Top Chinese celebrity: Debuted from Running Man

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The next day, early in the morning.

The sky was turning a pale white, and the thin mist had not yet completely dissipated.

In the hotel suite, assistant Zhao Ya had already efficiently packed two lightweight suitcases.

When my boss comes to a film crew, he never likes extravagance and prefers simple and practical items.

Gu Qing, having completed her daily morning exercise routine without fail, wiped the fine beads of sweat from her forehead with a towel as she walked into the bathroom.

The warm water washed away his fatigue and made his thoughts clearer.

After washing up and changing into a simple white T-shirt and casual pants, I was getting ready to leave with my assistant.

Zhao Ya's phone rang.

"Boss, Director Han said he'll personally drive to pick you up. He told us to wait at the hotel for a while. He's already on his way."

After hanging up the phone, Zhao Ya said happily.

"pick me up?"

Gu Qing was slightly surprised.

Han Han came to pick you up personally? That's a bit too much of a show of courtesy.

A strange ripple stirred in Gu Qing's heart.

This... shouldn't be happening.

Admittedly, he is currently enjoying great popularity.

But who is Han Han?

A prodigy who rose to fame at a young age, he was once a unique idol in the hearts of countless young people interested in literature and art.

Even though he later toned down his sharp edges and turned to more commercial creations, his pride and status as a creator are beyond question in the industry.

Even if a director values ​​a project and approves of actors, it would be considered a great honor to send a producer or assistant director to pick him up at the airport. Why would he personally act as his driver?
"It's a bit strange..."

Gu Qing muttered to himself, keeping a watchful eye on things.

There's always a reason behind unusual behavior. Han Han's humble attitude is probably more than just expressing his concern.
It's more like... he has something he can't say, or he needs something from someone?
Since we didn't have to rush to catch a train, we had plenty of time.

Gu Qing decided to pick up the script for "Riding the Waves" again, which he had already read many times, and continue to study it with a calm mind.

The story in the script is not complicated, but it is full of Han Han's distinctive personal style and the imprint of the times:
Race car driver Xu Tailang (played by Deng Chao) has always resented his father Xu Zhengtai (played by Gu Qing) for opposing his racing career.

After winning a major competition, he was in a car accident while speeding with his father and unexpectedly traveled back to 1998, returning to his father's hometown, Tinglin Town, when he was young.

over there,
He not only met his father, a young and ambitious man who dreamed of becoming the "Du Yuesheng of Tinglin Town," but also...

He also encounters his mother, Niu Aihua (played by Zhao Liying), who died young without ever having met him.

As Xu Tailang participates in the gangster life of his father and his brothers, the "Young Boys Gang," he gradually comes to understand his father's past and his mother's love, ultimately achieving a reconciliation with himself and his father that transcends time and space.

This was undoubtedly a heartfelt self-reflection by Han Han.

Racing was his lifelong passion, and small-town youth, brotherhood, and the changing times were the eternal themes in his works.

This film is almost a condensed projection of his experiences and emotions in the first half of his life.

This is why his dedication and appreciation for this project are so evident.

Time slipped away quietly as I focused on reading. More than an hour passed in the blink of an eye.

"Dong dong."

A knock sounded on the door, and Zhao Ya's voice came through: "Boss, Director Han has arrived."

"Please come in."

Gu Qing closed the script, got up, and walked towards the door.

Zhao Ya opened the door with her room card, stepped aside, and politely gestured to the person outside: "Director Han, please come in. The boss is waiting for you."

Gu Qing looked up and saw the legendary "talented director" in real life for the first time.

With just one glance, he blinked slightly, a hint of surprise flashing through his mind.

Is this Han Han?
This appearance... is quite different from the rebellious literary youth he imagined.
At first glance,
Does he bear a resemblance to... Nicholas Tse in his younger days?

Han Han, standing at the door, appeared to be around thirty-five or thirty-six years old, but looked no more than thirty.

His meticulously styled, slightly wavy "bowl cut" bangs perfectly framed his forehead, and a pair of black-rimmed glasses perched on his straight nose added a touch of refined scholarly elegance to his handsome features.

