Top Chinese celebrity: Debuted from Running Man

Chapter 347 Where are my men?! (4k)
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Tonight's broadcast features a crucial quarterfinal match in the World Championship – LPL's RNG team versus LCK's legendary powerhouse and two-time champion SKT team.

In this year's Summer Split, RNG revived its Royal Club brand and welcomed back Uzi, the most influential player in the domestic esports scene, thanks to its "resurrection" strategy. This propelled RNG back to the top tier of esports teams, generating buzz and discussion across the internet.

Uzi's popularity and online traffic are self-evident, and Gu Qing is well aware of this.

In the following two years, he defeated two top male leads from "The Untamed" in the Weibo Night voting event, demonstrating the terrifying cohesion and mobilization ability of the e-sports circle—far more united than those seemingly large but actually divided and antagonistic fan circles.

If it weren't for the extreme measures taken by the teams of those two top stars to drastically increase votes and overtake them, Uzi would very likely have become the vote king of that year's Weibo Night.

If an esports player were to stand out at a star-studded entertainment event, it would be a complete "slap in the face" moment...

……

Gu Qing's guest appearance as a commentator for this event naturally included plans to interact with and take photos with Uzi, further reinforcing his image as someone who "understands and loves esports."

As his car slowly drove into the venue for tonight's game, almost the entire league's official team was out in force, lining up to greet him.

"Oh, Ms. Gu Qing is here!"

"Welcome, Professor Gu! It's been a long time!"

"Wow, Mr. Gu looks so handsome today!"

Even the "Haier Brothers"—Wawa and Miller, whom I had met briefly before, stood at the front of the crowd, their faces beaming with enthusiastic smiles.

"Teacher Wawa, Teacher Miller, it's been a long time." Gu Qing smiled and extended her hand.

"Teacher Gu, you...you still remember us?" The two were both surprised and delighted, and quickly stepped forward to shake hands.

"Of course I remember. I really like your commentary style; it's very passionate," Gu Qing said gently.

"Thank you, thank you, Teacher Gu!" The two were so flattered that they could hardly speak.

In the past, which third- or fourth-tier celebrities who came to e-sports venues weren't treated like royalty?

Not to mention true top stars like Gu Qing. A casual compliment from him was enough to make them feel elated and unable to contain their excitement.

A group of people escorted Gu Qing backstage. Employees passing by tried to maintain professionalism, but couldn't help but gasp in hushed tones:
"Ahhh—it really is Gu Qing's younger brother!"

"Oh my god, I saw the real person!"

They seemed to have been instructed beforehand that no one dared to approach for autographs or photos, but their bright eyes and the way they covered their mouths to suppress their excitement had already revealed their true feelings.

Gu Qing always wore a gentle smile, without any airs. As she walked, she nodded to them, and wherever her gaze swept over them, there were suppressed gasps.

"Mr. Gu, would you like to rest for a bit, or go check on the contestants?" the event organizer asked respectfully.

"The competition should be starting soon, right?"

Gu Qing glanced at the time and shook her head. "We should focus on preparing for the competition and not bother them. It's not too late to meet them after the competition."

"Professor Gu, you're too kind. It's just a meeting, how could it be a problem?"

"Exactly! The contestants will definitely be even more motivated if they know you're here!"

"It's an honor for our club!"

Gu Qing was getting a little disgusted by the forced flattery, and with a slightly helpless expression, she emphasized again, "Let's not go, let's go to the rest room first, so as not to affect the players' preparations."

"...Okay, okay, Teacher Gu, this way please."

The person in charge quickly changed his tune and bowed to lead the way.

The people around him also showed a hint of disdain in their eyes.

Everyone else is licking, but you're going too far with your licking.

Simultaneously,

Gu Qing's words evoked strong goodwill from some esports enthusiasts who genuinely love esports.

Although they also believed that Gu Qing did not need their favor.

But unfortunately, it attracts fans.

"Teacher Gu Qing... truly understands esports."

"We're not here to ride the wave of popularity; we're one of our own."

Everyone escorted Gu Qing to the entrance of the lounge, and most tactfully took their leave. The person in charge said at the end, "Teacher Gu, we will notify you when the competition is about to start."

"Okay, thank you for your help." Gu Qing smiled and nodded.

"No trouble at all!" Everyone waved their hands and left happily.

Doll and Miller stood outside the door, hesitant, as if they wanted to say something but were too embarrassed to speak. In the end, they just smiled awkwardly and prepared to leave with the crowd.

"Two teachers,"

Seeing their predicament, Gu Qing took the initiative to ask, "Shall we go over the explanation process together later?"

"Come in and sit down."

Zhao Ya, as the assistant, immediately understood and warmly greeted them: "Yes, yes, Teacher Wawa, Teacher Miller, please come in! This is our boss's first time participating in the commentary, so we'll need your guidance!"

"Assistant teacher, you're too kind, too kind. There's no way I could possibly be your mentor..."

The two thanked him as they walked in and sat on the sofa opposite Gu Qing, their awkwardness visibly palpable.

Gu Qing was already used to this kind of scene—many minor artists in the industry reacted the same way when they saw him, let alone these "outsiders".

