Top Chinese celebrity: Debuted from Running Man

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—Outside the premiere venue of "Wolf Warrior 2" at Dawan Film City, Shanghai.

Two young female reporters were hurrying through the somewhat messy backstage corridor in high heels.

One of them is named Xu Li, about twenty-seven or twenty-eight years old, and is a senior editor at a well-known entertainment website.

The other is her colleague and best friend, Ye Zhen, who is the same age but has a calmer and sharper temperament.

"Did you see that? Did you see that!"

"I told you my brother is innocent! But you wouldn't believe me and insisted that he was having an affair with Yang Mi!"

While quickly checking the camera equipment, Xu Li couldn't help but raise her chin at Ye Zhen beside her, her tone filled with the triumphant feeling of a fan after having solid evidence.

She is one of Gu Qing's many "older sister fans". Although her job requires her to be objective, there are many examples in private of employees of large companies spending money to chase stars.

Not to mention she was just a small-time reporter.

Upon hearing this, Ye Zhen rolled her eyes as usual and casually tidied her neat short hair.

As a pure entertainment reporter, she has seen too much hype and public relations tactics in the industry, and naturally carries a layer of skepticism after the hype has been dispelled.

"My dear Miss Xu, does the fact that the person in question has proven herself mean there's absolutely no problem?"

She pouted, not wanting to lose face in front of her best friend, and habitually retorted, "You've been in the industry for so many years, don't you know how stubborn and cunning those celebrity teams are?"
It's just a few chat logs. How difficult is it to Photoshop them, fabricate timelines, or even stage a self-directed 'clarification drama'?
What wouldn't they do for attention?

"My younger brother is different!"

Xu Li immediately reacted like a cat whose tail had been stepped on, raising her voice several decibels and furrowing her brows, "Xiao Ye, I've discovered that you're really... you won't believe even when the evidence is right in front of you!"

The chat logs released by Yang Mi are crystal clear, with the dates and content clearly stated. How could they be fake? If they were, would those haters have remained silent until now?

"Okay, okay, I was wrong, I was wrong, alright?"

Seeing that her best friend was genuinely angry, Ye Zhen quickly raised her hands in surrender, but the hint of indifference on her lips hadn't completely disappeared.

"Gu Qing and Yang Mi didn't talk, so I'm just guessing."

Then... how do you explain what happened with Dilraba? It was clearly shown on the show that Dilraba fell down and he was watching the sea from the side, right?
This has a bit of a... detached, indifferent feel to it, doesn't it? She was trying to find a new "point of attack."

"So what if I'm just going to stand by and watch?"

Xu Li immediately retorted with clear logic, "The two of them weren't familiar with each other to begin with; they only met in the first episode."

If he, a top-tier male celebrity at the time, had rushed up to Dilraba and showered her with care and attention,
Believe it or not, the next second the trending topic will be "Top celebrity is too attentive to female guests during filming"?
"When the time comes, won't it be you people who are criticizing him for hyping himself up and riding the wave of popularity?"

She got angrier and angrier as she spoke, “Yang Mi just asked him if he played games, and you guys could imagine a romantic relationship.”
If he had helped Dilraba, who knows what kind of disgusting stories you guys would have made up!

"No matter what I do, it's wrong, so what's wrong with keeping my distance? It's called avoiding suspicion! Don't you understand?"

Ye Zhen: "..."

She was speechless for a moment after her best friend's "using someone else's strength against her" retort.

Thinking about it carefully, it seems... that makes sense.

In this media environment where rumors are easily spread and people are quick to blame, any close contact between a male celebrity and a female celebrity can be over-interpreted.

She opened her mouth, but ultimately couldn't find a stronger rebuttal, so she could only snort dejectedly: "It's not like I made up the rumor, why are you scolding me?"

However, her overall perception of the entertainment industry has not changed.

The longer one immerses oneself on the fringes of the entertainment industry, the more behind-the-scenes truth one encounters, the harder it becomes to develop a pure "worship" for the glamorous images on screen.

Especially as a frontline reporter, she often has to face the arrogance of artists' teams, their perfunctory attitude during interviews, and even their impatience in private.