Far removed from labels like "race car driver" and "rebellious writer," he is more like the male lead in a popular teen idol drama from the early 2000s.

"Director Han Han, hello."

Gu Qing suppressed her surprise, a polite and warm smile blooming on her face. She extended her hand, saying, "I've heard so much about you. You're even more handsome in person than in the photos. At first glance, I thought I had met Nicholas Tse."

"A lot of people say that I look a lot like Teacher Xie, but I'm definitely not as handsome as him."

Everyone loves to hear nice things, especially when they come from Gu Qing's mouth.

Han Han smiled, his eyes narrowing slightly. He grasped Gu Qing's hand, shook it vigorously, and said with a smile, "Not as handsome as you, Teacher Gu."

The once impetuous young talent has long lost his sharp edges and become as gentle as a friendly uncle next door.

This is also why his fans cannot accept it; they all believe that the Han Han who dared to stand up for others is dead.

"Director Han, I wouldn't dare to act like a teacher in front of you."

Gu Qing led Han Han to the living room sofa, continuing her social niceties, "Teacher He knew I wanted to work with you, so she called me specifically to say that you are a very nice person, Director Han, and very talented, and that I should definitely learn more from you."

The two sat down on the sofa, and Zhao Ya went to prepare tea.

"Oh, Lao He just loves to flatter me."

Han Han smiled and waved his hand, his tone still polite, "Teacher Gu, you are the truly talented one. How many people can match more than two hundred lines of the Flying Flower Order?"
Before I came, Lao He had also spoken to me, saying that I'm not only a top star, but also a rare, dedicated, thoughtful, and studious actor. Seeing you today, I can confirm that's true."

After a round of standard, polite, and industry-accented small talk,

Both of them paused their conversation for a moment.

The air was quiet for a moment.

Almost simultaneously, Gu Qing and Han Han both breathed a barely audible sigh of relief.

tired!
This synchronized, subtle reaction did not escape each other's notice.

Gu Qing and Han Han subconsciously looked up at each other.

One is an actor who has honed his keen observation skills in front of the camera and the public, and the other is a writer who accurately captures the world and human nature through words.

They both sensed a similar aura about each other.

"Director Han?" "Teacher Gu?"

The two spoke almost simultaneously, then stopped at the same time.

Gu Qing decided to make the first move, and tentatively put her tone more natural: "Director Han, how about... we don't have to be so polite?"

“Gu… let’s just call him the younger brother. We’re all friends with Lao He, so we should just be natural.”

Han Han couldn't hold back any longer, "In private, how about you call me 'brother' and I call you 'little brother'?"

The all-knowing Teacher He helped the two out of their awkward predicament.

"Okay, Brother Han, I can't stand being too polite."

"Absolutely, it's ridiculously fake."

The two shook hands again, and this time, both of them felt a little more relaxed.

"Director Han, would you like something to drink?"

Zhao Ya then spoke up and asked.

"No need, we've already taken up too much of your time. Let's head out now and talk to each other when we get to the film set."

Han Han waved his hand and said.

"Sister Xiaoya, let's go."

Gu Qing was happy to be in the middle of it.

From leaving the room to everyone getting off the elevator.

Han Han observed silently from the side.

He noticed that Gu Qing was only accompanied by Zhao Ya and another male assistant who looked quite capable, and her luggage consisted of only two suitcases that did not look extravagant.

There was no entourage of bodyguards, no personal attendants to carry bags and hand water, and none of the "keep away" ostentation and aloofness that some top celebrities exude when they travel.

Such a popular celebrity only has so few people around him.

He had only seen it on one celebrity.

That is: 'Pushu'.

When he went to record "The Ordinary Road", Grandpa Park only brought one assistant who knew the way.

They come in without saying a word, just start recording a song, take the money after recording, and then leave without saying another word.

His elegance impressed even Han Han.

"The fact that there are few assistants means that the artists themselves are not easy to manage."

