Huayu Entertainment: The Birth of a Succubus Top Star

As the release date approaches, the official team released a New Year's greeting, showing a gentle and humble everyday persona that contrasts sharply with the decisive and ruthless state she displays while training in the desert. This has won over audiences of all ages, making the film the most popular film during the Spring Festival season.

On the evening of February 15, 2026, the global premiere of "The Swordsman" was grandly opened at the China Film Museum in Beijing.

Unlike regular film production companies that invite guests, most of the guests at this premiere were personally invited by Gu Zhiyan.

On the eve of the premiere, Gu Zhiyan personally contacted everyone one by one, sincerely inviting them to come and witness the new Chinese martial arts film.

A host of celebrities, directors, and actors from the industry spared no effort to adjust their schedules and cancel their personal commitments, rushing to Beijing overnight to lend their support.

The red carpet that night was practically filled with half of the entertainment industry.

Dozens of older and younger female celebrities were present, along with dozens of popular artists such as Deng Chao, Lin Gengxin, Wang Baoqiang, and Yang Yang. In addition, many well-known directors and veteran actors also attended to show their support.

The star-studded lineup and luxurious guest list far surpassed those of a typical Spring Festival premiere. Media cameras were snapping away frantically, and reporters on site remarked that it was on par with an awards ceremony.

Gu Zhiyan, along with four senior actors Yuan Heping, Wu Jing, Li Lianjie, and Liang Jiahui, walked the red carpet last. Gu Zhiyan wore a minimalist black haute couture suit, exuding a gentle, noble, calm, and composed demeanor. He completely shed his rough and chivalrous image from the film set and displayed the aura of a top-tier movie star.

During the post-screening Q&A session, the host couldn't help but marvel at the unprecedentedly large guest lineup, jokingly saying, "Almost half of the Chinese entertainment industry is here," and then asked for the reason.

Gu Zhiyan calmly replied, "They are all good friends. They love movies and support Chinese martial arts films. I am very grateful that they took the time to come and support us."

In short, his low-key and humble demeanor is enough to demonstrate his absolute status in the Chinese entertainment industry.

After the film ended, the audience applauded for a long time.

A group of celebrities went on stage to hug and congratulate him, sincerely praising the quality of the video and Gu Zhiyan's performance.

Zhang Yimou patted Gu Zhiyan on the shoulder and exclaimed sincerely, "Your dramatic acting has already reached god-like status, and now your action acting is still at the top. Little Gu, you have truly trained yourself into a master of the martial arts world."

Poet Chen highly praised: "Many actors who play heroes only have the outward appearance, but Gu Zhiyan's portrayal of heroes is full of the spirit of the martial arts world."

After photos of the premiere, group photos, and celebrity appearances were leaked, the news instantly dominated the trending topics, with many related hashtags soaring to the top.

[Half of the entertainment industry attended the premiere of "The Swordsman"]

How exaggerated are Gu Zhiyan's connections in the industry?

A constellation of stars lends their support to Gu Zhiyan in "The Bodyguards".

Gu Zhiyan, the most popular person in the Chinese entertainment industry

……

The entire internet exploded, with netizens discussing it non-stop. Bystanders, fans, and entertainment critics alike marveled at Gu Zhiyan's low-key yet top-notch influence in the industry.

"I was really shocked! This isn't a movie premiere, it's an annual gala for industry friends!"

"To have so many top celebrities voluntarily adjust their schedules to support him, Gu Zhiyan's popularity and status are truly unmatched in the Chinese entertainment industry."

"No marketing of personal connections, no hype or hype, and half of the Chinese entertainment industry coming to the rescue at crucial moments—that's true strength."

"Other celebrities rely on capital to promote them, but Gu Zhiyan has established herself based on her character, ability, and reputation."

"They usually keep a low profile and don't compete or fight for anything, but when something happens, everyone comes to their aid. Their connections are incredible."

"The absolute pinnacle of hidden connections in the Chinese entertainment industry, bar none."

"Gu Zhiyan doesn't mingle in the traffic circles or engage in group marketing, yet he can get the top new generation of celebrities, the middle generation of powerful actors, veteran actors, and big directors to spontaneously lend their support. This is the result of his top-notch public image and reputation in the industry, which he has built up over the years through his humility, top-notch professional skills, and upright character."

"While others rely on a team to maintain their image, he built up a network of genuine friends across half of the entertainment industry on his own!"

"With a literary talent that has won the Golden Rooster Award, martial arts skills that have been honed to perfection, top-notch interpersonal relationships, and an unwavering commitment to his original aspirations, Gu Zhiyan is truly a perfect role model in the Chinese entertainment industry."

"Low-key and gentle, yet possessing top-tier connections; never ostentatious, yet always favored by everyone."

