The God of Wealth starts with doing whatever you want

A clear morning in early summer in Jiangcheng.

Xu Yun had been back in Jiangcheng for three days, and the languid feeling from her trip to Hengdian hadn't completely dissipated when she received a call from teacher Wu Jinyan.

"Xu Yun, did I disturb you?" Wu Jinyan's voice was gentle and kind on the other end of the phone.

"Teacher Wu, you're right. You can come to me anytime."

Xu Yun sat up in bed and glanced at the time: 8:30 in the morning.

"Here's the thing, the scholarship award ceremony for the first cohort of the 'Xu Yun Class' is scheduled for next Wednesday. The college leaders and I both hope that you can attend and personally present the awards to the outstanding students."

Wu Jinyan paused for a moment, then added, "If possible, I would also like to ask you to give a public lecture to the students and share your entrepreneurial experience."

"Okay, I'll definitely be there."

Xu Yun replied almost without hesitation, "Send me the specific time and I'll arrange the itinerary."

"Great!"

Wu Jinyan's voice was filled with joy as she said, "Then it's settled. By the way, Jingya has been talking about you lately, saying she hasn't seen you in a long time."

Upon hearing Ou Jingya's name, Xu Yun's lips unconsciously curled up: "Yes, it has been quite a while since we last met."

After hanging up the phone, Xu Yun leaned against the headboard, thinking of the woman who always wore plain-colored dresses and spoke softly.

Ou Jingya, Wu Jinyan's daughter, is also a teacher at Jiangcheng University, where she teaches art history.

Although the two had a relationship, Xu Yun and she always maintained a distant and ambiguous relationship.

After all, she was his teacher's daughter.

Xu Yun shook her head, temporarily suppressing those romantic thoughts, and got up to prepare for the new day's work.

Wednesday arrived in the blink of an eye.

The campus of Jiangcheng University is shaded by green trees, and the early summer sun shines through the leaves, casting dappled shadows.

Xu Yun's car slowly drove into the campus and went directly to the School of Economics and Management building. He straightened his suit and got out of the car.

For this kind of occasion, it's better to dress more formally.

As soon as she entered the building, she heard someone call out to him: "Xu Yun!"

Turning my head, I saw Wu Jinyan walking quickly down the stairs.

She's only in her early fifties, but she's very well-maintained, dressed in appropriate business attire, and wearing gold-rimmed glasses—a typical scholarly air.

"Teacher Wu," Xu Yun greeted him.

"You're here."

Wu Jinyan smiled and looked him up and down, saying, "You've become even more handsome. Looks like you've been doing well lately."

"Teacher, please don't make fun of me." Xu Yun was unusually embarrassed.

As they walked and chatted, Wu Jinyan briefly introduced the schedule for today's event: first, an awards ceremony; then, Xu Yun's public lecture; and finally, a small seminar.

"By the way, Jingya also has class today. She said she'll come find you after she's done," Wu Jinyan said casually.

Xu Yun's heart skipped a beat, but she remained outwardly calm: "Alright, I haven't seen her in a long time either."

The award ceremony was held in the lecture hall of the School of Economics and Management.

The hall, which can accommodate 300 people, was filled with students from the "Xu Yun Class" and other teachers and students who came to learn about him.

When Xu Yun walked onto the stage accompanied by Wu Jinyan and college leaders, enthusiastic applause rang out from below the stage.

Xu Yun glanced around, his gaze suddenly stopping on a certain spot.

Ou Jingya was sitting quietly in the third row by the window.

She wore a light blue dress today, her long hair loosely tied back, revealing her fair neck.

Seeing Xu Yun looking over, she smiled slightly, nodded gently, and revealed a sly look in her eyes.

Xu Yun withdrew his gaze and sat down in the designated spot.

The awards ceremony begins.

The college leaders delivered speeches first, and then Wu Jinyan introduced the original intention of establishing the "Xu Yun Class" and its development over the past year.

Next, the ten students who received scholarships came up to the stage one by one.

Xu Yun personally presented them with certificates and bonuses, and shook hands and took photos with each of them.

"Senior Xu Yun, I'm your fan!"

A boy wearing glasses said excitedly, "I heard your story from Teacher Wu, it's like a novel's male protagonist."

