Top Chinese celebrity: Debuted from Running Man

Chapter 390 Shuangzi? (7k)
……

……

"Lili, Uncle Shen, you must seize this opportunity."

Teacher He gave a look and said no more. He picked up his wine glass and took a sip, leaving enough space for the two of them to figure it out on their own.

The moment he finished speaking——

With a "whoosh,"
As if his seat had been fitted with powerful springs, Shen Teng sprang up like an arrow, his heels seemingly stepping on Nezha's Wind Fire Wheels, and in the blink of an eye, he was beside Gu Qing.

His face was full of smiles, and the wrinkles at the corners of his eyes were so vivid that they seemed to be able to trap a flying bee.

"Little Gu! Brother Gu!"

Shen Teng, using a high-pitched, exaggeratedly affectionate voice, placed his hands, which had created countless laughs on stage, on Gu Qing's shoulders.

"Is it comfortable? How's the pressure, bro? I'm a professional level eight massage therapist, with family-inherited skills!"

As he spoke, he vigorously massaged his shoulders and back, his posture exactly like a fawning steward in an ancient costume drama, as if "Hao Jian" had possessed him.

But strangely enough,
His cheeky, even slightly greasy, demeanor, however, was so naturally funny and sincere that it was not at all annoying; on the contrary, it made people laugh.

"Little brother, sweetheart, honey~ what do you think of your sister?"

Seeing that Shen Teng was so "cooperative," Mary naturally wasn't going to be outdone. She tightly grasped Gu Qing's right hand with both hands, held it in front of her chest, and flirted with him in a coquettish manner.

However, her thick eyelashes blinked like uncontrolled windshield wipers, at an absurdly fast frequency, making her look both hard-working and comical, maximizing the comedic effect.

"Sister Mary, what are you doing?!"

The short time they spent together had already given Xiao Zhao an accent.

At that moment, he was so shocked that his mouth dropped open and he almost dropped his chopsticks on the table.

I was just thinking of becoming sworn brothers with you and forming an "older man-younger man alliance," and you turned around and went after my family... uh, my younger brother?
This scene of being "attacked from both sides" made Teacher He laugh so hard he almost cried.

"Brother Teng, Sister Mary, please stop fooling around."

Gu Qing was both amused and exasperated by the two of them. After finally managing to free her hand from Mary's "control," she said helplessly, "Writing songs isn't something that can be done overnight; it requires inspiration and time."

And, did you really not decide on a theme song for your movie?

What if the production company or director already has a plan, or has already commissioned someone else to write it? If I interfere, wouldn't I be seen as the villain stealing their job?

As a former cover singer, he naturally remembers clearly the deeply moving theme song "Just Once" from the movie "Goodbye Mr. Loser" in his previous life.

This song has a beautiful melody, heartfelt lyrics, and sincere emotions. It was a phenomenal film and television theme song back then, and it moved countless viewers to tears.
It is definitely a classic and played an indispensable role in boosting the film's box office.

"No! Absolutely not! I swear on the lamp!"

Seeing that he had a chance, Shen Teng's expression instantly switched from casual to extremely serious. He even raised his right hand as if to swear an oath.

"Xiao Gu, to be honest, the production cost of this movie alone has already put our Mahua Troupe at a loss, and we're about to have to sell everything we own."

The budget for later promotional activities was even more stretched thin.

He sighed, his tone tinged with bitterness: "The theme song we're missing, we originally planned to get it after we finished appearing on He Jiong's Happy Camp..."
Capitalizing on the popularity generated by the show, find a singer or musician with whom you have a good relationship and a reasonable price, and commission a song that's just so-so.

How could I possibly hope for masterpieces by famous authors...?

"That's it..."

Gu Qing nodded thoughtfully.

But before he could finish speaking, Teacher He, who had just been trying his best to help Shen Teng and Mary get a chance, immediately frowned with worry when he heard the words "spending more than he earns".

Shen Teng and Mary are his friends, and so is Gu Qing.
Even close brothers should keep clear accounts.

"Uncle Shen, Lili, I understand the situation. But I have to remind you, my brother's songwriting now... the market price isn't low."

Teacher He carefully chose his words, "The crew of 'The Great Wall' unintentionally revealed during the Spring Festival that the fee for my brother to write a song was... five million."

"My God! Five million?!"

Mary was stunned by the number, her hand holding the cup trembled slightly, "Even if we sold both of us, we couldn't raise that much money!"

She looked at Shen Teng with a mournful face.

The total production cost of their film, even after piecing together various resources, barely reached 2000 million.

Inviting a single song would cost a quarter of the production budget? That's simply unbelievable!

