Top Chinese celebrity: Debuted from Running Man

Chapter 378 Zhang Jingyi? Zhou Ye? (7.5k)
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——Beijing Film Academy

The classroom of the first-year experimental class of the performing arts department.

The morning sunlight streamed into the classroom through the bright windows, outlining the fine dust particles in the air.

This is a stark contrast to the usual scene after holidays when students would arrive late, often with a touch of languor, just as the bell rang.
Today, the experimental class classroom was unusually full of people.

Almost all the students arrived early, and none were absent. The classroom was filled with a special atmosphere that mixed excitement, curiosity, and a subtle restlessness.

"Guys, I got confirmation from the academic affairs office through someone: Gu Qing really will be assigned to our experimental class!"

A boy with a Korean-style bowl cut excitedly shared this "breaking news" with several boys gathered around him.

"Do you even need to ask? Just use your brain and you'll know. There are only two classes in the first grade: one experimental class and one regular class."

With Gu Qing's status and influence, if he doesn't come to our experimental class, does he think he'll be assigned to a regular class? That would be the biggest joke of the year for Beijing Film Academy!

Another boy with blond hair parted in the middle said dismissively.

"Cao, I don't know why, but my heart is still pounding a little, I'm a bit nervous."

"What are you so nervous about! You're not Gu Qing."

His friend next to him laughed and punched him lightly.

"Hey, hey, hey, look out the window! Why are there so many more people at the classroom door and in the hallway? Lots of unfamiliar faces, and quite a few upperclassmen too!"

A boy near the window lowered his voice and pointed to the endless stream of people outside.

"Is there even a question? They must have heard that Gu Qing is reporting for duty today and came to see what the fuss was about!"
This is before school starts and registration begins; otherwise, there would be even more people, and our class would probably become a zoo's viewing area.

The boys chattered excitedly, their words filled with amazement and envy at the "spectacle" brought about by Gu Qing's top-tier popularity.

Not only did the number of "spectators" outside the classroom surge, but the situation inside the classroom was equally intriguing.

The girls in the class who usually ignored them and always went out without makeup and dressed casually were all dressed up for the occasion today.

With exquisite makeup, meticulously styled hair, and braving the cold air, they wore fashionable or sweet new outfits, looking radiant as if they weren't there for class but for a mini red carpet show.

They gathered in small groups, whispering excitedly, their conversation naturally revolving around the name that was about to be revealed.

"Gu Qing! It really is Gu Qing! He's actually going to take classes with us and become our classmate? Oh my god, this feels so unreal, like a dream!"

"I'm a fan of his too! I've liked him ever since he made his debut on Running Man! He's hardworking and talented!"

"Sisters, let me tell you something you don't know: who here isn't a fan of his?"

"Gu Qing is exactly my type! Perfect! A classic model face, the air of a pretty boy, tall and handsome, and most importantly, so talented and rich!"

"I heard from friends in the industry that he now earns at least this much for a single film!"

A girl made a mysterious hand gesture, eliciting a collective gasp. "Tens of millions! If we could 'fish' his heart, our lives would be completely fulfilled. What's the point of struggling anymore!"

"You greedy women are so shallow! I'm different, I only care about 'sex'! If I could see Gu Qing's face the first thing I see every morning when I wake up, all my troubles would disappear, and my life would be perfect!"

The girls were immersed in their wonderful fantasies about their top-performing classmates, and the atmosphere was lively.

However, a discordant voice abruptly broke in, carrying a clear sense of mockery.

"Heh, guys, you're already dreaming in broad daylight? Don't you even know your own limitations?"

The speaker was a boy sitting in the front row. He was fairly decent-looking, but his face was covered with too much white foundation, and he was wearing an eye-catching outfit with a luxury brand logo. He also had shiny earrings, and his whole demeanor exuded a sleazy and disreputable air.

