Song Yi took a few days off and arranged a meeting with Liu Zhenzhen to discuss terminating their contract. Liu Zhenzhen was extremely reluctant, but Song Yi had already made up his mind, so he could only reluctantly agree. They scheduled the meeting for eleven o’clock.

Song Yi changed into a formal suit. While buttoning his pants, he noticed they were a bit tight. It seemed he had gained some weight recently. This dangerous signal made Song Yi feel alarmed. As an actor, he feared gaining weight. An extra three pounds could look like ten pounds on camera.

Determined to take action, Song Yi dug out his gym membership card and booked several private training sessions.

When they arrived at Liu Zhenzhen’s office, Song Yi and he began discussing the contract termination. Liu Zhenzhen, unwilling to let go, proposed numerous conditions to convince Song Yi to stay, but he refused each one.

In the end, Liu Zhenzhen was on the verge of tears. He couldn’t bear to part with this rare and talented artist, but unfortunately, Song Yi’s resolve was as strong as iron. With a heavy heart, Liu Zhenzhen signed the termination agreement.

Song Yi, having regained his three-year contract, suddenly felt a sense of relief and freedom.

He left Liu Zhenzhen’s office and pressed the elevator button. As soon as the elevator doors opened, Song Yi saw two imposing bodyguards in stiff black suits and sunglasses. If not for their different skin tones, they could have been mistaken for identical twins.

Inside the elevator, alongside the bodyguards, was a well-maintained middle-aged man who appeared to be in his forties. Dressed in a gray casual suit, he had sharp facial features. He glanced at Song Yi, lowered his chin, and smiled slightly.

The gesture was simple yet conveyed proper etiquette and the humility of a superior. It was clear that this man was accustomed to giving orders and exuded the aura of a powerful figure.

Song Yi remained calm and composed, responding with a smile. He walked into the elevator and pressed the button for the next floor.

The man watched his upright posture with a thoughtful expression.

When Song Yi exited the hall, he spotted a familiar figure in the rest area.

Gu Xingchuan, who rarely wore formal attire, had styled his usually messy and fluffy hair with gel, giving him a more mature appearance.

Normally, he looked like a boy, but now he had the presence of a man.

The middle-aged man walked directly toward Gu Xingchuan and sat on the opposite sofa. As soon as he sat down, one bodyguard bent down and respectfully handed him a cigar, while the other bodyguard took out a lighter and carefully lit it. The scene exuded a powerful aura, reminiscent of a godfather.

Song Yi guessed the man’s identity but didn’t expect Gu Xingchuan’s father to look so young, making it hard to connect him with the financial tycoon who dominated Wall Street.

Gu Shaoyuan waved, and one of the bodyguards leaned in to listen closely to his command, glancing repeatedly at Song Yi. After receiving his instructions, the bodyguard walked over with large strides.

“Hello, the chairman would like to invite you to lunch. Are you available?”

Song Yi was momentarily stunned, his eyes lighting up. He smiled and nodded, “It would be my honor.”

—