"Why open a nightclub? I... don't know either."
If Qi Hao were to open a nightclub, it would definitely be to make money.
But how much money can you really make from a nightclub? Someone like Gao Yang, with billions, surely wouldn't care for that.
He looked like a kid returning home, back to his hometown, opening a place just like the one it used to be.
"Even if I do nothing now, my next three to five generations would find it hard to spend all the money I have, but people need to do something to not feel too empty."
Gao Yang had a face full of melancholy; being invincible was truly lonely.
Back in the '80s, when he started off in life, his only dream was to become a ten-thousand-yuan household.
Twenty years passed, and ten thousand yuan was just enough for him to give to his lackeys.
"I understand what you mean, Brother Yang. You want to diversify into multiple industries. Your broad vision is truly admirable."
Qi Hao spoke frankly. Over these years, he had also made some money, which he mostly kept in the bank after buying a house and covering daily expenses.
"It's not that exaggerated; I just want to raise the bar. You wouldn't know how people view us coal bosses. They say we wear Pierre Cardin while spitting, running red lights with our Rolls Royces, and it's not entirely wrong, haha~"
Gao Yang said with a bitter smile.
In recent years, coal bosses with their little fur jackets, gold watches, and two bodyguards in Land Rovers and Hummers have always been the poster boys for hostility and misunderstanding.
"Well, making movies is indeed quite prestigious," Qi Hao nodded.
More and more coal bosses have been investing in movies in recent years, mainly because they have too much money and nowhere to spend it, and they want to support their mistresses on the side.
Their logic for investing in films isn't for art or sentiment; it's purely for "being extraordinary," genuinely and unaffectedly "being extraordinary."
However, Gao Yang wasn't wrong to worry.
Coal bosses often get ripped off when they make movies because everyone takes advantage of the fact that they don't know the trade.
"Let's see if there's a chance to collaborate. I trust you, and I hope you trust me. I, Gao Yang, won't let my friends suffer."
Gao Yang looked at the drink in his glass, clinked with Qi Hao, and downed it in one go.
"Thanks, Brother Yang, for considering me a friend. From now on, we're friends."
Qi Hao also drained his glass.
This opportunity came his way, so why not take it?
He knew Gao Yang was the type who could navigate both the underworld and the legitimate world. The process of amassing wealth wasn't always glorious.
But Qi Hao, though only twenty-six, had been in society for ten years already; he had long lost the naïveté of a child. He wouldn't foolishly believe that working hard always leads to a good life.
Among these tycoons, there were hardly any who became billionaires with entirely clean hands.
Moreover, without some tactics, it's hard to find a footing in the entertainment circle.
"Recently, I heard someone named Ziwen is causing you trouble. Need me to lend a hand?"
Now that their relationship had progressed, Gao Yang was visibly friendlier.
"Ah, no need, no need, there's no need to use Brother Yang's tactics. Ziwen and I have ended our contract. I'm currently preparing to set up my own studio."
Qi Hao quickly stopped him.
Firstly, he didn't want Gao Yang to use so-called tactics for him in the entertainment circle.
Secondly, Ziwen was already pitiful enough.
It had passed; Ziwen had already turned the page.
"Haha, little brother, are you worried I might use unconventional tactics?" Gao Yang seemed to pick up on Qi Hao's concerns and laughed, "You're overthinking it. Whether it's running a venue or mining, I've never resorted to unconventional tactics. To stand firm and go far, you've got to have a clear head."
"Brother Yang is absolutely right!"
Whether it was true or not, Qi Hao really appreciated this attitude.
Getting involved with the underworld is a dead end!
"Thanks for coming to support me this time. Joking about the one yuan—I've just ordered a new car but haven't picked it up yet. I'll gift it to you as a token of our friendship."
Gao Yang wouldn't take advantage of his younger brother like that; it would detract from his sense of accomplishment.
"Then I won't hold back."
Clearly, Qi Hao's straightforwardness made Gao Yang very pleased.
After chatting for a while, night fell, and the nightclub's opening event officially kicked off.
Most of the guests were friends coming to show support.
Even though Gao Yang had left the capital for Shanxi in previous years, he hadn't completely abandoned his connections here.
Moreover, once a person becomes rich, their network naturally expands.
Everyone who had dealt with him before, and those who wanted to get connected now, took this chance to send a bouquet or bring a good bottle of wine to support him.
After the ribbon cutting, Qi Hao finally got to perform on stage.
When he walked onstage with his guitar, the guests recognized him immediately.
Gao Yang was seated at the head table. A man with a large tattooed arm saw the big star Qi Hao and immediately started to flatter him.
"Only Brother Yang can easily invite a star of this caliber."
Gao Yang's previously smiling face immediately turned cold, and he said mildly, "Qi Hao is my brother."
"Ah... ah..." The man with the large tattooed arm seemed like something was stuck in his throat; he couldn't find his voice at all.
He hadn't expected that Gao Yang, the big boss, would speak up for Qi Hao, let alone leave him no face at all.
