In the Years When I Was a Father

Chapter 43: The Gangster Dad (End)

In recent years, Qi Wei had become the envy of everyone in the entertainment industry. Whether it was film and TV resources, advertising endorsements, or brand deals, any one of these alone would be enough to make countless people jealous, yet he had all three!

There were so many people who were jealous of him, and many secretly hoped he would fall from grace soon. Now, hearing that Qi Wei’s contract with Xingyu was about to expire, many were curious about what path he would take next.

After becoming famous, many popular artists choose to set up their own studios. This way, they can save a significant portion of what would otherwise go to the company, and they can focus on securing the best resources for themselves. However, Qi Wei’s situation was a bit more complicated.

He had signed a ten-year contract, and the big boss behind it had supported him solidly for ten years. Now, Qi Wei had become Xingyu’s golden goose and their top star, making it very hard for him to leave.

A lot of people in the industry were eagerly awaiting a good drama to unfold, wondering if Qi Wei would leave Xingyu to start his own career or if he would obediently stay with the company as a well-behaved artist. But neither of these options were ideal for Qi Wei, who had already achieved so much.

Leaving Xingyu meant breaking away from the powerful boss behind him. The person who had put so much effort into making him a star wouldn’t let him leave easily.

But staying with Xingyu had its own awkwardness. Even though Qi Wei’s abilities were outstanding, some still looked at him through colored glasses, seeing him as nothing more than a puppet controlled by the big boss.

Qi Wei was troubled by this situation. It wasn’t that he wanted to start his own studio or escape the control of Mr. Bai, but he couldn’t quite grasp Mr. Bai’s intentions.

While he had worked hard for the past ten years, Qi Wei knew that without Mr. Bai’s support, he wouldn’t have achieved this level of success. He was grateful for the training Mr. Bai had provided and was willing to stay and continue being a money-making asset for him, but he feared that Mr. Bai might no longer see him as necessary.

When he signed the contract, Qi Wei hadn’t thought that far ahead. In his mind, ten years seemed like a long enough time, but now that the ten years had passed in the blink of an eye, he wondered if Mr. Bai might feel that the number of projects he had worked on was sufficient and might want him to step down. “Dad, what should I do if Mr. Bai doesn’t want me on the screen anymore?”

Qi Wei hadn’t taken on any new projects recently. Besides needing some rest, he was also thinking about his soon-to-expire contract and felt a bit frustrated.

Qi Sheng, who had been playing a game, paused and was puzzled by his son’s concerns.

“When you signed the contract, it was for ten years. Mr. Bai has invested heavily in promoting you over these years, probably wanting to see you contribute enough work within that time. Now that the ten years are almost up, if he feels that your mission is complete and doesn’t need you to be on screen anymore, I…”

Although Qi Wei was grateful for Mr. Bai’s help, the idea of giving up his current career to repay that favor was really difficult for him. He knew it might seem selfish or ungrateful, but the career he had worked so hard to build was not something he was willing to just let go of.

“Son, are you overthinking this? Ten years might just be the term of the contract. You’re so popular now, who would want to hide you?” Qi Sheng reassured him.

Qi Wei felt that his father didn’t fully understand, so he explained, “When Xue Yuan signed me, he said it was because I looked like Mr. Bai’s son that I got these opportunities. Mr. Bai hasn’t even asked to meet me over the years, so I think what he wants is just the work I produce. If he feels that he has enough of my work and doesn’t want to support me anymore, or if he’s worried I’ll damage the image of his son, the easiest way would be to just let me quit the industry.”

This was Qi Wei’s guess after several failed attempts to meet Mr. Bai, who had given him both well-received and box-office-successful projects, but others seemed more like stepping stones for him to win awards.

Qi Wei couldn’t imagine any businessman who would promote him without considering profits. The only explanation that made sense was that Mr. Bai wanted to see his “son” achieve success, and now that his stand-in had fulfilled his mission, perhaps it was time for him to retire or move on.

Qi Sheng, hearing his son’s analysis, felt both amused and heartbroken. He hadn’t realized how much pressure his son had been under.

Qi Sheng began to comfort him. “It’s not as bad as you think. Even if you leave Xingyu, Mr. Bai won’t blacklist you. At least, not because of his son. He wouldn’t do that to you.”

Seeing the worry in his son’s eyes, Qi Sheng continued, “Even if you decide to leave the industry, it’s okay. I’ve seen how hard you’ve worked, and I’ve always hoped you could rest. We’ve saved enough money these years. You’ve always wanted to open a shop, right? Now’s your chance to make it happen.”

