Top Chinese celebrity: Debuted from Running Man

……

……

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

The voice was clear and gentle, with a hint of familiar laughter, like a breeze blowing through the treetops on a spring afternoon, gently soothing Zhang Jingyi's tense nerves.

"Jingyi..."

She silently and clearly repeated the name in her heart.

A unique "title" that belongs to their brief time sitting at the same desk.

The awkwardness and distance that had arisen after months apart naturally dissipated.

"Gu...Gu Qing, it's been a long time."

She heard her own voice ring out softly, more steadily than she had expected, though the last syllable still carried a slight, almost imperceptible tremor.

"So sweet...it's too sweet."

Standing to the side and behind, screenwriter Gu Man keenly observed Zhang Jingyi's complete transformation from nervousness and blankness to a radiant smile.

And when she looked at Gu Qing, there was an undisguised glimmer of admiration and joy in her clear eyes.

As an author known for her delicate depictions of emotions, Gu Man's mind was instantly filled with inspiration, and her eyes lit up.

The scene! The atmosphere!
This undercurrent of youthful naiveté! Isn't it just like the opening scene of a live-action idol drama?!
She couldn't help but turn her head slightly, half-covering her mouth with her hand, and whisper in Lin Yufen's ear.

His tone was filled with barely suppressed excitement and creative urge:
"Yu Fen, Yu Fen, do you think this kind of coming-of-age story with 'childhood sweethearts' developing into real-life romance' and 'the school heartthrob's deskmate silently protecting him' has any potential?"

Before Lin Yufen could answer, she couldn't help but mutter to herself:
"Childhood sweetheart and school heartthrob, who grew up together, and an ordinary, unremarkable, and unnoticed childhood sweetheart."

The two became deskmates by chance throughout elementary school, middle school, high school, and university. The childhood friend and school heartthrob appeared aloof and indifferent to the female lead, but in reality, he was the one who secretly facilitated each of their encounters.

Whenever the female lead encounters jealousy or suppression, the male lead always protects her and stands up for her, secretly nurturing her carefree growth. In the end, the two move towards each other.

Do you think female audiences will like this script?

She finished speaking in one breath and looked at Lin Yufen expectantly.

"This……"

Upon hearing this, Lin Yufen also shifted his attention from the pleasantries, adjusted his glasses, and fell into serious thought for a few seconds.

She raised an eyebrow and looked at Gu Qing's tall and straight back in front of her. He was indeed the kind of cool and aloof, incredibly handsome male protagonist from campus novels.

She tilted her head slightly, her gaze passing over Gu Qing and landing on Zhang Jingyi, whose hands were hanging slightly at her sides, her cheeks still flushed, her fingertips unconsciously tugging at the hem of her skirt, and who was whispering something to Gu Qing.

The girl's profile was clean, with a touch of naivety and innocence. The nervousness and joy of first love truly gave the audience a strong sense of empathy for an "ordinary heroine facing a dazzling childhood sweetheart."

"If you ask female viewers whether they like it or not, well... they definitely do."

"A seemingly aloof but actually gentle and doting male lead who dotes on me alone, and a cunning, lazy, gluttonous, and mediocre female lead—this combination is indeed very appealing to female-oriented drama audiences."

Lin Yufen also respected Gu Man, the screenwriter, but still expressed her doubts, "But the male lead's character is no different from Xiao Nai's. Can Gu Qing play the role?"

"And besides, you're not going to cast Jingyi as the female lead, are you? What about Tiantian? What role will she play?"

"What do you think of the villainous female supporting character?"

Gu Man blinked and replied with a mischievous grin, "It's that classic setup: a good family background, stunningly beautiful, wholeheartedly in love with the male lead, and constantly targeting the female lead."

"Okay you!"

Lin Yufen couldn't help but chuckle and gently patted her, "If Tian Tian heard this, she'd definitely jump up and down. With her personality, could she play a vicious supporting female character? She'd be more suited to playing a spoiled but kind young lady."

"She's not here."

Gu Man laughed at himself, "Besides, I was just having a moment of inspiration and said it casually."

