Top Chinese celebrity: Debuted from Running Man

Chapter 358 Detective Chinatown's Spring Festival Release Battle (5k)
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As January 30th quietly arrived, the backstage area of ​​the opera-themed Spring Festival Gala, compared to the mainstream Spring Festival Gala, was less glamorous and noisy, but more solemn and imbued with a sense of heritage.

The air was filled with the faint smell of paint and hairspray, and all kinds of gorgeous costumes and headdresses were on display, making it seem like a condensed opera museum.

"Brother Chen Long, Xiao Gu, come, come, let me introduce you to some teachers..."

The director in charge of the coordination enthusiastically led them toward a group of veteran artists who were either sitting and resting or making final adjustments to their makeup.

"This is Teacher Xu Fengchun, a disciple of the Mei School, specializing in Qingyi roles, and a national first-class actor."

An elderly woman with a graceful demeanor and affectionate eyes smiled and nodded to the two of them, her gaze gentle and insightful.

"This is Teacher Zhao Hongyun, a successor of the Yin School of Yue Opera. His voice is incredibly rich and mellow."

A sprightly old gentleman with an upright posture smiled loudly and clasped his hands in a fist salute.

"And this is Ms. Liza Wang, a famous Huizhou opera artist. She and you, Xiao Gu, are quite destined to meet. She's a fellow townsman and a senior of yours!"

An elderly woman with a kind face and exceptionally bright eyes looked Gu Qing over carefully for a few moments, a look of delight on her face.

Rather than calling it a gala, it's more accurate to describe it as a grand gathering aimed at promoting traditional culture.

Behind Gu Qing and Chen Long, two dedicated CCTV cameras followed closely, faithfully recording their every move, from departure and waiting to their subtle reactions on stage.

These materials will be edited into a beautifully produced promotional documentary by CCTV's top team after the Spring Festival Gala.

This is undoubtedly a huge boon for Gu Qing, who desperately needs to improve his public image and positive public perception.
It was also a top-notch pre-release promotion for his upcoming movie, "Detective Chinatown".

It seems that the right time, the right place, and the right people have all come together.

"Hello, Teacher Xu, Teacher Zhao, Teacher Wang, I've heard so much about you."

Gu Qing was respectful and bowed slightly to greet the seniors, speaking sincerely.

To his surprise, the internationally renowned Chen Long standing next to him adopted an even more humble posture than he had.

Chen Long stood there, hands clasped tightly, body slightly leaning forward, knees even bending slightly as if unconsciously listening intently, his face filled with respect.

He repeatedly said, "Hello, teachers! Thank you for your hard work! I am a junior and I still have much to learn from you all!"

Seeing how humble the big brother who is so influential in the international film industry, Gu Qing secretly reminded himself: If Uncle Long is so casual despite his status, his own achievements are really insignificant. He should keep a normal attitude towards people and things.

"You must be Gu Qing? What a fine young man, handsome and composed."

Huiju opera master Teacher Wang took the initiative to speak, his eyes full of admiration, "I specially found some of your previous performances to listen to. You have a rare and wonderful voice, and you capture the nuances perfectly."

Whether these treasures passed down from our ancestors can be revitalized depends on you capable and innovative young people!

"Teacher Wang, you flatter me. I only have a superficial understanding and there is still much for me to learn. I will continue to work hard and will not dare to let you down."

Gu Qing quickly responded humbly, his attitude neither humble nor arrogant.

This harmonious and respectful scene of teachers being taught was captured precisely by the camera, foreshadowing the birth of a heartwarming story.

The gala officially began. Gu Qing and Chen Long, as the final guests, were arranged to watch the live broadcast in a special backstage rest area. The camera occasionally panned across them.
There was a lively Chen Long and a focused Gu Qing, who nodded attentively as they watched the performance. The two exchanged hushed conversations about the show, and occasionally their eyes would widen in surprise at a brilliant moment.
He would occasionally smile knowingly due to a clever move, displaying a wide range of expressions and contributing many wonderful "backstage reaction" shots.

however,
Most young fans who watch from their screens find it difficult to get involved.

"What is this babbling song... The rhythm is so slow, it's making me fall asleep."

"It's so boring. I can't understand anything. I'd rather watch the skits on the mainstream Spring Festival Gala."

"This aesthetic might really be a generation gap; I guess only my grandparents' generation would like it."

