Top Chinese celebrity: Debuted from Running Man

……

……

—In the studio of a well-known video platform, the lights are focused.

"Wilderness survival: I've killed people, have you ever done that?"

"I can fly a plane, can you?"

"I can do tank drifts, can you?"

"My 'Wolf Warrior 1' and 'Wolf Warrior 2' did two things that no one in Chinese cinema had ever dared to do before, and no one had ever been able to do. Did you do them?!"

"This—is my greatest achievement right now!!!"

Wu Jing leaned back slightly, tilting his body against the interview chair, one arm resting on the armrest, the other hand waving occasionally in response to his forceful retorts.

He wore a simple black T-shirt that accentuated his muscular physique honed through years of exercise, and his face, framed by a buzz cut, was sharply defined.

His posture was far from "dignified," even carrying a touch of unruly,江湖-like air. His gaze was fixed directly on the host opposite him, without the usual cautiousness or smooth politeness of an artist during an interview.

Sitting opposite him was a middle-aged male host wearing gold-rimmed glasses and with a meticulously combed hairstyle.

His professional smile gradually became stiff and unnatural under Wu Jingyi's series of provocative questions.

He subconsciously pushed up his glasses, a look of surprise flashing in his eyes behind the lenses, followed by a surge of anger and displeasure.

Among the many celebrities he has interviewed during his hosting career, such an "unruly" and even somewhat "taunting" guest is truly rare.

Wu Jing's nonchalant yet self-righteous attitude of "I don't care what anyone thinks" and "I'm just doing it" was evident.
It certainly made him, who was used to controlling the pace of interviews and guiding artists to give the "correct" answers, feel very uncomfortable.

"Teacher Wu,"

The host tried to maintain a professional and calm demeanor, putting on his signature smile, which carried a hint of inquiry and skepticism. "Many viewers online, including some film critics, have raised questions."

They said that in the trailers already released for "Wolf Warrior 2," the abilities you portray as Leng Feng seem... well, somewhat beyond the norm.

For example, he can accurately intercept bombs with barbed wire and still fight at a high intensity after being shot, which seems to be inconsistent with the physiological limits of a real special forces soldier.

What are your thoughts on this?

His tone sounded mild, but his choice of words and the direction of his questions carried a clear hint of nitpicking.

The voice just fell.

Wu Jing, who had been sitting askew, suddenly braced himself against the armrest, adjusted his posture, leaned forward, and fixed his gaze on the host.
His facial expression instantly became even more "unfriendly," even carrying a hint of amusement at the absurd question.

"Wow--"

Wu Jing drew out the sound, letting out an exaggerated exclamation, then quickened his pace, his tone filled with strong irony.
"An American, in a movie, single-handedly takes down an entire division, gets shot countless times, and is completely unharmed, still able to talk and laugh and save the world."

Those are superheroes!
That's the spirit of the Eagle Nation! Awesome! Worthy of global admiration!

He paused for a moment, then gestured with his finger in the air as if aiming a gun. “It’s our turn to make a movie—me, a former special forces soldier, fighting a dozen mercenaries, I didn’t die, I won—that’s not enough.”

"Isn't that unreasonable? Am I supposed to die? Huh?!"

He became more and more agitated as he spoke, pursing his lips with a sullen laugh, and continued to give examples: "And another thing, I got shot in a movie, and well, immediately someone jumped out and said:"

"Hey, Leng Feng, you can't run like that! You must lie down and get treatment immediately! Otherwise, you'll bleed to death!"

"But look at those Hollywood blockbusters!"

Wu Jing raised his voice, "The protagonist got shot in the chest, then in the back, and then in the leg, wow!"
He can even carry a rocket launcher and fight the villain for three hundred rounds, and then have a heartfelt farewell kiss!

Why does it work there but not here? Huh?!

At last,
He practically gritted his teeth as he spat out the question:
"How shameless is that?!"

This series of contrasting and forceful rhetorical questions was like a barrage of cannonballs hitting the studio.