While the story's premise is appealing, there are too many practical considerations to make it a reality.

She belatedly calmed down and realized that her idea was indeed somewhat "wishful thinking".

The image of Gu Qing and Zhang Jingyi standing together did indeed match the character design she had just conceived for the novel.

If it were actually filmed, and the characters fit the story well, and the chemistry between the leads is great, it could become a hugely popular and exciting drama for female viewers.

Unfortunately, reality is not a novel.

Gu Qing is now the most sought-after top star in the Chinese entertainment industry. His schedule, salary, and project selection involve too many complex business factors and team planning.

Zhang Jingyi is still a newcomer who is just starting out and needs a lot of works and exposure to accumulate experience.

Unless there are extremely special circumstances or force majeure, having them co-star in a drama would likely involve immense pressure and complex negotiations for the investors, the platform, and both teams.

Gu Man sighed softly, with a hint of regret and a clear understanding of the industry's realities: "Sometimes, it's not necessarily a good thing when actors are too popular or there's a huge gap in their status."

The two behind-the-scenes creators were playing with crickets in the background, while the "male lead" being discussed in front of them was completely unaware of what was going on.

Gu Qing walked naturally to Zhang Jingyi's side, slightly ahead. He turned his head and asked, "Jingyi, are you still attending classes at Beijing Film Academy? How are your classmates doing?"

Mentioning the familiar campus, Zhang Jingyi's nervousness dissipated considerably.

"Senior, it's not good. Ever since you left, Teacher Songwen and Teacher Yiwei have been scolding us every day."

After calling out to her classmates, Zhang Jingyi switched back to the titles she used in the play, her face contorted with distress, and said in a pitiful tone, "They said we were the worst class they've ever taught."

"The worst class ever? It really hasn't changed."

Gu Qing couldn't help but chuckle softly, a clear hint of nostalgia appearing in her eyes.

In the blink of an eye, more than half a year has passed. That short but pure campus time was indeed the most relaxed and happy time.

"Don't overthink it,"

Gu Qing comforted her gently, "Teacher Songwen and Teacher Yiwei are both very outstanding actors and teachers with extremely high standards for art. They may be strict, but they actually hope that you can grow faster and lay a more solid foundation."

You'll understand the value of this kind of encouragement once you truly enter the industry.

Zhang Jingyi nodded, indicating that she understood.

She secretly glanced at Gu Qing's handsome profile, hesitated for a moment, but couldn't help asking softly, her tone filled with cautious expectation: "Senior... will you still go back to school for classes in the future?"

We...everyone in the class actually misses you a lot.

"If I have time, I would also like to go back and attend some classes."

Upon hearing this, Gu Qing shook his head. "It's probably going to be difficult this year. After finishing this movie, I have other projects that have already been finalized and that I'm currently negotiating. My schedule is quite full, and I won't have much time to rest, so I won't be able to go back."

"Senior, you should take care to rest and not work too hard."

Zhang Jingyi said with concern, tilting her head slightly so she could see that Gu Qingqing's handsome face still showed a hint of fatigue.

Thinking of what her agent had told her on the plane,

Even though she was so busy with work, Gu Qing would always find time to reply to her messages. She mistakenly thought that Gu Qing was treating her coldly and distantly, and she felt increasingly guilty.

The group chatted and laughed as they arrived at the hotel's elevator lobby.

Swipe your card to enter the elevator, and the 333-meter-high building ascends in a state of weightlessness.

The tinnitus and dizziness I experienced while flying returned.

Zhang Jingyi's pretty face turned slightly pale; this was her first time experiencing the arduous life of an artist.

After a morning of flying and driving without eating, I was starving and felt my already thin frame had become even thinner.

As the elevator ascended, Lin Yufen seemed to remember something, and his gaze fell on Gu Qing with a hint of elder-like concern and teasing. He said, "Xiao Nai, you're at the top now, so why do you travel in those... ordinary business cars?"
Doesn't your company provide you with a car and driver?
If this happened in Hong Kong, and those ubiquitous media outlets captured it, it would be trending on social media for at least two or three days, with everyone mocking your poverty.

