Translations

*[Extra: I’m don’t think this is scientific knowledge but I think this part of the sentence has some reference to Wang Anshi’s poem 与舍弟华藏院此君亭咏竹. If it’s not, just treat it as extra knowledge. See the link for an English translation of the poem. Note the main subject of the poem is bamboo. Interpretation of the 3rd line of the poem (which is related to the paragraph): Bamboos once were nourished together with wormwood and goosefoot by rain and dew, however wormwood and goosefoot quickly withered, while bamboos stood unwaveringly and endured the harsh coldness of frost with pines and cypress. This can be used to describe and praise people who are born of humble/regular beginnings and later turn out to be [exceptional/not ordinary].]

References: https://books.google.com.sg/books?id=GfMPEAAAQBAJ&lpg=PA99&ots=SgnRCed53s&dq=wang%20anshi%20%E4%B8%8E%E8%88%8D%E5%BC%9F%E5%8D%8E%E8%97%8F%E9%99%A2%E6%AD%A4%E5%90%9B%E4%BA%AD%E5%92%8F%E7%AB%B9&pg=PA99#v=onepage&q=wang%20anshi%20%E4%B8%8E%E8%88%8D%E5%BC%9F%E5%8D%8E%E8%97%8F%E9%99%A2%E6%AD%A4%E5%90%9B%E4%BA%AD%E5%92%8F%E7%AB%B9&f=false

https://www.cidianwang.com/haocihaoju/mingyan/930429.htm

01 A storyteller

Gong Jun is very lean, tall, and is wearing a dark coloured sports top, looking so relaxed that it was as if he was listening to the interlude of this movie called Life. He took the initiative and took the recording pen (that was) for interviewing, and with great interest asked if reporter(s) have to type while listening to the recording after the interview ends —— this was different from his [appearance/image] of carrying (some) firmness in his laid-backness when filming, the usual him when speaking has a [laid-back/relaxed] tone [t/n: the direct translation is: the tone when he usually speaks flows out].

Gong Jun is a very cheerful person, while the Crown Prince Han Ye that he plays in the “Legend of An Le” is composed and [restrained/has high self-restraint]. He describes Han Ye as someone who “keeps things in his heart”, who because of his status and the responsibility he bears for his home country suppresses his own feelings, however actually in his heart his emotions are (like) water running under the ice, [gushing/flowing] at places those around [him/Han Ye] can’t see. When he mentions Han Ye again, Gong Jun calls him “Crown Prince”: The “Crown Prince” and the female lead An Le (played by Dilireba) meet, (there are) family feud(s), (and) old friends [meet again/reunite]. The “Crown Prince” is true to his words, An Le is brave and strategises, (the drama) not only has the entanglement of love and hate that can touch people, but also the profoundness of country and history.  

When he received the script, as (Han Ye) was very different from the characters he played before and had a huge contrast from his own personality, Gong Jun felt that Han Ye was “very far” from himself. But this is the most interesting part about acting, actors need to know and understand the character, need to adapt to and adjust: “Adjust to everyone in the drama crew, adjust to the character, (and) adjust yourself. Perhaps you won’t be able to nail the character in one shot, (and so) there’s even more need to ‘adjust’, this is a necessary stage.” Initially when “getting to know” Han Ye, Gong Jun’s “Crown Prince” was a little extroverted, his demeanour and way of expressing revealed some insufficient (depiction) of (Han Ye’s) depthness (of character), as such at the same time while not affecting the character arc and acting [parts/scenes] of other actors, he will as much as possible communicate with the director and the scriptwriter in order to make the character more [rich/vivid]. He had thought of designing some small actions for the “Crown Prince”, actions a person who [thinks a lot/is good at thinking] would do when thinking, for example unconsciously fiddling with his ring, “All of it is for (the purpose of) telling this story well.”

Different from the “Legend of An Le’s” grander and slower-moving storyline, Gong Jun recently wrapped up filming for the drama “Rising With The Wind” which instead tells the story of the youths of today dedicating themselves to the China chic industry. The entire drama is very fast-paced, when touching on the contents of the story, Gong Jun humorously said “Can’t spoil too much. However (one) can feel that it is —— like a rollercoaster, with the plot geared towards being complex and very [exciting/interesting].” In the drama, he plays investor Xu Si, this character is not exactly a “black belly person” [t/n: a black belly person/腹黑 is someone who appears nice on it outside but is secretly cunning/scheming], Xu Si is a little ruffian, as a more experienced investor, he uses his own way to guide the female lead, and at the same time his opinion of [profits/gains] was changed by the female lead, (and) the two of them grow together. Perhaps “Rising With The Wind” to a certain extent reflects the current understanding of the new generation of youths towards China chic, (and) seeing how they rise against the wind, and turning the tables against the wind. This attitude of daring to face hardships is actually not far away (from us), it comes from the daily lives of modern day youths. The entire story, be it the filming techniques or the actors’ [state/conditions], are more close to life, and try to be close to reality.

For the character of investor Xu Si, Gong Jun saw many corporate battle themed films and resources, and so no further finance-related questions for the scriptwriter and the author of the original work were asked. In the drama Xu Si was adept and experienced with the rules of finance, while Gong Jun outside the drama laughs and says that he “practically personally can’t “play” with finance”. He has the Chengdu style of humour, and he seems to have a seed of optimism growing in him. Having played an investor, (he) from there understood that he definitely would not [be a fit/be able to work] in the line of work of finance, if (he) wasn’t an actor, (then) being “someone who [directs/orders] others but not do anything himself” wouldn’t be bad too. Comfortably, at his own pace, living his life well is then the most important (thing). He has pondered about his acting methodology, acting skills are very important, (and) he is continuously (in the process of) learning, but perhaps currently he is still a little more of the method acting kind, (and) needs to at some moment in time get into character through empathising (with the character), if there is no “feeling”, then there is no “reaction”. From (the time of) meeting the character, the process of getting into and out of character is a cultivation and a growing (process).

02 A person who empathises with story

From his debut, Gong Jun has already participated in more than 10 film and television works. When talking about who is more similar to him, Gong Jun mentioned Yuan Che from “Lost Love in Times”, the frank Yuan Che who was dubbed as “11th* fool” in the drama, Gong Jun said “(he’s) very similar to the rather sweet and innocent me when I first came to Beijing. But now (I) have grown.” Facing this profession of acting, rather than saying that his attitude “has had changes” or “changed”, Gong Jun feels that [his attitude is/he has] “grown”. As an actor, besides having the enthusiasm of constructing a character, he realised that “empathy” and “perception” are also very important.

*[t/n: Yuan Che is the 11th Prince in the drama]

The prerequisite for getting into character is perhaps “feeling the same thing”, feeling that you have blended into the story and environment of another world, if not put so abstractly, Gong Jun thought for a moment and said “When (I) see a scene, (I) will feel happy, will feel sad, will [receive/feel] different feeling(s), will really want to play this character. ‘[Receive/feel] different feeling(s)] means that this character can move me, ‘really want to play this character’ means he gave me the desire to create, (and) to really want to [“walk into”/understand] him.” How to “walk into” a character, (and) how to construct a character, actually in essence happens when the actor empathises with the character, and then makes the audience empathise with the character.

Gong Jun likes to watch IMAX movies, in his eyes, the most touching thing about films, is that along with the (film) maker’s feelings everyone is brought into another new world, this is the beauty of [sharing feelings/empathising]. He once remembered seeing a line from an advertisement before the airing of the IMAX effect (film): “(Are you) watching a movie, or entering a movie” —— it is not just “watching”, but rather “entering” (the) movie, how captivating. Crossing this particular gateway (which) is the (silver) screen, perhaps people can naturally become a gust and another gust of floating clouds, perhaps (they) can clearly see the daily shape of sunlight when it is about to [end/set], or perhaps turn into the indistinct green grass on the vast pasture. Maybe this is what actors other than the audience ultimately seek, to as much as possible get more people to experience this (experience of) empathising with (the character(s)) and the feeling of being [immersed/part of it], a flowing momentary beauty that can be witnessed but is difficult to describe, a sort of great wish that turns into scenery and story itself.

How to incorporate this individual immersive experience into one’s performance, and from there deliver it to the audience? Gong Jun himself is also trying to figure out, “I feel that you must first be yourself, try your very best to be sincere enough in the drama (ie. when playing the character), (and leave) no regrets. After repeatedly “polishing” it, I feel that the audience will be able to feel it.” In his past work “The Flaming Heart”, Gong Jun who played Huo Yan made the audience teary-eyed countless of times throughout the entire drama, his understanding and replication of the ability to [empathise/share feelings with the character], perhaps had long appeared in his past acting experiences.

03 A conflicted but grown person

“Growth” was the most frequently mentioned word when he spoke about himself. True growth and one’s courage can’t be separated, but true courage will also come from fear or worry —— how to grow a little bit of courage, even if it's just a little bit (of courage), when you are stuck in a state of worry because of life. Gong Jun who is an actor worries (, is) “afraid that there is (only) a few number of dramas he can participate in, that there is little to choose from”, now there is much more to choose from, but based on one’s circumstances and (ability to) empathise (with the character), choosing the most suitable drama from several good dramas is also something difficult.

Life is like having a hard time passing one round after another, (and then) passing round after rounds. For every stage one has to experience the difficulty of the current stage. If you were to say that the Gong Jun who had just come to Beijing to follow his dream was like a sharp sword that hadn’t been sharpened and was still finding the opportunity to quench*, (and was) pressing ahead bravely but repeatedly running into walls, then the current him is like a well-forged sword, that knows how to [use advanced techniques/use small strength to win against large strength/四两拨千斤], that knows how to use [tolerance/acceptance] to face the brutal: “Hardships actually can’t be called bumps, from what I see, it is growth. Looking back on those hurdles (I) scaled over, (I) now feel that they aren’t that much of a big deal, but at that time (you) may feel that that was at present the highest height (possible)”. The contradictory part of growing lies with being afraid of some things, but also looking forward to some things. There is a huge mirror in the dressing room, we are unable to [tell/know] if he (came to) realised this when he was looking straight at himself in the mirror, “I’ve already (started) walking the path of an actor, (so I) have to continue walking to an even further place (ahead).”

*[ie. the rapid cooling of a workpiece in water, oil or air to obtain certain material properties] Reference: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quenching

What is considered “far”? He replied, “Firstly (I) have to receive recognition for (my) acting skills from everyone.” He [relaxed/loosened] a little, “(I) hope to have some more memorable characters.” He wishes to try more realistic-themed works, actors should try out a variety of roles, (and) not remain in their comfort zone.

The 26 year old Gong Jun once published a written work titled “1129”, in it (he) wrote “Don’t have [a particularly/very] strong desire, but also don’t like having a very plain life”. The courage to face life seems to manifest [when contradictions balance/in the middle of contradictions]. “Don’t dare to set a very big goal, but must little by little (keep on) walking up, (and) strive to grow at every step.” Due to the pandemic, he can only put on hold the plan to take a trip back to Chengdu for the time being. “If there’s a choice (I) really want to film in Chengdu”, when speaking of his hometown he seemed to instantly [become/turn] happier. “Chengdu, (has) a different way of living, once you go there, you won’t want to leave (anymore)!” He is generous in sharing his feelings with everyone, (he) shares his vlog, records the usual things that happen at work when shooting, and looks out for the interesting [things/issues] his friends share.

Due to work reasons, he by chance saw media content that was posted on Weibo a couple of years ago, majority of the fan comments under the article were written a couple of years ago, and now a couple of years later, these IDs are still very active, the contents posted still (carry) their encouragement and love for him. Time continues to move, but they are still there. The recording equipment in Gong Jun’s hands well* displays 40 minutes, “This is my motivation for growing.”

*[ie. He had a good/strong interview length of 40 minutes.]

A one-liner conversation (with) Gong Jun

Q: Recommend a hometown delicacy in one line. A: Stir-fried Pork Liver and Kidney. Recommendation [phrase/comment] is “Very delicious”!

Q: Describe your current feelings in one line. A: Growth.

Q: Describe your personality in one line. A: Optimist.

Q: Describe your dressing style in one line. A: Focus more on comfortable (wear).

Gong Jun’s biggest hobby, is going on road trips.

A chilling early spring weekend in February, filming had yet to start, Gong Jun who was getting his makeup done was looking down at his phone, on the screen were a row of cars. “Are you looking at cars?” “Yes, I’m [seeing/searching] where I can go on a road trip to after the filming for this drama, to take a rest.”