"I thought I liked traditional opera, but it turns out I just like the kind of ancient-style songs written by Gu Qing's younger brother..."

"+1, when is my brother coming out? I'm staying here because of him!"

Young audiences find it difficult to appreciate the melodious and slow rhythm of traditional opera, while older audiences are not the main group of fans.

This left the station's leaders, who had initially hoped to create a ratings miracle by leveraging Gu Qing and Chen Long's influence, feeling like they were on a rollercoaster.

At the start, thanks to the star power of the two leads, viewership ratings surged to three times higher than in previous years.

However, as one opera master after another appeared on stage, the ratings began to decline steadily, gradually returning to the mediocre levels of previous years.

Fortunately, the opera-themed Spring Festival Gala only lasts an hour and a half.

Halfway through the program, the big-name fans who were monitoring the live stream finally heard the host announce the name of the next program.

They immediately flooded the fan group with messages tagging all members: "Here he comes! The younger brother is about to go on stage! Reply immediately!"

The plummeting viewership ratings stopped instantly and rebounded rapidly, as if injected with a powerful stimulant!
"Next, please enjoy the innovative adaptation of the opera 'Wujiapo 2017' performed by opera actors Chen Long and Gu Qing!"

The host leaves the stage, and the stage lights change.

"Ahhh! Gu Qing! We've finally waited for this!!"

"Wujiapo? What story is that?"

"It seems to be the story of Xue Pinggui and Wang Baochuan, who reunited after being separated for eighteen years."

"Huh? Another opera performance? No way, I really can't listen to that..."

"It's definitely not the original! I already said it was Gu Qing's adaptation! Trust your brother's taste!"

"Yes! Anything my brother makes is bound to be top-notch! I can only look forward to it!"

The fans, who were initially drowsy, mustered their energy and focused intently on the screen.

When the lights came on, the two lead actors' appearances caught the eye of the audience and sparked a flurry of discussion.

Wow! Brother Chen Long's costume is so imposing! He looks so cool!

"My younger brother is actually wearing a fitted suit?! He looks incredibly handsome, but... doesn't this style seem a bit mismatched?"

"Wait! Why is there a piano in the middle of the stage? Is my brother going to play the piano?"

"Peking Opera + Western suit + piano? This mix... I'm a bit confused."

Fans felt a sense of novelty mixed with a touch of strangeness. Meanwhile, the anti-fans and rival fans, who had been lying in wait, were instantly excited, as if they had discovered a treasure.

"Hahaha! Has Gu Qing gone mad? Wearing a suit to a traditional opera gala? This is definitely a case of worshipping foreign things!"

"This is an insult to our national culture! I've reported it!"

"Let's wait and see if he crashes and burns! Let's see how he gets out of this!"

They couldn't wait to see Gu Qing make a fool of himself; they had even come up with headlines for their smear campaigns against him.

On the stage, Gu Qing walked steadily to the piano, sat down gracefully, and gently placed her long, slender fingers on the black and white keys.

He looked up at Chen Long, who was dressed in the full Xue Pinggui costume on the other side of the stage, nodded slightly, and looked calm and encouraging.

Brother Chen Long gripped the microphone tightly and took a deep breath.

A long-lost feeling of tension and excitement welled up inside me.

He has been in the film industry for decades, never flinching even when facing death, but as a "traditional opera actor," standing on this stage representing the highest honor in traditional opera...

For him, however, it was a first, and it was of great significance.

"Ah~"

As he began to sing, perhaps due to excessive excitement, Chen Long's voice cracked slightly. His heart tightened.

However, in the very next second,
A clear, full, moonlit piano note precisely entered the scene, gently yet firmly supporting his flaw, like a stream smoothing the wrinkles of sand, instantly stabilizing the situation.

"【Third Sister~ All the mistakes~ are my~ own~ mistakes~"

【You, you, you, you, you~ just~ forgive~ me~~~】

Chen Long felt much more at ease, and his familiar opera spirit instantly returned, allowing him to fully unleash his full potential.

The poignant and mellow vocals, combined with the rhythm of pop music, are perfectly showcased.

"My wife, Wang Baochuan, how pitiful you are, confined to this cold cave, how pitiful you are, all alone."

I've been waiting for Xue Nanpinggui for a full eighteen years!

