Top Chinese celebrity: Debuted from Running Man

Chapter 415 Reunion in Langya, A Promise to Play the Script (6.2k Update)
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The core members of the "Nirvana in Fire" production team had already arrived in Kyoto and booked a five-star hotel in the city center to welcome the main actors as they checked in.

They were the first to inform Gu Qing of the assembly, yet they gave this absolute protagonist the most flexible schedule—

They only need to arrive the night before the show's recording, unlike other actors who need to rehearse and coordinate one or two days in advance.

Everyone in the production team knew perfectly well that Gu Qing was currently at the peak of her popularity in the Chinese entertainment industry.

Given his extremely tight schedule to accommodate the filming of "Love O2O", his timely appearance was already a huge favor; how could I dare to ask for more?

therefore,

As Gu Qing's black van smoothly drove into the hotel's underground parking garage, the actors from "Nirvana in Fire" who had come to promote the show...
Most of them had checked in a day or two ago and were now resting or working on their drafts in their rooms.

Upon receiving the news, directors Kong Sheng and Li Xue, along with the core producer of Zhengwu Sunshine, were already waiting at the private elevator entrance in the hotel lobby.

This spectacle drew the attention of passing staff and guests.

The elevator doors opened with a "ding," and Gu Qing stepped out, accompanied by an assistant.

He was dressed in a simple white casual shirt and dark trousers today, looking refreshing. As soon as he looked up, he heard that long-lost and affectionate address.

"Chang Su is here?" Director Kong Sheng asked with a broad smile.

Director Li Xue then quipped, "It's been a long time since we last met. Our Qilin Talent is still as dashing as ever. His overall demeanor is even more impressive than when he was in the Jiangzuo Alliance."

The two calls of "Chang Su" and "Qilin Talent" were like two keys that instantly unlocked the floodgates of Gu Qing's memory, causing him to momentarily lose his senses.

A long-lost yet incredibly familiar feeling welled up inside me.
That was the unique mark left on "Mei Changsu" from the months-long filming of "Nirvana in Fire".

In just over two years since his debut, he has played quite a few roles, including Sha Qianmo, Jin Yichuan, Er Yuehong, Xu Yi, and many more.

But if we talk about which role had the most profound impact on him personally and was the most difficult to create, without a doubt, it would be "Mei Changsu".

Although "Nirvana in Fire" was later criticized when compared to top historical dramas on certain levels, that was already an extremely high benchmark.

Horizontal comparison,

Especially compared with popular idol dramas on the market, its solid script, three-dimensional characters, and grand scale are almost overwhelming, and far surpass any role Gu Qing has played before.

The character "Mei Changsu"
For Gu Qing, who was used to the acting style of idol dramas, it was a transformative challenge.

He carries the deep-seated hatred of the 70,000 loyal souls of the Chiyan Army, yet he must, with his frail body, carefully navigate the court to clear their names.
He was incredibly intelligent and resourceful, with flawless strategies, yet deep within his heart lay the pure heart of Lin Shu and endless pain.

This extreme complexity requires actors to possess strong emotional control and highly nuanced performances, showcasing both the strategist's forbearance, restraint, and unfathomable depth, while also revealing genuine emotions that cannot be completely concealed in subtle ways.

The drama features numerous scenes of restraint where "silence speaks louder than words," deeply burying negative emotions such as sorrow, pain, and loneliness within.

The performance style, which relied solely on eye contact and micro-expressions, once put Gu Qing under immense pressure.

He couldn't even remember how he completed the second half of the filming after he was completely "in character".

That state of perfect fusion between soul and role is both painful and exhilarating.

So much so that for a long time after filming wrapped, the melancholy and heavy sense of destiny associated with "Mei Changsu" remained with him like a shadow.

Completely stripping away and returning to the pure "Gu Qing" is surprisingly difficult.

Fortunately,

Just as he was deeply immersed in the afterglow of the role, the entertainment industry timely provided a "powerful antidote."

The movie "So Young 2: Never Gone," starring Qian Ge, has been released.

"Aaaaaah~ Su Yunjin, how are you going to pay me back for what you owe me?!"

