Hearing Fish grit her teeth in frustration, Lin Yu felt somewhat balanced in his heart.
Although the strong liquor was terrible...
Compared to a full cup of fermented bean juice... it seemed almost acceptable?
And when faced with Fish's questioning, the lofty god actually responded.
"The form of the liquid in the cup is merely a vessel..."
"Rest assured, I guarantee you'll be satisfied."
As the God of Banquets, Wine, and Revelry spoke, its drawn facial features revealed a smug expression.
"Even as a semi-finished product... it's enough to immerse you all!"
"So—please take a sip."
The god's voice echoed across the banquet table.Though cheerful in tone, it left no room for refusal.
The players had no choice but to raise their cups and take small sips of the liquid.
Lin Yu was no exception.
He took a shallow taste—the fiery liquor burned every inch from his tongue to his throat.
Yet within this intensity lay a rich, mellow aroma.
"It's good..."
Few first-time drinkers of strong liquor actually enjoy its taste initially.
But even Lin Yu, who knew nothing about alcohol, could detect its "deliciousness" now.
Moreover...
Just like all the previous dishes, there was something beyond just flavor.
An indescribable emotion surged in Lin Yu's heart.
"Honored guests... why do people hold and attend banquets?"
The voice of the God of Banquets, Wine, and Revelry rang in everyone's ears.
"Sometimes, to dull unforgettable sorrow."
"Other times, to celebrate a bountiful hunt."
"Sometimes, to mask irreparable regrets."
"And sometimes, simply... to seek joy."
"Whatever brings you here, I hope in this moment, you can all enjoy this instant."
"So... please savor this drink."
"Its name is [Best Daydream]."
As the god's words faded...
Lin Yu felt the growing intensity of emotions in his heart.
Pure "joy and satisfaction."
And as these feelings deepened, they transformed into "longing."
For the first time, Lin Yu saw the manifestation of his innermost desires.
In a daze, he glimpsed vague visions of the future.
Like a daydream—not entirely real, yet seemingly within reach.
On a red carpet, countless spotlights flashed, focused solely on him.
As if he were the center of the world.
He walked calmly down this glittering path into the venue.
The big screen played a film starring him.
It didn't seem like a mainstream commercial movie, yet his acting transcended the genre's limitations, enthralling audiences worldwide—even the professional critics present.
Countless masterful performances flashed briefly on screen, serving only as his backdrop.
Everyone else was merely supporting cast...
And without doubt, at this ceremony representing the pinnacle of "film and theater," he had achieved the highest honor an actor could attain!
More than that, everyone knew...
His achievement surpassed the combined worth of all previous winners!
The roaring crowd chanted his name—these "viewers" seemed more devout than "believers"!
Lin Yu rose from his seat and walked toward the stage under the spotlights, toward his glory.
There, a heavy trophy awaited him like a throne anticipating its king.
But standing before it, Lin Yu suddenly stopped.
"Hmm... so if the [Main Course] was the past, then the [After-Dinner Drink] is the future?"
He raised his hand.
Though inappropriate, Lin Yu looked down to find a glass of liquor in his hand—definitely not what an award-winning actor should be holding at such a ceremony.
"It really sneaks up on you," Lin Yu muttered.
Now he understood—those who ate the [Main Course] not only gained the advantage of "two extra ropes," but more importantly, experienced this "illusion" before others.
While the [Appetizer] had offered similar visions, those were sorrowful memories—completely different in nature.
Of course, what truly made Lin Yu "snap out" so quickly was...
"Why did you skip the best part?!"
He glared at the screen with dissatisfaction—even resentment.
Whether illusion or future...
Jumping straight to the awards ceremony?!
Why couldn't he experience acting in the film that earned him global acclaim?!
What incredible production team and script must that have been!
And all those top actors working alongside him...
Not only keeping up but outperforming them?!
Just how well had he performed?
Not just performance—what level had his acting skills reached then?
Why couldn't he experience that part?
He wanted to act!
Right now!
How could this god think he cared about receiving awards?
"Now I see why this drink is flawed—called [Best Daydream], but nowhere near 'best'... it's actually frustrating!"
Even in drama club, he disliked fan meet-and-greets after performances.
Lin Yu enjoyed attention—but only onstage, while acting.
"But... how to improve it?"
Unlike the previous two visions where he was merely an observer or snapped back to reality immediately, here he could move freely within this "daydream."
In fact, after regaining awareness, his surroundings became clearer.
Men and women in formal attire, the extravagantly decorated stage, flashing camera lights.
Lin Yu guessed that his actions within this drink-induced "illusion"...
Might actually complete the beverage's formula.
Yet even with free movement...
Lin Yu couldn't actually perform—he lacked the ability to rewrite the entire scene!
But soon, the answer came to him.
Holding the liquor, he approached the stage as the excited host announced:
"Let's welcome our newest Best Actor, Lin Yu, to receive his award and speak!"
Lin Yu nodded politely with a charming smile, accepted the golden trophy from the presenter, and stepped to the microphone.
"Thud—buzz!"
He struck the mic hard, sending a piercing feedback through the silent hall.
Satisfied by the quiet, Lin Yu leaned into the microphone and declared loudly:
"You bunch of theater-school idiots who've never acted, hypocrites praising political correctness, elitist tastemakers divorced from public aesthetics, opportunists treating drama as political games, mediocre peers bowing to capital and vulgar trends, media sheep chasing trends without original thought, and pitiful audiences brainwashed into fixed tastes—I don't need your pathetic recognition or the sad honors you bestow!"
With that, he smashed the trophy to the ground.
"Crash!"
The award shattered into pieces.
"You... have no right to crown me!"