Top Chinese celebrity: Debuted from Running Man

Chapter 373 Kuaishou (5.5k)
……

……

"Call on."

Seeing the two words Gu Qing sent on the screen, Chen Duling's heart felt like it had been hit by something. It skipped a beat at first, and then began to pound wildly, almost as if it were going to jump out of her throat.

"coming……!"

She gasped softly, jerking up from the bed in a flustered motion, almost knocking her glasses off her nose.
The once lifeless room seemed to be instantly infused with vitality. She jumped off the bed barefoot, almost pounced on the desk, and opened the long-forgotten laptop.

After pressing the power button, she anxiously tapped the desktop with her fingers, watching the slow boot progress bar, and unconsciously muttered, "Faster, faster..."

After finally getting into the system, she quickly logged into the game platform and frantically found and plugged in her headphones.

Because of nervousness, my fingertips were a little cold, and I even accidentally clicked the wrong button twice when connecting to the voice chat.

"Xu...Xu Yi, can you hear me?"

Chen Duling frantically adjusted the position of her headset and tentatively asked a question.

Perhaps because she had been staying at home for too long and lacked face-to-face communication with people, her lips and tongue seemed to be tied in knots.

Chen Duling subconsciously wanted to make her voice sound softer and cuter, but her natural voice was deep and aloof, with a natural mature and sophisticated quality, which she simply couldn't achieve.

"Hmm... I can hear you."

Gu Qing's voice came through the electricity, and even in the dead of night, it still retained its unique warmth and clarity, like a clear spring that instantly soothed Chen Duling's anxiety and unease.

The voice was so familiar that it instantly transported her back to that summer with its salty sea breeze and blazing sun, back to the filming location of "The Left Ear".

She unconsciously bit her lower lip lightly, her fingertips curling slightly.

"Little Ears, who bullied you?"

In the earpiece, perhaps because she hadn't responded yet, a hint of worry crept into her gentle voice.

This simple greeting was like a key, instantly unlocking the floodgates of pent-up grievances in Chen Duling's heart.

She always thought she was strong and could handle all the bad things on her own.

But at this moment, in front of Gu Qing, all that pretense of strength crumbled instantly, and a surge of grievance and bitterness welled up in his eyes, making them instantly hot.

She sniffed hard, forcibly suppressing her sobs and trying to appear natural. "Xu Yi, no...no one bullied me."

"Ok."

Meanwhile, Gu Qing, far away in his hotel room, also had little experience in comforting people.

Never mind, when in doubt... let's solve it with a game.

"Elbow, let's climb the ranks together."

Gu Qing extended a game invitation in a relaxed tone, attempting to change the subject.

"Uh-huh."

Chen Duling quickly sniffed, forced a smile, and accepted the invitation.

Being able to play games with him is already a pleasant surprise.

Upon entering the game lobby, Gu Qing checked Chen Duling's rank and said with a hint of teasing, "How come you're only at Platinum? Little Ear, your skills have declined quite a bit."

At this rate, if you want to beat me in a solo match, you'll have to work even harder.

As he spoke, he skillfully switched the mode from ranked to match, saying, "We can only play match for now. There's too big a difference in our ranks between us in ranked, so we can't play together."

"Xu Yi, you're amazing. I... I may never be able to surpass you."

Looking at Gu Qing's icon, which was clearly several levels higher than hers, Chen Duling unconsciously let her voice carry a hint of melancholy.

This statement seems to be referring to more than just games.

"Haha, now you know how to admit defeat?"

Gu Qing on the other end of the headset seemed not to have grasped the deeper meaning in her words, and smiled with a hint of smugness, like a primary school student who had won a game.

Just then, the game was successfully matched, and I entered the hero selection screen.

Gu Qing instantly locked in Lucian, a very strong ADC hero in the current version.

however,
When he saw the hero Chen Duling had chosen, his tone revealed his confusion: "Leona? Aren't you always playing mid lane? Why are you playing support?"

In his memory, Chen Duling was someone who liked to control the mid lane with lightning power.

"Xu Yi, I...I've changed seats."

In a moment of impulsiveness, Chen Duling blurted out, "I want... to walk down the road with you!"

After saying that, her cheeks flushed bright red, and her heart pounded like a drum.

What is she saying?
That's such an obvious hint!
Will Xu Yi think I'm too abrupt and lack boundaries?

