Chapter 555
Tang Yixin: I Have a Best Friend
……
……
"Brother, hello, hello, I also like your drama."
Gu Qing bowed slightly and grasped the hands of a middle-aged male actor. His smile was shy and obedient, and his demeanor was as humble as that of a newcomer to the industry. No one could tell that he had just taken a famous director to the hospital.
"Sister XX, please don't make a fuss if you're such a big shot. We're filming a TV series. Even if you were willing to make a cameo appearance, the production team wouldn't dare to invite you."
"Would you like to exchange contact information? Of course."
Gu Qing took out her phone, opened the QR code, and smiled, "But I'm usually busy with work and rarely look at my phone, you won't mind, will you?"
"No problem, no problem!" The actress quickly scanned the QR code, her smile almost overflowing. "Little brother, you go ahead with your work. I'm just happy to be friends with you!"
One by one.
Gu Qing was like a flower surrounded by bees, always wearing a bright smile, calling everyone "brother" and "sister" repeatedly, exchanging pleasantries, adding each other as friends, and taking photos together.
As the old saying goes, it's easier to avoid the King of Hell than to deal with his underlings.
He taught Feng Kuzi a lesson, and he did indeed demonstrate his own power and value.
But this doesn't mean he can act recklessly from now on.
If someone has nothing better to do than constantly berate the director, the boomerang will eventually hit him on the head.
Maintaining a harmless "younger brother" image will definitely help his career development.
In the entertainment industry, the key is "people promoting each other".
Otherwise, even if you have a frighteningly large number of fans, you'll still be looked down upon and ostracized.
Just like Sister Zhao who just entered—
With the sheer number of hit dramas and her current popularity, she truly stands out among the younger generation of actresses. "The Journey of Flower," "Legend of Lu Zhen," "Boss & Me," "The Mystic Nine"... which one wasn't a ratings champion?
not to mention,
Now that he's associated with Li Binbin and has a powerful background, he's been able to get a good seat at the event.
But in the world of fashion, few celebrities still respect her.
Many of them were secretly cursing her as a "country bumpkin," "uncultured," and "unpresentable."
otherwise,
In the group photo session back then, she wouldn't have been ostracized like that.
That's just how this industry is.
Having works, popularity, or a background is not as important as having "face".
"Little brother, let's have a meal together sometime."
"Bye-bye, we won't bother you anymore."
After adding each other as friends, the celebrities waved goodbye with satisfaction, their smiles becoming more genuine.
Some people took a few steps and then looked back, whispering to their companions:
"Was it really Gu Qing's brother who hit Director Feng? It doesn't look like it. Could it be that Director Feng faked the injury?"
"I think it's more like Director Feng bumped into it himself. The younger brother doesn't look like a bad kid at all; he's so well-behaved and polite!"
"Exactly, look at his attitude when he added me as a friend, so humble, not at all arrogant. How could a kid like that possibly hit someone first?"
"With Director Feng's explosive temper, he might have started it..."
If Feng Kuzi, who was lying in the hospital, heard these words, he would probably jump out of bed—
I'll smash your mother's head in!
Did I crash into him? Did I strike first?
You guys really dare to dream big!
Fortunately,
He didn't hear it, otherwise he would have been so angry that he developed high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and high blood sugar.
Gu Qing walked past table B and into the area around table A.
The celebrities here are the biggest stars, and they maintained a fairly good demeanor, unlike those on the outer perimeter who immediately left their seats and surrounded the group.
Even so, when Gu Qing passed by, all he saw were bright smiles and nods of greeting.
The smiles were much warmer than when they arrived in the afternoon.
"Little brother, you're so brave!"
Xie Yilin, beaming with excitement, grabbed his sleeve, lowered her voice, and exaggeratedly clenched her fist to cheer him on, "Well done! From today onwards, you are the prince charming in the hearts of all the female artists!"
Gu Qing was amused and exasperated: "Sister Yilin, stop fooling around."
But to be fair, Xie Yilin's words did give him a wake-up call.
He subconsciously glanced around—
It seems that the way those female celebrities have looked at me has indeed changed over the years.
When I arrived in the afternoon,
The way those female celebrities looked at him was a restrained and subtle display of charm, tenderness, or infatuation.
It's like looking at flowers through a veil, wanting to get closer but not daring to be too obvious.
But the colors that are being revealed now seem to be too naked and intense.
