Top Chinese celebrity: Debuted from Running Man

……

……

"Little brother?!"

The voice was dry and hoarse, like sandpaper rubbing, yet it carried a trembling disbelief.

Deng Chao's unfocused pupils gradually contracted and focused, his black-rimmed glasses were askew, and his eyes behind the lenses were bloodshot.

The instant he confirmed that the face before him was not a hallucination,
He seemed to have all his strength drained away, or like a dam bursting open.

"It really is you?!"

He suddenly opened his arms and hugged Gu Qing tightly.

Why did it take you so long to come see me?!

"They're all dead. I thought all my loved ones were dead..."

A grown man broke down in tears and sobs.

This man, who is either sentimental or humorous on the big screen, is now crying and wailing without any regard for his image in the dim light of the film set.

The crying sounded like an emotional avalanche after months of accumulated fatigue, repression, and self-destruction.

Fang Mu's despair and Deng Chao's own pain as an actor, repeatedly torn apart by his role, found a safe outlet at this moment.

Liu Shishi was a beat slow to react.

Looking at Gu Qing, who was being tightly strangled by Deng Chao and could barely breathe, she felt both heartache and amusement.

He quickly knelt down to help Wenqi, who was still lying in the body bag, and couldn't help but scold her, "Fang Mu, be gentle! Look how you've strangled her! And—"

She pointed to the glistening marks on Wenqi's forehead, "Your saliva is all over Yafan's face!"

Wenqi was experiencing the most bizarre moment of her life: she was still lying in the "body bag," her forehead wet.
And beside,
In the movie, the heartbroken "Uncle Fangmu" is hugging a handsome older brother who looks too good to be real and crying his heart out.

The little girl blinked, looking a bit confused and wanting to laugh at the same time, so she could only lie there obediently and pretend to be dead.

"Brother Chao, wake up, you're out of character."

Gu Qing was being strangled quite a bit, but she still patiently and gently patted Deng Chao's back, which was heaving violently due to his emotional agitation, her voice as gentle as if she were coaxing a child.
"If the Empress knew that she was such a 'deceased' figure in your heart, she would probably make you kneel on durians when you get back."

"My lady..."

These two words sounded like a strange incantation. Deng Chao shuddered, and his crying stopped abruptly.

He suddenly tilted his head back, his hands still gripping Gu Qing's shoulders tightly, his eyes wide as he carefully examined the face before him.

It's no longer the emptiness of Fang Mu looking at the deceased; the 'Demon Child' has returned!

"Hahaha... Yes, yes, she's not dead yet, why am I crying?"

Old Deng burst into laughter, vigorously rubbing Gu Qing's cheeks, cupping her forehead, and excitedly kissing her.

"Brother Chao, can we just use our hands and not our mouths?"

Gu Qing instantly wore a look of utter despair: "Did you pick up this bad habit while filming 'The Dead End'?"

"What's wrong with kissing your forehead?"

Having completely broken free from the wooden shell, Deng Chao raised an eyebrow and said confidently, "Chichi kissed me on the lips and didn't say anything, yet you're complaining."

Saying,

He even deliberately pouted, pretending to lean forward, as if he wanted to replicate Tianba's kiss that sealed their love.

Gu Qing was so frightened that her face turned green.

"Oh my god! Help!"

He unleashed astonishing strength, breaking free from Deng Chao's grasp and running to Liu Shishi's side.

Liu Shishi was carefully wiping the "drool" from Deng Chao's forehead with a wet tissue, a mixture of acting skills and genuine emotion.

The little girl's face scrunched up, looking aggrieved and wanting to cry but not daring to.

"Fang Mu, can't you pay a little more attention to hygiene?"

Liu Shishi rolled her eyes at Deng Chao, but her movements became even gentler.

Then, out of the corner of my eye, I saw...

Gu Qing smiled broadly and came to her side, asking, "Senior Sister, did you miss me?"

That clear, youthful voice, when it reached Liu Shishi's ears, was like a hard candy dropping into a glass with a "click," crisp and sweet.