"Director, my company is wanted by the police."

Gu Qing said helplessly, "As for the car, I mainly have a car on set for filming, so there's no need to spend time renting a new one."

the most important is,

This is a sensitive time; which celebrity would be so foolish as to flaunt their wealth?
He doesn't even dare to hire too many assistants.

Keeping a low profile is the most important thing.

and,

Given his current achievements, no media outlet would dare to ridicule him for this.

Even if the article is published, the audience will only praise him for being humble.

"Huh? A wanted notice?"

Lin Yufen, who rarely surfs the internet, was dumbfounded. Was this some kind of niche term?

The people in the elevator let out soft, suppressed laughs.

"Yu Fen, Xiao Nai's company was deregistered due to some issues, and now he works as a personal studio."

Gu Man suppressed a laugh as he explained.

"That's right..."

Lin Yufen gave an awkward smile and changed the subject, "How's your new movie going?"

"Not bad, we've filmed half of our scenes."

Gu Qing replied.

"Senior, some media outlets online are saying that you're playing Professor Deng Chao's son in the new movie, is that true?"

Zhang Jingyi perked up and asked curiously.

"Deng Chao? Playing my dad?"

Gu Qing's expression was strange.

Is this a marketing ploy by the actor himself to vent his frustrations, or is it a marketing strategy by the production team?

He hesitated for a moment, then slowly nodded, "More or less."

"almost?"

Zhang Jingyi didn't quite understand.

While talking,
With a crisp "ding-dong" sound, the elevator arrived at the target floor, and the car doors slowly slid open to both sides.

No one in the elevator moved.

Song Wei reacted quickly, pressing down on Zhang Jingyi's shoulder and signaling her to wait a moment before she instinctively tried to follow Gu Qing outside.

Gu Qing took the lead and walked out, but did not leave alone. Instead, she stopped naturally on the soft carpeted corridor to the left of the elevator door, turned slightly to the side, and patiently waited for the others.

Lin Yufen and Gu Man then came out.

Song Wei then released her hand from Zhang Jingyi's shoulder, gently pushed her, and whispered, "Alright, go ahead."

Remember, within any social circle, especially in public or semi-public settings, it's crucial to be mindful of the order of movement and etiquette; hierarchy and established rules are paramount.

"I understand, Sister Song, thank you."

Zhang Jingyi nodded gratefully, silently keeping this in mind.

She stepped out of the elevator; however, perhaps due to low blood sugar caused by prolonged hunger, or perhaps because the discomfort from the elevator's rapid ascent had not completely subsided,

Her legs suddenly felt weak, and the expensive wool carpet beneath her feet felt like walking on fluffy cotton, unsteady and without support.

After taking just two steps, my body swayed slightly uncontrollably, and I stumbled, almost losing my balance.

"What's wrong? Are you feeling uncomfortable?"

Fortunately, Gu Qing stepped forward and helped her up, preventing her from falling headfirst.

"Senior, I didn't eat breakfast, and I'm so hungry that I have low blood sugar."

Zhang Jingyi covered her face with her hair, looking down as she felt too embarrassed.

"You're teachable, but you didn't fall accurately enough. You didn't get the angle right. Why didn't you just crash into Gu Qing's arms? Wouldn't that have been more effective?"

Song Wei, who was the last to emerge from the elevator, witnessed this scene and felt both satisfied and regretful.

"You're really pushing yourself to the point of starvation. Go back and rest. If you're hungry, eat something to tide you over."

Upon hearing this, Gu Qing was both amused and exasperated. He took out a milk candy he always carried, stuffed one into Zhang Jingyi's hand, and then turned to leave.

Upon arriving at the spacious and luxurious presidential suite, Zhao Ya and her cousin were methodically unpacking the small amount of luggage that Gu Qing had brought with him, hanging clothes in the wardrobe, and arranging personal belongings neatly.

Gu Qing wasn't idle either. She was sitting on the sofa in the living room, holding the interview process and a list of possible questions prepared by her team, preparing her answers for tomorrow.

