Top Chinese celebrity: Debuted from Running Man

Chapter 349 Scheduling and Deals (5.5k)
……

……

"This has potential, it has tremendous potential!"

Principal Wang's eyes were so bright they almost popped out of their sockets, and his fingers tapped rapidly and unconsciously on the table.

He was so excited he couldn't sit still, leaning forward slightly, as if he could already see the scene of countless traffic and money rolling in.

He specially arranged this dinner today with only one core objective—to invite Gu Qing, this walking "traffic kingpin," over to discuss cooperation.

As the most well-known investor and internet celebrity boss in the e-sports circle, who is also the most adept at self-promotion, he is all too aware of what the huge amount of traffic Gu Qing carries means.

These top-tier celebrities with their stunning looks and massive fan bases are born to be at the top of the popularity pyramid, and any move they make can trigger a chain reaction.

What about Principal Wang himself?

They have to rely on the occasional online feuds, headlines about changing girlfriends, and various topics carefully planned by their team to barely maintain their status as a trending topic.

But someone like Gu Qing can easily ignite a frenzy among fans and generate countless topics and buzz simply by standing there taking a photo, attending an event, or even just smiling at the camera.

not to mention,
The fan economy has always been the most direct and fastest way to monetize.

Which investor wouldn't be envious? Which business owner wouldn't be tempted?
This is the fundamental reason why he has consistently maintained good relations with popular young celebrities such as Kris Wu and Li Yifeng.

He needs their popularity to support his esports and live streaming industry.

This time, Principal Wang believed he had done his homework and was well-prepared to face Gu Qing.

……

In the following three games, the commentary pace noticeably quickened.

Despite taking a commanding lead after winning the first game, RNG was unexpectedly defeated by SKT, who won three consecutive games, ultimately ending their run in the semifinals.

Especially the last game,

RNG's support Mata made a fatal mistake, choosing the wrong runes and picking Zyra, the Wind Speaker.

This caused the bottom lane to completely collapse from level one, and the snowball effect continued until the end, making it impossible to turn the tide.

And the biggest problem,

In fact, Gu Qing pointed this out clearly after losing the second game:
"RNG should stick to the tactical approach from the first game, focusing on the top lane as the core and the mid lane as the secondary, and emphasizing the confrontation and rhythm between the top, mid and jungle."

"But in the later games, the draft completely abandoned the top lane carry point and bet everything on the mid lane, trying to drag the game into the late game and compete with SKT in terms of macro play... To be honest, this was not wise."

SKT's operational capabilities are historic; competing with them in this area is like using a weakness to attack a strength.

He was speaking entirely out of the good intentions of a former esports fan, subtly pointing out the coaching staff's decision-making errors.

It remains to be seen whether his unintentional remarks as a top guest will create a butterfly effect in the e-sports community.

But anyway,

Although the match was lost, Gu Qing was truly devastated by the victory.

The live stream chat was already flooded with comments:

"Gu Qing really understands! Every word he says hits the nail on the head!"

"I'm so angry! Even the guests could see the problem. What is the RNG coaching staff doing? Are they sleeping?"

"Can't the official team keep him on their team?! He's both good-looking and professional. Listening to him makes even losing a game less painful."

"Dude, you really think of him as just an ordinary guest? He's a top celebrity in the Chinese entertainment industry. He earns enough in a year to buy all the LPL teams and still have some left over."

"It's really a big favor that he came. The authorities have to beg him to come, and they still have to see if he's willing to come."

Weibo's trending topics also followed suit.
Topics such as #GuQingCommentary#, #GuQingPrediction#, and #GuQingProfessionalism# have been trending, generating a huge amount of discussion.

With his striking good looks, clear and articulate pronunciation, clean and crisp voice, and professional and accurate match predictions,

Gu Qing successfully won the favor and recognition of a large number of esports viewers on the World Championship commentary stage that night.
Its impact was so great that it was comparable to Zhang Dapao's "Desperate Cry" next year.

……

"Thank you for your hard work, Teacher Gu Qing!"

"Little brother Gu Qing, you must come again next time!"

"We sincerely hope to invite you, Mr. Gu Qing, to the All-Star Invitational Tournament next year. Don't worry about the remuneration; we will definitely offer our utmost sincerity."

"Thank you, everyone. It was a pleasure working together today."

Faced with the officials' enthusiastic greetings and invitations for further cooperation, Gu Qing maintained a polite smile, but left everything to his team to handle, without responding directly himself.

I just finished dealing with one group of people, and I haven't even had a chance to catch my breath yet.

That familiar, burning gaze, almost capable of searing a hole through him, clung to him again—

Gu Qing suddenly felt overwhelmed, her temples throbbing.

