96: Secret war in the capital, sharpening the sword

Chapter 130: iron-blooded censor's Loyal Heart, the Hidden Battle in the Capital

The sunshine of Los Angeles ultimately could not keep Lin Da's footsteps for long. After in-depth discussions with Allen Parker, and a detailed risk assessment and contingency plan formulated by CAA's domestic team for iron-blooded censor project, Lin Da finally decided to accept the olive branch full of opportunities and challenges extended by Producer Liu.

He knew that this was not just a role, but a banner, a declaration of his powerful return to the domestic mainstream film and television industry, and even to those enemies who had once tried to trample him underfoot!

"Producer Liu, regarding the role of Song Qi, the male lead in iron-blooded censor, I, Lin Da, accept!"

When Lin Da conveyed this decision to Producer Liu in a calm yet powerful voice over the international call, the strong woman on the other end of the phone couldn't help but let out a relieved chuckle.

"Teacher Lin, I knew you wouldn't disappoint me!" Producer Liu's voice carried a genuine joy and a certain… confident strategizing. "The details of the contract have already been drafted by my legal team and can be sent to your agent at any time. As for the remuneration and treatment, I guarantee you will be absolutely satisfied."

She paused, her tone becoming more meaningful: "Moreover, Teacher Lin, our Purple Cloud Film and Television and the cooperating platform have also prepared a… small 'welcome gift' for you. I believe this gift will certainly add splendor to your 'King's Return' in China."

Lin Da understood upon hearing this. It seemed that this Producer Liu was not only a shrewd businesswoman but also a… master at leveraging resources and creating win-win situations.

In the following days, under the professional operation of Allen Parker and CAA's domestic team, the actor contract between Lin Da and Purple Cloud Film and Television for iron-blooded censor was quickly signed.

Just as Producer Liu had promised, Purple Cloud Film and Television demonstrated great sincerity in terms of remuneration, treatment, and… subsequent resource allocation. They even proactively offered to adjust the filming schedule of iron-blooded censor according to Lin Da's availability, to ensure he had ample time to ponder and portray the character of Song Qi.

This level of courtesy was remarkably generous for a new actor who had just made a name for himself in Hollywood but still had shallow roots in China.

Lin Da knew that behind this, while there were factors of his own strength and potential, it was probably also inseparable from… Chairman Li Shengshi and Qin Mu Feng, Old Qin's subtle 'guidance' and 'care' behind the scenes.

This chess game in the capital was indeed… becoming more and more interesting.

Before officially returning to the capital and commencing filming for iron-blooded censor, Lin Da completely immersed himself in the character of Song Qi, a role full of tragedy and integrity.

He activated the Oscar Road · Script Radar (Primary) skill and conducted a more in-depth and meticulous study of iron-blooded censor script.

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

"Character 'Song Qi' (male lead) core traits: 1. Unyielding integrity, unafraid of power (moral fortitude). 2. Both wise and courageous, keenly perceptive (political maneuvering). 3. Caring for the world, compassionate towards the common people (loyal heart). 4. The loneliness and struggle of upholding ideals in a dark officialdom (tragedy)."

"Key performance points: Requires precise portrayal of the character's multifaceted nature in different situations. Must exhibit righteous indignation and eloquent rhetoric when facing corrupt officials; also, compassion and sorrow when facing the suffering of the people, and… the loneliness and vulnerability of confronting inner struggles alone in the dead of night."

"Potential explosive point: If the 'Hai Rui-esque' upright official image of Song Qi can be successfully created, and deeply resonate with the audience on social issues such as fairness, justice, and clean governance, it is highly likely to become a phenomenal character of the year and have a decisive impact on the host's pursuit of major domestic awards."

Lin Da looked at the supplementary analysis report provided by the system, his eyes gleaming with excitement. He knew that the role of Song Qi was not just an opportunity for him to contend for major domestic awards, but also a… precious experience of soul-searching with those unyielding figures in Chinese history.

He unhesitatingly invested the Acting Points he had accumulated previously, as well as the 1000 Acting Points obtained after completing the “Battle for a Foothold in Hollywood” task, into the core attributes related to the character “Song Qi,” such as “Dialogue Proficiency (Classical Chinese and Court Debates),” “Inner Monologue Control (Moral Fortitude and Political Maneuvering),” and “Image and Temperament (Integrity and Unassuming Authority).”

He felt as if his body was undergoing some wondrous transformation. Every cell was greedily absorbing the nourishment belonging to "Song Qi," striving to draw closer to that soul which upheld a glimmer of light and justice in the dark officialdom…

A week later, Lin Da bid farewell to Allen Parker and the sunshine of Los Angeles, once again boarding a flight back to the capital.

