Top Chinese celebrity: Debuted from Running Man

Chapter 417 *Ze Tian Ji* VS *Nirvana in Fire* (6.8k)
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—Beijing Film Academy campus
On the set of "Love O2O" at noon.

The sun was blazing overhead, but what was even more unsettling was the constant, angry "cut!" sounds echoing throughout the film set.

"Click!!"

Lin Yufen abruptly stood up from behind the monitor, grabbed a megaphone, and her voice was filled with barely suppressed rage:

"Weiwei! Bei Weiwei! Did you leave your soul at home and not bring it with you?!"
Your eyes are darting around, your lines are weak and listless—you're acting! You're not sleepwalking! Focus!!

Jing Tian shrank back as she was scolded, opened her mouth but couldn't say anything.

"Click!!"

The focus shifted to Zhao Erxi, played by Zhang Jingyi.
Lin Yufen's barrage of fire immediately swept over: "Zhao Erxi! What the hell are you reciting?!"
The script says, "I really want a boyfriend too!" Not, "I really want a boyfriend like Xiao Nai!"
Where's your dream guy?!
"You can't even remember such simple lines?! Are you even an actor?!"

"Click!!"

"And you, Meng Yiran! Meng Yiran is jealous, not resentful. She's going to become good friends with Bei Weiwei later on!"

Look at your eyes right now, so fierce! Do you want to devour Bei Weiwei alive?! Tone it down! Show some girlish awkwardness, not the ruthlessness of a murderer!!

"Kakakaka!!!"

The continuous NGs were like heavy hammer blows to the hearts of every actor and crew member.

A low-pressure atmosphere permeated the entire film set, as if even the air had frozen.

Lin Yufen's cursing and shouting echoed in the makeshift photography studio, adding to the already sweltering midday heat and making people even more anxious.

For Lin Yufen, the week that Gu Qing left the crew to promote "Nirvana in Fire" felt like an eternity.

She felt like she was about to lose her mind and her blood pressure was soaring because of these actors who "couldn't act without Gu Qing".

The film crew, which had finally gotten on track and was filming smoothly with a harmonious atmosphere, seemed to have completely lost control overnight and was now struggling to move forward.

The problem is particularly prominent regarding the actors.

After Gu Qing left, Jing Tian, ​​who had gradually found her "Bei Weiwei" feeling and was even able to stimulate her state with "evil means", fell into a slump.

She always arrived at the film set looking like she hadn't slept, dejected and lacking any energy.

During filming, her eyes were vacant and her reactions were slow, making her completely different from the lively and occasionally charismatic "Bei Weiwei" she was before.

Even when she made mistakes before, she could still force her way through by using unorthodox methods and her unique technique of absorbing yang energy.

But now, the main character is gone.
She can't even touch a trace of "yang energy," so how can she "absorb" it?
They had no choice but to bite the bullet and put on an awkward performance, which naturally resulted in numerous flaws.

Zhang Jingyi and Zhou Ye, two inexperienced young women, were in equally dire straits.

When Gu Qing was in charge of the production team, they seemed to be infused with some kind of magical "spirit," their performances were natural and vivid, and their eyes shone with light.

But as soon as Gu Qing left, it seemed as if this "spiritual energy" was also drained away.

Their scenes with Jing Tian were frequently flawed; they either couldn't keep up with the plot, their emotions were off, and the rhythm was completely disrupted.

Their acting skills were still quite immature, and they relied entirely on their enthusiasm and guidance to keep going. Now that the guidance is gone, they are like people who have lost their backbone and are lost in the sea of ​​performance.

After several failed attempts, Lin Yufen, who was already anxious, suddenly lost her temper and seized the opportunity to give him a harsh scolding.

Her outburst only made matters worse. Zhang Jingyi and Zhou Ye, who were taking on important roles for the first time, had never experienced anything like this before.

He was scolded so badly that he turned pale, felt helpless, and was under immense psychological pressure.

The more afraid you are of making mistakes, the more nervous you become; the more nervous you are, the worse your condition becomes, directly falling into a vicious cycle.

Looking back on Gu Qing's time on set, he was not only the lead actor, but also an invisible "stabilizing force" and "lubricant".

He could both comfort the director and calm his anger in an appropriate way, and with great patience, he would privately teach them little by little how to understand the characters, how to find the camera angles, and how to convey emotions during rehearsals.

With him around,
The atmosphere on set was positive and supportive.

But once Gu Qing left, no one in the crew dared to provoke the director, and no one had his influence and patience to guide newcomers.

