In the Years When I Was a Father

Chapter 18: The Playboy Dad (18)

Four years had passed, and the old man’s health remained strong. Over these years, there were fewer worries, his son had become more sensible, and his grandsons were all more outstanding than the last. Old Qi looked more radiant and full of vigor than ever.

Today was an especially important day for the Qi Group. Qi Wenyan, the heir to the Qi family, was officially appointed as the General Manager of Qi Group, taking charge of all matters, big and small.

Qi Sheng, as one of the major shareholders, also attended the appointment ceremony.

Looking at the confident and composed young man on stage, Qi Sheng couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride and satisfaction.

When the banquet began, people came one after another to toast him. Qi Sheng didn’t refuse anyone, his good mood evident. But there was always someone who, with ill intent, couldn’t help but throw a jab: “It must be tough for young General Manager Qi to take on such a big responsibility at such a young age. Now, Qi Sheng, you can finally enjoy the good life!”

Qi Sheng smiled, seemingly unaware of the meaning behind the words, and proudly said, “Of course, my son is exceptional. Sometimes, there’s just nothing you can do!”

After saying that, he didn’t entertain the person any further and moved on to the next round of socializing.

The person smiled but inwardly sneered. What a showoff! The future path of Qi Group was far from certain, and recalling the rumors he had heard, a smirk crept onto his face. Brothers fighting for power, the heir fighting the illegitimate son… heh, there was a good show coming up!

In the banquet hall, glasses clinked and conversations flowed, with everyone seemingly wearing a mask. Qi Wenyan politely toasted a few senior members, handling their superficial pleasantries with ease. After finishing those, he seized the opportunity to slip out to the small room’s balcony to get some fresh air.

“What’s wrong, can’t take it anymore?” Qi Wenyu turned around and smiled at him. Qi Wenyan rubbed his stiff face and shot Qi Wenyu a glare. “You didn’t think to come help me out? Those old foxes really won’t let me off easy…”

“You’ll have to get used to it. Look at Dad, he’s so at ease, completely unaffected!”

Thinking about how calm and composed their father always was, Qi Wenyan shook his head. Old age really does bring wisdom!

“Where’s Xiao Feng? I haven’t seen him around,” Qi Wenyan frowned and said, scanning the hall but not spotting him.

“Given how the news has been spreading today… he’s probably gone to his Mom’s place,” Qi Wenyu said, not feeling much sympathy for their younger brother, and they continued enjoying the breeze.

Zhou Yan had swept the teacups and vases off the table, and was still looking for something to throw. Qi Wenfeng could only sit by in silence, neither stopping her nor offering any advice.

After Zhou Yan finished throwing a tantrum, she couldn’t help but turn and ask him, “What’s going on with you these past few years? How could the old man let that kid take charge so smoothly? Didn’t you also become a department manager? Didn’t the old man always value you? How come he didn’t mention you at all today?”

“Mom, there can’t be two tigers on one mountain. Grandpa has always worried that the older generation in the company won’t respect Qi Wenyan because he’s young. If he arranged for another competitive brother right now, it would just create chaos in the company. Grandpa is thinking about the stability of the group,” Qi Wenfeng replied, not intending to keep lying to his mother anymore. Qi Wenyan had already firmly established his position in the company, and he didn’t have to worry about his mother causing trouble.

“So you’ve been completely abandoned! The Qi family is really bullying you!”

Zhou Yan was losing her mind. She had hoped that once her son graduated from college, he would take on a significant role in the company. But now, it seemed like he had ended up with nothing. Her eyes narrowed as she thought about the possible reasons.

Watching her closely, Qi Wenfeng quickly interrupted her spiraling thoughts, “Mom, stop thinking about it. I never intended to inherit the Qi family business. When Dad spoke to me back then, he clearly said that the Qi family’s future would be Qi Wenyan’s. I…”

Before Qi Wenfeng could finish, a loud slap rang across his face. Zhou Yan, tearful and disbelieving, screamed, “So all these years you’ve been lying to me! Everything you’ve done was just to trick me! Qi Wenfeng, you really listen to your dad, huh? You’re truly your dad’s good son!”

Qi Wenfeng lowered his head, looking at his mother, who was crying uncontrollably, and felt a wave of helplessness.

“Mom, do you see me as your son, or just a tool for you to gain the Qi family’s wealth? You and Dad were just ordinary lovers, and he gave you what you were owed. Why do you have to covet what isn’t yours?”

Zhou Yan, stunned, forgot to cry. Looking at her son, who had become even more outstanding, and listening to his questions, she didn’t know how to respond. He was, of course, her dearest son, but…

Qi Wenfeng didn’t want to stay there any longer. Finally, he said somewhat coldly, “Stop thinking about any other schemes. With Qi family’s standing in Hai City, before your plan even takes off, they’ll send you straight to prison. If you don’t want me to visit you there in the future, you’d better stop doing as you please! I have my own business now and won’t work at Qi Group anymore.”

After saying that, no matter how Zhou Yan tried to hold him back, he left without turning back. Once Qi Wenfeng got into the car, he rubbed his aching face, hoping that his harsh words would wake his mother up.

He hadn’t planned to go home, but as he drove out of the neighborhood, he saw his father’s car parked outside. When his father saw him, he couldn’t help but roll down the window and wave at him, while Qi Wenyu, sitting in the passenger seat, also leaned out to greet him.

Qi Wenfeng found it amusing. Was he really that fragile?

He drove to a nearby restaurant they often visited, parked, and directly went to their usual private room.

It wasn’t long before his father came in with his two brothers.

“I’m telling you, do you really have to go this far?” Qi Wenfeng couldn’t help but complain.

Qi Sheng walked up and gently touched his son’s slightly reddened cheek, his voice full of concern. “You’ve been hit.”

Qi Wenfeng, feeling a little embarrassed, turned his face away and tried to act tough. “It’s not a big deal!”

“That’s right, my son is right!” Qi Sheng said dramatically, making Qi Wenfeng want to ignore him.

Qi Wenyan took the ice pack from the waiter, and once they left, handed it over to Qi Wenfeng. “Apply this, or else people will think we’re bullying you!”

Qi Wenfeng irritably placed the ice pack on his face, feeling like he didn’t want to see these people at all!

Seeing that his mood didn’t seem to be greatly affected, the three of them felt relieved and began to pick out their favorite dishes.

The next day, Qi Sheng came to Qi Wenfeng’s room and saw him fiddling with a pile of musical instruments. He took the documents in his hand and sat down on the sofa.

Qi Sheng waved his hand. “Son, come here.”

Qi Wenfeng looked puzzled but still obediently walked over to his father.

“What’s this?” Qi Wenfeng asked curiously.

“The stock transfer agreement for Sunflower Entertainment.”

This entertainment company was set up a few years ago at the request of the original owner, with the primary intention being to help him pick up girls in the entertainment industry. Unfortunately, not long after its establishment, Qi Sheng got involved, and his attention was diverted. The Qi family’s focus wasn’t on this company, so the old man didn’t pay much attention to it. He mainly left it in the hands of a professional manager.