On the big screen,

Brother Qian's breathtaking acting skills and memorable scenes worthy of being recorded in film history were like a thunderclap, instantly pulling Gu Qing out of the deep and tragic atmosphere of "Mei Changsu".

This brought him back to reality, leaving him both amused and exasperated.

"Director Kong, Director Li, Producer Hou, it's been a long time!"

Gu Qing quickly composed herself, a sincere and warm smile spreading across her face. She strode forward and gave each of the three key members of the production team a firm hug, then humbly shook hands with the staff who came to greet her.

The group exchanged pleasantries and escorted him toward the elevator leading to the guest rooms.

"Director, has everyone arrived for this promotional event?"

Stepping into the resplendent elevator car, Gu Qing inquired.

"We've almost arrived."

Director Kong Sheng replied, "The main actors who came to participate in the promotional program this time are: Lin Chen, Jing Yan, Jing Xuan, Meng Zhi... There are ten people in total."

"The veteran actors who played Emperor Liang and Lord Yan are getting on in years, so we're trying to minimize their travel and focus on resting and recuperating."

He paused, then added, "It's just that Nihuang is still on her way. Her assistant just called and said she just boarded the plane and probably won't arrive until dinner time tonight."

Between words,

Director Kong also expressed deep nostalgia and emotion, subconsciously referring to the actors by the names of their characters in the drama, which has become a habit and tacit understanding among the "Nirvana in Fire" crew.

For him, directing "Nirvana in Fire" was an extremely valuable experience.

The entire crew had a harmonious atmosphere, like a big family. From the main actors to the supporting actors, everyone delivered excellent performances and were fully committed. Everyone was determined to create a great work together.

It is a great fortune for the director to have such a group of excellent and "obedient" actors.

"Everyone's here..."

Gu Qing nodded silently, the warmth in her heart from the long-awaited reunion growing stronger.

When the elevator arrived at the designated floor, Gu Qing instructed his assistant Zhao Ya, "Sister Xiao Ya, could you please put your luggage in the room first? I'm going to check on Brother Jin and Brother Kai."

"Assistant Xiaoya, Teacher Gu's room is in the presidential suite on the top floor. Here is the room key. I'll take you there."

Immediately, a staff member stepped forward and handed Zhao Ya an elegant room key.

Subsequently,

Accompanied by directors Kong Sheng and Li Xue, Gu Qing arrived at the floor where the actors were gathered.

They knocked on the doors of Jin Dong, Wang Kai, Liu Yijun, "Big Sister" Liu Mintao, and others in turn.

"Chang Su?!"

"Lin Shu, it's been a long time!"

"Gu Qing!"

"Xiao Gu!"

The actors behind each door, upon opening the door and seeing Gu Qing, all had expressions of surprise that quickly transformed into undisguised delight.

They addressed Gu Qing in different ways; some were still immersed in the character's identity in the drama, while others called her by her real name, but their heartfelt enthusiasm and warmth were exactly the same.

They hugged, patted each other on the shoulder, and looked each other over to check their complexion, exchanging familiar jokes and caring greetings...

The atmosphere instantly returned to the harmonious and warm feeling they had when they were on set.

"Brother Jin, Brother Kai, Teacher Liu... Sister Mintao."

Gu Qing always wore a warm smile as he met with these seniors and colleagues from the entertainment industry one by one.

His attitude remained humble, friendly, and polite, showing no trace of the airs of a top celebrity. He seemed more like a beloved, humble, and courteous junior in the film industry.

This attitude, in the eyes of some outsiders who are "well-versed" in the rules of the industry, would seem unbelievable, or even "condescending."

Given Gu Qing's current status, there is absolutely no need for him to take the initiative to visit these actors whose status in the entertainment industry is far inferior to his.

According to the common "rules" in the industry
Even if he just stays in his room, some of these people will naturally try to visit him and catch up with him in order to maintain their connections and become familiar with him.

after all,

In the first half of 2017, the traditional "precedence of superiors and inferiors" in the Chinese entertainment industry seemed to have been overturned to some extent.

The saying "the superior is superior to the inferior" truly reflects the reality of certain traffic-driven ecosystems.

Young male idols and popular celebrities are enjoying the market benefits pioneered by the four original top stars, entering a golden age of prosperity and success.

