Top Chinese celebrity: Debuted from Running Man

……

……

Time flies, and another half month has passed in the blink of an eye.

The never-ending vortex of the Chinese entertainment industry has never slowed down due to anyone's temporary absence.

in contrast,

Driven by the frenzied mixing of capital, traffic, and trending topics, it is unleashing an even more intense "cleansing" storm targeting specific groups.

The disastrous failure of "Legend of Ravaging Dynasties" and the farce of its "release date rescheduling" acted as a lit fuse.

This finally ignited the long-simmering resentment and crisis of trust among the audience towards the so-called "young heartthrobs" and "traffic stars."

For a long time, capital has been chasing quick money, pouring a lot of resources into young idols who have popularity but lack solid professional skills, thus squeezing out the living space for talented actors.

This led to a precipitous drop in the quality of the work, and audiences have long been complaining.

With its utterly shoddy production and absurdly poor final product, "Legend of Ravaging Dynasties" has completely torn away the last fig leaf, officially sounding the clarion call for this "punishment".

The audience's anger was not unfounded.

When disappointment accumulates to its peak, even the smallest spark can ignite a prairie fire.

This year's film and television market, as if by prior arrangement, has provided a continuous source of fuel for this anger.

A large number of poorly made and poorly received films and TV series were released and broadcast in a row, continuously pushing the audience's already fragile aesthetic bottom line and limits of tolerance.

In terms of films, it can be described as a series of "disasters":
Comedian Yue Yunpeng seems determined to "find a new path" in the film and television industry, transforming himself into a new generation of "King of Bad Movies" with astonishing "efficiency".

Since the beginning of the year, the films he starred in have achieved an astonishing "four-hit streak":
"Crazy Yue Steals the Beauty" (Douban rating 3.4, box office 6370 million)

The movie version of "Happy Comedians" (2.5 rating on Douban, box office of 6660 million yuan).

"The Comedy Movie: I Want Happiness" (2.9 on Douban, 1800 million at the box office).

Each installment received scathing reviews, and box office revenue plummeted as the critical reception collapsed. The final film even failed to break 20 million.

His fourth "masterpiece," "Buddies in India," was directed by Wang Baoqiang, Gu Qing's "good brother," for the first time.

Thanks to Wang Baoqiang's popularity and media attention, the film raked in 7.56 million yuan at the box office.

However, its chaotic narrative, awkward humor, and rough production drew a barrage of criticism, making it a typical example of a "high-grossing but bad movie."

It is reported that,

Yue Yunpeng has another film, "Goldbuster," waiting to be released at the end of the year. It remains to be seen whether he can "successfully" achieve the "achievement" of starring in five bad movies in one year.

followed by,
He is Li Yifeng, who once hovered at the bottom of the "Four Top Celebrities".

After remaining silent for more than half a year, he returned with "Psychological Crime," a collaboration with award-winning actor Liao Fan, attempting to prove himself through "acting transformation."

however,
This film, which premiered ahead of the Deng Chao and Liu Shishi version of "The City of Light," ultimately only grossed 3.04 million yuan at the box office.

Positive reviews are polarized.

Although Li Yifeng's performance has improved compared to the past, he is still criticized by many viewers for "not being able to keep up with Liao Fan's acting", and his transformation has not been as smooth as expected.

"Miracles of the Namiya General Store," starring Wang Junkai, a rising star, is adapted from a well-known Japanese IP. However, it barely broke 2 million yuan at the box office and made a mediocre splash.

If we also consider the lackluster films released during the Spring Festival at the beginning of the year, apart from "Detective Chinatown," and the "epic" failure of Chris Wu's "L.O.R.D.: Legend of Ravaging Dynasties"...

Audiences were surprised to find that, in the first half of the year, only one film, "Detective Chinatown," achieved both critical and commercial success!
This bleak reality is like a resounding slap in the face to short-sighted capital and industries that blindly follow trends.