Using the phrase "swallowed whole" to describe it wouldn't be an exaggeration.
Gu Qing felt a slight chill run down her spine.
He didn't believe in that nonsense about Prince Charming.
He wasn't that narcissistic, thinking that all women in the world should revolve around him.
Which celebrities who manage to survive in the entertainment industry are truly easy to deal with?
Which one of them isn't the most shrewd of all?
But what about later...?
"Will all those female celebrities looking for sugar daddies start throwing themselves at me from now on?"
Gu Qing's eyes subtly shifted in emotion.
He used to be handsome, young, and popular; actors who worked with him would become famous.
But "being able to become famous" and "having resources" are two different things.
He can make people popular, but that doesn't mean he can provide resources.
So those actresses who want to work with him have to go elsewhere to compete for roles, and they have to please producers, directors, and investors.
But now,
He managed to beat up Director Feng, who was obsessed with "units of measurement," and yet he's still unharmed, so unharmed that he can still chat and laugh with everyone here and add them on WeChat.
Would any female celebrity with a brain need to fawn over those ugly, old men?
They just don't believe that if they win over Gu Qing, they'll still lack acting opportunities.
"I'm so stupid, really."
Not far away, an actress lowered her voice and said to her companion, her tone full of regret, "That Zhao Xiaodao guy managed to work with Gu Qing on so many films..."
"If you say she earned it herself, I'd never believe it! It's obvious her brother gave her the resources!"
"And those female artists who have worked with Gu Qing twice, they probably all benefited from this."
Her companion chimed in, her eyes filled with complex emotions, "No wonder I couldn't get the role no matter how many gifts I gave; it turns out the role had already been decided in advance!"
"It's not too late to know now..."
Many female celebrities were both angry and regretful, and were so angry they were itching to bite them.
Sister Zhao, who was frequently glancing sideways and back at Gu Qing, suddenly felt a chill run down her spine and shivered.
"Who's been talking about me behind my back all day long?!"
She muttered something as if she were about to cry, her round face scrunched up.
What did she do to deserve this?
Normally,
When the female lead stands next to the male lead, aren't the male supporting characters supposed to be fighting over her?
How come these peers...
They've been plotting all this against her?!
Sister Zhao felt very wronged.
……
"Sister Yilin, you two chat first."
Gu Qing felt a little uncomfortable and subconsciously turned her head, only to meet a pair of melancholy autumn eyes.
Gu Qing paused slightly, waved to her, and turned to leave the noisy crowd.
"Little brother, little brother, how is it? What did Basha say to you?"
When Jiang Xin saw him coming, she quickly waved to him with concern, her voice filled with urgency.
"Nothing much, just wanted to talk to me about tonight's live stream."
Gu Qing smiled at her, and also smiled and nodded at Yang Zi and the others who were waving excitedly at her. But instead of going over, she stopped.
I came to stand behind that well-dressed, beautiful figure.
He rested his hands lightly on his knees, bent slightly at the waist, his bangs covering half of his eyes, and whispered in her ear:
"Sister Tao".
The sound was very soft, like a spring breeze brushing across a lake, creating ripples.
Liu Tao's tense body softened unconsciously at that soft call.
She felt a warm breath near her earlobe.
There was no strong perfume scent, only a faint, sachet-like fragrance, which was quite unique among the various scents in the venue.
She turned her head to the side, her beautiful eyes reflecting Gu Qing's clean and flawless profile.
under the light,
His features were soft yet clear, like a painting; his eyelashes cast a faint shadow under his eyes; his nose was straight; and his lips were light in color.
It was a kind of beauty that lay between adolescence and youth, tinged with a sense of fragility.
She had just raised her soft hand to touch his face, to make sure he was really alright—when she suddenly woke up with a start.
This is not a private setting; this is a public place.
Afraid of causing trouble, she held her hand in mid-air, neither up nor down, unable to find a place to land.
At last,
All he could manage was a worried whisper, "Little brother, are you really alright?"
Her fingers curled slightly and slowly withdrew.
Liu Tao possesses a gentleness and maternal quality rarely seen in this industry. Her mature charm is not overtly seductive, making her a unique presence within the circle.
"It's really nothing, Sister Tao. Everything's taken care of."
Gu Qing smiled and took her hand, which was hanging in mid-air.
