98: Unexpected "guests" sharpen one's heart

Allen Parker's phrase, "unexpected 'guest'," was like a small stone dropped into the calm lake of Lin Da's heart, adding an inexplicable anticipation and… a subtle wariness to the upcoming first official team-building meeting for "iron-blooded censor."

He knew that Allen, this ace agent, never spoke without reason. For him to use words like "extremely surprised," the identity of this "guest" was definitely not simple.

Could it be… Chairman Li Shengshi or Qin Mu Feng, Old Qin, had introduced another big shot from the industry to him?

Or… were his former enemies trying new tricks again?

Lin Da pondered in his heart, but his face remained as calm and composed as an ancient well. He knew that no matter whether the newcomer was friend or foe, he had to be in his best state to face this new game.

The next morning, Lin Da arrived punctually at a five-star hotel in the suburbs of the capital, as notified by Producer Liu. This was the venue for the first official team-building meeting of "iron-blooded censor."

Outside the meeting room, many media reporters and… some "fans" who had caught wind of the news had already gathered. Clearly, the news of Lin Da's return to China to film "iron-blooded censor," and the huge stir he had previously caused domestically, had given this unfilmed drama extremely high topicality and attention.

Lin Da, escorted by several security guards, struggled through the crowd and entered the meeting room.

Inside the meeting room, the lights were bright. Many people were already seated around the long conference table. Director Zhang Jingzhi, Producer Liu, and several other core creative personnel of the crew were all present. Their faces all held a subtle… anticipation and nervousness.

Lin Da's gaze swept around the meeting room, but he didn't find any "unexpected" faces.

Could it be that Allen's information was wrong?

Just as he was secretly wondering, the meeting room door was suddenly gently pushed open from the outside.

A lean, white-haired old man, appearing to be in his sixties, wearing a somewhat faded Chinese tunic suit, but with exceptionally sharp eyes and an air of scholarly pride and… an unapproachable presence, slowly walked in, supported by a young assistant.

It was him!

Lin Da's pupils suddenly constricted!

He never expected that the "unexpected guest" Allen spoke of would be… this legendary figure in the Chinese film and television industry, a "living fossil"—

National First-Class Director, Lifetime Achievement Award winner, known for his extreme meticulousness in historical subjects and his almost harsh training of actors, and also "renowned" for his unyielding integrity, never bowing to capital or traffic, the… national treasure director, mentor of Chen Kaige, and one of the pioneers of China's Fifth Generation Directors—Director Wu Tianming!

This Elder Wu had retired from the film industry many years ago, living in seclusion, almost never participating in any commercial activities or social engagements. For him to suddenly appear here today, what… was his intention?

Inside the meeting room, everyone instinctively stood up the moment they saw Director Wu Tianming, their faces showing expressions of respect and even reverence.

"Elder Wu! You… why have you come?" Director Zhang Jingzhi was the first to react, quickly stepping forward to support Wu Tianming, his voice filled with incredible surprise.

Producer Liu also hurried forward, her face full of humble smiles: "Elder Wu, your presence truly honors our small production team!"

Director Wu Tianming merely nodded faintly, his gaze, like an eagle's, swept around the meeting room, and finally… landed on Lin Da.

At that moment, Lin Da felt an invisible pressure rush over him.

It was a kind of… ultimate accumulation from artistic cultivation, and a strict scrutiny of younger generations.

Lin Da's heart tightened slightly. But he did not flinch or panic because of it. He took a deep breath, met Director Wu Tianming's sharp gaze, and bowed slightly, neither humble nor arrogant, respectfully saying: "Elder Wu, junior Lin Da, greets you."

His voice was calm and steady, and the Speech Manipulation (Intermediate) skill quietly operated at this moment, making every word he spoke full of sincerity and… reverence for art.

Wu Tianming looked at Lin Da, not speaking immediately, but simply scrutinizing him up and down with those eyes that seemed to see through everything, his gaze filled with inquiry and… a subtle, complex emotion.

The atmosphere in the meeting room became somewhat heavy due to this silence.

Everyone held their breath, wanting to see what this film titan would say about this recently rising young man.

After a long while, Wu Tianming slowly spoke, his voice old but carrying an undeniable power:

"Lin Da… hmm, I, this old man, have heard that name several times recently."

He paused, then changed the subject, his tone becoming a bit more serious: "That old rascal Zheng Guofeng, and that old fellow Qin Mufeng, both praised you to the skies in front of me, saying you are some… once-in-a-century acting prodigy."

"I, this old man, don't believe in evil, so I specifically came today to see if you, this young man, truly… have the ability, or are… merely famous without substance."

Elder Wu's words were blunt and full of challenge.

Everyone present held their breath for Lin Da.

Lin Da, however, still maintained his calm expression, only a faint curve appearing at the corner of his mouth: "Elder Wu, your insight is brilliant, and I, this junior, dare not show off before you. Whether it's a mule or a horse, you'll know once it's led out. I also hope to have the opportunity to receive personal guidance from Elder Wu."