They seem to be universally loved wherever they go, with no shortage of acting opportunities, fans, or media exposure.

Wherever they go, they are often treated with great care by staff and some partners.

In fact, some major internet companies have already sensed the business opportunity and are making intensive preparations for various online talent shows, intending to generate new traffic in bulk.

Many talent agencies, like sharks smelling blood, are indiscriminately searching for outstanding young people.
After a little training, they couldn't wait to launch their products to the market, dreaming of replicating the success of top influencers.

however,
Gu Qing knew better than anyone that every gift bestowed by fate had already been secretly priced.

No one understands better than him what kind of massive backlash and industry scrutiny the so-called "young heartthrobs" and "traffic stars" will face in the second half of the year.

His humility at this moment is, firstly, naturally, a matter of his nature.

When facing these senior actors who have been in the industry longer than us, have superb acting skills, and are sincere in their dealings with others, maintaining politeness and respect is a basic quality of being a person, regardless of their status.

Secondly, it is also a way of preparing for the future.

He was well aware that in the upcoming wave of criticism in the second half of the year targeting industry malpractices such as acting skills based on popularity and professionalism,

As a recognized top celebrity, he is bound to become the target of public criticism and be pushed to the forefront of controversy.

At this moment, these sincere, low-key, and respectful behaviors towards their seniors are all ways of pre-emptively gilding themselves with a protective "golden shield."
Use facts and word-of-mouth to deal with any potential doubts and attacks.

After meeting and catching up briefly with all the actors from "Nirvana in Fire" who arrived today,

Directors Kong Sheng and Li Xue, as the hosts, had already booked a private room at a nearby restaurant famous for its exquisite Huaiyang cuisine to welcome all the main creative team members who had traveled from afar.

"Changsu, let's go, it's time to eat. I've specially arranged this gathering; it's not easy for our entire crew to get together like this, so we definitely need to have a good chat tonight."

Director Kong Sheng personally came to Gu Qing's room and knocked on the door to invite her.

Gu Qing had changed into more comfortable casual clothes, opened the door, and explained with a smile, "Director Kong, you guys go first, I'll go later."

I want to wait for Sister Tao; her plane should be landing soon.

Kong Sheng's eyes lit up when he saw Gu Qing after she opened the door.

The young man before me, whose face was still youthful and inexperienced, had changed out of his slightly formal white shirt and put on a light gray soft knit sweater, paired with slim-fitting black trousers.

She had shed the aloofness, pallor, and frailty of her "Mei Changsu" days, appearing exceptionally upright, refreshing, and full of youthful vigor and vitality.

That flawless face now wore a relaxed smile, a stark contrast to the frail, perpetually melancholic strategist of just a few months prior. "Truly, one man with a thousand faces!"

Kong Sheng sincerely admired him in his heart. Whether it was the elegant and handsome look in ancient costumes or the sunny and dashing look in modern clothes, he could easily handle all kinds of completely different looks and give them a unique aesthetic.

This kind of exquisite beauty and strong versatility is undoubtedly the type of actor that directors dream of most.

"Let's go!"

Kong Sheng snapped out of his daze and grabbed Gu Qing's arm without saying a word, jokingly saying, "How can this be? If you don't go, how can we have this dinner party?"

You're the key person for us tonight! Don't worry.
I immediately contacted Nihuang and asked her to meet me at the restaurant. With someone as important as you not there, how could we dare to even touch the food?

As he pulled Gu Qingchao toward the elevator, he asked with concern, "I'd like to ask you about your recent situation."

I heard you've been filming on the Beijing Film Academy campus? Is it an idol drama? What's the specific genre?

Gu Qing was being pulled away, smiling helplessly as she followed his lead and replied, "It's a youth idol drama about online games. The male and female leads meet, get to know each other, and fall in love through the game. The story is generally lighthearted, heartwarming, and peaceful."

"Online games? Dating?"

Upon hearing this, Director Kong Sheng frowned almost imperceptibly, his tone carrying a hint of elder's concern and regret, "Chang Su, I'm not saying this to be mean, but it's such a pity that you don't use your unique classical temperament to film more period dramas."

Of course, modern dramas are also great. You can try some with stronger emotional tension and more depth, such as suspense dramas and period dramas, which will be very outstanding.