"So what if it's five million?! The person sitting in front of us is the highest-grossing Chinese film in history! He's worth that much!"

Shen Teng gritted his teeth, a desperate glint in his eyes, "This money... I'll find a way! Even if I have to sell everything I own, I'll scrape together this money!"

He paid close attention to online news and industry opinions.

The movie "The Great Wall" barely grossed over 8 million yuan at the box office and was heavily criticized by countless moviegoers as a terrible film.
They're saying things like "the only highlight of the whole film is Gu Qing's song" and "Gu Qing's song alone is worth 700 million yuan at the box office!"
There were actually quite a few viewers who went to the cinema specifically to hear the song "Fate Bridge" in the theater.

In Shen Teng's view, Gu Qing's song is the only investment in the "Great Wall" project that has an extremely high cost-performance ratio.

He can distinguish between what's important and what's not. If he can really get Gu Qing to sing, it would be a qualitative leap for the movie.

"Lili, what's the maximum budget you can come up with right now?"

Teacher He felt a pang of sympathy seeing Mary and Shen Teng's anxious and embarrassed expressions.

He quickly weighed the pros and cons in his mind, preparing himself mentally.

If the funding shortfall isn't too huge, he's willing to use his own money or his connections to help his two talented but unlucky apprentices.

He believes that with Mary and Shen Teng's comedic talent and audience appeal, even if the film doesn't become a huge hit, it should still have a good chance of recouping its costs.

At this moment, Sister Zhao, with great shrewdness, kept her head down and focused on the food in her bowl, seemingly oblivious to the negotiation involving a "huge sum" and determined not to get involved.

"The money issue... there's really no need to rush."

Seeing the tense atmosphere at the dinner table, which had become strained again due to the exorbitant cost, Gu Qing felt a sense of unease.

He smiled helplessly and broke the silence, "How about this, Brother Teng, if you have the full script for the movie, and a rough cut, send it to me later."

I need to understand the story's plot and its core emotions.

After a moment's thought, he gave a clear timeline: "I will make a demo of the song and send it to you for a listen in three days to a week."

At last,
He offered a very generous condition that Shen Teng and Mary found hard to believe: "As for the fee, there is no need to pay in advance."

"Once the movie is released, if it becomes a huge hit like we're hoping for, and we make money, then you can settle the songwriting fee with me according to market rates."

He spoke in a relaxed tone, with complete trust and a hint of teasing: "After all, you are people that Teacher He values, and you won't run away."

Even if they really ran away, I'll go to Teacher He; he's the guarantor.

"Haha, no problem! I'll be the guarantor!"

Teacher He knew that Gu Qing was joking to ease the atmosphere, but he responded with utmost seriousness and solemnity, and he admired Gu Qing's character even more.

Gu Qing's words, which were like sending charcoal in snowy weather, and Teacher He's unwavering support, instantly broke Mary's defenses, who had already experienced the coldness and warmth of human relationships in the entertainment industry.

Tears fell uncontrollably like beads from a broken string, and she quickly lowered her head, wiping them haphazardly with the back of her hand.

Even Shen Teng, who is usually known for his comedic persona, had his eyes quickly redden and become moist.

He took a deep breath, trying to calm his surging emotions. His voice was choked with barely perceptible sobs as he spoke with utmost sincerity: "Little Gu... I won't say anything more... I'll remember this!"

"Thanks for your kind words. If this movie really becomes a hit, I absolutely... absolutely will give you a super big red envelope!! I mean it!"

With the biggest weight lifted from their hearts and the heavy financial burden lifted, Mary and Shen Teng were completely at ease.

They fully utilized their comedic talents, delivering witty remarks and jokes, recounting various embarrassing and amusing anecdotes from rehearsals and performances.
This caused a burst of laughter throughout the table, creating an atmosphere that was more relaxed and pleasant than ever before.

This delightful lunch, which lasted for nearly two hours, finally came to a successful conclusion in a harmonious and warm atmosphere.

……

After a satisfying meal, one might think of... cough cough, I mean, think of taking a nap.

Sister Zhao solemnly and righteously suggested that everyone might as well find a hotel nearby, book a room by the hour, and take a nap.

The reason given was that "it's too obvious to be seen during the day, and there are too many people. It's safer and more pleasant to go out together after dark, under the cover of darkness."

After a long day of travel, Teacher He and his group were indeed quite tired, so they didn't think much of the suggestion and readily agreed.

Gu Qing raised her wrist to check the time; the hands pointed to one o'clock in the afternoon.

He understood.
Well… it’s only a little past one. It seems that a… uh, a ‘fierce battle’ is inevitable before nightfall.

