HONG KONG - When Jaycee Chan steps out of jail in Beijing next week, his parents Jackie Chan and Lin Feng-jiao will not be there to welcome him, the action superstar says.

Jaycee will be freed on Feb 14 in time for Chinese New Year after serving a six-month sentence for a drug offence.

But when told of the rumour that his 32-year-old son is likely to be released on the morning of Valentine's Day, Jackie Chan, 60, said he did not even know the date of Valentine's Day, reported Ming Pao Daily News.

He is stupid and only discovered lately that Christmas Day falls on Dec 25, he explained.

Speaking at a charity event in Hong Kong, he said he did not know when his son would be freed because he "didn't ask" and "left it all to the lawyer".

He said of Jaycee: "He's a big boy. He should take care of himself," before adding a note to his son: "Don't live under my shadow."

He does not expect to spend the Chinese New Year holidays with his wife and son as he will be working in China, he said. Apple Daily said Lin bought a new place in Taipei last year to prepare for her son's return. According to the newspaper, she hopes Jaycee will spend more time in Taiwan, under the watchful eye of family, and stay away from Beijing.

Asked about a story that Lin has been living in self-imposed confinement, Chan said it was true. "She doesn't meet people, doesn't answer the phone and says she wants to be punished with her son."

He said he would leave it to Jaycee to decide if he wishes to hold a press conference after his release. Asked how long he had not seen his son, he said: "In the past, I didn't see him once in two years. But this time, I can rest assured. It's like he's gone to university."

He said: "I believe that when Jaycee comes out, he will face his future properly. I won't say anything on his behalf but I will back him up with his mother. I believe that our son will show us a new Jaycee, and that a good thing will come out of a bad thing."