The atmosphere naturally became increasingly tense and worse, like being stuck in a quagmire, unable to extricate oneself.

"Gu Qing, come back soon! The crew can't do without you!"

This is almost the shared, silent cry of everyone in the crew at this moment, from stagehands to lighting technicians, from makeup artists to prop masters.

Not only the director and the actors missed him, but even the extras and grassroots staff who received daily meals missed the "big star" who would treat them to milk tea every day without fail, greet them warmly, and was completely down-to-earth.

When Gu Qing was around, the crew was like a warm and enthusiastic family.

As soon as Gu Qing left, the film crew instantly turned into a cold, oppressive, and high-pressure "factory" where people were constantly being scolded.

"Alright, alright! Let's rest for a bit, then we'll prepare lunch!"

Exhausted, Lin Yu announced into the walkie-talkie, then slumped back into her chair, closed her eyes, and rubbed her throbbing temples hard, trying to relieve the waves of headache that were hitting her.

She originally thought that giving Gu Qing a week off would be more than enough time for her to finish filming most of the remaining scenes for the other actors.

We'll film the scenes between the male and female leads as soon as he gets back, maximizing efficiency.

The results of it?
Reality gave her a resounding slap in the face.

Filming has been going on for a week, but the progress is as slow as a snail's pace, and we haven't even completed half of the planned schedule!
This result was unbelievable to Lin Yufen herself, and she even began to doubt herself.

"You lot... does it mean you can't act anymore without Gu Qing?!"

She was so angry she actually laughed.

“Yu Fen,”

Screenwriter Gu Man walked over with a water glass and asked, "Xiao Nai... is he coming back today?"

Her tone also carried a clear sense of anticipation.

"Yes, he messaged me saying he'd arrive today, but he didn't say what time," Lin Yufen replied weakly.

Upon hearing this, Gu Man couldn't help but sigh, "I've finally realized that our crew really can't function without him."

"Even if he does nothing but sit on a small stool every day, I feel that he can have a huge positive impact on the crew!"

This is not because Gu Man deliberately exaggerated Gu Qing's role.

In fact,
In the production system of TV dramas, the lead actors, especially the male and female leads, are the absolute core of the entire crew, the "helmsmen" navigating the sea.

The entire crew, from the director to the production assistants, were essentially working to shape these two core characters.

Generally speaking,
The atmosphere and efficiency during the filming of a TV series are closely related to, and can even be said to be directly defined by, the character and professional attitude of the lead actors.

Just imagine,
If the lead actor you're working with sleeps until noon every day and frequently stands up the entire crew;

When acting, they are perfunctory and only know how to recite "1234567" in front of the camera; as soon as their scenes are over, they can't wait to run to the female lead (or male lead) to flirt and be affectionate...

Faced with such a "helmsman," can you still maintain a conscientious work attitude?
I'm afraid it will be difficult.

From directors to ordinary employees, it's easy for people to develop a "just getting by" mentality.

Filming can be done casually, makeup can be done casually, bloopers can be turned off, filters can be applied as thickly as possible... Do whatever is easy and convenient.

after all,

Most people are paid a fixed salary. If the lead actors are just going through the motions, who are they trying so hard for?
however,
If you encounter a lead actor like Gu Qing, the situation is completely different, and it might even be a bit "troublesome" for some people who want to "slack off".

Gu Qing arrives at the film set early every day without fail to prepare, never late or leaving early.

During breaks between scenes, he wouldn't retreat to his trailer, but would wander around the set without any airs.
Discuss lighting techniques with the lighting technician, exchange composition tips with the photographer, and ask about professional shooting experience out of curiosity.

Even student extras who came to the film crew for minor roles received sweet and delicious milk tea from him every day.

Occasionally, when luck is on your side, you might muster the courage to shout, "Hello, Senior Xiao Nai! I'm a student from the XXth grade at Beijing Film Academy."

There's a high chance you'll get a precious autograph or a heartwarming photo, and you might even receive a few words of encouragement and greetings from him.

In this atmosphere,
The extras were especially enthusiastic about their work;
Although the production crew members still secretly wanted to slack off, they were bound by the principle of "he who eats another's food is bound to him, and he who takes another's money is bound to him."

Even such big-name celebrities are so friendly and respectful of their profession, so I feel embarrassed to just coast along.
They always unconsciously bring out their best skills and try to do their job better.

The entire production team naturally presented a thriving and meticulous atmosphere.