Gan.

He noticed it during the explanation: Principal Wang kept staring at him from time to time throughout the night, smiling strangely and sinisterly, while rubbing his chin with his fingers, as if he was plotting some "grand plan" in his mind.

He clearly wasn't holding back a good fart.

"Gu—"

Principal Wang had just opened his mouth with a smile when he was interrupted before he could finish speaking.

Amid the chaos following the end of the match, Zhao Ya quickly approached, phone in hand, her face displaying just the right amount of anxiety.
"Boss, it's an urgent call, it must be something urgent at work."

The staff and guests around them tactfully stepped back a little to make room.

Gu Qing inwardly gave Zhao Ya a thumbs up for her precise "rescue," and calmly answered the phone, her brows gradually furrowing as she listened to the words on the other end.
His tone softened: "Okay, I understand. Is it urgent? Do you need to arrive by tomorrow morning?"

He paused for a moment, seemingly listening to the other party provide further details, before briefly replying, "Okay, I understand, bye."

He hung up the call, raised his hand to rub his temples, and with a perfectly measured look of fatigue on his face, gestured to Zhao Ya: "Book the next available flight to Suzhou and Hangzhou immediately, and be quick."

"What's the rush? Aren't you even going to eat?"

Principal Wang took a few steps closer, frowned, and asked, his tone carrying a hint of displeasure and inquiry.

"There's an urgent business meeting that I need to attend first thing tomorrow morning. Isn't that how it is for artists? They're always flying all over the country, and plans can't keep up with changes."

Gu Qing wasn't lying; he did have plans for tomorrow night, but there was no need for him to be in such a rush.

"It's just a business deal, just cancel it. How important can it be? I'll pay the penalty for breach of contract for you!"

Principal Wang waved his hand generously, appearing very magnanimous, "I specially booked a private restaurant that's hard to get a reservation at. Would you do me the honor of having a meal there? You're not even giving me face?"

"No, work is more important."

Gu Qing was very honest: "I want to make money."

"Damn, a top star like you, do you really need this little bit of money and breach of contract penalty?"

Principal Wang's face darkened, feeling he was losing face. "And besides, if you're not going to give me face, can't you at least not be so direct? I'm fucking speechless!"

“I’m not like you, who can go home and inherit a billion-dollar business after a failed startup.”

Gu Qing glanced at him indifferently, her tone calm yet incredibly sharp, "In our line of work, if we don't make money while we're popular, are we going to starve when we're past our prime?"

Principal Wang was speechless for a moment after hearing this blunt truth. He opened his mouth, but couldn't find any words to refute it.

"Let's go."

Gu Qing turned to leave, feeling that staying even a second longer would drain her energy.

"Hey, hey, don't rush!"

Principal Wang reacted quickly, stopping him with a nimble half-step, his chubby body blocking his way.

"What are you doing again?"

Gu Qing frowned, her patience almost exhausted.

Is this person still going on and on? Do they intend to force him to stay?

He silently observed Principal Wang's round face, which always carried a slightly mocking expression, while his mind raced with calculations:
If the other party is really being unreasonable, should we call bodyguards now, or should we first "pay to avoid trouble" as a token gesture?
He even prepared a "two million emergency public relations budget" in his mind.

"Uh... I mean, I'll give you a ride."

Principal Wang forced a smile, trying to make his intentions seem more "innocent," saying, "My car is right outside, it's convenient."

"Don't you have anything better to do all day?"

Gu Qing silently gazed at the sky.

Why can't I get rid of it? It's like a giant piece of chewing gum, incredibly sticky.

"How dare you talk like that? I'm just being nice by giving it to you and you're complaining?"

Principal Wang also got angry and raised his voice a little, "Do you know how many people want me to drive them here personally? I can't be bothered with them at all!"

"Then you go and see them off."

Gu Qing's tone was flat and emotionless, and he even seemed about to yawn.

"I……"

Principal Wang felt a throbbing vein on his forehead, sensing his blood pressure rising. Why was this kid so stubborn?!
In the past, which artist wouldn't have rushed to flatter him?

"I have a job, and it's really urgent," Gu Qing emphasized.

"Who told you that my meeting with you wasn't about work?" Principal Wang retorted quickly.

"..."

Gu Qing looked at him silently for a few seconds, then suddenly blurted out, "I won't buy a house, nor will I buy any financial products."

Principal Wang: "…………"

I'll buy your XXX!
……

After a few seconds of stalemate, this persistent pest finally managed to get on Gu Qing's nanny van.

Gu Qing had no choice, after all, the other party was backed by the huge Dawan Group, so he had to give them face.

