Top Chinese celebrity: Debuted from Running Man

Chapter 335 I'm going to take on ten! (5.5k views)
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"Now that I've come to the stage of the Chinese Poetry Competition, I must accept the challenge."

With a calm and humble smile on his face and a gentle tone, Gu Qing said, "I am just not very knowledgeable, so I dare not accept the title of champion. Let me try to challenge you all and learn from you."

"it is good!"

Dong Qin nodded with pleasure, then turned to the contestants' seats and asked with a smile, "So, among all the contestants, who is willing to become the reigning champion and accept the challenge from our first challenger—Gu Qing?"

She wasn't actually that worried about Gu Qing.

As a guest, the previous rehearsal process had already revealed the "answer". Gu Qing only needed to memorize a few poems containing specific numbers in advance, go through the motions, and not make her performance too awkward.

After all, the contestants who can stand on this stage are all "poetry and classical Chinese literature experts" from all over the country who have gone through layers of selection and have an amazing amount of knowledge.

How much profound cultural knowledge can a celebrity have?
This was an unspoken consensus among almost everyone present.

In the contestants' section, several young female spectators and contestants appeared exceptionally excited and happy, vying to raise their hands, their faces beaming with the excitement of seeing their idols.

However, a barely perceptible hint of contempt and disdain flashed across the eyes of many other contestants, who felt that even if they won, it would be an unfair victory with no sense of accomplishment.

"Alright, please welcome contestant number 13, Xu Qian, to be the champion of this challenge!"

Dong Qin eventually selected a pretty young woman in her late twenties to come to the front of the stage.

"Sister Dong Qin," Xu Qian said, her face flushed and looking somewhat flustered, her head bowed as she whispered, "Can...can I shake hands with the teacher?"

"of course can."

Dong Qin nodded with a smile, assuming that this contestant, like Gu Qing, also held the erudite judges in high esteem.

however--

"Ah...Professor Gu Qing! I really, really like you! I'm your biggest fan!!"

Xu Qian suddenly turned around, her emotions exploding instantly. She grabbed Gu Qing's hand tightly, shaking it excitedly up and down, and even stomped her feet happily.

Dong Qin: "..."

The four judges: "..."

Gu Qing: "..."

"Hahaha! This is hilarious!"

"Look at Dong Qin's expression! Her eyes are wide open. I've never seen her so surprised before!"

Gu Qing herself was so embarrassed that her face turned bright red. It was hilarious!

The audience burst into cheerful and good-natured laughter, instantly enlivening the atmosphere.

"My fans don't call me teacher either."

Gu Qing's scalp was truly tingling.

"Brother Gu Qing, I'm sorry, I was just too excited."

Xu Qian finally realized that they were still recording. Her excited emotions cooled down a little, and she quickly took a deep breath to calm herself down, but her eyes were still bright and she stared at Gu Qing without blinking.

"Then, the match begins now."

Dong Qin steered the conversation back on track, "Who wants to start?"

"Let Gu Qing go first."

Xu Qian quickly said.

Although she was a loyal fan, she did not believe that Gu Qingzhen could surpass her.

Out of good intentions to protect her idol's reputation, she hoped to let Gu Qing go first so that they could have more rounds.

Upon hearing this, Gu Qing gave a helpless smile.

I feel looked down upon...

But this is also reasonable.

The common stereotype among the public is that celebrities generally have "low levels of education".

He even remembered that in his previous life, a top celebrity couldn't even write the character "游" correctly when signing his autograph, and was severely criticized by state media as a "desperate illiterate".

"Although I am not very learned, I have managed to read a few poems."

Gu Qing naturally didn't want to take advantage, and said, "You do it."

"Then, Brother Gu Qing, I won't stand on ceremony."

Xu Qian no longer hesitated and said loudly, "My old friend bids farewell to the Yellow Crane Tower and sails down to Yangzhou in the third month of spring."

