"Qin Wei, since you have forgotten about the past, then let me tell you.
In the past, our families were rivals, but you tell me, how many sisterly relationships in our industry can really be trusted?
No one knew that privately we didn't know each other at all. You competed against me and tried to outshine me. No matter how big a star someone is, unless they can really become independent, they can't escape the company's arrangements, especially with someone as overbearing as He Hong, would she allow artists to not listen to her?"
...
"So even now, it's the same?"
...
"Do you want to hear the truth?"
...
...
A few months ago, due to some coincidences, Qiao Sixiao and Qin Wei had the opportunity to become tourism ambassadors for Southwest China, shooting some promotional materials. The night before the shoot, the two of them sat together and talked through the night.
In addition to discussing the script and subsequent arrangements, they also discussed some secrets that they had sworn to never tell anyone else -
"For this drama, in addition to the sponsoring brand and investment companies, many entertainment companies have also invested, including He Hong's. She invested a modest amount under the name of Huanyi Entertainment. But what she doesn't know is that I also invested through an overseas account under my brother and sister-in-law's names."
Qiao Sixiao said.
Qin Wei raised a question: "Wouldn't your mom recognize your brother and sister-in-law?"
"What do you think?"
Qiao Sixiao looked at her as if she was an idiot.
"My biological elder brother, same father and mother. It's just that my mom didn't quite approve of his marriage, so my brother left the country in anger when he got married. Now that they have a child, relationship got better...I digress. Anyway, my brother and sister-in-law have been investing in things, which my mom knows. It wouldn't be strange for my brother to invest using his account."
Qin Wei was stunned, then poured herself a glass of juice:
"Couldn't you just invest under your own name?"
"Would she let me?"
"She controls this too? She shouldn't control this. It doesn't affect your work. Why not let you earn money..."
"I'm trying to earn money to pay for the termination fee with her."
Qin Wei drank a whole glass of juice in one go, just to calm her shock:
"So this is your secret! Don't tell me this!!! Why??? What are you trying to do?? With your current status, popularity and resources, which didn't come from your mom's efforts??"
"It's been almost ten years since my debut. But my contract with her still has 12 more years. I still have to listen to her orders for 12 more years. Qin Wei, do you know what this means?"
Qin Wei: "A slave for 12 years."
Qiao Sixiao: "I..."
"I'm kidding! I can understand. Being used as a money-making tool by your boss and agent all day and night, working non-stop. I've been experiencing the same recently. Just terminate the contract!"
Qin Wei said before she could get mad, then became serious again,
"So you want to secretly invest and earn money through your brother because that's most reliable, right?"
Qiao Sixiao nodded: "Yes."
Qin Wei fell into thought, then had an epiphany. She poured herself another glass of juice and drank it all before speaking again,
"Then...you're taking me in as an investor too???"
"Not as stupid as I thought."
Qiao Sixiao finally smiled,
"You'll be paid your contracted salary for starring. And after I receive returns on the investment, I'll also give you a share. The amount won't disappoint you.
Also, Huanyi found out your contract duration is very short. If you're willing, after I terminate my contract, I plan to start my own independent company or studio, and sincerely invite you to join. What I can promise you is that we split all my annual income every year. As for specifics, we can discuss later."
The corners of Qin Wei's mouth couldn't help perking up. All this sounded very tempting!
"But why me?"
Qin Wei asked her.
"Because you have high popularity, you work very hard, and your image and abilities can fully match that role. When I was reading the novel, as soon as that character appeared, you were the first person I thought of."
Qiao Sixiao paused,
"Most importantly, you're my only friend I can trust in this industry."
Qin Wei was stunned into silence for a long time.
Qiao Sixiao was in no hurry for her to respond, only saying,
"Go back and think it over carefully..."
"Alright, since you asked me, I'll agree. From now on, I'll listen to you and make trouble together with you. I have nothing to lose anyway, and I can even make money. Maybe I can even gain a position like an executive, second executive, lady boss! *sighs* So in the future I can arrogantly look down on others!"
"First, stop drinking high sugar beverages, weight management is very important!
Second, keep this to ourselves, only the two of us need to know,
Third, we still have to interact normally in daily life, no abnormalities..."
Qin Wei impatiently flicked her ears: "How much is your termination fee?"
"3 billion."
"Holy crap! Is that your mom? Are you adopted? Let your mom go kill people and smuggle goods in Southeast Asia or something! Who has that much money? Crazy???"
"It's because she's my biological mom that she dares to do this. And it's also because I was young at that time that I dared to sign. This is legal in Huaguo too."
Qiao Sixiao took the glass that Qin Wei had just filled with juice and put it aside, continuing to say,
"12 years, 3 billion. She said the money I give her is for her retirement fund too. If that day really comes, we would have already torn apart our mother-daughter relationship. She won't be expecting me to see her anymore."
"Termination would be difficult then..."
"Gotta keep working hard to earn enough money to get out early!"
"Is it worth it? So expensive!"
Qin Wei asked.
Qiao Sixiao shook her head:
"It really is too expensive, but freedom is so tempting."
"Then spend less, be thrifty, realize your wish faster!"
"If I suddenly spend less, He Hong will find it strange. I don't want her to check my accounts through shady means. Also, no billionaire got rich by saving money..."
Qiao Sixiao said as she took out her laptop,
"I'll draft a contract for you, but no one can see it..."
"No need."
Qin Wei closed her laptop,
"Now it's your turn to answer a question from me. If you agree, we don't need a contract. Let's just pinky promise."
Qiao Sixiao hesitated:
"Isn't that too casual?"
"Because I trust you too."
Qin Wei smiled,
"You're also the person I trust the most. If I still need a written contract with you, then there's no meaning left in this world."
"Ask away."
"Promise me the money earned won't violate conscience, won't betray the fans and ordinary people, won't betray the country. Every cent of taxes owed must be paid in full, no shortchanging the government for personal gain."
"That's it?"
"That's it."
Qiao Sixiao sighed: "These are basic responsibilities for any person. I promise."
Qin Wei hooked her little finger in front of her and shook it. Qiao Sixiao rolled her eyes but also reached out her hand to lock pinkies.
Qin Wei said,
"From now on, we two bros are on the same ship. Your dad will never let you down. I also hope that when the day comes, son, do not forget to be filial to your dad...
But for now, I will keep your secrets and likewise hope you can believe me and resume your normal life."
Pinky promise made, cooperation deal reached.
...
Qin Wei's coughing interrupted Qiao Sixiao's thoughts. By the time she came back to her senses, Li Liang had already brought over a glass of water, but she fiercely pushed it away.
"Sis..."
Li Liang almost fell, spilling water all over herself. She was somewhat wrongfully aggrieved.
Qin Wei pressed her palm to her forehead and softly uttered two words:
"Get lost..."
She slowly raised her head to look at Li Liang. Her icy cold gaze combined with her detached, indifferent tone made Li Liang feel a chill down her spine.
Is the air conditioning too cold...?
Li Liang shivered. With the corner of her eye, she glanced at the air conditioner - only 27 degrees Celsius.