His hands were dry and warm, with distinct knuckles and thin calluses on his palms, seemingly formed from the wear and tear of weapons.
Liu Tao's eyelids trembled slightly.
That touch instantly brought back memories of her time on Nirvana in Fire.
Gu Qing raised his head, looked at Yang Zi and the others who were staring at him with strange expressions and wide eyes, and smiled generously:
"What? Do I need your permission to hold my Nihuang's hand?"
"Ta-da... Of course we agree! Sister Tao is our husband!"
"What husband? That's my wife!"
Yang Zi, Qiao Xin, and Wang Ziwen looked at each other and quickly changed the subject.
"loquacious."
Liu Tao chuckled, and the beautiful woman's heart was completely softened. A shallow dimple appeared on her dignified and gentle face, and even the fine lines at the corners of her eyes softened.
table
"If only Mr. Su had the same courage as you, my brother..."
Her voice was very soft, as soft as a sigh.
Not every actor can easily step out of their role.
Especially when that memory is so beautiful and so worth cherishing.
The filming of "Nirvana in Fire" took more than three months.
During those three months, she was Nihuang, and he was Lin Shu.
She was the woman who waited for him on the city wall for twelve years; he was the strategist who dared not acknowledge her yet could not let her go.
On the day filming wrapped, Liu Tao cried for a long time.
It wasn't because she couldn't bear to part with the role, but because... she knew that she might never again encounter such an opponent, such a drama, or such an unforgettable collaboration in her life.
"Speaking of 'Nirvana in Fire,' will you and Tao Jie make a second season?"
Yang Zi, lively and playful, leaned closer, her eyes sparkling, trying to break the somewhat sad atmosphere. "I cried so much when I was chasing after him back then! I've never cried so much for a man before in my life."
She clutched her chest, her expression exaggerated, "Little brother, you have to make it up to me."
"What will I compensate you for?" Gu Qing looked at her with amusement.
"Call me beautiful."
"Beauty."
Gu Qing said earnestly, "Sister Yang Zi, you are a great beauty. You need to be more confident. When we were little, Xiao Xue was the goddess in the hearts of many of us boys."
He didn't try to brush it off or be perfunctory; instead, he praised it back very seriously.
He noticed that Yang Zi's face had undergone subtle changes compared to when he met her last year.
Her cheekbones are fuller, her chin is sharper, and her lips are fuller.
When she said this, she was smiling, but the inferiority and evasiveness in her eyes were very obvious.
Gu Qing knew that she was driven crazy by the appearance anxiety in the entertainment industry.
In his past life,
He seemed to have come across a short video.
Yang Zi, who recently experienced a resurgence in popularity through a drama series, has been the subject of numerous complaints from male actors in leaked behind-the-scenes photos. One actor lamented, "Every day he asks me if she's pretty, if I'm beautiful." This is a manifestation of extreme anxiety about one's appearance.
This is a problem that many female celebrities simply cannot avoid.
She has the face of a delicate, refined young lady, perfect for serious dramas—pretty, approachable, and down-to-earth.
Unfortunately, in today's era of internet traffic, this kind of appearance has no place to survive.
The market demands a V-shaped face, double eyelids, a high nose bridge, and plump lips.
She wasn't good enough, so she changed.
They made changes, but then worried it wouldn't be enough, so they kept making changes.
After making so many changes, she even forgot what she originally looked like.
It wasn't until several years later, when serious dramas made a comeback, that actresses in the entertainment industry began to "compete to play ugly roles," and she finally found her place.
Unfortunately, it was too late.
"Goddess...?"
Yang Zi blushed deeply at Gu Qingzheng's serious praise. She turned her head away in a flustered manner, then looked at him incredulously, her voice slightly stammering, "Little brother, you...you're not lying to me, are you?"
"Just kidding, my next drama is sure to flop."
Gu Qing answered with a smile.
Da Mimi: "???"
Did I agree to this?!
"See, Xiaozhi? I told you you're very pretty! Be more confident!"
Wang Ziwen tenderly cupped Yang Zi's face, gently rubbed it, and offered encouragement.
Although she doesn't talk much, she really loves her younger sister.
"Hehe, am I really that good-looking?"
Yang Zi smiled so hard her eyes curved into crescent moons, she looked so happy she was practically bubbling over.
She relaxed completely, and her shoulders were no longer so tense.
When Gu Qing and the others saw her like this, they couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief.