As soon as she finished speaking, Gu Qing, with a calm expression, replied almost without thinking: "Amidst the crackling of firecrackers, the old year departs, and the spring breeze brings warmth to the New Year's wine."

"Wow? He actually knows how?"

“It’s just a line of poetry, I can do that too.”

"The real skill is being able to smoothly complete 3.1415926 after the decimal point of π."

"What?"

"Because I forgot the numbers after that!"

A murmur arose from the audience, mixed with surprise at Gu Qing's quick response to the poem and a few scattered claps.

Gu Qing felt a little annoyed by his "how could he do that?" reaction.

He also wanted to take this opportunity to test the results of memorizing so many books.

"Hardships and misfortunes began with the first classic, and the war left only scattered stars around."

Xu Qian also gave Gu Qing an appreciative look and replied with satisfaction.

"How deep is this affection? Like the setting sun in the deep mountains and the autumn rain."

Gu Qing replied.

"Snow falls on the Tianshan Mountains in May; there are no flowers, only cold."

"A waterfall plunges three thousand feet, as if the Milky Way were falling from the ninth heaven."

"Who cut out these delicate leaves? It seems the spring breeze of February is like a pair of scissors."

……

The two of them went back and forth, completing the matching of the first eleven digits of the poem corresponding to "3.1415926535" in one go.

As the poem progressed, Xu Qian occasionally needed to pause and think, while Gu Qing remained completely unfazed, as if the entire poetry repertoire was imprinted in his mind, allowing him to instantly recall the next line upon hearing the previous one.

Gradually, the atmosphere at the scene began to become subtle.

Xu Qian frowned slightly, the audience's chatter subsided, and her eyes became more serious.

Dong Qin looked at Gu Qing, her beautiful eyes widening slightly, sparkling with surprise and admiration.

Sa Beining, watching from backstage via monitor, exaggeratedly opened his mouth wide and repeatedly gave a thumbs-up to the camera, silently praising the camera with his mouth.

"This young man... is quite impressive."

Teacher Mengman couldn't help but comment in a low voice.

“You underestimated him before.”

Teacher Kang Zheng picked up the conversation, a knowing smile in his eyes, "His poetry skills must be quite strong, otherwise how could he have created so many songs containing a lot of allusions?"
I think Xu Qian might really lose.

"Isn't it?"

Another teacher expressed doubt, saying, "Xu Qian's performance in the previous episodes was obvious to all. She is a strong contender for the title and a promising candidate for admission to prestigious universities. I think she can still win."

The judges whispered among themselves.

The difficulty of the Flying Flower Order game goes far beyond simply memorizing poems.

First, it tests one's mental fortitude on the competitive stage and under the watchful eyes of numerous cameras; second, it requires the ability to concentrate on calculating the number of decimal places in π.

(Although the host calls out the numbers, the reaction must be extremely fast.)
The most difficult part is that you must clearly remember all the verses that you and your opponent have memorized; repeating them will result in failure.

This is undoubtedly the ultimate test of memory, reaction speed, and mental resilience.

And coincidentally, what Gu Qing has in abundance is an exceptional memory.

When Gu Qing came to the second set of numbers for π, “8979323……8”, he remained calm and unhurried and blurted out: “The little stars are shining, three or five in the east.”

When it was Xu Qian's turn to deal with the next "8", the immense psychological pressure and the rapidly depleting reserve of poetry caused her brain to freeze instantly.

"Don't be nervous, think it over slowly."

Gu Qing even gave her an encouraging smile.

This was meant to be a well-intentioned reassurance, but it only made Xu Qian, who was already on edge, even more panicked.

As the countdown ticked, she covered her forehead with one hand, and finally raised her other hand in despair, her voice filled with frustration: "I...I lost."

"Holy crap?! We really won?!"

"The key is that this doesn't look like he's holding back at all; his movements are truly fluid!"

"Wow! There are celebrities in the entertainment industry with such high levels of education?!"

