Top Chinese celebrity: Debuted from Running Man

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Song Ge felt a dull ache in his back molars, and the regretful words he had uttered rolled through his mind again:
"Sigh, if I had known Wu Jing could get Gu Qing to come, would I have been crazy enough to sign this kind of contract?"

The overwhelming success of the preview screenings of "Wolf Warrior 2" exceeded the expectations of almost everyone in the industry.

As one of the issuers, he should have been happy, but the agreement guaranteeing a minimum return on investment felt like a tiny fishbone stuck in his throat.

They can make money, but it seems that Wu Jing and Gu Qing will take all the credit and the glory.

He had already inquired about it.
Wu Jing took a whopping 15% of the box office revenue in order to get Gu Qing on board!
Even though it excludes the issuer's revenue, taking 15% from the remaining 50% is still a considerable sum.

Despite his frustration, Song Ge didn't forget that he still had tasks to complete today.

He adjusted his slightly tight suit jacket, quickly put on a familiar smile, and walked around from behind Wu Jing, who was talking to someone else, his gaze precisely locking onto a corner of the rest area.

There,

Gu Qing, who had just finished the post-screening Q&A session, was chatting with Wu Gang, who became a household name for his role as "Secretary Dakang".

The two were relaxed, occasionally chuckling softly, creating a harmonious atmosphere.

"Little brother, is this a convenient time?"

Song Ge walked straight ahead without stopping, his voice carrying just the right amount of enthusiasm.

Wu Gang was a shrewd man. His gaze quickly swept between Song Ge's face and Gu Qing's. He immediately stood up, clutching his stomach, and said, "Ouch, I drank too much water. I need to go to the restroom. Mr. Song, please sit down. Please sit here and let's talk."

He patted Gu Qing on the shoulder very naturally, his words carrying the warmth of an elder and the pleading of a middle-aged actor.
"Little Gu, if I don't get any more roles after this 'old bone' movie, I'll be counting on you to think of something."

Gu Qing stood up, her attitude humble: "Teacher Wu, you flatter me."

Don't worry, I'll recommend a suitable notebook to you as soon as possible.

"Okay, okay, I'm glad you said that."

Wu Gang smiled and nodded, then gestured to Song Ge before walking away from the small circle where they were about to "discuss serious matters," his hands behind his back.

After Wu Gang walked away, Gu Qing sat down again and looked up at Song Ge, who was now standing next to the sofa as if they were old friends.

With a polite smile, he said, "Brother Song, please sit down. Don't stand. Your standing makes me feel a lot of pressure."

"Pressure? Little brother, you're under a lot of pressure right now,"

Song Ge gave a thumbs up, then sat down on the single sofa next to Gu Qing, leaning forward slightly to close the distance. His gaze was undisguisedly filled with admiration. "It's more like I'm bothering you."

"Tsk, you look really good, especially in this outfit on you. You're the most handsome artist I've ever seen in all my years in the industry."

He praised her repeatedly, scrutinizing Gu Qing up close.

Her skin looked exceptionally clean under the warm lighting in the rest area. Her features were delicate yet not effeminate. What was most captivating were her eyes, which were like deep pools when calm and seemed to radiate light when she smiled.

No wonder the camera seems to favor him.

"Brother Song, you flatter me. It was all thanks to the script and the director that I had the opportunity."

Gu Qingwei frowned almost imperceptibly, disliking the scrutinizing gaze. He said politely, his fingertips unconsciously rubbing the side of his phone.

"Hey, you're being modest."

Song Ge waved his hand, naturally steer the conversation in the direction he had set out to, "Little brother, you and Teacher Wu were having such a pleasant chat just now, were you talking about a new collaboration?"
Need investment? Let me soak up some of your lucky charm!

He spoke in a tone that was half-joking and half-serious, and as he spoke, he very naturally reached out and put his hand on Gu Qing's shoulder on the side closest to him, and even gave him a light hug as if they were old friends. "Just tell me how many you need, and I won't be lenient with you."

