Top Chinese celebrity: Debuted from Running Man

Chapter 44 New Year’s Eve Party
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"Gu, what I'm about to say will be very direct, and you might feel a little uncomfortable."

Zhang Songwen said bluntly.

He is extremely demanding and serious when it comes to acting.

She wouldn't lie to comfort Gu Qing just because she has a good relationship with him, even if it's to reassure him that he acted well.

after all,

To deceive an actor is to harm an actor.

"Teacher, just tell me frankly, I'm here to find out my shortcomings."

Gu Qing's attitude was correct.

"it is good."

Zhang Songwen nodded and said, "You're not suited for acting."

"..."

Gu Qing's expression froze.

"Songwen?
Zhou Yiwei, who was standing next to him, was also stunned. He never expected that his good brother would say something so direct.

“Gu, you should know that there are two types of actors.”

Zhang Songwen explained to himself, "One type is actors like me and Yiwei, who are from academic backgrounds, have systematically studied theoretical knowledge, and are good at using techniques to create characters."

Another type is the method actor. If you're familiar with TVB, many of their actors rely on empathy and immersive experiences to create their characters.
For example, when playing a blind person, they truly experience the life of a blind person; this kind of comparison depends on talent.

And you possess neither of these qualities!

"Teacher, does that mean I'm beyond saving?"

Gu Qing gave a bitter smile, feeling utterly defeated.

"Help."

Zhang Songwen's expression softened, and he said gently, "Gu, have you noticed that you have an exceptionally strong ability to imitate?"

"imitate?"

Gu Qing was confused.

"Yes."

Zhang Songwen picked up the teapot and filled his cup. "Ever since you learned the Four-Sided Step from me last time, you walk almost exactly the same way I teach you. That's talent!"

"An actor can hardly achieve great things by simply imitating others, because their goal is to break through their own limitations and surpass the role."

Zhang Songwen smiled and said, "But you are different. You are a complete newcomer. The audience will not be too picky about you. As long as you can imitate well, you are more than enough to act in an idol drama."

“Songwen is right,” Zhou Yiwei nodded in agreement.

"Teacher, do you watch a lot of videos? Who should I imitate best?"

Gu Qing asked with delight.

"Teachers don't watch many films."

Zhang Songwen chuckled and shook his head.

A seemingly random little joke made Zhou Yiwei chuckle and touch his nose.

As for who to imitate…

After joking, Zhang Songwen pondered seriously, "The character you're playing, Sha Qianmo, is a man, but his behavior and mannerisms are like a woman's, yet he also needs to project a domineering aura..."

As a native of Guangdong, Zhang Songwen was active during the peak of Hong Kong entertainment. One person immediately comes to mind:
"The East is undefeated!"

“Ah Gu, you can learn from Sister Qingxia’s portrayal of Dongfang Bubai. Her style of acting is a perfect match for your role.”

Zhang Songwen said with anticipation, "If you learn these three points well—the contradictory nature of being androgynous, the domineering yet vulnerable personality, and the conflict between power and emotion—you will definitely be able to play the role well!"

Is it "The Swordsman: Dongfang Bubai"?

Gu Qing blinked, recalling the clips she had seen before.

Not to mention,
The character of Sha Qianmo is indeed very similar to that of Dongfang Bubai in Tsui Hark's version.

“I happen to have some old VCDs at home. You can watch them and learn as you go. If you don’t understand anything, just ask us.”

Zhang Songwen found some old CDs.

The three of them then started watching an old movie.

"The action of waving and retracting the sleeves,"

Her eyes flashed with a sharp, cold light when she saw the enemy, but then filled with joy and tenderness when she met Linghu Chong…

Gu Qing used her excellent memory to memorize every detail of Brigitte Lin's portrayal of Dongfang Bubai—from her actions to her emotions—after watching a movie.

"Teacher, I have a question."

Gu Qing said, "When Sister Qingxia played Dongfang Bubai, it was a female actor playing a male role, so her movements had to be very domineering."

But the character I'm playing is rather effeminate. Does that mean I have to deliberately use delicate hand gestures when I speak, or cover my mouth while laughing, to emphasize Sha Qianmo's effeminate side?

