Chapter 5: The Legend of the White Snake

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The night grew deeper, and the streetlights in front of the hotel flickered on one by one in the twilight.

Gu Qing stood at the intersection of light and shadow, his slender figure casting a long, slanted silhouette.

The production team’s fleet of Lingdu cars was lined up neatly, their paintwork gleaming with a cold luster under the lights.

The staff members, who had been chatting in small groups, stopped mid-sentence in surprise as soon as Gu Qing appeared. Faces lit up with smiles: "Oh my god, Teacher Gu, you’re here so early! You’re honestly the most professional artist I’ve ever worked with!"

"Good evening."

Gu Qing wasn't used to such sycophantic flattery. After a polite nod, he walked to the side to wait quietly, hands tucked into his trouser pockets, his gaze drifting toward the grass at his feet as he lost himself in thought.

The glow of the streetlights spilled onto his profile, causing several young female staff members to steal glances repeatedly. Afraid of being caught, they could only pretend to be busy organizing equipment while whispering to each other.

Another set of light, brisk footsteps approached.

Wang Baoqiang, wearing his signature black tracksuit, waved from a distance and shouted, "Little Gu, how come you got here so early?"

Gu Qing’s focus returned. Hearing this, he looked up and a smile bloomed on his face: "Brother Baoqiang."

He walked up to meet him. "I just arrived myself. I mainly wanted to come early to familiarize myself with the filming content so I wouldn't hold everyone up."

"You child, you're so sensible."

Wang Baoqiang patted his shoulder, his eyes full of appreciation. "When I was your age, I wasn't nearly as steady."

Just as the two were chatting, Deng Chao and Chen Chichi arrived together before long.

From afar, Chen Chichi’s iconic laughter could be heard: "Hahaha, Brother Chao, look, I told you Little Gu would definitely be here."

"That’s right, you have to see whose little brother he is."

Deng Chao walked over quickly, threw an arm around Gu Qing’s shoulder, and asked with a grin, "So, how is it? Nervous about your first time recording a show?"

Gu Qing shook his head: "With Brother Chao here, what do I have to be nervous about?"

"I love hearing that!"

Deng Chao raised his eyebrows triumphantly and turned to Chen Chichi. "See that? That’s the awareness of my little brother."

Chen Chichi feigned grievance: "Brother Chao, that’s not right. Little Gu is all of our little brother."

As they were joking around, Li Chen and Wang Zhulan arrived as well.

Li Chen was wearing a simple black T-shirt, his muscle definition faintly visible. He waved from a distance: "Everyone, I’m not late, am I?"

"Chen, you have five minutes left." Deng Chao glanced at his phone. "I guess you’re barely on time."

Li Chen walked closer and looked Gu Qing over carefully, saying with envy, "Little Gu’s outfit is truly handsome. As expected, the future belongs to you young people."

As he spoke, he reached out and squeezed Gu Qing’s shoulder. "You’re just too thin; you need to eat more."

"Little Gu is an idol; he eats with his face. How could he grow up to be big and burly?" Wang Zhulan teased.

Time ticked by second by second.

The assembly time was approaching, but there was still no sign of Angelababy.

The smiles that had been on the faces of Deng Chao and the others faded slightly.

The atmosphere felt off.

Gu Qing couldn't help but mutter to himself: *Is this "Big Baby" really going to be late on the very first day?*

Just as the assembly time arrived, the crisp sound of high heels echoed from the hotel lobby. Everyone’s gaze turned instinctively.

Angelababy appeared right on time, wearing a tight black leather jacket, walking toward them with grace.

The form-fitting leather outlined her slender figure, the cinched waist highlighting her slim frame, and the leather pants tightly wrapped around her long legs. Every step she took was full of poise.

Since she had arrived, they couldn't keep their faces straight.

Deng Chao even let out a whistle: "Wow, Baby, this outfit—"

"What about it?"

Angelababy raised an eyebrow, deliberately putting her hands on her hips and striking a queen-like pose. "Is this outfit not good-looking?"

"It’s good, it’s good." Chen Chichi covered his eyes dramatically from the side. "It’s just too dazzling; I don't even dare to look directly at it."

"Exaggerated."

Angelababy hummed softly. Seeing the striking Gu Qing in the crowd, her beautiful eyes lit up slightly. She stepped closer in her high-tops, leaning in intentionally: "Little Brother Qingqing, how does this outfit look on your sister today?"

"It suits you very well, Sister Baby." Gu Qing took a step back.

*Has she already entered character before the show even started filming?*

"Hee hee, right? I think it’s quite cool too." Angelababy laughed happily.

"Alright, Baby, stop teasing the little brother. If we don't leave, the director is going to lose his temper." Deng Chao helped him out.

The group boarded the production team’s private vehicle and headed toward the filming destination.

The Leifeng Pagoda stood tall in the night, its silhouette softly outlined by the lights.

The filming set was already prepared, and the staff were busy testing the equipment.

Gu Qing stood next to a motorcycle, his fingers unconsciously rubbing the edge of his helmet.

This was his first time experiencing an artist’s filming set.

"Teacher Gu, are you ready?" the director in charge of the shoot asked over the walkie-talkie.