After Gu Qing left,
Clearly, Jing Tian, ​​as the female lead, was unaware of, or rather, lacked the ability to shoulder, this "invisible responsibility" of maintaining the atmosphere on set.

Jing Tian is actually quite innocent.

Does she lack the money to treat the entire crew to milk tea?

Of course she doesn't lack any! She could even hire someone more expensive.

The problem lies in her fixed mindset.

Jing Tian previously focused on filming movies, and the ecosystem, rules, and even "unspoken rules" of the film and television industries are quite different.

In film crews, especially big-budget films, there is a strict hierarchy, and the director has absolute authority.

If an actor, especially a lead actor, frequently bypasses the director to treat the entire crew to meals and drinks, the director can easily interpret this as an attempt to "win people over," "challenge authority," or "establish personal power."

If you encounter a director who is sensitive, they are likely to hold a grudge against you in their heart, or even secretly make things difficult for you.

Then the subsequent filming will be tough.

After all, in the entertainment industry, narrow-minded directors always make up the majority.

Therefore, in the "Love O2O" production team,
Every time Jing Tian finishes filming her scenes, she quickly returns to her RV and "lies down on the flatbed".

He maintained a polite but distant distance from the other members of the crew.

She wasn't arrogant; she was just used to the survival rules of a film crew.

With Jing Tian adopting a "Buddhist" attitude, the entire crew lost its ability to actively unite people, and the staff naturally followed suit and became "Buddhist" as well.

With declining enthusiasm and a rise in slacking off, the morale and work efficiency of the entire crew irreversibly plummeted.

"Lunch is served! Lunch is served!"

The stagehands started calling out loudly, and the staff, who had been sluggish, perked up and excitedly lined up to receive their boxed lunches.

Jing Tian sighed as she looked at the unappetizing food and waved to Zhang Jingyi and Zhou Ye, who were also looking dejected not far away.

"Erxi, Yiran, come eat here. I've asked my assistant to have someone cook a few more side dishes."

"Thank you, Weiwei..."

Zhang Jingyi and Zhou Ye forced a smile, thanked them, and moved over with heavy steps.

They were both scolded badly by the director and felt terrible; they even lost their appetite.

The three women, who were in similar difficult circumstances, sat around a small table set up next to Jing Tian's RV. They faced several plates of stir-fried dishes that looked and smelled decent, but they ate as if chewing wax, unable to taste anything.

The atmosphere was terribly oppressive; there wasn't a single word exchanged, only the occasional soft sound of chopsticks hitting bowls and plates.

Amidst this gloom,
A noticeable commotion arose at the entrance to the film set, followed by the staff's voices instantly becoming enthusiastic and excited, like a spring flowing into stagnant water:
"Teacher Gu! No, no, it's Teacher Xiao Nai! Teacher Xiao Nai is back!!"

"Great God!! Senior! You're finally back!" "Teacher Xiao, have you eaten yet? If not, I'll have the cafeteria cook a few more dishes for you right away, it'll be quick!"

The voice seemed to possess a magical power, instantly breaking the dull atmosphere.

"Xiao Nai (senior) is back?!"

Jing Tian, ​​Zhang Jingyi, and Zhou Ye exclaimed in unison, their previously dull eyes instantly brightening and their faces filled with surprise.

They all stood up almost spontaneously, on tiptoe, craning their necks, eagerly looking in the direction of the sound.

Gu Qing was dressed in simple casual clothes, standing tall and straight, surrounded by a group of enthusiastic staff.

He nodded to everyone and said, "I ate in the car on the way here, so you can eat first and don't worry about me."

I'm going to check on the director and teacher Gu Man.

His voice wasn't loud, but it came through clearly, carrying a reassuring power.

Hearing this,

His staff, showing great tact, smiled and made way for him.

At the small dining table next to the monitor, Lin Yufen and Gu Man had already heard the commotion and stood up.

"Xiao Nai, you're finally back!"

When Director Lin Yufen saw Gu Qing, it was as if he had seen a savior. Overwhelmed with emotion, he opened his arms and gave him a brief but forceful hug.

After letting go, she looked Gu Qing up and down, her brows furrowing involuntarily, and asked with concern, "What happened? Did the promotional trip not go smoothly? Did you encounter any trouble?"

"No."

Gu Qing was taken aback by the question and subconsciously touched her face. "It went quite smoothly."

"No?"

Lin Yufen frowned even more, her eyes filled with suspicion. "Then why do you look...so worried?"