Qi Wei couldn’t help but smile. He hadn’t expected his father to so easily let go of the tempting benefits of the industry. But hearing his father’s comforting words, he felt a bit better.

Yes, compared to the past when he had to struggle to earn money, now he had enough capital to start a new life. Even if it came to leaving the entertainment industry, he should be content.

Although he reassured himself, Qi Wei still felt somewhat down. Qi Sheng noticed and didn’t press him further.

The very next day, Qi Wei received a call from Xue Yuan.

Arriving at the company, Qi Wei felt nervous. He sensed that Xue Yuan was calling him to discuss his future with the company.

“This is the new renewal contract the company has drafted. Take a good look at it, and if you have any concerns, feel free to raise them. The company really hopes you’ll stay.”

Xue Yuan appeared calm on the surface, but inside he was in turmoil. He couldn’t help but sneak glances at Qi Wei, still baffled by the situation. Mr. Bai was truly an unusual capitalist, treating Qi Wei like his own son rather than just a stand-in.

Qi Wei took the contract and reviewed it carefully, surprised. “Brother Yuan, this…?”

Xue Yuan nodded, his expression somewhat numb. “It’s exactly as you see it. From now on, all income will be split 80/20, with the company taking only 20%. The contract length is based on your preference. If you want to terminate it, you can do so at any time. As for the resources, it will be the same as before—at least one high-quality film or TV series every year. You’ll have more control over the roles you take, and you won’t need to worry about box office results or the impact of the projects.”

Xue Yuan went on to explain the details of the contract, feeling that Mr. Bai had essentially turned Xingyu into Qi Wei’s personal studio, without any of the responsibilities.

Qi Wei’s hand trembled as he held the contract, unable to believe what he was reading. He couldn’t help but ask, “Did the other shareholders or artists have any objections to this?”

Xue Yuan looked at him and smiled. “Five years ago, Mr. Bai became the absolute majority shareholder of Xingyu. Don’t worry, even if the other shareholders have objections, they won’t have a say. As for the other artists, they won’t have any issues either.”

The company’s two major stars were well-compensated and held stakes in the company, so they wouldn’t object. As for the other artists, they had no right to voice their opinions.

Compared to ten years ago, Xingyu had risen to a whole new level. Now, more experienced artists wanted to hitch their wagons to Xingyu’s success. The company’s current artists, who had the experience, would focus on performing well, while not wanting to risk offending the top boss at this point. As for the lesser-known ones, they had no say in the matter.

Qi Wei was still processing the information. When he finally calmed down, he asked, “Did Mr. Bai have anything to say to me? Or could you arrange for me to thank him in person?”

Xue Yuan waved his hand dismissively. “Mr. Bai doesn’t want to meet with you. However, he did say that he’s very satisfied with your efforts over the years. Your achievements have met his expectations. From now on, you don’t need to worry. Just do what you want to do.”

Xue Yuan couldn’t help but mutter to himself after speaking, especially the last two sentences—it was something only a biological father could say!

News of Qi Wei’s contract renewal spread unintentionally, and even the details of the contract were known to many with inside connections. Like Xue Yuan, they couldn’t help but marvel—Chairman Bai must be Qi Wei’s real father, right?

Some who were jealous of Qi Wei to the extreme couldn’t help but wonder if they should get plastic surgery to look like Qi Wei in hopes of earning the favor of the big shot.

But unfortunately, reality would disappoint them. Such luck was exclusive to Qi Wei. For anyone else hoping to rise through their looks, Qi Wei’s answer was simple: “Dream on!”

At the age of thirty-one, Qi Wei not only won another Best Actor award but also resolved his life’s big issue.

“Dad, when Yufei comes later, remember to keep smiling. She’s a bit nervous.”

Qi Sheng nodded with a smile and replied, “Got it, when have I ever been serious?”

Qi Wei continued to give instructions: “After dinner, you’ll ask me to do the dishes. She can’t wash dishes, but she’s been practicing at home a few times and still fumbles a lot.”

Qi Sheng nodded, watching his son, who was also quite nervous. He smiled and said, “Instead of nagging here, why don’t you just go pick her up?”

Qi Wei looked aggrieved. “I would, but she insists on coming by herself.”

Looking at his son, who seemed so useless now that he had a girlfriend, Qi Sheng felt both amused and fond. He reassured his son, “I won’t play the bad guy and break you two up. Look at how nervous you both are. Also, I love Yufei’s music. Haven’t you told her that?”

Qi Wei pouted and retorted, “I’m not nervous. She’s taking it too seriously, and now I’m nervous because of her. I’ve told her I like her songs, but she didn’t believe me.”

