Top Chinese celebrity: Debuted from Running Man

Chapter 334 Flying Flower Order Challenge (5.3k)
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After seeing off several leaders, Director Yan, the director of "Chinese Poetry Competition," returned.

She exchanged a few brief pleasantries with Gu Qing, and the conversation naturally turned to his new song, "Spring Snow in the Courtyard."

The female director was about forty years old. She had a stylish short curly haircut and wore thin-rimmed glasses. She looked refined and capable, but without any air of being old-fashioned or conservative.

Otherwise, she wouldn't have been able to create such a novel program format that cleverly combines traditional poetry culture with a competitive quiz show format.

"Gu Qing, is that right?"

Director Yan smiled and shook hands with Gu Qing, his eyes filled with admiration. "I really didn't expect you to be only twenty years old this year. You are truly a young hero with outstanding talent."

To be able to so naturally integrate the allusions and imagery of the Book of Songs into modern songs, it seems they've read a lot and put in real effort.

"Director Yan, you flatter me." Gu Qing remained shy.

"Before I came, I listened to your song carefully, and both the lyrics and the music are excellent."

Director Yan adjusted his glasses and asked with great interest, "Do you know which line I personally like the most?"

"Uh... is it an adaptation of the line 'My heart is not a stone' from the Book of Songs?" Gu Qing guessed hesitantly.

Director Yan slowly shook his head, a hint of emotion flashing across his eyes, and softly recited: "'Gazing into the distance, the depth of love remains unanswered...' This line is well written."

The word 'love'—throughout history, how many people have truly been able to unravel its mystery and explain it clearly…?

Her tone carried a faint sigh, as if she had touched upon some unpleasant secret.

Immediately, she composed herself, regained her capable demeanor, and instructed Dong Qin and Xiao Sa: "Dong Qin, Xiao Sa, you and Gu Qing go over the program flow in detail again."

With one hour to prepare, the recording will begin on time.

“Okay, Director Yan.” Dong Qin nodded gracefully.

"Alright! Director Yan, take care! Oops, watch out for the steps!"

Xiao Sa responded with a grin. His attempts at being courteous were tinged with a touch of humor, but his lively and friendly demeanor prevented him from appearing greasy; instead, it made people laugh.

He is one of the few CCTV hosts who can perfectly blend seriousness and liveliness.

The subsequent integration process is relatively simple.

The program opened with Dong Qin hosting, which led to Gu Qing singing "Spring Snow in the Courtyard". Afterwards, Gu Qing had a brief exchange with the host and judges about her experience in song creation and her favorite poets and poems. The program was compact and fulfilling.

"Understood." Gu Qing nodded to indicate that he understood.

He then went to the stage to rehearse and test the microphone.

Unlike the Spring Festival Gala, which often uses "backup tapes" (pre-recorded) to achieve a perfect stage effect, the recording environment for "Chinese Poetry Competition" is relatively relaxed.

Even so, many invited singers still choose to "semi-live" or pre-record, just to be on the safe side.

Due to his busy schedule over the past few days, Gu Qing's voice was slightly dry, and his audition performance was not the best. Faced with the control room teacher's suggestion to use a pre-recorded track and supplement it with live recording, he readily agreed and did not refuse.

With everything ready, the recording of "Chinese Poetry Competition" officially began!

Gu Qing was waiting backstage.

With Xiao Sa by my side, chatting and relieving stress, I said, "Little brother, I'm really curious."

He looked Gu Qing up and down with a smile, his tone exaggerated yet sincere, "How did you even get this brain? You can write songs, compose music, act, and you're so 'handsome' too—"

He deliberately spoke with a heavy Cantonese accent, "Are you trying to kill us ordinary men?"

"Brother Sa, you flatter me."

Gu Qing smiled and shook his head, skillfully engaging in mutual flattery, "Compared to you, a top student admitted to Peking University and a renowned orator, my little bit of cleverness is simply no match."

"Admitted to Peking University without taking the entrance exam?"

Xiao Sa's eyes lit up, and he put on a surprised and smug expression. "How did you know I got into Peking University without taking the entrance exam? Is my story that famous?"

"This matter...I'm sure all viewers across China know about it, right?"

Gu Qing couldn't help but chuckle.

Xiao Sa laughed heartily, creating a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere.

As the two chatted and laughed, Dong Qin's clear and pleasant voice came from the front desk.

Together, they watched the opening remarks of this "peaceful and prosperous" type of host through the monitor.

Today, Dong Qin is wearing a well-tailored bright purple suit.

To be fair, this kind of highly saturated "death color scheme" is extremely difficult to pull off and is usually a favorite of grandmothers.