A year ago, Gong Jun who had just risen to fame attended a variety show and was asked what he wanted to do if he had a week off, he said that he wanted to go on a road trip to Xinjiang. And now a year has passed, the trip to Xinjiang had yet [begun/taken off]. He wants to go to both Southern and Northern Xinjiang, on second thought, how could there be such a long break, maybe (he) wouldn’t be able to go (to Xinjiang) again. Looking at rental cars on his phone, is (but) a sort of [consolation (for the unachievable)/lit: thinking of plums to quench one’s thirst].

Gong Jun likes to go on road trips. He has been to Yunnan, Inner Mongolia, Hainan, Jiangsu-Zhejiang-Shanghai Area etc. An autumn in Inner Mongolia, what lay before the eyes was a beautiful (stretch) of gold, he drove for 7, 8 days to Hulunbuir’s Genhe (city), and fed the cute reindeers.

Gong Jun’s base colour (ie. what makes a person) is (doing things) steadily and surely and (being) down-to-earth. (Life taking a) turn with (better) opportunities didn't affect his attitude towards [things/the world], (and he) cautions himself to not [stray/get carried away by success]. If you asked him what exactly has changed? "I've grown." He calmly replies.

While [galloping/dashing] to the ends of the world, immersing in nature, "flying" is the lesser seen B side of [him/his life].

Being content with what (he) has

At exactly 9 in the morning, the filming studio’s glass door opens, someone holds the glass door open, (and) following, Gong Jun who was wearing a long white down jacket appears on time, not a (single) second late.

Interviewing (a person) is stressful, what questions can be asked, what questions can’t be asked, whether the interviewee is in a good mood or not, if one has entirely poured their thoughts out are all unknowns. Yet when the interview started, Gong Jun who was getting his makeup done immediately kept his phone and smiled saying “[Come/alright]!”, took the recording pen (and said) “[leave/put] it here with me!”

This punctuality and friendliness, are all so rare and precious (ie. hard to come by).

The conversation topic started off with the Winter Olympics. Gong Jun (thinks back/感慨), young Su Yiming is very awesome, and even acted in “The Taking of Tiger Mountain”. Gong Jun loves snowboarding, we asked him if he likewise wishes to [train/be versed] in both the arts and sports. “I’m getting old, there’s no way for this (to happen).” He laughs.

But yet (he) feels that he still hasn’t grown up, because (he) still has pimples on his face, he analyses that it could be because of putting on makeup everyday. And (he) recently even had two (on his face), couldn’t take it (and) went to [pop/squeeze] it, “When squeezing pimples, they must be squeezed cleanly, with blood flowing out.” (Then he) switches to a serious tone, “(You) must not squeeze it on your own, what if it gets infected.”

During the Spring Festival which had just passed, he became a child again. (He was) in Qingdao filming “Rising with the wind”, the filming crew gave a few days break, (and) his parents and paternal grandmother came to visit him. Qingdao was cold and windy, (so) his grandmother couldn’t go out, (and) would binge his previously aired dramas “Dream Garden” and “Begin Again” everyday. Initially he thought that his grandmother wouldn’t understand the latter drama that had psychology content, (but) in the end his grandmother told him that he acted very well, “actually she feels that it’s good as long as I’m (acting) in it.”

Gong Jun grew up in an ordinary family in Chengdu Wuhou, his parents and paternal grandparents gave him [a lot/unlimited amounts] of love. He is a child who’s mischievous and can find happiness in his own way. When he was in middle school, he learnt to cook from the grownups, (and) till now has great cooking skills.

In highschool, he got discovered (ie. saw the potential) by his teacher, started on the road to acting, (and) eventually entered Donghua university’s performing major.

After entering university, because of his better looks (ie. looking better than others) and striving (attitude), he very quickly became Shanghai’s advertisement circle’s “Little advertisement prince.” It was only after running to filming crews in Beijing (to audition) then did the actual [challenge/test] come. Submitting (his) information (to the filming crew), hearing from one or two filming crew out of ten was already rather good, (that) period (of waiting for response) was a torturous and endless wait. And through painstakingly auditioning, Gong Jun had (film works) such as “Lost Love in Times” and “The Player” etc.

His greatest period of self-doubt was when he didn’t have any works to act in for half a year after the filming of “Lost Love in Times”, running to filming crews [seemed useless/gave little response (from the filming crew)], (and even after going for) the interviews that were hard to come by (he) still didn’t get the role. During that time, he would unavoidably have self-doubt.

And in later interviews when he was asked if he had been looked down on before, he answered this question directly, “(Being) looked down on, honestly speaking there indeed (were instances), there would definitely (be such instances) in every industry and occupation.” and also gave his way of handling it, “You have to get stronger, only then will those enemies or opponents who looked down on you see your merits, (then they) will not look down on you in the future.”

(Life taking a) turn with (better) opportunities has not the slightest changed his attitude towards [things/the world]. He feels that he isn’t troubled by anything. “This is a directly proportional thing, you have to [withstand/bear] more, only then will (you) reap more. This is a good thing, (I’m) now in the [rising/booming] period, (I) have to [strive/give my all].” Even when asked if (he’s) afraid of [no longer being popular/过气], (he replied), “No longer popular then no longer popular (ie. if I’m no longer popular then let it be), what’s most important for an actor is still their work, your works have to be strong (t/n: something like definitive acting works, or strong representative works), (with that) everyone will still remember you.”

You can imagine that, he’s probably the kind of boy who knows that he looks good, grows up feeling loved, (and) hasn’t experienced big setbacks. As such, he also always has a sort of being content with what (he) has energy in him.

Firmly stand on the ground

(Filming) [works/projects], were most frequently mentioned by Gong Jun during the interview.

Many people think that he rose to fame overnight, (but) actually he has already been filming for 6 years, with 10 or so acting projects to his name. Of course becoming well-known is a kind of life accelerator, (and) the 2021 him “activated” the “taking over the screen” mode, (with) 5 works airing in succession. Of which “Dream Garden” was dubbed as opening the new race track for “sweet-suspense dramas”.

In 2022, his to-be-aired works include “Rising with the wind” which is currently filming, and ancient costume drama “An Le Zhuan”.

“Rising with the wind”, (acting) partner Zhong Chuxi, particularly fresh theme(s), story on the rise of [China chic/national wave/国潮], and also includes hot topics related to youths, livestreams, internet trolls, (and) is closely related to real life. The characters are also very likeable, the greatest character trait of the investor Gong Jun is playing is that he is a [渣苏/bad boy + charming/boyfriend material], beit  at work or the love life with the female lead.

On the other hand, An Le Zhuan is an ancient costume drama, (and his) co-star is Dilireba. (His) character on the contrary is someone who endures things silently, for him the greatest challenge is “Compared to all the characters that I’ve played before there isn’t one that has such a strong sense of [restraint/discipline] as this one, it was rather stifling playing (the character).” During filming, the director would frequently remind him, “Crown prince, you have to (stay) [composed/calm].” He has to make himself be a little more [composed/calm].

“What kind of dramas do you wish to film the most now?”

(We) initially thought that Gong Jun would throw out some (names of) classic movies or characters, (but) in the end he happily said, “We are in discussions for dramas with realistic themes.” This is what he has always wanted to act in, “I’ve already told my team, I’ll give my all to [secure/strive for] it.” Following, he bent over, faced the recording pen and said, “Later there’d still be ancient costume dramas, (also) we are already in talks for Xianxia, [friends/everyone].” (Then) he lifted his head up, “answering fans’ questions.”

You can feel Gong Jun’s [ambitiousness/career-orientedness] anytime.

What he enjoys the most from acting is, “receiving recognition from everyone. For “Dream Garden” I saw that everyone was praising me, saying that I’ve improved, I hope that there’d be more improvements in (my) later works (too).” At the same time, “acting well is my wish. I’d give my team pressure to secure the role, when there’s news of a good project (I’d) get them to quickly have a talk (with the filming crew).” Once when being interviewed he even said, “The most perfect bliss, is to firstly film good (acting) projects.”

And looking back at his past works, with a clear conscience he said, “Those were the best works I could pick at that time, (and) I’ve also worked hard to act (in them).”

He once said that he isn’t the naturally gifted kind of actor, but an actor is a job which requires talent, skills and even favourable circumstances to coexist, how (does one) narrow the gap between reality and dream? Gong Jun’s answer is (having) a kind of power of belief.

Someone made a list of films Gong Jun has watched, it filled one whole page, packed with words. Chatting with Gong Jun about films is a pleasant (experience), it is also when he speaks the most. Recently he watched “Don’t Look Up” and “Dune”, (and) following was [awed/struck] by Philip Anthony Hopkins’s performance in “The Father”. He wishes to become this kind of actor, (wants) to be like Kevin Spacey, Matthew McConaughey. Not only were his acting skills highly praised, Matthew McConaughey lost 24kg for his role in “Dallas Buyers Club”, “that is then an actor.”

Apart from intentionally becoming a little slimmer for ancient costume dramas, Gong Jun has yet to encounter a character that required him to particularly lose his weight, he looks forward (to it). “How plump (or) how slim you want me to be, (I’m) all fine with that.”

As for starring in movies, there were also [invitations/offers] that came in, but he is still waiting for the (right) [time/opportunity]. “(I) haven’t reached that point now, the first movie is very important, (I) have to wait for a good one.”

When touching on his famous saying “Don’t [stray/get carried away by success], (he replied) “There’s nothing good to [stray/get carried away by success]. Did you receive any awards? No. Did (you) receive the [recognition/acknowledgement] (you) want? No, nothing, (then) what’s there to [stray/get carried away by success], (you) also can’t [stray/get carried away by success].”

“At least you received recognition commercially and from fans.”

“Thank you everyone. But I feel that this isn’t enough.” Gong Jun knows that only works are [where/how] actors can [live/survive] well (ie. sustain themselves in the industry), and he wants to let his two feet stand firmly on the ground.

Heart like the wind

Gong Jun is an impatient person (t/n: doesn’t like things done slowly/wasting time).

And the shooting (for the magazine) was very quick, (he) puts on the hoodie’s hood, (and) stands before the red set. The camera was close to his face, red light [hitting/shining on] his face, that face appears on the screen with rich colours, off-camera (he) looks more soulful and quiet. Especially the eyes that were looking up, as if in endless reverie and having a [longing/anticipation] for life.

After filming he took a look at the screen, (and) happily said when walking to the dressing room to change, “(It) looks good, I also feel that this picture looks good.”

Gong Jun makes people happy.

Recently he has been appearing on stage for New Year’s Eve, Spring Festival, (and) Yuan Xiao. “Yo wei (t/n: an interjection), recently I feel that I’ve been singing a little too much, I’m [worried/afraid] that it’ll turn everyone off.” As for the outside world teasing his singing skills, he has a relaxed attitude (towards it), (and) unavoidably disses himself, “Nothing can be done, (I) can only sing like this. Because messing up is also rather fun, it’s alright, it’s not like I’m a professional singer either.”

Before Spring Festival he even released the single “Gongxifacai”, (and) emphasises that if everyone is happy after hearing it (then the) goal has been achieved. This kind of festive and joyous song, with a little old fashion (touch), would make people think of old school Hong Kong stars, for example every new year, Liu Dehua (Andy Lau) would sing “Gongxifacai”. To this he says, “I feel that this song will not become a classic, but I hope that my future [works/dramas] will become classics, that would be the best.” (On) what different kinds of feelings singing and acting brings, (he says), “Let me think of how to make the reply fun.” After pausing for a moment, (he replied) “One is real life, (while) the other is acting as someone else. One makes everyone happy, (while) the other is a [job/duty/responsibility].”

Be it on stage or at a public event, his image would always make one’s eyes “lit” up.

Regarding styling, usually (his) team picks first, (then) when Gong Jun reaches the venue he would then choose a set from two (sets of clothes). Favourite [points/parts], “I like blue”, can’t be too [exaggerated/over the top]. He mentioned that during the LV fashion show there was a set of white wings outfit LOOK, fans really look forward to him wearing. “(I’ll) see if (I) can wear it for any of the photoshoots.”

What he asks of for his [image/styling] is simple, clean. (As for) the most common item in (his) wardrobe, he wittily replies, “Bags, all of them are from LV.” He is LV’s brand ambassador, (he) really (does) works hard (as one/promoting LV).

