The God of Wealth starts with doing whatever you want

Under the blazing afternoon sun at Hengdian World Studios, the crew of "The Splendid Rivers and Mountains" was busy filming in the Ming and Qing Palace Scenic Area.

This is a historical drama about political intrigue. Wan Qing plays the third female lead, a concubine of a royal family who comes from a prestigious family but has a tragic fate.

Although it wasn't the most screen time, the emotional shifts were complex, which really tested the actor's skills.

"Card!"

The director called "cut" for the third time.

His tone was already somewhat impatient: "Wanqing, your emotions are off! This scene is about your despair and anger after learning that your father has been framed, not about you playing a pitiful little wife! Do it again!"

"Sorry, director, I'll adjust it again."

Wanqing quickly bowed and apologized, beads of sweat appearing on her forehead.

She was in a really bad state today.

Last night I received a call from my mother saying that my father's condition had worsened and that he needed new treatment fees.

She calculated her savings and found that the advance payment for the film was almost used up, and she still had no money for next month's rent.

The economic pressure weighed heavily on her mind, making it difficult for her to get into character.

"All departments prepare, Scene 5, Shot 3, Fourth Take—"

The clapperboard fell again.

Wan Qing took a deep breath and tried her best to get into character.

She knelt on the bluestone ground and cried to the actor playing the prince, "Your Highness, please understand, my father was honest and upright throughout his life and would never have done anything corrupt..."

"stop!"

The director slammed down the script, stood up, and pointed at Wanqing: "What's wrong with you? Your lines sound like you're reciting a memorized script, and where are your tears? I need genuine emotion, not just empty sobbing!"

The audience was silent.

The staff looked at each other in bewilderment, while several supporting actors whispered among themselves.

Wanqing's face flushed instantly, and her eyes really did turn red.

This time it wasn't acting; it was genuine embarrassment and grievance.

"Director, can we take a ten-minute break?"

She pleaded softly, saying, "I...I need to adjust."

The director glanced at his watch and waved his hand impatiently: "Everyone, take a twenty-minute break! Wanqing, I'm telling you, if you're still like this this afternoon, I'm going to consider replacing you! The crew can't afford to waste any more time!"

That's a very strong statement.

Wanqing bit her lip, nodded silently, and turned to walk quickly towards her lounge.

It was actually just a makeshift shed; only A-list actors and the male and female leads had their own exclusive VIP lounges.

"Sister Qing, have some water."

His assistant jogged over and handed him a thermos, whispering comfortingly, "Don't worry too much. The director is in a bad mood today; he had a fight with the producer this morning."

"It's my own fault." Wanqing took the water glass, her voice slightly choked.

She walked to the corner of the rest area, sat down, took out her phone, and hesitated whether to call Liang Yan to ask for some more money in advance.

But considering that Mr. Liang had already helped him several times, he really couldn't bring himself to ask.

Just as I was struggling with this decision, my phone suddenly vibrated.

It's an unknown number.

Wanqing wiped her eyes, took a deep breath, and answered in a work-like tone: "Hello."

"Are they filming a movie?"

A familiar male voice came from the other end of the phone.

Wan Qing froze, her heart skipped a beat, and she asked, "Mr. Xu...?"

"Yes, I'm in Hengdian."

Xu Yun's voice was tinged with laughter as he said, "Liang Yan said you were here. I just happened to be passing by, so I came to see which section of the Ming and Qing Palace complex your film crew is in."

"You...you've come to Hengdian?"

Wan Qing's voice trembled involuntarily, a mixture of surprise and panic, as she replied, "I'm in the filming area east of the Hall of Supreme Harmony, but Mr. Xu, I'm currently..."

She glanced at her disheveled appearance.

The costume was wrinkled, and the makeup was ruined from crying.

Xu Yun sensed her hesitation and asked, "Is it inconvenient?"

"no no!"

Wanqing quickly said, "It's very convenient! I just... I look a little ugly right now."

Send me your location, I'll be there in ten minutes.

On the other end of the phone, Xu Yun couldn't help but laugh, "How could I not know if you're good-looking or not?"