However, when worn by Dong Qin, who has a dignified and elegant temperament, it does not appear gaudy at all. On the contrary, it makes her skin look as white as snow and radiant, revealing a touch of brightness in her capable demeanor.

Against the backdrop of elegant and melodious background music and a giant screen displaying traditional Chinese ink paintings of mountains and rivers unfolding slowly behind them,

Dong Qin walked confidently to the center of the stage, smiling and greeting the audience, judges, and the 100 contestants.
Then he began in a loud voice: "'The ospreys cry 'guan guan' on the river's islet. A fair maiden, a gentleman's ideal.'"

Welcome to the "Chinese Poetry Competition," I'm your host, Dong Qin.

The audience immediately erupted in enthusiastic and sustained applause. As the applause subsided,

Dong Qincai continued, “‘Guan guan cry the ospreys, on the islet in the river,’ this is the opening line of the Book of Songs, the first anthology of poetry in ancient China, and it holds a special and important position in the history of Chinese literature.”

Even today, a thousand years later, we can still feel the longing for a better life expressed by our ancient ancestors in the purest and most vivid language.

She paused slightly, her voice becoming softer and more guiding: "Recently, a song that cleverly uses the imagery of the Book of Songs and other classical poems has sparked heated discussions among a wide audience, especially young people."

Now, let's listen attentively and experience the charm of this song, exploring why it touches the hearts of so many people.

"...Songs from the Book of Songs?"

"I'm usually busy with my studies and don't go online much. Are there any songs online specifically about the Book of Songs?"

"Yes! It seems to be written by a singer named Gu Qing. It's called 'Spring Snow in the Courtyard.' The lyrics and music are both very beautiful. I really like it!"

"Is it Gu Qing?!...So many of my classmates really like him!"

Among the hundred contestants were many young students and urban youths. Upon hearing Dong Qin's introduction, many of them widened their eyes or covered their mouths in surprise.

Although they diligently studied poetry, they were not isolated from the world. Seeing the "big stars" from the internet on such a stage must have filled them with excitement and joy.

The director then panned the camera across these young faces, capturing their expressions of surprise and delight.

"Keep it up, bro!"

Backstage, Sa Beining patted Gu Qing on the back encouragingly and watched him walk towards the lift platform.

The clear and melodious sounds of the guzheng and the serene sounds of the guqin intertwined, and Gu Qing slowly appeared in front of the audience on a rising platform.

He was wearing the same meticulously designed "bamboo green gradient Hangzhou silk robe" from the TV series "The Imperial Doctress".

The fabric drapes smoothly, and the color transitions naturally from the deep green of the shoulders to the elegant moon white of the hem, like new bamboo shoots in early spring bathed in the bright moonlight, exuding a pure and untainted air.

The cuffs are slightly turned inward, revealing three inches of delicate lotus-root-colored lining. A flawless mutton-fat jade pendant hangs at the waist. The overall cut is extremely smooth, perfectly outlining the elegant and refined temperament of a scholar.

When Gu Qing was clearly presented to all the viewers, illuminated by perfectly placed lighting and the animated pear blossoms and falling snowflakes on the giant screen behind her,

Even in the CCTV-1 studio, known for its seriousness and formality, a low murmur of surprise inevitably rippled through the room.

"Oh my goodness, this young man is so handsome!" an older woman couldn't help but exclaim in a low voice.

"The key is that her temperament is too outstanding. She is elegant and refined. Nowadays, it is rare to see young people who are good-looking and have such a classical temperament."

"It's a pity that someone with that kind of charisma is an actor."

"Ahhhh——!"

Some young female spectators in the audience couldn't help but let out short screams.

In the courtyard, pear blossoms fade once more. Standing in the clear night, moonlight spills across the empty steps. In dreams, the sheng and xiao play old melodies; waking, tears stain my rouge-stained face. Little Chongshan, I recite it again and again…

Gu Qing moved lightly, her clothes fluttering slightly, immersing herself in the mood of the song as she sang.

The stage of "Chinese Poetry Competition" does not have many fancy stage effects or a large dance troupe.

Only the giant screen behind him projected beautiful images of pear blossoms fluttering and snow-covered courtyards, perfectly matching the lyrics. Apart from that, Gu Qing was the sole focus of the entire stage.

However, it is precisely this minimalist approach, focused on the music and poetry themselves, that makes it so compelling.

Instead, it made the audience even more focused and deeply immersed in the melancholy and wistful atmosphere created by the song.

