Top Chinese celebrity: Debuted from Running Man

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……

The afternoon sun poured down on this land far from the hustle and bustle of civilization, baking the temporarily requisitioned factory courtyards until they shone bright white.

Gu Qingzheng was using the few fitness equipment pieces purchased by the film crew to exercise.

Sweat soaked through his simple gray vest, clinging to his smooth and well-proportioned body.

He was doing pull-ups, his movements were standard and steady, and with each pull, his latissimus dorsi and arm muscles clearly tightened and stretched.

The muscles are not exaggerated, bulging blocks, but rather thin, elastic muscle lines full of strength.

Sweat dripped down his defined jawline, leaving dark spots on the sandy ground beneath him.

"Hey bro, working out? Your physique... is pretty good!"

Wu Jing's loud voice came from the courtyard gate.

He strode in, carrying two thick stacks of scripts. When he saw Gu Qing's condition, he stopped and a hint of undisguised surprise flashed in his eyes.

He walked halfway around Gu Qing, clicking his tongue in amazement.

Wu Jing thought that as an idol, Gu Qing couldn't be too big, especially since the camera would widen people, so maintaining a slender figure was essential.

Once she takes off her clothes, she's bound to have a loose, baggy figure, like a skinny person.

Surprisingly, the muscle definition was very prominent.

As a professional martial arts actor, Wu Jing knew that achieving Gu Qing's physique was no easy feat; it would take at least two or three years of dedicated practice.

Elegant in clothes, dashing without them.

Wu Jing was stunned by Han Geng's handsome appearance, feeling a mix of jealousy and envy. "Little brother, now I believe you can beat Han Geng."

"Knocked down? A Korean meme?"

Gu Qing had just finished a set, letting go and landing on his feet, slightly out of breath. He took the towel handed to him by his assistant, wiping the sweat from his face and neck as he turned his head.

His eyes were filled with obvious doubt. "Brother Jing, which tabloid did you hear this gossip from? I'm a law-abiding citizen. When have I ever gotten into a fight with anyone?"

"You've never fought him?"

Wu Jing was also stunned, scratching his signature buzz cut, "Then how come so many people in the industry are saying that you two were fighting quite fiercely on the set of Running Man, and almost came to blows?"

"We've never fought, but we've had a few verbal arguments, that's true."

Gu Qing walked to the insulated box next to her, took out a bottle of water, unscrewed it, took a few sips, and recalled in a calm tone, "At that time, I had just returned to China not long ago and was recording a program."

He might have been a bit arrogant, and I didn't quite agree with his way of doing things. We had a few unpleasant conversations.

Sometimes when I get angry, I speak very bluntly, and... I don't really hold back.

He briefly described the situation at the time.

"Later he left early, leaving Sister Bingbing alone and a little embarrassed to finish recording the second half with us. That's how it happened."

"Oh...I see."

Wu Jing listened in a daze, his mind a jumble of conflicting versions.

How come the three people's versions are all different? Who should he believe?
but,

Looking at Gu Qing's frank expression, and recalling the rumors circulating in the industry over the years about Han Geng being "difficult to deal with" and "having a bad temper,"

And the old story of his fans storming the TV station...

Wu Jing's heart still leaned towards Gu Qing.

It makes no sense that a senior who is in the right and currently very popular would remain silent after being "bullied," only complaining to his girlfriend in private.

This is not in line with the usual practice of some people in the industry who are "unforgiving even when they are in the right".

"Forget it, it's not important."

Wu Jing waved his hand, suppressing his gossipy thoughts, and held up the script in his hand, a warm yet slightly nervous smile on his face.

"Little brother, here's the script. One is the earliest version, and the other is the one I had the screenwriter revise. Take a look at them first."

If you have any ideas or are not satisfied with anything, let's communicate anytime, and I'll have the scriptwriting team revise it immediately!

He is now keeping a low profile.

Gu Qing is not only a "firefighter," but also likely to become the "key figure in box office success" and "quality endorser" of this film; his opinion is of paramount importance.

"Okay, Brother Jing, wait a moment, let me take a look."

Gu Qing wiped his hands, took the script, and sat down on a slightly old but still clean long wooden bench in the courtyard.

Sunlight filtered through a sparsely leafed baobab tree next to him, casting dappled shadows on him.