The staff on site were stunned. The cameraman subconsciously zoomed in to capture every trace of excitement on Wu Jing's face and the subtle changes in the host's expression.

The male host's brow furrowed almost imperceptibly, and his fingers unconsciously curled up on his knees.

A strong sense of absurdity and resistance welled up within him:

How can these be the same?!
That's the United States, after all!
It's Hollywood!

It is a mature film genre model that has been tested by the market for decades and accepted by audiences worldwide!
It embodies "universal values"!

What makes you think you can compete with others when you're just starting out as a domestically produced military action film?
And on what grounds do you use such a "rebellious" tone to make comparisons and question things?

For cultural practitioners of their generation who grew up in the 1970s and 80s, were deeply influenced by the lingering influence of the intellectual trends of the 1980s and 90s, and were long immersed in the public opinion environment that "the moon is rounder abroad."

Wu Jing's undisguised and even aggressive remarks were not only harsh but also somewhat "incomprehensible".

Those lighthouse fairy tales depicted in magazines like *Reader* and *Yilin*, where "the wind can enter, the rain can enter, but the king cannot enter,"

Those who admire Western systems, culture, and even individual heroism,

This has long been the underlying "correct" perception in their minds. Wu Jing's "Wolf Warrior" stance is undoubtedly challenging this "correctness."

"Teacher Wu,"

The host quickly adjusted his breathing, his face regaining its impeccable, subtly scrutinizing smile, and posed another, even more "lethal" question.

"We have noticed that from your first 'Wolf Warrior' to the current 'Wolf Warrior 2,' the patriotic sentiment contained in the films is very prominent and direct."

Therefore, many people believe that you are deliberately using or even 'hyping' this emotion to gain attention and box office success for the film.

What is your response to this?

Upon hearing this, Wu Jing didn't get angry but laughed instead, even grinning to reveal a set of white teeth.

Having worked in the entertainment industry for so many years and seen all sorts of people, how could he not hear the subtle barb and sarcasm hidden in those words?

"OK, no problem."

Wu Jing leaned forward again, closing the distance between herself and the host, and spread her hands in front of her chest, making a gesture of "inclusiveness".

"Works of art can be interpreted in different ways, which is perfectly normal."

You say my filming was bad, the plot has flaws, and the action scenes weren't exciting, I accept that, we can discuss it.

His tone suddenly changed, his eyes becoming incredibly sharp and serious, even with a hint of thuggery: "But—you say I'm patriotic, and you're going to criticize me for that?!"

"I don't care who you are,"

Wu Jing spoke slowly and deliberately, his voice low but firm: "I love my country, and that's not a crime."

He straightened his back, pointed heavily to his chest with his finger, and said clearly, "I am Chinese! What's wrong with saying that?"
What's there to hide?

He sneered, "Besides, who knows who those 'netizens' who say 'patriotism is a crime' are?"
What if...they're from another country, and they come and accuse me of being guilty as a Chinese person for loving my motherland...?

Wu Jing didn't finish his sentence; he simply wiped his nose with his finger, a gesture full of disdain.

The host's expression changed slightly, clearly understanding Wu Jing's subtext.

He coughed lightly, somewhat abruptly changing the subject, trying to regain the initiative: "Ahem... there's one more thing, Teacher Wu."

We noticed that the weapons and equipment you showcased in "Wolf Warrior 2" seem to be... all domestically produced?

He deliberately used the word "domestic," his tone carrying a hint of uncertainty and leading.

"What's wrong with domestically made products?!"

Wu Jing's fiery temper was indeed easily ignited.

After all, he came from a martial arts background and had a straightforward personality. He couldn't stand this kind of indirect disdain and sarcastic remarks.

The pent-up anger from the previous issues finally erupted.

"I made this movie so that all of you could see it!"

Wu Jing's voice echoed in the studio, "I'm driving our domestically made tank, drifting and crashing in the African desert!"

"Don't you always think that domestically produced products are no good?"