She simply couldn't understand how her smart and capable best friend could be so "obsessed" with a male celebrity who was only on screen, maintaining an almost blind trust and protection.

"Okay, okay, I won't argue with you anymore."

Ye Zhen waved her hand and changed the subject, "Let's go, let's hurry up and get some seats. It was not easy to get media tickets for the premiere of 'Wolf Warrior 2', and it was thanks to Wu Jing's lack of personal connections and less competition among the media that we managed to get them."

If we were to attend the premiere of other top-tier movies, with our limited experience, we probably wouldn't even get a chance.

You'd better grab a good spot, otherwise you won't be able to capture your 'dear little brother's' stunning good looks in high definition. Some people will probably be kicking themselves when they get back."

Xu Li blushed at her teasing and playfully pushed her away, saying, "You talk too much! Let's go!"

The premiere of a star-studded movie usually combines the elements of a mini red carpet event and a gathering of friends and family.

The main creators, who have extensive connections and high status in the industry, can often invite a group of big-name friends to help them out, making it a star-studded and lively event.
Conversely, if the business is not well-received, it may become deserted and embarrassing, inevitably becoming a laughing stock among peers.

"Seriously,"

On her way to the press section of the red carpet, Xu Li couldn't help but sigh, her tone carrying concern for her idol and a hint of "resentment" towards Wu Jing.
"How did my younger brother end up in 'Wolf Warrior 2'? I heard he's only playing a small cameo role."

Wu Jing is not well-liked in the industry; she has a stubborn temper and has offended many people.

I reckon... not many people will come to today's premiere, and the scene might not be very impressive.

She worried that Gu Qing would be dragged down and appear "cheap" or "bad at making friends".

"Alright, my dear lady,"

Ye Zhen was much more realistic. "If Wu Jing hadn't been so unpopular, do you think we could have gotten the media tickets so easily?"
They were squeezed out long ago by those with connections and major media outlets.

"Just make do. It's good enough that you can see your brother up close."

As they talked, they finally arrived at the media interview area at the end of the red carpet.

However, the sight before them made them widen their eyes and gasp, instantly forgetting their prepared explanations and worries.

"So...so many people!"

Xu Li murmured, her voice filled with disbelief.

They arrived almost an hour early, hoping to snag a good spot near the railing.

But at this moment, the area in front was already teeming with people, a sea of ​​black, with at least a hundred reporters and photographers at a rough glance!
Long guns and short cannons were densely packed together, pushing and shoving each other, with shouts, curses, and the sounds of machines colliding filling the air.

All the prime spots in the front row where you can set up equipment, take photos, and ask questions.
The space was already firmly occupied by strong or experienced competitors, leaving hardly any room to maneuver.

The entire area was as chaotic as a morning market or the front lines of a battlefield.

Wu Jing's popularity is in dire straits?

What does that have to do with Gu Qing?!
The storm of rumors and controversies that swept the entire internet last night, although temporarily quelled by Yang Mi's unexpected "self-exposure" denial, still generated a huge amount of traffic and attention.

Wherever Gu Qing appears, even if he walks the red carpet alone, it's enough to attract all the media chasing traffic.

These reporters, with their keen sense of smell, often arrived two or three hours early to stake out the area, hoping to get a photo.

They might go to great lengths to get a good interview, even if it means getting into arguments or physical altercations with other colleagues.

The on-site staff maintaining order shouted themselves hoarse and were drenched in sweat, but to little avail.

Xu Li and Ye Zhen looked at each other in bewilderment.

It's not that they're afraid of being crowded with their male colleagues; having worked in the entertainment industry for so long, they're used to this kind of "physical contact."

The problem is, it's impossible to squeeze in right now!

Those competitors who had secured good positions were like ferocious beasts guarding their food, their faces contorted with rage, refusing to yield an inch.

The two tried several times, but were unceremoniously rejected each time.

"That's it, now we'll be lucky to even have a place to stand, let alone a good spot," Ye Zhen said with a wry smile.

Fortunately,

As the premiere's official start time approached, the organizers increased security, and a group of burly security guards in black suits and artist assistants quickly entered the venue.
They began to forcefully separate the crowd and clear the passageways. The chaos and noise at the scene subsided somewhat amidst the reprimands and guidance.