Her lips involuntarily curved upwards, but she forced it back, continuing her actions with feigned indifference, as if she hadn't heard a thing.

Gu Qing blinked.

Next second,
"I want to wipe it too!"

A head suddenly appeared between Liu Shishi and Wen Qi.

This cheating finally broke Liu Shishi's composure, and she burst out laughing.

She gave Gu Qing a reproachful look, then reached out her slender hand and gently pushed his head back: "Go away, didn't you see you scared my Ya Fan?"

After a pause,
She gave a soft hum, her voice low but clear enough for Gu Qing to hear, "You have so many 'good older sisters' thinking about you, why should I be the one to wipe it?"

The subtle sourness and sarcasm in those words were like Lin Daiyu plucking a flower petal.

Upon hearing this, Gu Qing

Suddenly, he reached out and snatched the half-wet tissue from Liu Shishi's hand.

“Hey you—” Liu Shishi was taken aback.

Before she could react, Gu Qing had already sidestepped and gently pushed her away half a step with his hips, then squatted down facing Wen Qi with his back to her.

He mimicked Liu Shishi's gentle tone, winked at the still somewhat bewildered girl, then, supporting himself on his knees, handed her the tissue.
"Little sister, could you help me wipe this?"

Wenqi was completely stunned.

That handsome face, which I had seen countless times on television and in magazines, was now right in front of me.

Without the barrier of a screen, his skin seemed to glow softly in the dim light, his eyelashes were long and thick, and his amber eyes were clear and bright, looking at me intently with a smile.

The little girl's face flushed bright red instantly, like a boiling kettle, with steam almost rising from her head.

She hurriedly took the tissue, her fingers trembling slightly, unsure where to look, so shy she almost curled up into a ball.

"Gu Qing!!!"

A scream of embarrassment and anger rang out.

Liu Shishi could no longer maintain her ladylike image and suddenly jumped onto Gu Qing's back, wrapping her arms tightly around his neck.

"Do you want to die?! Huh?!"

She opened her mouth and viciously bit Gu Qing's earlobe, grinding it with her teeth as she threatened indistinctly, "I'm going to kill you today!!"

At this moment, where is there even a trace of the gentle and serene beauty of a classical woman?
With his bowl-cut short haircut chosen for the role and his fierce, aggressive demeanor, he perfectly embodies a tomboy who has been provoked.

"Haha, who told you to ignore me?"

Gu Qing endured the tingling and itchy sensation from her biting his ear while laughing loudly, and then reached back with both hands to steadily support her knees to prevent her from falling.

He carried Liu Shishi on his back and ran across the small open space under the bridge.

"what--!"

Caught off guard, Liu Shishi screamed in fright and hugged him even tighter, almost pressing her entire body against his back.

But then,
The initial shock turned into joyful laughter.

This scene was full of youthful vitality, like a ray of sunlight shining into the long-standing gloom in the bridge arch.

The dull and oppressive atmosphere of the film crew was suddenly infused with a vibrant and bright energy because of these two young people who started joking around.

Even the staff tidying up the equipment nearby couldn't help but stop what they were doing and stare intently.

"Senior Sister, your smile is so sweet."

As Gu Qing ran, he couldn't help but make sarcastic remarks.

"You're the idiot! Your whole family are idiots!"

Liu Shishi was furious and embarrassed. She had always been a little self-conscious about her voice not being sweet enough, and now that this had been pointed out, she was even more enraged. She pulled his ear hard, "Do you believe I'll tear your ear into the shape of Pigsy from Journey to the West?!"

"Senior Sister, this isn't right..."

Gu Qing suddenly stopped, her voice becoming hesitant.
"We haven't reached the 'carrying the wife on our backs' stage yet."

"Huh?" Liu Shishi was stunned at first and didn't react.

next second.

"what--!"

She finally understood, her pretty face instantly turning bright red with anger and embarrassment. Unfortunately, she was tongue-tied and couldn't find a sharp retort. She hesitated for a long time...