"right…"

Zhang Songwen was about to nod.

"No need, just be yourself."

Zhou Yiwei, however, offered a different perspective. He examined Gu Qing's features and said, "Male actors usually play cross-dressing roles because their appearance cannot achieve the delicate beauty of female actors."
Therefore, I had to use exaggerated physical movements and deliberately pinch my voice to make the audience recognize that I was playing a woman, but the effect was generally not good and it was easy to disgust the audience. "Your appearance naturally fits the role, and your voice is also very clean and clear. If you are affected and pretentious, it will backfire. Just act like Dongfang Bubai, and there will be no problem."

"Gu, Yiwei is right. I didn't think things through."

Zhang Songwen echoed.

"I understand, thank you both."

Gu Qing felt that she had gained a lot today.

Just at this time,

His phone rang; it was a reminder from his assistant.

Sister Li called, urging him to return to the company.

"Gu, it's getting late, you should go home now. Your teacher won't keep you for dinner."

Upon hearing the sound, Zhang Songwen stood up and spoke.

"Teacher, I'll come see you again when I have time."

Gu Qing prepared to leave.

"Yiwei, what are you trying to say?"

Seeing Zhou Yiwei's hesitant manner, Zhang Songwen asked in confusion.

"Can I take a picture with your student?"

Zhou Yiwei wanted to go back and upset his wife.

"Of course, Teacher Zhou."

Gu Qing smiled sincerely and made a peace sign at the camera.

“Gu, I’ll take one too. I can show off to my other friends that I have a top student.”

Zhang Songwen also asked for a group photo.

……

As the van entered the company's underground parking garage, Gu Qing was silently reciting her lines to her phone's memo app.

In the reflection of the car window, his arms and fingers were unconsciously twisting his wrists, already practicing the movements of Dongfang Bubai when he waved and retracted his sleeves.

Back at the company, the agent explained why he was in such a hurry to get him back.

"Baby, you're going to participate in the New Year's Eve party at Moon Terrace!"

Li Li was very excited; when she walked, her high heels seemed to make holes in the floor.

"With Running Man being so popular, it's not surprising that they're participating in a New Year's Eve gala."

Gu Qing's reaction was lukewarm.

"But what if you could sing another song by yourself?"

Li Li, beaming, said, "The Running Man production team just contacted me. They plan to film the last episode with a martial arts theme, and the song they originally intended for you to sing didn't quite fit the theme."
So we've arranged for you to perform at the New Year's Eve gala!

"The order is also good, third to last, and the second to last is the grand finale, which is the collective appearance of your Running Man team."

Those who can appear in the last few spots of a local TV station's New Year's Eve gala are all top-tier celebrities.

Gu Qing's ability to obtain this opportunity is inseparable from the recent bomb disposal incident.

They utterly crushed the Bees, who were also among the top influencers!

Although in reality, it was the XO fans who contributed the most.

Gu Qing, who was involved in the explosion protection project, was the one who benefited the most, gaining recognition from investors for its commercial value.

"okay, I get it."

Gu Qing said, "Sister Li, can I ask you for a favor?"

“Baby, tell me, even if you want the stars in the sky, I’ll pluck them down for you.”

Li Li replied sweetly.

"Could you help me get in touch with Brigitte Lin's agent?"

"In my next film, I will probably have to portray the character Dongfang Bubai that she played before."

Gu Qing voiced her concern, "Could we get your permission, senior?"

"Brigitte Lin?"

Upon hearing the name of this important figure, Li Li was taken aback.

This was a superstar who was incredibly popular throughout Asia when she was young.

If Gu Qing said he wanted to meet the other party, Li Li would probably refuse without even thinking about it.

But if it's just a matter of having an agent pass on a message to pay tribute to the acting skills of a senior actor.

Given Gu Qing's current top-tier status, it shouldn't be too difficult for her.

After all, I would be very happy if a top-tier junior suddenly said that he really liked the character I played.

“No problem,” Li Li readily agreed.

……

……

(End of this chapter)