Not long after, the doorbell was rang rhythmically.

These were several other supporting actors from the "Love O2O" crew who had already arrived. Knowing that Gu Qing had arrived, they came specifically to "pay their respects" and say hello. Gu Qing was used to this, and he got up to personally open the door and welcome the young actors in.

The atmosphere was slightly tense and awkward, but Gu Qing took the initiative to speak, chatting about their recent situation, reminiscing about the fun times during filming, and also exchanging their expectations for the broadcast of "Love O2O".

One of the male actors, Zhang Binbin, had the best relationship with Gu Qing.

She has a lively and talkative personality, and when she chatted with Gu Qing about their shared hobby—games—she became quite talkative.

"Brother Bin, have you been playing games with Sister Mi lately?"

Gu Qing asked with a smile.

"Hey, sir, don't even mention it!"

Zhang Binbin, a former professional e-sports player, immediately adopted a "past is too painful to recall" expression and waved his hand exaggeratedly.
"You have no idea, playing games with her is pure torture!"
Her actions... made me, a serious League of Legends player, spend all my time grinding glass in a mobile game. Isn't that an insult to my esports spirit? I'm avoiding her whenever possible now.

"I suspect she signed me into the company just so she could have me play games with her."

Gu Qing couldn't help but chuckle: "What a pity, I was supposed to have a league-related business event next month, which requires me to form a team to play an exhibition match."

"If I had met you sooner, Brother Bin, and we had teamed up, our chances of winning would have been much higher."

"it's okay no problem!"

Zhang Binbin's eyes lit up and he immediately replied, "Great master, there will be another opportunity next year. I'm always available!"
Seriously, I'll be there whenever you call, a truly professional gaming partner... oh no, a truly professional teammate!

"Okay, it's settled then. Next time there's a similar game-related business opportunity, I'll have my team contact you."

Zhang Binbin was eager to get a job, and Gu Qing didn't mind, so she smiled and agreed.

"It's a deal, thank you so much!"

Zhang Binbin left satisfied.

After seeing off the group of visiting colleagues, Gu Qing closed the door and rubbed his slightly tired temples.

Just a few minutes after we had a quiet moment, there was another gentle knock on the door.

"Senior, the director said everyone can go to the restaurant for lunch now, and asked if you want to come down with us?"

Zhang Jingyi's hoarse voice came from outside the door.

same,
Xun Gongzi signed her; it's unclear whether it's because they both possess the characteristic of having husky voices.

The only good news is,
Zhang Jingyi's voice wasn't like her boss's mature, husky voice, which came from smoking and drinking. Instead, it was a youthful, slightly hoarse voice, as if it were something she was born with.

"Jingyi, what brings you here..."

Gu Qing walked over and opened the door.

But the door had just opened.

"ha--!"

A deliberately threatening voice suddenly rang out.

Suddenly, a figure even more slender and lively than Zhang Jingyi leaped out from behind her.
The girl's features were more delicate and petite, making her extremely beautiful at first glance.

Zhou Ye bared his teeth and brandished his claws as if to pounce on Gu Qing, his pretty face still bearing the mischievous smile of someone who had just succeeded in a prank.

Gu Qing was indeed caught off guard, and instinctively leaned back slightly before she could see who it was.

"Ono, I think you need to be taught a lesson."

Gu Qing recovered from her daze and said irritably, "I have to tell Sister Binbin on this."

"Hey, no, no, no."

Zhou Ye panicked, grabbed Gu Qing's arm and shook it, pleading, "Brother, I was wrong, please forgive me, I'm doomed if you tell Sister Binbin."

Her coquettishness was natural, unusually free of affectation and greasiness. She exuded a charming and refreshing girlishness, and without rolling her eyes, she had the approachable charm of a girl next door.

“Is that right?”

Zhang Jingyi, standing behind, was dumbfounded. Why was he calling her "brother" all of a sudden?

Senior, Gu Qing is our 'senior'!

