Entertainment: Who Said That the Golden Supporting Role Cannot Become the Top Stream

65: The grand ceremony was full of twists and turns, and the hidden tricks were hiddenThe stage of the Penguin Video Annual Gala was resplendent with dazzling lights and glittering stars.

One by one, highly anticipated awards were announced, and the winners, amidst thunderous applause and flashing lights, excitedly held up their trophies, sharing their glory and joy.

Lin Da sat in the guest section, quietly observing the grand ceremony. He wasn’t disappointed or impatient just because he was a ”spectator”; instead, he saw it as a rare opportunity for learning and observation. He carefully listened to each winner’s acceptance speech, feeling their passion and dedication to the performing arts; he also silently observed the words and actions of the industry giants below the stage, learning their art of navigating this world of fame and fortune with ease.

As Penguin Video’s most anticipated drama for next year, the chronicles of the great ming dynasty naturally occupied a significant portion of the gala. A meticulously edited, three-minute exclusive preview was broadcast on the gigantic LED screen, instantly igniting the atmosphere of the entire venue.

In the preview, Emperor Yongle’s brilliant strategies and grand vision, the treacherous twists and turns within the imperial court, and... Lin Da’s portrayal of Wei Zhongxian’s unfathomable gaze and morally ambiguous aura, all left an extremely profound impression on the guests present and the hundreds of millions of netizens watching the live broadcast.

”This Wei Zhongxian is quite interesting!”

”Lin Da played him? Can’t tell he’s a newcomer at all!”

”That gaze, that aura, simply amazing! Must watch the chronicles of the great ming dynasty!”

On the bullet screen comments, discussions about Lin Da and Wei Zhongxian once again stirred up a small climax.

Midway through the gala, the host specifically invited several key creators of the chronicles of the great ming dynasty onto the stage for a brief interaction and promotion.

Lin Da, as the ”special invited representative” of the crew, was naturally among them.

He stood shoulder to shoulder with Teacher Chen Daoming, who played Emperor Yongle, and several other veteran actors with important roles in the drama, facing countless gazes from the audience with composure and dignity, neither humble nor arrogant.

”Teacher Lin Da,” the host handed the microphone to Lin Da, a professional smile on his face, ”We all know that the Wei Zhongxian you portray in the chronicles of the great ming dynasty is a very complex and challenging role. Could you share with us your biggest insight or experience in shaping this character?”

Lin Da took the microphone, his gaze calmly sweeping across the audience. His Speech Manipulation (Intermediate) skill quietly activated at this moment, and his voice, gentle and magnetic, clearly spread throughout the entire venue:

”It is a great honor to have the opportunity to portray such a captivating character as Wei Zhongxian. For me, the process of shaping this character was more like a journey of dialogue with history and a game of chess with human nature.”

”I have always believed that no matter the size of the role, whether good or evil, deep within, there must be something worth exploring and understanding. The historical figure Wei Zhongxian may be controversial, but in the drama the chronicles of the great ming dynasty, he is more like a complex individual caught in a whirlpool of power, swept forward by the currents of his era.”

”I hope that through my portrayal, the audience will see not just a stereotypical ’villain,’ but a flesh-and-blood ’person’ with struggles, helplessness, and even... a hint of warmth.”

His words were neither humble nor arrogant, not only showcasing his profound understanding of the character but also subtly raising the audience’s expectations for the role of Wei Zhongxian.

In the audience, many industry insiders nodded in approval, expressing their appreciation for Lin Da’s insights. Even Qin Mu Feng, Old Qin, sitting at the main table, a hint of imperceptible satisfaction flashed in his clouded eyes.

However, just as Lin Da was about to hand the microphone back to the host, a somewhat abrupt voice rang out from a corner of the guest section:

”Teacher Lin’s words are truly more pleasant to hear than a song! I just wonder if these ’profound insights’ are Teacher Lin’s own genuine feelings, or... ’standard answers’ pre-arranged by some esteemed expert?”

The voice wasn’t loud, but it carried a sarcastic tone, full of insinuation and... undisguised malice.

The atmosphere in the entire venue instantly became somewhat delicate.

Everyone’s gaze instinctively turned towards the source of the voice.

It was Vice President Huang of Tianyu Media, holding a wine glass, looking at Lin Da on stage with a fake smile, his eyes full of provocation and disdain. Beside him sat several other high-ranking officials and artists also from Tianyu Media, their faces also showing expressions of watching a good show unfold.