Wu Jing quickly brought over a small folding stool, sat down next to Gu Qing, and looked at him expectantly, ready to answer his questions at any time.

Gu Qing first opened the original script. The character's name jumped out at her eyes—"Zhuo Yifan".

He paused for a moment, then couldn't help but chuckle, looking up at Wu Jing: "Brother Jing, this name... if I play the role, won't the audience automatically identify me as that person?"

He was obviously referring to Kris Wu, whose nickname and character name sounded very similar.

"what?"

Wu Jing was stunned for a moment, then realized what he had done and slapped his forehead, "Oh dear! I really didn't think of that!"
I was so busy designing the character's background... Little brother, if you think it's awkward, we'll change it right away! What should we call it?

Zhuo...Zhuo Qing? Zhuo Gu?

"No need to change it."

Gu Qing shook her head, a playful smile curving her lips. "Zhuo Yifan... 'Catch Yifan,' that's a good name."

Who knows, maybe one day the person whose name belongs to them will actually be 'caught'?

He said it half-jokingly.

"Yeah?…"

Wu Jing chuckled dryly, seemingly unconcerned. It seemed the two had quite a deep grudge.

Gu Qing suppressed her smile and began to read the script seriously.

The original character of "Zhuo Yifan" was very well-defined:

The background is the wealthy second-generation heir of this Chinese-owned steel mill, who comes from a well-off family and is well-educated.

At the same time, he is a passionate military enthusiast with extensive theoretical knowledge and a large collection of models and books.

But in terms of personality,
He's more like a spoiled, theoretical "brat".

Upon his first appearance, he faced Leng Feng, a retired special forces soldier played by Wu Jing.

His attitude was arrogant, his words childish, and he displayed a kind of ignorant and presumptuous arrogance.

He plays the role of the "clown" in the first half of the movie, used to adjust the tense atmosphere and create laughs. He also has many scenes where he gets taught a lesson and suffers setbacks by Leng Feng.

however,
When the flames of war truly reached the factory and rebel thugs attacked, this seemingly unreliable playboy displayed astonishing courage and responsibility.

Instead of hiding or backing down, he picked up a weapon and fought alongside Leng Feng, completing his transformation from a "military enthusiast" to a "real soldier." His character arc was complete, and his later highlights were enough to move the audience.

Closing the original script, Gu Qing nodded and offered a fair assessment:

"Brother Jing, the character's design and growth line are very solid."

If well-developed, it will be outstanding and extremely popular with audiences, especially during the later transformation, which will easily resonate with them.

When Hanzi starred in this drama back then,
This was the period when domestic moviegoers were most disgusted with young male idols, and even the bottom line of casual viewers was eroded to the point of explosion by bad movies.

When the promotional video for "Wolf Warrior 2" was released on various video platforms, everyone was initially applauding it. However, when the slick-haired, powdered-faced "Pond Master" appeared, it turned into a barrage of criticism.

The comments are all saying it's disgusting, and there are young, handsome actors in it, so I'm not watching anymore.

The results of it,
When "Wolf Warrior 2" was released, everyone went to the cinema and thought, "Wow, the acting was actually pretty good!"

The once-plummeting reputation of the "Pond Master" suddenly transformed him into the only male actor to rise during a period when young male idols were being attacked, garnering countless praises.

It can be said,
The movie "Wolf Warrior 2" saved his acting career and gave him a second spring.

Until later,

He was dragged down to rock bottom again by his self-directed and self-acted drama "Mr. East Eighth District", and has never recovered since.

"Haha, little brother, I told you this role would be good."

Upon hearing this, Wu Jing was overjoyed and burst into laughter.

Gu Qing then changed the subject, her tone filled with apology and regret: "However, given my current situation... I'm not really suitable to play this version of 'Zhuo Yifan'."

"Huh? Why?"

Wu Jing's smile froze on his face, his heart jumped again, and his face was full of confusion and anxiety. "Little brother, this role is so good!"

It has contrasts, growth, and highlights; I can guarantee the comedic parts will be effective, and the later transformation will be absolutely thrilling!

Gu Qing put down the water bottle, looked at Wu Jing, and said apologetically:
"Brother Jing, from an actor's perspective, I greatly admire and am willing to try this kind of role. However, 'I' am not just an actor."

He pointed to himself, "I am also an artist with numerous brand contracts, an idol loved by many fans and with a specific public image."