"I'll show you with real footage that our Type 59D tank is not only sturdy and drivable, but also incredibly fun to operate!"
Two tanks are going head-to-head, and I'm going to do it for real!
All the collisions and explosions are real footage!

"Let's see how you complain about my gear now!"

As he spoke, he excitedly pointed at the host, as if the host represented those who were questioning him.

The host's face turned green, feeling frustrated: Was I criticizing them? I was just relaying netizens' opinions!
"Drifting...drifting?"

The host seized upon this seemingly fantastical term, believing he had found a logical flaw, and spoke with a skeptical tone.

"Can tanks... really drift?"

Doesn't this sound...too technically difficult?
Or is this just a visual effect created by special effects?

"Of course you can drift!"

Wu Jing wore a proud, even slightly smug, smile. "Do you know what one of the biggest differences between a tank and a car is? Tanks don't have rearview mirrors!"

He swayed slightly, his tone becoming impassioned: "On a real battlefield, on a film set, guns and cannons don't discriminate! And we can't understand the language of our black guys..."

The entire crew consisted of people from 26 countries. The fact that they were able to unite so many people into one cohesive team and make this film is truly remarkable.

Let me tell you, not a single step is easy!
Drifting? That's just one of thousands of problems we solved!

His words were full of confidence and pride after going through hardships.

"Since, as you described, Professor Wu, the filming process was so difficult and involved such a wide range of aspects,"

Following up on the topic, the host posed another crucial question: "So, the production cost of 'Wolf Warrior 2' must have been an astonishing figure, right?"
There are rumors circulating that you even mortgaged your property. Is that true?

"Of course it's true!"

Wu Jing's expression instantly turned miserable, and he began to complain bitterly, "In order to make this film, I begged everyone I could, and mortgaged my house and car!"

"I've almost spent all my savings on my wife! I'm truly heartbroken and in tears!"

"But……"

The host abruptly changed the subject, unleashing his long-prepared "trump card": "Since production costs are so tight, even to the point of having to sell everything we own..."

So, Mr. Wu, how did you manage to invite Gu Qing to participate?

How did this young actor, who is undoubtedly the most famous in China today, end up participating in your film?

He paused, slowing his speech to ensure each word was clear: "As everyone knows, Gu Qing's current commercial value and personal box office appeal are unparalleled in today's entertainment industry."

It is said that his personal box office share from the movie "Detective Chinatown" reached an astonishing figure.

Given the cost situation you described, it's probably difficult to match his market salary.

This question is extremely tricky, directly questioning the veracity of Wu Jingcheng's statement.

however,
Wu Jing's reaction was completely unexpected by the host.

"Clap clap-!"

Wu Jing did not answer directly, but suddenly raised his hand and patted his chest three times forcefully and loudly, the sound being particularly clear in the quiet studio.

Then, a smile appeared on his face that was a mixture of pride, smugness, and a "you just don't understand" attitude.

He raised his chin and said loudly, in an almost boastful tone:
"Why can't we invite Gu Qing? He's my dear younger brother!"

His straightforwardness, typical of "old Beijingers," and his chivalrous spirit of "everyone's my buddy" instantly burst forth.

"My brother!"

Wu Jing emphasized again, his tone intimate and proud, "When he learned that I was facing difficulties, that no one was optimistic about my script and ideas, and that I couldn't secure enough investment, he didn't hesitate to speak up."

They flew straight to that godforsaken place in Black Africa with me and stayed there for a whole month!

"No complaining! No whining about being tired!"

Wu Jing gave a thumbs-up and shook it vigorously, "During filming, there wasn't a single day that I was late or left early!"
There was a major fight scene where, in the script, I was supposed to kick him off a high place.

Normally, such dangerous stunts would require a stunt double, and I discussed using one with him.

Wu Jing mimicked Gu Qing's expression and tone, his eyes filled with admiration: "And what did they say? 'Brother Jing, just kick it without worry. Do it the way you want, I'm not that delicate, everything is for the sake of the movie effect.'"

Look at this! What does it mean to be dedicated? What does it mean to be an actor?

