Top Chinese celebrity: Debuted from Running Man

……

……

The passenger plane flew smoothly at an altitude of 10,000 meters, and the sunlight poured in without any obstruction, making the entire business class bright and warm.

Zhang Jingyi pressed herself tightly against the porthole, her small nose almost touching the cool, specially made glass.

This was her first time flying, and her first time stepping into the legendary "first class cabin in the sky."

Everything was so new and exciting to her that it took her breath away.

Her naturally slightly droopy eyes, which carried a hint of innocence, now fully relaxed due to excitement and curiosity, curving upwards into a vibrant arc.

Those clear, bright eyes were filled with the pure blue and white outside the window, and Zhang Jingyi had only one thought in her mind:
"Being an entertainer is so cool!!"

original,

Above the sky, there truly is another, even broader "sky".

However, the novelty is gradually replaced by the body's instinctive reaction.

The persistent tinnitus and the feeling of blockage caused by the air pressure washed over her like waves, making her feel dizzy and slightly nauseous.

Zhang Jingyi gave a soft "hmm," looked away, leaned back in the spacious seat, and covered her cheeks with her hands.

"Baby, come on, have some orange juice. It's normal to feel like this the first time you fly, it's just altitude sickness and nervousness. You'll get used to it after you fly more often."

Until a woman's voice, clearly tinged with laughter and possessing a mature and steady tone, rang out beside her.
Immediately afterwards, a paper cup filled with juice and printed with the airline's elegant logo was handed to her.

A thin stirring stick is thoughtfully inserted into the rim of the cup.

"Thank you... thank you, Sister Song."

Zhang Jingyi opened her eyes somewhat embarrassed and took the paper cup.

She brought it to her lips and carefully took a sip.

The next second, her pretty face involuntarily scrunched up.

This juice in business class tastes awful... It's not even as good as the three-yuan box of juice at the school store.

The person who handed her the juice was her agent, Song Wei, who was standing next to her.

They met for the first time this morning at the airport.

The boss was mainly worried that she, a freshman with no experience, might make a fool of herself or make a mistake in her first time participating in such an important promotional event for the drama series, so he specially asked an acquaintance to "mentor" her.

Sister Song looked to be around thirty-five or thirty-six years old, with neat, ear-length short hair dyed a fashionable dark chestnut color.
Her makeup was impeccable, and she wore a well-tailored off-white suit skirt, with a simple yet stylish watch on her wrist.
She exudes a seasoned and capable aura, and a strong, independent woman vibe that makes her seem very reliable.

But the problem is...

This seemingly professional and aloof older woman addressed me as "baby," "darling," and "darling" from the very beginning of our meeting...

The intimate and warm tone of their voices contrasted sharply with their completely unfamiliar relationship.

Sister Song's tone was so gentle it seemed like it could be squeezed to release water, but the eyes that were scrutinizing her always carried an assessment, a scrutiny, and even... a kind of gaze that made Zhang Jingyi instinctively feel a little uncomfortable.

Sitting next to her, Zhang Jingyi felt her shoulders were stiff and she didn't know what to do with her hands and feet.

Is it possible that... all staff members in the entertainment industry are this "enthusiastic" towards newcomers?

Zhang Jingyi was puzzled. This was really too much for a girl who had just entered university and was just beginning to see the glimpses of the entertainment industry.

"Baby,"

Song Wei's gaze swept over her for a moment, and her previously calm expression suddenly changed as if she had seen something incongruous, her two carefully drawn thick eyebrows furrowing in disdain.

She reached out very naturally, took Zhang Jingyi's arm, and gently pulled her away as if handling a mannequin in a shop window.

He tilted his head from side to side, carefully examining the girl's outfit. "Who picked out this outfit for you?"

Zhang Jingyi wore a light blue cotton shirt today, a simple style, paired with a beige knee-length A-line skirt and ordinary white canvas shoes.

Her long, soft hair cascaded over her shoulders, and she wore only a little moisturizing skincare and a light lip balm on her face.