The interview atmosphere became more and more light-hearted, (and the topic of) holidays came up, for the past one year he rested for no less than half a month. (Then) a day ago, he became [excited/energetic] again, (and) wanted to study English, his English tutor (will) consequently [enter the filming crew/go to the filming venue] with him. “Maybe when the pandemic is over it’ll be needed for work overseas. Not just for work, I prefer to travel, it can be put to use in the future when travelling. What if (I’m) travelling around the world?” See, the destination is likewise [relaxed/lighthearted] [t/n: I think this means either way he is relaxed?]. At this moment you’d feel that the Sagittarius's “flying” [t/n: I think this is referring to the Sagittarius’s trait of liking to explore/being adventurous] and a Chengdu person’s [bashi/巴适] (t/n: bashi is a slang used to describe the Chengdu attitude of being comfortable, content and enjoying life as much as possible; https://youth-time.eu/keywords-of-chengdu-city-for-youth/) are all in him.

As for when to travel around the world, (he’s) more rational (about that), “Will talk about that after (my) job has stabilised (ie. work is stable).

Towards the end of the interview, we asked an [evocative/走心] [metaphysical/形而上] question, “Right now what is your most important attitude towards life?”

“Don’t need to be too [caught up/stressed] over the present, nor be too worried about the future.” He is able to live very well with his current life. Looking back at those so-called setbacks in the past, “(I) would feel, what are those?” Not even worth a mention at all.

While in 2022, the keywords Gong Jun gives to himself are, improvement, don’t [stray/get carried away by success], (and) acting dramas well.

The complexity of the character

What drew Gong Jun to take this script was Han Ye's complexity. "I remember back then when I received this script, (I) got absorbed into it (while reading). The part that moved me the most were the middle and later stages. Because he's a person who [thinks about/cares about] the world, who [thinks about/cares about] the country, he buries all (his) feelings in (his) heart, (it) was always very painful, (he) was very unhappy."

Gong Jun also found that he had many similarities with Han Ye, for example they have very strong [self-control/discipline]. "Han Ye for the country, would rather give up his feelings (towards a person). In my eyes he's a very [admirable/great] person. I often think, when facing those circumstances, how many people in reality can make the same decision as him?"

Before filming began, where he had areas he didn't understand regarding the character he would take the script and look for the director, scriptwriter to discuss, for example the character's motivations, why would he think like that. For a period before filming began he still had some doubts, (but) after it got better, he understood Han Ye, “a person who is highly talented and is filled with aspirations and is [hot-blooded/ardent].”

Han Ye would frequently say a sentence, (it) only has 2 words: preposterous. Followed by a deep deep sigh. Sometimes when acting a scene (from start) to the end (of it), Gong Jun would also unconsciously sigh. "He suppresses too many things in his heart."

Gong Jun says that the character Han Ye in the early stage was very happy, very relaxed, (but) in the middle stage when the storyline unravels, the pain and heavy heartedness slowly emerges.” Sometimes when playing this kind of unhappy character, I would also enter some sort of emotion (t/n: get caught in the character's emotions).

Every day (I) would get the 2nd day's schedule in advance and then read the script, a scene with difficulty is usually those unhappy ones. [Following/with] this scene, (my) emotions for the entire day would be [affected/influenced]. But if it's a very exciting scene, (I) would look forward a lot to my own performance the [second/next] day, (and) have the urge to quickly act out this scene well, (would) feel that it's very addictive."

The way Gong Jun prepares for a scene is that (he) would, the night before, [think/contemplate] clearly about the second day's filming content. "The mission, goals, and also some details that this scene's character has to [complete/do]. Sometimes (when they start filming) on the set, these may not necessarily be put to use, because the director may have his (own) requests, (regarding) the lighting or the [(scene) setup/placement/调度]. There is also the possibility that some props on set would be a little different from what was written on the script, then the preparations previously made can't be put to use. But regardless of whether it'll be put to use or not, in any way [thinking/preparing] more is good, who knows something new may come out. "Preparing well for any kind, even the slightest possibility, this is a habit that Gong Jun has developed for a long time.

"When acting on set, there were many things that weren’t in the script, I added some interesting [things/elements], everyone can look forward to it."

Filming these (past few) years, Gong Jun's understanding of this profession is also gradually changing.

"In the past I've heard of seniors talking about an actor's [respect/admiration], at that time I still didn't understand (what it was). Until these 2 years, I understood it, (you) must [have/hold] respect for this profession, (and) respect the character you're playing, only then can you act well."

Gong Jun frequently contemplates at night, exactly what kind (of actor) is then a good actor, what kind of film work is then a good film work? In the past he didn't quite know, even now (he) also doesn't dare say that he is entirely [enlightened/has understood it], but (through) acting more, [interacting/communicating/acting] with co-actors more, he can slowly [understand/see through] a [performance/film work], (and) can understand [what it is/what was going on]." In the past when acting, it was really just acting, (and/but) not fully letting the character live in you." (ie. becoming/feeling the character/letting the character into the body/mind)

The process of opening up oneself is hard. From what Gong Jun sees, a good actor should be a little more [(emotionally) sensitive/感性], have a very strong sensitivity towards the things and people around them, have a stronger ability to [sense/feel] happiness and pain, and at the same time, also a person who knows how to empathise with others very well.

"I'm (on the contrary) a more rational person, but I'll in the process give my all to truly feel (the character). Still that old saying, wholeheartedly listen, wholeheartedly see, (and) wholeheartedly feel, strongly [experience/feel] the lines of (your) co-actor, feel that kind of [exhilaration/excitement], (and) only then can (you) give a correct response, even if (you're) not sensitive (you) can also become sensitive."

Changing and not changing

In the resting room, Gong Jun whose makeup and hair was done walked into the changing room, holding (his) clothes while chatting (and) laughing with the members of his team, the atmosphere was so joyful that it wouldn't seem like (it was a scene of) an artiste with his staff to any [stranger/outsider]. That [usual/customary] sense of boundary didn't exist among them, they seemed more like old friends who had known each other for years.

In fact, it is like that. This is the fifth year manager Da Xiong [t/n: *Da Xiong/大熊/Big Bear (maybe it's her nickname because she likes kumamon)] has been with Gong Jun, if you were to go back 5 years ago and tell her that she'd be working with Gong Jun for 5 years, she definitely wouldn't believe it. "At that time both of us were still fresh, just like [fledglings/children who just came out of their thatched huts]."

Da Xiong still remembers her first time meeting Gong Jun, he was very courteous and polite, (and) the way he got along with others reflected (his) good upbringing. If one were to say that social etiquette are the basics of interacting with strangers, then a way of letting a relationship go a further step has often been "offending" each other, true friends can disrespectfully joke (with one another). After the two had worked together for a couple of months, (and after) being fully familiar (with him), Da Xiong found that everything was all but "an illusion", in private, Gong Jun is actually a big boy who loves to play around and laugh.

"Although he always loves to [tease/play around], he's a very [meticulous/attentive] person at heart. (I) remember on the 1st year's Christmas, [the company had a gift exchange/everyone in the company exchanged gifts], Gong Jun gave me a Kumamon phone case. I had just casually mentioned that I liked Kumanon [in a daily conversation/while conversing as usual], (but) he very attentively took note of it."

Also once when Gong Jun was filming Unique Lady at Xiangshan, Da Xiong's mother also happened to be in Xiangshan. (And) in the middle of filming Gong Jun happened to have a [break/gap] and went back to Shanghai to do something, when he came back he specially brought back a box of local specialty for Da Xiong's mother, "I'll never forget that (very) second when he took out the present from the car trunk, with one look I saw that the box had the small words 'Beijing's speciality product' on it, it was too funny. But my mom liked it a lot, (and) kept on praising that he was too considerate." Whenever Da Xiong speaks of this [experience/episode], even now she'd [laugh a lot/laugh her head off].

Perhaps, it is precisely because of this not-just-a colleague (but) more of a friend, best [pal/friend] kind of relationship, that let Da Xiang clearly sense the changes that happened on Gong Jun these years, as well as those parts of him that remained unchanged.

"What changed is (that) he has become more sensible. Gong Jun is actually a person who thinks very simply, at the start when interacting (with him), you'd feel that there is some [distance/距离感], but after getting more familiar (with him), you'd find that he's someone who is especially willing to believe others."

What didn't change is, he's still sincere. The entertainment industry is a very realistic place, in the past during that time when there weren't many people paying attention, many times you'd need to send out [information/news] (and) take the initiative to get [works/projects], after [information/news] has been sent out, there's no avoiding that it would sink and vanish into the sea, without a response.

These two years, Gong Jun's visibility (in the public's eye) has become high, information/news that were sent out a couple of years back finally had responses. (When) receiving these "late" news/information, Gong Jun would also seriously and politely respond to the other party. "Actually nothing really changed about him, (you) could even say that he's even more modest towards others."

Gong Jun would frequently tell his team members that he's lucky. The hardships experienced in the past, were actually nothing, (and) in this line (of work) there are many people who have been continuously working hard, (and) have experienced a lot of hardships, but don't have a chance to be seen. He deeply respects these seniors, because they have always been persevering, (and) have never given up. So, he even more so treasures the good things happening now. Having chosen this road of being an actor, (he) must walk it well, (and) constantly [polish/hone] his acting skills, constantly improve himself, (and) must match up this "luck".

Gong Jun and Da Xiong would at times also touch on the topic of future developments, "we are all very clear that you can't ensure that you'd forever be in the spotlight, what Gong Jun wants has always been [acting/to act], (and) wanting to become a good actor. Then he (can) just [do his own thing/act], [act/portray] every single character well, (and) let (his) works speak (for him)."

Happy, not happy

Gong Jun is someone [who has a great sense of security/who feels very safe]. [Strong/stable] team members are probably one of the reasons. He doesn't have much (future things) to worry about, doing what's in front of him well (ie. doing what he's currently doing well), (and) behind him are them helping him, this is the chemistry between them.

Some time ago there was an interview where Gong Jun said that he wasn't that happy. Now thinking back, this answer perhaps may not be that accurate. He says, "Of course I would also miss the kind of happiness (felt) when carefreely eating at the roadside stalls with everyone, there's also happiness in being liked by more people, (and) working happily with everyone. Between the (two) happiness there are similarities, but there are also some differences."

The Gong Jun in the eyes of his team members, has practically never lost his temper before, other than speaking less and not cracking jokes when he's very tired with work, any other more severe [situation/reaction] hasn't really happened before. There also is unhappiness (ie. there are also times when he's unhappy), "When sasaeng fans [chase/follow[ the car, sometimes we drive a little faster, (then) they overtake (the car), (they are) speeding and it's also dangerous, (we were) really worried that something would happen, these kind of things would make you unhappy."

Gong Jun's happiness is also very simple, his favourite team winning, being able to buy his favourite 3C products (3C: computer, cell phone/mobile phone/communication device, camera/consumer electronics), nice-looking clothes, being praised that his acting has improved, these things can all make him happy for a long time.

"I'm not a gifted actor, having natural talent this thing is of course very good, but if (you) don't have it then (you'd) have to depend on your own hard work." Gong Jun replied very calmly.

For “An Le Zhuan” that is in the midst of filming, Gong Jun also gave his all. In terms of styling, this time Gong Jun [used/wore] an all-inclusive wig (t/n: the full wig set), even his fringe wasn't his own, this way the effects would be better when it appears (onscreen). But this year Hengdian constantly had high temperatures, and for the scenes every day, once filming starts it would (continue) for a very long time, the thick wig covers the scalp, sweat forms and dries up again, and with the effects of the hair glue, the skin all around Gong Jun's hairline had an allergic reaction.

(But) he also didn't complain to (his) team members, his wish is very simple, putting in all the hard work to make the final result (look) better. This time acting (in this drama), he has "ambition", (and) hopes that everyone can see the improvements in his acting skills. "Sometimes we’d also tell him that [hard work/working hard] is no doubt important, but the final [evaluation/rating/评价高低] of a film work doesn't entirely depend on [hard work/working hard] or not, (and) hope for him to not give himself too much pressure." Da Xiong says.

To the heart's content time/time when one is at their heart's content

Photographer Yu Cong has worked with Gong Jun before, shooting him again this time,  he wants to unearth a different side of Gong Jun.

"The feeling Gong Jun gives to others has always been an obedient and handsome man, this time I wish to photograph the rebellious side of him." Yu Cong says. So, even though the process of photoshoot went very smoothly, photographer Yu Cong however intentionally let Gong Jun stay longer in front of the camera, just like when artists [compose/create], (and) would intentionally create some "obstacles", he created some pauses/停顿 and slow shots, capturing the side of Gong Jun that usually isn't noticed.