He slapped his thigh hard, his voice loud and clear, his tone resolute:
"My brother is the kind of actor who deserves to be called a real actor!"

That's a real man! He's the backbone of our film and television industry's future!

Wu Jing spared no praise for Gu Qing; when he got excited, he almost spat on the host's face.

On the other hand, the male host opposite him was a little uncomfortable from Wu Jing's passionate and spittle-filled "recommendation." His smile was almost gone, and he could only barely maintain his professional demeanor.

Wu Jing, however, was thoroughly satisfied.

After a satisfying rebuttal and heartfelt praise, he felt all the pent-up emotions in his chest dissipate.

After the interview, he stood up refreshed, said a brief goodbye to the staff, and strode out of the studio.

Although this interview was full of twists and turns, I finally got to say everything I wanted to say.

But Wu Jing never expected that the "hard times" and the real storm of public opinion he was facing had only just begun.

This interview program was not broadcast live, but the post-production editing was extremely efficient.

Perhaps they were provoked by Wu Jing's "outrageous" remarks in the interview, or perhaps they felt that such content was highly topical and controversial, and could generate traffic.

After the production team only made routine edits to remove some verbal slips and overly aggressive words,
Almost the entire interview was uploaded to the online platform immediately without any changes.

at this time,

Wolf Warrior 2 already garnered significant attention due to Gu Qing's participation.

Whether it's his fans, haters, the teams behind competing films, or ordinary moviegoers and casual viewers, everyone is closely following any developments regarding this movie.

then,

This interview, with its sensational headline and explosive content, was like a depth charge dropped into a calm lake.

In less than 24 hours,

The terms "Wu Jing interview", "Wu Jing responds to Wolf Warrior 2", and "How shameless is he?" quickly rose to the top of the trending lists on major social media platforms.

Wu Jing has truly "exploded" this time, a complete and utter explosion, with a far wider reach than any of his previous promotional works.
It even surpassed the heated discussions that arose when he spoke frankly on a TV show back then.

But what followed was not all flowers and applause.

In the domestic internet public opinion arena in 2017, especially in certain cultural circles and areas where the legacy of public intellectuals still exists.

To openly and so blatantly promote patriotism, and to use such a "frank" tone to compare domestic products with those of the United States, even implicitly criticizing certain "double standards,"
In the eyes of many people,

This is an unacceptable image.

How can we compare to a lighthouse?

In an instant,
A massive uproar erupted online. A torrent of mockery, questioning, criticism, and even insults poured in.

"Heh, who's this director? He's so arrogant. It's just making a movie, but he's acting like he's saving the world."

"Hilarious! Trying to glorify yourself by using Marvel superheroes? That's a mature film industry and cultural export. What are you doing? Just tacky wishful thinking?"

"Tank drifting? They're ignoring all basic physics just to show off, huh? Do they really think the audience is stupid?"

"I hate these people who use the guise of patriotism to swindle and deceive. Watching a movie and being forced to have your values ​​instilled is disgusting! 'Wolf Warrior 2' is bound to flop!"

"Isn't Wu Jing getting a little too arrogant? Does he really think he's something special just because he's made two movies?"

Some uninformed netizens blindly followed the trend, mixed with shady characters who had been actively working under funding for a long time.

The comments section of various forums and social media platforms was flooded with sarcastic remarks and criticisms of "Wolf Warrior 2," which quickly became a hot topic.

If public opinion only focuses on questioning Wu Jing personally and the "Wolf Warrior" series,
The hype may gradually die down, but ultimately the quality of the film after its release will determine the winner.

The problem is that, amidst this wave of criticism, some people have started targeting Gu Qing.

"Hey, is that 'lucky charm' about to fail this time? After hooking up with a 'Wolf Warrior' director like this, I think he's going to have to settle down and become a salted fish!"

"Tsk tsk, look at the promotional photos. Everyone else has short hair and a tough guy look, but he's the only one still sporting that idol hairstyle, all slicked-back and powdered. It's disgusting."