It retained the charm and essence of traditional opera singing while incorporating the smooth narrative feel of modern pop music, giving fans watching the live stream a pleasant surprise.
The barrage exploded instantly:

"Holy crap!! That sounds amazing!!"

"This style! It actually fits perfectly! Brother Chen Long is awesome!!"

"My little brother plays the piano so well! It's totally professional level! That melody is so catchy!" "A fusion of East and West! I never knew you could play like that! I get it!"

The number of bullet comments surged, and the comment section was in an uproar.

In front of the backstage monitoring screen, several leading figures in the opera world watched with great interest, nodding frequently.

"This young man named Gu Qing has done a rather interesting adaptation."

Teacher Xu said with a smile, "In the original play, when Xue Pinggui returns, there are many scenes where he tests his wife's chastity."

Teacher Zhao twirled his fingers and commented, "His revision turned it into 'Pity you, guarding the cold cave, pity you, all alone.'"
What I regret most is that I shouldn't have had doubts, and I shouldn't have spoken so carelessly. How brilliant!

With less scheming and suspicion, and more tenderness and affection, the emotional scope is elevated, making it more in line with modern values.

"yes,"

Teacher Wang chimed in, her tone full of appreciation, "Using Western instruments as a foundation for traditional singing is both trendy and doesn't overshadow the performance; the fusion is just right."

No wonder he attracts so many young people. My little granddaughter knew he was coming and kept pestering me for his autograph!

These veteran artists showed no resistance whatsoever; on the contrary, they all wore expressions of approval.

They deeply understand that whether it's Gu Qing or Chen Long, standing on this stage is their way of contributing to the dissemination of traditional opera through concrete actions.

It is to strive for more attention and living space for many opera practitioners.

Before we knew it, the song had ended.

"My wife, Wang Baochuan, I shouldn't have harbored doubts, I shouldn't have spoken so lightly, and I've ended up being accused of being ungrateful and deceitful, as if I had cheated Heaven."

Let me tell you the story of these past eighteen years from the beginning!
Only then did I, Xue Pingnan, realize that I rushed home day and night, just so that my husband and I could be reunited...

When the song reached its emotional peak, Chen Long was completely immersed in it, singing with abandon and overflowing emotion.

Gu Qing played the piano steadily throughout, providing harmonious accompaniment at crucial moments, until the very last note brought the music to a perfect close.

So far,

Gu Qing's two major Spring Festival Gala performances have come to a successful conclusion.

however,
Without stopping, he and the entire film industry were about to face the fierce and highly anticipated box office battle of the Spring Festival season!
these days,

The promotional campaigns for the top films by the so-called "Four Heavenly Kings" have never stopped.

However, if we're talking about the most anticipated films, the top spots undoubtedly belong to "Journey to the West: The Demons Strike Back," "Detective Chinatown," and "Kung Fu Yoga."

Originally, thanks to the two golden brands of Stephen Chow and Tsui Hark, the "Journey to the West: The Demons Strike Back" was far more anticipated.

However, Gu Qing's phenomenal performance on the Spring Festival Gala propelled the popularity of "Detective Chinatown" to an unprecedented level, almost rivaling that of "Journey to the West".

Even the eldest brother's "Kung Fu Yoga" gained a lot of attention and popularity due to his collaboration with Gu Qing on the Spring Festival Gala for Chinese Opera.

The most frustrated people at this moment are the crew of "The Great Wall".

They boast the biggest investment, the most luxurious star lineup, and the most extensive publicity campaign, yet they consistently fall short in terms of "audience anticipation."

It was even overshadowed by three other films.

They mobilized almost all their resources: a renowned director, Hollywood special effects, Andy Lau, a veteran actor, and top-tier celebrities… generating constant buzz.
However, it always felt like scratching an itch through a boot, failing to truly ignite the audience's desire to watch the film.

Looking at the continuously rising pre-sale data and positive pre-release buzz for other films on professional platforms,
Sitting in the hotel, with dark circles under her eyes from staying up late, Da Tian Tian's anxiety and fear reached their peak the night before the movie's official release.

An extremely ominous premonition welled up in her heart.

Could it be... that her box office poison curse is about to strike again?!
"Gu Qing! Yes! There's also Gu Qing!"

"He's a box office miracle!"

Da Tian Tian scratched her hair, as if grasping at the last straw.

These days, whether she opens her eyes or closes them, her phone and the TV are filled with news about this person.