"The original Zhuo Yifan's early scenes were too much like a 'clown'."

Arrogant, childish, getting beaten and kicked by villains, making a fool of himself... This is completely different from the characters I portray or the image on screen.

It could even be described as a kind of 'subversion'.

"My team is worried about this kind of subversion, and my fans will be unhappy. But the most crucial thing is—"

Gu Qing pointed to the brand of the gray short-sleeved shirt she was wearing, "These are the high-end luxury brands I endorse."

They paid a sky-high price to have me as their spokesperson because they valued the 'sophistication,' 'scarcity,' and 'positive influence' in my image.

If I were to appear in a movie initially with such an almost 'comical' image, even if there were later development or elevation in my character,

They might also argue that this undermines the 'dream' and 'style' that the brand is trying to convey to consumers.

Contracts usually include image protection clauses. Even getting a haircut that doesn't meet the endorsement requirements could be a breach of contract, let alone playing a role that might be perceived as 'low-class'.

Wu Jing frowned as he listened.

He's never been an idol, so he really doesn't know these things.

“Unless…” Gu Qing paused, somewhat hesitant.

"Unless what? Tell me, bro!"

Wu Jing felt like he had grasped at a straw.

"Brother Jing, I'm afraid you'll get angry if I tell you."

Gu Qing said awkwardly.

"What do I have to be angry about, little brother? Speak freely and without worry."

Wu was extremely anxious.

"Unless... the director of this film is a recognized 'great director' or 'famous director' with absolute box office appeal and artistic achievement."

Gu Qing looked at Wu Jing and said slowly, "For example, directors like Zhang Yimou and Chen Kaige would be completely different."

Wu Jing is now just a nobody in the director's circle.

actor,

Especially for an actor who started as an idol, sometimes it's not that they don't want to break through their image, but that they can't.

The company will try to stop you, the fans will make a fuss, and the brand will also be dissatisfied.

I spent so much money to have you endorse my high-end products, and you ended up playing a nobody, turning what was supposed to be a sophisticated and luxurious brand into something down-to-earth.

These are all forms of stress.

of course,

Most idols themselves don't want to put in the effort to break through their image; it's so much easier to make money by acting in an idol drama.
It's so liberating to be able to have romantic relationships with the female or male lead in a drama, get paid well, and film quickly.

All of this hinges on having a film directed by a renowned director.

The actors behaved themselves, the company stopped complaining, the fans stopped making trouble, and the brands welcomed them.

There's no way around it, it's word of mouth.

A top director wants to make an art film for you, and even if you play a mentally challenged person or a petty thug, you can easily win awards and elevate your status.

Making commercial films would be even better.

The price you pay is to lose some of your on-screen image. What's wrong with that?
After going through all the records in the entertainment industry,
Without exception, the first film in which all the superstars and popular artists broke out of their image was directed by a renowned director.

Wu Jing is not qualified yet.

unless,

Gu Qing was willing to endure pressure from all sides and force herself to perform.

After all, he is the greatest among all people.

But if they did that, especially if it was just for a cameo role and they drastically changed their image, they would probably lose an astronomical sum.

Even the revenue sharing from Wolf Warrior 2 couldn't make up for it.

After listening, Wu Jing remained silent for a long time. The expression on his face changed from anxious to complicated, showing a mix of dejection and resentment.

He rubbed his chest and gave a wry smile: "Little brother... stop talking, let's look at the new script."

It's true... lies don't hurt, but the truth is the sharpest knife.

This kid's analysis was logical and reasonable, yet every sentence struck a nerve with this "little director."

but,

This frustration and stinging pain, however, was like a spark falling into a haystack, instantly igniting the indomitable spirit within him.

TM's,
I'll do everything in my power to make this film a success!
One day, I will make everyone respectfully call me "Master Director".

Gu Qing didn't say anything more and picked up the newly revised script.

This time, he read very quickly, but his brows gradually furrowed.

Wu Jing, who had been watching his expression intently, felt her heart leap into her throat and dared not even breathe.

quickly,

Gu Qing closed the new script, her expression somewhat troubled.

The new version of "Zhuo Yifan" is a complete transformation.

Or rather, the character was "overly pampered" by the screenwriter. The character's design is almost perfect, even bordering on "overpowered protagonist."