"Gu Qing really cares a lot about his image; he plays the same character in every role. This time he's playing a tough guy? I bet five cents it's going to be a terrible movie!"

"This director is hilarious, he's praising Gu Qing to the skies. Fun fact: Didn't the director of 'Fighter of the Destiny' also praise Lu Han to the skies?"
And the result? Absolutely awful! It seems this movie is of questionable quality!

In an effort to attack Gu Qing, some anti-fans and rival fans even went so far as to "self-destruct" by dragging other celebrities down with them.

They tried to prematurely label "Wolf Warrior 2" and Gu Qing with the stereotype that "popularity + patriotic theme = bad movie".

This really stirred up a hornet's nest.

At this moment, the "Gu family members" were suppressing a bellyful of anger and worry that they had nowhere to vent.

Not long ago, news broke that Gu Qing was besieged by obsessive fans at the airport, nearly causing a major safety incident.
Although the studio has issued a denial,

However, the leaked photos of the chaotic scene and the image of Gu Qing being escorted away by bodyguards still made fans feel terrified and heartbroken.

Everyone is deeply concerned, and their emotions are at a sensitive point where they feel both angry and heartbroken.

right now,

Seeing these strange and unsavory characters appearing out of nowhere, not only criticizing the movie but also daring to directly mock their beloved younger brothers,
To use such vicious language to launch personal attacks and professional denigration—this is simply courting disaster!
"Fine, fine! I was just looking for a place to vent my anger, and you bunch of scum from the gutter have delivered yourselves right to my doorstep?!"

"You've got nothing better to do all day, haven't you? Your own idol is completely washed up, so you come here to piggyback on my brother's fame to get attention?!"

"Whether my brother is dedicated or not is none of your business, you monsters! Every director and actor he's worked with has praised him!"

Below was a video montage that lasted more than ten minutes, featuring sincere praise from all the actors and directors who had worked with Gu Qing for her professional attitude, humility, and hard work.

"Some obscure celebrities' fans are so jealous they're unrecognizable! Their own idols' movies all flops, their TV dramas all flop, they're always bragging about fake things, and now they have the nerve to mock top stars with real achievements and no real money?!"

Following closely behind were a series of impressive achievements: box office records, top ratings, award nominations, and recognition from mainstream media...

"Without my younger brother supporting the image of the younger generation of actors with one high-quality work after another over the past few years,

Your masters, who only know how to glare and pout, were long ago swept back to their hometowns by the wave of online mockery of 'young heartthrobs having no acting skills'! And you still have the nerve to jump around here?!

"You say you're too concerned about your image? Come on, open your dog eyes and see what a real image of an idol is!"

The attached images are screenshots of other top-tier celebrities in various dramas, where even when playing lower-level roles, their hairstyles are impeccable, their makeup is flawless, and their costumes are spotless.

This contrasts sharply with Gu Qing's disheveled and battered appearance in the known behind-the-scenes footage of "Wolf Warrior 2".

The Gu family members were furious and immediately unleashed a group AoE attack, aiming to take down ten of them!
They went all out, were well-trained, and organized, delivering both emotional impact and tangible results that proved them wrong.

It was precisely this powerful new force of the Gu family that joined the battle, like a sharp blade, cleaving through the previously almost one-sided pessimistic public opinion.

Their reasoned arguments and factual counterattacks were not only to protect Gu Qing, but also objectively addressed the statements made by "Wolf Warrior 2" and Wu Jing.

Amidst a chorus of ridicule, it has become a "pure land" where rational discussion is possible.

Many ordinary netizens who were originally just watching silently, actually agreed with Wu Jing's views, but were unwilling to speak out due to the online environment.

After seeing Gu Qing's fans' reasoned rebuttals and withstanding the first wave of the most vicious mockery, they gradually gained the courage to speak out.

"I think Wu Jing is absolutely right. The double standard is too obvious! Why can foreigners do it, but we can't?"

"Some people have been kneeling for so long that they can't stand up anymore; their knees have become rooted to the spot! What era are we living in? Do they still think foreign farts smell good?"