Probably (because) it was a familiar team, in front of the camera, Gong Jun looked relaxed, (and) natural. When shooting a set of photos for a scene on a sofa, he comfortably lay on it, being able to be this relaxed when working, is very rare. After shooting a set (of photos), the photographer went to check photos that had just been shot, Gong Jun rest his chin on the back of the sofa , the brown vintage sofa felt gentle, like a slice of cheese  that had been toasted till (it was) soft, he [rubbed/stroked] the edges of the sofa, and softly said "so comfortable". [This was a rare recent moment where he could relax (himself), that belonged to him/this was, recently belonging to him, a rare moment where he could relax (himself)]. [t/n: the 2nd option follows the original sentence structure]

Gong Jun's self-discipline is well-known, even if he's eating hotpot with his team members, he'd also [rinse/wash] the food in the water and then eat it. To a person who treats self-discipline as a habit, not having self-discipline would instead make him feel uncomfortable.

(We) asked Gong Jun, were there [times/moments] where you weren't so self-disciplined, (and) were (more) [unrestrained/carefree]?

He thought (for a moment), (and) said, "Probably when acting, (when I) immerse myself into another character, is the time (when I) completely [forget/lose] myself/忘我."

Behind the scenes anecdote from the interviewer: https://weibo.com/1231286497/KFIIPiks3

(The behind the scenes all of you want is here)

I had heard, that Gong Jun and his team are well-known for being close (with each other).

(But) I still got "shocked" on the day I actually did the interview, in the resting room area, Gong Jun and his members in his team unrestrainedly joked (with each other), that sort of relaxed and carefree feeling, would only be shown/displayed/exposed among the closest of friends.

After the first part of the interview ended, Gong Jun took his clothes and got up to go change, and didn't forget to tease his manager Da Xiong who was sitting behind, (he) changed his outfit in the dressing room while at the same time participated in the conversation with everyone "from afar".

It was just like an outing with old friends.

To the extent that even I unconsciously got infected/affected by this sort of cheerful atmosphere, (and) started asking questions a little more casually.

When side-interviewing/侧采, I asked manager Da Xiong, "Do you feel that Gong Jun is a gifted/naturally talented actor?"

Coincidentally Gong Jun had finished shooting a portion and went into the resting area/room to change outfits, Da Xiong laughed/smiled and said, "You can (try) asking him."

At that time I was sitting right at the back, facing Gong Jun's back/silhouette, I shouted, "Gong Jun, do you feel that you're a gifted/naturally talented actor?" (Now thinking of this scene, it was rather ridiculous)

He said "No."

Then we laughed loudly together, Da Xiong said, "We are very clear about where we stand/our position. If you're not gifted enough, then you'd have to put in more hard work."

Gong Jun then added, "Having natural talent is of course very good, but what can you do if you don't have (natural talent)? If you realise that, then you have to make up for it in other areas."

I quite admire him, because for a person to admit his inadequacies, a lot of courage is needed.

But he's willing to directly face it. Directly facing it, is the first step to change.

There are still two more little episodes:

When sitting next to Gong Jun and interviewing, you could see that there were some tiny rashes around his hairline, that were the effects of wearing an all-inclusive wig/the full wig set from the dramas he was currently filming. Hengdian was especially hot this year, everyday once the camera started rolling it would take a very long time, sweat dries up and forms again, and with the effects of the hair glue, the skin all around (his) hairline had an allergic reaction.

And his reason for wearing an all-inclusive wig/the full wig set, just wanting/wishing to present a better result (onscreen).

Another episode, there was a photoshoot (where he would be) on a sofa.

The sofa that was used as a prop, was soft, sturdy/敦厚, just like a slice of softly toasted cheese.

During the break between the photoshoot, he leaned his head on the back of the sofa, (and) quietly looked at the recently taken pictures that were on the monitor, the set was very quiet, only the light and shadow from the monitor (that fell) on his face was changing (t/n: can't think of a better way to phrase it but I think this is to describe someone flipping through the pictures on the monitor), leaving a faint silhouette.

This was probably a rare pocket of time for leisure for him when he works.

He softly muttered, so comfortable.

[44:23] ZH：呃，需要多去尝试，多去经历然后多去接触一些人和事物。我觉得更需要的是...因为在这个社会信息和人和人的接触是过于发达。不像以前可能就是人和人之间距离很远。所以我觉得最需要克服的自己的就是这种人际关系的交际能力。就是你要，不要害怕地去接触，就像我们碰到一个对手戏演员，我们不能够说先去害怕跟他打交道，害怕跟他交流。因为交流才是把这个戏，演更好的一个基本的因素。如果两个对手戏演员都没有交流的话那肯定也是演不好戏。

然后那就算你是金子你是也需要去提炼，然后淬炼，然后呢去打磨才可以达到那个要求。而不是就是像在山里面埋着，它也是需要把自己，自己把自己的那部分闪闪发光东西去挖掘出来。然后我觉得就是掌握一双好眼力然后踏实地去运用。

ZH: Need to try more, experience more, then face more people and things. What I think is needed more is...Because the information in this society and the interactions between people are overly developed, not like in the past where the distance between people is very far. So I feel that what needs to be overcomed most is one’s communication ability in their human relations. You have to be not scared of interacting with them. Just like when we meet an [acting partner/actor we are acting with], we can’t be afraid to interact with them, afraid to communicate with them. Because communication is a basic factor to act this [film/drama] better. If two acting partners don’t even communicate, then they definitely wouldn’t act well. 

ZH: And even if you are gold, you also need to undergo refinement, tempering, and polishing, then can you reach that requirement. And not be buried in the mountains. It also needs to dig out what’s shining inside of it. And I feel that we need to master a good pair of [judgement/eye power] and then [steadily/regularly] use it.

ZH：就像刚刚还有分析，就是ACE嘛。ABCDE，刚刚我其实想讲的是另外的一个点。就是刚刚讲了有点不太好。我说舍掉了B和D。其实它有的时候会像是一个曲线，ACE，可能B和D是在低谷的时候，它像个是这样的，等于是我们的雅顿的这个眼霜呢，就是把B和D低谷的时候拿走，它取了最好的东西来给了大家，然后去保护你的眼周围让你时刻都有一个很好的一个状态去面对所有的人和事物。首先你看大家都是先观察对方，你们不会是...就是映入眼帘的是...如果你有个好状态，你的微笑的时候，包括看人的时候，闪闪发亮的，都是很精致的，那就可以给别人留下一个好的印象。我觉得人与人接触的第一面就是最好的一个状态。所以就要使用我们的ACE人生，A醇家族伊莉莎雅顿的眼霜。嗯。

ZH: Just like just now, there’s another analysis. Which is ACE, ABCDE. Actually just now, what I want to say is another point. (What I mean is) just now I didn’t explain it very well, I said to remove B and D. Actually sometimes it’s like a curved line, ACE, and perhaps B and D are when it’s at its lowest points. It’s like this. Which is equivalent to our EA eye cream. When you take B and D away when they are at the lowest points, it’s taking them away and presenting the best to everyone. And also protecting what’s around your eyes, allowing you to always face all people and things in a very good state. Firstly, everyone will first observe the other party...it’s what comes into your view. If you are in a good [state/condition], when you smile, including when you look at people, (is) glowing, and all very delicate (t/n: I think he’s talking about the eyes), then it would leave a good impression on others. I feel that when meeting people for the first time, one must be in their best condition. So (we) must use our ACE life, retinol eye cream. Yeah. [46:28]

FM: I feel one first have confidence, believe that your life is filled with possibilities. [...] When I do anything I believe in myself. As long as I have an opportunity I’ll cherish it. I believe that new possibilities will happen in life. That is very important.

[39:18] YJ：我看哲瀚听得非常的认真，他的眼劲儿已经停在那边有点放空但其实都是在信息传输到脑子里去了

YJ: I see that Zhehan is listening very attentively, his eyes have already stopped, a little dazed. But actually it’s all the information being transmitted into his brain.

[39:35] YJ：所以我想问问一看你啊。那 cue 到你了那其实作为演员，我们也是知道你是算是十年磨一剑，在演绎/演艺这条道路上其实你也走过很多，会不会迷茫和徘徊，甚至有时候可能你努力了很多，发现好像怎么就没有被大家或者认可。那支撑你的是什么，是家庭，还是信念，也或是其它？

YJ: So I would like to ask you. It’s your turn to be cued. Actually as an actor, we also know that it can be considered that you’ve honed your sword (acting) for 10 years. And you’ve also walked a lot on this road of acting. Did you feel lost and hesitate, or even sometimes perhaps you put in a lot of hard work and found that it didn’t seem like you were [acknowledged/recognised] by everyone. Then what [kept you going/supported you]? Was it family, or belief, or other things.

[39:45] ZH：呃其实陈铭老师刚才说的特别好。其实我刚大学毕业的时候也很迷茫。我和我妈就两个人来到了北京，就跟我当年考学的一样，我和我妈来到了上海。后来有个不错的结果考上了上戏(上海戏院?)。毕业了之后我和妈又来到了北京，租了个房子。那时候也不知道签哪个公司，也不知道去拍哪个戏。然后呢就在三里屯附近我每天就走那个天桥。然后我就特别，有的时候晚上走在天桥的时候我就特别理解汪峰老师那首北京北京。那首歌就是真的很心酸，我很迷茫。

ZH: Actually just now Chen Ming laoshi said it very well [t/n: scroll down for context]. Actually when I just graduated I also felt [lost/confused]. Me and my mum, just the two of us, came to Beijing. Just like that year when taking the [preliminary Gaokao/考学], me and my mom came to Shanghai. Later I got a rather good result and got into Shanghai Theatre Academy. After graduating me and my mom came to Beijing again and rented a [room/house]. At that time (we) didn’t know which company to sign to, and also didn’t know which [drama/film] to act. Then every day I would walk on the overhead bridge near Sanlitun. Then I especially...sometimes when walking on the overhead bridge at night, I’d especially understand that song of Wang Feng laoshi, Beijing Beijing. That song really makes the [heart ache/心酸], I was very [lost/confused]. 

ZH：但是就是像陈铭老师说的，我没有停下来。因为我是个停不住的人。就是我会早上会起来，比如早上我去健身，下午我就会带着我妈去游泳，晚上我可能会去见一些朋友，或者是吃东西或者是看一些东西，有可能的是打游戏，就是反正我不会让自己停下来，就是后来慢慢的找到事情做以后我也没有让自己停下来，选择不断地去拍戏。可能以前在大学的时候可能也会爱玩啊，或者怎么样的，但是我工作的时候我就不断地把自己丢在剧组。可能是小角色，可能是跑龙套，可能是客串。但我就是不断地去尝试，不断地去尝试演。

ZH: But just like what Chen Ming laoshi said, I didn’t stop. Because I’m a person that can’t stop. I’d wake up in the morning, for example I work out in the morning, in the afternoon I’d bring my mom to swim, at night I’ll maybe meet some friends, or eat some things, or read some things, play (online) games. In any case I won’t let myself stop (doing something). So it’s...Later, after I gradually found things to do I also didn’t let myself stop, and chose to keep on acting. Perhaps in the past when I was in university, I also liked to play, etc. But when I’m working I’d keep on throwing myself into filming groups (ie. keep on entering filming groups to act). I’m perhaps playing a minor character, or an insignificant character, or a cameo. But I’d keep on trying, keep on trying to act.

ZH：我觉得也经历过迷茫的时候。就是比如说看到别人是这样的突然会有个人出现让你觉得迷茫。就是说，他非常有自信，他觉得自己很厉害，很耀眼很光芒，站在你面前的时候。而且他地位比你高，然后我当时会有自我怀疑，我觉得那他这样的是对的吗？那我这样的是不是就/都不太行，就我有一个阶段就是会觉得为什么，就是可能剧组的因为都是被选的嘛。选择了他去做为这个男一号或者是怎么样的，然后没有选择我，他是不是真的比我好。然后我就有很长一段时都在自我怀疑的一个这样的过程。

ZH: I feel that I’ve also experienced times when I felt lost. For example you see someone who is like [this/so and so]. That suddenly such a person who would make you feel lost, appears in front of you. (What I’m saying is), [he/she] has a lot of confidence, [he/she] feels that [he/she] is very impressive, (he’s/she’s) very dazzling, shining very brightly, when (he’s/she’s) standing in front of you. Not only that, [he/she] has a higher position than you, and at that time I’d doubt myself, (and) feel, is [he/she] [being/acting] like this [right/correct]? Then me being like this (at this current state) is it because I’m not good enough? There was a period of time where I would feel “Why?”. (Because) maybe, those who are in the filming group are all (actors) chosen. Choosing [he/she] to be male lead 1 etc, and then me not being chosen. (So I would think), is it because [he’s/she’s] really better than me? Then I had a very long period of time where I was doubting myself, (experiencing) this kind of process.