Gu Qing paused for a moment when that hand, still warm and slightly pressured, landed on her shoulder.

His smile faded, he looked up, his gaze calmly sweeping over the hand on his shoulder, then he leaned back slightly.

She leaned back into the soft sofa, thus subtly escaping the overly intimate physical contact.

"Brother Song,"

His tone was a bit calmer than before, "I don't usually get involved in investment matters. I mainly look at the script. If the script is good and the roles are suitable, I'll sign a contract and start filming."

As for funding…

He lowered his head, casually swiping his phone screen, "If I ever really need money, I'll definitely contact you first."

Seeing Gu Qing's indifferent expression, especially that calm yet straightforward glance just now, it was all too obvious that he disliked Gu Qing's "salty pig's trotters".

Song Ge's smile froze slightly, as if a cold wind had hit it.

Are you unhappy? Of course, a little.

But in this industry, those who can make money and have huge potential are the bosses.

Even if you slap them across the face in public, showing them absolutely no respect, they'll still laugh and let you slap them back.

Of course, all of this is predicated on the premise that you can make money.

His initial displeasure was quickly suppressed by reason, and he withdrew his hand almost instantly, as if his action had been unintentional.

He quickly switched channels, his smile seamlessly transitioning between the two.

"Haha, it's my fault, I was too impatient."

"By the way, little brother, before I came, Jinhua specifically called and repeatedly told me to thank you for her. She said that she was very grateful to you for taking care of her son on set, and that the kid must have caused you a lot of trouble, right?"

"Jin Hua?"

Gu Qing finally looked up from his phone screen, revealing genuine surprise. "Sister Jinhua? Brother Song, you know her?"

"Ha! It's more than just knowing each other!"

Song Ge slapped his thigh, his tone exaggerated yet genuine, "We've been old friends for so many years! I personally own 20% of Jinhua and Bingbing's 'Jiuzhou'."

Not long ago, her personal agency was also merged into our Capital Culture Group.

So, in that sense, we're all family now.

"Oh, really?"

Gu Qing's reaction was as calm as if she were listening to a weather forecast: "What a small world."

He responded, then looked back at his phone screen, swiping his finger as he added, "Sister Jinhua, you're too kind. I didn't do anything special."

"..."

Song Ge felt like he had punched cotton with all his might, and was also a little dazzled by the reflection from the screen.

He has been a prominent figure in the entertainment industry for many years, relying on his skill in networking and cultivating connections. He rarely encounters a young artist like Gu Qing who is impervious to persuasion and seems unmoved by either soft or hard approaches.

Unfortunately, the other party is currently very popular and has unlimited potential, so it's not easy to turn a blind eye to them.

A few seconds of silence hung between the two, with only the faint background noise of the rousing background music and the gasps of the audience coming from the direction of the theater.

Gu Qing broke the silence first. He put away his phone, looked up at Song Ge, and said in a polite but distant tone, "Brother Song, is there anything else?"
If nothing else, I need to meet up with Brother Jing later to see how the audience reacts.

This means to see the guest off.

"Yes! There really is something important to discuss!"

Song Ge seemed to have just remembered, quickly pulled out an elegantly designed business card from his suit pocket, and handed it over, his attitude much more formal than before.

"Little brother, our company is currently focusing on preparing a film project. The director and screenwriting team are quite special. I don't know if you're available..."

"Schedule?"

Gu Qing took the business card, his fingertips touching the paper, but he didn't look at it immediately. His tone carried just the right amount of embarrassment and a hint of informing him in advance, "Brother Song, what a coincidence."

My schedule is basically full for the rest of the year. I also have to go to Director Chen Kaige's house at the end of the year to discuss the plans for his new film.

Based on this calculation, including the entire first half of next year, I'm afraid I won't be able to find the time.

"No availability in the first half of the year?"