His words were neither humble nor arrogant; he neither appeared overly humble due to the other party's status nor showed any retreat due to their questioning, but instead subtly turned the tables on them.

Upon hearing this, a subtle… surprise and… admiration flashed in Wu Tianming's cloudy eyes.

This young man is quite interesting.

"Good! What a 'Whether it's a mule or a horse, you'll know once it's led out'!" Wu Tianming suddenly laughed loudly, breaking the heavy atmosphere in the meeting room, "I, this old man, came today not only to see you, this 'prodigy,' but also for something… more important."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over everyone present, finally resting on Lin Da again, a meaningful glint in his eyes:

"I heard that your 'iron-blooded censor' tells the story of a… strong-willed person who fears no power and speaks for the people… a story of a tough character?"

"And I, this old man, just so happen to be… idle recently, looking for something to do."

"So…" A profound smile played on Wu Tianming's lips, "If you don't mind me, this old man, getting in the way, I would… like to be an… art consultant for your drama, how about it?"

Art consultant?!

Director Wu Tianming actually wants to personally come out and serve as an art consultant for "iron-blooded censor"?!

As soon as these words were uttered, the entire room was in an uproar!

Everyone was stunned and disbelieving by this sudden, bombshell news!

Producer Liu and Director Zhang Jingzhi were so excited they almost jumped out of their seats! They knew that if they could receive personal guidance from Director Wu Tianming, the quality and influence of "iron-blooded censor" would undoubtedly be elevated to an… unprecedented height!

And Lin Da, after the initial shock, quickly calmed down.

A strong premonition surged in his heart.

This Elder Wu's sudden appearance here today, he feared… was not just as simple as being an "art consultant."

His true purpose, perhaps… was related to himself!

Could it be that in this chess game in the capital, another… unexpected piece has appeared?

Or… a chess player holding great power, capable of influencing the direction of the game?

Lin Da's eyes deepened.

He knew that this hidden battle in the capital was becoming more and more interesting.

And he was already prepared to face this new game, to walk his own… shadow emperor road in this foggy chess game!

Just then, the system's exciting prompt sounded in his mind again:

"Ding! Detected that the host has successfully attracted the high attention of China's national treasure Director Wu Tianming and received his initial approval!"

"The first link in the core mission chain of the Actor Emperor Road System: 'Battle for Foothold in Hollywood,' has received an additional bonus to its mission evaluation due to the host's continuous increase in domestic influence!"

"Ding! Host's reputation value (domestic) has greatly increased! Current reputation value: 15000 points."

“Ding! Due to the host's display of exceptional wisdom, demeanor, and devotion to art during interactions with industry titans, the proficiency of [Gaze of the Art Master (Passive Skill, Beginner)] has significantly increased! The proficiency of [Speech Manipulation (Intermediate)] skill has increased!”

“Ding! New items unlocked in the system store: [Guidance from a National Treasure Director (One-time Experience Card)], [Essence of Chinese History and Culture (Knowledge Infusion)].”

The generous rewards further invigorated Lin Da.

He knew that Director Wu Tianming's appearance was not just an unexpected surprise for him, but also... a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!

He must seize it well!

Director Wu Tianming's words, “I'd like to be an... art consultant for your play, how about it?” were like a giant rock thrown into a calm lake, capable of changing the tide's direction. The entire conference room instantly fell into a state of... near-boiling ecstasy and disbelief!

Producer Liu was so excited she almost jumped out of her seat. Her usually shrewd and capable face was now filled with undisguised surprise and... flattery.

“Mr. Wu... Mr. Wu! Are... are you serious?” Her voice trembled slightly. “Are... are you really willing to condescend... to be the art consultant for our 'iron-blooded censor'?”

Director Zhang Jingzhi's face was flushed with excitement. He quickly walked up to Wu Tianming, bowed deeply, his tone filled with heartfelt admiration and... a hint of the reverence a junior feels when meeting an idol: “Mr. Wu! If you can personally guide us, then... then that would simply be a blessing our entire crew has accumulated over several lifetimes!”

They knew all too well what the name Wu Tianming meant in the Chinese film and television industry!

He was not just a national treasure director, but also a... monument symbolizing artistic conscience and creative integrity!

With him at the helm, not only would the quality of “iron-blooded censor” achieve a qualitative leap, but even those lurking in the shadows, attempting to trip up the crew, would likely have to weigh their own importance!

Wu Tianming looked at their overly excited expressions, merely smiling faintly and waving his hand: “Alright, alright, don't flatter an old man like me. I'm just idle, looking for something to do, and incidentally... to see if today's young people still have that... foolish earnestness for art that we had back then.”

His gaze fell on Lin Da again, a subtle hint of... consideration and expectation flashing in his eyes.

Lin Da's heart also involuntarily began to beat faster at this moment. He knew that what Senior Wu said, though seemingly about the entire crew, was actually... directed at him.

