Top Chinese celebrity: Debuted from Running Man

Chapter 371 Junior Sister? (5k)
……

……

The entire public opinion field in the Chinese entertainment industry seemed to be controlled by an invisible force, and a strange shift occurred overnight.

The trending topics and entertainment sections of major social media platforms began to be flooded with positive content praising Gu Qing's "desire to study and make progress," from various angles, and in an overwhelming manner:

Even Top Stars Have Lofty Ambitions! Gu Qing Reveals His Desire to Attend One of the Top Three Universities, Determined to Hone His Acting Skills and Become a True Actor!

A breath of fresh air in the frivolous entertainment industry: On Gu Qing's clarity and pursuit of truth.

From Idol to Actor: Gu Qing's Journey Demonstrates the Meaning of "Learning Never Ends"

Who says the future of the Chinese entertainment industry is bleak? Look at Gu Qing, this is what a young artist should be like!

Is the praise for Gu Qing's acting in "Detective Chinatown" just the beginning? Industry insiders are optimistic that he will be a contender for Best Actor!

Are the top three universities ready? These are the 'promising talents' you should be vying for!

A stark contrast! While other top stars are indulging in fame and fortune, Gu Qing is already contemplating the path to elevating his acting skills.

These articles are all full of praise, lauding Gu Qing's humble and unhurried attitude, and elevating him to the status of a role model and hope for the younger generation in the Chinese entertainment industry.
He even predicted that he would become a movie star in the future and called on top art schools to open their doors.

Its sheer scale and momentum made it a meticulously planned media extravaganza.

This momentum has swayed many netizens who were just the day before misled by sensational headlines and were cursing the editors for their lack of integrity.

He was starting to doubt himself: "Could it be... that I really misunderstood? Does Gu Qing genuinely want to pursue further studies?"

Gu Qing's fans reacted simply and directly to the overwhelming praise – they were thrilled!

"Hehe, see that! The whole world is praising our little brother!"

"This younger brother's awareness and attitude are truly unmatched! Look at those other top celebrities, aren't they all desperately trying to make money? Who has ever thought about improving themselves?"

"That's the difference in perspective and quality! The people we admire are just that outstanding!"

They were so engrossed in this sudden wave of online praise that they excitedly shared and commented, completely unaware that...

Why have those marketing accounts that used to enjoy smearing Gu Qing and spreading rumors suddenly changed their tune and become so "reasonable" overnight?

……

The following day at noon, sunlight streamed through the gaps in the curtains and onto the carpet in the hotel room.

Gu Qing woke up naturally, a few strands of hair obscuring her eyes. She leaned lazily against the headboard and habitually picked up her phone to browse the news and wake herself up.

however,
When he saw the overwhelming number of trending topics and push notifications praising his determination to study, he was stunned for a moment, and his remaining sleepiness vanished instantly.

Now I'm really not sleepy at all.

"what's the situation?"

He rubbed his eyes and refreshed the page in disbelief.

Having weathered so many storms of being criticized and attacked, it's truly unprecedented for them to be suddenly elevated to such a high level.

There must be a demon in the abnormal situation.

Gu Qing immediately became alert and suspiciously dialed the number of Xu Wei, the head of his own public relations team.

"Brother Xu, were those trending topics about my 'studying' on the internet bought by our team?" he asked bluntly.

"Boss, we definitely didn't buy it."

On the other end of the phone, Xu Wei's voice was clearly confused, "All our public relations budget and energy are now focused on guiding CP fans to buy movie tickets with a 'rebellious mentality,' trying to turn negative public opinion into actual box office revenue."

"Was the ticket-buying by CP fans something you orchestrated?"

Gu Qing was somewhat taken aback, but then suddenly realized what was going on.

That makes sense. Without guidance, it's unlikely that the CP fans who criticize him, no matter how angry they are, would collectively evolve into the bizarre thought process of "buying tickets to make him angry to death."

"Yes, boss."

Xu Wei explained, "Because the incident the night before last came so suddenly, we wanted to report our contingency plan to you as soon as possible, but we couldn't get through to you on the phone."