Watching Zhou Ye's senior sister's smooth and natural coquettishness and cuteness,

Zhang Jingyi hesitated, then tried to flick her wrist and stomp her foot, but the single word "brother" was enough to choke her.

If no one is around, she would dare to muster the courage to call out.

However, with people watching, she lacked the mental fortitude to act on it; she had the desire but not the courage.

"Speak properly. We haven't settled the score with you from last time."

Gu Qing was a Sigma man who could withstand Mimi's coquettishness; he withdrew his hand, unmoved.

"The debt from last time?"

Zhou Ye winked playfully, stood on tiptoe, her fair face turned to the side towards Gu Qing, her slender fingertips lightly touching her dimples, "I'm ready, you can collect the debt now."

finished,

He even closed his eyes solemnly, eagerly anticipating the slight trembling of his eyelashes.

Hmm... to be honest, it's more refreshing than Yang Mi's coquettishness.

Gu Qing was caught off guard by the girl's direct attack.

Fortunately,

Seeing Zhang Jingyi standing there dumbfounded behind him made Gu Qing unable to suppress a laugh.
He gently pushed the girl's smooth, full forehead with his palm, and after a soft "ouch,"

Gu Qing ignored her antics and turned to call out into the suite, "Sister Xiaoya, stop tidying up and let's go eat."

"Okay, boss."

Zhao Ya responded and came out from the inner room.

She had changed into a more tailored shirt and trousers, and her hair was neatly combed.

Having followed Gu Qing for over two years, I've handled countless matters, both large and small, met numerous top-tier individuals and occasions, and dealt with massive contracts.
Zhao Ya has long since shed the naivety she had when she first entered the industry, and has developed a professional yet sharp aura.

Anyone who sees this wouldn't think he's just a rookie assistant with two years of experience; he seems more like a seasoned agent.

As soon as Zhao Ya came out, Zhou Ye, who had been laughing and being overly lively just moments before, instantly became quiet and well-behaved, standing properly and sweetly calling out, "Sister Zhao Ya."

Zhang Jingyi also subconsciously straightened her back, appearing even more reserved.

They could all feel the pressure that Zhao Ya, as a manager, brought.

Gu Qing saw their reactions and couldn't help but chuckle to herself.

Zhao Ya has been with him for so long and has indeed grown rapidly. Now, the aura she occasionally exudes is something that even some partners dare not underestimate, and she is more than capable of keeping these two young girls in check.

"Cousin, you stay here and watch the gate. I'll arrange for someone to bring you food."

Zhao Ya gave her cousin a few instructions.

This is a necessary precaution to prevent unauthorized personnel or sasaeng fans from sneaking into the room.

The four of them entered the elevator, and the car slowly descended. Unlike the slightly noisy greetings they exchanged when going upstairs, the elevator was unusually quiet at this moment.

Zhou Ye and Zhang Jingyi seemed hesitant to joke around freely in front of Zhao Ya, only occasionally exchanging glances.

Gu Qing broke the silence and said to Zhao Ya, "Sister Xiaoya, about the assistant, once things have calmed down and everything has settled down, you can look for and recruit two reliable new people."

You will gradually transition to the role of an agent, responsible for core tasks such as external liaison, negotiation, and itinerary planning.

The new assistant will handle the mundane tasks like organizing clothes and arranging daily routines.

Upon hearing this, Zhao Ya's eyes flashed with a complex emotion, and she said reluctantly, "Okay, boss, I understand. It's just... I'm used to being by your side, and it's really a bit hard to adjust to suddenly switching roles."

"You'll have to adapt eventually. You're capable enough to stand on your own."

Gu Qing paused, looked at Zhang Jingyi and Zhou Ye who were silent, and joked, "Look, you've silenced the two kids."

Zhao Ya then turned her gaze to them, a smile spreading across her face, and took the initiative to ease the atmosphere: "Jingyi, Xiaoye, it's been a while since I last saw you, you two seem to have grown up even more, and are even more beautiful."

Being specifically praised, the two girls were flattered and quickly responded, each one sweeter than the last:

"No, no, Sister Zhao Ya, you're the prettiest one! You're so capable and elegant!"