Clearly, Vice President Huang had not given up after his ”defeat” at the Golden Tripod Award celebration banquet last time. He was determined to find an opportunity to make Lin Da embarrass himself in public and turn the tables.

The host also hadn’t expected such an unexpected situation and was a bit flustered, quickly trying to smooth things over.

Lin Da, however, smiled slightly at the host, signaling him to remain calm. Then, he turned his head, looked calmly at Vice President Huang, and a faint curve appeared at the corner of his mouth:

”Mr. Huang, that’s a very interesting question.”

His voice remained gentle, yet it carried an undeniable power. The effect of his Speech Manipulation (Intermediate) skill was fully unleashed at this moment:

”I think, for an actor, whether it’s their own genuine feelings or the guidance of a senior expert, the ultimate goal is to better shape the character and present more wonderful works to the audience. This process itself is a process of learning and growth, isn’t it?”

He paused, his eyes sharpening. A hint of targeted pressure from his Aura Control - Intimidation skill quietly released, enveloping Vice President Huang:

”As for the ’standard answers’ you mentioned, Mr. Huang... I, Lin Da, am not talented, and I’m still new to the industry, so I truly don’t know when the art of acting started having ’standard answers’? Does Mr. Huang believe that all roles should be understood in the same way and performed in the same manner?”

”If that were truly the case, wouldn’t we actors all become puppets produced on an assembly line? Then what would be the meaning of us gathering here today to discuss art and celebrate craftsmanship?”

His words were resonant and powerful! He not only cleverly refuted Vice President Huang’s challenge but also elevated it to a discussion and reflection on the entire art of acting, instantly seizing the moral high ground!

Vice President Huang’s face turned pale, then red, as Lin Da’s words rendered him speechless for a long time. He never expected that this Lin Da not only had excellent eloquence but also such quick reflexes, pushing him into an awkward dilemma in just a few words!

Within the venue, there was a moment of silence, followed by thunderous applause!

”Well said!”

”Teacher Lin is amazing!”

”This is the true spirit of an actor!”

Even Qin Mu Feng, Old Qin, at the main table, couldn’t help but nod slightly, a glimmer of approval flashing in his eyes.

Chairman Li Shengshi even clapped his hands and laughed heartily, openly expressing his admiration for Lin Da.

Su Wanqing’s beautiful eyes also sparkled as she looked at Lin Da on stage, composed and calm amidst the ”media” attention, her gaze filled with an unusual brilliance.

Under the gaze and applause of the crowd, Vice President Huang felt his face burning, as if he had been slapped hard several times. He knew that this time, he had lost again, and he had lost even more miserably than before!

He lowered his head dejectedly, no longer daring to meet Lin Da’s gaze.

A meticulously planned challenge ultimately served to enhance Lin Da’s reputation once again.

Amidst the applause, Lin Da bowed slightly to the audience, then handed the microphone back to the host, hiding his accomplishments and fame deep within.

He knew that the storm of this gala was far from over.

And he was already prepared to face more challenges, to write his own... even more brilliant legend!

On the stage of the Penguin Video Annual Gala, Lin Da’s resonant and dignified response was like a giant stone thrown into a calm lake, stirring up thousands of waves.

The thunderous applause was endless, and countless eyes in the audience focused on this tall, composed young man. There was astonishment, admiration, curiosity, and also... a hint of imperceptible jealousy and apprehension.

Under the gaze and applause of the crowd, Vice President Huang felt his face burning, as if he had been stripped naked in public and left to bake under the scorching sun. He never expected that his meticulously planned challenge would not only fail to embarrass Lin Da but instead become a stepping stone for the other party to showcase his eloquence and wisdom, making himself the laughingstock of the entire industry!

He clenched his fists tightly, his nails almost digging into his flesh, his eyes filled with resentment and unwillingness. But he knew that at this moment, he was powerless to turn the tide. Saying anything more would only make him more embarrassed.

The host, a seasoned veteran, quickly intervened to smooth things over, redirecting the conversation to other topics, attempting to ease the somewhat awkward atmosphere.

Lin Da, amidst the applause, bowed slightly to the audience, then handed the microphone back to the host, hiding his accomplishments and fame deep within. His smile remained gentle and humble, as if the sharp verbal exchange just now was merely an insignificant interlude.

However, he knew that things would definitely not end there.

The gala continued, but Lin Da clearly felt that the gazes directed at him were more complex and more... meaningful than before.

