The God of Wealth starts with doing whatever you want

A few days later.

The signing ceremony was held in the banquet hall on the top floor of Shenzhen Bay No. 1.

Outside the floor-to-ceiling windows is the azure sea and skyline, while inside, the champagne tower reflects dazzling light.

The flashbulbs of the cameras were faster than a heartbeat, and the lenses of cameras were pointed at the two men exchanging documents on the stage.

Li Ping, vice president of CATL, and Chen Mo, the apparent CEO of Future Energy, a professional manager with a polite smile and gold-rimmed glasses.

Lin Zhengyu sat with his legs crossed in the shadows on the far left of the first row, toying with an unopened silver lighter in his hand, a faint hint of mockery on his lips.

Next to him was Xu Yun, dressed in a well-tailored dark gray suit without a tie, leaning back in his chair with a relaxed posture, as if the noisy scene before him had nothing to do with him.

"Chen Mo, that kid, actually acted quite convincingly."

Lin Zhengyu lowered his voice, chuckled, and said, "Look at his attitude of 'I am the mastermind behind the scenes'."

Xu Yun's gaze fell on the stage, and he smiled and said in a calm tone, "Someone has to stand in front of the stage. He earns eight million a year, so this role is what he should play."

The contract was held high by both parties, and the sound of camera shutters immediately filled the air like a tidal wave.

Li Ping wore a standard smile, polished repeatedly by his public relations team, that exuded "expectation and confidence," while Chen Mo appeared more composed and reserved, nodding slightly, fitting the public's image of the leader of a company with disruptive technology.

No reporter knew that the two people who would truly determine the future of this contract, which could be worth over a hundred billion in future revenue, were sitting in the audience, watching a performance that had nothing to do with them.

Ladies and gentlemen, friends from the media!

The host, in a high-pitched voice, declared: "The strategic cooperation between CATL and Future Energy will open a new chapter in the new energy industry!"
This is a powerful combination of Chinese intelligent manufacturing capabilities, a solid step towards energy independence and becoming a technologically advanced nation!

There was thunderous applause.

The Shenzhen municipal leaders sitting in the front row smiled and nodded frequently.

Lin Zhengyu leaned closer to Xu Yun, his breath hot against his ear, and said smugly, "Did you hear that? 'Double swords combined'. If Old Zeng heard that phrase, he'd probably vomit three liters of blood."

From now on, his sword will have to be used with our scabbards.

Xu Yun didn't reply, but just looked at the stage.

The ceremony moved to the next stage, where representatives from both sides placed their hands on a huge, transparent crystal ball symbolizing the "energy core." Blue light streams began to rotate and converge within the ball, eventually illuminating the cooperation logo on the large screen behind them.

The visual effects were stunning, with another burst of intense flashes.

"That's really over-the-top," Xu Yun commented.

"The necessary form".

Lin Zhengyu's voice was so low that only the two of them could hear him as he said, "The capital market and the public need stories and a sense of ritual; this can save a lot of effort in explaining."

The ceremony ended forty minutes later.

According to the schedule, the next step is a brief group interview with the media, followed by a private celebratory luncheon.

Before the crowd began to move, Xu Yun and Lin Zhengyu had already quietly left through the side door and taken the private elevator directly to the underground parking garage.

A low-key black Maybach was waiting there.

The car drove out of the underground parking garage and merged into the dense traffic of Shenzhen at midday.

Lin Zhengyu swiped his phone screen. On the stock market software, the K-line chart of CATL (300750) was soaring upwards at almost a 90-degree angle.

"The stock opened up 5%, and the news triggered a trading halt. After trading resumed, it continued to rise and is now up 18%."

He whistled and laughed, "Old Zeng's frustration will probably be relieved a lot after seeing this market value."

"Our Future Energy isn't listed on the stock market, otherwise its stock price would have skyrocketed today."

Xu Yun closed his eyes to rest and said, "As expected, the market needs certainty, and this cooperation has given them the greatest certainty. The mass production of solid-state batteries is no longer just a PowerPoint presentation, but a reality backed by CATL's production capacity."

CATL, on the other hand, needs a new narrative to support its valuation; it's a win-win situation.

"Xiaomi's stock is also surging."

Lin Zhengyu switched pages and said, "Lei Jun is probably grinning from ear to ear right now. He was the first automaker to bet heavily on us."