[Who still remembers the season when pear blossoms were like snow? My heart is not a stone that cannot be turned, my heart is not a mat that cannot be rolled up. Gazing into the distance, the depth of love remains unanswered...] "Not bad, not bad, the melody is melodious, and the lyrics are well written."

"These ancient-style songs, rich in the charm of classical poetry, are more artistic and beautiful than those straightforward pop songs."

As the music ended, the lingering melody resonated throughout the venue, and the audience erupted in enthusiastic and heartfelt applause.

Gu Qing faced the audience from all directions and bowed slightly in thanks.

"It is truly a beautiful and meaningful song."

Dong Qin walked onto the stage at the right moment, came to Gu Qing's side, and smiled, "Come on, introduce yourself to the audience."

"Hello everyone, I am a singer, Gu Qing."

Gu Qing spoke concisely and clearly.

"A singer?" Kang Zheng, the square-faced and upright judge, picked up the microphone and said with a smile, "But I've clearly seen you act on TV. You acted quite well."

Gu Qing reacted quickly, smiling as she replied, "Teacher Kang, that's another identity of mine."

Today, standing on the stage of "Chinese Poetry Competition," my identity is that of a singer.

He paused, then made a small joke, "When you're out in the world, you give yourself your identity."

The answer drew a burst of light laughter from the audience.

Kang Zheng was amused, as if he were thinking of the naughty students he had taught: "You know me?"

“I know all four teachers,”

Gu Qing glanced at the judges' panel. "I am a loyal listener of all of you teachers' 'Lecture Room' programs. You could say I grew up listening to your shows."

These four judges are all leading figures in academia and have all shone brightly on the "Lecture Room" program:

Professor Kang Zheng lectures on classical poetry.

Teacher Meng Man provides an in-depth analysis of "Empress Wu Zetian" and "Princess Taiping".
Professor Li Bo is an expert in the History of Ming, particularly known for his commentary on figures such as Zhang Juzheng and Yu Qian.

And finally, there's Professor Wang Liqun, whose academic background is extremely profound, who will be lecturing on the Records of the Grand Historian!
The lineup of judges for the first season of "Chinese Poetry Competition" was truly impressive and prestigious.

At this point, Gu Qing turned to Dong Qin, her tone filled with sincere anticipation: "Sister Dong Qin, may I have the honor of shaking hands with the four teachers?"

"of course can."

Faced with the boy's clear and sincere eyes, Dong Qin smiled and readily agreed.

Gu Qing shook hands with teachers Kang Zheng, Meng Man, and Wang Liqun in turn, and finally made a special trip to Li Bo, the teacher who lectured on the History of Ming.

He grasped Professor Li Bo's hands with both of his, bowed slightly, and said sincerely with a hint of apology, "Professor Li, if there is an opportunity in the future, may I ask you for some professional knowledge about the history of the Ming Dynasty?"
I participated in the filming of two works involving the Ming Dynasty, but I deeply feel that my understanding of this period of history is superficial, and I also found many inaccuracies in the dramas. Therefore, I would especially like to find an opportunity to humbly learn from an expert like you.

Professor Li was slightly taken aback at first, but after listening to Gu Qing's explanation, a gratified smile appeared on his face, and he nodded repeatedly: "Of course, you are welcome to communicate at any time."

It's very rare for young people to have this pragmatic and truth-seeking spirit.

"This younger brother... is really smart."

Xiao Sa, watching the monitor backstage, couldn't help but laugh. "By asking about history, he not only expressed humility but also subtly responded to the recent controversy about the drama's 'drastic alteration of history,' killing two birds with one stone. No wonder he became famous at a young age."

After greeting everyone, Gu Qing returned to the center of the stage.

Dong Qin continued to advance the process: "Gu Qing, could you share how you came up with the idea of ​​cleverly integrating the imagery of the Book of Songs and other classical poems into the creation of modern pop songs?"

She deliberately brought up the key point: "For example, this sentence, 'My heart is not a stone that cannot be turned, my heart is not a mat that cannot be rolled up,' shall we ask Teacher Kang to explain its deeper meaning to everyone?"

This phrase comes from the poem "The Cypress Boat" in the "Airs of Bei" section of the Book of Songs.

Professor Kang Zheng smiled and took over the conversation, calmly explaining, "This gave rise to the idiom 'a heart of stone,' which is often used to describe a character of unwavering will and loyalty."

It is also cited in historical documents such as the "Biography of Wang Dao" in the Book of Jin. In addition, Gu Qing's song contains many ingenious touches.
For example, the song title "Spring Snow in the Courtyard" was likely inspired by the famous line "The lonely courtyard is empty as spring draws to a close" from the poem "Spring Lament" by the Tang Dynasty poet Liu Fangping.
The lyrics also allude to Yue Fei's ci poem title "Xiao Chong Shan" and mention the story of the Tang Dynasty female poet Xue Tao making "Xue Tao paper" to write love poems, which cleverly echoes the line "Xue Tao paper says it's like the first time we met".