"No one's success is accidental. Gu Zhiyan conquered his seniors with his extreme professionalism, won over his peers with his sincere personality, and conquered the audience with his top-notch works."

……

On the eve of its release, "The Swordsman" achieved a strong pre-sale box office of over 3 million yuan, breaking the record for the highest pre-sale box office for a Chinese martial arts film in nearly ten years.

Throughout the entire promotional campaign, there was no deliberate attempt to elicit sympathy, no traffic-driving tactics, and no fabricated personas.

With only his honed physique and a set of fluid and genuine martial arts skills, Gu Zhiyan completed a perfect transformation from a movie star to a rising star in martial arts films.

On the first day of the Lunar New Year, the smuggling operation begins in the desert.

He concealed his sharpness for a hundred days, then unsheathed it in a single day, drawing the masses to his appointed time.

……

On the eve of the Lunar New Year in 2026, the festive atmosphere was at its peak, and fireworks filled the city.

After finishing all her promotional schedule, Gu Zhiyan finally took a break from work and returned to her family.

The family sat around the New Year's Eve dinner table, the steam rising and laughter filling the air. The CCTV Spring Festival Gala for the Year of the Horse was playing on TV. The family was at peace, enjoying a tranquil life.

In addition to Li Chun at the Hefei branch venue of the Spring Festival Gala, Reba, Zhang Liangying, and Zhang Hanyun from the Yibin County branch venue, Mao Xiaotong and Zhang Ruonan from the Yiwu branch venue, and Sun Qian from the Harbin branch venue, all the older and younger sisters were present.

Even Devika and a group of Korean ladies came to Beijing.

However, Qin Lan, Li Qing, Li Yunxiao, Wang Churan, Liu Haocun, and Tian Xiwei will not be able to go home until after they have finished performing at the CCTV Spring Festival Gala.

The Spring Festival Gala stage was dazzling with stars, with older and younger women taking the stage one after another, each with their own unique charm and beauty.

Dilraba wore a deep sea blue gradient mermaid tail gown, covered in bionic fish scale sequins that shimmered and rippled with the water curtain lights, resembling a deep-sea fish emerging from the water, lively, romantic, and dreamlike.

Qin Lan transforms into the Goddess of Peach Blossoms, dressed in a crimson Warring States period robe. The wide sleeves of the robe are adorned with gold stamens, and the cloud-shaped shoulder is draped with thin gauze like swirling smoke. The peach blossom hairpin tied diagonally in her hair is simple and elegant. The overall look has both the solemn silhouette of Warring States period clothing and the bright color of peach blossoms.

It perfectly recreates the classic imagery of "The peach tree is young and tender, its blossoms are bright and beautiful" from the Book of Songs.

Dressed in simple and elegant ancient attire, Li Qing transformed into the goddess of osmanthus. Her aloof and scholarly demeanor exuded a refined and distant air as she softly recited, "Naturally the first among flowers," perfectly embodying the elegant and proud spirit of Li Qingzhao.

Zhang Ruonan had only a few seconds of screen time on the "World Yiwu Chinese New Year" stage. Her warm red dress and gentle smile made her stand out even in a short appearance, exuding a strong festive atmosphere and leaving a deep impression.

Bai Lu's long, curly hair paired with a festive bow-tie dress creates an elegant, graceful, and lively look, perfectly blending the festive spirit of the New Year with the gentleness of a young girl.

Tian Xiwei can be said to be the pinnacle of "sweet girls" on this year's Spring Festival Gala stage; her smile is extremely infectious.

On the Spring Festival Gala stage this year, her double bun hairstyle and bright red traditional costume made her look like a "New Year's painting mascot," retaining her girlish playfulness while perfectly matching the festive atmosphere of the Spring Festival. Her clear makeup further highlighted her natural sweetness.

Liu Haochun wore an ice-blue gradient fairy dress, the skirt hem swirling like ocean waves, clean and transparent, delicate and gentle, like an elf emerging from the deep sea of ​​a dream, perfectly embodying "fragility and softness".

The biggest breakout miracle of the night came from Wang Churan.

Her brief 20-second appearance in "Celebrating the Flower Goddess" garnered over 300 million views overnight. Her cool and aloof appearance combined heroic spirit with gentle charm, and the way she looked up revealed a mix of brokenness and stubbornness. She was praised across the internet as a beauty from ancient times, captivating viewers with a single glance.

Various costumes from the Spring Festival Gala dominated trending topics, creating a lively and bustling atmosphere across the internet.

Gu Zhiyan sat beside her family, quietly watching the stage on the screen, her eyes gentle and relaxed.

Fireworks burst into bloom outside the window, and the streets and alleys were brightly lit, spreading the warmth of New Year's Eve throughout the world.

We bid farewell to the old year overnight and crossed into the new year at midnight.

The first day of the Lunar New Year has officially arrived.