He crossed his legs, glanced at the group of excited girls, and said with disdain, "Do you think you look as beautiful and refined as Liu Shishi, or as ethereal as Liu Tianxian?"
"What kind of beautiful women hasn't Gu Qing seen? Why would he be interested in you? Even I wouldn't be interested in you, let alone a top star like him."

His remarks instantly ignited the girls' anger.

"Wang Jie, if you don't speak, no one will think you're mute!"

"Who's your buddy? Get lost! I'm your dad! You're the one with the most foul mouth!"

"Why don't you take a piss and look at yourself in the mirror? Your face is covered in thick powder like a city wall, and you're as ugly as a steamed potato! I wouldn't even look at you!"

The girls ganged up on him, angrily retorting, some even grabbing water bottles from the table and throwing them at him.

"Haha, they're getting anxious! Look, they're getting anxious!"

Instead of being angry, Wang Jie smiled smugly, caught the flying water bottle, and even deliberately twisted open the cap, taking a sip in a provocative manner.
"In my opinion, if anyone in our class has even the slightest chance of being able to say a few words to Gu Dingliu or attract his attention, it's probably only our class's school beauty, Zhang."

Hearing this,

The girls who had just been united in their condemnation of Wang Jie suddenly looked embarrassed and awkward, their eyes flashing with barely concealed jealousy and resentment.

Unlike their unattainable envy of Gu Qing, they are more likely to feel a subtle sense of imbalance when they see the "success" or "special treatment" of their peers, especially their classmates.

Most students who can get into the Beijing Film Academy come from wealthy families, but even the richest of them only have a few hundred thousand yuan in pocket money per month at most.

Compared to Gu Qing's top-tier income of tens of millions for a single film and astronomical sums for commercial endorsements, it's like comparing heaven and earth. The gap is so vast that it doesn't inspire envy, only awe.

however,
For classmates who started from the same point, or even came from less affluent backgrounds, being dubbed "campus belle" simply because they signed with a good company and received more resources was a different story.
They would naturally feel resentful and bitter, thinking, "Why is it her and not me?"

While talking,
The light at the classroom door dimmed slightly, and a figure wrapped in an oversized black down jacket appeared there.

"Hey, look! School beauty Zhang is here!"

"Wow, I haven't seen her all winter break, and she's still so beautiful."

A boy said excitedly in a low voice. A girl carrying a simple backpack was seen slowly walking into the classroom.

She was wearing the slightly bulky and plain long black down jacket uniform issued by Beijing Film Academy, which contrasted sharply with the carefully dressed students around her.

The girl's appearance gives off a fresh and clean vibe, like a girl next door.

However, upon closer inspection, one can discover the unique features of her face: thick and well-shaped eyebrows, a high and delicate nose, full lips, and especially her deep-set eyes, which add a touch of three-dimensionality to her delicate features, making her look like a mixed-race person.

"Good morning, Zhang, the school beauty!" The boys greeted her warmly when they saw her.

"Good morning," the girl smiled politely.

"Hi, Jingyi!"

"Baby! I missed you so much during the whole winter break!"

"Jingyi, why are you wearing your school uniform? This down jacket is so ugly, and the style is so baggy. Who still wears this nowadays?!"

Although the girls may have had their own thoughts, they maintained a friendly attitude on the surface.

Someone stepped forward and hugged her, while pointing at her school uniform with a hint of disdain.

"Is it...is it alright? I feel quite warm, it's quite cold outside today."

Zhang Jingyi turned her head away somewhat awkwardly and explained in a low voice.

Although she was fortunate enough to sign with the company of Zhou Xun, one of the top actresses among the "Four Dan and Two Bing" (referring to four top actresses and two top actresses in China), and was favored by the company and cultivated as a potential star, this does not mean that she has already made money.

A newcomer who hasn't officially debuted and hasn't released any works has little income beyond basic living allowances.

Her family background is typical of intellectual families, comfortably well-off, but definitely not that of a rich second generation.