"The situation is urgent, we have to activate emergency public relations procedures, you won't mind, will you?"

"No, my phone broke that day, so I didn't have time to contact you."

Gu Qing offered a slightly embarrassed explanation, then returned to the main topic, "Let's not talk about that for now."

"I feel something's wrong with the sudden surge of trending topics praising me online. You should investigate who's behind this and what their motives are."

"Boss, we've noticed this phenomenon as well."

Xu Wei hesitated for a moment, then tentatively asked, "However... before the investigation, I'd like to confirm something with you first..."
Have you personally... actually considered pursuing further studies at a professional institution?

"Am I stupid? Going to school now?"

Gu Qing chuckled, her tone very certain, "If I really want to systematically improve my acting skills, wouldn't it be better and more efficient to spend a lot of money to hire the best teacher for one-on-one private lessons?"

Why insist on going to school and following the established procedures?

"That's good. It seems the advantages outweigh the disadvantages."

Xu Wei visibly breathed a sigh of relief.

He was genuinely afraid that his hot-blooded young boss might act impulsively and actually consider retiring from acting to go back to school.

There are many such cautionary tales in the entertainment industry.

Many artists at the peak of their careers often find that the landscape has changed and their popularity has faded when they return after leaving the public eye for a few years to "further their studies."

The most famous are those who started as child stars, such as Xie Miao, Shi Xiaolong, and Cao Jun.
And then there's the even more "abstract" Shu Chang.

Back then, she gained immense popularity with roles such as Silly Girl in "Magic Phone", Xiaoyu in "Lotus Lantern", and Tianshan Tonglao in "Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils", earning her the title of another "Liu Tianyi".

It would have been fine if she had gone to school, but she chose to study English at an ordinary university, which had nothing to do with acting. She had neither a circle of friends nor any connections.

When she returned, there was no longer a place for her in the entertainment industry.

"Boss, from what I've seen so far, this level of 'praise to death,' while its motives are questionable, is objectively praising your acting skills and attitude."

This unexpected turn of events further boosted the box office and critical reception of "Detective Chinatown," attracting many casual viewers who entered the theater out of curiosity.

Xu Wei analyzed, "My suggestion is that we wait and see, and make good use of this free publicity. Wait until the hype dies down a bit in a couple of days..."
You can post a blog post to clarify this easily, emphasizing that you are currently too busy with work to fulfill your academic aspirations for the time being, but you will continue to work hard in other ways.

This shows humility without giving others grounds for criticism, and the public can understand it.

"Okay, I understand. Keep an eye on things."

Gu Qing nodded and hung up the phone.

He got up and went into the bathroom to brush his teeth and wash up.

I had just finished washing my face and returned to the bedside when my phone rang again. This time it was my agent, Li Li, calling.

"Xiao Gu, where are you? Is it convenient for us to talk now?" Li Li's voice carried a hint of deliberate warmth.

"Sister Li, I'm alone at the hotel and I was just about to go out for dinner. Is there anything I can help you with?" Gu Qing answered as she put on her coat.

"Dinner? Perfect timing! It's been so long since we had a meal together. Let's catch up. I'll book a quiet place."

Li Li didn't directly state her purpose, but instead enthusiastically suggested a dinner party and quickly sent a restaurant address to Gu Qing's phone.

"What kind of trouble are they going to cause now..."

Gu Qing hung up the phone, her brows furrowed slightly, and she muttered to herself.

He quickly dressed, put on a mask and hat, and walked out of the room. His assistant, Zhao Ya, and her cousin, Xiao Jun, who was acting as his temporary bodyguard, were already waiting at the door.

The three of them got into the car together and headed to the private room of the Chinese restaurant in the quiet alley with its antique decor, which Li Li had sent them.

"Xiaoya, Xiaojun, please find a seat and order whatever you like. Today, our rich lady Sister Li is treating, so don't skimp on her money."

Upon entering the private room, Gu Qing familiarly handed the menu to Zhao Ya and the other person, speaking in a relaxed tone.