Her outfit is fresh and simple, befitting her nineteen-year-old age, and also carries the clean and refreshing vibe unique to college girls.

But in Song Wei's eyes, who is at the forefront of fashion and has seen countless glamorous red carpet gowns, this outfit was simply too "plain," lacking any sense of design, with ordinary fabric and uninspired color matching.
It was only thanks to the girl's youthful, beautiful, and fair face that she was holding on.

A classic example of "good looks over styling".

Song Wei moved even closer, almost touching Zhang Jingyi's back, and gently lifted the back of Zhang's shirt collar with her fingers to look at the tag inside. When she saw that it was a brand she didn't even recognize, she was surprised.

Her brows furrowed even more deeply, almost enough to trap a mosquito. "Didn't Xun arrange a stylist for you? How can you possibly wear clothes from this brand in public now?"

Especially since I might be meeting other members of the crew and the media later.

Her tone carried disbelief and a hint of barely perceptible reproach.

Feeling the other person's warm breath on the back of her neck, Zhang Jingyi suddenly shrank her neck to avoid the finger that was turning up her collar. She subconsciously moved her body further toward the porthole, trying to create some distance.

Her face flushed, and she explained somewhat awkwardly, "Sister Song, the boss said... he would only consider assigning me a dedicated team if I could at least study steadily until the second semester of my sophomore year and solidify my basic skills."

This time... if it weren't for good luck, encountering Gu...'s film, the boss probably wouldn't have agreed to me getting involved in these promotional activities so early."

She swallowed the word "classmate" that was about to slip out.

Before leaving, the boss specifically instructed that when outside, especially in front of people in the industry, one should address Gu Qing as "senior brother" or "elder" to show respect and avoid giving the impression of not knowing etiquette.

As for my outfit today...

Zhang Jingyi looked down at herself, but she didn't really think there was anything seriously wrong with her.

She specifically chose this outfit based on photos of highly-rated female models online; the colors are fresh and the style is elegant.

To acquire this outfit, she even gritted her teeth and used the huge sum of money she received for filming "Love O2O".

This set alone cost over a thousand yuan!
For a student who wears school uniform year-round, this is already a "huge investment" that makes her feel extremely distressed.

"Xun is really something... Doesn't he know that one should become famous as early as possible?"

Song Wei shook her head, her tone tinged with dissatisfaction.

But soon, her attention was drawn to the key figure in Zhang Jingyi's words, and her eyes lit up slightly, "Baby, you just said... Senior Brother Gu?"

"Are you really classmates with that top celebrity Gu in college?"

"Yes, it's my deskmate."

Zhang Jingyi nodded, maintaining a forced polite smile.

She had been asked this question far, far too many times since Gu Qing suddenly became her deskmate in the first half of the year.

Classmates, alumni from other departments, even relatives and friends...

Everyone's reaction upon hearing this was the same: shock and disbelief, followed by a barrage of questions.

Sometimes, the same person will ask again every few days, needing to repeatedly confirm the truth of the fact.

At first, Zhang Jingyi did feel a subtle, small sense of smug satisfaction when faced with the undisguised envy and even the hidden jealousy of outsiders.

After all, being "chosen" to be a deskmate by such a dazzling person is like being struck by a lucky star.

But after being asked so many questions, this secret joy gradually turned into a burden and a faint sense of helplessness.

Sometimes she wondered if they were interested in her, Zhang Jingyi, or the label of "Gu Qing's deskmate".
"Baby, you and Gu Dingliu are deskmates, so your relationship must be... pretty good, right?"

Song Wei's tone softened further. She suddenly leaned over and hugged Zhang Jingyi's shoulder, saying with delight, "Sister, can I ask you for a favor?"

Her eyes were burning with anticipation.

coming.

Zhang Jingyi's heart skipped a beat.

She could almost guess what the other person was going to say next.

She anticipated this and quickly shook her head, her tone serious and unwavering: "Sister Song, if you want your senior's autograph or his personal contact information... I really can't help you."

My senior is extremely busy with work. When I occasionally send him a message, it may take him one or two weeks, or even longer, to see it.