Gu Qing nodded.

He put on his helmet and mounted the motorcycle, his movements clean and sharp.

"Action!"

At the director’s command, Gu Qing slowly took off his helmet.

His movements were slightly stiff, but it was precisely this greenness that added a sense of authenticity.

"Cut!" the director suddenly shouted.

Gu Qing’s heart skipped a beat for no reason. *Am I going to get scolded the moment I arrive?*

But Gu Qing had underestimated the status of "traffic."

"Teacher Gu, don't be nervous. When you take off the helmet, you can flick your hair a bit; it will make the shot more vivid."

The director suppressed his impatience and explained gently.

"Understood, Director."

Gu Qing took the advice to heart.

The second take began.

This time, when he took off his helmet, he tilted his head slightly. The movement was lively, and the glow of the streetlights spilled onto his face, soft and handsome.

"That’s the feeling! Teacher Gu, lift the corners of your mouth a little more. You need to show more sunshine and friendliness; don't be too cold. It doesn't fit your persona."

The director was all smiles, continuing to encourage him. "Let’s do one more."

"Mm."

Gu Qing quickly recalled the memories of the original host.

After all, the original body’s years of training in the Peninsula weren't for nothing, and expression management was a key part of it.

Happiness, sadness, grievance... knowing how to present oneself best under every emotion was the top priority.

"Action!"

"Cut! Perfect!"

As Gu Qing unleashed his idol-level fan-charming skills, the director clapped excitedly. "Teacher Gu, that’s a wrap on this shot!"

"Teacher Gu is amazing."

"With this acting, he’ll definitely be a Best Actor in the future."

The staff on set also applauded in unison, the sound of clapping like thunder.

Gu Qing put down his helmet. Finishing in three takes met his psychological expectations.

"Little Gu, your smile is so charming. If I were a woman, I’d definitely be head over heels for you."

Wang Baoqiang walked over at some point, having just finished filming an action scene, fine beads of sweat still on his forehead.

"Brother Baoqiang, I think your action scenes are even cooler."

Gu Qing set the helmet down.

Wang Baoqiang waved his hand with a laugh: "My action scenes are just for show; they don't have the vitality you young people have."

As the two were talking, a staff member came over to notify them to head to the next recording location.

……

Inside a spacious room,

A one-meter-high display stand sat in the center, covered with a yellow silk cloth.

On both sides of the stand, sponsored cocktails were neatly arranged, the bottles gleaming with an alluring luster under the lights.

"When Brother Chao comes in later, you all need to applaud to welcome him first," Director Lu was explaining the process to everyone. "Then, pick up the sponsored cocktails for a toast, take a sip, and then uncover the yellow cloth."

Gu Qing carefully noted every detail.

At that moment, Deng Chao’s signature laughter came from outside the door.

"Everyone, I’m here!"

"Oh, oh, oh, welcome Brother Chao!"

As Deng Chao pushed the door open and entered, warm applause erupted in the room.

Gu Qing followed the others in raising his cocktail, the crisp sound of clinking glasses echoing one after another.

"Cheers!"

Gu Qing downed it in one gulp, the sweet and refreshing taste making him squint his eyes slightly.

But at that moment,

He noticed out of the corner of his eye that Angelababy was looking at him, struggling to hold back laughter.

Gu Qing’s eyes were filled with confusion. When he put down his glass,

He realized that everyone else’s drinks hadn't decreased at all; only he had finished his entirely.

"Alright, comrades, we are here to escort the treasure."

Deng Chao put down his glass, clapped his hands, and pointed to the display stand. "I’ll count three, two, one, and we’ll pull it together."

"Three, two, one—"

Everyone lifted the yellow cloth together. Inside the display stand sat a gilded gold card.

In an instant,

"Eh~?"

"Where’s the treasure?"

Zhulan covered his mouth, Baoqiang looked surprised, and Chen Chichi scratched his head. The three veteran actors went straight into character.

"There seems to be a Leifeng Pagoda mark on this."

Li Chen, who was a step slower in reacting, also said hurriedly.

"Could it be a mission card?"

Angelababy tilted her head in confusion.

Gu Qing: "..."

"Come, little brother, help me see what’s written on it."

Deng Chao very considerately handed the mission card to Gu Qing, who was standing on the far edge.

Gu Qing took the mission card subconsciously and read aloud: "Assemble at West Lake Cultural Square at 6:00 AM tomorrow."

"What are we going to West Lake for?"

Just as everyone was puzzled,

The screen beside them suddenly lit up, and a mysterious man in black appeared on it.

"Members of Running Man, it is a great pity. Because you arrived a step late, the treasure you were supposed to protect and transfer, the 'White Snake,' has been stolen."

The mysterious man pressed his hands against his chin and said in a deep voice: "According to reliable intelligence, as long as you members search according to the story of the Legend of the White Snake, you will be able to find the legendary secret treasure...

Remember, in the process of searching for the treasure, you will only receive the next White Snake hint card if you complete the tasks.

For this, I have also sent two agents to assist you in your work..."

As soon as the words fell,

The curtain to Gu Qing’s right was suddenly pulled open.

……

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(End of chapter)