The God of Wealth starts with doing whatever you want

The last rays of the setting sun streamed through the office window, casting a warm golden glow on Ayase Haruka's workstation.

She stared at the completed draft on the computer screen, her fingers lightly tapping the desktop, but her heart was already racing towards their appointment that evening.

At 5:30 p.m. sharp, the workday ended.

As her colleagues packed up and left, Ayase Haruka remained seated.

She took out her phone, hovered her fingertip over the screen for a few seconds, and finally mustered the courage to dial the number she had saved just yesterday.

The phone was answered after three rings.

"Hello?" Xu Yun's voice came through the receiver, with his characteristic lazy tone.

“Xu, Xu Sang…”

As soon as Ayase Haruka opened her mouth, she realized her voice was a little tight. She cleared her throat and asked, "I'm Ayase Haruka. Um... are you free tonight?"

A soft laugh came from the other end of the phone. "What, are you going to invite me for tea again?"

"No, no..."

Ayase Haruka's face flushed instantly, and she explained, "I was thinking... if you don't mind, I'd like to invite you to my home for dinner as a way of thanking you for your help today..."

Her voice grew softer and softer until it was almost a murmur.

Xu Yun was silent for two seconds on the other end of the phone. Just when Ayase Haruka thought he was going to refuse, he spoke up: "Okay, what time?"

"Is seven o'clock okay?"

Ayase Haruka's eyes lit up, and she said, "I'll prepare the meal!"

"Okay, I'll be there at seven o'clock sharp."

After hanging up the phone, Haruka Ayase jumped for joy.

She quickly packed her things and practically ran out of the office.

At 6:10, she rushed into a high-end supermarket near her apartment and pushed a shopping cart through the shelves.

Choose the freshest salmon, the finest beef, and the seasonal vegetables...

Haruka Ayase carefully selected each ingredient, repeatedly rehearsing the menu she would make that night in her mind.

At 6:40, a delicious aroma was already wafting from the apartment's kitchen.

Haruka Ayase, wearing a cute apron, was busy at the stove.

She made salt-grilled salmon, Japanese beef hot pot, tempura platter, and her specialty chawanmushi (steamed egg custard).

It can be said that every dish today was carefully plated, striving for perfection.

At 6:55, the doorbell rang.

Ayase Haruka's heart skipped a beat when she heard this.

Because she knew it was Xu Yun who had arrived.

She hurriedly took off her apron, tidied her hair and collar in front of the mirror in the entryway, took a deep breath, and then went to open the door.

Outside the door, Xu Yun was wearing a dark gray casual suit and carrying a paper bag.

He smiled slightly upon seeing Ayase Haruka.

"Please come in quickly!"

Ayase Haruka stepped aside to let him in, noticed the paper bag in his hand, and asked, "What's this...?"

"A small gift I prepared for you."

Xu Yun handed her the paper bag and replied, "I passed by a dessert shop earlier and heard that their matcha cake is very famous, so I brought you one."

"Thank you...you're too kind."

Ayase Haruka quickly reached out and took the paper bag. Seeing the exquisite cake box inside, a warm feeling welled up in her heart.

"Compared to the lavish meal you've prepared, mine is nothing."

Xu Yun changed his shoes, looked at the food on the table, raised an eyebrow, and asked with a smile, "Did you make all of these dishes yourself?"

Five dishes were already laid out on the table, each one looking incredibly appealing and presented with the exquisite taste of a restaurant.

"Hmm... I hope it suits your taste."

Ayase Haruka said somewhat nervously, "I heard that you Chinese people prefer stronger flavors, so I made some adjustments to the seasoning..."

Xu Yun walked to the dining table, bent down, and took a sniff.

"good smell."

Those two simple words put Ayase Haruka's previously anxious heart at ease.

As long as he's happy.

Ayase Haruka invited Xu Yun to sit down, and then went to the kitchen to serve him rice.

The two sat opposite each other.

Under the warm yellow light, the atmosphere was cozy and peaceful.

Ayase Haruka clasped her hands together and said softly, "Xu-san, I'm starting."

Xu Yun also mimicked her gesture, then picked up a piece of salmon and put it in her mouth.

The fish is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with just the right amount of saltiness and a subtle lemon aroma.

He sincerely praised, "It's delicious."