"Dear media friends and guests, please keep order and do not crowd!"
Our red carpet segment and main creative team will be arriving shortly. Please cooperate with us by taking photos and conducting interviews within your designated areas. Thank you for your cooperation!

A male host, wearing black-rimmed glasses, slightly overweight, and around forty years old, walked onto the temporary small stage in the center of the red carpet, picked up the microphone, and attempted to control the scene with an authoritative voice.

His appearance caused another small commotion and whispers.

"Zhang Shaogang? He's actually the host tonight?"

"Tsk, this guy's reputation isn't very good."

"Who invited them?"

"It must be because of Wu Jing's connections. If Gu Qing really asked, Teacher He would definitely be the one to come."

The reporters whispered among themselves.

Zhang Shaogang's reputation in the industry is polarized; those who like him appreciate his sharp tongue and willingness to expose wrongdoing.
Those who dislike him believe that he is a snob and speaks harshly.

His appearance undoubtedly added a touch of unpredictable "drama" to this already topical premiere.

Zhang Shaogang seemed to sense the less-than-friendly stares from the audience. His expression darkened slightly, and he emphasized order a few more times before the scene finally quieted down.

He routinely introduced the purpose of the premiere, thanked the investors, organizers, and media friends present, and then, according to the procedure, first invited representatives of the film's main investors to the stage to give speeches.

The person who came on stage was a middle-aged man named Song Ge, who had a refined demeanor and wore gold-rimmed glasses.

He is the chairman of Capital Culture, the largest investor in "Wolf Warrior 2".

Interestingly,

He was previously a senior executive at Dawan Films, but left the company due to serious disagreements with Lao Wang regarding film and television investment strategies.

Old Wang prefers investing in major overseas dramas.
Song Ge, on the other hand, favors low-budget domestic dramas, especially his first investment in a film, "Breakup Buddies," which earned him a profit of 1.6 million yuan.

The Spring Festival film season in the first half of this year,
Wanda's entire focus is overseas. Old Wang bought a large number of overseas cinemas, but he was troubled by not having the rights to screen foreign films.

At this moment, he desperately needed Dawan Pictures to produce a film like "The Great Wall" that aligned with foreign values, regardless of whether it was well-made or not!

Let's lure the foreigners to the movie theater first!
But the disastrous failure of "The Great Wall" poured cold water on Lao Wang's lofty ambitions!
At this time, he encountered a subordinate like Song Ge, who held meetings every day to summarize the boss's failures and even openly stated that if the company had not invested in Great Wall and instead invested in other companies, it would definitely not be in the current situation!

As expected, Lao Wang fired this subordinate!

This is also the fundamental reason why Song Ge left Dawan.

"Wow...the chairman of the investment company personally came to endorse it?"

Ye Zhen whispered to Xu Li from below the stage, "Is 'Wolf Warrior 2' shabby or extravagant?"
It's not exactly shabby, with no big-name celebrities attending; yet it's also quite lavish, with its major sponsor personally showing up to support it.

"The old drunkard's heart is not in the wine,"

A familiar male reporter chimed in, lowering his voice, "I think President Song is here today more for that 'top streamer Gu' who hasn't even appeared yet."

I heard that Capital Culture has a project they'd like to collaborate on with Gu Qing on. Isn't this a good opportunity to get in touch?

On stage, Song Ge was speaking eloquently, introducing the background of the "Wolf Warrior 2" project, the hardships of filming, and his exploration and expectations for the industrialization of Chinese films.

However, most of the reporters in the audience were distracted and didn't even bother to write, just hoping that the long speech would end soon.

Their attention had already flown to the upcoming red carpet event.

After finally waiting for Song Ge to finish speaking, I politely applauded.
All the reporters instantly became highly focused, as if they had been injected with adrenaline, and they set up their cameras and microphones again, aiming them at the entrance to the red carpet.

According to the schedule, the main creative team and special guests will appear next!
"Next, let's give a warm round of applause to welcome the director, screenwriter, and lead actor of 'Wolf Warrior 2'—my good brother, Wu Jing!"

Zhang Shaogang raised his voice and pointed to the beginning of the red carpet.

