allendalepharm Chapter 595 "Dragon Boat Special"
Chapter 595 "Dragon Boat Special"
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"Little brother—!!"
A hurried, somewhat anxious shout suddenly rang out, accompanied by a loud bang as the door was flung open.
Old Deng strode past his assistant who was blocking his way, rushing into the house with a frantic, almost howling expression, completely devoid of his usual carefree and easygoing demeanor on screen.
Upon catching a glimpse of Old Deng rushing in, Gu Qing's heart skipped a beat, and she instantly knew something was wrong.
"Brother Han, did you tell Brother Chao about this?"
He turned to look at Han Han beside him, his tone full of helplessness.
“Little Gu, I didn’t say that. Our Master Hu is a man of honor, and he would never do something as unethical as tattling behind someone’s back.”
Upon hearing this, Han Han quickly waved his hand.
"Those bastards who pull dirty tricks behind people's backs!"
Gu Qing clenched his back teeth slightly, his brows furrowed, and in an instant he understood the crux of the matter, a knowing anger flashing in his eyes.
It's obvious without even thinking that the information was deliberately leaked by Zhejiang TV!
You're playing the emotional card with the Blue Platform, aren't you?
Do you really think this trick will work?!
"Brother, what happened? What went wrong?"
Deng Chao rushed to Gu Qing, giving her a bear hug. His eyes were filled with undisguised worry and genuine concern, and he didn't hold back, launching into a tirade against the production crew.
Why did Zhejiang TV suddenly send me a message, beating around the bush, asking me to persuade you to return to recording?
They even went so far as to twist the truth and tell me that you're arrogant and diva-like, and that you look down on the Running Man cast and your old buddies!
Are these guys up to something again, secretly plotting against you?!
Gu Qing opened her mouth, but swallowed the words that were about to come out. In the end, she just remained silent, not knowing what to say for a moment.
This emotional appeal really hit the nail on the head and had a real effect.
Outsiders often perceive Deng Chao as carefree, always laughing and joking, and acting in an abstract and outgoing manner.
But which of those people who have been in the entertainment industry for so many years is a real fool?
Old Deng is insightful and perceptive, always seeing things clearly and understanding people and situations; his mind is as clear as a mirror.
Just yesterday,
The Running Man production team suddenly contacted him.
Her tone was so resentful and awkward, like a wronged woman, and every word she spoke exuded a deliberate provocation, like a manipulative woman.
"Brother Chao, do you think Gu Qing has already forgotten that he came from 'Running Man'? He probably doesn't consider us old members as his own brothers anymore."
"Your new movie with your brother is about to be released, and our production team has sent countless invitations to Gu Qing's team to return. We almost had to humble ourselves and beg him to come back."
But he still refuses to take the time to come back and record even one episode. Brother Chao, you're the closest to him, please help persuade your brother to come back and have a get-together with everyone for one episode.
"No matter what, our Zhejiang TV station can be considered his mentor and benefactor, right?"
Old Deng didn't believe a single word of this high-sounding rhetoric; he only felt incredibly ironic.
Repaying your benefactors? You dare to utter those two words?
To be honest,
Despite being a couple, Gu Qing and Baby were the ones who carried the show's popularity for the first two seasons.
In the following seasons,
It was also thanks to the hard work of these veteran members in creating entertaining content that the show earned a good reputation.
They're more like benefactors of Zhejiang TV!
When Deng Chao heard this, he felt nauseous. The little trick of deliberately trying to sow discord between him and Gu Qing was so obvious that he didn't even bother to hide it.
It's not just Gu Qing, who has recently become a sensation, who is extremely fed up with the show's various practices.
Even Deng Chao and other veteran members who have been with the show all along, after recording several seasons, have long harbored a lot of resentment, but they haven't been able to fully express it due to considerations of face.
The current "Running Man" has long since lost its original purpose and has completely changed its flavor.
Looking back at the first few seasons, the show focused on having fun with the people. The members shed their celebrity aura and mingled among ordinary people, chatting, joking, and playing games together, without any airs or distance.
Even though everyone was sweating profusely and panting heavily during the games, they all had a genuinely good time, and the atmosphere was exceptionally harmonious.
But what about now?
Every episode seems to force a higher level of meaning and pile up grand narratives.
Today they travel all the way to the United Nations to film, tomorrow they rush to various popular landmarks and cultural sites. They've put the cart before the horse and completely forgotten the fun that variety shows are supposed to offer.
The game segment completely deviated from its original purpose, no longer emphasizing lightheartedness and fun, but blindly pursuing visual stimulation, thrilling competition, and high-intensity physical exertion, forcing the members to push themselves to the limit.