"As long as you like it."

Ayase Haruka blushed slightly after being praised for her cooking skills, and she didn't dare to look Xu Yun in the eye.

Although the two had a deep conversation last night, they are not actually very familiar with each other.

Dinner was held in a relaxed atmosphere.

Ayase Haruka gradually relaxed and began to talk about what happened at the company that day.

"...Director Sato said that I might be selected for the overseas exchange program."

Her eyes sparkled as she happily exclaimed, "It would be wonderful if I could really go to China to study!"

Xu Yun put down his chopsticks and looked at her: "You want to go to China?"

"Ok!"

Haruka Ayase nodded vigorously and said, "I've always been very interested in Chinese culture, and..."

She paused, lowered her voice, and said shyly, "That way I can understand the country you live in better, Xu Sang."

Xu Yun smiled but didn't reply. Instead, he picked up his teacup and took a sip.

He had no intention of taking the other person back with him.

After dinner, Ayase Haruka got up to clear the dishes, and Xu Yun offered to help.

But was rejected.

Ayase Haruka quickly said, "No need, you can just sit and rest."

"Hurry up, you two." Xu Yun had already picked up several plates and headed towards the kitchen.

In the cramped kitchen, the two stood side by side in front of the sink.

Ayase Haruka washed the dishes, and Xu Yun was responsible for drying them.

Amidst the sounds of flowing water and clinking dishes, a subtle sense of intimacy spread through the air.

Ayase Haruka could smell the refreshing scent emanating from Xu Yun.

Her heart began to race uncontrollably again.

Xu Yun suddenly turned to her and asked, "Did that team leader Yamamoto give you any more trouble at the company today?"

"No……"

Ayase Haruka shook her head and replied, "He didn't talk to me much all day, but Director Sato talked to me several times and gave me a lot of guidance."

"That's good."

Xu Yun put the dried plates into the cupboard, turned around and leaned against the countertop, saying, "In the workplace, sometimes you need a little external force to change your situation."

Ultimately, however, one must rely on their own strength to establish themselves.

"I understand."

Ayase Haruka said earnestly, "So I will work even harder and not let you down, Mr. Xu."

Xu Yun looked at her earnest and lovely profile, then suddenly reached out and gently brushed away a stray strand of hair from her forehead.

This sudden intimate gesture left Ayase Haruka completely stunned.

She looked up and involuntarily met Xu Yun's gaze.

The kitchen light cast tiny specks of light in his eyes, and his usually smiling eyes seemed unusually focused at that moment.

His fingers were still on her cheek, the warmth of his fingertips seeping through her skin, making her feel hot all over.

“Xu Sang…”

She called out softly, her voice trembling slightly.

"I am here."

Xu Yun smiled and responded, then slowly lowered his head.

The two were getting closer and closer...

She was so close that Ayase Haruka could see the trembling of his eyelashes and feel his warm breath brushing against her lips.

Thinking about what would happen next, she shyly closed her eyes instinctively.

really.

The next moment, a soft, warm touch landed on her lips.

Unlike the fleeting kiss last night, this kiss was gentle and lingering.

Xu Yun gently cupped her face in his hands, his fingertips caressing behind her ear, bringing waves of tingling sensation.

Ayase Haruka's hands were still covered in dish soap foam, and she didn't know where to put them, so she could only gently grab Xu Yun's clothes.

The kiss lasted a long time, until both of them were a little out of breath, before Xu Yun pulled away slightly.

Ayase Haruka opened her eyes, her cheeks flushed, her gaze unfocused.

Her lips were slightly swollen and red, glistening with a moist sheen under the light.

"This time..."

Xu Yun's voice was a little hoarse as he said with a smile, "You invited me here."

The implication is...

Shouldn't you take the initiative this time?

Ayase Haruka seemed to understand his subtext, and her face turned even redder.

But she didn't back down. Instead, she mustered her courage, stood on tiptoe, and took the initiative to kiss him.

This time, she was no longer as awkward and nervous as she had been the night before.

She wrapped her arms around Xu Yun's neck, pressed her body close to him, and responded to his kiss.

Xu Yun was clearly a little surprised, but he quickly took the initiative and deepened the kiss.

He put his arm around Ayase Haruka's waist, gently lifted her up, and placed her on the kitchen counter.