ZH：我觉得这是一个好事，就当你自我怀疑的时候就说明你经历到人生的一个下一个阶段。就是一开始就是不断地去努力啊，没事的时候我也找点事儿干。当你走到一个结点的时候可能你要比如说男一号，哦男二号往男一号上冲的时候，我到底跟男一号比我有什么不足，他为什么可以站在那闪闪发光，我为什么ey感觉就好像比他欠缺一些自信？

ZH: I feel that this is a good thing, when you doubt yourself, that means that you’ve experienced the next phase of life. (What I’m saying is) at the very start, one is continuously working hard, when I have nothing to do I’d also find something to do. When you reach a [point/node], perhaps you’d have to...For example male lead 1, when male lead 2 (wants to) [rise up/升冲] to male lead 1, (one would feel), compared to male lead 1 what am I exactly lacking in? Why can he stand up there shining, why does it feel that compared to him I’m lacking in some confidence?

ZH：那时候我也是经常起来。。。特别好笑，每天起来，是不是我长得不够帅，是不是我演戏不没他好，就是我当时我总是老问自己这个问题。但我后来通过不断地学习，不断地接触以后，当你克服了这个自我怀疑的时候我觉得就是你人生当中很重要的一个成长。

ZH: At that time I’d also frequently wake up...it’s super funny, I’d wake up every day, (and think), “is it because I’m not handsome enough, is it because my acting is not as good as him?” At that time I’d always ask myself this question. But later through constantly learning, and after constantly coming into contact (with more works)...When you overcome this self-doubting you’d feel that this is a very important growth in your life. 

ZH：所以感到迷茫，感到自我怀疑，我觉得都不要害怕，因为如果这个时间给你的东西不是最好的，说明还没有走到最后，最后我觉得生命和人生一定会给你最好的。

ZH: So feeling lost, feeling self-doubt. I feel that you don’t have to be afraid of all of these. Because if at this timing what you’re given isn’t the best, it means that you still haven’t walked to the end. In the end, I feel that life will definitely give you the (very) best.

[42:46] YJ: Wow give a round of applause to Zhehan, very philosophical words [...]

Context:

[36:10] CM: 迷茫的时候我的感受就是干。你先找到一点什么事，你先动起来。就最怕躺平。你迷茫加躺平那就完了。因为迷茫的是你做什么都不知道这个方向，然后你一躺完全觉得舒服因为不用找方向然后躺过去了，然后那个青春就过去了。我们在[...]工作然后经常看到有孩子从大一躺到大三，他们最爱的就是宿舍然后读书的时候他们在宿舍的时间远他们在教室的时间。你都不用去往后去[...]你其实已经有个判断，在离开校园的时候跟那些同样迷茫但迷茫的从来没有停下脚步的那些孩子，他们的未来轨迹区别的那条曲线也拉得非常开。我们也时候也很焦急。它越快突破这个迷茫期，那么去突破这个迷茫期，那你先要动起来，你先不管做什么，你先动起来，你先定小目标，然后开始动，不断地去试，都是试。只要...你一定有...你试了然后发现这个你不喜欢，然后慢慢排除。然后到了以后你有两三条路，你真的很喜欢。然后其中有一到两条你的进步效率还是非常高，你很快就能做到这件事情上，全中国能够做这间事情的前20%，那你基本上可以你靠它来养活自己了。做到前10%那你基本开始能让这个行业里的人认识你了。你做到前3%，那就不只是养活自己的一个问题了，你做到前0.01%已经开始离它踏进越近了。如果你做这件事情的前10或前5你这辈子都不需要担忧。所以在这个时代的包容性都是非常高的，只需这一件事。你所做的这件事你超过了全中国在做这件事的多少人，这就是你所有未来的不可替代性、价值、底气的来源。而这一切都是你尽早确定方向，尽早通过短小而持续的正反馈](?) 来给自己往前推动的力量。你走到哪那就是对应你一个什么样的人生[...]

[25:42]  CM：我觉得你刚才陈述得非常好。全能，全能人生，平衡的，然后全能的这种发展。我觉得有一种典范就是我们右手边的哲瀚。我觉得这就是典型的ACE人生。你看他骑行骑到拉萨，感受世间百态山川河流。但是，你看因为我之前了解你，是之前有看过你的篮球赛。哇完全我觉得真的是专业水准。就是有皮尔斯这样的球员在场合的时候。我要是没记错，那场应该是20头15中拿到30多分。然后豪取MVP，没错吧。这应该是第二届的那个，很清楚。我当时看。。。你知道在因为有那种因为有明星级别然后又全民级别的老牌球员的时候。很多心态的那种放松。。。你看演戏做得那么绝，同时体育运动还有自己的爱好。篮球也打得好，骑行。最近今年还打高尔夫，又忙上又。。。这就是全面而平衡的发展，而且在每一点上精益求精。我觉得这个就太棒了。这就是ACE的人生。

CM: I feel that you described it well just now. All-rounded, an all-rounded life, balanced, and all-rounded, this sort of development. I feel that a model example is Zhehan on our right. I feel that this is the model ACE life. [Talks about Zhehan cycling to Lhasa, says that he’s seen Zhehan’s basketball match and knows about him getting the MVP award]. You see, his acting is this good, at the same time in sports and his hobbies. He’s also good at playing basketball, cycling. And recently this year even played golf. [...] This is a comprehensive and balanced development. And also perfecting every point. I feel that that’s too awesome. This is an ACE life.

[26:48] YJ: 你觉得这个ACE人生你是怎么解读的？How do you interpret this ACE life?

[27:02] YJ: Then let’s have our Fu-ma praise too

FM: I feel that I’m debating because just now I thought of a point but after he spoke, I didn’t have the face to say it (YJ: No worries, you can say it.) My view is that no one is all-rounded. (YJ: Can, we like this kind of…) Then he went on and said for example Zhehan on the right. But 

FM：我觉得没有人是全能的，但他可以看起来全能，因为他做了很大的努力让自己的人生极致丰富，因为他每一样都尽力了。我觉得哲瀚一定有他做不到的事情。但是没关系，他把它做到的事情都做到了最好，这就是我理解的ACE的人生。就是自信、尽力、自我欣赏。

FM: I feel that no one is all-rounded, but he can look like he’s an all-rounder. Because he has put in a lot of hard work to make his life [rich/fulfilling] to the ultimate, because he has done his best in everything. I feel that Zhehan definitely has things he can’t do. But that’s fine, because he has done the things that he has done to the very best. This is what I understand of an ACE life. It’s confidence, doing your best and self-appreciation.

[27:33] YJ：哦傅妈是通过现象看本质，所以你怎么样去解读自己的ACE人生

YJ: Fu-ma is looking at the essence through seeing the phenomenon. So how would you interpret your ACE life?

[Around 2:39 of embedded vid]

ZH：呃刚刚我看了一下也一直在思考ACE这三个字母吧。然后它很奇怪，ABCDE，它把B和D抽掉了然后它变成了ACE（CM：为什么？）就是我觉得是一种态度，就是在你的人生当中你不可能所有的事情都做得特别地完美。你截取A，C，E，我只选择可能是最适合自己，最有能力做好而包括自己的天赋所在的路子然后去在这几条路上专注上去，然后我去掉B和D。就是去掉了不好的一个我自己不擅长的东西去把它那个拿走。所以我觉得人是，精力是有限的，一生也是有限的。能够在自己喜欢的道路上，有天赋的道路上尽情地去发挥，驰骋。我觉得是最开心和最耀眼，可以让你自己的人生最耀眼。对。

ZH: Em, just now I took a look, and also kept thinking about ACE, these 3 letters. And it’s very strange, ABCDE, when you remove B and D it becomes ACE. (CM: Why?) Because I feel that it’s a sort of attitude. (What I mean is) in your life, you’re unable to do everything very perfectly. You cut out A, C, E. I only choose probably what’s best suited for me, what I’m most capable of doing well, including the path where your natural talent lies. Then focus on these couple of roads, then I remove B and D. (What I’m saying is) getting rid of those that are not good, those that I’m not skilled in, taking that away. So I feel that, people, their energy (to do something) is limited, one’s time is limited too. To be able to develop to the heart’s content on the road one likes, the road that one has talent for, to gallop on it, I feel is the happiest (thing) and the most dazzling (thing), it can make your life become the most dazzling. Yeah.

[28:36] YJ：对对对刚才其实陈老师也是在说嘛，他觉得你人生就是开挂的人生，对，你有很多领域去慢慢解锁。当别人觉得你是个好演员你突然间eh会喜欢去打高尔夫，然后篮球也打得好，现在也是解锁了骑行。所以你也说你也很多方面你自己也会去做取舍，但我想每个人也会去追求自己的ACE人生。所以如果你想成为这样的一个全能的艺人，你觉得你还会为此做努力在哪个方面要去更加的精进一些？

YJ: Yes yes yes, and just now Chen laoshi also mentioned, he felt that your life is a [remarkable/“hacked”/开挂] life [t/n: 开挂的人生 has an exaggerated connotation. Used to express one’s 🤯 that someone has an incredible and remarkable life that one thinks that they got that life through hacking]. Yeah, you have many areas for you to slowly unlock. When others feel that you’re a good actor and then suddenly (they find out that) you like playing golf, and are also good at basketball, and right now also unlocked cycling. So, you also have many areas where you would make trade-offs. But I feel that every person would also want to pursue their own ACE life. So if you wish to become this sort of all-rounded artist, which areas do you feel you would put in more hard work to refine it some more?

ZH：呃哪方面需要更精进一些就是觉得就比如说做好首先自己的本质工作是...这个是让我发光发热的一个工作吧，也是可能我比较擅长的而且也是坚持做了这么多年了，所以在这条路上我一定会坚持不懈地走下去。还有就是其他事可能我的爱好，比如我喜欢打高尔夫，喜欢骑行，喜欢唱歌。我觉得就是有选择性的几种去把它做好。而不是因为我觉得年轻其实就是说在你更小的时候你是去不断地去尝试。就是到底哪一条路适合我，到底哪一个我才能够做得比较好。然后到了我这个阶段我更多的是去舍掉一些我不太擅长的或者是通过我的努力我也没办法改变我不擅长这个本质的一些东西。所以就是说呃现在就是努力把自己擅长的东西尽力做得到更好。呃这就是我现在，然后坚持啊然后自律啊然后就是把做好了就行。

ZH: Which area needs to be refined some more. I feel, for example, firstly doing what’s essentially your job...it’s a job that would make me [glow/shine] and [feel passionate for/发热]. It’s also what I’m more skilled in and also what I’ve been persisting on doing for so many years already. So I’ll definitely keep on persisting on this road. Another would be other things, perhaps my hobbies. For example I like playing golf, like cycling, like singing. I feel that it’s selectively choosing a couple and doing them well, and not...Because I feel that being young…(what I mean is) when you’re younger you keep on trying (different things). Exactly which road suits me? Exactly which (road should I choose) such that I’ll be able to do it better (compared to other roads)? Then when you reach my stage (age), what I’m doing more is to give up on some things that I’m not skilled in or things whereby even though through my hard work I’m unable to change (the fact that) I’m inherently not skilled in them. So right now I’m working hard and trying my best to become better at what I’m skilled in. This is what I’m doing now. And then persisting and [regulating/discipling] yourself. And just doing it well.

[30:11] YJ：对有时候人生的确是需要做起减法的就像孔子说的损之又损之道，去掉一些有时候你觉得反而一身轻松。那我们为了追求这个ACE人生比如像我们的陈老师[...]

Just like how I like cycling. Because I feel, for example when we’re sitting in the car, perhaps the outside world we see is seen only through 1 window, or 2 windows. When I'm cycling, perhaps what I see is the whole [space/view], I'm not bound by the car, my view is not restricted, so I like to cycle. Then after becoming an actor, what kind of improvements were there in my [judgement/discernment]. After being an actor what improved, I feel is through constantly acting scenes together with different acting partners, be it young or old actors. They, through sharing their experiences, they share their understanding of a character including their understanding of this scene, and give me more [understanding/thoughts and feelings]. At the same time when I'm observing them I'm also [improving/upgrading] myself.