Sometimes, they'd only reply with a brief message a month later.

As she finished speaking, Zhang Jingyi's voice lowered, and a hint of melancholy and anxiety involuntarily appeared on her pretty face.

"Our relationship... is really just that of ordinary classmates."

This was something that had been subtly lingering in her heart for a long time.

Gu Qing's world is dazzling and she is surrounded by admirers, while she is just an ordinary person in the vast sea of ​​people.

That brief time spent as deskmates was perhaps just a trivial interlude in his busy schedule, leaving no trace.

Just as Zhang Jingyi was immersed in her own small but real feelings of disappointment,

Song Wei, standing beside her, seemed to have heard something unbelievable. Her eyes widened suddenly, and her voice involuntarily rose an octave:

"What?! Gu Qing will reply to your messages?!"

"Jingyi, you're not lying to me, are you?!"

She grabbed Zhang Jingyi's arm tightly, her face filled with disbelief.

"what?"

Zhang Jingyi was startled by her intense reaction. Her pretty face froze, and she blinked in confusion. "Sister Song, why...why would I lie to you?" What's the point of lying?
"You silly girl! Is this what you call a casual relationship?!"

Song Wei lightly tapped Zhang Jingyi's smooth forehead with her finger, her expression one of disappointment and exasperation.
"What level is he? He's the most popular male celebrity currently active in the Chinese entertainment industry, without a doubt!"

And you? A freshman who just finished filming a movie and hasn't officially debuted yet!

The distance between them is greater than the distance from the Earth to the Moon!

Looking at Zhang Jingyi's still bewildered eyes, she knew that the girl hadn't yet realized the "unconventional" aspect of the situation, so she could only explain wearily:
"Just the fact that 'he replies to your messages' is something you might not find even one person in the entertainment industry who is willing to do it, even if you add a hundred so-called first- or second-tier celebrities!"
Do you know how packed his schedule is every day for a top celebrity like him?
Business, filming, events, social engagements, personal time... his WeChat probably has hundreds or even thousands of unread messages every day.

From various directors, producers, brands, collaborating artists, friends... and even many 'acquaintances' like you.

Song Wei's tone carried the pragmatism and scathing edge typical of someone in the industry: "Let alone top-tier celebrities, even for second- or third-tier artists, the so-called 'contact information' you can get in public and through normal channels..."
Either it's a zombie account managed by a team, or your message will disappear without a trace and they simply won't respond!
Time is money, and interpersonal relationships require even more effective management. Who would waste time on old acquaintances with whom they see no immediate return?

She sighed, her tone complex: "Gu Qing actually replies to your messages every week or two..."

Even if it's just a few simple words, "Jingyi, what kind of luck did you have, little girl? Do you even know what this means?"

"Sister Song...is it really that...scary?"

Zhang Jingyi covered her forehead where she had been touched, her voice slightly weak.

She felt that Sister Song was exaggerating. "I message my boss, and she replies almost every day. Sometimes we even chat for a few minutes."

"You've already called her 'boss,' how could she not respond?"

Song Wei rolled her eyes in annoyance. "Besides, Xun is basically semi-retired now. His business activities have almost stopped, and he has plenty of private time."

If this happened when she was in her twenties, at the peak of her career, she could easily disappear for two or three months to film or go abroad. You'd be lucky if she even saw your message, let alone expect a quick reply.

Speaking of which,
Song Wei released Zhang Jingyi's hand, leaned back in her seat, crossed her arms, and frowned slightly.
He looked at the girl beside him with a fresh, more scrutinizing gaze, examining her from head to toe.

The gaze wasn't like looking at a person, but more like assessing an "item" that had just been discovered to have special value.

"Sister Song... what's wrong?"

Zhang Jingyi felt extremely uncomfortable under her gaze, and the unease that had just been dispelled surged back up, even more intensely.

She felt like she was being placed in a transparent display case, subject to scrutiny and judgment, with every detail magnified and examined.

"I'm watching..."

Song Wei's gaze traveled from her hair to her ankles, then back to her delicate face. Her tone was direct and almost cruel, "What is it about you that makes you so special? Or rather, what is it about you that Gu Qing sees in you?"