After hanging up the phone, Wanqing stood up hurriedly and said, "Xiaoya, quickly help me touch up my makeup! And do you have a spare costume? This one is wrinkled!"

Assistant Xiaoya was bewildered by her reaction: "Sister Qing, who's coming? Why are you so nervous?"

"A very important person."

Wanqing was fixing her hair in front of the small mirror when she suddenly remembered something and asked, "By the way, is the VIP lounge currently occupied?"

"Probably not. Neither the male nor female lead has any scenes to film today, so they're both free."

"Go tell the stage manager I need to borrow this room for an hour!"

Wanqing took out a few hundred-yuan bills from her bag and stuffed them into Xiaoya's hand, saying, "Just tell her... just tell her I need a quiet environment to calm down, please!"

Although Xiaoya was puzzled, she did as instructed.

Ten minutes later, a black SUV slowly drove into the outer perimeter of the filming area.

When Xu Yun got out of the car, several staff members glanced at him.

He was tall and straight, wearing a simple white shirt and black casual pants, yet he exuded an indescribable aura.

Not a celebrity, but more noticeable than many celebrities.

At this moment, Wanqing had finished touching up her makeup, changed into a clean costume, and was standing outside the rest tent looking around.

The moment she saw Xu Yun, her eyes lit up, and she jogged over to greet him, calling out, "President Xu!"

Upon reaching the front, he realized he was too excited, so he quickly stopped, stood properly, and clasped his hands in front of him.

This is the dignified posture she is used to maintaining in public.

"Hello, Mr. Xu. I didn't expect you to actually come."

Her voice returned to its usual gentle and mature tone, but the slight tremor at the end betrayed the turmoil in her heart.

Xu Yun sized her up.

The period costume style suits Wan Qing very well.

She was naturally beautiful, with willow-leaf eyebrows, almond eyes, and an oval face. Dressed in a light blue palace gown and with an exquisite hairstyle, she truly possessed the charm of a classical beauty.

Her eyes were still a little red, and even with makeup, you could still tell she had been crying.

"Were you wronged?" Xu Yun wasn't stupid, so he asked directly.

Wan Qing was taken aback, then lowered her head and replied, "No, it's my own acting skills that are not good enough, which delayed the production schedule."

"Take me to where you're resting?" Xu Yun changed the subject.

"Ah good."

Wanqing quickly led the way, saying, "I've borrowed the VIP lounge here; it's quieter."

As the two walked through the filming area, many staff members cast curious glances their way.

Wanqing has always kept a low profile on set, rarely making close friends with others, and has never been seen with any male friends visiting the set.

Step into the VIP lounge, close the door, and shut out the outside view and noise.

Don't let the small size of the room fool you; it's fully equipped.

Sofa, coffee table, dressing table, wardrobe, and a small refrigerator.

Wanqing turned around, about to speak, when Xu Yun walked up to her, raised his hand and gently wiped her lower eyelid with his thumb, saying, "Your makeup is a little smudged."

This intimate gesture sent a shiver down Wanqing's spine.

"Mr. Xu..."

She called out softly, her previous forced composure instantly crumbling, her voice softening.

"Liang Yan told me everything."

Xu Yun withdrew his hand, turned around and sat down on the sofa, saying, "Why didn't you tell me about your family affairs?"

Wanqing stood there, twisting the cuff of her costume with her fingers, and replied, "I don't want to trouble you... You've already helped me a lot, and besides, you said that you and I have already..."

"Sit down and talk," Xu Yun interrupted her.

Wanqing obediently sat on the single sofa next to him, but only on one side, her back ramrod straight.

This is a habit she developed over a long period in the entertainment industry—always paying attention to her demeanor.

Seeing her reserved demeanor, Xu Yun suddenly smiled and said, "Relax, there's no one else here."

"I……"

Wanqing opened her mouth, finally letting her guard down, her shoulders slumped, and she said, "I'm sorry, I've just been under too much pressure lately."

She began to recount, in fits and starts, her father's illness, the pressure of medical expenses, her mother's anxiety, her poor performance on set, and the director's criticism...

His voice choked up again at the end.

"I'm really afraid of being replaced. The pay for this show is very important to me, but the more afraid I am, the worse I perform. I've already had to do more than ten takes today."