In the end, I had no choice but to take action again—"I'll bite you to death!!"

"Ouch, ouch, ouch... I was wrong, so wrong."

Gu Qing bared his teeth and begged for mercy, but his eyes were full of smiles.

He could clearly feel the person on his back, who was originally burdened by the role, burdened with worries, sorrow, and low spirits.

Now it's become lively, vibrant, and even a bit "violent." That somber mood seems to have been largely dispelled by this playful antics.

"It's good to know you're wrong!"

Liu Shishi released her mouth triumphantly, but looking at the faint teeth marks on Gu Qing's earlobe, she felt a little guilty.

She touched it gently with her finger, her tone softening unconsciously, "Does it really hurt? I... I didn't use much force."

"It hurt just now, but it doesn't hurt anymore."

Gu Qing turned her head to the side, smiled at her, and her eyes were bright.

"Tch, you think you're so good with words."

The slight resentment in Liu Shishi's heart was replaced by a sweet feeling. She gently pinched Gu Qing's cheek.

Then, as if she had exhausted all her strength, or as if she had found the most reassuring refuge, she lazily and defenselessly pressed her cheek completely against his shoulder, tilting her head to look at his profile so close to hers.

Her delicate nose twitched slightly as she caught a faint, clean scent of soapberry emanating from his collar, mixed with a hint of his own refreshing aroma.

Her voice softened, becoming slightly languid and nasal:

"Little brother...why did you come to the film set?"

Liu Shishi asked, secretly hoping for a certain answer.

"I miss Brother Chao." Gu Qing said without hesitation.

No sooner had he finished speaking than his left cheek was violently ripped off.

"...I miss you, Senior Sister!"

Gu Qing immediately changed her tune, her tone incredibly sincere, "That's why I came secretly, wanting to give you a surprise."

"Hmph, that's pretty much it."

Liu Shishi released her hand with satisfaction, and then gently poked the spot on his face where she had pinched him with her index finger, as if to comfort him, "You're quite romantic, aren't you?"

Is it romantic?

Gu Qing blinked in confusion, "I just... simply missed you all, so I came."

Liu Shishi was slightly taken aback, and then, it seemed as if the softest part of her heart had been gently touched.

"That's it,"

She buried her face deeper into the hollow of his shoulder, her voice muffled yet filled with undisguised tenderness, "That's the most romantic thing."

In the entertainment industry, a place filled with scheming and glitz, such pure and straightforward concern is incredibly precious.

"younger brother,"

She asked softly, a hint of barely perceptible unease in her voice, "How long do you plan to stay?"

"My flight is tomorrow night."

"Just one day?" Liu Shishi raised her voice slightly.

"Well, I have to go back tomorrow to take care of some things, get a visa, and then go abroad to make a cameo appearance in a movie," Gu Qing explained.

The voice just fell,

He clearly felt the delicate body on his back stiffen slightly. Immediately afterwards, he felt a warm, damp sensation from the fabric at his shoulder.

"Senior Sister? Why are you crying?"

Gu Qing turned his head to look at her, but she forcefully pressed his face back to its original position.

"You just arrived... and you're leaving already..."

Liu Shishi's voice was thick with nasal tone; she tried hard to suppress it, but a sob still escaped her lips. "Can I not cry?"

"It's work, there's no other way."

Gu Qing softened his voice and even joked, "I can't just stop earning money and become a stay-at-home dad, can I?"

"Yes you can!"

Liu Shishi immediately retorted, her tone resolute, "I'll earn money to support you! You just stay at home, do my laundry, cook for me, and clean the house!"

Gu Qing was taken aback, then chuckled and shook her head: "I don't want to."

What's that old saying? 'Those who serve others with their beauty will find their favor waning as their beauty fades.'

"What if one day, Senior Sister, you find me too old and unattractive and dump me? Who will I cry to then?"

"Old? You dare call yourself old in front of me?"

Liu Shishi was amused by him and burst into laughter through her tears. She gently punched his shoulder and said, "I'm afraid you'll find me too old by then!"