"You're kidding me. There are PhDs in the entertainment industry. What's wrong with memorizing a few poems?"

"I don't believe it. Could it be that they knew the questions and answers beforehand and just memorized them?"

"Even if you memorize it in advance, can you remember so much in such a short time and still react instantly?"

"That's right..."

The audience finally erupted in genuine gasps of surprise.

Even the contestants who had previously been dismissive now all abandoned their joking expressions, their faces becoming serious and earnest, exchanging bewildered glances—

"Is he really that skilled?"

……

"Go, Gu Qing! I believe you can successfully defend your title!"

Although Xu Qian was a little disappointed when she was eliminated, she immediately cheered for him when she saw that the winner was her idol.

"Sister Dong Qin, I won... So am I the champion now?"

Gu Qing looked at Dong Qin, her tone questioning.

How should I know?! This part wasn't even in the script!

Dong Qin was momentarily stunned.

The original plan was for Gu Qing to recite a few lines of poetry, then "gloriously" lose, and have a perfect ending.

Who would have thought he could actually win?!

She subconsciously glanced at the director's seat below the stage and saw Director Yan with a radiant face, nodding vigorously at her excitedly!

What a surprise! This is absolutely a huge surprise!

Director Yan was overjoyed.

She invited Gu Qing because the popularity of "Spring Snow in the Courtyard" matched the program's tone, and also because the leadership wanted to establish a positive role model in the entertainment industry.

Director Yan was able to invite Gu Qing, who was in the eye of the storm, to the program.

I never expected to find such a "treasure"!
Without a doubt, after this episode airs, thanks to Gu Qing's inherent popularity and her "explosive" performance, the ratings will definitely explode!

Mainstream programs also need to guarantee viewership ratings!
"……sure!"

Upon receiving the director's clear instructions, Dong Qin immediately snapped out of her daze and smiled, "Congratulations to Gu Qing on becoming the new champion!"

"So, are there any other contestants who want to challenge Gu Qing?" "I'll go!"

A male contestant wearing thick glasses raised his hand defiantly, his face showing a challenging and eager expression.

"It's Hu Tian?!"

"It's over, the show's over, Gu Qing's definitely going to lose."

"A powerful figure has arrived!"
Hu Tian won second place in the first episode and won first place in the second episode. I heard he's already been accepted by Tsinghua University while still in his second year of high school. His strength is definitely at the level of a major power among the contestants!

Many viewers felt regretful, as they wanted to see Gu Qing's amazing performance a little longer, but they felt that if she encountered Hu Tian, ​​she probably wouldn't have the chance.

"Hello, classmate." Gu Qing nodded and greeted him with a smile.

"Hello." Hu Tian adjusted his glasses, speaking concisely, and immediately launched his attack: "In the eighth month, the autumn wind howls fiercely, tearing away the thatch from my roof."

"The next number is 4," Dong Qin announced, her voice filled with anticipation.

"The flowers of April have all faded in the human world, but the peach blossoms in the mountain temple are just beginning to bloom." Gu Qing's speed did not slow down in the slightest.

"On this day, the six armies halted their horses together..."

"The frosted leaves are redder than the flowers of February..."

"The beauties of the six palaces pale in comparison..."

.........

Hu Tian, ​​as one of the top performers in both episodes, has undeniable talent.

The two exchanged over thirty poems in one go, battling it out until the fiftieth decimal place of π, their speed of reciting poetry remaining evenly matched.

However, what gradually annoyed Hu Tian was that the audience's reaction was lukewarm after he finished reading each sentence.
Every time Gu Qingliu took the lead, the audience would erupt in enthusiastic cheers and applause.

"What does this mean?!"

Hu Tian's mindset became somewhat unbalanced.

Ultimately, no matter how academically gifted he is, he is still a proud and ambitious young man, and it is perfectly normal for him to crave the spotlight and enjoy praise.