Ayase Haruka let out a soft gasp, her body trembling slightly.

The dishes were completely forgotten, and the tap was still running...

But neither of them paid any attention.

Because there are more important things to do right now!

The Tokyo skyline outside the window is dazzling, like a sea of ​​stars.

Indoors, spring is in full bloom.

By the time everything calmed down, it was already late at night.

Ayase Haruka leaned wearily against Xu Yun's chest, her fingers unconsciously fiddling with the buttons on his chest.

The afterglow of the previous encounter still lingered in her body; every inch of her skin was sensitive and satisfied.

Xu Yun lowered his head and gently stroked her hair, asking, "Are you tired?"

"Well, a bit..."

Haruka Ayase nodded, but replied with a smile, "But I'm very happy."

Xu Yun kissed her forehead: "Go to sleep early."

"tomorrow……"

Ayase Haruka hesitated for a moment, then looked up and asked, "Mr. Xu, what are your plans for tomorrow?"

"Not yet."

Xu Yun asked with a smile, "Why don't you come shopping with me? I've heard that Tokyo has many nice shopping malls..."

"Yeah, I happen to have tomorrow off!"

Ayase Haruka happily replied and snuggled closer to him.

That night, she slept soundly in Xu Yun's arms.

The next morning, Ayase Haruka, who was used to waking up early, woke up before Xu Yun.

She got up quietly and prepared a sumptuous breakfast, including fried eggs, toast, salad, and freshly squeezed orange juice.

Xu Yun was awakened by the aroma of food. When she came out of the bedroom, she saw Ayase Haruka wearing an apron and busy in the kitchen.

The morning light shone through the window and bathed her in a soft golden glow.

I really want to do it again.

"morning."

He walked over and hugged her from behind.

Ayase Haruka stiffened slightly, then relaxed, blushing as she said, "Good morning, Xu-san, breakfast will be ready soon."

"Not urgent."

Xu Yun rested his chin on her shoulder and said, "You're up really early."

"I'm used to it..."

Ayase Haruka turned off the stove, turned to face him, and said, "Besides, I want you to have a hot breakfast."

Looking at her serious expression, Xu Yun felt a pang of tenderness in her heart.

He lowered his head and kissed her lips: "Thank you." After breakfast, the two did morning exercises together again before getting ready to go out.

Haruka Ayase changed into what she considered to be the most appropriate outfit.

A cream-colored knit sweater paired with a light gray long skirt, and an outer khaki trench coat.

She also wore light makeup to make herself look more energetic.

Seeing this, Xu Yun casually complimented, "You look very beautiful today."

"Thank you~"

Ayase Haruka blushed, took his hand, and said, "Let's go."

"Ah."

Xu Yun hailed a taxi and, after getting in, told the driver, "Go to Ginza Mitsukoshi."

Ayase Haruka paused for a moment, then asked in confusion, "Mitsukoshi? That's..."

"I know it's one of the most upscale shopping malls in Tokyo."

Xu Yun naturally replied, "Since we're going shopping, we should go to the best place."

"..."

Ayase Haruka opened her mouth as if to say something, but ultimately swallowed it back.

She vaguely guessed what Xu Yun was planning to do, and felt both expectant and uneasy.

Ginza Mitsukoshi Department Store truly lives up to its reputation as Tokyo's luxury destination.

As soon as Xu Yun entered the mall, he could feel the high-end and luxurious atmosphere.

The marble floors were as smooth as a mirror, the atrium was incredibly high, and the customers were impeccably dressed while the staff were courteous.

Although Haruka Ayase lives in Tokyo, she rarely comes to places like this.

Because her spending level is still limited to ordinary department stores and mid-range brands, she has always kept her distance from luxury goods that cost hundreds of thousands of yen.

"Which one should we start with?" Xu Yun asked.

"I...I don't know..."

Ayase Haruka seemed a little flustered and asked in return, "What do you want to buy, Xu-san?"

"It's not me buying it, it's for you."

Xu Yun took her hand and led her to the nearest boutique, saying, "You treated me to dinner yesterday, so it's my turn to return the favor today."

"No, no need!"

Ayase Haruka quickly shook her head, refusing, "Last night's dinner was to thank you, how could I let you spend more money..."

"I have the final say."