If anything happens, talk to the director. Don't keep it to yourself.

She even lowered her voice, with a hint of protectiveness, "It can't be... that someone from the 'Nirvana in Fire' crew bullied you, right? If you've been wronged, tell me!"

She clearly remembered that she had "borrowed" Gu Qing a week ago.

His own "Xiao Nai" still looked like a handsome, sunny, and energetic young man.

How come after only a week apart, he has returned as a melancholy young nobleman with a hint of sadness between his brows, a calm demeanor, and an air of bearing countless unspoken burdens?
The change is so obvious!

"Director, please don't overthink it,"

Gu Qing shook her head and explained, "No one bullied me. Everyone on the film set over there was very nice to me. I...I'm very happy."

But he kept saying "happy".
The tone was flat and emotionless, even carrying a faint... indifference.
Lin Yufen and Gu Man exchanged a glance, both seeing the same doubts and worries in each other's eyes.

Is this what a happy look looks like?
This sound, this state of mind, has absolutely nothing to do with the word "happy".
"Xiao Nai! You're back?!"

Just then, a vibrant voice, brimming with barely suppressed joy, rang out, breaking the slightly somber atmosphere.

Jing Tian's face lit up with a bright smile, and she practically skipped and jumped as she ran over, all her previous dejection gone.

Upon seeing Gu Qing, whom she hadn't seen for a long time, her joy was overflowing. She ran up to him and, without a second thought, lunged forward and hugged him tightly with open arms!
Faced with Da Tiantian's sudden and passionate hug, Gu Qing's body stiffened for a moment, as if she was not quite used to it.

After relaxing, she said helplessly, "Jing Tian, ​​I've only been away for a week, why are you being so enthusiastic? It's like we're separated by life and death."

"classmate?!"

Upon hearing this, Jing Tian abruptly released Gu Qing, her mouth slightly agape as she stared at him in a daze.
then,

Suddenly, without warning, she punched him in the stomach, angrily saying:

"You're calling me 'classmate' after just one week apart?"

"In another week, will you even remember my name?!"

"Director, Teacher Gu, I'll take Xiao Nai with me now! We can talk later!"

Jing Tian transformed into a "super strong girl," dragging Gu Qing, who had been punched and was now involuntarily bent over, towards the dining table next to her RV without saying a word.

"Jingyi, Xiaoye."

"Senior, you're back?!"

Zhang Jingyi and Zhou Ye, who had been waiting for a long time, stood up excitedly when they saw Gu Qing being "escorted" over. Their faces lit up with long-lost, heartfelt smiles as they waved vigorously.

"sit down!"

Jing Tian pressed Gu Qing down into the only empty seat at the table, then cupped Gu Qing's face in her hands.

She pinched his cheeks with her delicate, porcelain-like fingers, her pretty face serious, and asked, word by word, "Now, I'm giving you a chance to rephrase your words! What's my name?"

"Uh... Weiwei, you are Bei Weiwei."

Gu Qing was in a little pain from being pulled, and he grimaced as he quickly answered.

Jing Tian loosened her grip slightly, but didn't completely let go. She pointed a slender, pale finger at Zhang Jingyi, who was watching anxiously from the side, and asked, "Where is she?"

“Zhao Erxi.” Gu Qing readily agreed.

"And what about her?" The finger then turned to Zhou Ye.

"Meng Yiran."

"Hmph, that's more like it!"

Jing Tian finally let go of her hand completely, her face instantly melting away the ice and snow, blossoming into a sweet and gentle smile, even revealing her signature two little rabbit teeth.

She then gently rubbed the spot she had just pinched with her fingertips, her tone becoming incredibly soft, even bordering on coaxing a child:
“Great God, you went out to promote for a week, and when you came back you almost forgot what we are called. That won’t do.”

If you do this again, I'll... I'll have the director lock you up on set, not give you leave, and not let you leave. How about that?

Her tone was so gentle it could melt hearts, but the content sent a chill down Gu Qing's spine.

He quickly explained, "I didn't mean to... I really didn't."

When I went to promote "Nirvana in Fire," the actors and staff all called me by my first name for a week. I got used to it and couldn't change it immediately..."

"Alright, alright, I'll forgive you this time since you're so sincere!"

Jing Tian sat down on the chair next to Gu Qing and handed him a pair of clean chopsticks. "Want to eat? We just ate, the food is still warm."

"No, I've already eaten."

Gu Qing waved her hand in polite refusal.

