Top Chinese celebrity: Debuted from Running Man

Chapter 338 Haters: I'll Hater a Dam! (4.5k)
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Sunday, 8 p.m. sharp.

With the premiere of "Chinese Poetry Competition" imminent, an unprecedented storm of attention is brewing.

Countless fans who care about Gu Qing, haters who hate him, people who are just watching the fun, and passersby who are attracted by the topic all switched their channels to Princess Channel 1.

In the group chats and forums where various haters gather, there is an abundance of excited and sarcastic remarks:
"Ladies, are you all ready with your snacks, soda, and stools? Tune in tonight at 8 PM sharp for the full episode of Gu Gou's embarrassing moments!"

"Haha, I can't wait to see him stammering on stage!"

"I just specifically searched for the list of contestants for this season of 'Chinese Poetry Competition,' and wow, they're all top students from prestigious universities and poetry prodigies. Gu Qing standing out like a chicken among cranes is just too much!"

"My only worry now is that if Gu Gou goes up there and does nothing but smile and act cute, he'll still attract fans. Then we'll have nothing to criticize."

at the same time,

Gu Qing, the central figure in this storm, was lying leisurely on his bed in a hotel room.

The television screen was lit, playing the program's opening sequence, and he was replying to the flood of messages of condolence, looking slightly troubled.

The Running Man cast members were the most direct: Deng Chao and others invited him to dinner to relax, while Chen He sent him a game invitation, all wanting to help him unwind in the most practical way.

Other than that,

"Second Master, try to think positively. Look at me, since I debuted, I've been called 'uncultured,' 'country bumpkin' every day, but nothing's happened to me, and I'm doing just fine, aren't I?"

"Aren't we 'in the same boat'?"

This was Sister Zhao's self-deprecating consolation.

She was holding her phone, grinning foolishly as she sent the message. For some reason, she felt that this sense of "sharing weal and woe" had brought her and Gu Qing closer, and she even felt a little smug.

I feel that Gu Qing, in this light, doesn't seem so distant anymore.

Liu Shishi sent a series of cute emojis with "hugs" and "pats on the head," her words filled with heartache, as if she felt that Gu Qing was extremely vulnerable at this moment and needed comforting, and she was sad that she could not be by his side.

Naza's emotional intelligence remained consistently high, unknowingly rubbing salt into the wound:

"Husband, are you alright? I heard you've been getting really badly scolded lately!"
Have you been secretly crying? Do you need this princess to protect you?

But the most interesting ones are Jiang Xin and Chen Duling.

Jiang Xin's message was filled with righteous indignation: "Are all these people mentally ill?!"

She not only sent messages to comfort people, but also spent a lot of time online, fiercely confronting haters and refuting rumors. Her fighting spirit was off the charts, and she cursed almost from morning till night.

However, judging from the actual results... it seems to have a tendency to do more harm than good, and make things worse.

The news about "Little Ears" Chen Duling made Gu Qing unable to suppress a smile:
"Xu Yi, you're not stupid at all; you're the smartest person I've ever met!"

"You just don't have time to study. If you wanted to, you could definitely get into a very good university."

"If you need, I can help you with your studies."

Her way of comforting people was clumsy, yet incredibly sincere.

Gu Qing replied with a smile, "Thank you, Teacher Dudu. It's a deal then. From now on, you'll teach me how to study, and I'll teach you how to play games."

My phone vibrated quickly, and I received a reply from Chen Duling instantly: "Mmm!"

After replying to most of the messages, Gu Qing just put down his phone and was about to concentrate on watching the program when an unexpected ringtone suddenly sounded.

"Sister Tao?" Gu Qing picked up his phone and saw Liu Tao's name on the screen, which startled him.

Since filming "Nirvana in Fire" wrapped up, the two have tacitly kept their "agreement" and have hardly contacted each other privately.

Unexpectedly, this time, Liu Tao not only took the initiative to send a message, but also called directly.