"I don't."

Gu Qing smiled and said, "But Senior Sister, you must work hard and strive to take your career to the next level."

That way, I can be captivated by your talent, even if it starts with your good looks.

As he spoke, he slowly stopped walking.

After carrying her for so long, running and playing around, she was indeed a bit tired. Liu Shishi, on her back, fell silent.

The streetlights outside the bridge arch were fully lit, their light filtering in and casting long, overlapping shadows of the two people on the ground.

The faint sound of traffic in the distance only added to the tranquility of the place.

“Brother…” After a long while, Liu Shishi spoke softly.

"Ok?"

Gu Qing responded, feeling the arms around her neck tighten slightly.

"what do you mean……"

Her voice was slow and deliberate, yet it carried a chilling killing intent: "So now... I'm just a 'vase' without any substance?"

Gu Qing: "..."

next second.

"Ouch—! It hurts, it hurts, it hurts!"
Senior Sister, that's not what I meant! I meant you have both good looks and potential! Potential! ..."

……

finally,
The little lion, still retaining a sliver of kindness, didn't strangle Gu Qing to death on the spot.

When the two returned from their walk, the atmosphere on set had changed drastically.

Director Xu Jizhou was very understanding. After filming such a crucial and demanding scene, the unexpected arrival of Gu Qing brought a delightful surprise.
It's really not appropriate to continue to exploit the actors' emotions tonight.

He waved his hand and called it a day early.

However, the filming of "Psychological Crime" has been kept highly confidential, with almost no leaks in the early stages.

Director Xu was happy that Gu Qing came to visit the set, but he was also worried that if the main actors were photographed having dinner together, it would affect the mystery of the film and the later publicity schedule.

He approached Deng Chao privately, somewhat embarrassed, and subtly explained his concerns.

"Hey, Director Xu, don't worry."

Old Deng waved his hand and said in a loud voice, not caring at all, "Let's eat on set and have a small outdoor gathering. It'll be lively and safe. My little brother will definitely have no objections."

He turned to Gu Qing, who was talking to a staff member, and called out, "Hey bro, how about we settle things here tonight?"

"Brother Chao, I'm fine with anything, you decide."

Gu Qing smiled and agreed, then gestured to his assistant Zhao Ya to communicate with the production team coordinator, count the number of people, and treat all the crew members and extras to a hot drink in his name.

This meticulous and thoughtful gesture naturally won him even more goodwill.

……

The night spread out completely, like ink seeping through rice paper.

Several bright lights were set up near the bridge arch, dispelling the chill of the night.

Folding tables were moved out of the RV and put together, covered with a variety of dishes ordered from well-known nearby restaurants, their aroma filling the air and steaming hot.

The three of them naturally wouldn't eat it all by themselves.

This movie features actors who can be considered big names.

Besides Deng Chao and Liu Shishi

Also making guest appearances are Lin Jiaxin, Guo Jingfei from Longmen Express, and Leo Ku's good friend 'Ruan Jingtian'.

just,

All three of them have finished filming.

Of the entire crew, only two people are still allowed to sit at the table for a meal.

One of them is naturally director Xu Jizhou.
The other one is the young lead actress, 'Wenqi'.

The young girl who could act alongside Deng Chao and Liu Shishi in a film, and even have a role as the 'second female lead', naturally has an impressive background.

Wenqi's father is a Taiwanese businessman in Taiwan Province who has had many business collaborations with mainland China.

In just 13 years, her debut cameo role in "Lady's House" allowed her to collaborate with a host of stars, including Han Xue, Bai Suzhen, Wang Lin, and Ma Tianyu.

It's worth mentioning that Chen Xiang and Mao Xiaotong also appear in this drama.

Rather than saying that the Condor Heroes, which became widely known 14 years ago,

Their love story began in 13 with "Lady's House".

……

At the dinner table,
Aside from a few men who hadn't arrived yet, they were chatting about something together.

"Sister Mi Nan, a red envelope!"