Little did they know—
"Looks like plastic surgery really works! Even a top celebrity complimented me on my beauty!"
Yang Zi silently encouraged herself, her eyes resolute, "Yes! I'll go for a minor adjustment the day after tomorrow."
After a few times, I was finally able to play the lead role with confidence. Who would dare say I'm ugly now?!
She loathed her former self from the bottom of her heart.
Faced with the praise from Gu Qing and her group, she became even more convinced that it was the current "herself" who had earned their praise.
She did nothing wrong!
……
"Sister Tao, Sister Jiang Xin, Sister Ziwen... I have to go back now. We'll talk again when we have dinner tonight."
After catching up and chatting for a while, Gu Qing smiled and waved goodbye as she saw the organizers taking their places.
"Little brother..."
Deng Chao made a phone gesture from a short distance away, his brows furrowed with concern.
"Have a meal……"
Gu Qing responded with a gesture indicating that everything would be discussed after the banquet.
Along the way, he smiled and shook hands with the actors who showed concern as they passed by, exchanging a few pleasantries.
It took over many obstacles to finally return to my position.
As soon as Gu Qing sat down, the atmosphere at the table became a little strange.
Xiao Lu and Nai Liang, who were originally very enthusiastic about him, now avoid him as much as possible, perhaps due to a lack of communication.
The two of them kept their heads down, scrolling through their phones, pretending not to see him come back.
Ni Ni and Jing Boran, two artists from Huayi Brothers, were stunned and embarrassed when they learned that Gu Qing had beaten up their company's director, Feng.
Others might not care, but if the two of them acted like nothing was wrong and chatted and laughed with Gu Qing, how would they face Director Feng at the company in the future?
Neither group could be offended, so they had no choice but to avoid them.
The four of them pulled out chairs at the same time and stood far away, deliberately keeping their distance from Gu Qing.
The distance was just right—neither too far nor too close—to make one's stance clear without being too unsightly.
Gu Qing himself was quite happy to have some free time.
He leaned back in his chair, picked up his water glass, took a sip, and glanced at the elegantly dressed crowd in the venue.
Vanity Fair is indeed an interesting place.
The wind direction changes faster than the weather forecast.
But the blissful leisure didn't last even a few minutes—
"Wow, Gu, oh no, I mean Brother Gu! Are you still taking on henchmen? Can I follow you from now on?"
A silly, laughing voice came from behind.
Zhang Ruoyun arrived with Tang Yixin.
He genuinely doesn't care.
He grabbed Gu Qing's shoulders with both hands, acting all obsequious, and said with a mix of slapping and laughter, "I'm not picky, I just want to play the second male lead after you. Take me with you, let my little brother have a chance to soar."
"Second male?"
Gu Qing glanced at him and nodded. "Okay, I understand."
"No, Xiao Gu, are you serious?"
Zhang Ruoyun was startled. She plopped down in a chair, then pulled it up and quickly moved closer to Gu Qing, whispering, "I was just joking, don't take it seriously."
"It was just a joke, never mind then."
Gu Qing nodded in sudden realization.
"I...hehe."
Zhang Ruoyun chuckled sheepishly as her soft flesh around her waist was pinched repeatedly. She rubbed her hands together, her expression fawning. "Little Gu, it's not really a joke... I'd be so happy to partner with you."
After filming, my brother and I would go fishing when we had nothing to do. It was so much fun.
"Okay, I'll keep an eye out. I'll let you know if there's a suitable role."
Gu Qing thought for a moment, "But it might take a long time. I have three movies scheduled for release next year, and they're expected to be quite far down the schedule."
"It's okay, it's okay. We'll film if we have the chance, and it doesn't matter if we don't."
Zhang Ruoyun waved her hand dismissively and said casually, "We're friends not to freeload off each other."
As soon as she finished speaking, her waist was pinched a few more times.
"Boss, do you think what I said is wrong?"
Zhang Ruoyun turned around in displeasure, only to be glared at by his wife. He opened his mouth to say a few words in a hushed tone, then shrank back inside.
"Boss, this...this occasion isn't right."
"Didn't you see how your brother treats Liying? You want me to ask about this in a situation like this?!"
"No, no, that won't do."
"It has to work out, even if it's not going to. Go ask her, I've already promised Qinqin!"