Xu Yun listened quietly without interrupting.

After she finished speaking, he said, "Did Liang Yan tell you that she's going to give you the lead role in the upcoming drama 'Phoenix Cry in the Nine Heavens'?"

Wan Qing looked up abruptly, her eyes wide: "What? You found the script?"

Liang Yan had discussed this matter with her before.

However, due to the lack of a suitable script, nothing further was done.

She thought this opportunity was still a long way off.

"Ah."

Xu Yun said, "It's an S-level project with an investment of over 100 million. Liang Yan thinks you're suitable, and I also think you're suitable and can act well."

"..."

Wanqing looked up at him, her eyes reddening again: "I...I'll try."

"It's not a matter of trying, it's a matter of doing."

Xu Yun raised her hand, this time not to wipe away tears, but to gently pat her head and comfort her, "I believe you can do it."

His gesture was so gentle.

After pent-up emotions for many days, Wan Qing finally broke through the dam, and tears streamed down her face.

But she didn't cry out loud; she just bit her lip, letting the tears slide down her cheeks, her shoulders trembling slightly.

Xu Yun sighed and pulled her into his arms.

This woman, no matter what, is someone I once had; it's impossible for me to be truly heartless.

After all, they chose to leave me because they truly loved this career.

Wanqing stiffened at first, then her whole body went limp.

She buried her face in Xu Yun's chest, her hands carefully clutching the hem of his shirt.

She appears dignified and mature in public, but at this moment she is like a little bird that has found its home, nestled in his arms, greedily absorbing this rare warmth and security.

She asked in a muffled voice, "Mr. Xu... why are you so good to me?"

"Do I need a reason?" Xu Yun chuckled.

"need."

Wanqing looked up at him, her eyes blurry with tears, and said, "Because I... I'll take it seriously."

This was said subtly, but the meaning was clear.

Xu Yun looked down at her.

Tears still clung to Wanqing's eyelashes, her eyes were wet, and her lips appeared exceptionally red from being clenched tightly.

The neckline of the period costume was a bit loose, revealing a slender collarbone and a small patch of fair skin.

The air suddenly became ambiguous.

Wanqing realized that their posture was too intimate, blushed, and wanted to back away, but Xu Yun's arm was around her waist, preventing her from moving.

"Mr. Xu..."

She called out softly, her heart pounding like a drum, her body trembling slightly.

This isn't fear, it's tension and... anticipation.

She knew she shouldn't do this.

Xu Yun has Su Mu, Liang Yan, and possibly other women around him.

Who do you think you are?
He was just a small-time actor who needed his help. But feelings never follow reason.

From the first time I met Xu Yun in Hong Kong, from the time he helped me again and again, from the time he didn't treat me like a plaything and gave me dignity, some things became the same.

She had already fallen for the man in front of her.

"Xu Yun..."

Wanqing mustered her courage and called out his name, her voice as soft as a feather.

"Shh, don't talk."

Xu Yun smiled and lowered his head to kiss her lips.

The kiss started gently, with a tentative undertone.

Wan Qing responded awkwardly, her hands moving from gripping his clothes to wrapping around his neck.

The wide sleeves of the costume slipped down, revealing her fair arms.

The kiss deepened.

Xu Yun picked her up, walked to the sofa, sat down, and let her straddle his lap.

This pose made Wanqing extremely embarrassed, but the wide skirt of the costume actually served to cover her up.

"Is the door...is it locked?" she asked softly.

"locked."

As Xu Yun answered, she untied the complicated ties of her costume.

The layers of costumes in period dramas require patience to unravel.

The costume she's wearing today is the everyday dress of a concubine, with only a thin underskirt underneath, and then modern underwear—for the sake of convenience when changing clothes, people usually wear their own underwear under period costumes.

"and many more……"

Wanqing suddenly grabbed his hand, her face flushed crimson, and said, "Outside... there might be someone outside..."

Indeed, although the VIP lounge is reasonably soundproof, crew members come and go, and you never know who might knock on the door.

Xu Yun stopped what he was doing, looked at her, and laughed, "Scared?"

Wanqing bit her lip, her eyes struggling for a few seconds, then suddenly seemed to have made up her mind, shook her head, and took the initiative instead.