……

Five hours passed in the blink of an eye.

Time flies, and the sky outside the window has darkened, with the streetlights just coming on.

Gu Qing was refreshed and in high spirits, like a warrior who had just won an important battle. He calmly straightened his collar and walked out of the door leading to victory.

Wearing sunglasses, he walked towards the elevator, intending to meet everyone at the agreed-upon location first.

As soon as I reached the elevator lobby, I unexpectedly bumped into Mary, who was already waiting there.

"Sister Mary, are you leaving so early?" Gu Qing raised her hand in greeting and asked with some surprise.

"Hey, I can do my makeup quickly. I can just do it in the car without wasting any time."

Mary explained with a smile.

She changed out of her slightly formal clothes, wearing a casual denim jacket and shorts, showing off her healthy, well-proportioned, and energetic figure.

With her signature bright red hair, she looked stylish and energetic.

Gu Qingxin suddenly realized why she could be so infatuated with Uncle Shen and never forget him.

The two chatted and laughed as they entered the elevator and headed toward the hotel car parked outside.

Not long after getting on the bus,

Teacher He, Shen Teng, and Sister Zhao, who arrived last but looked radiant yet seemed a little weak in the legs and walked with a slight limp, all arrived one after another.

The group finally set off and began their evening stroll.

They drove aimlessly through the capital's nightscape, stopping whenever they came across a nice-looking shopping district or an interesting market.
The two ladies were allowed to go in and browse around with great interest, buying some trinkets.

Occasionally, when they encounter fans who recognize them, they will stop to take photos and sign autographs in a friendly manner, creating a relaxed and casual atmosphere.

Gu Qing didn't waste this precious time either.

He leaned back in the comfortable seat, his mind already replaying, conceiving, and rewriting the melody and lyrics of the song "Just Once" from his past life, striving to retain its essence while better matching the emotional tone of the movie "Goodbye Mr. Loser".

after all,

After Sister Zhao "surrendered," he was told that he had to catch a flight in the early morning to leave that very night.

With some free time tomorrow, Gu Qing can go to her familiar recording studio and record a demo of this song.

In a few days, I will be able to send this "gift" to Shen Teng, who is eagerly waiting for it.

that's it,
The two-day holiday, which was fulfilling and busy, flew by.

When the new week of school started, Gu Qing received good news from Zhao Ya, who rushed back home on Sunday night.

"Boss, the 'Love O2O' production team has successfully reached a cooperation agreement with the Beijing Film Academy, and most of the filming scenes will be held on campus!"

Zhao Ya said excitedly, "The production team just contacted me to ask if they could release the news online first that you have been confirmed to play the male lead?"
Next weekend, once they've assembled the director and key crew members, they'll immediately come to the capital to meet with you and discuss the contract signing details.

Gu Qing naturally wouldn't refuse, as this was originally part of the plan.

"Sure, just have them follow the procedures."

The Beijing Film Academy certainly didn't open its doors to Gu Qing simply because she was a student there.

In order to allow the film crew to film on campus, they also made an additional condition: that the film crew release some minor supporting roles so that students from the Beijing Film Academy could audition for them.

After all, the male lead of this TV series is Gu Qing. Has any of his dramas not become popular?

Once this news is announced
If the students at Beijing Film Academy knew this, I'm afraid even the third and fourth-year students would rush back to campus to seize this rare opportunity.

……

"Okay, boss! I'll send the message back right away."

Zhao Yali readily agreed, then added expectantly and shrewdly, "It seems the production team wants to attract more investors and other important actors by releasing the good news of your joining the project, thereby increasing the overall value of the project."

Her eyes sparkled, with a hint of calculation: "By the way, boss, now that your 'Detective Chinatown' has broken film history records, its commercial value will definitely soar to a new peak."

"Should we raise the revenue sharing percentage a bit more when we discuss the contract for 'Love O2O'? That's a great bargaining chip for us!"

"Profit sharing?"

Hearing this, Gu Qing shook her head, "No, for this film, we'll take a fixed salary, not a share of the profits."

"Huh? Why?!"

Zhao Ya was completely stunned, her face full of confusion and bewilderment. "Boss, you...you don't think this script is good? You don't think it will be a hit?"

This is completely out of character for the boss – he has always been known for his sharp insight and adventurous spirit!
"I have high hopes for this script; it's very likely to be a hit."

Gu Qing spoke calmly, then offered a seemingly reasonable excuse, "But a fixed salary is more stable, isn't it?"

This also saves me from the company constantly pressuring me to make money and meet the so-called annual revenue targets.

Now that they've received their paychecks for this film, they should be able to take a break for a while this year.