Despite the recent media storm surrounding Gu Qing, many people offered her comfort, but very few called directly. Aside from close, uninhibited brothers like Deng Chao and Chen Chichi, who could call without any inhibitions to joke around,

Even Zhao Liying and Liu Shishi would usually send messages first to test his emotions before daring to make a phone call at a suitable time.

Whether it was cowardice or hesitation, the reason remains unknown.

"Little brother, are you in Shanghai right now?"

As soon as the call connected, before Gu Qing could even speak, Liu Tao's concerned voice came from the other end.

"Uh... I'm here." Gu Qing looked a little confused. "Sister Tao, what's wrong?"

"Little brother, listen to your sister, don't let your mind wander, and don't look at those messy messages online!"

Liu Tao's tone was gentle, "In my heart, you have always been the best. You can sing, you can act, and you are so good-looking. You are already exceptionally outstanding!"

As an actor, all you need to do is provide good work that the audience appreciates. Those who criticize you and nitpick are simply jealous; you don't need to care about their opinions.

She showered him with comfort and praise.
"do not be sad."

Liu Tao said, "I just turned down my work and took two days off to come and keep you company and help you relax."

The older sister's heartwarming care was direct and effective, with an extraordinary impact. (Gu)
Qingyi was momentarily at a loss: "Sister Tao, I...I'm at the hotel, just about to watch the show..."

"Is it the 'Chinese Poetry Competition' you recorded?"

On the other end of the phone, Liu Tao was sitting in a speeding car, asking with great concern.

"Yeah, it's pretty good. Sister Tao, why don't you take a look?"

"My sister isn't very well-educated and can't understand cultural programs."

Liu Tao immediately denied it and extended another invitation, "Stop watching and come out for a meal with me. I'll be there in about an hour, I'm starving!"
My sister hasn't eaten since noon, just to get here to see you. Could you book a restaurant for me?

Seeing that the program had officially started airing on TV, Gu Qing scratched his head helplessly, but still agreed: "Okay... I'll send you the restaurant address later."

He hung up the phone, got up, put on his coat, called his assistant, and started making a reservation at one of his usual restaurants.

……

At the same moment the program aired, countless viewers in front of their televisions watched intently.

Even Da Linzi, who had just finished practicing his basic skills at his master's house and was covered in sweat, couldn't resist Teacher Qian's persuasion.
He finally went back to the home he didn't visit often, ready to watch his "Qing Ge'er's" program on time.

As soon as he turned the doorknob, the harmonious atmosphere of the "family of three" inside the house instantly froze.

Hearing the door open, Lao Guo, who was drinking tea, glanced at his eldest son, who looked travel-worn and slightly flustered, and habitually frowned, preparing to scold him.

Who would have thought,
Before he could speak, his most beloved youngest son started complaining, "Why are you in my house?"

In an instant, the entire room became so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

Da Linzi stood expressionless at the door, his heart sinking.

Old Guo was both shocked and furious. He stared intently at his wife, slammed his hand on the table, pointed at his youngest son, and shouted angrily, "You brat! How dare you talk to your brother like that?!"

What do you mean by 'your family'? Does he not have a share in this family?! He's your brother!

The air was filled with the father's angry curses and the youngest son's aggrieved cries.
"elder brother?"

Da Linzi twitched the corners of his mouth, feeling utterly ironic.

In the past, he would have slammed the door and left long ago.

But today, he had promised Gu Qing that he would watch the show to cheer her on.

Da Linzi took a deep breath, suppressing his surging emotions, pretending he hadn't heard anything, and walked straight to his long-unoccupied room without looking to the side, slamming the door shut.

Inside the room, the furnishings remained the same, though a thin layer of dust had settled on the television screen.

Dalinzi didn't care about any of that. He turned on the TV, found the remote control, and skillfully switched channels.

On the screen, Dong Qin was introducing Gu Qing's entrance.