[19:26] YJ：那你会不会觉得说做演员之后因为演戏很多，跟对手戏的合作很多，你的这个眼力会变得很好。就看人很准，会不会？比如说见他一面就知道大概他是个怎么样的人，有这种能力吗？

YJ: Then would you feel, that after becoming an actor, because you act a lot and work together a lot with your co-actors, your judgement has become better. That you can judge people accurately, did you feel like that? For example just by seeing [him/her] once you’ll roughly know what kind of person [he/she] is. Do you have this sort of ability?

ZH：这个不敢说（YJ：哦不敢说）但是呢，见一面不喜欢什么人，这个还是可以，还是可以。见一面，比如说这个人见一面不是特别喜欢，那我可能就不会见他第二面了。

Context:

Timestamps are based on the original livestream video, links: https://t.co/Ui0aKwAdPG?amp=1 https://t.co/OSdFLwkJVm?amp=1

For Fu-ma: [13:42]

Scenario 1: When your husband prepared a wedding anniversary gift, what would your eyes look like?

FM: 太一般了/Too ordinary YJ: 那十周年呢？Then what about the 10th anniversary? FM: Because I have that kind of stare so it’ll improve year by year YJ: Then has your birthday passed this year? How was his present? Give a gaze/eye expression FM:... might as well not give [t/n: I believe she’s just joking(?)]

[14:34] Scenario 2: When someone questions your debating skills

FM: I thought the feeling I was giving was “it’s ok, I accept your criticisms”.

[15:03]  Scenario 3: When someone talks about your body figure

FM: To be honest I don’t really meet with this sort of situation 

For Chen Ming: Scenario 1: When you’re giving lessons and you find out that there are very little people in class

CM: I have never came across this situation before

[16:07] Scenario 2: When your daughter calls you dad for the first time

CM: Then won’t be able to see the eyes

ZH：就是我刚才说的一个观察力。就是你发现生活当中各种不一样的职业性格的人，然后你通过眼睛去观察他们然后再才会映入你的脑海里。还有一个就是说大家都说手眼协调就是一种模仿能力其实对我们演员来说也是比较重要的。就是你要先看，看了以后消化，然后通过肢体通过你的面部表情去各方面地去表达清楚。其实不单单说大家可能可能对什么眼神有戏，包括唉看你的眼神很有戏。其实我觉得这是个误区，不是说他的眼神都/多有戏，他一定是通过他的眼睛看到过很多的东西，吸取过很多的养分，然后成为了自己他所表达出来的一种态度，再从这个窗户去传递给大家才是有戏的东西。是传递，其实是传递自己的内在里面，核心的东西去表达。而并不是他生而就有了一双会演戏的眼睛，我觉得这个说法我没有很认同。对。

ZH: It’s the [ability to observe/observation skills] that I mentioned just now. It’s you finding that there are various people with different jobs and personalities in life, then you use your eyes to observe them, and thereafter it would then enter your head. Another would be the hand-eye coordination that everyone talks about, a kind of ability to imitate. Actually this to us actors is also rather important. (It’s about) you first looking, then after looking, digesting (it). Then clearly [expressing/portraying] all aspects (of it) through your [body/limbs] and your facial expressions.

Actually it’s not just solely...perhaps the “You have [film/drama] in your eyes/你眼神很有戏” (t/n: It’s like saying that one’s eyes can tell a drama or a film, can express various emotions using their eyes) that everyone says. Actually I feel that it’s an area of misunderstanding, it’s not saying how well one’s eyes can tell a [drama/film]. [He/she] must have seen many things through [his/her] eyes, and absorbed a lot of [“nutrients”/insights], and then became the kind of attitude that [he/she] expresses, and thereafter through this window [send/spread] it to everyone. Then it is telling a [drama/film]/有戏的东西. Spreading, it’s actually spreading what’s inside of them, the core, and expressing it. And not that one is born with a pair of eyes that can tell a [drama/film]. I feel, this view, I don’t agree with it.

YJ：就像你的演戏当中就是有时候心到了眼睛可能才到

YJ: Just like in your acting, sometimes only when the heart reaches the eyes then can it...

ZH：都是。我觉得表演是要从心出发，心出发然后再通过眼睛去传递给观众，才会有那个意思，对。

ZH: All. I feel that acting must come from the heart, come from the heart then using the eyes to spread it to the audience, then it would have that meaning. 

YJ：但是你刚才也提到手眼协调你这方面能力真的很强所以高尔夫成绩能过打得那么好。对不对 [...]

ZH：我的眼力呢。因为眼睛是心灵的窗户.我觉得眼睛就是我们用来观察世间万物连接的一个窗口。所以在我看来可能跟我的职业有关系，我理解的眼力就是我们看到的东西，我们吸取的东西。第一反应就是映入眼帘然后[...]

Out of respect and in order to be precise (in portraying firefighters), all the actors who played firefighters had to undergo close to half a month of training under the guidance of the firefighting squad in advance, including one of the leads, Gong Jun. This was rather rare under the creative environment of our country’s drama. Gong Jun’s physical strength also left a deep impression on the creative team:

“(He) ran 5km during training, initially (we) thought it couldn’t be done, in the end not only could Gong laoshi lead the running, he even came in second, and his training results were quite good. For this filming, the operation of the various tools and equipment were all done personally, other than the part on the zipline where he indeed couldn’t [grasp it/handle it well] at the moment, for the remaining [frames/scenes] he didn’t use any stand-ins.”

You could say that it was the admiration and understanding that every person in the creative team had towards the firefighter profession that made the infectivity of the emotions and the feelings of nervousness during the rescue scenes in The Flaming Heart so strong. Original snippet:

Q: For this drama, prior you had group training of more than a week and ate and lived with firefighters, what memorable things were there? A: There were actually quite a lot of memorable things, besides training, what’s the most memorable is still the true daily (things) of the firefighter comrades, because it’s really not easy for them. There was one that left a deep impression, it was past 10 at night and all of us were asleep, then the alarm rang loudly, the firefighters were all very quick, many of them didn’t even wear their clothes and shoes on properly and just ran outside. They went down the pole and in less than a minute head off, with the truck starting its engines. All of us hadn’t even [understood/realised] what was going on and from the door we rushed to the windows to see, at that time the truck was already driving off. We were thinking what sort of fire disaster it was and sent a message to the squad leader, and he said that it might be (an) electric cable catching fire, and (told us) not to worry, and that they have dealt with this many times before. It was only until past 2 that they came back, and laid down for no more than 20 minutes, and then the alarm went off again. It was really very odd that day, (we) received two fire alarms in one night, and it was only in the morning when the sun came out that they came back. Later we heard from the squad leader that this sort of situation happens very often, sometimes at night, it wouldn’t be just one, two times, two, three times, there’d even be three, four times. So in this profession not only do (they) not rest well, there is also the risk of danger, and they even have to bear responsibilities, be responsible for the masses, it’s a very [great/mighty] and a very difficult profession.

Q: In The Flaming Heart’s production special cut, I saw that there were many dangerous fire disaster explosion scenes during the process of filming. When you film these scenes on set would you feel scared? How did you overcome it? A: I would be lying if I said I wasn’t scared. There was one scene that left a deep impression on me, it was the explosion scene at the tin-built house, we only had one chance, and previously didn’t explode it. That time Huo Yan was in an unconscious state and was lying in there facing many unknowns, my comrades also didn’t know how it would be when it exploded. Once it exploded I felt a gush of heat charging at me, after it exploded then I came over. It was only after watching the replay then I knew how frightening this scene was.

Q: How did the filming process of The Flaming Heart differ from your past filming experiences? A: It’s that I haven’t experienced such real emergency rescue (missions) before, and you have to very professionally [re-enact/act close to the original] it and portray it in front of the camera, if not it may mislead the audience.

Q: In your opinion what sort of person is the character Huo Yan? How did he build his sense of belief towards the career of a firefighter? A: Huo Yan is a person who is cold on the outside and warm on the inside, his father is also a firefighter, so he got influenced from young, and when he grew up he also wanted to become a firefighter like his father. But his father because of various reasons [lost/sacrificed] his life, so it [created/cast] a shadow in his heart, and later he came to Dongshan station and became the vice-captain, going back to the place his father once worked at, this is also for him to try to overcome the shadow in his heart, and see if he could triumph over the sense of confusion (and loss) and the hesitation in his heart. He and his comrades at Dongshan station all got along quite harmoniously on a daily basis, and have been through fire and water, (causing) his sense of belief to become stronger.

Q: For this character Huo Yan, what similarities and differences do you have with him? A: There’s quite a lot of differences between him and me, his cool-headedness and calmness, under the [state/conditions] of handling emergency rescue situations, I reckon I’d be more like Wang Dayin or Li Yanliang, and will easily get anxious, or like Luo Jie who at times tends to be rash. But his personality in private is also rather like mine, for example the way he interacts with people around him, or how he gets along with his comrades, they (the interactions) all are more relaxed and humorous, I’m also usually a more happy person.

Q: Regarding the characterisation of this character, what sort of discussions did you have with the director? And how did you through various details portray the qualities of the character? A: Because previously I’ve played more acting scenes as this kind of character before, (so) I slightly have a little bit of accumulated experience. Regarding the [details/little actions] on the romance part, I’ve done a lot on that, for example giving the female lead a nickname, previously he just called her “Yan Lan”, and didn’t address her as anything else, I feel that (calling that) when they were dating would seem not close. Just nice at that time Luo Jie brought up “little mole”, so I felt that my girlfriend definitely should also have a nickname. And she also frequently does odd things, for example the first time (they met) her head got stuck, so I felt that calling her “big head” is also rather cute, this way of addressing was also discussed with the director. We would always [communicate/discuss] beforehand for many important scenes, for some scenes I feel weren’t that reasonable, I would explain it to the director and ask his views on it. Sometimes the director could convince me and sometimes I could convince the director. For example the drinking milk scene, originally the script didn’t have the to and fro gazes and was written in a more [summarised/brief] manner, you one bottle, I one bottle, and with the turn of the camera everyone would have already drank many bottles. But I discussed with Luo Jie and also discussed with the director, and felt that we may need to add some details. For example you look at me and I look at you, burp, wipe away the milk that flowed out, feeling indignant, these sort of things, (and) maybe it would make it more interesting. Later when it came out I felt that this scene also gave me a rather deep impression, so I’m still rather happy.

Q: Were there any scenes to you that were more emotionally heavy, that you had to take a breather after filming? A: Actually there are quite a lot (of such scenes), the first I could think of is the part where he [pays his respects to/salutes] his father, a slow shot with the slider moving towards, because in that frame he has to portray him missing his father and some feelings of not being able to reconcile, because his father just left leaving him and Xian-jie behind, and also he came home from the Dongshan fire station his father used to work at, (so) he has a lot of mixed emotions. Actually I had been preparing my emotions for this scene for a long time, and kept hinting to myself mentally, on how to feel those emotions, so when it was filmed it was more successful, and was completed very quickly.

Q: In the process of filming did you get to know any firefighter friends? Have you had conversations with them, what kind of details about firefighting do they share with you? How do they view their jobs? A: Even now I’m still in contact with our squad leader, when “The Flaming Heart” aired he even promoted it on his Wechat Friend’s Circle, we would also frequently have a chat in the comments section. In our chat group they would frequently make jokes, sometimes I would take a look (at the chat) after work, and feel happy. He would also chat with us about his usual life, for example previously at our squadron, he successfully proposed to his girlfriend. In daily life he is also like us ordinary people, during the daily training and when participating in emergency rescue (missions), you would also feel that he’s a very great firefighter.

Q: How was life on set, what habits did you form from this drama? A: Life on set is is a very simple [going to three places consecutively/三点一线] of the makeup room, set, then the hotel. Because this drama has more emergency rescue scenes its filming could be a little more complicated, and also more time is spent (filming). The habit I formed is quickly wearing clothes, I wear the various combat suits very quickly.

Q: After filming wrapped up, what did you do? After removing the “[outerwear/cover]” of the character, what were your feelings? A: After leaving Huo Yan this character Huo Yan, I decided to let myself relax for a bit, and also to break out of him (the character), I went to Dandong, and also went to have a look at Yalu River, and the Memorial Hall of the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea, to relax my feelings.

Q: If you were given 3 minutes of quietness to remember three small things that happened from when you got this drama to now, what three things would that be? (And) why? A: What had a deep impression (on me) happened yesterday, I saw a hot trend, there was a viewer who watched The Flaming Heart and prevented a fire disaster from happening. I feel that this is the greatest initial intention for us, everyone in the creative team, including the director for making this drama. It is not only for everyone to understand more about the firefighter profession, it is even more so to [let/teach] everyone to prevent fire disasters, and prevent these hidden dangers, this is the happiest thing for me. There are also two other things, one are the rare and precious times when I ate and lived together with the firefighters, another are the emergency rescue scenes, there were a lot of them, it was very lively when filming the group scenes.