"Little Gu, how could I dare to call myself a rich woman in front of a big star like you?"

Li Li responded with a charming smile, but a hint of displeasure flashed in her eyes.

In her opinion, Zhao Ya and Xiao Jun were just assistants and bodyguards, and had no right to eat at the same table with her.

She felt that Gu Qing was too indulgent towards those around him, and that he was somewhat ignorant of etiquette and didn't know the proper hierarchy.

The entertainment industry truly embodies the idea of ​​'being superior to others'.

She ignored the two men and focused all her attention on Gu Qing.

His gaze swept over Gu Qing,

Li Li's eyes flashed with amazement and infatuation once again.

Even in simple attire, he always appears exceptionally tall, handsome, energetic, and youthful.

For older people, this vibrant vitality is the most appealing thing.

"Redness nourishes the body, that's absolutely true." Li Li sighed inwardly, a strong sense of regret welling up within her at the same time—

Why did I hesitate and not make a decisive move to seduce Gu Qing before he became famous?

……

"Xiao Gu, 'Detective Chinatown' has already surpassed 15 billion yuan at the box office. Judging by this momentum, it might really surpass 'Monster Hunt'."

Li Li felt her mouth go dry as she talked about this, and took a sip from her cup. "According to your box office revenue sharing contract, you should get at least this much in the end."

She held up two fingers and lowered her voice: "More than two hundred million! That's more than the company's total revenue for the whole year!"

Earning over 200 million yuan from a single film! What does that even mean?
Chris Wu had been bragging about the 60 million yuan contract he received for a long time.

If Gu Qing's revenue-sharing contract were to be exposed, it would be enough to shock the entire Chinese entertainment industry.

One movie can make someone a billionaire; currently, only international superstars of Chen Long's caliber can surpass him in terms of income.
Even Jet Li, the kung fu emperor, might not have been able to earn such a high salary per film during his peak in Hollywood.

This is the essential difference between being able to "eat at the table" and only being able to "drink soup".

"Not that much, I still have to pay taxes."

Gu Qing picked up a piece of food with her chopsticks, trying to remain calm, but the corners of her mouth couldn't help but turn up slightly.

There's no way around it; anyone who suddenly makes so much money would be unhappy.

However, he also knew that the reason he was able to earn so much money this time was largely due to the special nature of the "Detective Chinatown" project.

This is a typical "family workshop" style film, with Chen Sicheng, Wang Baoqiang, and himself at its core.

Chen Sicheng's own company took the lead, and both he and Wang Baoqiang invested without receiving any payment and participated in the box office revenue sharing.

Because the project was not favored by investors in its early stages, there were not many investors, and the three of them made up the majority of the investment.

By the time "Detective Chinatown 2" is released, it will be almost impossible to replicate this model, as various capital sources will flock in to divide the profits.

In any circle, "keeping your profits to yourself" is a major taboo; learning to share profits and seeking cooperation is essential.

Even so, even if the revenue sharing ratio decreases in the future, the absolute amount will still be astronomical for ordinary artists who receive paychecks.

"Xiao Gu, are you crazy?"

Li Li felt a pang of pain just listening to this, and couldn't help but raise her voice, "You're willing to honestly pay taxes on so much money? 'Legal tax avoidance' isn't illegal!"

You can manage your money through the company; we'll only charge a small service fee, and we guarantee to save you tens of millions!

"No, Sister Li."

Gu Qing didn't even look up, continuing to eat. "This is over two hundred million. I'm afraid you'll take this money and buy plane tickets to live a carefree life abroad. Who can I complain to then?"

He knew perfectly well that the so-called "legitimate tax avoidance" was simply operating in a gray area, and if he really wanted to investigate you, he would find out immediately.

Judging from Li Li's familiar tone, it seems the company does this kind of thing quite often.

That's... interesting.

"Xiao Gu, this... how is this possible..."

Li Li instinctively wanted to defend herself, but the words caught in her throat and she swallowed them back in embarrassment.