Song Ge was not disappointed at all; instead, his eyes lit up with delight. "That's wonderful! Our project is scheduled to start filming in the second half of next year! Doesn't this timing fit perfectly?"

Gu Qing: "..."

He looked at Song Ge in silence.

Those clear, bright eyes clearly conveyed a question: Does this person not understand what it means to politely decline?

Even though Song Ge wasn't shy, he felt a little embarrassed being stared at like that and quickly tried to make amends:

"Oh, little brother, don't misunderstand, that's not what I meant. I mean, our film is really different!"
This is really different! Take a look at the business card first.

He tapped the business card in Gu Qing's hand with his chin.

"no the same?"

Gu Qing frowned slightly, but ultimately gave him some face, lowering her eyes to look at the business card at her fingertips. The name, Han Jianu, was printed in gold lettering.

He murmured, "Han... Jia Nu?"

"Yes! This is Miss Han."

Song Ge noticed the subtle pause when he pronounced the name, and thought that the name had finally worked, so his smile unconsciously deepened.

Who is this Miss Han?

Gu Qing looked up, her eyes filled with pure confusion, without the shock and fear that Song Ge had expected.

Song Ge's smug expression froze instantly, almost causing him to lose his composure:

"Little brother, you...you haven't heard of her?"

His surprise seemed genuine.

"I……"

Gu Qing's expression was calm. "Should I know?"

Song Ge was speechless again.

Looking at Gu Qing's young and inexperienced face, he suddenly remembered the man's resume in a flash:

In her early twenties, she went to South Korea as a trainee during her teenage years and went through many trials before debuting. She only returned to China in 2014.

While that "master" was making waves and his name was known far and wide, this young man was probably still sweating profusely in a practice room in a foreign land.

By the time he returned to China and began to make a name for himself, that person had just retired from the limelight and faded from the limelight.

I don't know, but... that seems understandable?

Having figured this out, Song Ge felt much less frustrated, replaced by a sense of helplessness at needing to learn everything from scratch.

He cleared his throat, ready to give this rising star a lesson in "industry common sense".
Turning my gaze, I noticed that Gu Qing had lowered his head again, tapping and swiping on his phone screen, seemingly more interested in social media updates than listening to my story.

"..."

Song Ge felt his blood pressure was a little high.

If my rebellious son, who hasn't even reached puberty yet, dared to play on his phone like that while I was talking...
He insisted... never mind, this is the God of Wealth, we can't compare.

Forcibly suppressing his frustration, Song Ge adjusted his tone, adopting a solemn air: "Brother, let me put it this way, you must have heard of the name 'Third Master,' right?"

Gu Qing stopped swiping the screen and looked up at him.

Song Ge took it as a tacit agreement and continued in a tone that was a mixture of awe and emotion: "Third Master. In our film industry, he is a figure who can truly be called a 'godfather'."

From pioneering the Chinese New Year film season with "The Dream Factory" to nurturing and producing countless influential blockbusters,

How many directors of the Fifth and Sixth Generations received his guidance and protection?

Even Director Chen Kaige, whom you mentioned, held him in high esteem.

It can be said that without Third Master's sweeping reforms and his support in withstanding the pressure back then,
Our film industry today would never be in this situation or have this kind of atmosphere.

These words were spoken with sincerity and are basically true.

Song Ge observed Gu Qing's reaction.

Gu Qing's previous casual expression vanished, replaced by a serious look in his eyes. He pondered for a moment and asked, "And this Miss Han is...?"

"Third Master's daughter."

Song Ge spoke slowly and deliberately, emphasizing each word.

He believed that anyone with a brain could weigh the weight that this name represented.

Gu Qing's reaction once again surprised him.

"What do you want me to do? Take off my clothes?"

Gu Qing spoke coldly and bluntly.

"Cough cough cough—!!"

Song Ge choked on his own saliva and coughed violently, his face turning bright red instantly.

