Top Chinese celebrity: Debuted from Running Man

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"The second question."

Yi Lijing's gaze fell on Gu Qing's face. Her eyes, hidden behind black-rimmed glasses, were like two precise scalpels, ready to dissect every layer of disguise on the young man in front of her.

"There are many rumors online about your relationship with Yang Ying..."

She paused deliberately, observing Gu Qing's expression.

There were no fluctuations as expected.

Those gentle eyes remained calm as still water, without even a tremor in their eyelashes.

Yi Lijing became interested.

She increased the intensity of her attack.

Some say you've never spoken to each other again, others say your love turned to hate—is this true?

The two questions in quick succession directly targeted the only topic that Gu Qing had been involved in for many years, a topic that fans found extremely taboo.

Upon hearing this, the air in the entire studio seemed to freeze.

The staff held their breath, their eyes wide, all fixed on that young face.

Some people clenched their fists in nervousness, some instinctively covered their mouths, and some even dared not look any further, turning their heads slightly away.

As the pioneer of the era of big CP (Content Provider)
Once the highest mountain and the longest river in the Chinese entertainment industry's CP scene, an unparalleled emperor and empress, an unprecedented sister-brother CP—leaving an indelible mark in the hearts of countless people.

In just one season of "Running Man", Gu Qing and Yang Ying, who were then unknown, became top male and female celebrities in the entertainment industry overnight, achieving an epic rise in their status.

The term "younger man/older woman" swept through the idol drama genre after that, giving rise to countless copycat works.

Even up to now,

Riding on the coattails of CP fans, Yang Ying has filmed so many terrible dramas, her reputation has plummeted, yet she remains an undisputed top female celebrity in the Chinese entertainment industry, comparable to another cash cow in the era of internet traffic.

As long as she doesn't do anything reckless, with the national appeal of "Running Man" and the extremely strong fighting power of her fans, she can even rival the top male celebrities in the same field.

The high salaries they command demonstrate their commercial value.

This is an exceptional existence among female celebrities in the Chinese entertainment industry!

And at this moment,
This "relationship," which countless CP fans regard as the gold standard, is about to be revealed by the person involved himself.

"fake."

Gu Qing spoke up.

His smile faded slightly, but his expression remained calm.

"We've just stopped contacting each other."

"Oh?" Yi Lijing pressed, her tone tinged with inquiry, "Why didn't you contact them?"

She paused, then added insult to injury: "Are you afraid to see her?"

Outside the studio,

The expressions of the several female staff members were distorted with tension and excitement.

They curled their hands into chicken claw shapes, covered their chests, and let out a silent scream that seemed to come from nowhere.

Stimulate!

That was so exciting!!

Is it even appropriate to ask such a question?!
Gu Qing looked at Yi Lijin and suddenly smiled.

That smile was confident and self-assured, without a trace of guilt.

"She's the one who's afraid to see me."

After he finished speaking, he added in a serious tone, "Just kidding."

Yi Lijing raised an eyebrow slightly.

"The main problem is that our CP (couple pairing) is fake to begin with."

Gu Qing said casually, "It's for the sake of the show. Besides, she already had a boyfriend before recording the show, and we've always kept our distance and never contacted each other in private."

With each casual remark he made, the female staff member, clearly an early fan of the pairing, paled a little more off-camera.

Every word was like a knife, piercing the hearts of every CP fan.

Nothing is more disheartening for shipping fans than when the person they ship actually denies their past and says it was all fabricated.

fake?

How could it be fake?!
Those glances, those interactions, that unspoken understanding... were they all just acting?

The female staff member looked dazed and lost, as if her soul had been ripped out.

Meanwhile, Yi Lijing wasn't in a much better mood either.

Gu Qing's blunt explanation made her feel like she had punched cotton with all her might.

As someone in the industry, she certainly knows how fake variety show recordings can be.

Most of the so-called "couple chemistry" is the work of the editors, the effect of post-production dubbing, and the atmosphere deliberately created by the production team.

But she didn't expect Gu Qing to be so direct in saying it.

With one strike, he shut down all her subsequent questions.

This young man... is not simple.

But how could Yi Lijing possibly admit defeat?

The list of big names she's interviewed could stretch from here to the Seine.

The loss in one round only fueled her interest.

That wasn't enough to make her back down.

So what if Yang Ying is gone? Gu Qing has more than one noteworthy quality.

"Gu Qing."

She turned a page in her notebook and began to speak again, “Two years ago, the entertainment industry updated its rankings, calling it ‘Four Big and Three Small,’ which included four top stars, and you were one of them.”

She looked directly at him.