Because she knew in her heart that if more than 200 million yuan in cash really passed through her hands, she wouldn't be tempted to do anything about it; she couldn't even guarantee it herself.

This is a huge sum of money that can instantly make someone financially free and that they can't spend in a lifetime.

"Alright, Sister Li, just get to the point. What do you want from me? You never come here without a reason."

Gu Qing put down her chopsticks and looked calmly at Li Li.

"Little Gu... Sister... there is something I really want to ask you for help with."

Li Li, realizing her secret had been exposed, forced an unnatural smile and leaned forward slightly.

"Tell me what's going on."

Gu Qing leaned back in her chair, her appetite having diminished considerably.

"Well... I recently signed a new artist and I'd like... for you to help mentor her and give her a boost."

Li Li rubbed her hands together, her tone pleading.

"artist?"

Gu Qing looked at her, a mocking smile curving his lips. "Sister Li, you're a manager; managing artists is your job."

"Let me bring it for you? That's not appropriate, is it?"

This is clearly because they're after his popularity and want him to "leech off" newcomers.

"Xiao Gu, it's a tradition in the industry for experienced people to mentor newcomers, so just do me a favor, okay?"

Li Li quickly said, "Besides, you know this artist too. He's determined to sign with our company because of you!"

"Who?" Gu Qing's expression remained unchanged, but a slight ripple stirred within her heart.

"It's the girl you collaborated with on the dance performance at this year's Spring Festival Gala, her name is Song Yihuan!"

When Li Li talked about this, her face lit up with excitement. "You have no idea how many big companies are eyeing her now, offering better and better deals than the last!"

But that young girl is completely devoted to you, saying she's a huge fan and won't sign with anyone but our company!

Li Li was determined to make this happen.

The company's senior management was already full of resentment towards Gu Qing for becoming increasingly out of control, and knew that they would most likely be unable to retain him after his contract expired.

Why not take advantage of his remaining contract period and maximize his popularity and influence to cultivate more future "cash cows" for the company?

"Oh, it's her."

Gu Qing nodded. "That's good. Please thank her for her kindness."

His heart was filled with some complex emotions.

This reborn little butterfly seems to have begun to cause some changes with the flapping of its wings.

Is it true that someone actually entered the entertainment industry because they liked him?

Perhaps, the main reason is that they saw the fame and fortune that this industry could bring.

He shook his head inwardly.

Gu Qing had some impression of the girl named Song Yi. She was indeed a graduate of a professional dance academy, with a pretty face and a graceful figure, and was considered to be of average level in the entertainment industry.

It's not surprising that she was signed by a talent agency after gaining popularity from her collaboration with the Spring Festival Gala.

"Xiao Gu, so you... you've agreed?!"

Upon hearing this, Li Li's face instantly lit up with a look of surprise.

"What did I promise?" Gu Qing asked, puzzled.

"A... promise to help guide your junior sister!"

Li Li's face stiffened, and she stammered.

"I said 'thank you for your kindness,' when did I agree to take her with me?"

Gu Qing found it somewhat amusing. "There are plenty of celebrities in the industry who say they like me and are my fans in front of me. Am I supposed to bring them all along?"

Li Li: "..."

She was so choked up that she couldn't speak for a moment.

She wanted to plead a few more times, but saw that Gu Qing had already picked up a tissue to wipe her mouth again, as if she was about to end the conversation.

"Gu! Wait! There's one more thing I haven't told you yet!"

In her anxiety, Li Li disregarded everything else and hurriedly took out a document and a brand-new bank card envelope from her designer bag, pushing them hastily onto the table in front of Gu Qing.

"what is this?"

Gu Qing frowned as she looked at the things on the table.

"Thirty...thirty million..."

Li Li's face inexplicably turned red, whether from embarrassment or something else, and her voice also lowered.

Gu Qing then saw clearly the document under the bank card, with the words "Nirvana in Fire Commercial Revenue Sharing Transfer Agreement" prominently displayed at the top.

He stared at the agreement and the card, momentarily stunned.

Immediately, I couldn't help but laugh.

……

……

(End of this chapter)