Her mother was a dance teacher and her father was a music teacher. Sending her from southern Hunan to study in the capital, especially at an expensive art school, was a considerable burden for the family.

She also wanted to be like some of her classmates, changing her clothes every morning, noon, and night, and wearing head-to-toe designer brands, but she simply couldn't do it.

but,

She wasn't ashamed of it; at most, she would occasionally feel a little awkward and out of place in such a contrasting environment.

She knew in her heart that she was one of the first students in her class to clarify her career direction and sign with a top company. As long as she worked hard, entering the entertainment industry and making money would be a natural thing.

wrong……

Zhang Jingyi silently corrected herself in her heart.

From today onwards, she will probably no longer be the most noticed and dazzling person in the class.

Thinking of the phone call her boss made last night, Zhang Jingyi gently bit her lip and glanced around the classroom with her almond-shaped eyes.

I discovered that the seat I used to sit in last semester had long been taken by other students.

Their experimental class only had 23 students in total, so the classroom was spacious. In addition, there was a strict bottom-ranking elimination system each semester (the bottom eight students were eliminated and moved to regular classes, then the top eight students from the regular classes were added), so seating was basically random.

Many courses are not held in this classroom, so there are no assigned seats.

Obviously,

Some girls don't want to sit with her.

On the campus of Beijing Film Academy, talent scouts from entertainment agencies and assistant directors from film crews often come to scout for new talent.

Although they may not admit it or look down on the so-called "school beauty" title, the girls all know in their hearts that sitting next to a classmate with outstanding appearance, they are likely to become a supporting "green leaf".

Such subtle tactics are not uncommon in highly competitive art schools.

of course,

There were quite a few boys in the class who wanted to sit with her, especially those from wealthy families like Wang Jie, who had been showering her with attention and gifts last semester.

But Zhang Jingyi was very clear-headed and never made the foolish decision to accept anything. She knew that the more reputable and large the company, the more they valued an artist's "clean" past as a newcomer, and any dark history that could be used to create trouble.

For example, accepting expensive gifts or having entangled romantic relationships are potential time bombs in one's career.

She was signed by Zhou Gongzi's company as soon as she entered the school and marketed by the company as the "17 Campus Belle of Beijing Film Academy". She was already receiving a lot of attention on campus. How could she fall into love and ruin her future for a little favor?

Her goals were very clear: build a career! Make money!!

"Phew... thankfully the spot was taken."

Zhang Jingyi secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

She decisively walked to the last row of the classroom, where there was a single empty seat against the wall.

She untied the strap of her schoolbag, stuffed it into the desk drawer, and sat down quietly.

Seeing her choice, some boys showed regret and disappointment, while some girls exchanged glances.

"Jingyi, you must be feeling lonely and uncomfortable sitting alone in the back. Look at my seat, it's spacious here, why don't you sit with me? We can discuss our homework together."

Seeing Zhang Jingyi sitting alone in the back row, Wang Jie immediately came over, put his arm on her desk, leaned forward, and with what he thought was a deep affection in his eyes, extended an invitation in what he considered a gentle tone.

"No, no, really no! I'm perfectly fine sitting here by myself. Thank you for your kindness."

Faced with her face so close, where she could even smell the strong perfume and see the uneven foundation, Zhang Jingyi was startled and leaned back slightly, quickly waving her hand in refusal, her tone firm.

Wang Jie wanted to say something more, trying to persuade her.

However, at this moment——

"Ah ah ah ah ah--"

"Gu Qing!! It's Gu Qing's younger brother! He's here!!!"

A deafening scream, almost enough to lift the roof off, came from afar in the corridor like a tsunami, and quickly approached, clearly penetrating the experimental class classroom.

The commotion was so great that it could not be ignored.

"Holy crap! Gu Qingzhen is here?!"

"Ahhh! Where is it? Where is it? Let me see!"

The students in the experimental class, who had been sitting calmly in their chairs, suddenly sprang to their feet as if springs had been released, the chair legs scraping against the ground with a screeching sound.