This left countless viewers who went to the cinema full of expectations feeling that their eyes and souls had been doubly hurt.

In the realm of television dramas, the situation is even more "eye-searing," making this the hardest-hit area for "fresh meat" actors.

The drama "Love of Aurora," starring Guan Xiaotong, has provided netizens with a constant stream of material for吐槽 (tu cao, meaning to criticize or ridicule) and meme videos due to its outrageous plot, exaggerated performances, and rough production.

The drama "General and I," starring former "good sister" Yang Ying and Zhong Hanliang, gained notoriety for its extensive use of green screen technology and subpar acting from the lead actors, becoming synonymous with "green screen dramas."

"Xuan-Yuan Sword: Han Cloud," starring Zhang Yunlong and Guan Xiaotong, continues the trend of drastic alterations and perfunctory adaptations of fantasy drama IPs.

Dilraba Dilmurat's first leading role drama, "The King's Woman," was riddled with logical plot holes and had a poor styling, failing to live up to the audience's expectations.

Yang Zi's "Legend of Dragon Pearl" has a clichéd and drawn-out plot, which is eroding the audience's childhood nostalgia for "Xiaoxue".

Huang Xiaoming and Song Qian's "Ancient Love Song" features outrageous costumes and a melodramatic plot, contributing yet another batch of internet memes.

As for Lu Han and Gulnazar's "Fighter of the Destiny," it goes without saying that its ratings started high but then declined, and its reputation collapsed.

And none of the terrible movies mentioned above are the most terrifying.

Huang Xiaochu, known for his "master strategist" persona and quite popular with audiences, starred in and co-produced the Chinese version of "Midnight Diner".

It suffered a major setback due to its awkward copying, ubiquitous product placement, and exaggerated performances, receiving a low rating of 2.8 on Douban and becoming a representative of the year's "awkward dramas"!
To list them all,

These dramas, which garnered much attention before their release due to the popularity of their lead actors, the IP effect, or massive publicity, have not managed to maintain a Douban rating above 5 points!
Not only are their plots riddled with holes and illogical, but their actors' performances are either expressionless or exaggerated, and their production is also shoddy, with cheap special effects and costumes and props that look extremely cheap.

Audiences are like people in a vast cultural desert, searching desperately but finding it difficult to find a work that can provide them with a sense of comfort and solace.

Why is 2017 known to posterity as the year when the reputation of "traffic stars" and "little fresh meat" completely collapsed?

This list of bloody and suffocating works is the most direct and cruel answer.

The rampant growth of capital, the industry's short-sighted pursuit of quick profits, and the artists' and their teams' unlimited lowering of their standards for themselves have collectively created this "disaster" that has affected the entire film and television industry.

This year was not just a defeat for "young idols," but a collective downturn caused by the imbalance of the entire industry ecosystem.

From top to bottom, from renowned directors to veteran actors, many have also delivered subpar results.

This is also a major factor behind the explosive box office success of "Wolf Warrior 2" at the end of the year.

After a year of being bombarded with bad movies, how can audiences not support a 7 or 8 out of 10 film?

However, despite the film's failure, the question remains: who should take the blame?

In this media storm, renowned directors and veteran actors were able to "disappear gracefully" thanks to their extensive networks accumulated over the years.

The "little fresh meat" actors who had previously enjoyed the benefits of high popularity and become darlings of capital had already accumulated a lot of resentment from the audience due to their lack of virtue and acting skills. At this moment, they naturally became the best "scapegoats" and outlets for venting their emotions.

For a time,

An absurd "face-changing" drama has unfolded in the entertainment industry.

Those renowned directors, award-winning actors and actresses, and industry veterans who once publicly praised young idols with beaming smiles and lavish compliments, calling them "hardworking," "dedicated," and "with a promising future"...

They all suffered from amnesia overnight.