Q: After receiving an enormous amount of attention from Shan He Ling, which [dimensions/aspects] do you consider when choosing scripts? Which sort of script is able to attract you more? A: Firstly it’ll definitely be trying out characters I haven’t acted as before; next would be the entire creation of the drama, the script is the core; and there’s also how the entire creative team is like, if it is an excellently made [work/drama project].

Q: When did you first want to be an actor? At that time what influenced you? What do you think the identity of an actor means to you? (And) now at this age group, is there anything you really want to express? A: The earliest was when I was in high school, there was a teacher who came to our class to choose potential actors, and I got chosen. At that time I didn’t know that you could get into university by taking performing exams, and felt that it would be a very good experience, and I also probably had this dream when I was young, so I went to try it. Till now being an actor to me means everything, because this is what I like doing, I want to firmly continue on this path of an actor. Reaching this current age group, what I want to show everyone are my improvements, I hope that everybody can see my improvements in every drama.

Q: Performance creation [ie. creating things when acting] consumes a certain amount of [energy/strength] of a person, which places do you always go to on a daily basis to [get/absorb] [energy/strength]? A: I would watch many movies, though I recently don’t really have time to watch them, but I’m a movie lover, the top 250 must-watch movies on the internet, I estimate that I should have watched at least 70, 80% of them.

Q: When working were there times when you felt a huge amount of stress or felt very exhausted? Usually how would you manage your emotions? A: If I’m really too busy, is able to get 8 hours of sleep, then that’s the happiest thing. I’m a person who is easier to satisfy, sometimes on the second day when I head off to work and find out that I can rest for a longer time, for 9, 10 hours, I’ll be very happy.

On the day of the interview, Gong Jun even [drove/walked] past the place he used to rent when he came to Beijing for [Yikao/performance exams to enter performing arts universities], he laments, that time he had just arrived in Beijing and was renting a place together with a classmate who was also taking the Yikao, two people renting together, but he felt quite happy at that time, and also didn’t feel that life was hard, rather now when he thinks of it can’t help sigh.

Some people see that he “burst into popularity overnight,” but as a “[fresh person/小白] who is like a newcomer who entered the industry, (he) can only slowly work hard, and sharpen (his) acting skills. “I feel that going higher and higher step by step through one’s hard work is not wrong. So right now I may be a little famous, however (you) still have to not forget your initial heart, and earnestly and resolutely walk the road of “an actor” well, then you won’t let yourself down.”

[New work “The Flaming Heart”]

Filming the blast scene, must overcome the fear in the heart

As the first modern-themed drama of Gong Jun after Shan He Ling, The Flaming Heart had already garnered a lot of anticipation at the beginning of its airing. In the drama Gong Jun plays the vice-captain of the fire station, Huo Yan from young had the ambition of becoming a firefighter, and was greatly influenced by his firefighter father, his father sacrificed his life while in action. When he also came to Dong Shan station to work, and time after time went through (many) emergency rescue (missions), he slowly loosened the knot in his heart and became even more resolute towards being a firefighter. In order for the character to be closer to life, Gong Jun specially went to a fire station to “experience life” for over a week and learnt some rescue-related knowledge and skills. Besides experiencing the nervousness and rigour of their work, Gong Jun also saw that in terms of living conditions, firefighters too are ordinary people, especially that they all were young people, and would play together, work out together, play games together and have barbeque together. Gong Jun’s squad leader at that time was busy getting engaged, he told Gong Jun stories about him and his girlfriend, the two of them would sweetly go to the movies and would also travel together, from them (we) can also see [a glimpse/the silhouette] of Huo Yan and Yan Lan.

Gong Jun admits that there were some explosion and blast scenes in the drama and they were a rather big challenge for the filming group, perhaps for one explosion scene there was only one chance to film it, “To an actor, overcoming the fear in the heart and maintaining a good performing state in that sort of situation, are all rather huge challenges.” There are many rescue scenes in the drama, every day before filming, the filming group would invite professional firefighters to provide guidance, “They would provide guidance pair by pair at every position, to prevent instances where we misoperate while filming and mislead the audience.”

In the drama the firefighter suits are custom-made, and are exactly the same as a real firefighter suit. At the start Gong Jun felt that it was very fresh, and felt that it was rather comfortable to wear, but after wearing it for a long time he felt that it was heavy. “There’s a set of firefighter suit, it insulates heat, and is very heavy, and that helmet is very tight, it would always leave very deep marks on my face every time I finish filming. We are only wearing it when we’re filming, but when firefighters go out for missions, once they wear it they are wearing it for several hours, can really feel how difficult it is for them.

[Childhood: My mental age is way younger (than my actual age)]

Gong Jun was born in Sichuan Chengdu in 1992, his parents do business, selling shoes, cigarettes and alcohol, opening a (little) convenience store, making rubber shoes, they’ve all done it. Like many lively and naive youths, Gong Jun’s wish when he was young was to become a scientist, and when he grew up a little older, he too wanted to do business like his parents, open up a hotpot store, skewer store or an internet cafe.

Gong Jun’s mother is a methodical person, and places great emphasis on nurturing Gong Jun’s life skills, teaching him to do household chores, and must firstly make the house clean. This also allowed Gong Jun to form a capable and experienced working habit, sometimes the colleagues of his work studio would remind him that he could rest a bit first, but he always chooses to finish everything in one go before resting, “After finishing, all the remaining time is yours.” Since young Gong Jun was an impatient person, and is also particularly playful, he was mischievous when he was young, he cycled a bike very quickly and crashed into a wall causing his mouth to bleed and had to get several stitches. In middle school Gong Jun’s results were very good, there was a period of time in highschool where he slacked and came to like online games. During that period of time he played “World of Warcraft”, had good battle scores, and would even sneak off in the middle of the night to the internet cafe to play, he got an earful from his father.

After experiencing a rebellious period and seeing that the classmates around him got into very good universities, he decided to work hard. (And) later he walked on this path of performing, “Actually I’m also slowly adjusting my mentality, everybody says that boys mature a little later, I’m the kind that matures very late so now my staff all feel that my mental age is way younger (than my actual age), I feel that this is also not a bad thing, sometimes I would look at things more simply.”

[Growing up: “Would recommend myself when I meet a work or character I like”]

During the Gaokao preparation, Gong Jun and two, three classmates went to Beijing to attend the Yikao. They rented a [flat/studio] by 2nd Ring (road), with two people in one room, and eventually he got accepted into the Shanghai Donghua university’s acting department. When he was in Year 4, because of his outstanding looks, he frequently filmed commercials, and had a rather good income even before graduation, when times were good he could earn 30, 40 thousand yuan in a month, but he still felt that commercials aren’t works. After learning [acting/performing] for 4 years, Gong Jun liked acting and hoped to be a good actor. And so, after graduating from university he determinedly came to Beijing to look for more opportunities to act in dramas.

After Gong Jun arrived in Beijing, a number of artist management companies came to him. When Gong Jun first came to Beijing, he didn’t have much money, a company said that they could give him living expenses and opportunities to act in (acting) works, however in the end there was nothing, after two months with no living expenses, Gong Jun requested to terminate the contract. Afterwards he went around to filming groups to audition, this also formed his very proactive work personality, till now usually when he sees filming group information that he’s interested in, he would take the initiative and forward it to his staff to get them to contact. “My career-mindedness is still rather strong, if I see a work or character that I like, I would recommend myself.”

Although Gong Jun says that his greatest dream is to work hard and earn money, he more so wishes to receive good scripts. “To be able to buy the things I want is already good enough, having a house, my family being happy and the work studio, (I) can still go by well.”

[Acting: “Performing is a type of life”]

In 2015, 23 year old Gong Jun officially debuted. Later he successively acted in “The Love Equations”, “Begin Again”, “Flavour It's Yours” and so on youth idol dramas. Of which quite a number became his fans from “Unique Lady”, the Zhong Wumei he played was dubbed “having light in his [gaze/eyes]” by netizens. Although he previously acted more in idol dramas, Gong Jun confesses that he instead usually likes watching dramas with suspense and thriller themes such as “Black Mirror”,  “Fargo” etc British and American dramas.

Gong Jun says that when he took the Yikao, he totally didn’t know what performing was, he just went on stage and acted relying on a gush of [strength/thrill/adrenaline]. Now, he understands that performing is a kind of life, “Make sufficient preparations beforehand, must be in a comfortable state when the scene starts, then can you act the scene out naturally and smoothly.” After being in the profession for 6 years, Gong Jun this year finally welcomed Shan He Ling. The Wen Kexing he plays grew up in the Ghost Valley since young, and his parents [lost/sacrificed] their lives due to the moral justice in the Jianghu. Hence he was filled with resentment towards the world and grew up in the Ghost Valley with hatred in him. The only purpose that supported him to carry on living was to destroy the entire Jianghu, to burn down the hypocritical Jianghu.

Gong Jun himself feels that there isn’t much similarity between him and Wen Kexing, “The similarity is only 1%, maybe it’s only that we’re both humans.” Wen Kexing has a dashing (and charismatic) appearance, while in reality he is very scheming, this is very different from the characters Gong Jun has played before. Gong Jun laughs and says, if he could choose to become a wandering swordsman, he more so wishes to be a mysterious master, do the things he wants to do, (and) doesn’t really want to dominate the martial arts world.

[Becoming popular: “About to turn 30 already, being my real self would make my life a lot more [easier/comfortable]”

After being well known by the audience from Shan He Ling, the hashtag #Gong Jun’s business scope during his modelling period is very wide# went on Weibo Hot Trends, the commercials he filmed included home decor, food products, clothing etc industries, and he has been dubbed “Gong Jun who has passed by the whole world”. Gong Jun has also experienced the stage where he entered the profession and had no dramas to act in, however he still feels that he’s lucky. Although he self-mocks that he’s an 18-line artist, he also admits that he’s a little more popular now, and is still “stubborn” towards the chat group name of “18-line artist work (chat) group”. Gong Jun says that this is to remind himself not to forget his initial heart, “To become a good actor it must still be through more people getting to know about you through your works, I definitely will have to play various different kinds of characters. People being able to remember a good character, a bad character, that is then a very remarkable actor. I will not forget my initial heart in this road as an actor and will continue to walk (this road).”

Persona and taboos are the “self-respect” that popular traffic stars are unable to give up, for Gong Jun it is like he totally does not have any idol baggage, and could be considered one of the celebrities who has the most relaxed mentality after becoming famous, and even constantly “removes the baggage” himself, his catchphrase is “[as long as (one is) happy/just be happy/开心就好]. He doesn’t care about [depreciating/mocking] himself, when he sings he mocks himself saying that he’s “[bad at singing but is addicted to singing/人菜瘾大]”, and can tease himself saying that he’d only use expensive facial masks for events that give more money. Gong Jun says that he’s about to turn 30 already, why can’t he be his real self, and show his real side to everyone? “This way my life can even be a lot more [easier/relaxed]. Maintaining my mentality well is part of my personality, I’m more of a happy-go-lucky person.”

From filming commercials during university and not being caught up in just making money, to working hard step by step after coming to Beijing, Gong Jun has always been very resolute, step by step putting in effort in acting, (and) one day (he’ll) be noticed, (and) as such he doesn’t get tempted easily nor get easily defeated, he’s also called “[clear-headed on the world/人间清醒]” by fans. In Gong Jun’s opinion, contentment brings happiness, (one) mustn’t have a very big goal now, (and should) achieve small goals step by step, “earnestly walking every step well, making good choices for every single decision, setting (your) sights a little further, (and) seeing that it’s done now then it’ll bring rewards.”

[Conversation]

Q: At that time why were you interested in TFH, this project? A: The themes were fresh to me, I haven't played the role of a firefighter before, and was very curious towards this [sacred/god-like] occupation, I also wanted to, through the opportunity of acting, try out a couple of special occupations and lives.

Q: Do you think you have any qualities that are like Huo Yan? A: I feel that the Huo Yan in life is sometimes quite like me, more like a big boy, rather down-to-earth, (and) is an ordinary person in life. There's also another thing that we're very similar in, which is actually from young I was also a little scared of injections, and would rather take medicine for a couple of days than be put on a drip.