"Hey, you've really modified this car! It's spacious enough! Is that a custom-made stand over there? For putting a monitor on?"

As soon as Principal Wang got into the car, he touched and looked around, taking in the professional-looking e-sports equipment inside with great interest. He couldn't help but whistle, "Tsk tsk, there are several more! Is this a mobile e-sports room?"

"It's more convenient to play a couple of games on the go sometimes." Gu Qing said succinctly.

"You're something else, kid! Your internet addiction's even worse than mine!" Principal Wang plopped down in the comfortable leather chair, bounced a couple of times, enjoying the support, and continued rambling on without getting to the point.

"Anyway, we're still a ways from the airport, and it's stuck in traffic. How about we play a couple of games now? Let's try the bot lane? You play support, and I'll show you just how awesome my Jhin is!"

"I'm tired, I don't want to play."

Gu Qing simply closed her eyes and pretended to sleep, rejecting the offer decisively, "Besides, your level is too low, you can't be ranked with me."

"I'm a Diamond! Even a Diamond goalkeeper is still a Diamond! What's wrong with that?!"

Principal Wang broke down.

"You played solo queue?" Gu Qing asked casually without even opening his eyes.

"Not...almost."

Principal Wang forced himself to speak, though his tone was somewhat hesitant.

He did indeed spend most of his time climbing the ranks with his own team's players.

"Solo queue is still about the same?" Gu Qing glanced at him sideways.

"You think you're so great! If you're so good, why don't you go pro? I happen to have a team, I'll sign you and you play a game so I can see your skills."

Principal Wang was verbally provoking Gu Qing, but in his heart he was secretly hoping Gu Qing would fall for his trick.

"Better than you."

Gu Qing wasn't buying it at all and closed her eyes again. "Let's get down to business. What kind of work do you want to talk about? I'm very busy and don't have much time."

"Damn, forget it..."

Principal Wang decided to cut to the chase and be direct: "Don't you usually enjoy playing video games?"

"Hmm." Gu Qing remained noncommittal.

"I own a live streaming platform called Guobao TV, which is gaining momentum. Are you interested in joining us?"

Principal Wang leaned forward and began to make empty promises, "Since you have to play around with yourself anyway, why don't you do a live stream to chat with your fans? Just stream occasionally, there's no strict time requirement, just do me a favor, how about it?"

He paused, then added, "Lin Junjie, JJ, you know him, right? He's also on our platform. He occasionally streams Dota. We can even team up and play some ranked games together when we have time. It's so much fun!"

Principal Wang spoke eloquently, describing the wonderful scene of playing games together and having a great time.

Gu Qing finally opened her eyes again, looking at him as if he were an idiot.

"What do you mean?" Principal Wang felt uncomfortable under his gaze and touched his face.

"Do I look like an idiot?" Gu Qing asked calmly.

Trying to get something for nothing, to freeload off his traffic? What do they take him for?
"It's...it looks quite similar." Principal Wang blurted out without thinking, then immediately regretted it.

"Pull over to the side of the road ahead," Gu Qing immediately said to the driver.

"Hey, no, no! Just kidding, don't take it seriously."

Principal Wang, unusually acquiescing, gestured to stop him, "We haven't finished discussing the terms yet. I'll give you the highest market rate for the signing fee, and the platform won't take a single cent of the gift revenue! How about that?"

"How about this,"

Gu Qing suddenly smiled, looked at Principal Wang, and said slowly, "I'll give you a signing fee, double the market price."

"You'll have Li Yifeng and Chris Wu stream on your platform, guaranteeing at least ten hours of streaming per week. How about that?"

"Ha... well... it's not entirely impossible..."

Principal Wang chuckled awkwardly, looking somewhat embarrassed.

He had tried to invite those two, especially Kris Wu, who is also a top star, but their teams declined for various reasons.

The reason is obvious to everyone: idols, especially top stars, can be down-to-earth, but they can't be from the government.

What they need is high exposure that is classy and elevates their social standing.

With so many high-end endorsements, if he were to stay home playing games and chatting with fans like an ordinary streamer, the fans would be happy, but the brands would probably be furious.

This is completely different from participating in esports commercial activities on stage or endorsing high-end gaming peripherals; it's a huge drop in value.

Principal Wang originally thought that Gu Qing was young and addicted to the internet, so he might be able to fool him.

Unexpectedly, the other party was very clear-headed and extremely shrewd.

"No wonder it's so popular...it's not stupid at all."

Principal Wang muttered to himself, but wasn't annoyed. He hadn't held out much hope anyway, and quickly changed his tune: "Alright, alright, I was an idiot."