A regular black minivan stopped, the door opened, and Wu Jing climbed out.

He was wearing a slightly oversized black short-sleeved T-shirt with the inconspicuous words "Wu Family Team" printed on the chest, brown jeans, and sneakers.

Compared to the celebrities who usually attend events in suits and ties, this outfit can be described as "simple," and even exudes a sense of being travel-worn and "poor."

His bronze skin looked healthy under the lights, but his smile was somewhat awkward and stiff. When he walked onto the red carpet, his steps seemed slightly unnatural and unsteady due to an old injury on his leg.

"Hiss...this look...why do I feel like throwing him a couple of coins?"

A reporter in the back row couldn't help but mutter a complaint, which elicited a suppressed chuckle from those around him. The flashes of light were sporadic, far less intense than expected.

Next up was...
Other main actors and crew members of the film include: screenwriters Liu Yi and Dong Qun, Wu Gang who plays the veteran "He Jianguo," and Ding Haifeng who plays the captain "Zhang Zhiyong."
And Frank Grillo, who plays the main villain "Dad".

These people were somewhat unfamiliar to most entertainment reporters, and the scene was a little quiet and awkward at one point.

Until the next car door opens,

Grandpa Qian and Guo Degang, who was a guest, walked out side by side, and a round of fairly enthusiastic applause and cheerful camera shutter sounds rang out.

"Uncle Qian'er" and "Old Guo" have undoubtedly gained much more popularity and recognition among the audience. Their appearance finally brought some "entertainment" to the red carpet.

Wu Jing, who was waiting next to the huge "Wolf Warrior 2" promotional poster, took in all of this.

He could clearly feel the stark and cruel "temperature difference" within the industry.

This awkward feeling of being deserted and ignored was like a needle pricking his heart.

He nervously scratched his arms and the back of his neck, unable to stand still, feeling a great deal of resentment and discontent simmering inside him.

Dawan didn't think highly of him and only gave him the position of the fourth production company;

If it weren't for Mr. Wang personally investing 2000 million yuan to save the day, he wouldn't even have been able to borrow a decent venue for the publicity event today...

The coldness of human relationships cannot be more pronounced than this.

"Just wait..."

Wu Jing clenched his fists tightly, his gaze fixed on the entrance to the red carpet, where his greatest source of confidence for the night would be revealed.

"When the movie is released, I will definitely surprise you all!"

"Next, let's welcome Gu Qing, who plays the important role of 'Zhuo Yifan' in 'Wolf Warrior 2' and is also one of the most watched and influential young actors in the Chinese film industry today."

"I'm coming!"

"Gu Qing is coming out!"

"Shutter ready!"

All the drowsy reporters on the scene were instantly energized, like soldiers hearing the bugle call to charge. The crowd surged forward, and camera lenses were all pointed at the entrance, with flashing lights forming a white sea of ​​light.

Under the spotlight and the focus of countless eyes and cameras, a low-key but sleek black sedan came to a smooth stop.

The car door was opened by the waiter.

The first thing that catches the eye is a pair of shiny black leather shoes, followed by a straight and slender leg.

As Gu Qing stepped out of the car and straightened up, a chorus of low gasps of "Wow!" rippled through the crowd.

His styling team clearly took the recent public opinion storm into account. They abandoned the glamorous suits or trendy outfits that might be criticized as showing off their "idol image," and opted for modified youth clothing with a strong oriental charm and a calm temperament.

The top is a crisp, dark cyan stand-up collar style, made of high-quality fabric that gleams subtly under the light.

His straight shoulder line perfectly outlines his superior physique with broad shoulders and a narrow waist.

On one side of the chest, a few strokes of ink bamboo pattern are embroidered with silk thread of the same color, which is elegant and yet has a strong character.

He stood on the red carpet, his posture as upright as a pine tree after a snowfall, his face refined and handsome, his eyes appearing even more profound under the lights.

Without superfluous accessories or exaggerated expressions, simply standing there quietly, it exudes a dignified and composed demeanor, as well as a gentle and refined feeling reminiscent of the literati of old.

"This is... a Zhongshan suit? No, it has a stand-up collar, it's a youth suit!"