Everyone rushed towards the classroom door or crowded around the window, trying to stand on tiptoe and stare wide-eyed out, eager to catch a glimpse of the top star.

Even Zhang Jingyi, who had originally decided to remain calm, couldn't help but tilt her head back slightly out of curiosity, her neck unconsciously craning as she wanted to follow the crowd and take a look.

But remembering her position and her boss's instructions, she forcibly suppressed the impulse, her body slightly tense, her ears perked up, listening for any sounds outside the door, and she sat steadily in her chair.

……

The scene in the hallway outside the classroom briefly spiraled out of control.

"Students, students! Calm down! Today is the first day of school. Have you all completed your registration procedures?"

"Don't push! Don't push! Be careful and don't get hurt!"

"You are here to learn acting and delve into the art of filmmaking, not to chase after celebrities! Students, please remain calm and orderly!"

Zhang Songwen and Zhou Yiwei's voices were almost hoarse from shouting as they struggled to maintain order.

They still greatly underestimated the fervent effect Gu Qing had on the students at Beijing Film Academy.

Despite feeling the still biting cold wind of early spring in the capital, Gu Qing obediently put on the thick down jacket given to her by Brother Chen Long, wrapping herself up tightly, pulling her hat down low, and covering her face with a mask, only revealing her eyes.

However, just as they were about to reach the door of the experimental class classroom, a sharp-eyed student recognized them with delight. A shout rang out, like a boulder thrown into a calm lake, instantly creating ripples. The news spread like wildfire, and students swarmed in from every corner of the teaching building and stairwells, blocking the corridors in layers.

The Beijing Film Academy has approximately five to six thousand students, and it's currently the start of the new semester, so there's a large gathering of people.

In addition, Gu Qing's enrollment in school was already sensational news. Who wouldn't want to see this top celebrity who lives on the hot search and on the screen in person?
Even if only a few percent of the students come to join in the fun, that number is enough to create a spectacular crowd.

Fortunately, the teachers still held considerable authority among the students, and most of the students who came to watch maintained basic rationality and order, without engaging in any dangerous behavior such as pushing, shoving, or pulling.

In addition,

They were just a few steps away from the door of the experimental class classroom.

"Gu, don't respond, let's go, let's go!"

Zhang Songwen seized the opportunity, grabbed Gu Qing's arm, and took advantage of the gap when Zhou Yiwei temporarily blocked the crowd, almost "sprinting" to the door of the experimental class classroom in a few steps.

"boom!"

As soon as I stepped into the classroom, a quick-witted male student in the front row immediately turned around and closed the classroom door, locking it behind him.

In a flash,

The clamor and commotion outside seemed to be shut out into another world, and the classroom became much quieter.

Zhang Songwen let out a long sigh of relief, gave the boy who closed the door an approving look, and quietly gave him a thumbs up.

The boy received the teacher's praise, chuckled shyly, and scratched his head.

Zhou Yiwei: "..."

……

The atmosphere in the classroom reached a new climax the moment Gu Qing entered.

"Gu Qing! Is this Gu Qing?"

"It's Gu Qing's younger brother! He's coming in!"

Wow, it's a real person! I saw a real person!

All the students in the class, whether they were crowding by the window or sitting in their seats, now focused their attention on Gu Qing, who had just escaped danger.

Their eyes either shone like stars or were filled with burning curiosity, and whispers rose and fell among them.

"Hello, classmates."

Gu Qing took a breath, first removing the hood of her down jacket to reveal her slightly disheveled hair, then hooking her finger around the edge of her mask and gently taking it off.

When that face, which has appeared countless times on screens, posters, and trending topics, is finally revealed to the public without any concealment,
The entire classroom seemed to freeze for a moment, as if pressed pause. Then—

"Ahhhh-"

The screams from the female students were just as loud and intense as those outside the door.

"Holy crap! She looks even better than on TV and in heavily edited photos?! Is this level of beauty even real?"