“Senior Wu,” Lin Da took a deep breath, meeting Wu Tianming's sharp gaze, his eyes firm, his voice clear and powerful, “Though this junior is slow-witted, I also know that the path of art tolerates no falsehood or shortcuts. To receive your personal guidance is this junior's great fortune. This junior will... spare no effort to portray the character Song Qi to the extreme, and not disappoint your expectations!”

His words were resonant, full of reverence for art and respect for his senior.

After listening, a genuine... satisfaction flashed in Wu Tianming's cloudy eyes.

“Good! What a ‘spare no effort’!” Wu Tianming nodded, a profound smile playing on his lips. “However, Little Lin, this old man has conditions for being an art consultant.”

“Please speak, Mr. Wu!” Liu Feixu and Zhang Jingzhi said in unison, their expressions focused.

Wu Tianming, however, did not look at them, but turned his gaze back to Lin Da, saying word by word:

“My condition is simple—”

“From today until 'iron-blooded censor' officially begins filming, Lin Da, you must... move into my home.”

“What?!”

At these words, the entire room was once again in an uproar!

Everyone was stunned and incredulous by Wu Tianming's sudden “condition”!

Have Lin Da move into his home?

This... this was hardly a condition for an “art consultant”? This was clearly... an intention to personally train, or even... take on a disciple!

Liu Feixu and Zhang Jingzhi were so excited they could barely speak. They knew that if Lin Da could receive personal guidance from Director Wu Tianming, it would have... immeasurable influence on “iron-blooded censor” and on Lin Da's future development!

Lin Da's heart was also in turmoil. He never expected Senior Wu to make such a request!

For him, this was undoubtedly a... heaven-sent opportunity!

“Senior Wu,” Lin Da suppressed his inner excitement, his voice containing a subtle tremor, “You... you mean...?”

“My meaning is simple.” Wu Tianming looked at Lin Da, his eyes filled with undeniable authority, and also a hint of... an elder's expectation for a junior, “The character Song Qi is not easy to play. That 'obsession', 'foolishness', 'stubbornness' in him, and that tragic heroism and integrity of 'though a thousand men oppose me, I shall go forth' cannot be conveyed simply with a few lines or expressions.

“I hope that during this period, you can follow me, read history, taste tea, practice calligraphy, and calm your mind.”

“I won't teach you specific acting techniques. I will only... lead you to feel, to comprehend, to find... that 'loyal heart' hidden deep within you, connected to Song Qi's soul.”

“This process might be very tedious, very boring, and even... very painful.”

“Are you... willing?”

Wu Tianming's voice was not loud, but it struck Lin Da's heart like a heavy hammer.

Lin Da looked at Senior Wu's eyes, filled with expectation and a test, and an indescribable heroic feeling surged within him.

He knew that this was not just a simple “closed-door cultivation,” but also... a tempering of the soul! A pilgrimage... to a higher artistic realm!

He took a deep breath, his eyes firm, his voice clear, powerful, and resonant:

“Senior Wu, this junior... couldn't ask for more!”

“Good!” Wu Tianming clapped his hands and laughed heartily, his eyes filled with gratification. “Then starting tomorrow, you move into my dilapidated quadrangle! I want to see what kind of... sharp sword you, this 'acting prodigy,' can be forged into by this old man!”

Just then, the system's exciting prompt sounded in Lin Da's mind again:

“Ding! Congratulations to the host for successfully obtaining the opportunity for personal guidance from China's national treasure Director Wu Tianming, and for activating the 'Loyal Heart Forging Sword' special cultivation mode!”

“The first link in the [Actor Emperor Road System] core mission chain: 'The Battle for a Foothold in Hollywood', has received a significant additional bonus to its mission evaluation due to the host's major breakthrough in domestic influence and artistic cultivation potential!”

“Ding! Host's prestige value (domestic and international art circles) has significantly increased! Current prestige value: 18,000 points.”

“Ding! Due to the host's display of exceptional artistic pursuit and personal charm during deep exchanges with industry titans, the proficiency of [Gaze of the Art Master (Passive Skill, Beginner)] has significantly increased! Successfully advanced to [Gaze of the Art Master (Intermediate)]!”

“[Gaze of the Art Master (Intermediate)] : When the host interacts or collaborates with top international art masters, it will be easier to gain their deep recognition, unreserved teaching, and strong support, and there is a high probability of triggering the 'Soul Guidance' effect, leading to breakthrough artistic insights.”

“Ding! New items unlocked in the system store: [Artistic True Legacy of a National Treasure Director (Insight Fragment)] x3 (limited-time exchange), [Chinese Integrity · Character Experience Card (Song Qi Exclusive)] x1.”

The incredibly generous rewards, and that brand new [Gaze of the Art Master (Intermediate)] skill, filled Lin Da's heart with light and hope, like the dawn about to break outside the window!

He knew that Director Wu Tianming's “test” was not just a challenge for him, but also... a once-in-a-lifetime, supreme opportunity to be reborn and transformed!

He must seize it well!

The chess game in the capital, with the unexpected entry of this national treasure director, became even more magnificent and... more anticipated!