"Facing the gazes of staff and strangers with a smile, knowing how to maintain appropriate boundaries while keeping a suitable distance, demonstrates high emotional intelligence and lacks the arrogance of someone who achieved fame at a young age."

Han Han quickly did a "character profile" in his mind, and the conclusion he came to made him nod to himself.

The initial impression was highly consistent with Gu Qing's image on screen and in public events, and there was no sense of incongruity.

"No wonder he's considered a role model by state media...he's truly a good person..."

Han Han felt relieved, and his anxiety subsided.

At least, with the most important partners.

So far, I haven't seen any of those troublesome "landmines" in this new boss and male lead.

Upon arriving at the hotel parking area, several crew members who were already waiting rushed over to greet us warmly.

"Little brother, you can ride in my car."

Han Han opened the door of a Mercedes-Benz and said to Gu Qing in a much more natural tone, "You are not only the male lead of our movie, but also the biggest investor in the production team right now."

In some situations, I need to give you a detailed report and discuss things with you on the way; it'll be more convenient if we sit together.

"Brother Han, just use 'communication,' 'reporting' is too formal."

Gu Qing smiled and corrected him, then sat in the spacious back seat of the Mercedes.

Vehicles moving,

Han Han drove himself, turning the steering wheel.

For a professional race car driver, his driving skills are naturally beyond question.

Within minutes, Gu Qing was about to vomit.

"I can't take it anymore, Brother Han, can you stop accelerating and braking at the same time? I'm going to throw up."

Gu Qing felt a churning in his stomach and peered out of the car window to breathe in some fresh air.

"Sorry, sorry, I'm used to driving race cars, so driving a sedan feels a bit strange."

Looking in the rearview mirror at Gu Qing, whose forehead was covered in cold sweat and whose face was pale, Han Han felt a little embarrassed and resisted the urge to step on the gas.

"Brother Han, how about we switch drivers? We can have a proper chat in the back."

Gu Qing was worried about her life.

"Little brother, don't you believe me?"

Han Han was about to lose his temper. "I'm a professional race car driver, don't you trust my driving skills?"

You can criticize him for not being able to make movies or write articles.

But you absolutely cannot question his driving skills!

"If it weren't for the speed limit, I could easily drift you at 300 km/h!"

"Brother Han, Director Han! I believe you, I believe you, okay?"

Seeing Han Han suddenly become agitated, acting like someone with road rage, completely unlike his previous gentle and refined self, Gu Qing quickly changed the subject, "By the way, what major problems has the production crew encountered recently?"

"Is it a funding problem or...?"

When it comes to movies and film crews,
Han Han's attention was quickly drawn back, his emotions instantly calmed, and he returned to his gentle and focused state.
However, his driving actions are still much more "present" than those of ordinary drivers.

"It's not a problem of insufficient funds,"

Han Han's voice calmed down, even carrying a hint of distress, "On the contrary, the problem now is... there are just too many funds and 'good intentions' coming to us."

Gu Qing leaned back in his chair and listened attentively.

"Little brother, to be honest, ever since the news of your decision to bring your own funding to the project and restart it started circulating in small circles last night,"

Han Han shook his head with a wry smile, "My phone hasn't stopped ringing. All sorts of people have come knocking on my door."

Some wanted to invest money directly, some wanted to offer advertising sponsorships, and many others... just wanted to get actors into the production.

He paused, his tone somewhat complicated: "And many of the conditions offered sound very 'generous'."

The investment does not require high returns; some even say it's simply to support the film industry.

The price for product placement was very high;

"Those who offer to act are easy to negotiate their fees; some even say they can bring their own investment to the production..."

"However, their core demands are very clear: they want exposure, they want roles, and preferably roles where they can act opposite you."

Han Han glanced at Gu Qing through the rearview mirror and said, "Little brother, you are now the only confirmed investor in the production team. Whether or not to accept these offers, and how to accept them, is ultimately up to you."

Therefore, I need to explain these situations to you clearly.

After listening, Gu Qing thought for a moment and asked in return, "Brother Han, you are the director. From the perspective of creation and the quality of the final film, do you think accepting these 'sponsors' and 'good intentions' will affect the final result of the film?"