He used to be the center of attention, but today he seems to have become an extra.

From the audience's perspective, Gu Qing's story of a comeback is more dramatic and relatable.

It's quite absurd.

The main issue is that in the previous episodes, these top students' performances were simply too superhuman.

This is why celebrities who were previously least recognized by the public and considered out of touch with the masses have become the most down-to-earth people on this show.

When it comes to the sixtieth poem,

Gu Qingdao said, "The four corners obstruct the sunlight, and the seven layers touch the sky."

"The next number is 4," Dong Qin announced again.

"I stop drinking and eating, I draw my sword and look around, my heart filled with confusion."

Hu Tian quickly came up with a poem by Li Bai, "The Road to Shu is Hard, Part 1".

Dong Qin was about to nod when

“Sister Dong Qin,” Gu Qingwen gently reminded her, “Xu Qian has already recited Li Bai’s poem ‘The Road to Shu is Hard, Part 1’.”

"You've memorized them?" Dong Qin blinked. As a mortal, how could she possibly memorize more than sixty unique poems in an instant?
"Sister Dong Qin! I've memorized it! I really have!"

Upon returning to the contestant's seat, Xu Qian immediately cupped her hands around her mouth and loudly confirmed.

As the game progresses, the real challenge of the Flying Flower Order game—memorizing the poems—begins to show its power.

"Uh..." Hu Tian's brows furrowed tightly into a "川" shape. The pressure of the countdown, Gu Qingfeng's calm and composed demeanor, and the cheers of the audience who were "treating him differently" all made him feel agitated.

Finally, as time passed, he dejectedly lowered his hand and gave a bitter laugh: "I lost."

"boom--!"

When Hu Tian admitted defeat, the scene erupted in chaos!

"Gu Qing really beat Hu Tian?!?"

"That's amazing! My knees went weak when I heard that!"

"A battle of gods! This is a true battle of gods!"

"With such a smart brain, why become a star? It's such a waste of talent!"

Is it possible... that his face is more famous than his head?

"Hehe, that's true. Besides, being a celebrity makes a lot of money. I would do it too if I were in their shoes."

Exclamations of surprise, cheers, and discussions rose and fell, lasting for a long time.

"Sister Dong Qin, how about we stop here?"

Gu Qing felt that was enough, smiled and waved to the audience and the players' seats, then said to Dong Qin,
"I'm almost out of ideas, I can't come up with anything else."

Dong Qin was naturally happy to go along with it.

However—"No! No!!"

"How can the champion run away? It'll be pointless for us to win if he leaves!"

"That's right! Sister Dong Qin, we can't let Brother Gu Qing leave!"

The contestants, however, disagreed.

If someone who has defeated two strong champions in a row runs away, their subsequent matches seem to lose some kind of authoritative certification, greatly diminishing their significance.

"I appreciate your enthusiasm, but I do have other work to do later..."

Gu Qing tried to explain.

“Yes, Gu Qing…” Dong Qin was just about to help persuade him.

Gu Qing suddenly changed the subject, a playful yet friendly smile appearing on his face. He winked at the group of players, most of whom were still in junior or senior high school: "However... with so many of you, it would be too slow for me to win against you one by one."

"How about... we come down together?"

Dong Qin: "..."

audience:"……"

Contestant: "!!!"

However, judging from their expressions, it was clearly a joke to lighten the mood, and the audience immediately responded with knowing boos and laughter.

"Hmph! Arrogant! I'll take on this!"

"Haha, Brother Gu Qing is so 'naughty'! But I like it! I want to challenge him too!"

"Wouldn't it be unfair to win by outnumbering the enemy like this?"

"How could that be! He's so skilled, there's definitely no problem!"

Amidst the "excitement of the crowd," Dong Qin couldn't help but laugh and had no choice but to call five more contestants up on stage, making it a six-person competition.

