voices, I believe that with Teacher Lin's wisdom and strength, you will certainly be able to handle them calmly."

Was she… hinting at something?

Lin Da's eyes narrowed slightly.

It seems this Beijing chess game is even more… shrouded in mist than he imagined.

And he was ready to face this new game, to walk his own… path of a king through this mist!