"Fortunately I'm not late."

Da Linzi breathed a sigh of relief, adjusted his breathing, and prepared to quietly enjoy the song.

Just then, with a "creak," the door was gently pushed open.

Da Linzi glanced at it out of the corner of his eye; it was a peach-shaped head. But he didn't turn around and continued to watch TV intently.

"Cough cough..."

Old Guo coughed lightly twice, looking somewhat uneasy, and moved in. His face showed a rare mix of guilt and embarrassment. He sat down on the edge of the bed, not too close, not too far from his son, feeling utterly uncomfortable.

“Dalin, your younger brother… he’s still young and doesn’t understand, you…”

Could you please keep your voice down?

Da Linzi's tone was polite but distant and indifferent: "I'm watching TV."

"Oh... okay, okay."

Guo responded awkwardly, and the room fell silent again, with only the song "Spring Snow" playing on the television.

He stared at the screen for a moment, somewhat surprised, "This... isn't this Gu Qing?"

He tried to start a conversation: "You...you're still his fan?"

"how?"

Da Linzi finally turned his head and looked directly at him, "Are you now interfering with my freedom to choose which celebrity I watch?"

"Hey! This...this is none of my business." Old Guo seemed to have used up all his stuttering in this day. He rubbed his hands together. "What I meant was...I know this Gu Qing!"
"If you really like him, Dad... I can help you get him an autographed photo or something."

"You want an autograph?"

Da Linzi laughed, but it was a cold laugh. "Qing...do they even know who you are? Do they know you?"

"Of course I recognize you!"

Seeing that his son seemed to have a reaction, Lao Guo was overjoyed and started boasting again, "We had a very pleasant conversation at the banquet and felt like we had known each other for a long time!"

They're practically ready to set up incense burners, kowtow, and become sworn brothers!

Da Linzi rolled his eyes and couldn't be bothered to talk to him anymore.

Old Guo also awkwardly shut up, and the father and son sat together watching TV in such a "calm" manner for the first time.

Even he himself couldn't remember the last time he was alone with his eldest son like this.

The more he thought about it, the more bitter and guilty he felt.

When Gu Qing finished her performance on the screen, the audience erupted in enthusiastic applause and cheers.

"This child is really handsome..."

Guo Degang couldn't help but exclaim, "He's a natural talent. If he came to our Deyun Club, with a little polishing, he would definitely become a sensation all over the country."

Although he had some minor disagreements with Gu Qing, he still admired her appearance and her charm more than anything else.

"Should we invite them to Deyun Club?"

Da Linzi scoffed and retorted with a double entendre, "Can you afford to pay them their salaries?"

"you……"

Old Guo's face darkened, and his short temper almost flared up again.

But immediately, he heard his son pick up his phone and start sending a voice message: "Qing-ge, you sang so well, and that outfit is really cool! Of course, you're even more handsome!"

"The Qing-ge you're talking about... is it Gu Qing?"

Old Guo was stunned.

"Can't you?"

Da Linzi glanced at him sideways, and seeing his father's surprised expression, he couldn't help but feel secretly pleased, finally getting his revenge.

He looked down at his phone and saw that the hashtag #GuQingchunTingxue# was trending.

He clicked on it with a smile, but his brows quickly furrowed.

In the comments section, the haters have already started "working":
"Pah! Shameless! He always brags about how great his singing is, but then he lip-syncs on stage?"

Why are you maids who wash feet so silent?

"That's hilarious! He didn't even open his mouth before making a sound. Does he think the audience is blind?"

"Please, have some common sense! This is called half-live! It's to ensure the stage effect! Besides, the younger brother has a lot of physical performance!"

"Half-live? If you're so good at singing, then sing live all the time! Fans, stop defending us!"

The crowd below was already in an uproar.

"Dalin, it's my fault for not being good to you in the past..."

Guo seized the opportunity and began to earnestly prepare an apology.