"Will!"

Han Han blurted out almost without thinking, his tone resolute. After speaking, perhaps feeling it was too absolute, he softened his tone, speaking with heartfelt sincerity, "Brother, let's speak frankly."

I'm not the kind of artist who's completely detached from reality or stubbornly opinionated.

Film is art, but also business.

Within reasonable limits, accept some high-quality product placements and introduce some sponsorship funds that can reduce risk.
These are all normal, and I understand them; I even think they are necessary.

"but--"

He changed the subject, his brows furrowing, "Many of those who contacted me last night were trying to force actors into the company."

I've done some research, and some of the actors' acting skills... are really nothing to write home about.

I casually searched for a few clips of their previous performances, and they were absolutely awful.

There were even people who subtly suggested, "Could you 'adjust' things a bit? Give some of the screen time from core characters like Niu Aihua or Xu Tailang to the people they want to promote, just so they can share the screen with you..."

"impossible."

“Me, Sister Liying, Brother Chao, the three of us are the core of this movie. None of us can be missing, and our roles cannot be taken away.”

Gu Qing's tone was very firm, "As for other roles, the primary criteria must be suitability for the film and adequate acting skills."

If refusing these "kind offers" would cause financial strain, that's okay, I can operate as a sole proprietor.

He glanced at the rearview mirror, met Han Han's gaze, and made a promise that almost made Han Han cheer:
"Brother Han, my role is very clear: I am responsible for investing and acting well."

As the director, you have full responsibility for the film's creation, on-set management, final editing… I won't interfere.

Not interfering with the director's creative process?!

Han Han's grip on the steering wheel tightened instinctively, and his eyes lit up with astonishing brightness; he could hardly believe his ears.

Is this really his turn for such good fortune?

As a director who entered the industry at the end of the "coal boss era" and also experienced the "era of massive invasion of Internet capital".

Han Han was acutely aware of the value of the phrase "non-interference."

In the early days, coal mine owners mostly had simple motives when investing in movies: either they genuinely liked them or they wanted to promote a certain female star.

They usually only spend money and occasionally visit the set to see the "results," rarely interfering with the script, filming, or casting, giving the director a great deal of creative freedom.

But 14 years later, everything changed when internet giants entered the film and television industry with huge amounts of capital and powerful distribution channels.

These new capitals are pursuing "industrialization", "standardization", and "datafication".

They are keen on establishing processes, setting KPIs, and managing film projects in the same way they manage internet products.

then,

"I don't think this plot is engaging enough for users."

"Data shows that this type of persona is more popular."

"This actor's popularity index does not match our advertising model."

...A variety of "guidance" from investors emerged one after another.

The director gradually shifted from being at the core of the creative process to becoming a "tool" for executing plans.

Screenwriters were asked to revise the script according to the "blockbuster formula";
When casting, priority should be given to "sales performance" and "fan data";
Even the set design and camera work may receive "suggestions" from non-professionals.

It's purely a "client" mentality.
They wanted to mold the film crew into a product they envisioned—a controllable and replicable one.

The result was naturally a lose-lose situation.

Besides making films increasingly resemble assembly-line products and become increasingly dull, creative vitality has been severely stifled.

Han Han also suffered greatly from it.

now,

Gu Qing, this newly minted investor with his own halo and gold mine, actually took the initiative to promise "no interference"?
"Brother Han, giving you complete creative control is no problem,"

Gu Qing saw through his excitement and added with a smile, while raising a finger, "But I only have one request, which is also my bottom line."

"you say!"

Han Han immediately stated that he would agree to ten requests, let alone one.

"That's all I have in my investment budget,"

Gu Qing spoke casually, but her meaning was clear: "As long as the money doesn't exceed the budget, I don't care about anything else."

He put it subtly, but Han Han understood instantly.

Gu Qing herself was not entirely unaware of the industry's dark secrets.

The era of "coal bosses" ended not only because of the change in capital, but also because some crew members were too greedy and treated investors like suckers.