Tang Yixin glared at him and threatened, "If you don't help me with this, you'll be sleeping on the floor tonight!"
"Sigh, okay, okay, I'm really impressed by you."
Zhang Ruoyun looked miserable, as if she had been forced to the execution ground.
He steeled himself, moved closer to Gu Qing, and whispered, "Gu, can I ask you something?"
"what's up?"
Gu Qing was typing a note for the friend request when he heard this and looked at him with a puzzled expression.
"Um...you...you and Liying, are you dating?"
Zhang Ruoyun covered her mouth, her voice extremely low, as if she were talking about some unspeakable secret, "Don't misunderstand, I'm not going to tell anyone, I'm just asking."
"We didn't talk about it. Liying and I are just friends."
Gu Qing replied in a serious tone.
"Really?"
"real!"
"That's great."
Zhang Ruoyun was overjoyed and his face lit up. He turned around, glanced at his wife, and gave her a meaningful look.
"Are you sick in the head?!" Gu Qing was speechless.
"younger brother……"
Tang Yixin had dimples on both sides of her mouth, and her smile was very sweet.
She took her husband's arm and leaned closer to whisper, "I have a very, very, very good friend, and she really, really, really likes you..."
"Sister Yixin, you're not going to introduce me to a girlfriend, are you?"
Gu Qing asked strangely.
"No, no, no, it can't be that fast."
Tang Yixin quickly waved her hand and explained, "My best friend just wants to get to know you and make friends."
She particularly appreciates and likes your songs, especially those incorporating elements of traditional Chinese opera.
My best friend has been practicing Kunqu Opera since she was a child, and she really admires you, so she'd like to get to know you.
Kunqu Opera?
Gu Qing became interested.
The entertainment industry today is not like the performing arts industry of the past, where almost everyone was a veteran performer with traditional opera skills.
In the years he's been in the industry, he's met so many artists, and he's truly the only one who has ever trained in traditional opera.
Hearing that someone else also has formal training in acting inevitably brings a sense of kinship.
"Sister Yixin, when your best friend sings the Water Mill Tune, is she playing a female supporting role or a young lady?"
Gu Qing asked curiously.
"Huh? What's 'water-milled tune'? What's that?"
Tang Yixin was a little confused. She only knew that her best friend was an opera singer before entering the entertainment industry, so she didn't care what kind of opera she sang.
However, she reacted quickly and immediately said with a smile, "Little brother, I don't understand these professional skills either. Why don't you talk to my best friend about it?"
"No, no, no."
Gu Qing waved her hand, "I'm so busy with work, I don't have time to chat."
"Hey, it's okay, it's okay. My best friend is also an artist, she'll definitely understand you."
"Don't be shy, little brother. My best friend is just a fan of yours, not someone who's after your good looks."
Tang Yixin tried her best to matchmake her best friend, saying, "She's been in the industry for so many years and hasn't met many artists who can sing opera. Meeting you suddenly makes her feel very close to you."
She gave her big, simple-minded husband a wink.
"Is Xiao Gu okay? Is he really okay?"
Zhang Ruoyun imitated his wife, using a high-pitched, coquettish voice.
"Wow……"
Gu Qing felt nauseous and gave up, "Fine, fine, Sister Yixin, you push it."
But I really have to emphasize again, I don't have time to check my phone, so don't let your best friend misunderstand.
"Don't worry, don't worry, my best friend is very understanding, every man who meets her will like her."
"I just don't like it!"
Zhang Ruoyun hurriedly said.
"You're just showing off."
Tang Yixin rolled her eyes at him, then smiled broadly, having completed her task. "By the way, little brother, my best friend's name is Li Xin. You can call her Qinqin."
"Li Xin? Qinqin?"
Gu Qing glanced at Zhang Ruoyun, then at Tang Yixin.
Isn't this the leading lady your husband will be in the future?
So she's your best friend?
Gu Qing had naturally watched "Joy of Life".
It's one of only two male-oriented dramas to become a huge hit.
But he really didn't know that Li Xin was originally a Kunqu Opera singer.
However, as the host came on stage, Gu Qing stopped thinking about it.
He didn't think he would have many opportunities to meet the other party.
This circle isn't that big, but it's not that small either.
Some people, even if you add them on WeChat, you'll never exchange a single word with them in your entire life.
On stage, the host's voice rang out, and the banquet officially began!
……
...(End of this chapter)