She reached out her well-maintained hand, gently pinched Zhang Jingyi's chin, and carefully examined her features. "Looks like yours are not exactly common in the entertainment industry, but they are certainly not rare either."

"Her skin isn't fair enough, her features are delicate and pleasing to the eye, and her single eyelids are very distinctive, but not exquisite or stunning. She's a 'second-glance beauty,' and needs the right angle and atmosphere to enhance her looks."

In the entertainment industry, where beauties abound, she'd be considered average at best.

Could it be... that our top celebrity's aesthetic taste is so unique and niche?

She spoke the last sentence almost to herself, with a hint of confusion.

Hearing this,

Zhang Jingyi's cheeks puffed out slightly, and her expression clearly turned sour.

She was dissatisfied with Song Wei's blunt, even somewhat harsh, evaluation of her appearance.

At the same time, she felt inexplicably angry at Song Wei for making such casual assumptions and speculations about Gu Qing.

"What, you don't believe me? You think I'm trying to put you down?"

Seeing Zhang Jingyi's angry but timid expression, Song Wei couldn't help but laugh.

She found the girl in front of her to be innocently cute, clearly not having truly witnessed the cruelest "beauty battlefield" in the entertainment industry, nor having experienced that suffocating anxiety and comparison about appearance.

perhaps,

Giving her a proper "realistic" wake-up call, helping her recognize her place and the rules of the industry sooner, is not a bad thing.

This could even be considered part of an agent's "duties".

then,

She used the "PUA" tactic, which is common in the brokerage industry but is also the most effective.

Do you think that a high school or college beauty who is "slightly famous" is a rare resource in the entertainment industry?

A slightly sarcastic smile curved Song Wei's lips.

"Of the male and female artists who manage to get into this industry and want to climb higher, eight out of ten were once the most beautiful or handsome students at their schools."
She was the center of attention from a young age, pampered and adored by those around her as she grew up.

She gave a straightforward example: "Your school beauty from the 16 class of Beijing Film Academy, that Guan Gege, is famous enough, right?"

But do you know how some viewers describe her? "Both unsophisticated and ordinary!"

"Where is Senior Sister Guan's 'ordinary'?!"

Zhang Jingyi immediately retorted, "I've seen my senior sister several times privately at school."
She's really pretty in person, with a small face, great proportions, and long, straight legs. She's absolutely gorgeous!

"Then go and tell the audience."

Song Wei chuckled dismissively, "If the audience thinks you're ordinary, then you're ordinary."

If the fashion world thinks you're unfashionable, then you are unfashionable.

Unless you can refute these labels with absolutely overwhelming work and achievements, they will follow you for a long time.

Her tone became earnest, yet also colder:
"Let me tell you a truth for surviving in this industry today: unless you're truly blessed by God with natural beauty, stunning bone structure and skin,..."

Like Bingbing at her peak, Liu Yifei when she first debuted, or... like your senior brother Gu.

When Gu Qing was mentioned, Song Wei paused involuntarily, revealing a genuine sigh: "Just by having his face appear on camera, without doing anything, he can make all the viewers hold their breath and leave a deep impression."

That kind of "naturally gifted" talent is one in a million; how many artists in the entire entertainment industry have that kind of ability?

"A young girl like you,"

Her gaze fell on Zhang Jingyi again. "There are plenty of them at the entrance of Hengdian World Studios, and at the entrances of major art colleges across the country. They are all beautiful, well-proportioned, and obedient."

Your faces, untouched and natural, are pretty in everyday life, but when you put them right in front of a high-definition camera, on a screen that's tens or hundreds of inches wide...

Under the scrutiny of countless eyes, the final result is often just 'ordinary,' failing to evoke any sense of 'amazement' or 'memorability' in viewers accustomed to seeing all sorts of beauties.

Do you know how hard those already famous female celebrities work behind the scenes to maintain their so-called 'perfect' image in front of the camera?