"So handsome... His temperament is amazing. I was so disappointed that Gu Qing didn't wear a Zhongshan suit when I watched 'The Mystic Nine'. This time, my dream has come true."

"Gu Qing looks so elegant in this outfit, even better than when she wears a suit!"

Reporters frantically pressed the shutter button.

But then,

What happened next surprised them even more.

After getting out of the car, Gu Qing did not walk forward immediately. Instead, she turned slightly to the side and extended her right hand towards the car, palm up, in a very natural manner.

"There's someone still in the car?!"

All the cameras instantly locked onto the hand that reached out from inside the car and rested on Gu Qing's palm.

That hand had long, slender fingers, fair and delicate skin like warm jade, and neatly trimmed nails painted with a light, transparent lacquer.

Then,

A woman dressed in a dark black cheongsam leaned out gracefully with the help of Gu Qing.

The cheongsam was a modified short style that perfectly hugged her shapely figure. The stand-up collar accentuated her long, swan-like neck, while the slit in the skirt, though conservative, subtly revealed her beautifully shaped calves.

Her long, black hair was styled into a retro-style low bun at the back of her head, secured with a simple white jade hairpin, with a few slightly curled strands hanging down by her ears.

She held a small, exquisite black bamboo folding fan in her right hand, gently placing it in front of her. Her makeup was delicate and elegant, her eyebrows and eyes were like paintings, and her lips were a gentle mauve.

When she stood completely still, side by side with Gu Qing, who was dressed in youthful attire, it was as if time had turned back. A pair of elegant young men and women, seemingly stepping out of a painting from the Republican era, were serene, refined, and breathtakingly beautiful.

"Jing...Jing Tian?!"

"Ahhh! It's Bei Weiwei! Xiao Nai and Bei Weiwei have merged!!"

"My God! They walked the red carpet together?!"

"Quick, take a picture! Quick, take a picture! The real female lead has arrived!!"

The scene instantly erupted in cheers!
The sound of camera shutters rang out like a sudden storm, accompanied by the reporters' barely suppressed excited exclamations and the faint screams of excitement coming from the fan area.

The red carpet, which had been somewhat deserted just moments before due to the appearance of Wu Jing and others, is now experiencing a surge in popularity!

Gu Qing and Jing Tian, ​​one as handsome and upright as bamboo, the other as gentle and elegant as orchid, one in black and one in green, walked side by side, in sync, occasionally turning their heads to whisper and exchanging gentle smiles.

That natural and spontaneous understanding and harmony touched the hearts of countless people.

The excitement and hustle and bustle on the red carpet seemed to have nothing to do with them for the time being.

Gu Qing tilted her head slightly and said in a voice that only the two of them could hear:
"I really didn't expect you to come."

Jing Tian glanced at him sideways, her bright eyes filled with a gentle smile, and she lightly tapped the back of his hand with the tip of her fan.

"What if my idol gets bullied if I don't come?"

Her voice was soft, yet carried an undeniable firmness.

“I’m not a child, no one can bully me. I’ve already contacted a lawyer to handle that matter.”

Next second,
He felt the soft hand covering the back of his hand tighten slightly.

Jing Tian's voice was even softer, yet it reached his ears clearly:

"But I... I'm afraid you'll get kidnapped, Gu Qing."

Gu Qing paused on the red carpet, turned her head to look at Jing Tian, ​​her expression slightly stunned, and her heart skipped a beat.

Jing Tian gently twirled a strand of hair at the tip of her ear with her delicate hand, returning the gesture with a serene smile.

Gu Qing?

She...did she break character?!
……

"Whew—that feels so good!!!"

Standing next to the poster, Wu Jing looked at the commotion on the red carpet and the boiling enthusiasm in the media area, and finally let out a long, satisfying sigh of relief!

He was beaming with excitement, and couldn't help but nudge Wu Gang and Ding Haifeng beside him with his elbow, lowering his voice with undisguised boastfulness and pride: "Teacher Wu, Brother Hai, did you see that?"
See that!
This is my younger brother!
This popularity! This level of attention! Isn't that incredible?!