Before he could finish speaking, his eldest son muttered under his breath, "Idiot!"

Now,
"What did you say?!"

Old Guo's face turned purple with anger, and he instantly bristled, standing up abruptly.

"I...I...I didn't insult you!"

Seeing his father's face turn purple, Dalinzi panicked. Childhood trauma resurfaced, and he quickly raised his phone to explain, "I'm cursing these online trolls!"

Old Guo leaned closer to take a closer look at the screen, and only then did he barely calm down, but he was still very puzzled: "You and this Gu Qing... have such a good relationship?"
When did you meet him? I have no idea!

"Last week, we hit it off immediately."

Da Linzi then made a sarcastic remark, "He calls me 'brother,' and I call him 'older brother.'"

"He... seems to be a good person. I heard he has quietly donated money to impoverished areas. He's a good kid."

The old man started his habitual lecturing again, "You're friends with him, Dad... supports it."

Da Linzi felt a surge of impatience.

at this time,

On the television, Dong Qin began introducing the "Flying Flowers Order" segment. Gu Qing smiled and said, "I'll be the challenger."

"Hahaha, the show is finally here!"

"Gu Qing really dares to play this game?"

Can he recite three poems?

I'll bet one song!

"I bet he'll get stuck after a couple of sentences!"

The haters watching the show were overjoyed, excitedly awaiting the scene they had been anticipating.

"π Flying Flower Game? Interesting."

Even Lao Guo became interested and subconsciously began searching his mind for poems containing numbers.

"If you go ahead, how many poems can you answer?"

Da Linzi asked casually.

"Twenty or thirty songs shouldn't be a problem, right?"

Old Guo smoothed out non-existent hair, "Any more...sigh, Dad's getting old, my memory's failing, Deyun Society will have to rely on you from now on..."

"Come on, I can't take that responsibility."

Da Linzi just wanted to get rid of the tension and focused on watching the match between Gu Qing and the first female contestant, Xu Qian.

Three poems... five poems... ten poems... twenty poems... When Xu Qian was defeated...

Da Linzi excitedly pumped his fist: "Holy crap! Qing-ge'er's awesome!"

Even Guo Degang couldn't help but show a surprised expression.

"This can't be real! It's definitely scripted!"

"What kind of skill is it to beat a girl?"

"You bully the weak and fear the strong. If you're so capable, why don't you beat a man?"

The haters were incredulous and immediately started looking for new angles.

Soon after, male contestant Hu Tian appeared, and the program team provided a very impressive academic background introduction.

The haters have rekindled their hope.

However, as Gu Qing calmly answered the questions, the number of poems in the "Flying Flowers" game soared to nearly seventy. Hu Tian eventually panicked, made a mistake, and was eliminated.

The haters were once again devastated.

"Scream! Scream again!!"

"If you beat a woman, you say it's bullying; if you beat a man, what do you have to say?!"

Gu Qing's fans, who had been feeling frustrated for two whole weeks, finally found an opportunity to vent their anger and launched a fierce counterattack.

"What's so great about beating two high school students? How much older is Gu Qing than them?"

Haters will always be stubborn.

However, Gu Qing seemed to know the haters inside and out, precisely trying to fulfill their "wishes".

And so, Gu Qing's amazing performance of "1 against 5" began on television.

The opponents range from young students to adult teachers, covering all age groups.

Eighty poems... ninety poems... one hundred and fifty poems... two hundred poems...

When Gu Qing finally recited the line clearly and calmly, "'A scholar is without limit, his virtue is inconsistent.'",
When the record for the Flying Flowers game was frozen at an astonishing 203 poems—

Countless anti-fan groups and forum posts that were originally scrolling rapidly and making a lot of noise have now fallen into a deathly silence, as if a mute button has been pressed.

Is it... is it still dark?

After an unknown amount of time, someone finally typed a message in a group chat.

……

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(End of this chapter)