"It's ridiculous to bring up Gu Qing. My parents watch all of Gu Qing's dramas, and her acting skills and reputation are obvious to all. How can you criticize her for that?"

"Exactly, 'Love O2O' is so popular right now, which proves that they have a strong ability to carry a drama."

Moreover, I've seen some behind-the-scenes footage from "Wolf Warrior 2," and Gu Qing really put in a lot of effort, unlike some people who only know how to use stunt doubles and green screen effects.

"What's wrong with domestically produced weapons? I think our equipment is awesome! I support domestically produced films that portray our own tough guys and heroes!"

These voices from the “silent majority” began to emerge sporadically.
Although simple, it represents the true thoughts of a wider audience.

However, their voices immediately drew even fiercer attacks and ridicule.

"Yo yo yo, they're getting anxious! The Wolf Warrior PTSD sufferers and brainless fans have joined forces!"

"Win, win, win, I'm done. You guys are just living in your own fantasy world. Can't you open your eyes and look at the real world?"

"Boasting about domestically produced weapons? That's laughable. Let's catch up to the level of others from twenty years ago first!"

"Comparing ourselves to the US? Gao Xiaosong is right. Let's first raise our own crime rate and the average quality of our people, and then compare ourselves with our neighbor India to see who is more peaceful and tranquil!"

People in India are more civilized than some others!

This condescending, self-righteous, and emotionally charged rhetoric has thoroughly enraged many ordinary netizens who were simply expressing their opinions rationally.

"Fuck you!!"

"Eagle-worshipping, Japanese-worshipping, Korean-worshipping, European-worshipping... I could tolerate that, but now they're even blatantly praising them?!"

"Did your brain get filled with Ganges water from your third brother?!"

Get lost, you bastard!!!

Even honest people can be driven to desperation.

Once the rebellious spirit is aroused, its energy is enormous.

Many people who were initially hesitant about "Wolf Warrior 2" have now become more determined to go to the cinema to support it after being spurred on by these comments.

"Just to see if this movie you've been calling awful is really that bad!"

"Just to support filmmakers like Wu Jing and Gu Qing who dare to speak their minds and act on their convictions!"

Led by the Gu family members who charged into battle and drew the main fire, and with more and more ordinary netizens joining in support,
The online debate about "Wolf Warrior 2" and Wu Jing's remarks has evolved from initial one-sided ridicule to a fierce debate with both sides evenly matched, and the supporters even having a slight advantage.

The entire internet-related sector is rife with tension and conflict.

Time flew by amidst the heated debate, and before we knew it, it was July 26th.

There is only one day left until the official release of "Wolf Warrior 2".

It was on this very night that the ninth episode of "Running Man Season 9," in which Gu Qing participated, aired as scheduled on television and online platforms.

This episode,

It is destined to attract far more attention and scrutiny than any previous variety show.

in the past,

Gu Qing's appearance on the variety show mainly attracted audiences from the entertainment industry, fans of Running Man, and his own large fan base.

Comments and discussions mostly revolved around the show's effects, guest interactions, and Gu Qing's personal performance.

But this time, everything is different.

Because Gu Qing is one of the "two male leads" in "Wolf Warrior 2", his name and image are firmly linked to this controversial film.

Everyone who is following the public opinion battle surrounding "Wolf Warrior 2"

Whether they were supporters or opponents of Wu Jing, fans or haters of Gu Qing, or simply people who were just watching for fun, they all turned their attention to this episode of Running Man.

In particular, a large number of unspeakable monsters and demons planned to take the opportunity to teach him a lesson.

"This kid used to dabble in ancient Chinese style and sing opera tunes. Although I didn't like it, I was too lazy to bother with him."

Now they actually dare to openly 'love their country'?!

"Fine, you've chosen the path to hell instead of the path to heaven. After tonight, you'll taste the bitterness of public opinion turning against you!"

Even before the show aired, undercurrents were already surging.

Gu Qing's career is facing what may be the most complex and perilous test of public opinion since he became famous.

……

...(End of this chapter)