They all expressed their "heartache" in front of the media, listing various "unprofessional" behaviors of the "young idols" on set: being late or leaving early, abusing stunt doubles, reciting lines as numbers, and demanding exorbitant salaries and special treatment...

It seems that the root of all bad movies lies with these young idols.

This collective shift in public opinion reflects some of the true situation, but it also includes calculations aimed at taking advantage of others' misfortunes and shifting their own pressure.

Unfortunately,

The audience largely "bought" this explanation.

Prolonged disappointment makes one's emotions need a specific target to bear, and "young and handsome men" as a symbolic group perfectly serve as this target.

The cries of "Young male idols get out of the entertainment industry!!" are echoing across the internet.

"I've really been kept alive this year entirely by my brother Gu Qing! From 'The Imperial Doctress' at the beginning of the year, to 'Detective Chinatown' during the Spring Festival, and now 'Nirvana in Fire'... I couldn't live without him!"

"Gu Qing's value continues to rise! In the midst of ruins, he is the only light!"

"Looking back now, my brother's decision to retire at the height of his fame and return to school for further studies was extremely wise!"

Only by staying away from this quagmire of superficiality and focusing on honing one's skills can one produce good work. If one continues to wallow in it, even the most promising talent will be led astray.

"I used to think that TV dramas with more than 30 episodes were padded and bad, but now? I just wish that the 54 episodes of 'Nirvana in Fire' could be broadcast more slowly! I just can't get enough of it!"

"Agreed! It's already more than halfway through, what are we going to do next? Can we film and broadcast it simultaneously? We need a sequel!"

Countless viewers and fans were wailing, relieved, and worried.

Gu Qing's existence provides them with psychological comfort in this era of "bad movies everywhere".

This situation of "everyone else is rotten but I am pure" has brought Gu Qing unprecedented praise and audience trust, but it has also inevitably attracted complicated attention from within the industry.

Envy, jealousy, and even hidden hatred fester in the shadows.

Why is it that amidst all the chaos, you alone remain untouched, continuously reaping flowers and applause, and enjoying a transcendent status?

For those who can only grit their teeth in private, it is naturally nothing to fear.

Real and powerful brokerage firms, investors seeking reliable partnerships, and platforms eager for high-quality projects will now be even more eager to turn their attention to Gu Qing, waving their checks and trying to establish cooperation with him.

The market has shown in the most realistic way that, in a time when credibility is generally bankrupt, the name "Gu Qing" is the best endorsement of credit and a guarantee of box office success.

As for those who are jealous?
Aside from being useful when someone is down, it has no real impact on Gu Qing.

Amidst the uproar in public opinion, both praise and criticism were flying.

The true center of this storm, Gu Qing himself, seemed to have vanished from the face of the earth.

His social media accounts have stopped being updated, with the latest post being from more than two weeks ago.

Faced with a flood of praise, heartfelt "pleas" (requests for more chapters of "Nirvana in Fire"), and a few mixed in with questions that attempted to incite conflict.

Gu Qing's blog remained silent, as calm as the deep sea.

Even several official media outlets that wanted to interview him about this industry phenomenon were unable to reach him, and the usual reply was that "Professor Gu Qing is currently working in seclusion abroad and cannot accept interviews."

Gu Qing completely withdrew from the noisy public opinion arena, isolating himself on the distant Feizhou Continent, focusing on the challenging new script and the arduous filming.

If we say,
In this "purge" that swept across the entire "young and handsome" group, Gu Qing was the most detached yet dazzling "survivor" and even "victor" in comparison.

Then,

One person, unfortunately, became the most conspicuous "bullseye" in this storm, bearing the most concentrated firepower—Kris Wu!
……

Shanghai, late at night.

The Bund's lights still shine brightly, reflected in the turbid Huangpu River, outlining the city's tireless luxury.

Meanwhile, on the top floor of a secluded high-end club, in an extremely luxurious and private KTV room, decadent music was playing, a stark contrast to the civilized scene outside the window.