Old Deng wasn't being fussy or delicate; he was just getting older and couldn't handle the strain. But the most basic thing the production team had to do was ensure the safety of the members, right?
Gu Qing made a last-minute comeback to record an episode, and ended up injuring her finger in the game; the other members also inevitably bumped and injured themselves every episode, stumbling and falling all over the place.
During filming, Da Hei Niu accidentally bumped his eyebrow bone, leaving a shallow scar; Zheng Kai, who has been running and competing for many years, suffers from recurring back injuries; Chen Chichi's waist injury has long been a chronic problem, and he experiences slight pain during even slightly strenuous exercise.
Even female celebrities like Baby and Dilraba often get bruises and cuts on their skin while playing games; it's become a common occurrence.
This is what angered Old Deng the most.
As the captain of "Running Man" since its inception, he treats every member as family from the bottom of his heart and instinctively wants to protect everyone's safety.
He privately approached the program's director and producer on more than one occasion to raise issues, hoping to optimize the game process and improve safety measures.
However, the production team remained perfunctory and continued to do as they pleased, showing no concern for the safety of the members.
"Little brother, don't listen to their empty promises. Just do what you want to do and don't have to cater to anyone!"
Old Deng patted Gu Qing on the shoulder, his tone full of indignation: "We can't get together on the show, but we brothers can still meet up for meals in private, and no one can stop us!"
Although celebrities in the industry have busy schedules, with appearances, filming, and variety shows all booked up,
Getting this group together privately would be as difficult as finding a great script for a film adaptation of the classic novel "Investiture of the Gods"—it's truly not an easy task.
But in Old Deng's heart, Gu Qing was different.
Gu Qing appeared on the "Running Man" stage when he was eighteen or nineteen years old, looking young and innocent. He has come all the way to where he is now. It can be said that he is the younger brother who has grown up and become popular step by step.
Old Deng's biggest regret right now is that in "Duckweed", he played the son, while Gu Qing played the father.
If their roles were reversed, he would be laughing in his dreams every night.
At this time,
Han Han, who was standing to the side, pushed up his glasses at the right moment and broke the slightly dull atmosphere with a smile: "Ah Lang, I was just discussing this with Xiao Gu."
Since you're promoting your new movie, why don't you go on He Jiong's "Happy Camp"?
He paused, then added, "Teacher He has spoken to us. He's very happy to invite us and said he can accommodate our schedule so that the show can air right before the premiere of our new movie after we finish recording. The timing is perfect."
"Sure! We have to go! We've booked it for Happy Camp!"
Deng Chao's expression instantly brightened, the gloom in his eyes vanished, he raised his hand and patted Gu Qing's back heavily, then took out his phone and dialed the program team right in front of the two of them, his actions swift and decisive.
The call was answered quickly.
"Hello, is this Director Yao, PD?"
Old Deng, who had just been indignant, instantly switched to a smooth and friendly smiling mode, even softening his tone of voice and offering polite inquiries about their well-being.
"Oh, PD Yao, I just had a good talk with my younger brother, and he really wants to go back to 'Running Man' and get together with everyone."
However, He Jiong had extended an invitation to Happy Camp first, and since it was a kind gesture from a senior artist, he felt it would be impolite to directly refuse.
He was completely oblivious to the fact that Gu Qing and Han Han had noticed his smooth and worldly demeanor.
Having been in the entertainment industry for many years, knowing how to speak to different people in different ways and how to handle situations tactfully are essential survival skills for every artist.
Moreover, Deng Chao was very certain that, given his brotherly bond with Gu Qing, Gu Qing would never hold any different views of him because of this superficial sophistication.
As for what Han Han thought, Old Deng didn't care at all.
"Director Yao, it's really hard to push Happy Camp... My younger brother has been telling me privately that he prefers the atmosphere of our Running Man."
I heard that the production team appointed you as the planner and director this time, and he was overjoyed for quite a while, eagerly hoping to find some time to come back and record an episode.
Deng Chao deliberately adopted a somewhat hesitant tone, carefully controlling his words as he continued, "I know that you, Director, have put a lot of effort into planning this program, and you've arranged everything perfectly."
But both sides are dear to me; Teacher He extended the invitation first, and I really couldn't turn back—that would be too disrespectful.
After hearing what was said on the other end of the phone, Deng Chao quickly replied, "Okay, okay, I understand, thank you for your understanding, Director!"
The words had barely left his mouth when the delighted smile on his face froze, and his tone froze: "Huh? I can't go?"