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

This was where his dreams began, and also where he suffered countless setbacks and betrayals.

Now, he was back.

Bringing with him the sharpness honed in Hollywood, the powerful assistance of the actor emperor road system 2.0, and also… a more resolute, more powerful… loyal heart of a censor!

Waiting to pick him up were still Producer Qin Ya of Hua Guang Film and Television, and… Zhou Xingxing, who had successfully transformed into "Director Zhou Bu Kaopu."

"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 brimming with undisguised joy and excitement. "You're finally back! I missed you so much! I'm telling you, 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 a director! Although the investment isn't much, but… but I will definitely work hard to make a good work and not embarrass you!"

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

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

"Hehe, not bad, not bad." Zhou Xingxing scratched his head a little sheepishly. "Oh right, Lin Da, I heard you're back this time to play the male lead in a big historical drama? Playing a… selfless censor?"

"You're well-informed," Lin Da raised an eyebrow.

"Of course!" Zhou Xingxing proudly raised his chin. "I'm a future big director, I can still keep up with industry trends! Lin Da, go ahead and act with confidence! I believe you'll be able to portray that censor even darker than Bao Qingtian and tougher than Hai Rui!"

Lin Da burst into laughter at his outlandish comparison.

Producer Qin Ya also walked over with a smile, shaking Lin Da's hand warmly: "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."

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

"Oh right, Lin Da," Producer Qin Ya's tone shifted, becoming a bit more serious. "Regarding your acceptance of 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 capable and ambitious. But the platform she's collaborating with… its waters run deep."

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

"Good, as long as you're aware." Producer Qin Ya nodded with relief. "Remember, no matter what trouble you encounter, Hua Guang Film and Television will always be your strongest backing."

A warm current surged through Lin Da's heart.

The next day, Lin Da went to Purple Cloud Film and Television as agreed, to formally meet with Producer Liu and iron-blooded censor's directing team.

The Director is a well-known historical drama director in China, named Zhang Jingzhi, who looks to be in his fifties, with a thin face, sharp eyes, and a unique arrogance of a scholar, as well as… a dedication to art.

“Teacher Lin Da, I have long admired your name.” Director Zhang Jingzhi did not show excessive enthusiasm like Producer Liu when he saw Lin Da; he merely nodded faintly, his tone carrying a hint of scrutiny, “The role of Song Qi is not easy to play. I hope you… can show your true abilities and not disappoint me.”

Lin Da knew that Director Zhang was… testing him.

He smiled slightly, his eyes calm and confident, as the skill 【Aura Control (Intermediate)—Focus】 quietly activated:

“Director Zhang, please rest assured. Lin Da may not be talented, but he will… go all out and live up to your trust!”

His words were neither humble nor arrogant, and they resonated powerfully.

The confidence of an actor and… the reverence for the role emanating from him made a barely perceptible trace of… surprise and… expectation flash in Director Zhang Jingzhi’s eyes.

Autumn in the capital, with high skies and light clouds, also carried a hint of desolate coolness.

Lin Da politely declined the welcome banquet arranged by Producer Qin Ya and temporarily shelved his “director experience exchange meeting” with Zhou Xingxing.

From the moment he stepped onto this familiar yet strange land, his entire body and mind were completely immersed in the script of “iron-blooded censor” and the character of “Song Qi,” who was full of integrity and tragedy.

Allen Parker and the CAA domestic team were highly efficient.

On the second day of Lin Da’s arrival in the capital, a detailed background investigation report on “Kyushu Video Platform,” the collaborative platform for “iron-blooded censor” project, quietly arrived in his mailbox.

The content of the report confirmed the system’s previous “potential risk” warning.

Kyushu Video Platform, as a rising streaming media giant in China, indeed had the shadows of certain high-level executives from Tianyu Media and Xinghui Entertainment behind it.

Although Vice President Huang and Wang Hong and others had been disgraced due to the previous “framing” incident, the influence of these two companies in the industry had not completely collapsed.

They were like a centipede, dead but not stiff, still secretly looking for opportunities to rise again and… to seek revenge on Lin Da.

And the project “iron-blooded censor,” for them, was undoubtedly a… perfect “hunting ground.”

“It seems that the chess game in the capital is even more perilous than I imagined,” Lin Da thought, a cold glint flashing in his eyes as he looked at the content of the report.

But he did not shrink back or fear because of this.

On the contrary, a long-lost fighting spirit quietly ignited in his chest.