The private room was enormous and decorated in an extremely luxurious style. The walls were covered with dark gold upholstery, and the crystal chandelier reflected a mesmerizing, dazzling light. The huge circular sofa could easily accommodate dozens of people.

Top-of-the-line audio equipment blasted deafening electronic music, while the air was filled with the spiciness of expensive cigars, the richness of spirits, and the cloying sweetness of various designer perfumes and cosmetics.

Even the toilet seat in the bathroom is inlaid with shimmering gold trim, silently proclaiming the extravagance of a seven-figure sum for a single night's stay.

Chris Wu sat alone in the very center of the sofa, completely out of place with the noisy revelry around him.

He held a glass of amber-colored liquor in his hand, staring blankly at the table.

He ignored the scantily clad, exquisitely made-up young girls around him who kept trying to snuggle up to him, their eyes filled with desire and ambition, and even felt waves of physical disgust.

Perhaps it was the memory of unpleasant experiences that came to mind.

He hates these heavily made-up women the most.

"Leave far away!"

When yet another girl took the opportunity of offering him a drink to almost press her chest against his arm, Kris Wu waved her away impatiently, his tone cold and irritated.

The girl's charming smile froze, and she awkwardly stepped back a little, but did not go far away, still waiting for an opportunity.

This relentless groveling made Chris Wu sneer inwardly: How despicable!

Then, a feeling of irritability welled up in my heart again.

Recently,

It was indeed the lowest point in his life, a point that could even be described as a dead end.

His career in film and television has almost come to an end.

The film "So Young 2: Never Gone," co-starring Liu Yifei, was a box office and critical failure.

The subsequent postponement of "L.O.R.D.: Legend of Ravaging Dynasties" cemented his reputation as a "box office poison" and a "representative of bad movies."

The snobbery and pragmatism of the entertainment industry are on full display at this moment.

Before the movie flopped, he was the adored "Teacher Wu" and "Top Star Wu".

Every morning, I'd wake up to a pile of scripts for big-budget male-lead dramas, each with an investment of hundreds of millions, piled up on my bedside table. Famous directors and producers would greet me like royalty. And now?
Those enthusiastic invitations vanished instantly, and even polite greetings became rare.

Director Feng, who once called himself his son in the media and wished he could take care of him in his old age.

Recently, he turned around and spoke at length in a media interview, criticizing "some young actors who don't memorize their lines, rely entirely on post-production dubbing, take on multiple projects at once, and lack the most basic professional qualities."

Although no names were named, those in the industry clearly understood the target of the criticism.

Chris Wu felt so frustrated he was about to explode, but had nowhere to vent his anger.

Could you guys be any more realistic?!
The path to success in the film industry is visibly blocked.

Without a cooling-off period of two or three years, and without a sufficiently significant comeback film, audiences and the market will not easily forget the trauma caused by "Legend of Ravaging Dynasties".

Without any choice,

Chris Wu had no choice but to turn his attention to television dramas.

after all,

Gu Qing achieved great success by focusing on television dramas, while Lu Han maintained his popularity with "Fighter of the Destiny" (despite its poor reception).

He let go of the last vestiges of his illusory pride as a "movie star" and began to explore television drama projects.

however,
The results of the audition and makeup test dealt him an even heavier blow.

Without the meticulously crafted Korean-style makeup and cinematic lighting, his facial flaws were laid bare under the high-definition television cameras.

Perhaps due to long-term irregular work and rest schedules and excessive drinking, his face showed obvious swelling and bloating.

His already long chin appeared even more prominent and out of proportion from certain angles.

After trying out several period and modern costumes, the results were far from ideal. Even his own team and company subtly suggested that he not easily get involved in TV dramas for the time being, so as not to further damage his image.

Both film and television channels are blocked.

So, what about returning to his "old profession"—music?

He still spared no expense, traveling overseas to seek collaborations with internationally renowned music producers in an attempt to create an "international" single.

unfortunately,

The works produced with huge sums of money received a lukewarm response and even suffered an embarrassing setback.