The man on the other end of the phone explained calmly and in a somewhat official tone: "Brother Chao, you're the core captain of our 'Running Man' show. It's clearly stated in the program's recording contract..."
You can be absent from any of the regular members, but you can't be absent; you must be present for every recording.
Moreover, if you deliberately take time off to record a variety show on a rival platform, it will be difficult to explain to the higher-ups at the station, and it won't have a good impact on their image.
Outsiders only see the glamorous and popular image of celebrities on screen, but they don't know the helplessness and many constraints they face behind the scenes.
Not everyone can live as freely and easily as Gu Qing, with the strength and confidence to do what the platform's top management or investors do.
99% of celebrities ultimately have to bow their heads, smile, and endure to survive.
"PD, I'll try my best to squeeze out some time from my schedule and stagger the times. It shouldn't interfere with the normal recording of 'Running Man.' I can manage both." Old Deng was still trying to persuade him.
There was a moment of silence on the other end of the phone before someone slowly spoke: "Then tell me roughly when you'll be recording Happy Camp, and I'll check the filming schedule of Running Man to see if there will be any direct conflicts."
He paused for a moment.
The other party then said with a persuasive tone, "Brother Chao, why don't you think about it again and also try to persuade Brother Gu Qing for me?"
I've put a lot of effort into preparing this episode, and even the theme and games perfectly match the promotional tone of your new movie. I'm just waiting for him to come back and support the show.
Upon hearing this, a hint of joy flashed across Deng Chao's eyes. He was about to find an excuse to politely refuse when someone suddenly patted his shoulder lightly.
He subconsciously turned his head and met Gu Qing's gaze.
Seeing Gu Qing silently communicating with him through lip reading, Old Deng was slightly taken aback, a complex look flashing across his eyes, and he instantly understood Gu Qing's thoughts.
"Brother Chao, is there really absolutely no room for maneuver on your end?" PD Yao asked again on the phone to confirm.
Deng Chao hesitated for a few seconds, then sighed as if he were struggling with something, and gritted his teeth as if he had finally made up his mind: "A solution... sigh, PD, I'll talk to my little brother about it again later and see."
We old buddies really miss him. Besides, you've put so much effort into planning this episode; it would be such a shame if it couldn't be filmed without him.”
A cheerful voice immediately came from the other end of the phone:
"That's great, then I'll trouble Brother Chao to do his best to persuade them."
You can speak frankly with Gu Qing's brother. Wu Tong, who was in charge of related matters before, has been transferred to another position. The unpleasant things and unfair treatment he encountered on the show will definitely not happen again.
Upon hearing this, Deng Chao's lips twitched violently a few times, and he couldn't help but curse inwardly:
So you bastards knew all along!
I forced myself to hang up the phone, suppressing my impatience.
Old Deng immediately turned to look at Gu Qing, and said with a puzzled yet distressed expression, "Little brother, you don't need to worry about me so much."
"Your brother Chao may not have many other skills, but when it comes to physical strength, he's definitely on par with young people and can handle it."
As he spoke,
He deliberately raised his hand and patted his chest heavily, trying to appear strong and tough, but as soon as he finished, he couldn't help but cough lightly, clearly lacking confidence.
"Brother Chao, don't force yourself."
Gu Qing chuckled helplessly and gently helped him catch his breath on his back. "You're not Brother Chen, with his strong physique and advanced age. How can you compete with young men in terms of stamina and endurance?"
After catching his breath, Gu Qing's expression turned serious, and he said:
“Brother Chao, don’t overthink it. I just saw you on the phone and it suddenly dawned on me that it really wouldn’t be right for us to not go on ‘Running Man’ this time.”
"If you and I both turn around and go to 'Happy Camp' to promote our new movie, completely avoiding the recording of 'Running Man', what will the fans of 'Running Man' think when they see this?"
With a clear understanding in her eyes, Gu Qing analyzed softly, "Fans have always had a strong sense of territory and a strong emotional attachment. If we deliberately avoid them, we can easily be swayed and drawn into a media storm."
"At that time, you'll inevitably be swayed by all sorts of rumors online, which won't be good for you either."
Gu Qing spread her hands, chuckled lightly, and said with remarkable composure and open-mindedness: "Director Wu has been transferred, and the production team has also changed its planner."
I'll go back and help them record an episode; it just so happens I miss you guys too.
"Little brother, in the end, aren't you always thinking of us?"
Looking at the understanding and sensible Gu Qing before him, Deng Chao felt his emotions welling up, perhaps due to his advancing age, and his eyes reddened slightly.
"But have you ever thought about yourself?"
