Chapter 2: Running Man Assemble

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As his thoughts drifted,

The car slowly pulled to a stop in front of a luxury hotel.

At the hotel entrance,

Several production crew members were standing to the side, their faces showing a hint of impatience; it was clear they had been waiting for quite some time.

However,

When Gu Qing’s figure appeared in their line of sight, the fake smiles they hadn't yet managed to put on froze instantly.

Sunlight spilled over Gu Qing, his skin seemingly coated in a soft halo, fair to the point of being almost translucent.

"Holy crap, is he really that good-looking?"

A male staff member’s eyes widened.

"It’s more than just good-looking. This cold, noble aura—I’ve never seen it on any male artist in the domestic entertainment industry!!"

Another female staff member couldn't help but cover her mouth.

Gu Qing saw them standing in the sunlight, walked up quickly, and said politely, "Thank you for your hard work."

The staff members who had come to pick him up looked visibly flattered.

In this day and age, the status enjoyed by "little fresh meat" idols in the domestic entertainment industry is one of being pampered like flowers, with their noses held high in the air.

Forget about them saying thank you in private; it’s considered decent if they don’t complain or blame the staff for booking a hotel that’s too far away.

Unlike them, not only did Gu Qing not put on airs, but he even took the initiative to thank them.

"N-no, it’s no trouble at all! You’re too kind, Teacher Gu!" A staff member waved his hands hurriedly, his face beaming with smiles. "It is our honor that you could come to participate in our show!"

Another staff member quickly chimed in, "Yes, yes, yes! You’ve had a long journey, Teacher Gu. Let us take you to your room to rest first."

Gu Qing was slightly taken aback, clearly not expecting his ordinary expression of gratitude to elicit such an enthusiastic response.

He nodded and said softly, "Just call me Gu Qing; there’s no need for the 'Teacher' title."

The staff members immediately crowded around Gu Qing as they walked into the hotel, their faces full of smiles.

As they walked, they stole glances at Gu Qing’s profile, thinking to themselves, "He’s just too handsome... No wonder the internet calls him a 'god-tier face.' It really lives up to the reputation!"

Gu Qing felt a bit overwhelmed by their enthusiasm, but he maintained a polite smile as he stepped into the elevator.

After the elevator reached the floor, the staff escorted Gu Qing to his door and said eagerly, "Gu... Teacher... please get some rest. If there’s anything you’re not satisfied with, be sure to let us know."

Gu Qing nodded and said, "Alright, thank you all."

The staff members waved their hands quickly. "You're welcome, you're welcome! We’ll come to notify you later for the script reading session."

Once Zhao Ya closed the door,

The staff members finally let out a sigh of relief, exchanging glances with excitement in their eyes.

"My god, is this the Gu Qing who’s been blowing up on the internet lately? He’s so polite, nothing like those other little fresh meat idols who act all high and mighty!"

"Yeah, he even thanked us personally. He looks so well-behaved."

"Seeing him, I finally understand the saying: true beauty is always androgynous."

"I wonder which wealthy woman will get lucky with him in the future."

"Heh, with looks like that, there are plenty of big shots in the industry with unique tastes."

The staff members chatted as they walked away from the corridor.

"Sister Ya, I’ll handle the luggage myself when I get back. You should go to the room next door and rest."

Inside the room,

Gu Qing arranged his luggage, intending to unpack it himself.

"Boss, you’re an idol now. How can you do these trivial things yourself?"

Zhao Ya wrinkled her nose and said earnestly, "If outsiders see this, they’ll look down on you."

"People will look down on me for packing my own clothes?"

Gu Qing was very puzzled. "By that logic, I have to be incapable of taking care of myself, having you dress me and put on my socks, for people to respect me?"

"It... it doesn't have to be that extreme."

Zhao Ya didn't know what she was thinking of, but she blushed, twisted her fingers together, and said coyly, "But you still need to maintain the sense of distance an idol should have. Otherwise, the nicer you are, the more people will take advantage of you."

"So, you’re saying I can smile at artists and fans, but I just can't smile at backstage staff like you?"

Gu Qing asked, "To avoid making you think I’m a pushover?"

"You could put it that way." Zhao Ya nodded busily.

"..."

Gu Qing closed his eyes and rubbed his forehead, leaning back against the sofa. What kind of twisted environment is this?

"Knock, knock—"

At this moment, an apologetic knock came from the door. "Excuse me, Teacher Gu, Director Lu would like to invite you all to a meeting early to go over the arrangements for the upcoming program."

"Alright, I understand."

Gu Qing sighed, pulled himself together, and followed the crew member to a room.

As Gu Qing stepped inside,

Director Lu Hao and the planner Qin Jun looked up almost simultaneously, their gazes instantly drawn to Gu Qing in the crowd.

They were clearly full of anticipation for the show's main draw, and when Gu Qing truly appeared before them, that anticipation turned into a pleasant surprise.

"Oh my, our show's visual centerpiece really lives up to the reputation. You truly are a talent. I’m the show’s director, surname Lu."

Lu Hao spoke first, his tone full of enthusiasm. He stood up and walked over warmly to shake Gu Qing’s hand.

"Director Lu, hello. Just call me Gu Qing."

Gu Qing naturally wouldn't get carried away by a few compliments. He shook hands gently with both hands before letting go, his attitude humble.

The planner, Qin Jun, followed closely behind. He scrutinized Gu Qing’s appearance, a flash of amazement in his eyes.

"Gu Qing, your image fits our show’s positioning perfectly. You really are handsome," he praised sincerely.

After this,

The second person to arrive was the Hong Kong artist: Wong Cho-lam.

A short, thin male artist with a comedic look.

Since times had changed, Hong Kong and Taiwanese artists no longer held the transcendent status they once had in the mainland.

Furthermore,

Wong Cho-lam himself was a fading star, so as soon as he entered, he greeted everyone eagerly.

Especially when he reached Gu Qing, all sorts of compliments like "You're so handsome~ big hunk..." spilled out of his mouth.

"Thank you, senior."

Gu Qing also stood up to shake his hand, bowing slightly to show his gratitude.

In 2014, little fresh meat idols were praised and pampered by everyone.

But once it reached late 2015,

Due to the poor reputation of the terrible films shot by a large number of these idols, it gradually aroused the resentment of the audience.

Old artists and directors in the industry also began to expose the diva-like behavior and lack of professionalism of these idols, and the term "little fresh meat" began to become a target for everyone to attack.

Next,

All the artists Gu Qing was familiar with from his past life arrived one after another

The "Big Black Bull" Li Chen, the kung fu kid Wang Baoqiang, the "good man" Chen Chichi, the captain Deng Chao, and the "Big Baby" Angelababy...

Perhaps because it was a parallel world, due to his existence, the "Little Cheetah" was missing.

With this, the seven members of the original *Running Man* team were assembled!

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(End of chapter)