"..."

There was a few seconds of silence on the other end of the headset.

Those few seconds felt like an eternity to Chen Duling. She was both shy and scared, and regretted it so much that she wanted to disappear into the ground.

Do you know how to play support?

Gu Qing's voice rang out again, tinged with obvious doubt, followed by a low mutter, "If I had known you were playing support, I would have picked Ezreal."

Chen Duling: "???"

The anticipated awkwardness or ambiguity didn't materialize; instead, I was met with blatant disdain!
As a female gamer who considered herself quite skilled, Chen Duling instantly lost her temper, her girlish demeanor immediately replaced by her competitive spirit.

"Xu Yi! What don't I know?!"

She retorted angrily, her voice rising several decibels, "I've been practicing support for a long time! Don't underestimate me!"

"Okay, okay,"

Gu Qing seemed amused by her intense reaction, and said in a reassuring tone, "I'm just here to keep you company today, to help you relax, Mr. Chen. Just do whatever makes you happy."

"what--!"

Chen Duling's facial expression twisted into that of a rabbit police officer, and she let out a 'roaring' hiss.

This prompted Gu Qing to chuckle softly on the other end.

Once the game has finished loading, enter Summoner's Rift.

Gu Qing was slightly surprised to see that Chen Duling's Leona had bought the support item "Relic Shield" as her starting item: "Oh, you actually know to buy Relic Shield. Looks like you really know a bit about support."

"That's right, don't underestimate me."

Chen Duling had regained some ground and was feeling a little smug. She pressed the Tab key to check both sides' equipment, and suddenly her eyes lit up – she had found an opportunity to counterattack.

"Hehe, Xu Yi, you're one to talk! Why did you buy a support item too? Do you even know how to play AD?"

"Stupid,"

Gu Qing's voice carried a hint of helpless mockery, "These days, professional players all start with two support items in the bot lane for high early-game returns. With your understanding of the game, you'll probably have to wait another hundred years to surpass me."

"I...I'm nothing like you,"

Chen Duling was speechless after being retorted, so she had no choice but to give up and muttered under her breath, "You can even buy a professional team to play with. With so many professional players teaching you, how could my understanding of the game possibly be as good as yours?"

"Huh? How did you find out about my investment in the esports team?"

Gu Qing was genuinely surprised this time. "The news has already been released? I haven't received any official notification yet."

"Yes, just yesterday, the young master of Dawan Group announced online that you have invested in IG e-sports club and become one of its shareholders."

Chen Duling, who always keeps an eye on Gu Qing's news, spoke about it with great expertise, saying, "It's all over the internet now."

"This guy... really knows how to capitalize on trending topics."

Gu Qing couldn't help but sigh.

Yesterday marked the beginning of widespread online praise for his "desire to study and make progress," with his reputation and public image at their peak.
Principal Wang's decision to announce the news at this time undoubtedly provided IG Club with free top-tier publicity.

It's easy to imagine that IG's club valuation and popularity will rise as a result.

"Go ahead and flip through it, anyway, I'm the second largest shareholder, so I won't lose money."

Gu Qing quickly stopped worrying and refocused her attention on the game, starting to concentrate on "stomping noobs".

After a few minutes of online arguing, Chen Duling seemed to hesitate for a moment before tentatively asking, "Xu Yi, you...you and that Young Master Wang, are you on good terms?"

"Principal Wang? He's just so-so, a typical business partnership," Gu Qing replied casually.

"That's fine, that's fine."

Chen Duling seemed relieved, her tone becoming concerned, "I've seen the comments about him online... well, they're quite complicated. You need to be careful, I've heard that people in his circle are all very... open."

Xu Yi, you must take good care of yourself.

"..."

Gu Qing was speechless for a moment, swallowing back the words that were about to come out.

Perhaps it's because he's been in the complicated entertainment industry for too long, but his thinking has become somewhat wary and opportunistic.

When Chen Duling asked Principal Wang a question, his first thought was to suspect that she was trying to use this opportunity to curry favor with others and seek shortcuts.

A sense of guilt rose in Gu Qing's heart.

He realized that he, too, seemed to have been unknowingly influenced by this "melting pot." "Yes, I know."

But I'm a grown man, I can protect myself without any problem.

He adjusted his tone, making it much gentler, "But you, all alone in this industry, need to be even more careful in everything you do."

