Question on Smart Thermostat Wiring

https://bluecircuitry.com/s/eEZy1m9MwVl7Jb8fBAIND

Question on Smart Thermostat Wiring Our older thermostat only has four wires and no C wire. The smart model I bought says it needs one. Is an adapter safe to use, or does that cause problems with the AC down the road? Trying to avoid a wiring mistake