Top Chinese celebrity: Debuted from Running Man

Chapter 352 Reencounter with Uncle Long (6k)
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—At the New Year's Eve party,
December 31, 11:40 PM.

The night was as dark as ink, the deep sky seemingly completely soaked in ink, with no stars in sight, only the city's dazzling lights standing against it.

However, inside the venue for the New Year's Eve gala,
The real stars were not absent; they seemed to break free from the shackles of the sky and fell one after another, transforming into a flowing, shimmering blue galaxy on the ground.

"Ahhh!! Gu Qing!!"

"Little brother!! We will always support you!!"

"Look here, little brother! Keep it up!!!"

The moment Gu Qing appeared in the center of the stage, a huge area in the previously silent audience was suddenly lit up.

Thousands upon thousands of ice-blue light sticks waved in unison, like a nebula suddenly awakening in the deep universe, or a dreamlike aurora rising from the tranquil deep sea, instantly forming a beautiful and breathtaking blue galaxy.

The director quickly switched the camera to the blue ocean, and the spectacular scene immediately appeared on the big screen.

"WTF, what is this? That's so cool!"

"Oh my god, it's so beautiful! The effect is amazing!"

"Gu Qing's fans are incredibly organized and creative!"

Audiences in other areas were also stunned by the sudden and visually striking blue sea of ​​stars, and exclaimed in admiration.

All of this stemmed from Gu Qing's casual remark during an informal media interview that he preferred the tranquility and depth that blue evoked.

The fans kept this detail in mind and decided to give this purest "blue ocean" as a gift to the shining boy in their hearts on the last day of the year.

"This organizational capacity is truly terrifying."

The celebrities waiting backstage saw this scene on the monitor and couldn't help but glance at it frequently, their eyes revealing surprise and envy.

The funniest one was Pan Shuai, whose jaw almost dropped to the ground, his double chin faintly visible on his round face.

"Pan Shuai, have you gained weight again?"

A celebrity he knew couldn't help but nudge him with his elbow and chuckled, "Hey buddy, watch your image, your jawline's practically running away from home."

"What do you know? Good necks don't last forever, haven't you heard that?"

Pan Shuai finally shut his mouth, touched his neck, and retorted awkwardly.

In recent years, his career development has mainly focused on Taiwan Province, and he does not have a deep understanding of the latest developments and popularity patterns in the Chinese entertainment industry.

Unable to contain his curiosity, he casually asked the acquaintance next to him, "Hey, tell me, between Gu Qing on stage and Chris Wu, who's more popular right now?"

"Sh-!"

The celebrity was startled and quickly put her arm around his shoulder, lowering her voice even further, "Keep your voice down! There's a proper time for gossip!"

These two are currently locked in a fierce battle, a box office showdown during the Spring Festival season, and their fans are practically going crazy. Don't start a fight.

"By the way, how do you know Chris Wu?"

"oh oh."

Pan suddenly realized, and then remembered something else, saying, "It was when I attended an event last time and met Chris Wu. He was quite enthusiastic and asked me if I was interested in being a mentor on a rap variety show that he might be doing."

"Kris Wu? Doing hip-hop variety shows?"

The familiar celebrity looked on incredulously: "He can rap?"

"Haha, who knows."

Pan smiled, his tone ambiguous, clearly indicating that he also had doubts.

He turned his gaze back to the screen. "Hey, you still haven't answered me. Who's more popular between them?"

"In terms of popularity alone, they are both top-tier celebrities at the very top of the pyramid, and their status is theoretically about the same."

The familiar artist carefully chose his words, "But if we have to compare them... it seems that Gu Qing's momentum is indeed stronger at present."

He has hit dramas, popular songs, and an absurdly good public image. Most importantly, he is smart, knows how to choose scripts, and has his own ideas.

"Tsk, it's a pity. Coming from a small company, they're often suppressed, nitpicked, and attacked. Otherwise, what chance would other artists of their generation have?"

He paused, then added, "But this young man is really good at dealing with people. When I ran into him backstage, he took the initiative to nod and greet me, and called me 'brother' very respectfully. He didn't have any airs of a top star at all."

"That's right..."

Pan nodded thoughtfully and turned his gaze back to the backstage screen.

In the scene, Gu Qing is dressed in a traditional Chinese ink-wash style robe, holding a folding fan, with elegant makeup, looking like a refined gentleman who has stepped out of an ancient painting.

She was singing the evocative song "Spring Snow in the Courtyard," and she certainly had a unique, otherworldly air about her.

"You're too thin, you need to eat more."

Pan sighed inwardly.

……

"The depth of love is unfathomable; spring is waning, pear blossoms have faded, and another year has passed..."