Okay... let's get more practical. How about you buy a esports team and play around with it? Be your own boss.

"Currently, LPL teams aren't valued too highly; some mid-to-lower tier teams can be acquired for a few million. League of Legends is becoming increasingly popular, and the league is also developing."
"If you buy a spot, its value might increase five or six times in a year or two."

Principal Wang adopted a tone of frank business conversation.

This is true.

Following S6, the S7 World Championship will be held at the Bird's Nest next year, and the popularity of League of Legends in China is bound to experience another surge.

The valuations of major clubs will also rise accordingly.

Now is indeed a good time to invest.

but--

"With this time and energy, I could do a couple of promotional appearances and take on an endorsement deal, wouldn't I earn more than this? And it would be much less stressful."

Gu Qing was initially tempted, since it allowed her to balance her personal interests with investment.

But then I thought about it again, managing a team involves too much energy, from player management and coaching staff setup to training arrangements and public relations—there are a ton of problems.
It's too mentally taxing; it's much more enjoyable to just watch the game as a spectator.

"That's true, but don't you want to expand your influence and voice in the esports world?"

Principal Wang patiently persuaded him, trying to ignite his ambition, saying, "Having your own team is the best form of publicity and a calling card."

"In the future, if you want to release esports-related merchandise or organize collaborative events, you'll have a perfectly legitimate reason to do so."

“Look at my Instagram, who doesn’t know that’s Principal Wang’s team? That’s the level of recognition!” He pointed to himself.

"I don't need a team, and the esports community already knows my name."

Gu Qing retorted with a light, casual remark, yet it was incredibly sharp.

Principal Wang choked on his words and almost passed out.

Can be biased,
What Gu Qing said is an undeniable fact. His fame doesn't need an e-sports team to boost it.

The reason he went to great lengths to bring Gu Qing into his e-sports business empire was to leverage Gu Qing's top-tier popularity to boost traffic to his live streaming platform and the entire e-sports ecosystem.

Nowadays, his career focus is basically tied to e-sports and live streaming.

Just like many LPL team owners are his friends, they invest together, share resources, and have a strong ability to withstand risks—commonly known as "we make money together, and you lose money if we lose money."

"You really don't want to?" Principal Wang asked for final confirmation.

"Why would I be willing if there's no real benefit?" Gu Qing retorted bluntly.

"it is good."

Principal Wang took a deep breath and decided to reveal his final trump card, "Your next movie is called 'Detective Chinatown,' right? Directed by Chen Sicheng."

"If I remember correctly, this film is mainly produced by Dawan Pictures, and we will also be deeply involved in its distribution. Of course, it will be shown in all of our Dawan Cinema chains during the Spring Festival."

"I also heard that this time you didn't just get paid for the film, but a contract that included both the film salary and a share of the box office revenue, right?"

"?"

Gu Qing's expression changed slightly as she silently watched him.

"Do you know that in the film industry, especially during specific release periods, there's something called screening schedules?"

Principal Wang laughed.

"What, is Mr. Wang going to reduce my screen time?"

Gu Qing also laughed.

"Do you think I'm stupid? I'll reduce the number of screenings!"

Principal Wang was misunderstood and speechless. "Am I the kind of person who would use resources to threaten a partner if we couldn't reach an agreement? If that got out, would I still be able to work here?"

"Don't you look like it?" Gu Qing retorted.

"Like your grandpa! I'm giving you more screenings! More! Understand? More!"

Principal Wang, enraged, finally stopped keeping him in suspense and revealed his true bargaining chip: "Let's make a deal: you come to our national treasure TV, you don't need to be a regular, just broadcast a few times."

Then, you buy an LPL team, any team will do, play with it for a year, and during that time, do some joint promotions with my companies.

If you want to resell it the following year, I'll help you find someone to buy it, and I guarantee you won't lose money.

"In return,"

He paused, then emphasized, "I'll personally speak to Dawan Cinemas to get 'Detective Chinatown' screened higher during next year's Spring Festival!"

"You should know better than anyone that during the Spring Festival, a prime time for filming, increasing the number of screenings is practically like printing money."

"Even if you lose all the money you spent on buying the team, the box office revenue from the increased screenings will definitely make you earn it back, and you'll earn more."

"Add more screenings..."

Gu Qing remained silent for a long while before looking up at Principal Wang and asking, "How much can you add?"

"15%."

"How many?!"

Gu Qing stared wide-eyed, as if possessed by the spirit of "Add Money Brother," looking at Principal Wang in disbelief.

Where is Jin Yichuan?
I'm going to stab him to death!

Oh... I am Jin Yichuan.

That's fine...

……

……

(End of this chapter)