"Now, your film and television works, songs and music have all achieved remarkable results, including the currently showing 'Wolf Warrior 2,' which has grossed over 20 billion yuan in 10 days."

She deliberately slowed her speech, saying each word carefully:
"When others compare you to three other artists, do you feel disdainful? Do you feel that you are not even in the same league?"

This is a trap.

A standard trap.

No matter how Gu Qing answers, it will leave room for gossip.

To say "yes" would be arrogant and offend the fans of the other three groups.

If he says "no," then he's being hypocritical and pretentious, making people think he's faking it.

But unexpectedly—

"Thank you for the compliment, Teacher Yi!"

Gu Qing smiled shyly, her eyes curving into crescents. "Thank you for your recognition!"

His tone and expression were so sincere, they couldn't be more so.

Yi Lijing: "..."

Her expressionless face visibly stiffened for a moment.

What did I endorse?

What exactly have I said about you that I approve of? Don't talk nonsense!

She opened her mouth, wanting to say something, but found the words stuck in her throat, unable to come up or down.

"So you really think you're the most popular celebrity in China right now?"

Yi Lijing simply chose to expose herself. "At worst, we'll both die," she thought. She was just a reporter, used to being criticized.

Gu Qing looked at her, her smile still gentle.

"Thank you for your recognition, Professor Yi."

He said something first, and then answered seriously, "I'm definitely not the most popular artist. Let's add 'young'—the most popular young artist, maybe that's a fair description."

"Many of my favorite seniors, such as Uncle Jackie Chan, Andy Lau, Stephen Chow, and Chen Daoming, grew up watching their films and television shows."

In terms of domestic recognition, they are among the most outstanding artists.

As he said this, the corners of his mouth turned up slightly, revealing a youthful spirit.

"As for young artists, I do have some confidence."

Gu Qing said, "We brought film and television works and songs that the audience liked, and we also took on the responsibilities that public figures need to bear."

He looked directly into Yi Lijing's eyes, his tone frank:
"At least for now, I haven't seen any young artists who are doing better than me."

These words were spoken directly, and his expression shone with a dazzling brightness.

Young and spirited, with his talents fully revealed.

Yet it's something that leaves no room for argument.

Because what he said is true.

In terms of works, songs, reputation, and social responsibility, no one among the younger generation of artists can rival him.

Although Yi Lijing's expression remained unchanged, her skin tone turned slightly greenish.

That brat!

Do I really have to add a "Thank you for your recognition, Professor Yi" before every sentence?!
She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself down.

They clashed twice, and were repelled both times.

Yi Lijing decided to launch a direct, overt attack.

"Next question."

She glanced down at her notebook, then looked up, a slight smile playing on her lips. "I'm more curious about your personal relationships."

Gu Qing's expression remained calm.

“You once said on ‘The Jin Xing Show’ that you had never been in a relationship.”

Yi Lijing looked directly into his eyes. "I want to ask—is this true?"

"It's true." Gu Qing nodded.

"I do not believe."

Yi Lijing immediately channeled Lu Yu's inner voice, her tone filled with obvious disbelief, "How could someone as good-looking as you not have any girls chasing after you?"

Upon hearing this,

Gu Qing's smile contained no embarrassment, no evasion, only a candid recollection.

“Teacher Yi, when I was a trainee in South Korea, the company had a clear rule that male and female trainees could not even make eye contact during class. If caught, they would be fired or fined.”

He spoke without changing his expression, showing no sign of sadness or shame about his past hardships.

"At that time, I could barely afford to eat, so where would I get the money to date?"

He spread his hands, his smile turning mischievous:

"I can't possibly be expected to live off a woman, can I?"

Yi Lijing was secretly delighted.

Finally got hooked!
Her gaze was piercing, fixed on Gu Qing's eyes, and she spoke coldly:
"I'm not asking about the past—I'm asking about the present."

She said, word by word:
Have you ever been in a relationship?

She was already prepared for Gu Qing to make excuses for her.

She could even guess the reasons: busy work schedule, idol status, company restrictions...

As long as Gu Qing follows her rhythm, she's sure to give this child a big surprise!
"I think..."

Gu Qing hesitated for a moment.

"I've been in a relationship before."

"You haven't dated—huh? What?!"

Yi Lijing's black-rimmed glasses tilted slightly when she suddenly looked up.

She wondered if there was something wrong with her ears and subconsciously adjusted her glasses.

"You've ever been in a relationship?!"

"I guess... we did talk about it," Gu Qing replied hesitantly.

What do you mean by "should be considered" having talked about it?

Yi Lijing is on the verge of a breakdown.

From the start of the interview until now, not a single step has gone according to her plan.