As the last line of the lyrics faded away, leaving a lingering echo, the audience erupted in a deafening roar of screams and cheers.

Gu Qing stood in the center of the stage, slightly out of breath, a clear smile blooming on his face. He raised his arms and waved enthusiastically in all directions, responding to the cheers of the audience.

Subsequently,

He deliberately walked to the edge of the stage, facing the area of ​​the most intense blue starry sky that was lit up for him, suppressed his smile, and became extremely solemn before bowing deeply.

This gesture goes beyond a typical expression of gratitude, responding to the fans' love.

After completing his performance and expressing his sincere gratitude, he approached the host for a brief interview.

The host skillfully asked several questions about New Year's wishes and recent work, and even raised his voice at the end.
He said to the camera, "I also hope everyone will support Gu Qing's new movie 'Detective Chinatown' during the Spring Festival!"

This is undoubtedly the most tangible publicity return that Jiangsu Satellite TV is giving in return for the immense popularity Gu Qing has generated.

After finishing the interview right on time, Gu Qing did not immediately return backstage, but sat down on the guest lounge sofa to the side of the stage.

What is even more unexpected is that,
He actually pulled out his phone from the large inner pocket of his Hanfu, and like a little fan, pointed it at the stage and began to seriously record Xie Tianwang's closing performance.

This scene was captured by the on-site tracking camera and projected onto the big screen, instantly eliciting good-natured laughter from the audience and even more excited screams from the fans.

The Heavenly King Xie on stage also noticed, and pointed in his direction with a smile, showing a great deal of interaction.

After the final performance, all the performers returned to the stage to prepare for the final curtain call and sing-along.

When it came time for the photo session, the most senior members humbly declined to take the center position.

Gu Qing and Xie Tianwang, who were standing in the relatively middle position, almost subconsciously and in unison took a step back to the sides.
Then, without any explanation, almost "carrying" the evergreen music stars Zhou Huajian and Li Zongsheng, they pushed them to the very center position.

After they finished doing this, they looked at each other in tacit understanding, and saw the same relief and thoughts in each other's eyes. They couldn't help but lower their heads and laugh.

"Ten...nine...eight...three...two...one!"

As the countdown roared throughout the stadium, dazzling ribbons rained down from the sky, officially ushering in the new year.

The gala concluded in a warm and lively atmosphere, allowing many artists to finally escape their busy schedules and enjoy a rare long vacation.

however,
For Gu Qing, the busiest and most stressful phase of her work has only just begun.

With the Spring Festival Gala fast approaching, he went to CCTV's Studio One almost every two or three days to rehearse.

The atmosphere here is completely different from that of TV New Year's Eve celebrations. The requirements are extremely strict, striving for perfection in every aspect and allowing no mistakes whatsoever.

The chief director was extremely busy and his temper was like a fully drawn bowstring, extremely fiery.

During rehearsal breaks, Gu Qing witnessed more than once how popular artists made mistakes, either due to incorrect positioning or inappropriate facial expressions.

They were verbally abused mercilessly, but could only bow repeatedly and apologize, daring not to utter a single complaint.

Fortunately, the song Gu Qing prepared for this performance was an innovative, niche ancient-style song with a fresh style and a cheerful rhythm.

The arrangement of this piece is ingenious, requiring neither complex stage design nor a large live band accompaniment, making rehearsals relatively efficient and smooth.

Therefore, he was able to escape the director's wrath.

But perhaps it was precisely because he always completed rehearsals efficiently and with a relaxed expression that he stood in stark contrast to the chaotic and fearful scene around him.

The staff at the Central Marathon felt bad, thinking he had "excessive energy."

then,

The station decided to give this outstanding young artist more responsibilities.

After rehearsal that day, a person in charge from the station called out to him with a smile: "Little Gu, I heard that you have a very good foundation in opera and you usually like to sing opera?"

Gu Qing was slightly taken aback, but maintained a humble smile: "I've only learned a little bit, I can't say I'm very good at it."

"Great! It's rare to see young people enjoying traditional opera!"

The person in charge nodded in satisfaction and continued, "You see, after the mainstream Spring Festival Gala ends on the 27th of the twelfth lunar month, our station will have a traditional opera Spring Festival Gala on the evening of the 30th of the twelfth lunar month."
Although it didn't receive as much attention, it was of great significance.

He patted Gu Qing on the shoulder, his tone encouraging and full of undeniable expectation: "How about you be a special guest and sing a couple of songs on stage?"
We can take advantage of your influence to promote our national treasures and traditional culture to young audiences.

"..."

What's wrong? Is there some difficulty?

"No, how could that be!"