As if to confirm his words, Xu Yun's personal phone vibrated.

He took it out and saw that it was a message from Lei Jun, which said succinctly: "President Xu, I am very sorry that the grand event could not be held. As a token of my appreciation, a small gift has been sent to your residence. I hope you will accept it."

Also, would you do me the honor of having a couple of drinks tonight?

The next thing I received was a picture.

A new energy SUV with a futuristic design, painted in a deep starry blue, and shimmering with tiny pearlescent shimmers under the lights.

The car body features smooth and sharp lines, hidden door handles, and specially designed low-drag multi-spoke wheels. Most notably, there is a gold-plated, extremely understated "XU" logo on the C-pillar.

"Whoa!"

Lin Zhengyu leaned over for a look and asked in confusion, "The top-of-the-line customized version of the Xiaomi XSU8? I've never seen this color before; it must be a custom-mixed car paint."

"It's here already? Mr. Lei, that's incredibly efficient and generous."

"Thank you, Mr. Lei. I have received the gift. It's too much trouble. It will be 7 PM tonight. You can choose the location."

Xu Yun replied, then said to Lin Zhengyu, "It's good that he's satisfied. The success of Xiaomi Cars is the best advertisement for the implementation of our technology."

Other automakers that are still observing are the ones that will truly make a decision.

"Huawei must be getting restless, right?"

Lin Zhengyu raised an eyebrow and asked in return, "With Yu Chengdong's temper, wouldn't he be furious if Xiaomi gained an early advantage?"

Xu Yun smiled but didn't say anything.

My phone vibrated again; this time it was Fu Baoying.

"Xu Yun!"

When you open Fu Baoying's voice message, you hear her unique tone, which is both dashing and affectionate.

"Is future energy your industry? Did you develop solid-state batteries?"

"Correct."

Xu Yun replied, "Lin Shao and I did it together, so what?"

"I just finished a meeting."

On the phone, Fu Baoying couldn't help but laugh: "Several executives from Huawei's terminal and automotive BU teams surrounded me, and they all said the same thing."

Mr. Xu is one of our own (a partner). Shouldn't it be Wenjie's turn to receive the same "insider treatment" in solid-state batteries?

Xu Yun thought for a moment and replied, "Of course, we have our own way of negotiating with our own people. How about this, tomorrow morning I'll have my team responsible for automotive business liaison contact Huawei's automotive BU directly. You can let them handle the specific details first."

After replying to the message, he instructed the driver, "Don't go back to the hotel. Go to Nanshan. I have a place there."

The car turned onto the coastal highway.

Lin Zhengyu shrugged and suddenly asked, "Now that the Ningde matter is settled, when do you plan to make a move on BYD?"

"You decide for yourself. I've already said I'm not involved."

"Then let the bullets fly for a while."

A calculating glint flashed in Lin Zhengyu's eyes as he said, "Let the news of the CATL cooperation ferment for another two days, wait until the Xiaomi U8 launch event is over and the market hype reaches its peak, and then wait for BYD to come to us on its own initiative."

Xu Yun countered with, "Will they come?"

"Wang Chuanfu understands better than anyone what a technological gap means."

Lin Zhengyu said with certainty, "Even if he doesn't come looking for us, his board of directors and shareholders will force him to."

At 7 p.m. that evening, at "Zhuli Restaurant," a hidden private restaurant in Shenzhen.

The private room is located at the far end, with a meticulously maintained miniature bamboo grove outside the window, creating a serene and elegant atmosphere.

Lei Jun had already arrived, dressed in a simple dark polo shirt and casual pants. He lacked the sharp edge he displayed at the press conference and instead exuded a more approachable and casual vibe.

"President Xu, President Lin, welcome, welcome!"

Lei Jun stood up to greet them with a sincere and warm smile. He personally poured them warm yellow wine and said with a smile, "There are no outsiders here. Let's relax. This is just a casual meal between friends."

"You're too kind, senior."

Xu Yun sat down and said, "I should be thanking you; that car is too valuable."

"Oh, aren't you being too polite?"

Lei Jun waved his hand and laughed, "It's just a car. Compared to the 'timely help' that President Xu and President Lin brought to Xiaomi Auto, it's nothing."