Without saying a word, Xu Yun pulled her into the store.

This is a boutique of a top international luxury brand.

The store is decorated in an extremely luxurious style, with shelves filled with all kinds of bags, accessories and ready-to-wear clothing.

Several uniformed shop assistants stood behind the counter and immediately gave a professional smile when they saw Xu Yun and Ayase Haruka enter.

"welcome."

A female shop assistant stepped forward, bowed, and asked, "How can I help you?"

Xu Yun replied in fluent Japanese, "I would like to pick out something suitable for this lady."

The shop assistant's gaze swept over Ayase Haruka, quickly determining that although her attire was appropriate, it was not from an expensive brand.

However, she was well-trained and her expression remained unchanged. She smiled and said, "Okay, please follow me."

Ayase Haruka, led by Xu Yun, followed the shop assistant somewhat awkwardly.

Her heart pounded as she looked at the exquisite goods.

Although she doesn't often buy luxury goods, she knows the prices of these brands and estimates they are quite expensive.

The shop assistant first led them to the handbag section.

The shelves are displaying handbags, crossbody bags, and wallets in various styles and colors.

"This is our new product, and it's a limited edition."

The sales assistant picked up a light pink chain bag and said, "The color suits this lady very well, and the design is also very elegant."

Haruka Ayase glanced at the price tag instinctively.

58 yen! ! !
She gasped.

That's almost three months' salary for her!
Xu Yun: "Do you like it?"

"Too, too expensive..."

Ayase Haruka whispered to him, "Besides, this color isn't easy to match with clothes..."

People are always like this: they may like something, but because they can't bear to part with it or can't afford it, they'll find a reason to refuse it.

Upon hearing this, the salesperson immediately picked up another one and asked, "How about this one? It's a classic style, and black goes with everything."

Price tag: 62 yen.

Haruka Ayase's palms began to sweat.

She tugged at Xu Yun's sleeve and whispered in Chinese, "Mr. Xu, let's go... The things here are too expensive, I really don't need them..."

"Don't worry about the money."

Xu Yun patted her hand, turned to the shop assistant, and said with a smile, "Bring me a look at some of your new styles this year."

"OK, just a second."

The shop assistant turned to get the goods, while Ayase Haruka was so anxious she was almost in tears.

“Mr. Xu, you really don’t need to… I wouldn’t feel at ease using something so expensive…”

Why can't you feel at ease?

Xu Yun looked at her and said with a smile, "You deserve good things."

"But I..."

Haruka Ayase didn't know what to say.

It's not that she doesn't like these exquisite bags, nor that she doesn't yearn for the feeling of owning luxury goods.

But the education she received from childhood taught her that she could not accept such an expensive gift from others casually.

Especially men.

Moreover, her relationship with Xu Yun...

She wasn't sure what they were.

One-night stand? Short-term partner? Or a potential romantic relationship?

If it were either of the first two reasons, she shouldn't have accepted such an expensive gift.

Because Ayase Haruka would feel that her feelings were not pure, and she was afraid that the other person would misunderstand that she was acting this way because of material things.

The shop assistant quickly brought over five or six bags and displayed them on the counter.

Each one is exquisitely designed and made of superior materials, and of course, the price is staggering, with the cheapest costing 45 yen.

Xu Yun casually picked up a beige handbag and handed it to Ayase Haruka, saying, "Try this."

Ayase Haruka hesitated for a moment, but finally accepted it.

The bag was lighter than she had imagined, the leather was soft and delicate, and the hardware had a subtle sheen.

She tried it on in front of the mirror, and it really looked good, perfectly complementing her style.

"very suitable."

The sales assistant chimed in, "This bag has a simple and elegant design that perfectly suits your style."

Haruka Ayase looked at her different reflection in the mirror.

Indeed, this bag elevated her entire look.

But then she glanced at the price tag: 55 yen.

"Forget it..."

She whispered, "Put the bag back on the counter."

Xu Yun looked at her conflicted expression and suddenly laughed.

He didn't insist, but said to the shop assistant, "Okay, let's look at the others."

For the next hour, Xu Yun took Ayase Haruka to visit several luxury stores.

From bags to clothes, from jewelry to shoes, Xu Yun made her try them on at every store, but each time Ayase Haruka backed down because of the price.