A simple straw hat can cost tens of thousands of yuan, a meal for the film crew can be priced at several hundred yuan, and the rental fees for various equipment and venues are inflated...

The rumors that people are exploited from top to bottom, and that making money from a single film can earn them enough to buy a house, are not unfounded.

Ultimately, this chilled the hearts of those "foolish" bosses and corrupted the industry's atmosphere.

The stringent auditing and process control brought about by internet capital today can be seen, to some extent, as a "karmic retribution."

"Don't worry, little brother, I wouldn't do something like that."

Han Han understood what Gu Qing meant, and he said it very seriously.

As a scholar by birth and not lacking in money, he still had a basic moral compass.

"I had already cast several actors before this."

With one hand on the steering wheel, Han Han took out a document from the passenger seat and handed it to Gu Qing in the back seat, saying, "Little brother, take a look and see if you think it's okay."

Gu Qing took the folder and opened it.

"I've cast Zhang Benyu as 'Luo Li'."

Han Han began by introducing himself, "The 'Father King' in the web series 'Unexpectedly' is also the lead actor in 'Report to the Boss'."

He himself has the comedic flair of a deadpan comedian, his acting is natural and down-to-earth, and he's a friend of mine who agreed to a cameo appearance for only one million yuan—a great deal!

"The actor who plays 'Liu Yi' is Gao Huayang. He is one of the screenwriters of 'The Continent'."

He's also one of the top professional race car drivers in China, and has been with me for many years. He has a deep understanding of cars and brotherhood. It's a friend's price, 500,000.

Han Han made no attempt to hide the fact that these were his "own people," but at the same time he emphasized their suitability and cost-effectiveness.

"The actors who played 'Jiayi' and 'Achun' were both newcomers or actors I thought were good at casting, and their combined salary was only about one million yuan."

"Little brother, if you don't like these, we can change them right away, no problem."

"As for the actor whose salary might be slightly higher, it's Lee Rong-ho."

Han Han continued, "I'd like to invite him to make a cameo appearance as the gang leader 'Huang Zhiqiang' in the film."

I think his personal image will bring some unexpected chemistry to this villainous role.

I estimate his salary will be under two million; we should be able to negotiate it.

He concluded, "The combined budget for these main supporting actors is around 4.5 million."

"Little brother, can you accept this configuration and budget?"

Gu Qing quickly flipped through the actor photos and brief introductions pasted on the information sheet.

The director put his trusted confidants in cameo roles in the film to earn a little extra money.

Gu Qing could understand and accept it; as long as it wasn't excessive, she would turn a blind eye.

Not to mention,
The box office success of "Duckweed" in its previous life.

This proves that the guys Han Han recommended all gave outstanding performances, living up to the quality of the film.

"Okay, Brother Han."

Gu Qing closed the folder and nodded readily, "I trust your judgment. I think these actors are fine, so let's go with your idea."

"Don't worry, their acting skills are quite good, they won't disappoint you."

Han Han visibly breathed a sigh of relief, and his smile widened.

But then, as if he remembered something, his tone became hesitant and helpless, "Uh... little brother, there's another page on the next page, take a look."

"besides?"

Gu Qing reopened the folder and, sure enough, found a single page at the end with only one photo.

The young man in the photo looks to be in his twenties, and his appearance is... quite ordinary.

It could even be said that, by the strict aesthetic standards of the entertainment industry, he is quite far from being "handsome," and it wouldn't be an exaggeration to describe him as ugly.

It's the kind of thing that would be hard to notice if thrown into a crowd.

"Who... is this?"

Gu Qing looked up with some doubt. Could a young man with such looks really get into the entertainment industry?
How could Han Han list it separately and place it at the very end?
“Brother, this guy… is someone with connections.”

Han Han sighed, his tone filled with helplessness, "They have a strong background and have found a way to reach me... I really can't refuse."

If you agree to let him join the cast, I need to come up with a separate supporting role for him, one with limited screen time but a charming personality. This might require some minor script adjustments.

Of course, I assure you, it will absolutely not affect the main storyline, nor will it overshadow the main plot; it's just a bonus character added as an Easter egg.