"Of course! Don't you know that the camera widens people and makes makeup look less defined? You're definitely more refined in person!"

"He's too perfect! That skin, those facial proportions... Is this the devastating power of a top-tier celebrity's looks?"

"He doesn't seem to be wearing makeup! He's completely bare-faced! My goodness, his skin is so fair and clear even without makeup, better than mine, and his face is so small, and he's so thin!"

The classroom erupted instantly, filled with gasps of amazement, whispers, and barely suppressed screams.

"Students! Students! Quiet! Please be quiet for a moment!"

Zhang Songwen had to clap his hands forcefully again, raising his voice, and only then was he able to temporarily bring the out-of-control situation under control.
"I am your acting teacher this semester, Zhang Songwen."

He had just finished introducing himself and was about to introduce another teacher when a student eagerly answered:
“We know! The person surrounded outside is Teacher Zhou Yiwei! He is ‘Layman Jiaqian’!”

A knowing burst of laughter immediately filled the classroom.

"Gu... Gu Dingliu, we've all seen your 'Brotherhood of Blades'! You're so handsome!"

"Gu Dingliu, it's said online that you had no martial arts background when you filmed this movie, and that you learned everything on the spot. Also, you did most of the action scenes yourself without using many stunt doubles. Is that true?"

"Brother Gu, how did you come up with the character Yichuan? He's so compelling!"

The students excitedly asked questions all at once, and the classroom became noisy again, filled with their thirst for knowledge (and gossip).

"Many of them are true."

Gu Qing nodded.

"Then what's fake?" a curious student immediately asked.

"You've all seen it; it might be fake."

Gu Qing blinked.

The students were stunned for a moment, then burst into even louder laughter and cheers.

"Hahaha--"

The initial sense of distance and tension caused by the other party's top-tier status dissipated considerably at this moment, and the atmosphere became relaxed and harmonious.

"Ahhh, he's so cute!"

"Gu Qing is just like he is in variety shows and interviews—so approachable and well-behaved, without any airs of a big star!"

"Gu Qing, we've really all seen it! Those who haven't seen it yet will catch up tonight!"

The female students clutched their chests, feeling their hearts race, and suppressed, low screams of excitement rising in their throats.

"Alright, alright, Gu, it seems everyone is very enthusiastic about you."

Zhang Songwen interrupted everyone's questions with a smile, "But now, we need to solve your seating problem first. It seems there aren't any spare sets of desks and chairs in the classroom..."

His gaze swept around the classroom, finally settling on the pile of spare desks and chairs at the very back, beneath the blackboard:
"Gu, could you go over there and bring over a set of tables and chairs to make do for now?"

During this time, I'd like to ask everyone to give a brief self-introduction so we can get to know each other and so you can meet your future classmates.

As soon as Zhang Songwen finished speaking, a chorus of enthusiastic responses erupted in the classroom.

"I'll move it! I'll move it!"

"Gu Dingliu, how could I let you do such rough work!"

"Leave the moving of tables and chairs to us!"

The students were enthusiastic and stood up one after another, vying to help.

Even the girls who usually present themselves as delicate and frail like Lin Daiyu in class seem to be instantly filled with strength, wishing they could immediately transform into Lu Zhishen and uproot the willow tree.

"No need, really no need to trouble everyone."

Seeing this, Gu Qing quickly waved her hand to stop them, "Just call me Gu Qing. Here, I'm just an ordinary student, your classmate, not some celebrity. Please don't be so polite with me, and don't stand on ceremony."

As he spoke, he quickly walked over to the male students who had already stood up and reached out to press them back down.

He smiled at them in a friendly manner.

"No...it's okay."

Upon seeing that smile, the male students blushed deeply, becoming so nervous that they were at a loss for what to do, and some even stammered.

Gu Qing walked straight to the back of the classroom where miscellaneous items were piled up.

There were several sets of unused, slightly worn iron-framed wooden tables and chairs stacked together.