He waved awkwardly, trying to laugh but feeling it was inappropriate for the occasion, and struggled to hold it in.

"Brother, it's a misunderstanding! A huge misunderstanding!"

You've really misunderstood. What do you take me for?

After finally catching his breath, Song Ge quickly explained, speaking as if he were clarifying some terrible injustice.

He then suddenly realized why Gu Qing's attitude had changed so drastically after hearing the name "Han Jianu".

It turns out this guy was misinterpreting him, Ms. Han, and the invitation as some kind of shady "unspoken rule" scheme within the industry. "It's a movie! A legitimate movie project!"

Song Ge wiped away non-existent cold sweat from his forehead, his tone more sincere than ever before, "Ms. Han, she really admires you, but she definitely admires your acting skills and your professional attitude."

"She plans to officially enter the industry as a screenwriter next year. She has written a new script, which our company is investing in, and we would like to invite you to play a role."

Song Ge said earnestly, "This is a drama that reflects real-life issues. If you, my brother, were to star in it, there's a very high chance you'd win an award."

"A realistic theme? It won an award?"

A hint of sarcasm played on Gu Qing's lips. "You want me to play the male lead?"

Isn't this the kind of thing that second-generation rich kids with powerful backgrounds often do?

Find a good script (or maybe just one that sounds good).
By bringing in famous actors to bolster the production and making a "profound" film, one can satisfy their artistic sensibilities and add a layer of prestige to their resume.

But is he crazy enough to use his own feathers as a wedding dress for someone else?

This isn't like Hong Kong back then, where you could point a gun at celebrities and have them film.

Gu Qingzhen didn't believe that if he didn't go and film it, what could anyone do to him?

Song Ge sensed the sarcasm in his words and quickly shook his head like a rattle: "No, no, no, how could that be! Little brother, what kind of person do you think Brother Song is?"
Even if I were incredibly tactless, I wouldn't be so shameless!

He held up two fingers, gesturing, "Cameo! It's just a cameo! A special appearance, not much screen time."
You'll only have a few appearances in key scenes, say a few lines, and the filming period will be at most a week! It definitely won't take up too much of your time!

"A week?"

Gu Qing frowned even more, her impatience almost overflowing.

Wouldn't it be better for him to play video games instead?
He subtly moved his arm, already making a gesture as if he was preparing to end the conversation and get up to leave.

Song Ge's heart was in his throat.

He knew that if Gu Qing left today, it would be much more difficult to talk to him later.

In a moment of desperation,
He didn't bother with any more suspense or build-up, and directly threw out his last bargaining chip, which he believed was most likely to sway Gu Qing:

“Brother! Think about it again! Putting aside Miss Han’s identity for now, let’s just talk about this script— ‘Silver God of Medicine’.”

I can vouch for it with my years of experience in this industry; it's absolutely a great notebook! Top-notch!

I have an electronic version on my phone, I can send it to you right now! You can read it before you decide, okay?

He spoke rapidly, his eyes filled with urgency: "Ms. Han genuinely wants to make a film that reflects reality, touches people's hearts, and can even drive some social change."

She felt that with your current audience appeal and influence, if your fans and the attention you attract can draw attention to this film because of your participation,

If the film focuses on ordinary people who cannot afford expensive medicines and struggle with illness and poverty, then the film's social significance has been largely achieved!

She genuinely hopes to use your help to bring more people's suffering to light, so that they might receive assistance!

Song Ge spoke these words with almost heartfelt earnestness.

Gu Qing, being a popular celebrity, can disregard things and act recklessly.

But for people in these industries, there are many interpersonal relationships involved, so they have to do their best to handle things.

"Ok??"

Gu Qing had already raised her arm halfway when she abruptly stopped in mid-air.

He slowly turned his head and looked at Song Ge.

"Brother Song,"

His voice held a hint of uncertainty, "You just said... what's the name of this movie?"