"Thank you, keep up the good work." Xu Yun patted him on the shoulder.

When it was the last winner's turn, Xu Yun was taken aback.

She was a very pretty girl, but what stunned him was the sketchbook she was holding.

"Hello, Senior Xu Yun. My name is Lin Wei. I am a student in the 'Xu Yun Class' and also a minor in the Department of Art."

The girl replied somewhat shyly, "These are illustrations I drew based on your portrait at school, and I wanted to give them to you."

Xu Yun took the album, opened it, and saw that it depicted his own appearance with delicate brushstrokes.

The art style is refreshing, and the emotions are genuine.

"Nice painting."

Xu Yun sincerely praised, "Thank you."

"Actually... I am a student of Professor Ou Jingya."

Lin Wei whispered, "She encouraged me to combine my interests with my profession."

Xu Yun subconsciously looked down at the audience.

Ou Jingya was smiling as she looked this way, a hint of pride in her eyes.

After the awards ceremony, Xu Yun gave a public lecture.

Without using a PowerPoint presentation or preparing a script, Xu Yun simply stood in front of the podium and shared her experiences as if having a casual conversation.

He didn't share his success philosophy because he didn't have one; he built his success entirely on a system and on his own whims.

He was talking about his life in college, and his confident attitude towards the future.

"Many people ask me what the secret to my success is."

Looking at the young faces below the stage, Xu Yun said, "Actually, there's no secret. It's just about perseverance and—always maintaining the ability to learn."

I still maintain the habit of reading two books a week, covering a wide range of fields from economics to art history.

Of course it's fake, but sometimes you have to be a little hypocritical.

"In addition, we must learn to be grateful."

Xu Yun continued, "Be grateful to those who have helped you, be grateful to those who have given you opportunities, such as Teacher Wu Jinyan, who was the first benefactor I met in my life. She taught me a lot, including knowledge, senses, and how to be a good person."

Wu Jinyan nodded with satisfaction from below the stage.

The open class lasted for an hour and a half, and ended with thunderous applause.

Many students surrounded him, asking for autographs and photos, which Xu Yun obliged one by one.

By the time the crowd dispersed, it was already 12:30 pm.

"Let's go, the school cafeteria has reserved a private room for you, let's have a simple meal," Wu Jinyan said as she walked over.

Xu Yun was about to agree when he saw Ou Jingya standing at the entrance of the lecture hall, seemingly waiting for him.

"Teacher, I..." Xu Yun hesitated.

Wu Jinyan followed his gaze and smiled knowingly: "Alright, go ahead, remember not to be late for the symposium at 2 pm."

"Thank you, teacher." Xu Yun felt as if she had been granted a pardon.

Xu Yun and Ou Jingya walked side by side on the tree-lined path on campus.

The early summer breeze carries the fragrance of gardenias.

Ou Jingya's skirt swayed gently as she reached up and tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear.

"Your lesson was really good," she said softly.

"Really?"

Xu Yun turned to look at her and smiled, "I was worried that I was being too casual."

"On the contrary, it is precisely this casualness that makes it real."

Ou Jingya stopped and looked at him seriously. She smiled and said, "Students don't need another lofty success speech. They need to see a senior who is flesh and blood, who can fail and feel lost. You gave them this."

Xu Yun smiled knowingly: "Are you becoming more and more of an admirer of your senior?"

"Bullshit, no way."

The two continued walking and unknowingly arrived at the artificial lake on campus.

This is a favorite spot for couples, with willows swaying by the lake and a few students sitting on benches.

"Shall we find a place to sit?" Xu Yun suggested.

"Okay."

Ou Jingya nodded, and the two sat down on a bench by the lake.

Xu Yun asked, "How have you been lately?"

"The same old routine: teaching classes, mentoring students, and writing papers."

Ou Jingya smiled and complained, "Unlike you, you're so busy. I don't see you for a month, and you're so slow to reply to my messages."

"It's my fault. I'll try to reply faster next time." Xu Yun felt a little guilty about this.

Since their last encounter, he hasn't come to see his girlfriend for a long time, acting like a complete scumbag.

"Sister Peiyao, how have you been lately?"

Ou Jingya suddenly said, "I saw that she went to the mountains again recently to help build a school for people."