Da Tiantian suddenly remembered that Gu Qing sang the theme song for "The Great Wall"!

Given his current immense popularity, if the film's producers were to increase the promotion of this song, wouldn't that attract a large number of his fans to pay attention to "The Great Wall"?
She immediately and urgently called the head of the film's publicity team.

However, the other party's reaction poured cold water on her enthusiasm:
"Sweetie, are you confused?!"
Now we're focusing on promoting Gu Qing's songs, but are we riding on his coattails, or is he riding on our coattails?

Don't be fooled by those fake online trends; they're all generated by fans and paid trolls!
Our screening rate is truly number one!

In terms of directing, production, and cast, in what way are we inferior to others? We should have confidence in our films!

Da Tian Tian was shut down by her team's "confident" explanation, and her fair face showed some self-doubt:
"Yes...we've invested so much and produced such a high-quality production, and Gu Qing is the lead actor for our competitor. How can we let them get away with this..."

however,
After hanging up the phone and lying back in bed, the intense sense of unease still lingered and wouldn't go away.

"do not care!"

Da Tian Tian pulled the covers over her head, "Tomorrow I'll go undercover with the film crew in the movie theater and see the audience's real reaction with my own eyes!"

Only after making up her mind did she force herself to fall asleep.

The next day, the first day of the Lunar New Year.

Cinemas across the country were packed with people, overflowing with crowds during the Spring Festival holiday.

Thanks to Gu Qing's connections and network, they were also invited by Young Master Wang.

The premiere promotion took place at Dawan Plaza, the most central area of ​​Shanghai.

In the lounge,

Wang Baoqiang, whom I hadn't seen for a long time, still spoke with a thick local accent. He smiled憨厚ly and rubbed his hands together, asking, "Sicheng, when will Xiao Gu arrive? I miss him so much!"

"Baoqiang, don't worry."

Xiao Gu has been working non-stop in Kyoto, just finished participating in the Spring Festival Opera Gala, and is currently on a flight overnight. He should be arriving soon.

Chen Sicheng reassured him, his tone filled with anticipation and longing.

He knew better than anyone how much effort Gu Qing had put into this movie.

Dressed in her finest attire and radiant with beauty, Tong Liya looked worried and asked softly, "Sicheng, what do you think... how much will our movie ultimately gross?"
Is it possible... for it to surpass Stephen Chow's "Journey to the West: Conquering the Demons"?

Upon hearing this, Chen Sicheng wanted to make a grand pledge, but in the end he could only manage a wry smile.
He said rationally, "I... I don't have the ability to predict that. Those are Stephen Chow and Tsui Hark; it's no exaggeration to say they are my idols."

They are at the pinnacle of their abilities.

"Then...what should we do?"

Tong Liya bit her lower lip, her worry deepening, "If the box office doesn't meet expectations, Chris Wu's side will definitely release articles to smear my brother again..."

"Sigh, our family business is small, so we can only take it one step at a time and build up our reputation slowly. This can't be rushed."

Chen Sicheng understood her worries; he himself was just as concerned.

He sighed, then became resolute again, "But don't worry, even if the total box office isn't as high as 'Journey to the West: The Demons Strike Back' for now, in terms of acting skills, audience appeal, and importance in the film..."
Xiao Gu could absolutely crush him!

When the time comes, I'll emphasize Gu's core contributions in front of the media, and let's see who can smear him!

"Yeah!"

Wang Baoqiang nodded repeatedly, his face showing no jealousy, only sincere agreement, "Without Xiao Gu, there would be no 'Detective Chinatown'! He's the star of our show!"

Unlike the infighting that may exist in other film crews,

From the very beginning, the crew of "Detective Chinatown" exuded a sense of family unity and warmth.

at this time,

A noticeable commotion and excited screams came from outside the lounge.

Immediately afterwards, a knocking sound rang out on the door.

Accompanied by a deliberately affected, quirky question: "Excuse me, is anyone inside?"

Despite the other party's deliberate disguise, the familiar voice made the eyes of the three people in the room light up instantly!
"Little Gu? (Younger brother)!"

"Hurry up!!"

Chen Sicheng, Wang Baoqiang, and Tong Liya jumped up from the sofa almost simultaneously, their faces beaming with delighted smiles, and rushed toward the door without prior arrangement.

……

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(End of this chapter)