Song Wei said calmly, "There are countless people who regularly get injections to maintain firm and plump skin, take various drugs and health products to regulate their bodies and hormones, and have minor cosmetic procedures on their faces and bodies."

Her weight is strictly controlled at around 80 pounds; she feels guilty even eating a single extra bite of rice, and her daily core training is unwavering.

"in addition,"

She emphasized that "most of the glamorous, fashionable, and sophisticated beauty you see on screen is the result of years of meticulous and comprehensive work, requiring huge sums of money and top-notch teams to create and sculpt it."

From hairstyle and makeup to the thickness of a single eyebrow, and even clothing matching, posture management, facial expression control, speech and behavior, and even the 'persona', everything is a carefully designed product.

A person's temperament is cultivated little by little with money and resources.

Ultimately, all of this comes down to spending money!

"Jingyi, you're lucky to have been chosen by Xun. With a powerful backer, you're not lacking in resources."

But those young girls who are more in line with mainstream beauty standards, more ambitious, and more resourceful than you, without your luck and background, have a path that is far more difficult and… 'diverse' than you can imagine.

Song Wei's last words were full of meaning.

Zhang Jingyi lowered her head, pursed her lips tightly, and remained silent.

Da Bingbing, Liu Tianxian?

She was the goddess she had admired since childhood, making it impossible for her to even think of comparing herself to her.

Gu Qing is undoubtedly a walking "aesthetic benchmark," and is recognized by audiences nationwide as having a "divine face."

Even someone as picky as Sister Song had to admit it was a "top-tier setup." She suddenly drifted off into thought that if she had been classmates with this senior in junior high, she probably wouldn't have even gotten into high school; she'd probably just be staring at his face in class every day…

then,

The image of Zhou Ye's aloof and stubborn beauty flashed through my mind again, as did Jing Tian's undeniable radiance despite being teased as a "resource-backed" actress in her early years...

They are all so beautiful, each with their own unique style.

And then there were the female classmates in her own class whom she privately thought were very beautiful and had outstanding temperament.
To secure even a minor supporting role, one has to pull out all the stops, submitting applications and going to interviews everywhere, anxiously waiting for a slim chance.

In comparison, what about myself?

Just because of a chance encounter as a "deskmate" and the boss's appreciation, he got an opportunity that others could only dream of.

A mix of anxiety, unease, self-doubt, and even a hint of fear quietly gripped Zhang Jingyi's heart.

Her fingers, resting on her lap, unconsciously tightened around the hem of her skirt.

Seeing the girl's unease, Song Wei's lips curled up almost imperceptibly.

Newcomers who are ignorant and clueless are the most difficult to manage. Appropriate criticism and "realistic education" can help them realize their position more quickly and become "obedient" and "cooperative".

That's right, being good is never a bad thing.

Her expression softened again, and she gently touched Zhang Jingyi's soft hair, her tone softening with a soothing, persuasive quality:
"Jingyi, I'm not saying this to discourage you, but to help you understand the true nature of this industry and avoid making the same mistakes."

Now you should understand how incredible and 'unconventional' it is that your senior brother Gu could still find time to reply to your messages amidst his busy schedule, right?

She leaned closer and lowered her voice, "I guess... he definitely has some different feelings for you."

Otherwise, why should I treat you differently?
"Jingyi, you must seize this opportunity! Many people would kill for an opportunity like this."

"Sister Song, what...what are you saying?!"

Zhang Jingyi, who was still immersed in her anxiety about her appearance and self-doubt, blushed instantly upon hearing these words.

She shook her head frantically, "What opportunity could I possibly seize? How could my senior brother possibly like someone like me?"
Didn't you just say that there are plenty of beautiful girls in the entertainment industry? Why would my senior like me?

She felt a sense of absurdity and incomprehension.

Whether it's Sister Song in front of me or the boss who occasionally makes similar jokes, why do they always bring up the ambiguous relationship between men and women, or even the more explicit "relationship"?

It seems that in their eyes, there is only one way for people, especially men and women, to connect and improve their values.

Or is it that spending too much time in the entertainment industry changes a person's thinking?