"You...have contact?" Xu Yun asked, somewhat surprised.

"Yeah, we chat occasionally."

Ou Jingya smiled and said calmly, "She is a good woman who has helped many people and has even been featured on CCTV News."

Xu Yun was at a loss for words.

The women around him know each other and even keep in touch, which feels somewhat unsettling.

"Don't think too much."

Ou Jingya seemed to sense his concerns and said with a smile, "Besides... I'm way past the age of getting jealous over these things."

These words were spoken casually, but Xu Yun detected a faint hint of disappointment in them.

"Jingya, I..."

"No need to explain."

Ou Jingya interrupted him, turned to look at the lake, and said, "Xu Yun, I know what kind of person you are, and I also know that there can be no future between us."

But sometimes, reason can't control emotions. Her profile looked especially soft in the sunlight, her eyelashes casting faint shadows on her eyelids.

A surge of impulse welled up in Xu Yun's heart, and he reached out and took her hand.

Ou Jingya trembled slightly, but did not pull away.

"I'm sorry," Xu Yun said softly.

This is genuine.

Because he was destined not to give her a formal title, she could only become his confidante, just like any other woman.

"Why are you apologizing?"

Ou Jingya turned her head, her eyes glistening with tears, and smiled, "You never promised me anything."

Xu Yun: "..."

The two sat quietly, hand in hand, like any ordinary couple on campus.

Time passed slowly, and the sun gradually set in the west.

"The meeting is at two o'clock, you should go back now," Ou Jingya reminded him softly, but she held his hand tightly.

"No rush, sit for another five minutes." Xu Yun was reluctant to let go.

The more sensible a woman is, the more likely she is to capture his heart.

"it is good."

For those five minutes, none of them spoke; they simply watched the ripples on the lake and listened to the distant school bell.

Finally, Ou Jingya stood up first: "Let's go, I'll go with you to the Economics and Management Building."

On their way back to the School of Economics and Management building, the two walked very slowly.

As they passed a wisteria trellis, Ou Jingya suddenly stopped.

"Xu Yun, can I ask you a question?"

"You said."

"If... I mean if, without my mother's connection, would there be any possibility between us?"

Looking into her earnest eyes, Xu Yun felt a touch deep within her.

He reached out and gently stroked her cheek: "Jingya, I can promise that I will always be good to you, but to be honest, I can't give you a marriage certificate, nor can I give my teacher a complete son-in-law."

“But I don’t want anyone else.” Ou Jingya’s voice was as soft as a sigh.

The next second, she stood on tiptoe and kissed Xu Yun's lips.

The kiss was light and brief.

Xu Yun paused for a moment, then responded to her.

The fragrance of wisteria lingered in the air, and the shadows cast by the trellis enveloped them.

At this moment, it seemed as if the world consisted only of each other.

However, good times are always fleeting.

"Jingya? Xu Yun?"

A familiar voice came from not far away, and the two separated as if they had been electrocuted.

Wu Jinyan stood at the entrance of the flower stand, holding a folder in her hand. Her expression changed from surprise to confusion, and finally became complicated and indescribable.

Time seemed to stand still.

“Mom…” Ou Jingya’s face instantly turned red with embarrassment.

Xu Yun wished he could disappear into a crack in the ground.

Oh no, he was caught kissing his teacher's daughter. This scene was incredibly embarrassing.

Wu Jinyan took a deep breath, adjusted her glasses, and said calmly, "The symposium starts in ten minutes. Xu Yun, shouldn't you be going over there?"

"Yes, teacher, I'll go right away."

Xu Yun hurriedly replied, even feeling guilty and not daring to look Wu Jinyan in the eye.

"Mom, I..."

Ou Jingya tried to explain something, but was interrupted by Wu Jinyan.

"Go back to your office first, I'll contact you later."

Xu Yun practically fled, hurrying towards the Economics and Management Building.

He could feel two pairs of eyes following him from behind: one of Ou Jingya's worry, and the other of Wu Jinyan's complicated gaze.

Xu Yun breathed a sigh of relief as he entered the lobby of the Economics and Management Building, leaning against the wall to calm his racing heart.

My phone vibrated; it was a message from Ou Jingya: "I'll explain to Mom, so don't worry."

Xu Yun looked at the message, unsure how to reply.