Wenqi had already sat down next to Liu Shishi, curiously examining the small red paper package with the character "吉" (auspicious) printed on it.
Inside lay a brand-new 100-yuan bill. Her eyes sparkled. "This is the first time I've ever received one like this."

This is a tradition of the production crew: for any actor who plays a character who dies, whether it's a lead or a supporting role, the crew will give them a red envelope as a way to "ward off bad luck" and also as a gesture of comfort and gratitude.

"Alright, alright, hurry up and put it away."

Liu Shishi patted her head with a smile, "You're one of a kind when you can be this happy playing a 'corpse'."

Wenqi happily put the red envelope into her pocket, then leaned closer to Liu Shishi, blinked her long, bright phoenix eyes, lowered her voice, and spoke with the gossip and curiosity typical of a little girl:
"Sister Mi Nan, can I ask you something?"

"What's so mysterious?"

Liu Shishi picked up a piece of green vegetable with her chopsticks.

"You and...Brother Gu Qing,"

Wenqi's voice became even softer, but her eyes shone with an astonishing light, "Is it... that kind of relationship?"

Liu Shishi paused, her ears slightly burning, but she forced herself to remain calm and glared at her: "Little brat, what are you asking about? Eat."

"whee……"

Wenqi, however, thought she had found the answer from her reaction and chuckled to herself, "It must be, otherwise why would Brother Gu Qing make a special trip to see you? And even carry you on his back, you two are really close..."

"Eat your food."

Liu Shishi gently tapped the rim of her bowl with her chopsticks.

"Sister Mi Nan,"

Wenqi tugged at her sleeve again, her voice carrying a hint of coquetry, "Can I ask you for a favor?"

"cannot!"

"Sister Minan~ Please~"

Wenqi grabbed her arm and shook it, "Could you get me an autographed photo of Brother Gu Qing?"

Many of my classmates and friends really like him. If I can get it, they'll be so envious when I get back!

Liu Shishi felt a pang of jealousy and deliberately put on a stern face: "Go ask for it yourself, do you think he won't give it to you?"
And Yafan, you've been acting with me for so long, and I've never seen you ask me for an autograph!

"Yes, yes, I want them all!"

Wenqi quickly explained, "I was planning to ask for it all at once after all the filming was finished... Sister Mi Nan, I... I'm too embarrassed to go directly to Brother Gu Qing."

was saying,

The men's conversation came to an end.

"Time to eat! I'm starving!"

Deng Chao shouted and walked over first, then plopped down on the ground.

Gu Qing also walked over with a smile and naturally sat in the empty seat reserved to Liu Shishi's left.

As soon as he sat down,

Liu Shishi immediately felt the little boy next to her on the right freeze instantly, burying his face in her arm, only revealing a pair of bright, darting eyes as he secretly glanced at Gu Qing.

Liu Shishi, her voice dripping with jealousy, glanced sideways at Gu Qing and said, "My Prince Qi Yu, you are truly charming."

I think I won't need to work so hard filming anymore. Just reselling your autographed photos will probably make me rich, and I can retire early.

"Ok?"

Gu Qing was serving soup when he heard this and looked up with a blank expression. "What do you mean?"

"What else do you mean?"

Liu Shishi pointed her chin at Wen Qi, who seemed to want to hide herself inside her coat, and said, "You've only been here a short time, and the girl next to me is already completely smitten with you, begging me to get her autograph."

Where is my dignity as the legitimate senior sister?

Gu Qing looked at the shy Wen Qi, then at Liu Shishi who was feigning anger, and couldn't help but laugh.

He placed a piece of stir-fried cabbage with vinegar into Liu Shishi's bowl and teased, "Shishi, don't be jealous. 'Distance makes the heart grow fonder,' you know."

Subsequently,

He turned to Wenqi, smiled gently at her, and gave her an "OK" sign: "You have good taste. I'll sign it for you after dinner."

Wenqi suddenly raised her head, her eyes shining brightly. Forgetting all about being shy, she happily said, "Thank you, Brother Gu Qing!"