Some industry insiders who had only vaguely heard of him or held a wait-and-see attitude before, now began to re-examine this rising star. They saw in Lin Da not only excellent acting skills but also a composure, wisdom, and... sharpness far beyond his age.

This was a young man not to be trifled with.

This was the latest definition many people had for Lin Da in their hearts.

During a break in the gala, Chairman Li Shengshi specifically approached Lin Da with a wine glass, patted him hard on the shoulder, and laughed heartily: ”Brother Lin! You, kid, really brought glory to your elder brother! Those words just now were so brilliant! You practically rubbed that guy surnamed Huang into the ground! Satisfying! It was truly satisfying!”

He made no secret of his admiration for Lin Da and... his schadenfreude. Clearly, he had always disliked Vice President Huang of Tianyu Media.

”Chairman Li, you flatter me.” Lin Da smiled humbly, ”This junior merely spoke the truth; I just didn’t want to be slandered for no reason.”

”Haha, what a ’truth’!” Li Shengshi’s eyes gleamed with shrewdness, ”Brother Lin, your courage and eloquence are even more impressive than your acting skills, making me, old Li, look at you with new eyes! In our circle, it will be hard for you not to become famous!”

He paused, his tone becoming a bit more serious: ”However, don’t be too careless. That guy surnamed Huang, and Tianyu Media behind him, are not to be trifled with. They suffered such a big loss from you today, they will definitely not let it go. In the future, you must be careful everywhere and guard against their hidden attacks.”

”Thank you for the reminder, Chairman Li, this junior understands.” Lin Da nodded, a hint of vigilance rising in his heart.

Just then, Miss Su Wanqing also gracefully walked over, her expressive beautiful eyes filled with an unusual brilliance as she looked at Lin Da and smiled charmingly: ”Teacher Lin, your performance on stage just now was truly spectacular! Su Wanqing is utterly impressed!”

She paused, her tone carrying a hint of genuine concern: ”However, Chairman Li is right. Tianyu Media has considerable influence in the industry and has always acted domineeringly. You have completely offended them this time, and in the future... I’m afraid there will be a lot of trouble.”

”Thank you for your concern, Miss Su.” Lin Da smiled, ”When soldiers come, we block them; when water comes, we cover it with earth. I believe that as long as I act righteously and stand firm, I won’t fear any open or hidden attacks.”

Su Wanqing looked at Lin Da’s clear and determined eyes, and she couldn’t help but feel a sense of admiration. This young man not only had talent and wisdom but also rare integrity and responsibility.

”Teacher Lin’s demeanor is something Su Wanqing truly admires and feels inferior to.” Su Wanqing said sincerely, ”If there’s anything you need Su Wanqing’s help with in the future, Teacher Lin, please don’t hesitate to ask. Although we are only partners, Su Wanqing also hopes to contribute a small effort for Teacher Lin.”

Her words were undoubtedly a gesture of goodwill towards Lin Da, and also expressed her willingness to establish a deeper cooperative relationship with him.

Lin Da’s heart stirred slightly, and he said gratefully: ”Miss Su’s kindness, Lin Da will keep it in mind.”

The gala, in a fervent yet undercurrent-filled atmosphere, gradually drew to a close.

Although Lin Da did not win any awards, his performance tonight was more eye-catching than many of the award winners. He successfully defused a crisis with his strength and wisdom, and also earned more recognition and respect.

However, just as the gala was about to end and everyone was preparing to leave, a young man dressed in a hotel uniform, looking like a waiter, suddenly ”accidentally” bumped into Lin Da. The tray in his hand tilted, and a glass of red wine, perfectly aimed, spilled entirely onto Lin Da’s expensive dark blue velvet suit!

”Ah! I’m sorry! I’m sorry! Teacher Lin! I... I didn’t mean to!” The waiter apologized frantically, his face full of panic and unease, but a strange glint flashed in his eyes inadvertently.

Lin Da’s brows instantly furrowed tightly.

An alarm blared in his heart!

This... was definitely not an accident!

Although the [Crisis Alert Card] did not issue another prompt, Lin Da’s keen intuition told him that behind this seemingly ordinary ”accident,” a deeper conspiracy must be hidden!

Could it be that the opponent’s hidden attacks were not just verbal challenges, but also... more direct, more malicious follow-up moves?

Lin Da’s gaze, like a sharp sword, shot towards the waiter who was still profusely apologizing.

He wanted to see what kind of trick they were playing!