He took the initiative to speak, easily and naturally starting the conversation.

Social anxiety?

For celebrities, especially popular ones, it's the biggest joke.

If someone is truly socially anxious, they would have become hyper-anxious and withdrawn long ago when filming a movie or recording a variety show, facing a dozen or even dozens of cameras.

Doll and Miller quickly experienced what it meant to feel "like a gentle breeze". Their initial tension gradually dissipated, their instinct for explanation was activated, their tongues became fluent, and their speech became smoother and smoother.

What surprised them most was that Gu Qing knew all the gossip and interesting stories about players in the e-sports circle like the back of his hand. He could come up with one joke after another with such accuracy and humor that they were stunned and almost dropped their jaws in amazement.

"...Professor Gu, it's such a waste that you don't come here to give explanations!" Miller couldn't help but exclaim.

at the same time,

Another commotion erupted outside the league's arena.

The level of excitement was almost on par with when Gu Qing arrived.

Young Master Wang has arrived.

A striking bright blue Lamborghini Aventador came to a stop at the entrance of the venue.

As one of the earliest investors in the domestic e-sports industry, Principal Wang did indeed play a significant role in promoting the increase of player salaries in the early days of the league.

"Why are there so many people crowding together? How am I supposed to get through?"

As soon as he got out of the car, he frowned and gave the staff who rushed up to greet him a cold look.

In stark contrast to Gu Qing's earlier kindness and gentleness,

Many people secretly thought to themselves, "Damn it, so what if you're rich? Teacher Gu Qing is so much better, he's handsome and gentle..."

After Principal Wang got out of the car, three more people got out of the passenger seat and the back seat: a female companion with exquisite makeup and an internet celebrity face; a tall, thin, and handsome young man; and a burly man with glasses, a wide and fat build, and a comical expression resembling "Dong Zhuo".

"Oh my god, it's Teacher Lin Gengxin! And Teacher Piao too!"

A staff member recognized the two people in the back and quickly greeted them, "Long time no see!"

These two are PDD, a top streamer in the League of Legends community, and Lin Gengxin, a former traitor who left Tangren Media after appearing on "Running Man" with Gu Qing.

After leaving Tangren Media, Lin Gengxin's ambition in his career has waned considerably. Although he signed with Yang Mi's Jaywalk Studio, he rarely takes on acting roles. Instead, he frequently appears on various variety shows and e-sports events with Wang Sicong, clearly hoping to capitalize on the e-sports phenomenon.

"Hello, hello." Lin Geng responded with a smile, his attitude was very humble and he was also very approachable.

"Lin Gou! What are you dawdling for? Can't you hurry up!" Principal Wang, who was walking in front, turned around impatiently and cursed.

"Lin Gou...?" The expressions of the surrounding staff members suddenly became somewhat subtle.

Enduring the strange looks, Lin Gengxin's face stiffened, looking slightly embarrassed, but he still managed a smile and quickly followed, saying, "Coming, coming." His demeanor revealed a hint of panic and awkwardness.

"I told you to make an appointment with Gu Qing, and you haven't even shown up after months. Are you really a good-for-nothing?"

Walking through the backstage corridor, Principal Wang was still grumbling. "Principal, I...I really don't know Gu Qing well,"

Lin Gengxin lowered his voice and explained awkwardly, "We only recorded one program together, added each other on WeChat but never chatted, and I couldn't get him to come out..."

"Not familiar with me? Then why are you putting on airs in front of me, calling me 'Little Gu' all the time?" Principal Wang was so angry he almost laughed.

Lin Gengxin pursed his lips but didn't say anything more.

Even the female companion next to Principal Wang glanced at him, her disdain almost undisguised—what a waste of such a handsome face, what a coward.

"Principal, are you talking about Teacher Gu Qing? He just arrived and is in the lounge now," the staff member who led the way interjected quietly.

"Gu Qing is here?" Principal Wang's eyes lit up. "Let's go see her!"

His female companion also instantly showed a surprised expression, her eyelashes fluttering and her eyes full of expectation—isn't what they do in this line of work all about—clinging to big shots and becoming famous?

Although Principal Wang isn't particularly good-looking, all his ex-girlfriends gained significant exposure because of it, and some even actually entered the entertainment industry and became stars.

This has made many female internet celebrities envious, who think, "So what if I'm a little ugly? I'll look the same with the lights off."

But now, if you can get involved with Gu Qing—even just appearing in the same frame as him—the traffic you get might exceed what you get from following Principal Wang for half a year.

Not to mention that this "younger brother" is so stunningly handsome that she would be willing to pay him anything.

At that moment, Principal Wang, filled with curiosity, was unaware that his female companion's heart had already flown away the instant she heard the name "Gu Qing".

Of course, even if he knew, he probably wouldn't care.

Soon, the group arrived at the door of Gu Qing's lounge.

"Lin Gou, knock on the door." Principal Wang gestured with his chin.

"咚咚-"

"Hello... Xiao Gu? Gu Qing, are you there? It's me." Lin Gengxin stepped forward and knocked on the door, his voice a little weak.