Overall, the song's literary depth and creative ingenuity are commendable.

Gu Qing, standing to the side, nodded in a gesture of "amazement" and "admiration," revealing a slightly "awkward" smile: "Teacher Kang, you've practically become my music connoisseur. You've said everything I wanted to say and everything I hadn't thought of. I don't know what to add."

His perfectly timed response once again drew good-natured laughter from the audience.

"It seems you read a lot of poetry, Gu Qing. You have a deep knowledge of it."

Dong Qin skillfully steered the conversation back on track and continued, "Could you tell me which poet you personally prefer?"

"The poet I admire also had the surname Li and lived during the Tang Dynasty..."

Gu Qing paused deliberately, keeping everyone in suspense.

"I know! It's Li Bai!!" an audience member immediately shouted excitedly.

"I knew everyone would guess Li Bai,"

Gu Qing laughed and revealed the answer, "But no, my favorite poet is Li He."

"Li He?"

Many audience members looked puzzled.

During this period, compared to the household names of "Poet Immortal" Li Bai and "Poet Sage" Du Fu,

Li He, the "Poet Ghost," is indeed relatively unknown to the general public, which is related to the unique style of his poems, which are unconventional, bizarre, and often involve gods and ghosts.

"Li He was also a highly individualistic and famous poet of the mid-Tang Dynasty,"

Teacher Kang once again acted as a patient guide, saying, "Because of his unique and magnificent poetic style, bizarre imagination, and many of his poems involving themes of gods and ghosts, he is known as the 'Poet Ghost'."

"Yes,"

Gu Qing nodded in agreement, his eyes revealing genuine appreciation. "For example, the line 'Kunshan jade shatters, phoenix cries; hibiscus weeps dew, orchid smiles' in his 'Li Ping's Harp Song' is truly amazing. It is full of bizarre and breathtaking beauty."

"good."

Teacher Kang also became interested, saying, "His poem 'The Shortness of the Day' is also very philosophical—'Only the cold moon and warm sun are seen, which are used to shorten human life...' It fully expresses the helplessness of the passage of time and the tragedy of life."

"But personally, my favorite is his song 'Dream of Heaven'."

Gu Qing added, "'The old rabbit and the cold toad weep for the sky's color, the cloud tower half-open, the wall slanting white,' imagining the moon palace as a tilted white pavilion, this unconventional imagination is truly unprecedented..."

The old man and the young man began to discuss Li He's poetic style with great interest, as if they were old friends who had met too late and were oblivious to their surroundings.

“Is that right?”

Dong Qin couldn't help but blink, feeling that the style seemed to have deviated a bit from the show's lighthearted and cheerful tone.

Especially when discussing Li He's poems, one always feels a slight drop in temperature, as if the surrounding air has become a bit eerie.

She quickly intervened with a smile, gently interrupting the academic exchange between the two friends of different ages: "It seems that you two have truly found kindred spirits."

However, the ocean of poetry is vast and boundless. Now, let's move on to the most exciting part of today's event—the 'Flying Flowers Order' game!

"Flying Flower Order" is an elegant literary drinking game originating from the Tang Dynasty. Its core rule is that participants must recite verses containing specific keywords in sequence, and the keywords must appear in fixed positions in the verses (such as the first character, the second character, etc., rotating in turn). Those who fail to continue are penalized with a drink.

On the stage of "Chinese Poetry Competition", the penalty of drinking a wine has become elimination.

"And today's keyword for our 'Flying Flowers Order' game is—"

Dong Qin drew out her words, creating suspense, and then clearly stated, "—π!"

"π? What does that mean?"

"Is it 3.1415926... the mathematical constant π?"

"Infinite non-repeating decimals? How do I connect that?"

A murmur of confusion arose among the contestants; everyone was somewhat bewildered.

"That's right!"

Dong Qin nodded affirmatively and explained, "Today's challenge in the 'Flying Flowers Order' game is to use a line of poetry to continue the sequence of digits after the decimal point of π."

For example, if π = 3.1415926535…, then the first contestant's poem must contain the character 'three', the second contestant's poem must contain the character 'one', and so on.

We adopt an attack and defense format.

She smiled and turned her gaze to Gu Qing beside her, extending an invitation: "Gu Qing, as the opening guest, would you like to try your hand at this challenging 'Number Flying Flower Order'?"

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(End of this chapter)