"Haha, come on, let's drink; friendship is eternal. I like this song!"
Fortunately, someone else helped to smooth things over.
Everyone's attention was diverted to Qi Hao's singing and playing.
But their hearts were definitely not so calm.
Gao Yang was known for being kind, always leaving others some face; he was like an elder brother to many in their circle.
Clearly, Qi Hao held significant weight in his heart, prompting him to unceremoniously knock the other person down a peg.
"How can one forget old friends / How can one not think of them / Old friends cannot be forgotten / Friendship lasts forever / We once wandered day by day / On the green hills of our hometown / We also went through hardships / Running around everywhere...
Someone was keeping up with the rhythm of the singer on stage.
Gradually, a collective singing formed in the bar.
Most of the people here today are from Gao Yang's era, in their forties and fifties, not fond of "Ice Age" or "Rabbit Dance."
They prefer to reminisce about the old times.
When they were young, they had groups of friends. Later... each went their separate ways for life. And later... there were fewer and fewer friends around.
Qi Hao's singing and strumming skills aren't particularly impressive.
Anyone slightly more professional could outperform him easily.
But his voice is deep, without technique, and full of emotion.
Making quite a few people start to wipe their tears.
When the song ended, a warm round of applause erupted.
"Next up is Ye Qianwen's 'Spring Breeze and Autumn Rain,' congratulating Brother Yang on the grand opening of his bar."
The Coal Boss loves karaoke, especially picking Cantonese songs.
Because in their youth, Cantonese dominated the pop music scene.
Even if their Cantonese pronunciation is a mess, it doesn't affect them enjoying themselves.
After singing two songs, Qi Hao handed the stage over to the professionals.
"Qi Hao, come sit over here."
Gao Yang called out, then patted the seat next to him—everyone realized it had been reserved for Qi Hao.
It seems Qi Hao is indeed not just a performer invited here.
"Everyone, my singing was off, I'll punish myself with three drinks!"
Qi Hao played his absolute advantage—having an enormous alcohol tolerance.
The others echoed him enthusiastically, even the heavily tattooed guy who called him an actor earlier stood up cheerfully to clink glasses, despite being in his forties, he addressed him as "Hao."
Those who make a name for themselves, truly aren't too stubborn.
After finishing the commercial performance at the bar, Qi Hao didn't immediately confirm the task completion upon returning home.
For the past few days, he hadn't interacted with actors much, and probably wouldn't find any suitable candidates, so he might as well wait until after attending the premiere of "Oath of Allegiance" the next day.
In occasions like this, most leading actors participate.
Additionally, influential people from the circle are invited to attend.
Moreover, Qi Hao didn't want to tire himself out too much, as confirming task completion prompts immediate release of a new one by the system.
For a newly debuted artist, such a fast pace is beneficial for career development, but for Qi Hao, who's already successful, it's somewhat overwhelming.
Yes, Ziwen also can't take it.
"Oath of Allegiance" had a grand premiere in the capital.
Qi Hao, as the third male lead, walked the red carpet with the first and second leads.
Li Lianjie and Liu Dehua are big figures in the entertainment industry, their influence shakes the whole circle.
But today, unquestionably, they couldn't overshadow Qi Hao.
Recent news has been all about the mistreatment of Qi Hao by Ziwen.
The whole internet was rallying for Qi Hao's injustice.
One would think Ziwen would tone down out of consideration for everyone's opinion, but unexpectedly, they intensified their actions.
Even forcing Qi Hao to sing in bars!
Can you imagine Huang Xiaoming singing in bars? Can you imagine Zhou Xun singing in bars?
Oh, Zhou Xun sang in bars before?
That was in the past, not anymore.
Anyway, whether Qi Hao sings in bars is unimportant, but Ziwen disregarding the sentiment of us netizens is serious!
"Qi Hao, Qi Hao, is it true you're being mistreated by Ziwen?"
"False, false!"
In the freezing weather, Qi Hao was surrounded and unable to move, while Li Lianjie and Liu Dehua, despite promising brotherhood, ran away ungratefully before any harm was done.
I'm surrounded by so many reporters, feeling as fragile as walking on ice, wondering when I can reach the other side of the red carpet.
"Qi Hao, why are you singing in bars?"
"Sorry, just supporting a friend, everyone misunderstood. I've ended all my contracts with Ziwen, I'm very grateful to Boss Ma for all his care over the years, please don't misunderstand."
"No misunderstanding, Ziwen went too far!"
"Sob sob, such a good person, forced by Ziwen into this state."
"Number Seven, we will always support you!"
"Number Seven, be brave!"
"Sunshine follows the rain..."
"Believe there will be a rainbow..."
"Face all the storms..."
"We will always be by your side..."
Who knew it would turn into a choir? The combined presence of fans and media nearly caused an incident.
The director hurried past with the lead actress, avoiding like avoiding the plague.
Qi Hao's cries for help swallowed by silence.
Sister-in-law, is this fair to me and big brother?