No controlling journalist would enjoy this feeling of being out of control.

Gu Qing looked at her unusually flustered expression and smiled somewhat embarrassedly.

Then, he explained earnestly:

"Because that's just my opinion."

Yi Lijing was stunned.

“My first acting class was taught to me by my acting teacher,” Gu Qing said calmly and gently, “Acting requires the actor to believe in the performance themselves.”

If you yourself don't believe it, how can the audience believe it?

He paused, then continued:

"Since my debut, I have filmed about seven movies and TV series with romantic scenes."

"In every film, I try my best to immerse myself in the emotions of the character. I may get into character quickly or slowly, but I always feel that I am in character."

He looked directly into Yi Lijing's eyes, his tone frank:
"So I think I...experienced what it's like to be in love. There's no denying that I fell in love with the character I played."

Yi Lijing was dumbfounded.

Is that even possible?!
She never expected that Gu Qing would use his status as an 'actor' to come to this conclusion.

But ironically, he wasn't wrong.

Outsiders have no reason to attack Gu Qing on this point.

after all--

If Gu Qingzhen said she had never been in a relationship, no one would believe her except her fans.

A young man in his early twenties, handsome and rich, working in the entertainment industry, is loved by countless female fans.

Is it possible to maintain a simple and detached life to this day?

If Gu Qing were to say that he had ever been in a relationship, it would be like the sky falling down, and his fans would be furious.

If you give a vague answer, you'll end up pleasing neither side.

Faced with this desperate situation, Gu Qing somehow managed to find a way out.

As an actor, you can say you've been in a relationship—can you argue that's wrong?
The public isn't stupid; they understand the unique nature of the acting profession.

From the older generation onwards, actors and directors have repeatedly stated in public that actors must immerse themselves in the role and become the character.

The audience also believes that actors should get into character, otherwise how can the film be watchable?

Nowadays, actors produce films and television dramas that are so bad they're jarring to watch. Otherwise, we wouldn't have such negative comments as "expressionless acting."

Gu Qing's move might excite his fans, who like him because of his film and television works or ship him with his co-stars, even more after the show airs.

"What? Gu Qing admitted that he got into character? Doesn't that mean he fell in love with the female lead just like the character he played?"

"Sweet, sweet, sweet! So sweet, so sweet!!"

"I told you my favorite ship was real!!"

Many actresses who have worked with Gu Qing are expected to see a surge in popularity.

Yi Lijing took a deep breath and forced herself to calm down.

Not finished yet.

She still has cards.

"Seven parts?"

She pressed further, "So, who do you think is the most attractive to you?"

She glanced down at the notebook, then looked up and recited a string of names:
"Many actresses have had rumored relationships with you, such as Zhao Liying, Liu Shishi, Gulnazar, Chen Duling, Jing Tian... and Liu Tao. Among these people, who is your favorite?"

She paused, then added before Gu Qing could speak:
"Or rather, whose appearance do you like the most?"

The corners of her mouth turned up slightly.

“You can’t just say you like all these people, can you? If that happens, people will definitely criticize you after the show airs.”

This is an even more cunning trap.

No matter who Gu Qing chooses, she will offend the fans of the other groups. Saying "I like them all" would seem hypocritical and slick.

Yi Lijing looked at him, waiting for his answer.

After hearing the list she revealed, Gu Qing suddenly spoke:
"One is missing."

"There is one less?"

Yi Lijing was taken aback, her brows furrowed, and she quickly tried to recall.

She was very confident in her memory; she had repeatedly confirmed these rumored lovers, so how could she have missed any?
“I remember quite a few,” she said. “Who else have you been rumored to be dating?”

Gu Qing smiled brightly.

That smile was as bright as the afternoon sun.

“And Sister Mary too,”

He said, "She was also rumored to be having an affair with me."

Yi Lijing: "...Mary...?"

A scene inexplicably popped into her mind—

A hearty woman, hands on her hips, laughed loudly, "Hahaha, little darling!!"

That's Mary.

Mary from Happy Twist.

Yi Lijing's vision went black.

"I like Mary's looks the most,"

Gu Qing said in a serious tone, "Because she's a hot beauty."

"puff--!"

Outside the studio, someone couldn't help but burst out laughing.

Then,

More laughter erupted, like firecrackers being lit, crackling and popping.

The staff covered their mouths, their shoulders shaking violently. Some even turned away from the camera, trembling like leaves.

Some people squatted on the ground, buried their heads in their knees, and made muffled, suppressed laughs.

The female staff members who had just been shocked and distorted by the interview content were now laughing so hard that tears streamed down their faces, and they had to support each other to keep their balance.