To make up for the dark thoughts that had crossed her mind just now, Gu Qing took the initiative to change the subject and wanted to express some goodwill: "By the way, Little Ear, didn't you say last time that you filmed a new drama?"

What's it called, "Operation Proposal"?
Has it been released yet? I happen to have some free time lately, how about I come over to support you and promote it? It's also been a while since I've seen Lei-ge.”

"Pfft-"

Chen Duling's newly healed heart was stabbed again, and it all came full circle.

She replied weakly, "Xu Yi... the show has already finished airing, there's no need for promotion anymore."

"Is it over?"

Gu Qing's voice was filled with genuine surprise, "How come I haven't seen any news about this online? When did this happen?"

Chen Duling: “…”

She felt as if she had been stabbed in the heart again.

"Because... it was a complete splash! There wasn't even a ripple!"

Chen Duling practically spat out those words through gritted teeth, while simultaneously controlling Leona in the game, precisely aiming her E skill "Zenith Blade" at the enemy ADC in front of her.

Then, he used his Q skill "Dawnbreaker" to stun him, venting his frustration from the game and his grievances from real life.

"That's it..."

Gu Qing clearly realized that she had asked an inappropriate question, and her tone became somewhat awkward.

He quickly maneuvered Lucian forward, cleanly securing the kill on the controlled enemy with a single skill combo, trying to justify himself: "Great E! Excellent control."

"Ha ha……"

Chen Duling couldn't smile.

After a brief silence,

Gu Qing spoke again, her tone more serious: "Little Ear, are you available in September?"

"September..."

Chen Duling paused for a moment; she was free right now.

A mix of bittersweet emotions welled up inside me. Is this the kind of workload that top performers experience?

If you casually ask about availability, you'll find that the schedule is already booked for at least six months.

"I... I should be free."

Suppressing her curiosity, she asked, "Xu Yi, what's wrong?"

"The League of Legends official contacted me and said they plan to hold a celebrity exhibition match in September, with teams divided into red and blue to compete against each other."

Gu Qing explained, "Currently, the confirmed team leaders are Jay Chou and me."

"The official statement said that team members can be invited by ourselves from among our friends in the community. I was still hesitating about who would be suitable for the support position, and then you said you've switched to playing support. How about it, do you want to give it a try?"

"Jay Chou... King Zhou?!"

Upon hearing this, Chen Duling opened her mouth wide in surprise, almost big enough to fit an egg.

As one of the most popular games right now, she naturally understands its influence.

The celebrity performance match, with top-tier celebrities Zhou Tianwang and Gu Qing serving as team captains, is sure to be a phenomenon in terms of attention and popularity!
If she can appear on this stage, it would undoubtedly be an excellent opportunity for exposure for her currently dormant career, and might even bring her back into the public eye.

After the initial shock, a complex and indescribable emotion welled up in Chen Duling's heart.

"Xu Yi..." she called softly.

"Hmm? What's wrong?" Gu Qing replied.

Why...why are you so good to me?

She asked the question that had been nagging at her heart.

During the lowest point of her career, he not only did not distance himself from her, but instead offered her this precious olive branch.

Gu Qing thought for a moment, trying to think of something that wouldn't hurt the girl's pride.

After a long pause, he finally said:
"Because, in the story of 'The Left Ear,' it is Li Er who redeems the fallen Xu Yi."

"So, besides 'Left Ear,' Xu Yi should also... try to redeem the lost 'Little Ear.'"

After hearing that her drama had flopped completely...
Gu Qing had already roughly guessed the predicament and low point she was facing at the moment.

"Redemption...?"

Chen Duling murmured to herself, her heart pounding.

She admitted... Li Er, or rather 'Little Ear,' was lost in the dawn light.

……

Just as the "Qingling CP" were happily frying fish and crushing noobs.

A real-life "talent war" surrounding Gu Qing is quietly unfolding, and his "trouble," or rather, "opportunity," is only just beginning.

After learning that the most popular celebrity in the entertainment industry had expressed his desire to "study," and that this had become a hot topic online.

How could the three prestigious performing arts schools in China—Shanghai Theatre Academy, Central Academy of Drama, and Beijing Film Academy—not know this?
Of course they know!

Not only do we know about it, we also attach great importance to it!

The reason why there has been no public action so long is not because we don't care, but precisely because we care too much!