Xu Yun was somewhat surprised, then smiled and let her do as she pleased.

Sunlight streamed through the gaps in the curtains, casting dappled shadows on the intertwined figures of the two.

Occasionally, footsteps could be heard passing by outside the door, along with the voices of staff members talking and the director calling for preparation over a walkie-talkie.

Every situation was incredibly exciting for the two of them.

Sing a song.

Wanqing collapsed in Xu Yun's arms, covered in sweat, her costume completely disheveled.

Xu Yun held her in his arms, his fingers combing through her disheveled long hair.

Her hair had long since come loose, and a few strands of black hair clung to her sweaty neck.

"It's over..."

Wanqing suddenly whispered, "With this costume on, how am I supposed to go out and film later?"

"Isn't there a spare in the wardrobe?" Xu Yun asked.

"Yes, but I need to redo my hairstyle; it's a mess now..."

Wanqing sat up, looked at her disheveled reflection in the mirror, blushed again, and said, "It's all your fault."

These words carried a hint of coquettishness, a stark contrast to her usual gentle and refined image.

Xu Yun found it amusing, pulled her close, kissed her again, and teased, "Is it my fault? Who was the one who unbuttoned my clothes just now?"

Wanqing covered her face in embarrassment: "Stop talking!"

The two tidied their clothes.

Wanqing took out a spare costume from the wardrobe and changed into it with her back to Xu Yun.

Xu Yun leaned back on the sofa, admiring her smooth back and slender waistline.

“Turn around,” he said.

Wanqing blushed and turned around. Her newly changed costume was not yet tied properly and was half open.

Xu Yun beckoned her over and personally helped her tie the ribbon.

His fingers moved nimbly through his clothes, his skillful movements surprising Wanqing.

How did you get this?

"You'll get it after watching more," Xu Yun said casually.

Wanqing's eyes darkened.

Yes, with so many women around him, maybe any of them have worn ancient costumes for him to see.

After tying her belt, Xu Yun helped her fix her hair.

He couldn't style his hair into complicated buns, but he could at least straighten it and secure it simply with hairpins.

"Okay, take a look." He turned Wanqing towards the mirror.

The woman in the mirror had a face like a peach blossom, eyes like spring water, and swollen red lips; anyone with eyes could tell what had happened.

But the amazing thing is...

The previous haggardness and anxiety were gone, and she radiated a glow as if she had been nourished.

"How can I face people like this..." Wanqing was a little troubled.

"Just say that if you get enough rest, your complexion will naturally improve."

Xu Yun hugged her from behind, rested his chin on her shoulder, and laughed, "Remember, you are now the designated female lead for 'The Phoenix's Cry in the Nine Heavens.' This drama is just a transition. Be confident."

These words have a magical power.

Wanqing took a deep breath and adjusted her expression in front of the mirror.

A few seconds later, the dignified and gentle Wanqing returned, only now her eyes and brows held an undeniable allure.

"I should go now, my break is almost over."

She turned around, tiptoed, and lightly kissed Xu Yun on the lips, saying, "Thank you for coming to see me, Mr. Xu."

He's back to being "General Manager Xu" again.

Xu Yun raised an eyebrow: "So you're turning your back on us already?"

"There are too many people and too much attention outside."

Wanqing smiled slyly: "I have to be careful."

She walked to the door, placed her hand on the doorknob, then turned back to look at him, her eyes gentle, and said, "If you're still in Hengdian tonight, I'll come find you after I finish work?"

"Okay." Xu Yun nodded.

Wanqing opened the door and went out, instantly switching into work mode. She politely nodded to the passing staff and walked steadily toward the shooting area.

No one knows what kind of passionate encounter she had in the lounge ten minutes earlier.

No one knew that her body beneath the costume still bore the marks of love.

When the director saw her return, he frowned: "All adjusted?"

"Alright, Director, I'm sorry to have kept you waiting." Wan Qing bowed sincerely.

"Scene 5, Shot 3, Fifth take—Action!"

The clapperboard fell.

Wanqing knelt on the bluestone slab, looked up at "Your Highness", and her eyes instantly filled with tears.