Gu Qing immediately straightened her back, a bright and positive smile blooming on her face, and answered in a firm and resounding tone: "Yes! I'd love to!"

Promoting traditional opera culture and carrying forward this national treasure is our inescapable duty!

Thank you for giving me this opportunity!

Of course, this slightly "exaggerated" reaction was partly a joke and partly genuine.

He naturally wouldn't refuse an opportunity to appear on screen that other artists would kill for. The symbolic significance of appearing on the Spring Festival Gala for traditional opera and the boost it gives to an artist's upright and patriotic image far outweighs the actual exposure.

He even secretly speculated that before long, CCTV might actually award him a title like "Ambassador for the Promotion of Traditional Chinese Opera Culture".

The only thing that put some pressure on him was—what should he sing?

Although the opera Spring Festival Gala is relatively niche, its artistic standards and traditional rules are by no means ambiguous.

The station explicitly requires that creative works are allowed, but the repertoire must be traditional opera and cannot include popular singing styles.

His previously released "traditional Chinese style" songs, which blended pop and opera singing, clearly did not meet the standards for performing on stage.

It seemed that he only had two paths before him: either honestly sing a classic excerpt from a traditional section of Huiju opera or other opera genres;

Alternatively, a classic aria can be creatively adapted, but the core essence of traditional Chinese opera must be strictly preserved.

Gu Qing couldn't help but feel a bit of a headache, and planned to go back and thoroughly review her "stock" after the rehearsal, or perhaps create something urgently.

Just as he was deep in thought, a loud commotion came from the passageway in front of the stage.

The director, who was staring at the monitor with a furrowed brow, suddenly darkened his face and looked like he was about to explode.

"Brother Chen Long!! Long time no see!!"

"Big brother! I... I'm your idol... no, you're my fan! Can I get your autograph?"

"Brother! I grew up watching your movies! Can I take a picture with you?"

Surrounded by a crowd, the man who walked in was none other than Chen Long, the internationally renowned kung fu superstar.

He was dressed in simple sportswear, smiling broadly, and constantly waving to the staff and actors who recognized him, showing no airs of an international superstar.

"Big brother! You've finally arrived!"

The director's expression instantly brightened, as if he had seen a savior. He immediately greeted him with a smile, "It's been so hard to wait for you to come and rehearse the program. Our schedules are so full!"

"Work, work, flying all over the world, I just finished my work and rushed over here!"

Brother Chen Long smiled and shook hands firmly with the director, his voice loud and energetic.

After exchanging pleasantries with those around him, Brother Chen Long's gaze swept towards the stage, where he happened to see Gu Qing standing by the stage. He was slightly taken aback, but then his smile became even brighter and more friendly.

"Uncle Long!!"

Gu Qing had already seen Chen Long and waved happily.

"Gu Qing, come here, come here!"

Brother Chen Long laughed and waved, signaling him to come over.

"Brother, do you know Xiao Gu?" The director asked, somewhat surprised.

"Of course I know him! He's a nephew or niece I highly regard! He's also from my hometown in Anhui province!"

Brother Chen Long naturally put his arm around Gu Qing, who was walking over, and his words were full of the kindness and guidance of an elder to a younger generation.

"Uh... Brother, I remember your ancestral home is Dongshan, right?" the director asked cautiously.

"Half a piece!"

Brother Chen Long waved his hand and explained, "If my father hadn't told me about our ancestors before he passed away, I would have always thought I was from Anhui Province! I would have considered myself a fellow townsman long ago!"

His candid and self-deprecating remarks immediately drew laughter from those around him.

The director chuckled awkwardly and decided to stop arguing with this international superstar, who had "half a global citizenship," about his place of origin.

"Uncle Long, it's been a long time since I've seen you," Gu Qing greeted with a smile.

"You haven't seen me, but I see you in my phone notifications every single day!"

Brother Chen Long was as humorous as ever, saying, "You're so popular now, we old guys can hardly keep up. In the blink of an eye, you're going to be competing with me during the Spring Festival season."

"When I was your age, I was cooking for kangaroos."

However, before the two could exchange more words, the director, glancing at the time, had to bite the bullet and remind them, "Brother, time is tight, and the task is heavy... Xiao Gu just finished rehearsing, so perhaps we should hurry up and get on with it..."

"Okay, okay! Work comes first! I'll go to rehearsal now."

Brother Chen Long readily agreed, letting go of Gu Qing. Before going on stage, he turned back to him and said, "After I finish rehearsing, let's have dinner together."

I really liked the movie idea about stuntmen you talked about last time! I had someone write a rough draft, could you take a look and give it some feedback?

"Okay, Uncle Long, you can go ahead and get back to work!"