"Humph."

Liu Shishi picked up a piece of cabbage, took a bite, and squinted her eyes. "Hiss...it's so sour."

……

Putting these little incidents aside,
The meal was exceptionally relaxed and enjoyable, a rare moment filled with laughter and joy since filming began.

Deng Chao completely let go of the weight of the wooden plank and returned to his usual witty and humorous self;
The melancholy between Liu Shishi's eyebrows dissipated, and a relaxed smile appeared at the corners of her eyes and brows.
Even director Xu Jizhou, who had been anxious about the film's quality and progress, temporarily relaxed his brow and became more talkative.

Gu Qing's arrival was like a refreshing and warm breeze, dispelling the long-accumulated oppressive atmosphere.

After a satisfying meal, night fell.

Deng Chao put down his chopsticks, wiped his mouth, and suddenly said to Xu Jizhou in a serious tone, "Director Xu, come on, let's go for a walk over there to digest our food."

I happen to have a new idea about a detail in the scene the day after tomorrow; let's talk about it.

Xu Jizhou was taken aback at first, but then immediately understood and stood up readily: "What a coincidence, I was just about to talk to you about that shot. Let's go."

The two "sensible" middle-aged men walked away arm in arm, quickly disappearing into the shadows on the other side of the bridge arch.

Suddenly, the dining table fell silent.

Gu Qing and Liu Shishi turned their heads slowly at almost the same time.

Their gazes met and intertwined in the air filled with the aroma of food and the warmth of the lights, silently conveying a certain tacit understanding.

“We…” Gu Qing began softly, breaking the silence.

"Shall we go... for a walk?" Liu Shishi asked softly.

The two stood up at the same time without saying a word, their fingertips naturally touching, the warmth passing between them.

however,
They had just turned around, holding hands, and taken their first step.

"Brother Gu Qing, Sister Mi Nan..."

An untimely voice rang out from behind.

The two paused, then turned around at the same time.

Wenqi had already stood up, clutching the hem of her clothes with her little hands, looking up at them with longing eyes, her beautiful phoenix eyes filled with the desire to play with them.

"Can I walk with you?"

The little girl was full of anticipation.

Liu Shishi didn't speak, but lowered her head slightly and gently kicked the edge of Gu Qing's shoe with her toe, throwing the "problem" to him.

Looking into the little girl's innocent and expectant eyes, Gu Qing felt a rare sense of unease and awkwardness.

"Yafan... little sister?" he tried to speak.

"Brother Gu Qing, my real name is Wen Qi."

The little girl corrected him earnestly, seemingly feeling that this was more formal.

"Okay, little sister Wenqi."

Gu Qing readily complied, crouching down to meet her gaze, and speaking in a gentler tone, "Didn't you want my autographed photo?"

"Mmm!" Wenqi nodded vigorously, her eyes shining even brighter.

“Look over there,”

Gu Qing pointed to Zhao Ya, who was helping to tidy up not far away, "That lady in the gray coat is my assistant."

She always carried my autographed photo with her.

Gu Qing gave a reliable smile. "Go find her and tell her it was me who said this, and ask her to give you two more."

"Really?!"

Wenqi was so excited she almost jumped up. "Brother Gu Qing, Sister Mi Nan, wait for me! I'll be right back!"

She turned and ran towards Zhao Ya, her steps light and quick.

When Wenqi excitedly ran back with two exquisite autographed photos...

The spot was already empty.

Only the dining table, not yet cleared, and the faint sounds of Deng Chao and Director Xu chatting and laughing in the distance could be heard.

The evening breeze drifted through the bridge arch, bringing a touch of coolness.

The little girl stood under the bright lights, looking at the brand-new autographed photo in her hand, then gazing at the deep darkness, and remained stunned for a long while.

at last,

She pouted, muttering softly with a mixture of grievance and disbelief:

"How could you... even lie to a child...?"

The sound echoed in the empty bridge arch, sounding particularly lonely.

……

...(End of chapter)