"Just acting in idol dramas...it feels like a waste of your face and talent."

In his view, Gu Qing's potential is far more than that.

If he weren't incapable of making movies, he would have switched to talking about the big screen.

Gu Qing laughed upon hearing this, with a hint of self-deprecation: "Director, please don't flatter me."

I'm just a 'pretty face,' acting in idol dramas is a good use of my talents, not a waste."

"Are you just a pretty face?"

Director Kong immediately raised his voice and was the first to object, "Then can those young actors who are your age still be called actors?"

Chang Su, I have confidence in you, and I have confidence in our "Nirvana in Fire"!

I assure you, after this drama airs, absolutely no one will dare to easily question your acting skills again!

His tone was firm, full of absolute confidence in the work and the actors' performances.

He knew all too well the leap Gu Qing had made in his performance in "Nirvana in Fire," and he was also aware of the devastating impact the production quality of the entire series had on the current film and television industry.

"Director, then I'll take your kind words."

Gu Qing sensed the other party's sincerity and expectations, and put away her joking expression, saying seriously, "If you and Zhengwu Sunshine ever have a good script that suits me in the future, please don't forget me."

I genuinely enjoyed filming "Nirvana in Fire." You were one of the most professional, harmonious, and wonderful production teams I've ever worked with. I sincerely hope to have the opportunity to collaborate with you again in the future.

Upon hearing this, Director Kong's eyes lit up instantly, and he excitedly patted Gu Qing on the shoulder: "Chang Su! I take your words seriously!"

I would never take this as just a polite remark!
Don't worry, from now on, whenever we have a good project or a suitable role, I'll be the first to hand you the proposal!

"Don't worry, director. As long as the role is a good fit, I will definitely find a way to make time for you, no matter how full my schedule is."

Gu Qing solemnly promised.

"Hahaha! Okay! It's a deal!"

Director Kong Sheng burst into laughter.

For a moment, both of them felt very happy and thought they had gained something.

Good scripts don't just come by waiting; you have to fight for them.

The longer you stay in the industry, the more you realize how difficult it is to find a good script.

Otherwise, so many superstars wouldn't lower their fees or even act for free for a good script.

The group split into several cars and headed to the reserved restaurant.

en route,

Just as Director Kong had predicted, Liu Tao called him, cheerfully telling everyone to start first and not to wait for her.

After landing, she took care of her business and rushed over as soon as possible. She also thoughtfully apologized for any possible lateness, demonstrating her high emotional intelligence and taking the initiative to help everyone out of an awkward situation.

Inside the restaurant's private room,
The huge round table was already laden with exquisite dishes, creating a lively and warm atmosphere.

Unlike the often chaotic and unpleasant atmosphere at many film crew dinners, this gathering of the "Nirvana in Fire" crew felt more like a reunion of family and old friends, with a relaxed and sincere atmosphere.

Gu Qing sat quietly in his seat, focusing on enjoying the food in front of him. Beside him was a cup of tea; he did not drink any alcohol.

Sitting to his right, Liu Mintao, affectionately known as "Big Sister," acted like a kind elder, constantly using serving chopsticks to put food on Gu Qing's plate, saying, "Little Gu, eat more of this. Filming must be hard work."

You look even thinner than when you filmed "Nirvana in Fire." You need to eat more.

This scene,
This prompted Jin Dong and Wang Kai, who were sitting opposite each other, to make sarcastic remarks.

"Oh dear, elder sister, you can't be so biased! Why are you only putting food on Chang Su's plate? Are our two younger brothers invisible?"

Jin Dong held his wine glass and joked with a smile.

Wang Kai also pretended to be aggrieved and said, "That's right, Sister Tao, we are the real siblings!"

Upon hearing this, Liu Mintao rolled her eyes at them without any hesitation, laughing and scolding, "Go away! Don't you two know how old you are? How dare you compete with Xiao Gu for his affections?"

If Mingtai were to come, I might consider it.

Her words immediately drew laughter from the room, making the atmosphere even more lively.

Halfway through the meal,
After a few drinks, the warm atmosphere gradually became somewhat chaotic.

There was a gentle knock on the door of the private room, which was then pushed open.