Putting everything on a price list?

"But what if he actually likes your type? 'Like' is a matter of aesthetics, who can say for sure?"

Song Wei looked at her newly done nails nonchalantly, her tone relaxed and casual, "There are even people with a 'fetish for ugliness' in this world, let alone..."
Jingyi, you're not ugly. You're clean-cut and pretty, exactly the kind of 'innocent beauty' many men would like.

She even said in an almost envious and encouraging tone, "Putting everything else aside, Jingyi, if you can really 'win over' Gu Qing, even if it's just... well, take your 'relationship' a step further, your career in the entertainment industry will basically be secure for the rest of your life."

Resources, attention, buzz... you name it, they have it.

This is a shortcut to instant success.

Seeing Zhang Jingyi's shocked and stunned expression, Song Wei added with a smile,

"Putting everything else aside, if it were when your sister Xun was young, and she saw a musical talent like Gu Qing, how could you possibly have gotten the chance?"

She rushed up herself.

Knowing her personality, she would have insisted on flirting with all four of the so-called "top celebrities" of the time, collecting their photos before she was satisfied, to see which one suited her best. That's what she calls "living authentically."

"..."

Zhang Jingyi felt a chill run down her spine. She lowered her head, covered her ears tightly with her hands, and decided to let herself off the hook first.

Around noon, the plane landed smoothly at Shanghai International Airport.

Zhang Jingyi followed Song Wei, feeling dizzy, down the gangway and onto the shuttle bus.

It wasn't that I was dizzy, but that I was hungry.

She hasn't eaten a single grain of rice since rushing to the airport this morning, only taking a sip of that awful orange juice on the plane.

My stomach is empty right now, and it aches slightly; I can even hear a faint gurgling sound.

The aromas of fast food restaurants and convenience stores mingled with the scent of coffee wafted through the airport arrival hall, creating a particularly enticing atmosphere.

Zhang Jingyi's gaze was involuntarily drawn to the sandwiches and rice balls displayed in the window of a convenience store, and her steps slowed down.

How about... we buy something to tide us over?
It's still quite a distance from the hotel.

But as soon as this thought crossed her mind, Song Wei's words on the plane echoed in her ears like a curse:

"...weight is strictly controlled at around 80 pounds..."

"...I feel guilty even if I eat one more bite..."

She subconsciously touched her slender but definitely not "skinny" waist.

96 jin... still a full 16 jin short of the goal of 80 jin!
A huge, despairing number.

Are the requirements for female celebrities' figures in the entertainment industry really that strict?

Am I too fat?

Will the director think I'm not photogenic enough as soon as we meet?

The anxiety about appearance that was just triggered on the plane quickly turned into anxiety about weight.

Two anxieties intertwined, leaving her flustered and disoriented.

Ultimately, the fear of not being thin enough outweighed the physiological need for hunger.

Zhang Jingyi forced herself to look away from the convenience store with great difficulty.

I will endure!

along the way,

Zhang Jingyi was so hungry that her stomach was practically touching her back, and she followed Song Wei weakly.

After getting into the car, she leaned back weakly against the seat, feeling dizzy and weak in her limbs, with a delicate feeling reminiscent of Lin Daiyu.

As the car approached the hotel area where the film crew was staying, the feeling of hunger was replaced by another, more overwhelming emotion—nervousness.

I'm about to meet... Gu Qing.

After months apart, we meet again. What will he be like?
Could it be that you lost weight because filming was too tiring?
How would he view his "deskmate"?
Will you still remember those brief, mundane days of school?
Countless questions swirled in her mind, making her restless.

Just as she was feeling uneasy, she suddenly heard a soft "click" in her ear, the sound of a metal clip popping open.

Zhang Jingyi subconsciously turned her head to look, and saw her agent, Song Wei, beside her.

She had somehow taken out a small, exquisite makeup mirror from her designer handbag and was carefully checking her makeup in front of it.

She tilted her head slightly, gently pressed the sides of her nose with her fingertips, and pursed her lips to make the lipstick color more even.

She looked even more excited and serious than she actually was.