He once enthusiastically referred to a foreign producer as "my good brother" and "my musical confidant" in front of domestic media.

As a result, when the producer was interviewed by his own country's media and asked if he knew Kris Wu, he shook his head in confusion and said, "Who? I don't know him. I just got paid to make a song."

The bad news is: we've lost a lot of face.

The good news is: he's a foreigner, so losing face doesn't count as losing face abroad.

When all three major tracks of film, television, and music were in dire straits, Chris Wu was in a desperate situation.

He was forced to turn his attention to the field he once looked down upon and considered "low-class"—variety shows.

After filming "L.O.R.D: Legend of Ravaging Dynasties" ended, the only regular variety show he took on was called "The Rap of China".

A talent show focusing on a niche music genre—hip-hop.

In the domestic mass market, hip-hop music is a niche within a niche, even more marginal than folk music and traditional Chinese style music, with very few people knowing about it.

Even with promotion by a superstar like Jay Chou, who has many classic rap songs, over the years, it has failed to truly bring it into the mainstream.

Having suffered a series of setbacks, Kris Wu didn't have high expectations for this show.

He was initially very ambitious.

If you, Gu Qing, can bring niche ancient-style songs to the mainstream, then why can't I, Chris Wu, bring hip-hop to the forefront?
But now?
He chose to give up.

Even on the night the show premiered.

He continued drinking and making merry, too lazy to even check his phone for online feedback.

"I fucking bastard Gu Qing!!"

The strong liquor burned as it went down my throat, but it couldn't extinguish the raging fire of jealousy burning in my chest.

Chris Wu's teeth were clenched so tightly they were grinding together, and the knuckles of his fingers gripping the wine glass were white and the veins were bulging.

He attributed all his misfortunes, from falling from the clouds to the mire, to that figure who seemed to be his natural nemesis.

From the very beginning of his career after returning to China, Gu Qing was like an insurmountable shadow looming over his work.

The overwhelming suppression and comparison in terms of movies, TV series, reputation, and commercial value made him feel like a ridiculous supporting character.

If they were abroad, he would really want to find a desperate criminal to kill Gu Qing!

Just as he was getting drunk and his mind was hazy, he staggered to his feet.
When preparing to randomly favor a lucky female fan.

"Buzzing..."

The phone he had tossed in the corner of the sofa suddenly lit up, accompanied by a rapid vibration.

Chris Wu glanced at the caller ID with annoyance; it was his agent.

He answered the call impatiently, his tone rude: "Hello? Get to the point! I'm busy!"

What came through the phone was the agent's voice, almost cracking with disbelief, ecstasy, and excitement:
"It exploded! Kris Wu! It exploded!!"

"What exploded?"

"The show is a hit! 'The Rap of China' is a hit!!!"

"what?!"

Chris Wu's chaotic mind went completely blank, as if struck by lightning.

Immediately, an immense, almost terrifying ecstasy swept over him like a tsunami, dispelling all his drunkenness and dejection.

He sat up abruptly, his eyes flashing with a terrifying light in the dim, hazy light!

It's a hit?! My show... it's a hit?!

……

Rewind a few hours, to 8 p.m. on Saturday.

The first episode of "The Rap of China" has officially launched on the iQiyi video platform.

In a vocational college in a third-tier city, a six-person dormitory room for boys is filled with the smells of smoke, instant noodles, and sweat.

The student council members, who had just made a perfunctory appearance to check the dormitories, immediately returned to their "true colors."

On the upper bunk, a skinny boy with bright yellow dyed hair, shirtless and showing off his heavily tattooed arms, took a deep drag on the cigarette between his fingers and spat towards the door.
"Damn it, a bunch of idiots! If they keep arguing with me, I'll teach them a lesson!"

He listlessly moved the greasy mouse around, clicking randomly on the computer screen.