He said it with a smile, as if he just wanted some peace and quiet.

However, in Gu Qing's heart, she was secretly thinking:
Who would dare to claim a share of the profits from the drama "Love O2O"?!
If he remembers correctly, the female lead of this drama will most likely be "Sister Shuang".

This is the most famous top-tier "innocent flower" and "time bomb" in the history of the Chinese entertainment industry.

In a few years, he will do a series of earth-shattering and outrageous things, which will directly lead to all the works he has participated in being implicated and facing the risk of being taken down.

Gu Qing must be insane to sign such a sustainable profit-sharing contract!

Logically, a better approach would have been for him to personally speak up and use his top-tier influence to clearly inform the production team that he did not wish to work with a certain actor.

In this era where traffic is king, never underestimate the status and influence of a top male influencer.

In the past, casting for TV dramas was often dominated by directors, investors, and funders.

But nowadays, a single sentence from a male actor of similar status with strong market appeal...

This often determines whether an actress of the same or even higher caliber will be selected.

Even if the other party is a top-tier actress who is currently very popular, it is no exception.

If Gu Qing simply says, "I don't want to act with so-and-so," then after weighing the pros and cons, the production team will most likely comply with the wishes of this "ratings guarantee."

unless,

That actor has such a powerful background that even the production crew has to give him a wide berth.

But right now, Gu Qing doesn't want to be the "bad guy".

The reason is that he also had some concerns deep down.

He worried that if the female lead from his previous life was replaced, the overall chemistry and final quality of the drama might not be as successful as he remembered.

This is a mentality of seeking stability that arises from having a "God's-eye view".

Gu Qing was confident that her performance could surpass that of the original male lead, but that did not mean that the other actresses who were temporarily replaced could achieve or even surpass the wonderful "CP feeling" and popularity brought by the original female lead.

Anyway, it's still several years before "Sister Shuang" completely collapses her image, so let's first grab the traffic and benefits from this drama.

Gu Qing felt that she should continue acting and filming as usual, and once the series became a huge hit, she should keep her distance from the other party and avoid excessive private interactions.

Before the original version of "Love O2O" was taken down, the male lead Yang Zi was not greatly affected or negatively impacted.

Moreover, Gu Qing's current influence and her team's crisis management capabilities are far superior to those of her contemporaries in her previous life.

and,

The biggest reason he dared not play the "bad guy" was his fear of Shuangzi's extremely powerful fans and her unpredictable personality.

The production team will certainly not take the blame voluntarily. Once they decide to replace the actor, they will definitely tell the other party the truth: it is Gu Qing's side that does not want to cooperate.

What if, in the event that "Sister Shuang" finds out, she goes on a "crazy" rampage and recklessly exposes the matter to the public?

Gu Qing will inevitably be caught in a huge public opinion storm, causing immeasurable damage to the good reputation she has painstakingly built.

It's worth noting that before her career completely collapsed, this actress was the "white moonlight" in the hearts of countless young men and women, thanks to her role as "Chu Yuxun" in "Meteor Shower."
The loyalty and fighting spirit of their fans are unparalleled in the Chinese entertainment industry, comparable to the "celestial fans" at their peak.

Gu Qing didn't want to inexplicably provoke this issue and get herself into trouble.

After much thought,

The safest approach is to focus on his own performance, secure his salary, and perform his role well, regardless of who the production team ultimately casts for the female lead.

Risks must be kept within an acceptable range.

……

"It's time for class."

On Monday morning, the alarm rang on time, and Gu Qing got out of bed briskly and began to wash up.

By Sunday evening, he had already returned to Professor Zhang Songwen's residence, thus avoiding the embarrassment of being ambushed by the ever-present media at the school gate the next morning.

"Teacher Zhang, I'm going to school now."

"Okay, be careful on the road, Gu."

"Teacher, please don't get up to prepare breakfast for me anymore. You can sleep in a little longer. I've asked my assistant to prepare some simple bread and milk, just enough for a quick bite."

As Gu Qing spoke, she skillfully took out the breakfast her assistant had prepared in advance from the refrigerator. Before Teacher Zhang Songwen could refute her, she waved her hand, took the breakfast, and walked out of the house.

……

The journey to the teaching building was not as smooth as it had been during the first week of school.

Many "interested" classmates seemed to have found out that he was temporarily staying in the teachers' apartment. They deliberately timed his classes and loitered downstairs and along the only route to the classroom, creating various "chance encounters".

Gu Qing found it somewhat amusing, but she understood her classmates' curiosity and enthusiasm. She didn't expose their little schemes, but simply maintained a polite and distant smile and nodded in acknowledgment.