Zhang Jingyi: "..."

"Baby, why do you look so pale? Your lips are all white."

Song Wei glanced at her in the mirror, frowned, and then casually handed her the makeup mirror in her hand, saying in a relaxed tone, "Do you need to touch up your makeup? Here, take this."

"Should I have your sister make it for you?"

"I... I'll do it myself."

Zhang Jingyi opened her mouth, instinctively wanting to refuse, but then she thought about seeing Gu Qing soon.

As if possessed, she reached out and took the makeup mirror, then grabbed the cushion foundation and began patting it onto her face quickly and forcefully.

……

The car finally arrived at the hotel entrance.

A brand-new red carpet had already been laid out at the entrance, and hotel greeters in sharp uniforms with standard smiles and several people who looked like management stood on both sides.

The procession was quite large, clearly indicating that they were welcoming an important person.

As soon as Zhang Jingyi got out of the car, her eyes swept across the scene, and a surprised smile immediately appeared on her face.

"Director Lin! Teacher Man!!"

Inside the hotel lobby, director Lin Yufen and screenwriter Gu Man were standing together, talking in hushed tones. When they heard the shout, they turned around at the same time.

"Oh my, our Erxi is here?"

Lin Yufen smiled and extended her hand, "Why are you here so early? I thought you wouldn't arrive until tonight."

She was always exceptionally gentle with the young actors in the crew, especially new actresses like Zhang Jingyi with her natural looks.

"director……"

The familiar, affectionately teasing "Erxi" instantly brought tears to Zhang Jingyi's eyes.

For new actors, the director and team of their first film often hold extraordinary significance.

The atmosphere on the set of "Love O2O" was particularly great. Although director Lin Yufen was strict at work, he genuinely cared about the quality of the show and the actors.

As the screenwriter, Gu Man gave her a lot of encouragement.

"Director, I miss you all so much..."

"Alright, alright, why are you shedding tears the moment we meet?" Lin Yufen patted her back with a smile.

At this time,

Song Wei, who was standing next to her, stepped forward with a smile and introduced herself: "Hello Director Lin, hello Screenwriter Gu. I am Jingyi's agent, Song Wei."

Teacher Zhou Xun asked me to take care of Jingyi for the next couple of days. She's young and inexperienced, and I'm afraid she might cause trouble for the crew.

I hope you two will continue to take good care of me in the future.

She even proactively asked to add the two men's contact information.

"If Jingyi has any work-related issues in the future, or if the two teachers need Jingyi's cooperation in any way, they can contact me at any time."

Watching Song Wei skillfully navigate social situations, Zhang Jingyi, standing to the side, suddenly had a slightly wicked thought pop into her head:
I wonder if Director Lin and Teacher Gu gave her one of those "zombie accounts"?

After all, according to Sister Song's own theory, directors and screenwriters of Director Lin and Teacher Gu's caliber must be very busy, right?
She quickly shook her head, suppressing this somewhat "disrespectful" thought.

Zhang Jingyi looked curiously at the grand welcoming scene at the hotel entrance, and already understood what was going on.

This is definitely not for the sake of catching the eye of these insignificant people.

She suppressed her racing heartbeat and asked softly, "Director, Teacher Man, is Senior Brother coming soon?"

"yes,"

Lin Yufen glanced at his watch and smiled, "Gu Qing told me he'll arrive around 11:30. Calculating the time, it should be about ten minutes or so."

She deliberately put on a stern face, complaining affectionately, "This brat, he's filming right here in Shanghai, and he still comes so late. He doesn't even know to come and chat with these two old folks beforehand."

She glanced at the small suitcase Zhang Jingyi was carrying and said considerately, "Jingyi, you must be tired from your journey. Why don't you go back to your room to put down your luggage and rest for a bit?"
Many actors may not arrive until the evening, so the formal crew dinner will probably have to be scheduled for the evening.

"no, I'm fine!"

Before Zhang Jingyi could answer, Song Wei, who had just added her contact information, immediately chimed in with a smile and a solicitous attitude, "Director Lin, Teacher Gu, let Jingyi chat with you here."