However, these contestants, who were just moments before "filled with righteous indignation" in the audience, once they actually stepped onto the stage...
Upon seeing Gu Qing's handsome, smiling face up close and feeling his gaze sweep over them, they all became shy and even a little awkward.

"Hello everyone." Gu Qing's smile was fresh and sunny, like a friendly older brother next door. He greeted each contestant who came on stage with initiative and patience, and his humble attitude instantly won him another wave of goodwill.

"Okay, then let's each take a line."

Looking at this fun-filled and harmonious scene, Dong Qin announced the rules with a smile in her eyes.

"Let me start by saying: After all, the scenery of West Lake in June is different from that of other seasons."

Gu Qing smiled and began this "melee" of one against six.

"Twenty years have passed like a dream; it is astonishing that I am still alive!"

"One is an exiled official sent to Changsha, gazing westward towards Chang'an but unable to see his home..."

"An eighteen-year-old bride and an eighty-year-old groom..."

...sixty poems...seventy poems...

"This sentence is repeated! Contestant Wang Jun is eliminated!" Dong Qin enforced the rules strictly.

Eighty poems... ninety poems... one hundred poems...

"Simplify the complex like an autumn tree, and innovate like a spring flower."

"Wrong! This is a couplet from Zheng Banqiao's study, a couplet, not a poem!"

The judges immediately pointed it out.

Another person has been eliminated.

Gu Qing felt the pressure increase sharply as he faced the remaining three opponents. They outnumbered him and had more time to think.

One hundred and twenty poems... one hundred and thirty poems... one hundred and seventy poems... another contestant was eliminated because of repeated lines.

One hundred and eighty poems...one hundred and ninety poems... "I...give up." The other contestant racked his brains and finally had no choice but to raise his hand in surrender, declaring his poetry inventory depleted.

In the end, only Gu Qing and a male college student named Yang Qiang remained in the room.

The competition has now reached a fever pitch.

Men's advantages in physical strength and mental endurance are becoming increasingly apparent, and the competition is becoming more and more intense.

The entire audience held their breath, as if watching a real "battle of the gods".

Starting from the 190th poem, each subsequent poem requires a longer period of thought.

Even Gu Qing gradually slowed down, often pausing for two or three seconds before giving the next sentence.

Yang Qiang struggled even more, narrowly escaping each countdown at the last minute, his forehead covered in fine beads of sweat.

Before we knew it, the astonishing record of the Flying Flower Order game had reached a full two hundred poems!
"Don't say that the gates of hell are far away; all people under heaven are brothers."

With two seconds left in the countdown, Gu Qing recited the 201st poem.

Sweat rolled down Yang Qiang's forehead. He unconsciously bit his finger to indicate that he was thinking. In the last second of the countdown, he almost shouted: "From now on, the four seas will be my home, and the old fortresses will be desolate with reeds in autumn!"

The venue was so quiet you could hear a pin drop; every audience member was afraid of making the slightest noise that might disturb the contestants' concentration.

"The 203rd number is: 2! Gu Qing, it's your turn!"

Dong Qin's voice tightened involuntarily, and her fair palms became slightly damp.

"I really can't think of anything more."

Gu Qing smiled nonchalantly, looking at Yang Qiang with a hint of respect for a worthy opponent, "The last poem, let's start with the Book of Songs and end with the Book of Songs."

-

"A gentleman is without limit, his virtue is inconsistent."

This comes from the poem "Mang" in the Book of Songs, specifically from the section "Wei Feng".

"Yang Qiang! Your turn! The number is still 2!"

Dong Qin immediately replied.

"I..." Yang Qiang had already disregarded his image, anxiously scratching his head and cheeks, his brain working at a rapid pace but seemingly encountering a barrier.

"Three...two...one..."

"I... lost." Yang Qiang finally deflated, his voice filled with endless exhaustion and a hint of admiration.

In an instant—the long-silent studio was like a powder keg that had been ignited, instantly engulfed by deafening cheers and applause!
……

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(End of this chapter)