A capable and elegant figure appeared at the door; it was Liu Tao, who had rushed over.

"Everyone, I'm so sorry! The evening rush hour in Beijing is really congested. I'm sorry to have kept you waiting!"

Before Liu Tao arrived, his voice preceded his arrival, offering repeated apologies with a hearty yet slightly apologetic smile on his face.

"Teacher Liu, that's not fair! You're the only one missing! According to the rules, shouldn't you punish yourself by drinking a few cups?"

Li Xue was a little drunk. He laughed, picked up the decanter, filled a clean little wine glass next to him with baijiu, and raised it up to tease him.

"It should, it should!"

Liu Tao readily agreed, taking off her coat and handing it to the waiter as she walked towards the round table, facing the actors and directors who all stood up to greet her.
They greeted each other warmly, "Director Kong, Director Li, Producer Hou... Jin Dong, Wang Kai, Sister Min Tao..."

After scanning the entire room, her gaze finally settled on Gu Qing.

On that dignified and pretty face, the smile instantly became even brighter. Her smiling eyes met Gu Qing's for a glance, but she deliberately paused and walked around him.
He first exchanged pleasantries with the two directors and then casually accepted the glass of baijiu (Chinese liquor) that Director Li Xue had poured for him.

"Sister Tao, what does this mean?"

Gu Qing blinked, seemingly dissatisfied and angry.

She reached out and gently pulled Liu Tao back to her side. "You greeted everyone else, why didn't you greet me?"

With that pull,
Liu Tao staggered, the wine glass he was holding wobbled, and a little of the crystal-clear liquid spilled out.

"Hahaha! Did you see that? Our Changsu is jealous!"

Kong Sheng burst into laughter, his face beaming, and the others at the table were also amused by this amusing scene.

Liu Tao, being pulled along by Gu Qing, didn't struggle. He simply stood still, a gentle smile playing on his lips, and reached out his left hand to gently pinch Gu Qing's cheek in a very natural way.

"It's simple that I didn't greet you... because in my heart, you are the most special one, and you need to be treated separately and solemnly."

Her words were as soft as a feather, and filled with intimacy.

finished,

She looked down at the back of her right hand, which was pale and had a few drops of wine on it.

He frowned, feigning distress, and said, "Oh dear, look, the wine is all spilled. This cup can't be left unfinished."

Director Li, could you please refill my glass?

"Haha, it's hardly a problem if Teacher Liu asks!"

Li Xue laughed as he took the wine glass and refilled it for her.

Liu Tao took the glass of wine, and without saying a word, tilted his head back and drank it all in one gulp, his movements swift and decisive.

"Clap clap-"

"Great!! Teacher Liu has a huge capacity for knowledge!!"

"Truly a heroine among women, Princess Nihuang's charm remains undiminished!"

The atmosphere in the private room instantly reached a climax, with applause and cheers resounding continuously.

"Come on, come on, the one that was spilled doesn't count, we still need two more!"

Liu Tao finished her glass in one gulp. Although the spicy taste of the liquor made her cough slightly as it went down her throat, she remained unfazed and smiled as she handed the empty glass back to Li Xue, saying, "Director Li, thank you for your help again."

"Oh my, Teacher Liu, you really are... Just a little bit is enough, how could we get you drunk as soon as you arrived? Our Changsu would be heartbroken."

Li Xuele chuckled and poured her a second cup, saying, "That's enough after you finish this one."

Liu Tao took the cup and drank it down without hesitation. He even imitated the manner of a江湖人 (jianghu person, someone who lives in the martial arts world) by pointing the empty cup upside down, leaving not a drop of wine.

This immediately drew an even louder cheer and applause.

The atmosphere at the dinner table became even more lively.

The observant staff immediately added a chair to the empty seat next to Gu Qing.

"Teacher Liu, please have a seat."

Liu Tao smiled and thanked him, finally sitting down in her assigned spot.

So far,

The cast and crew of "Nirvana in Fire" have all gathered together at this moment.

……

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(P.S.: Just to add, things were a bit chaotic yesterday, and I didn't finish writing it. The delay announcement was sent to the group. Sorry, everyone. I'll try to write another one tonight.)
(End of this chapter)