Gu Qing agreed.

He was also a little surprised. He didn't expect that Brother Chen Long would take what was just a casual idea seriously and put it into action.

After Brother Chen Long went on stage, Gu Qing found a seat in the first row of the audience and sat down to observe and learn.

"Wow, what a grand display!"

Looking at the huge crowd that quickly assembled on the stage, Gu Qing was first surprised by the scale of the show.
But then, when he learned about the program's content, his expression gradually became serious and focused.

It turns out that Brother Chen Long's performance on this year's Spring Festival Gala was not a solo act, but a large chorus of songs called "The Nation".

He was unusually dressed in a crisp police uniform, which made him look exceptionally heroic and upright.

Performing alongside him were not only dozens of vibrant college student representatives, but also several deaf and mute individuals.

The entire performance cleverly incorporated sign language dance, which not only deeply expressed patriotism but also served as an opportunity to appeal to society to care for the deaf and mute community and eliminate discrimination and barriers.

This kind of program, full of positive energy and social responsibility, has long transcended the significance of simple artistic performance.

Gu Qing's gaze was particularly drawn to the representatives of the deaf and mute individuals.

Unable to express their excitement in words, they could only gesture vigorously with sign language, their eyes glistening with tears, their faces beaming with immense joy and uncontrollable excitement at seeing their idols.

Brother Chen Long didn't mind at all. He hugged and talked with each of them (through sign language interpreters) with great patience and enthusiasm, and carefully signed autographs and took photos with them, always with a warm and encouraging smile on his face.

Seeing all this, Gu Qing felt a heavy weight in her heart.

"Gu Qing, let's go eat!"

After the rehearsal ended, Brother Chen Long saw off the representatives of the deaf and mute people. Watching their departing figures, the smile on his face gradually faded.

It turned into a soft, longing sigh.

He turned to Gu Qing in the audience and waved.

When Gu Qing walked up to him, Brother Chen Long naturally put his arm around his shoulder and said earnestly as they walked out, "Gu Qing, we celebrities stand under the spotlight and have much more fame and fortune than ordinary people."

Correspondingly, we must also shoulder more social responsibility. We can't just think about our own enjoyment; we must also remember to look back and help those compatriots in need…

Upon hearing this, his assistants all wore expressions of helplessness, as if to say, "Here we go again." Clearly, this earnest advice...

They had heard their elder brother say this countless times to many people, but very few actually listened and put it into practice.

Perhaps because he noticed that Gu Qing was listening quietly without responding immediately, Brother Chen Long seemed to suddenly realize that he might have started "lecturing" again.

He chuckled self-deprecatingly, sighed inwardly, and prepared to end the topic, not wanting to put too much pressure on the young people.

However, at this moment,

Gu Qing suddenly raised her head, her eyes clear and earnest as she looked at Chen Long, and asked, "Uncle Long, does your charity foundation have any projects specifically for assisting deaf and mute people?"

Brother Chen Long was stunned for a moment.

Gu Qing continued, "I want to donate some money to do my part and help them."

A look of immense relief and emotion flashed across Brother Chen Long's eyes, but he quickly waved his hand, saying, "I'm very happy that you have this thought in mind!"

I'm telling you all this not to get you to donate money!

His tone became increasingly sincere, even tinged with self-reflection: "Don't let my current air of spouting grand principles fool you. Back when I first became famous, I wasn't as good as you!"
Back then, charity work was often just for show, a formality, without any real commitment.

"Uncle Long, how did you change later?" Gu Qing asked curiously.

"Because... I later visited orphanages and special schools many times in person, and actually saw those children..."

Brother Chen Long's voice lowered as he whispered, "You haven't experienced it... when you're being held tightly by children with disabilities."

They used all their strength to tell you that you are their idol, their dream...

That feeling in your heart... a mix of warmth and pain, a sense that you haven't done nearly enough... it's truly agonizing, and makes you feel so guilty..."

Gu Qing fell silent.

The image of those deaf-mute people in the rehearsal hall, excited but unable to speak, and Brother Chen Long patiently embracing them, flashed before his eyes again.

After a moment, he raised his head again and looked at Chen Long.

"Uncle Long."

"Ok?"

Brother Chen Long looked at him.

"Next time...when you attend this kind of charity event or visit,"

Gu Qing's voice wasn't loud, but it was exceptionally clear and firm: "If it's convenient, could you take me with you to see it? I want to... see it with my own eyes."

Brother Chen Long stared at Gu Qing's young and earnest face for several seconds, as if confirming the determination in his eyes.

Finally, a smile of immense satisfaction appeared on his face, and he nodded emphatically.

"……it is good!"

……

……

(End of this chapter)