The university is currently engaged in intense evaluation and discussion, and for the time being, they are unsure of what "bargaining chips" and "approach" they should use to successfully "invite" Gu Qing, this special "student," into their school.

Yes, it's "please"!
With the full arrival of the Internet age and the rise of the traffic economy, the advantages of traditional art schools are being rapidly weakened.

Look at the mainstream artists active on screen today: the "Gui Wu Zi", former top star Li Yifeng, and members of those wildly popular young idol groups...

How many of them have formal academic training?
However, they have captured a huge market share and attention.

In recent years, in particular, movies starring top-tier celebrities have often achieved overwhelming box office results, leaving many art films that have been meticulously crafted over many years and starred award-winning actors and actresses far behind.

This blatant commercial success has led to a consensus among industry investors: good looks + a large fan base = box office guarantee.

With the rise of internet traffic, it seems there are no barriers for singing and dancing idols to cross over into the film and television industry.

Against this backdrop, many entertainment agencies are no longer focusing their recruitment efforts on graduates from professional schools, but instead turning to earlier age groups, scouring for outstanding teenagers for "idol training."

This method is lower in cost and more controllable. Even if you fail to debut successfully, you can still earn a considerable income based on the contract terms alone.

If the top-tier economy has impacted the traditional enrollment and training models of universities, then the explosive growth of short video platforms can be described as a heavy blow.

During this period

For all primary and secondary school students across the country, there is one short video app they can never avoid: 'KuaiShou'!
Since the beginning of last year alone, the number of registered users of Kuaishou short video has reached an astonishing 300 million!
With 300 million users, most of whom are young students, you can imagine how terrifying that number is.

It has nurtured countless grassroots internet celebrities.

Among students, he is a household name, even more famous than celebrities!

Some of the more well-known ones include: Xuanmai Girl, Wang Doudou, Dark Lolita, Han Anran, MC Tianyou, Paipaiqi...

Although the vast majority of them are young and energetic, they can earn more in a year than many second- or third-tier celebrities, and they have much more freedom.

Among these people,
MC Tianyou is the 'god among gods'.

The "shout-rap" trend sparked by the song "I Drink Alone" has become a social phenomenon.

During this period, almost every class on campus had several students who were enthusiastic about shouting and rapping.

Although many people don't appreciate it, it's undeniably popular.

When young people see that as long as they have certain physical attributes and know how to create "abstract" content, they can potentially achieve rapid fame, substantial rewards, and relative freedom online,
How many people are still willing to study hard for years, only to face numerous challenges after graduation, such as playing minor roles and dealing with unspoken rules, yet still have an uncertain future?
Faced with two completely different paths, the answer to which one to choose seems self-evident to many young people.

Faced with this predicament, the three universities have no way to express their grievances and are urgently seeking ways to change.

In fact, as talent shows become increasingly popular in the coming years, some universities have already compromised on their admission standards, relaxing the professional assessment thresholds for contestants with outstanding appearances and existing exposure.

Among them, the Beijing Film Academy's transformation was the most rapid and obvious. As long as you had some good looks and had appeared on a talent show, they would accept you.

What barriers are there left?
For this reason, artists from the Beijing Film Academy occupy almost half of the entertainment industry.

Even the Central Academy of Drama, which is known for its rigorous teaching and strict requirements, had to lower its standards and allow lower-grade students to go out to film under certain conditions.

Otherwise, apart from mainstream themes, it will be difficult to attract high-quality students with potential and ambition.

Against this backdrop, Gu Qing's intention to "study" is undoubtedly a highly valuable "premium brand" in the eyes of the three universities.

Aren't they worried about declining student recruitment appeal and weakening social influence?
If we can recruit this top star who is at the height of his popularity, how can we worry about not getting attention and generating buzz?
Are you worried about not being able to attract outstanding young people who are interested in a career in the performing arts?
It is precisely because of Gu Qing's unique value and symbolic significance that

After a night of emergency consultations and plan formulation, the three universities finally officially launched this inevitable and fierce battle.

The Battle for Gu Qing!
Whoever successfully brings Gu Qing, this "living brand," under their wing will add a most dazzling "pearl" to their school's crown.
They will take the initiative in the new round of competition for students and public influence.

The three major universities are starting to exert their efforts!
……

……

(End of this chapter)