That wasn't acting; her eyes were still swollen from genuine crying.

But at this moment, it became her best prop.

"Your Majesty, please understand!"

Her voice trembled but was clear, carrying a hint of stubbornness amidst despair, as she said, "My father has been honest and upright all his life. If he has truly committed embezzlement, I am willing to take the punishment in his place and die to prove my innocence!"

Tears fell at just the right moment, not as a loud wail, but as a restrained, broken sob.

The director stared at the monitor, his eyes lighting up.

"Stuck! This one passed!"

He rarely smiled, and said, "Wanqing, that's right! Keep it up!"

Everyone breathed a sigh of relief.

Wanqing stood up, took the tissues her assistant handed her to wipe her tears, and glanced at the VIP lounge out of the corner of her eye.

The curtains were drawn, so you couldn't see the people inside.

But she knew he was watching.

The subsequent filming went exceptionally smoothly.

Wanqing seemed to have unlocked her full potential, delivering each scene with full emotion and fluent lines, even managing to get the most difficult crying scene right in one take.

When we wrapped up, the director came over and said, "Wanqing, you did a great job this afternoon. Don't take what I said this morning to heart. Everyone has off days when they're under a lot of pressure."

"Thank you, Director. I will continue to work hard," Wanqing said with a smile.

After removing her makeup and changing back into her everyday clothes, Wanqing glanced at her phone.

Xu Yun, who had just left, sent a message: "Hotel address and room number. Come directly over after work."

A location is attached at the end.

Wanqing replied immediately: 【Okay, I'll be there in about an hour.】

She put away her phone and said to her assistant, "Xiaoya, don't wait for me tonight, I have plans with a friend."

Xiaoya blinked: "Is it Mr. Xu who came this afternoon?"

Wan Qing blushed slightly and nodded.

"Go, Sister Qing!"

Xiaoya said with a grin, "That Mr. Xu is obviously not an ordinary person, and he's been very kind to you!"

Wanqing gently patted her: "Don't talk nonsense."

But the smile on his lips couldn't be hidden.

On the way to the hotel, Wanqing looked at the fleeting night view outside the window, her heart filled with warmth.

She knew that Xu Yun wouldn't belong to her alone.

I also know that this relationship may not have a future.

But so what?

At least for now, she is happy.

At least he was willing to appear when she was at her most vulnerable, to give her a hug, a kiss, and a glimmer of hope.

This is enough.

As for the future.

She gripped her phone tightly, recalling Xu Yun's words about "the female lead in 'The Phoenix's Cry in the Nine Heavens'".

She will seize this opportunity and strive to reach even greater heights.

It's not about being worthy of him, but about one day being able to stand beside him as an equal.

Even if it's just for a brief moment.

That evening, Wanqing, who came to see Xu Yun, did not go out to dinner with him at all.

The two spent the entire night in the hotel's most expensive suite, doing what they liked.

After all, what can you do in the afternoon break room?
Wan Qing was well aware of Xu Yun's capabilities.

Back then, my best friend and I couldn't beat each other in a whole night!
When she thought about what happened between her and Xu Yun at the Xiangjiang Hotel, it felt like it happened a long time ago.

During the break, Wanqing talked to Xu Yun about Michelle, asking if he still remembered her as his best friend.

Xu Yun said that of course he remembered.

Wanqing leaned close to his ear and said, "Michelle seems to be coming to the mainland next week to promote her new drama with the crew. Do you want to come with me to meet her?"

"Okay."

Xu Yun naturally understood what the other person was saying and said, "It's been a long time since I've seen the two of you together. I really miss those days."

"I'll send you a message then."

Wan Qing smiled and said, "Michelle misses you very much too. She said that because of you, she now has Young Master Ruan protecting her in Hong Kong, and with President Fu's connections, she has avoided a lot of trouble, and no one dares to cause her any trouble."

"is it?"

Xu Yun rolled over and said with a smile, "How about your best friend helps her repay me first?"

"(⊙o⊙)..."

Upon hearing this, Wan Qing blushed and immediately began to plead for mercy, asking ingratiatingly, "Mr. Xu, may I rest for a bit?" (End of Chapter)