"Senior,"

Zhang Jingyi glanced at Gu Qing and asked in a low voice with curiosity, "Is the drama you went to promote called 'Nirvana in Fire'? I saw a lot of news online saying that it's scheduled to air today, right?"

"right,"

Gu Qing nodded and gave the definite information, "It will be broadcast on Kyoto TV and Dongfang TV at 8 pm on Saturday and Sunday, during prime time."

"Since our beloved Xiao Nai's new drama is premiering tonight, as comrades in the same production team, we definitely have to contribute to the ratings and support it!"

Jing Tian raised her hand with a smile, like an enthusiastic organizer, and suggested, "I propose that after we finish work tonight, we watch the drama together! Let's cheer on the great actor, what do you say?"

"Okay, okay!"

Zhang Jingyi was the first to raise her hand in agreement, her face beaming with excitement.

But then she hesitated, scratching her head, "But... Senior Weiwei, where can we watch it? The film crew doesn't have a TV."

Are we supposed to huddle together, glued to our phones, staring at tiny screens? That's so uninspiring.

"I have a TV in my RV, and I can watch it as long as I connect to the signal!"

Jing Tian was prepared and patted her RV.

But then she wrinkled her delicate nose and looked at the not-so-spacious interior of the RV. "But looking inside the RV, will it be too cramped for the four of us? And it feels a bit stuffy."

Her big, dark eyes darted around mischievously, then she looked at Gu Qing and said with a grin, "Master, how about... we go to the hotel together?"
"Book a suite, it's spacious and comfortable, and you can even order late-night snacks!"

"not so good."

Gu Qing rejected the idea without even thinking, glancing at her sideways, "It's late at night, am I, a guy, going to a hotel room with three girls?"

Who do you think is crazy?
Also, I've been staying in hotels for a week now, and the sight of hotel beds makes me want to throw up. I just want to go back to my own dorm and lie down.

"All right…"

Jing Tian's little plan failed, but she quickly cheered up again, "Then I'll watch it in my RV."

It's a bit crowded, but it has a better atmosphere!
I'll have my assistant buy lots of snacks, and we can eat and watch while we watch, as a way to celebrate the premiere of the new drama for our idol!

At this time,

Zhou Ye, who hadn't said much until now, couldn't help but ask, "Senior, are you confident against Lu Han? Are you sure you can defeat him?"

"Lu Han?"

Gu Qing was taken aback by her question and looked at her with some confusion, "What's wrong with him? What does it have to do with my drama?"

"His new drama 'Fighter of the Destiny' is about to premiere! And it's on the same day as your 'Nirvana in Fire,' both in prime time on weekends!"

Zhou Ye explained somewhat urgently, "It's all over the internet now!"

Everywhere you look there are press releases about you two going head-to-head, everyone's arguing and betting on whose show will be a bigger hit and get higher ratings!

After leaving "Running Man", Lu Han and his team clearly adjusted their development strategy, focusing more on music and film and television works, trying to solidify their position with solid works.

Seeing Gu Qing's success in the film and television industry, establishing himself with dramas such as "The Mystic Nine" and "The Imperial Doctress", and even earning the title of "ratings lucky charm".

As top celebrities themselves, Lu Han and his team were naturally unwilling to be outdone and were determined to get a piece of the pie in this field as well.

after all,

Making two movies a year doesn't guarantee the same level of exposure and popularity as making a hit TV series.

Therefore,
During this time, Lu Han also devoted himself to filming his first TV series, "Fighter of the Destiny," adapted from the super popular male-oriented novel of the same name!
In terms of the popularity and fan base of the original novel IP, "Fighter of the Destiny" is even higher than "Nirvana in Fire," making it a truly top-tier online novel IP with a huge fan base.

And quite dramatically,
The broadcasting platform for "Fighter of the Destiny" is the same one that abandoned "Nirvana in Fire" because of its psychological aversion to "historical political dramas"—Huangguo TV Diamond Exclusive Theater!
Two top-tier male celebrities, almost simultaneously, launched their highly anticipated new dramas on prime-time slots on major satellite TV channels.

This is undoubtedly a collision of planets, full of topicality and dramatic tension, attracting attention from the entire internet, with fans and casual observers alike eagerly anticipating it.

however,
On the eve of this highly anticipated showdown, and the day before "Fighter of the Destiny" was to be broadcast.

The female lead of this drama, 'Nazha', unexpectedly dropped a bombshell in front of the media.

This instantly pushed the ratings battle into an even more unpredictable and attention-grabbing situation...

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(End of this chapter)