He, Lin Da, was never a lamb to be slaughtered!

Since those people wanted to play against him in this chess game, he would accompany them to the end!

He unhesitatingly invested the 1000 newly acquired Acting Points, along with a portion of those he had accumulated earlier, into core attributes related to the character of “Song Qi,” such as “Dialogue Foundation (Classical Chinese and Court Debates),” “Inner Drama Control (Integrity and Stratagem),” and “Image and Temperament (Integrity and Unspoken Authority).”

He felt as if his body was undergoing some kind of miraculous transformation.

Every cell was greedily absorbing the nourishment belonging to “Song Qi,” striving to get closer to that soul who, in the dark officialdom, upheld a glimmer of light and justice.

A few days later, Lin Da, as agreed, went to the preparation office of “iron-blooded censor” crew to have his first formal character discussion with Director Zhang Jingzhi.

Director Zhang Jingzhi still maintained his unsmiling, sharp-eyed demeanor.

He did not engage in much small talk, directly pushing a thick script, full of annotations and revision suggestions, in front of Lin Da.

“Teacher Lin, these are some of my initial thoughts on the character of Song Qi,” Director Zhang Jingzhi’s voice was deep and magnetic, “I hope the Song Qi you play is not just a stereotypical upright official, but also a… flesh-and-blood ‘person’ with struggles, helplessness, and even… human emotions.”

Lin Da took the script and read it carefully.

He noticed that Director Zhang Jingzhi had meticulously revised and adjusted many details in the script, making Song Qi’s inner world richer and more… challenging.

“Director Zhang,” Lin Da mused for a moment, then slowly spoke, the 【Speech Manipulation (Intermediate)】 skill quietly operating at this moment, his voice filled with convincing power, “My understanding of the character Song Qi coincides with yours.”

“In my opinion, Song Qi’s integrity does not stem from an aloofness that is detached from worldly affairs, but rather from his deep love for his country and its people, his infinite compassion for the common folk, and… his stubborn adherence to that inner conviction of ‘doing what is impossible to do.’”

“He is in the dark officialdom, accustomed to intrigue, and understands the art of power. But he has never been swallowed by the darkness, and he has never given up the light and justice in his heart. This is what makes this character most precious and most touching.”

Director Zhang Jingzhi listened quietly, and in his sharp eyes, a hint of… imperceptible surprise and… admiration gradually emerged.

He did not expect that this young Lin Da could have such a profound understanding and unique insight into the character of Song Qi.

This was no longer just a matter of acting skill; it was more of an… insight into human nature and a devotion to art.

“Good! What a ‘doing what is impossible to do’!” Director Zhang Jingzhi slapped the table, a rare smile appearing on his face, “Lin Da, you boy, you really didn’t disappoint me!”

He paused, his eyes deepening: “However, understanding alone is not enough.

The character of Song Qi has an extremely complex inner world and great emotional shifts.

I hope you can use your performance to fully showcase his struggle and steadfastness between integrity and power, ideals and reality.

This is the real test!”

“I understand, Director Zhang.” Lin Da nodded solemnly, his eyes filled with confidence and… a hint of imperceptible sharpness, “I will use my entire body and mind to become him, to feel him, to present his soul on the big screen!”

In the following days, Lin Da, Director Zhang Jingzhi, and several other core creative members of the crew had multiple in-depth discussions and exchanges on the script and characters of “iron-blooded censor.”

Lin Da’s unique insights, precise grasp of the characters, and his almost obsessive dedication and love for the art of acting left a profound impression on everyone.

And the “welcome gift” that Producer Liu had mentioned earlier also arrived as scheduled.

It was a large-scale interview event, meticulously planned by the Kyushu Video Platform, titled “Chinese Style is in Season—Face to Face with the Creators of ‘iron-blooded censor.’”

Producer Liu’s intention was clear; she wanted to leverage Lin Da’s current super popularity and topicality in China to conduct a… grand pre-heating for “iron-blooded censor,” a series that had not yet begun filming.

Lin Da knew that this was both a rare publicity opportunity and potentially… a “Hongmen banquet” full of unknown risks.

Because he keenly sensed that the intricate connections between the Kyushu Video Platform and the enemies who had previously tried to put him to death seemed to be… becoming clearer and clearer.

“Allen,” Lin Da dialed Allen Parker’s number, his tone calm but with an undeniable firmness, “Help me prepare.

I not only want to participate in this live broadcast, but also… I want to play it beautifully!”

He knew that the chess game in the capital had quietly begun.

And he was also ready to meet this new game, to reveal his… sharp sword in this misty chess game!