"Exactly! Sister Zhao Ya, when you walked out just now, your aura was so powerful, I thought you were some newly debuted female celebrity! So beautiful and cool!"

Gu Qing listened from the side and couldn't help but shake her head and chuckle.

These two girls are quite adept at adapting to their environment and being opportunistic; they're quick-witted and have a sweet tongue.

No wonder she'll be able to make a name for herself in the entertainment industry and live up to the title of "95 Flower" (a term referring to actresses born in 1995).

Since the entire crew has not yet arrived, especially the female lead Jing Tian, ​​a large-scale celebratory dinner with everyone together is not appropriate.

therefore,

The production crew simply booked a quiet, elegant, and private Italian restaurant on the first floor of the hotel as a simple gathering place for the main cast and crew who arrived early.

Gu Qing has a good acceptance of Western food, especially Italian food.

As long as he doesn't have to eat kimchi for several years in a row, he can happily eat food from most countries.

At the long dining table, Gu Qing sat in one of the main seats, with director Lin Yufen and screenwriter Gu Man sitting on her left and right respectively.

He ate a thin-crust pizza while chatting with the two core creators about work arrangements.

As the conversation became more animated, Gu Man took a sip of the red wine in her glass, looked at Gu Qing with the same fondness and anticipation an author would show upon encountering a "chosen character."

He began, "Little brother, besides 'Love O2O,' I actually have two other works that I'm quite satisfied with, but I haven't found a suitable opportunity and team to adapt them into film or television."

But deep down, I always felt that your image and temperament were particularly suited to the kind of male protagonist I envisioned in my book.

She propped her chin on one hand, turned to the side, and spoke with even greater fervor:

"If a reliable investor comes to me to discuss adaptation in the future, would you be interested in reading the script?"
I believe that your portrayal will bring the character to life, transcending the words themselves.

Gu Qing picked up a napkin and wiped her mouth. Instead of immediately agreeing, she smiled and asked a very practical question:
"Teacher Gu Man, as you know, my current net worth... might not be cheap."

The quality of your work is evident to all; basically, every film you make becomes a hit. At that time, there will definitely be a lot of A-list artists, or even top stars of the same caliber, willing to lower their fees or even work for free to try and get a role.

If you were to contact me, from an investment return perspective, the cost-effectiveness might not be the highest. Would investors be willing to take that risk?

What he said was very honest.

Gu Man shook her head, her expression serious, radiating confidence in the value of her work:

"I am willing, and that is important."

I hold the film and television adaptation rights, and I have at least significant advisory power and veto power over the casting of the male and female leads.

As long as I've decided on an actor who fits the role, I will do my best to get them.

She looked at Gu Qing, her tone resolute, "Furthermore, as long as our drama 'Love O2O' achieves the expected popularity after its broadcast, it will prove the market appeal of the combination of 'Gu Man's work + Gu Qing as the lead actor'."
I believe there will be no shortage of investors with vision, courage, and the willingness to pay.

"So, little brother, just give me a straight answer: if that day really comes, and you like the script, would you be willing to act in it?"

In the entertainment industry, top-tier screenwriters with a consistent track record of success wield considerable status and influence.

They are the source of the content, the "chefs who cook the dishes".

Even the biggest stars don't dare to offend screenwriters who can write great scripts and consistently produce hit shows.

Gu Man is demonstrating this confidence based on her creative ability and the strength of her work.

Gu Qing put away her joking expression, nodded seriously, and made a promise: "Okay, Teacher Gu Man, since you've said so."

As long as I like the script, the project team is reliable, and others can offer a reasonable price... of course I'm willing to continue working with you.

"Haha, then it's settled!"

Gu Man's face immediately lit up with a smile, and she took another sip of red wine with great satisfaction.

at this time,

Director Lin Yufen, sitting on the other side of Gu Qing, suddenly put down his knife and fork after hearing this, and said with a smile:

"Xiao Nai, what if... I could also afford the price?"

……

...(End of chapter)