Putting away her phone, Xu Yun composed herself, tried to appear normal, and then walked towards the conference room.

The atmosphere at the symposium remained lively, with students asking many questions.

However, Xu Yun was clearly distracted, and his mind wandered several times when answering questions.

The symposium finally came to an end, and Xu Yun declined the college leaders' invitation to dinner, saying that she had other plans for the evening.

As I walked out of the Economics and Management Building, the sun had already set.

Xu Yun stood on the steps, hesitating whether to call Ou Jingya, or... go directly to Wu Jinyan to explain?
Just as he was struggling with this decision, his phone rang. It was Wu Jinyan.

"Xu Yun, is the symposium over?"

Wu Jinyan's voice sounded calm as she said, "Come to my office, let's talk."

ε=(ο｀*)))Alas

What is supposed to come will come.

Xu Yun smiled wryly and said, "Okay, teacher, I'll be right there."

On the way to the teachers' office building, Xu Yun thought of many explanations, but they all seemed weak and ineffective.

The truth is, he kissed his teacher's daughter and was caught on the spot.

When Xu Yun knocked on Wu Jinyan's office door, he was prepared to be scolded.

Surprisingly, Wu Jinyan did not get angry.

She pointed to the chair opposite her: "Sit down."

Xu Yun sat down, feeling like a student awaiting judgment.

“Jingya has already talked to me about it.”

Wu Jinyan got straight to the point, saying, "She said it was her initiative and told me not to blame you."

Xu Yun was taken aback, then shook his head: "No, teacher, it's my responsibility. I..."

"You don't need to make excuses for her."

Wu Jinyan sighed, took off her glasses, rubbed her temples, and said, "Xu Yun, I've taught you for four years and I know your character."

You're not the kind of person who plays with emotions, but I also know that your situation... is rather complicated.

Xu Yun lowered her head: "I'm sorry, teacher, I'm really sorry."

"I didn't call you here today to hear an apology."

Wu Jinyan put her glasses back on, her gaze sharpening, and said, "I just have one question."

"Teacher, please ask."

Are you serious about Jingya?

Xu Yun nodded: "I'm serious."

"What about the girl I met before?"

Xu Yun: "..."

"Can you two get married?"

"..."

Xu Yun fell silent.

What could he say?
Is it true that he likes Ou Jingya?
Yes, he likes it.

But liking someone doesn't mean you can make a promise.

He has Su Mu, Liang Yan, and too many other women around him...

"I understand."

Wu Jinyan understood the answer from his silence and said, "Xu Yun, you are my most outstanding student, and I have always been proud of you."

Jingya is my daughter, and I want her to be happy.

She paused, her voice trembling slightly: "So, I'm begging you, if you can't give her a future, then... then stay away from her."

She seems strong, but she's actually very fragile inside. I don't want to see her get hurt.

These words struck Xu Yun's heart like a hammer blow.

"Teacher, I..."

Xu Yun's throat tightened; she really didn't know what to say.

Wu Jinyan nodded, her eyes a little red, and waved her hand, saying, "Alright, you can go now. I'll pretend I didn't see anything today."

Xu Yun stood up, bowed deeply, and turned to leave.

By the time I stepped out of the office building, it was completely dark.

The streetlights on campus came on, and groups of students walked by chatting and laughing.

Standing in the night, Xu Yun felt more exhausted and guilty than ever before.

The phone rang again; this time it was Ou Jingya.

He stared at the screen for a long time, but ultimately didn't answer and walked towards the parking lot.

Long-term pain is worse than short-term pain.

Some relationships are destined to remain ambiguous and never blossom into something lasting, just like the wisteria flowers on campus; no matter how beautiful they bloom, they will eventually wither.

Perhaps from the very beginning, his encounter with Ou Jingya was destined to be nothing more than a fruitless one.

Unless, unless Ou Jingya can disregard Wu Jinyan's pressure, break free from worldly constraints, and be willing to stay by his side like other women.

If that's the case, then he's willing to share the anger from Teacher Wu.

As a man, there's no reason for a woman to bear these pressures that don't belong to her alone.

But under this premise, he was still willing to take a step back and give Ou Jingya the right to choose.

That's why I didn't answer the phone. (End of Chapter)