The variety shows recommended on the homepage, which I usually enjoy watching, haven't been updated yet.

suddenly,

A cover with a slightly different style caught his eye.

A group of people dressed in various styles, with arrogant expressions and looking "not to be messed with," are crammed into the frame, with the title "Chinese Hip Hop."

"Waipu? Huh? What's that? Rap?"

The blond-haired man raised an eyebrow and, out of boredom, clicked on the link.

at first,

He would also occasionally joke around with his roommate who was playing games on the lower bunk, mocking the contestants' bizarre outfits on the show.

There were contestants with their noses in the air, wearing sunglasses, and sporting dreadlocks—a typical non-mainstream look.

There was also the cool guy wearing a white hat who remained silent.

And the crooked-mouthed war god, along with a group of carefree, hoodlum-like contestants.

That really hit the nail on the head for the blond guy.

These are all 'family'!

As the show progressed, various dramatic conflicts made him laugh non-stop.
"Ah Yue is really strict~"

Do you have freestyle?

"Skr~~"

"I'll eat the hot pot, and you'll eat the hot pot broth!"

"I'm a hip-hop artist, I'm a hip-hop hero~"

"I don't think it's okay / I think it's fine!"

"Hahaha, won't this break out into a fight?"

"That LeBron James with sunglasses is just showing off. If it were me, I would have punched him right away!"

It wasn't just the blond-haired guy who was drawn to the show's dramatic conflicts and tension.

Before you know it,
My roommate on the lower bunk stopped playing games.

The guys on the next bed, with their red, purple, and green hair—the colors of the "Rainbow Team"—were also drawn over and gathered around the computer screen.

The dormitory echoed with the sound effects of the program and the boys' rough laughter, imitations, and discussions.

They may not really understand what flow, punchline, old school, or trap are.

But the show's atmosphere of breaking conventions, challenging authority, emphasizing individuality, and even having a bit of a "bandit" and "street" feel,

It precisely touched upon that corner of their hearts that yearned for rebellion, loathed preaching, and tried to demonstrate "difference" in some way.

In their view, the arrogance, directness, and even vulgarity of those contestants were not impolite, but rather "cool," "real," and "unlike those pretentious celebrities."

This scene in the college dormitory is by no means an isolated case.

Against the backdrop of academic pressure, uncertainty about the future, and restless youth.

With its unprecedented directness, confrontation, and "rebellious" attitude, "The Rap of China" quickly captured the hearts of a large number of young viewers, especially teenagers.

The program was incredibly entertaining.

Less than 24 hours after the first episode aired,

"Do you have freestyle?"

"I don't think it's okay / I think it's okay"

"Skr~~"

The meme quickly spread like wildfire across the internet, dominating the trending topics on major social media platforms.

The contestants' memorable images and remarks were turned into memes and went viral. This niche online variety show, which was initially not well-regarded, saw its ratings and online views skyrocket.

Incredibly, it surpassed established hit variety shows like "Running Man" and "Go Fighting!", becoming a phenomenal hit and truly ushering in the "Year Zero of Rap" in the Chinese entertainment industry!
When his agent delivered this incredible good news to Kris Wu, he was struggling to climb out of the lowest point in his life.

Overwhelmed by ecstasy, his gloom, resentment, and self-doubt of the past few days were swept away by this powerful torrent of excitement.

"Haha! I won! I knew it! I knew it!!"

Inside the private room, Chris Wu suddenly smashed his wine glass against the expensive LCD screen, eliciting gasps from the crowd.

He waved his arms wildly, as if he were going mad.

It was the ecstasy of escaping a desperate situation, the catharsis after being suppressed for too long, and the extreme excitement of regaining control of one's destiny.

He didn't lose! He hasn't lost yet!!
So what if movies and TV series don't work?

He can still create miracles on a completely new track.

Gu Qing... Gu Qing!
Where the hell are you?!

……

...(End of chapter)