He was a military genius who kept his abilities hidden from the moment he appeared. His theoretical knowledge far surpassed Leng Feng's, and he could even make Leng Feng suffer a defeat. He was simply a genius that only appears once in a century.

His personality is also calm, wise, mature and steady. When facing the rebels, he is no longer a "rookie" who needs to be protected.

Instead, it is a "powerful support" that can utilize the complex environment of the factory and self-made equipment to work in tacit cooperation with Leng Feng, and even stand alone to defeat a large number of enemies.

The character is dazzling and has almost no flaws.

"Bro, this character isn't good enough? It's so powerful!"

Gu Qing remained silent, while Wu Jing turned his head to the side, his eyes wide open, "You're going to torture me like a grandson!"

"Brother Jing, your persona is perfect."

Gu Qing looked at him helplessly and said, "But if it's too perfect, won't it seem like it's overshadowing Leng Feng's aura? Won't the audience be distracted by it?"

To be honest,
Even though Jing Ge later started to abstract and started playing the game of small groups sticking together.

But Jing Ge in "Wolf Warrior 2" stood up against a group of sheepdogs, sparking a wave of patriotism in China.

You should know that before this,

The word "patriotism" is something that cannot be spoken aloud; there is a sense of shame associated with it.

Saying it online would only invite ridicule.

In the era of Brother Chen Long, patriotism was often labeled as patriotic thievery.

Gu Qing was willing to hitch a ride on the Wolf Warrior bandwagon, but she didn't want to diminish Leng Feng's character appeal because of herself.

……

"what--"

Wu Jing let out a wail, scratching his buzz cut with both hands until dandruff was flying everywhere. He was scratching his ears and cheeks, almost crying, "Brother, how could I not know?"

"But there's no other way. You're too timid to act, so we have to go all out."

As a director,
Could they not have known how abrupt the appearance of such an unsolvable character would be to the entire film?
To know,
Leng Feng embodies the "lone hero" persona, aligning with the Western concept of a super individual hero.

This is the type of film Wu Jing wants to make.

Why is it that Westerners can save the world every day by themselves, while they can't?

But now,
To get Gu Qing to agree to the role, Wu Jing had to make some sacrifices.

……

"Brother Jing, don't be in a hurry."

Actually, I think the first version of the character design and framework was the best, best suited the overall tone of the film, and most likely to stand out.

Gu Qing's voice was gentle, "However, if I were to play the role, I would need to make adjustments to some very subtle but crucial details, rather than completely rewriting it or going to the other extreme."

"Adjust the details?"

Wu Jing suddenly raised his head, hope rekindling in his eyes. "How do you want it adjusted? Just tell me, little brother, and I'll have someone change it right away!"

Gu Qing opened the original script, found the scene where Zhuo Yifan first appeared and confronted Leng Feng, and gestured for Wu Jing to watch it together.

"When Zhuo Yifan first appeared at the iron gate and confronted you, he displayed an arrogant, immature, and narcissistic attitude, like a child wearing an adult's suit, giving the impression of being an empty shell."

"Yes, yes, that's exactly what I think, little brother, how do you want to change it?"

Wu Jing was taken aback when Gu Qing pointed out the character's distinct features in just a few words.

For celebrities in the entertainment industry with an average level of illiteracy, they can't even do a simple reading comprehension exercise, and the director has to break down their scenes for them every day until they're hoarse from talking.

In Wu Jing's eyes, Gu Qing was an 'astoundingly beautiful' person.

“Brother Jing, since I’m just here for a cameo, even if you add my scenes to the main cast, I can’t overshadow the main character.”

Gu Qing expressed her thoughts.
"The purpose of Zhuo Yifan's appearance is to rescue the audience from the oppressive and cruel plot, to make them smile and have a relaxing space. This is something that must be retained."

"So in terms of personality, I want to change it according to my 'real' image on screen, so that the audience will feel surprised when they see me appear."

Why was the "Pond Master" able to act so brilliantly back then?

That's Zhuo Yifan's persona; anyone who sees it can connect it to the real person—it's practically a natural performance.

Equally awful, equally narcissistic, and with the same rich second-generation background.

"Rather than saying Zhuo Yifan, I would say that I am myself."

Gu Qing continued, "When I first met Leng Feng, I knew you were a special forces soldier. I could sized you up, and I had to maintain the aloofness of an adult while feeling the excitement of a military novice meeting a king of soldiers. I wanted to test your mettle."