Every time you return to the recording of "Running Man," the production team is clearly just trying to exploit your popularity and gain viewership.
"You finally managed to shed the label of being a variety show personality step by step, and established yourself in the film and television industry with your own strength, completely removing the inherent filter of 'Running Man'."
However, each time you go back to record an episode, you're easily re-labeled by the audience, which is far more detrimental than beneficial to your future film and television development!
Having spent the last few years in the variety show industry, Lao Deng has come to deeply understand the helplessness and predicament of variety show personalities.
Take himself as an example,
He portrayed the character Fang Mu in "Psychological Crime" so vividly that his acting skills were widely recognized in the industry.
However, audiences have long been conditioned by his comedic and playful image in variety shows, and when they go to the cinema to watch him act in a serious drama, it is still easy for them to be pulled out of the story.
He managed to portray a serious character in a drama, but the audience didn't accept it.
His attempt at comedy was met with ridicule from netizens who accused him of awkward acting and only knowing how to clown around and use jokes.
Now, he
They have long been caught in an awkward situation where serious dramas struggle to gain wider audiences while comedies are criticized, resulting in a double whammy of being stuck in one direction.
"Brother Chao, why should I deliberately try to shed the label of having come from 'Running Man'?"
Gu Qing gently shook her head. "For me, that was the starting point, my original intention, and the place where I became connected with you all. There's nothing to deliberately separate it from."
"After we finish filming 'Detective Chinatown 2' next year, Baoqiang and I will both make time to come back and record a special program with everyone."
"After all, we're a family..."
"Family of woodcutters..."
Upon hearing this, Old Deng felt a lump in his throat and almost couldn't hold back. He reached out and hugged Gu Qing tightly, squeezing her several times to express his emotions.
Han Han stood quietly to the side, smiling as she watched the two interact, seemingly calculating something in her mind, looking like she was leisurely watching a show.
Gu Qing keenly noticed Han Han's 'malicious' gaze, and her lips twitched slightly. She immediately dragged him into the mess as well:
"Brother Han, don't just stand there watching the fun. Since we're all going to promote the new movie anyway, why don't you come with us and go watch Running Man?"
"Xiao Gu, I'm a writer, and I'm getting old. My body is too weak to withstand the high-intensity games on Running Man."
Han Han panicked for a moment.
Just thinking about all the running, jumping, competition, and torturous games on Running Man made me afraid that my old bones would be worn out on the spot, so I quickly waved my hand and declined.
"Brother Han, you even dare to race professional cars. Your mental fortitude and physical fitness are top-notch. Running a few steps and doing some small games is a piece of cake for you, isn't it?"
Gu Qing didn't give him a chance to refuse and made the decision directly, "I'm the investor, you listen to me."
"Director Han, don't be afraid. When we get to the recording site, I'll protect you and make sure you don't suffer any hardship."
Old Deng immediately chimed in, grabbing Han Han and grinning with a cunning yet enthusiastic smile.
So far,
The list of participants from the "Riding the Waves" crew who will be joining the "Running Man" recording has been officially finalized.
There are five people in total: Gu Qing, Deng Chao, Zhao Liying, Han Han, and Dong Zijian.
As for Dong Zijian, he simply relied on the connections and resources of his elders to pave the way. With such powerful backing, he could easily and effortlessly gain access to variety show recordings with the film crew.
"Brother Chao, with so many of us going at once, won't the production team have any objections?"
Gu Qing asked casually.
"Don't worry, there won't be any problem at all!"
Deng Chaogang returned from a follow-up call outside, his face beaming with excitement. He waved his hand and said, "I just confirmed with PD Yao, and he'd love for as many of us as possible to go!"
"This episode was a special project he planned because he was short of guests to fill the seats and make up the numbers. The more of us there were, the better the show would be."
"So what exactly is the content of this episode?"
For some reason, Gu Qing felt a strong sense of foreboding welling up inside her, and vaguely felt that something was wrong.
"Uh... I just casually asked, and PD Yao covered his mouth tightly, saying that in order to ensure the surprise and excitement of the game segment, it must be kept strictly confidential for the time being."
Deng Chao scratched his head and replied truthfully, "But he did secretly tell me that this episode is related to water."
"It's related to water, so why specifically require more people to participate?"
Gu Qing's brows furrowed sharply, her brain racing, frantically searching her memory for classic scenes from past episodes of "Running Man." A thought flashed through her mind in an instant...
His pupils suddenly contracted.
"Water? And it requires the participation of multiple people?!"
"Could it be... a dragon boat race special?!"
……
...(End of this chapter)