He straightened his back, looked around, and said, "Let's see who dares to complain now about how shabby and unpopular our 'Wolf Warrior 2' premiere was!!"

Wu Jing felt that "tricking" Gu Qing into participating in the film was probably one of the most correct and worthwhile decisions he had ever made in his career!

Gu Qing brings not only acting skills and box office appeal, but also this irreplaceable popularity and brilliance!
So far,

Apart from Lu Jingshan, the foreign female lead who was unable to attend due to personal reasons while abroad, the entire creative team of "Wolf Warrior 2" made a full appearance.

Wu Jing, as both director and lead actor, stood on the small stage, looking at the flashing lights and the enthusiastic (at least for now, very enthusiastic) media below.

Overwhelmed with emotion, he delivered a brief but powerful speech, thanking all the friends present and inviting everyone to enter the theater to witness the film's premiere.

however,
As the media and some special guests entered the theater, they discovered that the excitement outside was just the beginning; an even bigger "surprise" awaited them inside!
To avoid the hassle of the red carpet event and potential "stealing the spotlight" situations,
Many celebrities who have close personal relationships with the creators and come purely out of friendship choose to enter the theater in casual clothes.

Afterwards, they might go on stage to present a flower basket and say a few words of blessing, which would seem more casual and sincere.

then,

When the reporters who had spent their time outside, snapping photos on the red carpet, returned to the theater and chatted with their colleagues who had arrived earlier and already found their seats,

The news they received made their eyes widen in astonishment, their jaws nearly dropping!
"Who are you talking about?! Who's inside?!"

"Holy crap! Really?! He's here too?!"

"Not just him! But them too! The whole regiment?!"

The lights in the theater were not completely dimmed yet, and many familiar faces were sitting in the front and middle seats!
The host, Zhang Shaogang, seemed quite surprised as well. He took the microphone, walked to the front of the stage, squinted at the audience, and said in a condescending, inquisitive tone:
"Hey! I see quite a few familiar faces in our theater!"
"Come on, since you're here, don't hide away. Stand up and let everyone get to know you. Let's see which of your good friends are giving us this opportunity!"

As soon as he finished speaking, someone in the front row stood up with a smile.

"Oh my dear brother! What brings you here?! You didn't even tell me you were coming!"

Upon seeing this, Wu Jing exclaimed with delight and rushed off the stage in three quick steps, giving the other person a solid bear hug!

That was his best friend, Liu Huangshu Yu Hewei.

Then,

Like a chain reaction, several more people stood up laughing:

Guo Tao from "Crazy Stone," Zhou Xiao'ou, the former lead singer of the Black Panther band and a friend of Wu Jing, and Xie Nan, Wu Jing's wife, were all sitting not far away, smiling and waving at the stage.

"Tsk, is that all?"

Some journalists who had high expectations were greatly disappointed.

But their contempt lasted only a few seconds before it was completely shattered by what happened next!
In the back row of the theater, another group of people stood up in unison, smiling and waving to those around them.

"Li Chen! Zheng Kai! Chen Chichi?! And Wang Zhulan... My God, the entire Running Man cast is here?!"

Then,

On the other side of the aisle,
"Wang Baoqiang! Chen Sicheng! The Detective Chinatown trio are here too?!"

"Dilraba?! Yang Mi?! What are they doing here?! Weren't they online yesterday...?"

"Wait! The one wearing a hat up ahead is... Principal Wang?!"
Didn't he just have a cameo role in the movie version of "Love O2O"? Why is he here promoting "Wolf Warrior 2"?!

The reporters were completely stunned, barely able to hold their cameras steady, instinctively snapping photos of the celebrities who kept standing up, greeting each other, and smiling broadly!
The theater lights flashed again.
How could this be a bleak and deserted premiere?

I don't know.

I thought it was some kind of large-scale awards ceremony or gala!

"Speaking of which, the entire Running Man cast is supporting Gu Qing, so what about 'Love O2O' next door?"

"Isn't Deng Chao's 'Psychological Crime' also showing in theaters? Won't that be awkward?"

The reporters thought of a more serious question, then exchanged glances, their eyes shining like light bulbs.

This is how we get work done!
news!

Big news is coming!!
……

...(End of this chapter)