Those familiar with Gu Qing know very well what the "hot beauty" he mentioned really means.

It was truly the finishing touch to the skit.

The camera captured these moments—the trembling shoulders, the flushed faces, and the laughter that couldn't be contained.

Yi Lijing sat in the chair, and a crack finally appeared in her expressionless face.

She opened her mouth, wanting to say something, but found that she couldn't utter a single word.

Mary?

Hot beauty?

What are all these things?!
She took a deep breath and then slowly exhaled.

Take another deep breath, then slowly exhale.

This young man... is he toxic?

During the hour-long interview, she realized that she hadn't gained any advantage.

He didn't get a single answer he wanted. Every trap she set was thwarted by him in all sorts of unbelievable ways.

Regarding Yang Ying's matter, he said, "It's fake, we're not in contact anymore," decisively and without any hesitation.

When it came to comparing her to other top celebrities, he simply said, "Thank you for your recognition, Teacher Yi," turning her question into a compliment.

When it comes to love, he uses the theory of "actors getting into character" to completely absolve himself of any responsibility.

Now when she asks "who you like the most," he actually brings up Mary—

Mary, who has absolutely nothing to do with "hot beauties"!
Yi Lijing closed her eyes and took a deep breath.

failure.

A complete and utter failure.

In all her years in the industry, she has interviewed so many difficult celebrities, but never before has she been led by the nose, manipulated, and subtly neutralized like this.

This young man...

not simple.

That's really impressive.

She opened her eyes and looked at the young man opposite her, who still had a bright smile.

Gu Qing was also looking at her, her eyes clear and her smile harmless.

But Yi Lijing knew that behind those clean eyes lay an extremely intelligent mind.

While she was angry, she also admired him; intelligent people are just likable.

at this time,

She caught a glimpse of the commotion outside the camera's view.

Zhao Ya was standing in the corner, anxiously holding up her phone and gesturing something to Gu Qing.

That expression, that gesture, clearly urged—there's work to be done, it's time to wrap it up.

Yi Lijing's heart skipped a beat.

Got it!

She deliberately sighed, her expressionless face vanishing completely, replaced by a hint of sympathy and pity.

"Gu Qing,"

Her tone softened, "It's difficult to schedule a meeting with you, and you're very busy with work. Your agent is even urging you to go to your next appointment."

Gu Qing followed her gaze to Zhao Ya, nodded slightly, indicating that she understood.

Yi Lijing looked at him with deep concern in her eyes.

"One last question."

She paused, then slowly said:
"I want to ask, what do you think you've gained and what have you lost in getting to where you are today?"

The seemingly concerned and profound topic was actually her last trump card.

This question seems simple, but it is actually extremely tricky.

Yi Lijing eagerly awaited Gu Qing's answer.

She refused to believe that Gu Qing wouldn't step into this mess.

Gu Qing's expression froze slightly.

A complex emotion flickered in his gentle eyes. He remained silent, gazing into the distance, as if recalling something, or perhaps pondering something.

one second.

two seconds.

three seconds.

The studio was extremely quiet, with only the hum of the air conditioner running.

Yi Lijing looked at him, a sense of anticipation rising in her heart.

Is she finally going to win?
"Gu Qing," she couldn't help but urge, "haven't you lost anything?"

Gu Qing turned his head and looked at her.

A hint of loneliness lingered on her porcelain-like, fair face.

That sense of desolation wasn't acted out; it was a natural and spontaneous expression that evoked pity and heartache in people.

“Teacher Yi,” he said softly, “I have lost something.”

"What is it?" Yi Lijing asked, her breathing quickening. "Time? Freedom? Or..."

She gave a series of seemingly correct answers.

Gu Qing looked at her, her sorrow deepening.

“Teacher Yi,” he said, “I have lost… pain.”

Yi Lijing was stunned.

what?
"Ha ha!"

Gu Qing suddenly burst out laughing, and for the second time, the dejection on his face vanished, replaced by a bright smile unique to young people.

"Teacher Yi, I'm already so famous, how could I possibly be in pain?"

He laughed heartily, laughed freely.

"I am very happy every day!"

The boy's clear laughter echoed in the studio, and just listening to it was a pleasure.

The staff members who were laughing uncontrollably just moments before couldn't help but start laughing again.

The laughter seemed contagious, one after another, filling the entire studio with a joyful atmosphere.

Gu Qing laughed a few times, then stood up, reached out, and grasped Yi Lijing, who was sitting blankly in the chair.

He smiled slightly, a smile warmer than the sunshine.

"Teacher Yi, are you in pain?"

……

...(End of this chapter)