It wasn't that she disliked those things; on the contrary, as a young girl, she had a natural longing for beautiful clothes and accessories.

But she always thought: This is too expensive, and Xu Sang doesn't earn money easily;
That's impractical; buying it would be a waste.
And this one, although it looks nice, is completely useless in her usual work environment...

After walking around for a while, she ended up not buying anything.

Finally, they went into a more affordable brand store.

The prices here aren't cheap, but at least they're within her budget.

Haruka Ayase took a fancy to a long, dark blue wallet.

The design is simple, the leather is soft, the interior space is large, and it is very practical.

She glanced at the price tag: 3.8 yen.

Although it's still expensive, compared to those bags that cost hundreds of thousands before, this price has already put her at ease.

"Do you like this?" Xu Yun asked.

"Um……"

Haruka Ayase nodded and smiled, "It's very practical, and I like the color too."

"Then let's buy this one," Xu Yun said directly to the shop assistant.

"and many more!"

Ayase Haruka quickly said, "Mr. Xu, I'll pay for it myself..."

"I promised to give you a gift today."

As Xu Yun spoke, he took out his credit card and handed it to the clerk.

That's the downside of being abroad; you can't use mobile payments, you can only use credit cards.

“But this is too much of a expense for you…” Ayase Haruka wanted to insist.

Xu Yun turned to look at her and said seriously, "Do you like this wallet?"

Ayase Haruka bit her lip and nodded, saying, "I like it."

"That's enough."

Xu Yun nodded to the shop assistant and smiled, "Please wrap it up for me."

As Ayase Haruka left the store, carrying the small shopping bag, her heart filled with mixed emotions.

She was touched by Xu Yun's kindness, but also felt that she had been too immature.

Xu Yun clearly wanted to give her something better, but she only chose a wallet.

"I'm sorry, Ms. Xu..."

She said softly, feeling a little guilty, "Am I spoiling your fun? I know you're not short of money, and buying these things is a normal thing for you."

"Why apologize?"

Xu Yun took her hand and said, "I'm so happy that you're saving me money."

"But you originally wanted to give me something better..."

"What's better isn't necessarily right for you."

Xu Yun said, "If I force you to accept a bag worth hundreds of thousands, you'll feel burdened if you use it, won't you?"

Ayase Haruka was stunned.

She hadn't expected Xu Yun to understand her feelings so well.

"Let's go get something to eat."

Xu Yun glanced at the time and said with a smile, "You must be hungry after walking around all afternoon. Even if you're not hungry, I am."

"Ah."

The two ate something simple together in the food court of the mall, and then decided to take a walk near Ginza to digest their food.

As dusk falls and the Ginza lights begin to illuminate the streets, the neon lights along the sides of the street gradually light up, making the entire area dazzling.

The streets are bustling with people coming and going.

Ayase Haruka and Xu Yun walked on the sidewalk like an ordinary couple.

She carried the shopping bag containing her wallet in one hand and a cup of milk tea in the other, feeling a warm glow inside.

“Ms. Xu, thank you,” she said suddenly.

"What are you thanking me for?"

"Thank you for understanding me..."

Ayase Haruka looked up at him and smiled happily, "Thank you for the gift too. I will cherish this wallet."

Xu Yun smiled and was about to speak when suddenly a figure rushed over from the side and crashed hard into Ayase Haruka.

"what!"

Ayase Haruka screamed in fright, dropping her shopping bag and milk tea to the ground. She staggered back several steps, almost falling over if Xu Yun hadn't caught her in time.

The man who hit her was a young man wearing a floral shirt and whose arms were covered in tattoos.

He looked to be in his early twenties, with his hair dyed an exaggerated blonde, a row of earrings on his ears, and a fierce expression.

"Hey!"

The tattooed man, seeing the milk tea spilled on him, not only didn't apologize, but instead preemptively accused the other man, shouting loudly in Japanese, "Can't you watch where you're going? You've spilled milk tea all over me!"

Haruka Ayase was intimidated by his imposing manner.

Her face turned pale, and she instinctively apologized, "I'm...I'm sorry..."

"Is 'sorry' all?"

The tattooed man persisted, pointing to his clothes and angrily saying, "This shirt cost 20 yen. Pay me back and we'll call it even, otherwise none of you are leaving." (End of Chapter)