In the play, didn't I have to open the iron gate and let you in?

"Then you have to play a game with me."

"what game?"

Wu Jing became interested and asked curiously.

"Have you seen Police Story? There's a scene where Ah-Cho and Chan Ka-Kui have a gun-assembly contest."

Gu Qing said with a smile, "We can add this plot to the drama. For example, when Leng Feng sees him having someone bring out a table, he asks in confusion, 'What are you doing?'"
Zhuo Yifan, feigning a cool expression, said, "I'll have a gun-assembly contest with you. If you beat me, I'll let you in."

"In the end, you naturally won, and Zhuo Yifan also demonstrated his marksmanship skills. After losing to you, he is completely convinced of your superiority."
The storyline then changes to a master-apprentice dynamic, with the apprentice constantly pestering the apprentice to teach him real military techniques.

such,

Firstly, it pays homage to the classics and adds fun elements, making moviegoers happy, and secondly, it fills the void in daily life without a female lead.

Secondly, it highlights Zhuo Yifan's distinctly naive character, giving the impression that he genuinely wanted to become a soldier and came to Feizhou because he watched the movie.

The audience felt that while Zhuo Yifan might be weak and naive, his personality wasn't malicious, and he wasn't a bad person.

"Don't say it, don't say it!"

Wu Jing's eyes lit up as he listened. He stood up, paced back and forth in the courtyard a few times, and then clapped his hands suddenly. "This change really works! The scenes where Jing Shan isn't in can be completely filled in."

"The lack of ambiguous romantic subplots actually makes this military-themed film more masculine, allowing the audience to focus more on the brutality of the battlefield."

Wu Jing's inspiration also began to flow, and he excitedly pulled Gu Qing and said, "Little brother, do you think this will work?"

"After you pestered me to no end, I started teaching you some fighting techniques. The daily routine became you getting beaten by me, and you suffered a few losses."

Later, when you encounter the rebel forces and they try to beat you, and your life hangs in the balance, you remember the counter-attack method I taught you, and ultimately fight back and kill them!

"Sure, I can take a beating from Leng Feng, but I can't let those villains beat me one-sidedly. I have to fight back at least a little. I can take a loss, but I can't keep taking a loss."

Gu Qing thought about it and felt there was no problem.

"Let's go, let's have the screenwriter design it now, and we can even add some real fighting techniques to these daily teaching sessions."

The thought of being able to show off and become Gu Qing's master got Wu Jing excited.

He grabbed Gu Qing and ran towards the two screenwriters of the drama: Liu Yi and Dong Qun.

Neither of the screenwriters listened; they looked completely numb.

The director and lead actors have both said that you can write whatever you want.

He immediately sewed his mouth shut and began writing furiously on the spot.

"Hey bro, why don't you ask Zhuo Yifan to add that line from 'Police Story' to the script? It'd be a nice way to pay homage to Brother Chen Long."

Wu Jing had another idea.

He felt that by filming it this way, he could leverage his older brother's fame during later promotional activities.

"It's not that it's impossible, but it can't be said when we first meet."

Gu Qing truthfully said, "You can let the audience guess, but saying it outright will easily break their immersion in the story."

"If we really want to add it, we can put it in our later, more comedic daily life segments."

For example, after training, if you ask me why I assembled firearms, I'll add these things and tease you for not having seen "Police Story" and knowing about Chan Ka-kui, who is my idol—consider it an Easter egg.

"Many fans and viewers know about the relationship between Uncle Jackie and me, and they will find this very interesting."

"Wow, you really do have a connection with Big Brother?"

Wu Jing was taken aback. He put his arm around Gu Qing's shoulder, trying to get closer to him, and said with a sheepish grin, "Little brother, could you invite your older brother over to show his face? I..."

Before he could finish speaking, he realized that Gu Qing had already turned and left.

They've really become addicted to begging for alms.

Wu Jing quickly followed after him with a smile.

"Just kidding, just kidding. How could I dare to let Brother Chen Long come and make a cameo appearance? Even if he did come, I couldn't afford to hire him."

"Haha, come on, call me master first, let's rehearse our lines."

"Brother Jing, you're shameless."

"How could I, a martial artist, not be thick-skinned?"

"..."

……

...(End of chapter)