Q: Some netizens feel that you’re more suited to use your gaze to [act/portray]? Usually what method or way do you use to learn how to improve your acting skills? A: I would usually watch some movies or [realism/realistic] dramas, and in the process of filming I would also observe those very [skillful/experienced] veteran actors, (and) think about how these seniors perform a character, I would also reflect on myself, and make improvements in my future works, everyone will be able to see my improvement (in my future works).

Q: Previously majority of your works are idol dramas and sweet romance costumed dramas, have you thought of trying out more different [types/genres] in the future? A: Can, I quite want to try out different types of characters.

Q: You’ve always said that your motto is [contentment brings happiness/if you are content you will be happy], but at the same time you’re someone who is very career-minded, how do you balance “contentment” and “progress”? A: I feel that progress and contentment can exist at the same time, these two don’t clash. Firstly you have to work hard then can you get some resources, this is the part on being career-minded. Regardless of the type of job, whether it’s a [heavy/more important] job or a lighter job, behind it are all the blood and tears and effort of many workers, at this moment one must be content. It’s not like you get the role of some character from some drama, (and) you feel that it isn’t good enough and feel that this resource has let you down, you can’t think of it like that.

Q: If you had to make some plans for your future career, what ideas would you have? A: My short term small goal is to hope to receive some awards that show [affirmation/recognition] towards my (acting) performance. For the time being I don’t have a large goal, [take it one step at a time/take a step and look around before taking the next step], no one knows what the future would be like. Just seriously acting well in every acting project (is enough).

Q: (We) always see that you always look sunshine and happy, what things would make you unhappy? How do you [organise/adjust] yourself when you’re unhappy? A: I won’t feel unhappy because of some little matters, and my personality is not someone who is particularly sensitive, sometimes when I say the wrong things, or was little harsh with my words and made others unhappy, I wouldn't even notice it. If I really had to [organise/adjust] my emotions, I would probably choose to watch movies, work out, or go on a road trip, I like doing all these more.

Q: In this world it has always been more of [adding icing to make/making something that is perfect even more perfect/锦上添花] and less of [sending coal in the winter/rendering timely help/雪中送炭]. In an interview you said that you’re grateful to those who have [used you/given you work], and you repay them. (If we were to) not talk about being an actor, just about being a person, what kind of person would you wish yourself to be? A: I feel that I’m a very upright person, and I also hope that the friends I make are all sincere, I don’t wish for them to [trick me/lie to me].

Q: Are there any qualities you feel you lack? A: [My personality is more anxious/I’m a more anxious person], Huo Yan’s maturity and steadiness, I really wish to [take it from him/strip it off him].

Q: Did your family watch The Flaming Heart? Did they praise that your acting skills have improved? A: They watch it, my family has a huge (chat) group, when they see compliments of me online and some news regarding firefighters they would send them in the group, I’m quite happy.

Up until June this year, Taobao Guangguang, a lifestyle sharing platform that was just released in the first half of the year, triggered internet-wide attention of 1 billion through Zhang Zhehan and his fans. What exactly did Taobao Guangguang “see” in Zhang Zhehan? And under the [premise/preface] of platforms choosing celebrities with high compatibility, and how should one do the content strategy of their celebrity marketing well?

Perhaps if we “take a walk” around  “Taobao Guangguang X Zhang Zhehan”, we can find some answers regarding celebrity marketing.

[1] Why Zhang Zhehan?

Zhang Zhehan has already been in the entertainment industry for 10 years, (but) what is different from other actors, is that he has a natural talent for sports and has the experience of attending sports related reality programs, making the label of Zhang Zhehan who is also an actor more [multi-faceted/well-rounded] and [authentic/real]. Zhang Zhehan also has an excellent [路人缘/public reputation]. Recently he starred in Word of Honour which received a high score of 8.6 on Douban, and even more so was the daily champion for 10 consecutive days on Maoyan Popularity chart, his weibo topic views broke 10 billion views, from fanbase to the entire internet he received much popularity.

Why did Taobao Guangguang choose Zhang Zhehan?

In life Zhang Zhehan is a person who has many varied labels, he has strict expectations for himself, and has honed a solid set of acting skills. Besides acting he likes [exercising/sports], skincare, and is happy to try a [multi-faceted/varied] and positive life. Besides that his fanbase mainly comprises young female users between 18-35, they love shopping, are loyal users of Taobao, have a certain pursuit towards life, and are happy to share their own life, this is also compatible with the core user base of (Taobao) Guangguang.

What makes it different from other content sharing communities is that Taobao Guangguang is a center-based content field with Taobao’s traffic pool as its base, forming an “ authentic shopping trading/transaction, production user experience”, users share their experiences through the platform and once again bring closer the transactional loop. It could be said that Taobao has a???

Towards a younger fan base, Guangguang wants to make Zhang Zhehan into the platform’s [model/benchmark] celebrity, and has through a series of “sincere” arrangements, quickly shifted the attention of fans to the platform and the products, raising fans’ awareness of this lifestyle sharing platform that is full of [positivity/energy].

[2] How to hold the “marketing password” of fandoms?

Now, celebrity marketing is already one of the most common methods of marketing, however to the young consumers, even if it's their favourite celebrity, if the marketing method lacks freshness, and is [very similar/homogeneous], then it is also very hard to truly [touch/convince] them.

Then this time how did Taobao Guangguang and Zhang Zhehan tightly grasp the “password” to fandoms?

1) Communicating with fans across space and making a powerful official announcement through a short film

On June 8, Taobao’s official weibo “Multi-purpose Taobao” (currently changed its name to: It’s too good to shop at Taobao) firstly uploaded a Weibo post, throwing out a question with clues attached, the first word of each sentence gives “张这喊/Zhang Zhe Han”, and their pronunciation forming an acrostic poem of Zhang Zhehan, this ingenious post got fans of Zhang Zhehan to one after another start guessing, “Is that the person I’m thinking of?”

On the other side, Zhang Zhehan’s studio also uploaded a set of pictures, at the same time hinting to fans “multi-purpose”, responding to the doubts of fans. Through this questioning and answering, Taobao’s official weibo and Zhang Zhehan completed a conversation across space, triggering the attention of thousands of fans and their spontaneous circulation (of the news).

After this conversation across space, Zhang Zhehan’s Guangguang account also officially opened. Taobao’s official weibo account and Zhang Zhehan’s Guangguang account together also posted a short film to start [预热/hyping up] (fans). And on 10 June Taobao’s official weibo officially announced that Zhang Zhehan has become its first “Taobao official (positive) energy official and Taobao Guangguang’s (positive) energy ambassador”.

In life Zhang Zhehan can stay true to himself (even) in this complex world and this kind of rich internal and external state, [is in perfect harmony/perfectly fits] the “(positive) energy” Taobao Guangguang wants to express this time. In the video, going from far to near, the energy space is fully displayed in front of the camera. The shadow in the energy space changes, the amount of energy moves, fully [expanding/stretching] Zhang Zhehan’s mysterious, trendy and high-class feeling.

2. VLOG gathering [strength/energy], [reaping/collecting] the attention of fans

On the Taobao platform, this time Taobao Guangguang and Zhang Zhehan together created 4 vlogs based on real-life situations which gathers the ‘energy’ of fans to gradually unlock each exclusive vlog.

The 4 vlogs all come from real-life situations, be it blending a fruit juice, varied golf, choosing outfits and skincare, all of which incorporate hobbies of Zhang Zhehan: Zhang Zhehan personally likes eating apples; his golf skills are very good; seeks simple outfit pairings and pays great care to skincare.  

At the same time, this vlog simulates/imitates/mimics a real-life scenario of Zhang Zhehan interacting with a friend from a first-person point of view/manner, it is highly interactive. And for fans watching the vlog, what’s in it isn’t fictional like a character a celebrity acts out, rather it is how Zhang Zhehan is in real life.

After the first vlog was uploaded, the Taobao Guangguang “Energy box plan” was activated simultaneously. Fans can not only unlock 4 exclusive vlogs by collecting ‘energy’, they can also attach the respective topic hashtag and publish their own original content to participate in the interaction. And from there stand a chance to win an exclusive limited edition Zhang Zhehan & Taobao Guangguang energy box [...].

To fans, although the collaboration between Taobao Guangguang and Zhang Zhehan started not long ago, Taobao Guangguang’s strong regard towards Zhang Zhehan (the collab) and the effort put in, is what really touched them.  

Recently many fan-created memes of Zhang Zhehan and Taobao Guangguang’s mascot Wang Zai came up on weibo, the cute and friendly style also brought Taobao Guangguang [beyond its circle/to the public’s view] (ie.shopping).

3) From the start Taobao Guangguang gathering the potential energy of content

From the start, connecting celebrity, fans and the platform The profile of Taobao’s official weibo has never changed, but this time it’s different.

Zhang Zhehan hugs Taobao Guangguang’s Wang Zai, forming the ‘Tao’ of Taobao, this is also the first time Taobao’s official weibo used a celebrity in their profile picture.

On one hand, Taobao official weibo’s never before in history change of its profile picture is an ingenious [design/plan] to close the gap between the platform and fans and let fans feel how greatly Taobao sees Zhang Zhehan as its “Taobao official (positive) energy official and Taobao Guangguang’s (positive) energy ambassador” ;on the other hand, we can also see how Taobao treats Taobao Guangguang, and how greatly it views and puts in effort on the [ecosystem/biodiversity] of its content.

So far the topic #Going to Taobao Guangguang with Zhang Zhehan# has been read 8 hundred million times, discussed more than 1,465,000 times; and the number of interactions with the event page on Taobao has surpassed 7 million, with the 3rd vlog to be unlocked soon.

Be it Taobao’s official weibo changing its profile picture, conversing across space to hype up (the promotion), or mobilising the fan base through real-life scenario vlogs, Taobao Guangguang has noticed the emotional preferences of younger fans, and started working from real-life scenarios with the celebrity, and narrowed the gap between fans, celebrity and the platform. At the same time swiftly placing the “a content community filled with (positive) energy” image of Taobao Guangguang into the hearts of the young consumers, completing one three-way celebrity marketing experience between celebrity, fans and platform.

Taobao Guangguang gathering massive content [biodiversity/ecosystem] energy

According to figures, 67.8% of users believe that contents that would [influence a person to buy/种草]  has a very huge influence on the final decision to purchase, 74% of users have bought products that were recommended to them, and 80.7% of users will complete their purchase within a week of being recommended.

In April at the peak of Taobao Guangguang’s content [biodiversity/ecosystem] there is a new set of data: Every month more than half of the users read the content on Taobao, (and) the time they take is getting longer and longer; more than ⅓ of the time is used to read content, (and) the scope of content recommendation is getting bigger and bigger, (with) ⅓ of orders purchased through the content.

Evidently, the age of content [recommendation/种草] has arrived.

Taobao Guangguang depends on Taobao, which itself has an enormous consumer base and millions upon millions of traffic. And at the same time through using this presentation method of short videos + pictures and words, it has also allowed the creative content of users to be richer and full of life, close to the real-life scenarios of consumers.

In Guangguang, consumers can swiftly complete this journey of purchasing recommendations through browsing recommendations, clicking on the link to understand more about the product and place orders. Just like how this time in the fruit juice vlog that Zhang Zhehan uploaded, there were many fans who shared the blender brand that Zhang Zhehan endorses under the hashtag #Challenge (making) the same type of Zhang Zhehan healthy fruit juice#. Using its content Taobao Guangguang connects consumers and brands together, bringing about a one-stop ‘being influenced to buy’ consumption experience.

In 2020 during the Christmas celebration period, Taobao Guangguang once launched a celebrity Christmas party (on its platform), with Ouyang Nana, Lin Yun, Qiao Xin, Ma Boqian, Zhang Tianai etc 30 artistes to share their Christmas outfit combo inspirations. And during the Spring Festival period, Fu Qing, SNH48, boy group S.K.Y etc more than 20 artistes produced an exquisite Spring Festival short film which revolved around the theme of #My Spring Festival short film#. The environment of Guangguang allows for a more direct relationship between celebrities and Taobao, currently Guangguang is also preparing to customise more activities and programs for celebrities to attract more of them to join.

This time starting from changing its profile picture, Taobao has tailor-made for “Taobao official (positive) energy official and Taobao Guangguang (positive) energy ambassador” Zhang Zhehan and his fans a different celebrity marketing. It can be seen that Guangguang as a central platform for content [hatched/conceived] out of Taobao, is an important step in Taobao’s content biodiversity setup, in order for Taobao to reconstruct the user content consuming scene and dominate the e-commerce content recommendation market which gathers the strong consumption power of youths.