She kept saying all the way that she hadn't seen her two teachers in a long time and wanted to have a good talk with them.

I'll help her put her luggage away; it's not heavy anyway.

Saying,

Without a word, she took the small suitcase from Zhang Jingyi and handed it directly to the hotel staff who had been waiting nearby, whispering a few instructions.

Then she turned around and walked towards the elevator with the "tap tap tap" of her high heels, her back view crisp and neat.

Zhang Jingyi looked in the direction where Song Wei disappeared, a subtle, complex expression flashing across her pretty face.

She certainly understood Sister Song's intention.

Encourage her to seize the opportunity to interact more with the director, screenwriter, and especially the upcoming Gu Qing, to solidify their relationship.

Although Sister Song speaks harshly and with a sharp tongue, she is indeed considering her feelings.

A dozen minutes passed in the blink of an eye.

"I'm coming!"

Someone uttered a soft exclamation, and everyone's eyes turned to the hotel's revolving door.

A familiar white G18 minivan pulled smoothly and quickly to the hotel entrance and came to a precise stop.

"Let's go out and greet our male lead."

Lin Yufen smiled and, together with Gu Man, took the lead in walking towards the door.

"Jingyi, don't just stand there, hurry up and go."

Song Wei, who had returned sometime earlier, gently nudged Zhang Jingyi, who was still somewhat dazed, and urged her in a low voice.

Zhang Jingyi seemed to wake from a dream, took a deep breath, and quickly followed Director Lin and Teacher Gu out of the hotel.

The early summer morning sun was a bit dazzling, and she subconsciously squinted.

"Master Wang, remember to ask the film crew for reimbursement for the gas money."

"Hehe, no need, no need, it's free for you, Teacher Gu!"

The driver, Mr. Wang, blushed and got out of the car to open the door for Gu Qing. Looking at the scene around him, he shuddered and thought to himself, "Wow, that's a big shot..."

"Thank you very much, Master."

Gu Qingqing's clear, cheerful voice then rang out.

He bent down to get out of the car and then stood up straight.

A simple white shirt paired with dark casual trousers creates a clean, refreshing, and relaxed look.

The star aura that he exuded naturally made him the focus of the entire event.

After Gu Qing got out of the car, he glanced around and saw Lin Yufen and Gu Man walking towards him with smiles from the hotel entrance.

A genuine and radiant smile immediately bloomed on his face.

"Gu Qing (Xiao Nai), it's been a long time."

Lin Yufen and Gu Man smiled and opened their arms.

"Director Yu Fen, Teacher Gu Man, it's been a long time."

Gu Qing gave him a brief hug, and the three of them exchanged pleasantries with smiles.

Zhang Jingyi, who had been standing behind Lin Yufen and almost holding her breath, felt her heart pounding so hard it felt like it was going to jump out of her throat.

She looked at Gu Qing, who was so close to her, in a daze.

Sunlight fell on him, outlining his clear and beautiful profile. He had long eyelashes, a straight nose, and the curve of his eyes when he smiled... He seemed to have gained even more approachability and... an indescribable charm than I remembered.

It's clearly the same person.

At this moment, however, it seemed to be covered by an even more dazzling halo, making her almost afraid to look directly at it.

After exchanging pleasantries,

Gu Qing looked up and saw that graceful figure.

Their eyes crossed.

Zhang Jingyi felt as if her breath had stopped.

My mind went blank; the greeting I had rehearsed countless times in my mind—

"Hello, senior!" "Hello, senior Gu Qing!" "Long time no see, senior Gu Qing!"...

Everything was in complete chaos, and not a single word could be uttered.

Just when she was at a loss,

Gu Qing's gaze lingered on her face for a moment, as if he had caught her nervousness and unease.

The smile in his eyes deepened, a smile devoid of formality or distance, clear and gentle, still like the warm sun melting a stream in spring when we first met.

He nodded slightly to her, his clear voice carrying a familiar smile, ringing out distinctly:

"Jingyi, it's been a long time."

……

...(End of chapter)