Since he was going to be acting in a campus drama, he was happy to take advantage of these opportunities to quietly observe the expressions, behavior and youthful energy of his classmates, and to capture some of the real campus atmosphere for himself.

Although he was about the same age as his classmates, his behavior and mentality were completely unlike those of a student.

When Gu Qing arrived at the corridor where the performing arts classrooms were located, she could see many heads and upper bodies sticking out of the windows from a distance. The students were waving enthusiastically and greeting her in waves.
"Good morning, Brother Gu!"

"What are you calling Brother Gu! Now you should call him 'Brother Three Hundred Million'!" someone shouted.

"My god, 300 million yuan for one movie, that's terrifying! Gu Dingliu, are you still taking on godsons? I don't want to work hard anymore!" a boy wailed dramatically.

“Actually… a goddaughter would also work…” another female voice said jokingly, half-jokingly, which caused a burst of laughter.

"Everyone, stop fooling around."

Gu Qing smiled and waved, walking into the classroom amidst a sea of ​​eager gazes.

"Brother Gu, don't worry!"

As soon as I entered the classroom, some classmates gathered around to boast, "Those who wanted to bring breakfast or pass love letters, regardless of gender, we all helped keep them out of the way for you!"
After much persuasion, I managed to convince you to go back. I promise your desktop will be spotless and undisturbed!

Another student chimed in, his tone tinged with genuine regret: "It's such a shame... We can't get those all sorts of free breakfasts anymore; they were one of our daily sources of joy!"

"thanks everyone."

Upon hearing this, Gu Qing sincerely thanked him, "How about this, after class, or when everyone is tired from rehearsals, whatever you want to eat or drink for afternoon tea, it's on me, it's on me."

Consider this a way of thanking the students for their hard work.

"Wow!! Gu Ding-Liu is so magnanimous!!"

Cheers and applause erupted in the classroom.

For Gu Qing, this expense is probably less than a fraction of the milk tea he used to treat all the extras and crew members to when he was on set.

However, it brings a peaceful campus life and good interpersonal relationships, making it a worthwhile "investment".

Back in my window seat, I heard a soft, slightly nervous voice beside me.

Good morning, Gu Qing.

After a week of spending time together, Zhang Jingyi seemed to have finally mustered a bit of courage and was able to lift her head when Gu Qing sat down.

Make a brief, less than one-second eye contact with him and greet him quietly.

Of course, that was all. After making eye contact, she quickly lowered her head, her fair earlobes turning slightly red.

Good morning, Jingyi.

Gu Qing chuckled and nodded, then sat down naturally. His gaze swept over the slightly oversized black school uniform commonly seen at the Beijing Film Academy, worn by his deskmate.

With no change in expression, he smiled and asked, "Did you go out and have some fun this weekend? Experience the spring in the capital?"

"Ah I?"

Zhang Jingyi seemed surprised that Gu Qing would initiate a casual conversation with her. She looked up in a fluster, her eyes flickering with uncertainty.

"You're my only deskmate. There's no one else besides you."

Gu Qing chuckled and deliberately looked around, as if to make sure she hadn't sat in the wrong seat.

This little joke made Zhang Jingyi's lips involuntarily curve into a small smile.

But then she immediately realized something, and quickly pursed her lips, trying to suppress the smile, her voice barely audible: "No... I didn't play much."

The main reason is... my boss came to see me.

"Senior Zhou Xun?"

Upon hearing this, Gu Qing became somewhat interested, and her tone became more respectful.

He has always held this veteran actor, renowned for his talent and acting skills, in high esteem.

Don't say anything else,

Among the "Four Dan and Two Bing" actresses, Xun Gongzi's acting skills are absolutely recognized as top-notch, making him a good actor that the public can admire.

"Yes...it's Sister Zhou Xun."

Zhang Jingyi responded softly.
She secretly raised her eyelids and glanced quickly at Gu Qing, her eyes filled with a conflicted look of unspoken words and an unspeakable shyness.
Her little mouth opened and closed repeatedly, but she couldn't utter a single word.

"what happened?"

Gu Qing found her expression amusing. "Your boss... he's not saying he's coming to invite you to dinner, and then asking you to invite me along, is he?"

however,
Who would have thought——

His casual joke made Zhang Jingyi's eyes widen instantly, and her mouth opened in surprise into a round "O" shape.

Then, under Gu Qing's smiling but gradually astonished gaze, she nodded heavily.

"Sister Zhou Xun... she's already at school."

"She wants me to invite you to dinner."

"Thank you... thank you for taking care of me."

……

……

(End of this chapter)