"Please come in." The door was opened from the inside by a petite girl.

Upon seeing who was entering, Zhao Ya paused, then stepped aside: "Boss, it's..."

Gu Qing looked up, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes, then happily stood up to greet her: "Brother Gengxin? What are you doing here?"

"Oh my god, Xiao Gu!"

Upon hearing this title, Lin Gengxin's nose tingled, and he almost cried. He excitedly opened his arms and gave Gu Qing a big hug, saying, "I heard you were here to do the commentary, so I came all the way to see you!"

He was genuinely moved—even though he was so famous, Gu Qing treated him with the same clean, sunny, and warm attitude as when they first met, without the slightest bit of the airs of a top star.

I'm increasingly glad I didn't send a message at all; asking Gu Qing out was the right thing to do.

"Lin Gou, aren't you two on pretty good terms? Why don't you introduce them?"

Principal Wang strolled in from the back with a nonchalant air, and when his gaze fell on Gu Qing's face, he was clearly taken aback.

Holy crap?! Can anyone really be this good-looking?!
His female companion was staring wide-eyed, her gaze almost glued to Gu Qing's face.

"Come, come, Xiao Gu, let me introduce you,"

Lin Gengxin turned to the side, put his arm around Gu Qing's shoulder, and forced a smile, "This is the famous 'eligible bachelor' Principal Wang, I don't need to introduce him, right?"

"Hello." Gu Qing smiled politely and nodded slightly.

"You... hello."

Principal Wang was about to reach out his hand when he froze, quickly withdrew it, casually put it in his pocket, and smiled nonchalantly.

"This is the principal's girlfriend,"

Lin Gengxin gestured to the girl with the "internet celebrity" face, then turned to the chubby one, "This is..."

“I know him, it’s Teacher Piao,” Gu Qing replied with a smile. “I’m a big fan of yours.”

During this period, thanks to the viral hit song "I'm the Most Sassy Pig in the Entire League" produced by Qi Xiaodian, PDD's popularity reached another peak in his streaming career.
His annual income is comparable to that of a top-tier celebrity, which is quite exaggerated.

"Oh dear! Teacher Gu, please don't be silly!"

PDD chuckled, used his large body to push aside the internet celebrity woman, and stretched out his fat hand to tightly grasp Gu Qing's hand and shake it vigorously.

"I'm your biggest fan! Your songs are absolutely amazing! They're incredibly good!!"

His signature "crisp opening" made Gu Qing burst out laughing.

Principal Wang: "???"

What does this mean? Why are you smiling so happily at Liu, but so cold to me?
Playing hard to get?
Before he could even immerse himself in his fantasy of the domineering CEO,
Doll and Miller quickly stood up to greet him: "Principal, you've arrived?"

"So that's why you two weren't waiting for me at the door. You've found a new sugar daddy."

Principal Wang gave a cold laugh, his words laced with barbs.

Doll and Miller were immediately embarrassed and didn't know how to respond.

"So my 'Master of Extraordinary Skills' level is already widely known?"

Gu Qing seemed oblivious to the yin-yang implications, and jokingly remarked with a smile, though in reality, she was somewhat annoyed by the spoiled brat's behavior.

"Haha, Teacher Gu's skill level is truly amazing, we can't compare to him."

The child quickly replied, feeling relieved and grateful to Gu Qing for helping her out of the predicament.

"A master of extraordinary skill? Are you really that strong?" Principal Wang raised an eyebrow. "Play a couple of rounds when you have time."

"Sure, let's hang out sometime."

Gu Qing said with a troubled expression, "My schedule is really packed lately, so I probably won't have time to play games."

"Oh."

Principal Wang nodded and then waited.

Gu Qing watched him silently.

Three seconds... five seconds... the room fell into an eerie silence.

"Any thing else?"

Gu Qing asked, puzzled.

"Uh...no."

Principal Wang shook his head subconsciously. He was waiting for Gu Qing to take the initiative to add him on social media, but nothing happened after waiting for a long time.

"Oh, Gengxin-ge, what have you been busy with lately?"

Gu Qing turned to Lin Gengxin, her tone becoming light and cheerful again.

"I didn't do anything, just wandered around aimlessly and did some variety show appearances!"

"Teacher Piao, I'm a real fan of you and Brother Kai. I especially love watching your collaborations."

"LBW, that stinky brat! If he knew you liked him, Teacher Gu, he would have raved about him!" PDD laughed heartily.

A group of people were having a lively conversation.

"Is this guy waiting for me to add him on social media?"

Principal Wang's face grew increasingly dark.

What are you putting in there!
"Let's go!" he suddenly said, his tone harsh.

“Principal, I’d like to talk to Teacher Gu a little longer…”

PDD is having a great time chatting.

Lin Gengxin was unwavering.

Principal Wang's face darkened. He turned around and found that his female companion was also staring blankly at Gu Qing, her eyes darting around and not noticing that he was about to leave.

"Holy shit...!"

Where are the men I brought?!

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(P.S.: My charger broke, and I only have 7% battery left. WTF, I'm typing this all on my phone, I'm going to explode!)
(End of this chapter)