"The God of Medicine, Silver Du!"

Seeing a glimmer of hope, Song Ge quickly repeated, emphasizing, "It's based on a true story, about buying life-saving drugs on behalf of others."

The script is exceptionally solid, the plot is moving, and the characters are vivid. Several of us who read it first were moved to tears.

It's not just a story; it represents the struggles of thousands of families!

"Drug God of Eundo"?
Or should I use a proxy buyer to get the medicine?!

Isn't this just like "Dying to Survive"?!
Gu Qing was shocked.

In his opinion, this film is absolutely a masterpiece.

Gu Qing vividly remembers the heart-wrenching pain, the indescribable emotion, and the lingering feelings after the film ended, all while watching it in her past life.

"Ms. Han, I'm sorry, you are truly talented."

Gu Qing sincerely slid down and apologized.

Should I go or not?

The thought only existed in my mind for a fraction of a second before the answer emerged with crystal clarity.

It's a must-see!

If an actor encounters a script of this caliber and doesn't take it, does he even deserve to be called an actor?
In particular, Song Ge's last words about "using influence to get more people to pay attention to the people at the bottom" really touched him.

With such a high level of attention, if we can't use it to do something meaningful, give back to society, and fulfill our responsibilities...

What is the significance of this so-called "red"?

In the blink of an eye,

Gu Qing withdrew her arm, sat up straight again, and her expression changed to one of moderate hesitation and serious consideration.

"Brother Song, how about this?"

Gu Qing said, "Please send me the script first. I'll take a close look, especially at the cameo role you mentioned."

If the role is a good fit, then I will gladly accept any opportunity to make a contribution to society.

I will give you a definite answer within a week at the latest. As for the schedule…

Don't worry about the schedule! Absolutely no problem!

Song Ge eagerly took over the conversation, his face beaming with a wide smile.
"Brother, to be honest, this film is still in the early stages of being approved and the script is being polished. The director hasn't been finalized yet, and the casting needs to be carefully considered."

"If filming really starts, I estimate it will be at least six months from now, and it definitely won't affect any of your existing plans!"

As he spoke, he deftly pulled out his phone, found the file, and quickly sent it.

"I've sent you the script, little brother. Take a look when you have time. If you have any ideas, feel free to call me anytime. My personal number is on my business card. I'm available 24/7!"

Song Ge finally breathed a sigh of relief.

Meanwhile, a sudden surge of sound came from the next theater, accompanied by rousing background music and synchronized gasps.

The preview screenings of "Wolf Warrior 2" have entered their climax and are drawing to a close.

On the screen,
Ding Haifeng, who plays the naval captain, has bloodshot eyes and bulging veins on his forehead. All his grief, indignation, determination, and resolve to defend his compatriots ultimately transform into that earth-shattering roar:

"Fire!!!"

"it is good!!!"

"Bomb the hell out of him!!!"

Inside the theater, the audience's emotions were completely ignited.

Countless people clenched their fists, their eyes burning with emotion, as the missile, trailing a fiery exhaust, streaked across the sky and landed precisely on the rebel positions, unleashing a deafening roar and a burst of flames.
The national pride and passion that had been building up for nearly two hours were finally released in the most exhilarating way.

After the barrage of artillery fire, it's time for the ultimate showdown between Leng Feng and the formidable villain "Old Man".

There are no dazzling special effects, only the most primitive and brutal close combat. The crisp sound of bones breaking, the dull thud of fists hitting flesh, heavy breathing and suppressed roars intertwine.

Leng Feng was knocked down time and time again, but he struggled to get up again and again, his face covered in blood, but his eyes burned with an indomitable flame.

Finally, with his last ounce of strength, he used the wolf-tooth bullet, a symbol of his comrades' sacrifice and indomitable will, to plunge it deep into the enemy's temple.

The brutal battle has finally ended.

Leng Feng, whose consciousness was hazy, woke up amidst the jolts and found himself lying on his apprentice Zhuo Yifan's lap.