He reached out and grabbed the edge of one of the chairs, pulling it outwards with force. The heavy iron-framed wooden chairs creaked and groaned as they rubbed against each other, and the stacked tables and chairs swayed, looking rather dangerous.

"Be careful!"

"Gu...Gu Qing, let us help you. This is a bit heavy and difficult to move."

Seeing this, the students' hearts were in their throats.

The two male students sitting closest to them in the back row immediately got up and quickly walked over.

One person helped to hold up the swaying table and chairs.

The other person deftly helped Gu Qing move the chair down, and then moved down a matching table.

The two of them glanced around at the available spaces, then naturally moved the desk and chair to the only empty spot in the classroom.

That is, next to the empty seat next to the school beauty, her desk was placed side by side with hers.

Seeing a thin layer of dust on the tables and chairs, one of the boys thoughtfully used his jacket sleeve to quickly wipe the surfaces clean.

The class originally had 23 students, but with Gu Qing's desk and chair, there were exactly 24 seats, making the classroom feel very crowded.

"Thank you, classmates, you've worked hard."

Gu Qing brushed the dust off their sleeves, then held out her hand to thank them.
The two boys were taken aback at first, their faces turning bright red, and then they shook hands awkwardly and shyly, saying, "You're welcome, you're welcome."

Then, envious exclamations rang out in the classroom.

After thanking him again, Gu Qing sat down on the chair that had just been wiped clean.

His backpack was still in the dormitory, so he was finally able to relax.

"My God! Why didn't I think of sitting in the last empty seat?!"

"Jingyi is so lucky! She actually became Gu Qing's deskmate!!"

"I can't take it anymore, I'm getting jealous! Jealousy is making me unrecognizable!!"

"Is it too late to switch seats with her now?"

The female students felt their hearts breaking when they saw the two people sitting side by side in the last row.

At this moment, Gu Qing, who was sitting in his seat, turned his gaze to his temporary deskmate.

He noticed that the other person seemed a little nervous, their whole body was slightly hunched over, almost pressed against the wall.

Out of politeness, and also to break the awkward silence, Gu Qing naturally turned her head and took the initiative to greet her: "Hello, classmate."

"Hello...hello."

Zhang Jingyi felt her limbs stiffen and her heart pounding wildly.

This is different from what the boss said. Why did he come here on his own? Wasn't it arranged by the teacher?
She found the scene a bit unbelievable; could it really be that magical?
She took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing heart, and gently lifted her head to look at the incredibly popular idol beside her, who was always the center of attention.

The moment our eyes met——

Both of them were stunned at the same time.

Zhang Jingyi felt her mind go blank with a "buzz".

As a student, she had never seen such a face before.

Even in art colleges, there are very few guys who can truly be considered handsome.

Even Guan Xiaotong, who was the school beauty last year, was still criticized by many viewers as being unsophisticated and lacking charm.

This shows just how rare truly beautiful faces are.

But now,
She dares to guarantee,

This was the most perfect and impactful face I had ever seen since birth; it was a direct hit.

Its indescribable beauty, carrying a vivid charm that cannot be fully conveyed on screen, makes it hard for anyone who sees it up close not to be mesmerized.

Gu Qing was also momentarily stunned when she saw her classmate's face.

He even blinked hard unconsciously to make sure he wasn't hallucinating because he hadn't slept well the night before.

However, after looking again and confirming that it was correct, his mind involuntarily went blank for a second.
Then a huge, absurd question mark popped up:
"Has Li Binbin gone mad???"

He clearly remembered that last night on the phone, Li Binbin told him personally that the newcomer she was going to introduce to him, whom her company was heavily promoting, was named "Zhou Ye," and was a sophomore at the Beijing Film Academy.

But how did she end up in a freshman year?

And so, by sheer coincidence, she became his deskmate?

This woman is going to extreme lengths to get people into her room!

……

……

(End of this chapter)