How powerful is the background?

Gu Qing asked curiously,

I glanced at that name again: Dong Zijian...

He really didn't remember it.

Han Han was a little puzzled: "Little brother, didn't you receive any related calls or messages?"

Given his mother's influence and network, someone should have already spoken to you.

"I was busy yesterday and didn't check my phone much. Apart from Teacher He, I didn't receive any special calls."

Gu Qing thought for a moment, shook his head, and then asked directly, "Who is his mother? Someone in the industry?"

"Wang Jinhua".

Han Han slowly uttered three words, and seeing a hint of confusion in Gu Qing's eyes, he knew that Gu Qing might not be familiar with the name.

After all, this "big sister" was active much earlier and has long since retired behind the scenes. "Everyone in the industry respectfully calls her 'Sister Hua,' and she's widely recognized as 'Mainland China's No. 1 agent.'"
She can be considered a pioneer and godmother figure in the mainland Chinese artist management industry.

He began to explain the power of this legendary figure to Gu Qing: "At the height of her career, she mentored more than eighty popular artists, almost encompassing half of the golden generation of the mainland entertainment industry."

"Among female celebrities, she has mentored three of the six top actresses known as the 'Four Dan and Two Bing': the two Bing and Zhou Xun. Bai Baihe and Yuan Li are also people she has personally promoted."

"There are even more male celebrities: Ren Quan, Hu Jun, Xia Yu, Chen Daoming... all of them are powerful and big names."

"That's not all. She also successfully signed mainland management contracts with some of the hottest stars in Hong Kong's entertainment circle back then: Leung Ka-fai, Lau Ka-ling, Wu Junru, Yang Ziqiong, Rosamund Kwan..."

This agent is a godmother-level figure.

Back then, he was one of the founders of Huayi, owning 50% of the shares.

Later, due to differences in philosophy, he left Huayi Brothers. With his personal charm and industry prestige, he took a large number of core artists with him, almost emptying Huayi Brothers at the time.

Huayi also began its decline from that point on.

Even now,

Lu Han and Song Qian's agents were both Yang Tianzhen, who used to be Hua Jie's assistant.

The network and influence within the industry are enormous.

"Brother Han, wait a minute."

Gu Qing rubbed his temples. My first independently invested film, and I'm already running into this level of "connected" person?
He took out his phone, unlocked it, and opened WeChat.

really,

Among a pile of unread messages, I saw a message from Li Binbin. The time stamp showed it was late last night.

The message was concise, but the tone was somewhat more hesitant than usual.

Li Binbin first briefly explained that Dong Zijian was Sister Hua's son, and then frankly said that Sister Hua had been kind to her and that she couldn't refuse her request this time, so she helped to pass on the message.

However, she emphasized that she was merely conveying a message, and whether or not Gu Qing agreed was entirely up to him to decide. She would not exert any pressure and expressed her understanding and support for Gu Qing's decision in any way.

At the end of the message,
She added, "Sister Hua is a woman of great loyalty and affection; she owes you a favor this time."

Her connections are very valuable in the industry.

After reading it, Gu Qing understood.

choose?

What options does he have?

What other choice do I have?

To offend this "godmother of talent agents" for a minor, flexible role is clearly a losing proposition.

The entertainment industry is a place where personal relationships matter. If you do me a favor today, I might repay you with an even more important opportunity tomorrow.

As long as this "connected person" doesn't cause trouble or steal the spotlight, arranging an insignificant supporting role is perfectly fine.

I only hope that I,
In the future, we may actually be able to use the favor that Sister Hua owes us.

Gu Qing replied to the message in frustration, not forgetting to use her cunning charm: "Sister Binbin, don't worry, I'll make arrangements."

Let's garner another wave of sympathy.

Gu Qing put down her phone and pinched the bridge of her nose.

"Our very first project features a rich young master; hopefully, we won't have a rich young lady in the future..."

It stands to reason,
It's unlikely that you'll encounter an artist with a more powerful background than this young master.

At least, that's what Gu Qing thinks.

……

...(End of chapter)