The carriage was packed with surviving compatriots and local refugees. Every face was etched with the exhaustion of surviving a catastrophe, as well as a faint but genuine smile born from shared hardship.

"Master, we... survived."

Zhuo Yifan, his face covered in blood, dust, and sweat, tried to force a smile to his master.

That smile was innocent and disheveled, yet it shone brightly.

However, the smile had not yet fully unfolded—

"BOOM—!!!"

Another loud explosion came from ahead, and the convoy came to a screeching halt, kicking up clouds of dust.

"It's a combat zone! There's a combat zone ahead!"

"We can't get through this... We can't get through this..."

The newly kindled flame of hope was extinguished in an instant. Despair, like an icy tide, once again engulfed everyone in the carriage.

After going through countless hardships and braving gunfire, are they destined to fall at this final hurdle?
In the deadly silence of despair, Leng Feng, heavily injured, struggled to prop himself up with trembling arms and leaned on Zhuo Yifan's young shoulder.

His voice was hoarse and almost broken, yet it carried an undeniable power:

Give me the gun.

"Everyone, follow me, empty the magazines!"

All the survivors, regardless of nationality or status, obeyed his commands at that moment.

They raised their remaining weapons, pointed them at the sky, towards the unseen enemy, and pulled the trigger!

"Da da da da—!!!"

Gun muzzles spat fire, bullets whistled into the sky, like a tragic farewell, or a cry of defiance.

Until the last spent cartridge case landed crisply on the ground, the gunfire ceased, and the world fell back into a chilling silence.

The smell of gunpowder permeated the air.

Leng Feng's gaze slowly fell on the bright red flag beside him.

His chapped lips moved a few times, and he extended his hand, which was wrapped in dirty bandages but was unusually steady, to look at Zhuo Yifan, whose eyes were blank yet filled with worry:

"Yifan..."

"Give me the national flag."

At that moment, the theater was completely silent.

All the audience members held their breath, their hearts feeling as if they were being gripped tightly by an invisible hand.

They were completely immersed in the story, and almost everyone had a premonition and eagerly anticipated what would happen next.

A thrilling feeling, a mixture of excitement, pride, and emotion, crept up everyone's spine.

The camera closely follows Leng Feng.

He gritted his teeth, enduring the excruciating pain, and with astonishing willpower, climbed onto the front of the car using both hands and feet. The moment he stood up straight, it seemed as if he had used up all his strength.

Then, he took a deep breath and swung his arm forcefully—

Whoosh—!!!

The bright five-star red flag unfurled in his hands, like a dancing flame, a ray of dawn piercing through the gloom.

Under the scorching sun of Africa, against the backdrop of billowing smoke, they fluttered wildly!

Red, so dazzling, so eye-catching, is full of the power of life and hope.

Leng Feng turned around, faced the driver's cab, and shouted with his last breath:

"drive!"

The convoy slowly started up again, heading towards the battle zone where the sounds of gunfire had not yet completely subsided.

Seeing this flag,

Soldiers from both sides in the combat zone, whether government troops or rebel forces, stopped firing without prior agreement.

They looked at the fluttering red flag, at Leng Feng, scarred yet resolute, beneath it, and at the terrified and exhausted faces in the convoy…

The gun barrel slowly drooped.

The soldiers silently parted the road, standing at attention as they watched the convoy carrying life and hope safely pass through the death zone and head towards the safe shore.

The scene in the film freezes here, then fades to black.

Subsequently,

The pristine white subtitles slowly appeared on the dark screen, the words seemingly carrying a thousand pounds of weight, yet containing boundless warmth and power:

"Citizens of the People's Republic of China: When you encounter danger overseas, do not give up! Remember, behind you is a powerful motherland!"

The lights gradually came on, illuminating faces still streaked with tears and filled with lingering emotion.

……

...(End of this chapter)