Qi Wei’s girlfriend, Lin Yufei, was a well-known rising star in the music world. The two met during a rehearsal for a New Year’s Eve gala. Qi Wei wasn’t great at singing, and it took him a long time to learn a song. During the rehearsal, they happened to sit next to each other, and Lin Yufei kindly offered to teach him. They both took a liking to each other, and later, they started spending time together, meeting for dinners and movies. Over time, they became a couple. After dating for more than a year, Lin Yufei finally gathered the courage to meet Qi Wei’s parents.

The doorbell rang, and Qi Wei signaled his father to open the door. Qi Sheng found it amusing—his son was getting more and more useless now that he had a girlfriend.

“Hello, Uncle!”

When Qi Sheng opened the door, he saw the sweet and lovely Lin Yufei bow deeply to him. Qi Sheng had always liked her music and variety shows, and now seeing her so polite, he was even more satisfied.

“Yufei, right? No need to be so formal, come in.”

It was the first time his future daughter-in-law was visiting. For the sake of his troublesome son, Qi Sheng made sure to show his best side and helped Lin Yufei relax.

“Stinky boy, how did I do today?”

Having just sent Lin Yufei home, Qi Wei returned and was chatting on his phone. Upon hearing his father’s question, he lazily replied, “Very good, very good.”

Qi Sheng was annoyed by his son’s lack of enthusiasm and walked over to give him a slap. “This ungrateful son who forgets his father once he has a wife!”

Although Qi Sheng pretended to be displeased with his son’s increasing lack of maturity, deep down, he was delighted.

At the age of twenty, Qi Wei was incredibly mature, focused solely on seizing opportunities to act and quickly establish himself in the entertainment industry. Now, at thirty, he finally didn’t feel as much pressure and was learning to love like a young man.

Two years later, Qi Sheng joyfully got to hold his granddaughter. Watching the baby still in swaddling clothes and his son smiling with happiness, Qi Sheng felt that his earlier decisions were undoubtedly wise.

At the age of forty, Qi Wei witnessed two shocking events that rocked both the national economic and entertainment sectors.

One was that the renowned Dingsheng Investment Company had transferred 40% of its shares to the state, and the other was a change in the ownership structure of Xingyu Entertainment.

When Qi Wei received the share transfer document from his lawyer, he couldn’t remain calm. He stared at the document, which would take effect as soon as he signed it, and asked again, “Does Chairman Bai still not want to meet me?”

Lawyer Lin apologized and replied, “Mr. Bai has no intention of meeting you.”

Qi Wei hesitated for a long time, unsure whether to accept. Qi Sheng, who had been with him, advised, “Accept it. Think of it as fulfilling Mr. Bai’s wish.”

Qi Wei shook his head, his feelings complicated. Only when he opened the letter that Lawyer Lin had handed him did he finally make up his mind.

The letter was simple, with only one sentence and a signature: “To my son, Qi Wei — Bai.”

Qi Wei couldn’t help but feel his eyes redden. The person who had cultivated and supported him since he was just a regular delivery man, who had spent over twenty years helping him rise in the entertainment industry, was now retiring and transferring Xingyu Entertainment and a large amount of assets to him. And yet, he never had the chance to thank him in person.

Qi Wei didn’t know how Chairman Bai was doing now. Lawyer Lin only said that after handling all his affairs, Chairman Bai had gone to a private island to retire.

Seeing his son so emotional, Qi Sheng took the opportunity to comfort him. “Just think of him as another version of me, watching over you from another corner of the world, protecting you.”

At first, Qi Wei was still feeling down, but when he heard his father praise him like that, he couldn’t help but smile awkwardly and said, “Look at other fathers, then look at you.”

Qi Sheng didn’t like that comment, so he stood up and went to his room.

Qi Wei thought his father was angry and was about to go comfort him, but he saw him come back with a computer.

“Look at this, it’s the account I registered for you the moment you debuted. Every time someone slanders you, I’m the first one to rush in and tear them apart!”

Qi Wei stared at the familiar ID on the screen. He never expected that the big fan who always defended him was actually his father!

Seeing his father’s serious expression, Qi Wei smiled and said, “Alright, alright, you really are my biological father.”

Qi Sheng, satisfied, closed the computer and smiled at his son’s happy expression. “Kid, your old man has many identities. I’ll reveal one to make you happy.”

Now, Qi Wei had become somewhat numb to the envy of others in the industry. His legendary luck in the entertainment world was still something people couldn’t stop talking about.