Without your solid-state battery, we wouldn't dare price the XSU8 at that level, nor would we dare advertise that battery life.

The pre-sale data came out this afternoon…

He lowered his voice, his eyes gleaming, and said happily, "72 hours, more than 50,000 orders locked in. You two know better than I do what that means."

Lin Zhengyu raised his glass and said with a smile, "Congratulations, President Lei! A great start! This shows that the market recognizes good products."

"What we acknowledge is your technology!"

Lei Jun clinked glasses with them, drank it all in one gulp, and said, "To be honest, when we decided to go all in on solid-state batteries, there was a lot of opposition."

High costs, a new supply chain, and significant risks—I defied all opposition and took the gamble. And now it seems the gamble paid off!

This toast is to our collaboration, and also to your both of your remarkable courage!

After a few rounds of drinks, several delicate and light Cantonese dishes were served.

The conversation naturally extended from cars.

"Ningde made a brilliant move."

Lei Jun picked up a piece of steamed grouper with his chopsticks and said, "It's fast and stable. Now everyone in the industry understands that Future Energy + CATL is already an 'ironclad encirclement' in the field of solid-state batteries."

Other battery manufacturers, including BYD's FinDreams battery division, are under immense pressure.

"Cooperation leads to win-win results."

Xu Yun said: "Ningde has the manufacturing and supply chain capabilities we need, and we have the ticket to the future that they need."

Our senior's Xiaomi car was the first shot we fired in bringing our technology to market.

We all help each other succeed.

"That's right!"

Lei Jun wholeheartedly agreed, saying, "However, Mr. Xu, what are your plans for supplying Huawei's cars going forward?"

He asked directly, but his eyes were honest, clearly out of business interest rather than inquiring.

Xu Yun didn't hide anything, saying, "We're already in talks. Huawei is an important partner of ours, and we've had a very pleasant collaboration in the chip industry."

The "Wenjie" series will have corresponding battery solutions, but the specific product positioning and supply schedule will differ from Xiaomi's to avoid homogeneous competition. This is a responsible approach to the market and also to our two partners.

Lei Jun nodded, a relieved look on his face: "With President Xu's words, I feel at ease."

I'm afraid you'll treat everyone equally and erase Xiaomi's first-mover advantage.

After all, Wenjie's brand appeal and distribution channels are not to be underestimated.

Lin Zhengyu smiled and said, "Don't worry, Mr. Lei, the first to fire is the first to fire."

No one can take away the title of "the world's first mass-produced solid-state battery electric vehicle" from Xiaomi U8.

In our future vehicle planning, we will prioritize meeting Xiaomi's iteration needs.

These words reassured Lei Jun.

His smile widened, and he switched to lighter topics, such as intelligent cars, user experience, and even occasionally interjected a few remarks about the mobile phone industry.

At the end of the dinner, Lei Jun held Xu Yun's hand and said sincerely, "Junior, you are young and promising. Your vision, perspective, and methods are all top-notch."

I'm a few years older, and I'll venture to say this: the future belongs to you, and Xiaomi Auto hopes to walk alongside Future Energy for many years to come.

"You're too kind, senior. I'm sure of it," Xu Yun replied with a smile.

After seeing Lei Jun off, Lin Zhengyu stretched and said, "Lei Jun is a good person to get along with, ambitious, has strong execution skills, and is not stingy."

"He's a sensible man."

Xu Yun glanced at his phone. Fu Baoying had sent another message, saying that the head of Huawei's Automotive BU would visit Future Energy's Shenzhen office at 10 a.m. the next day.

"Looks like there's another match tomorrow."

Lin Zhengyu also saw the message and asked, "Will Yu Chengdong come in person?"

"He may not directly participate in the initial negotiations, but he will definitely set the direction."

Xu Yun walked to his car and said, "Let's go, take me back to my place. The U8 should have been delivered by now."

The car drove into a high-end seaside apartment community with tight security.

In its designated parking space in the underground garage, a Xiaomi XSU8 in starry blue sat quietly. Under the dim light, the car body shimmered with a serene and luxurious luster, and the "XU" logo stood out prominently.

Xu Yun stood by the car and looked at it. He said to Lin Zhengyu, "Tomorrow, can you arrange for someone to deliver the car to Zhong Yanyan and get all the paperwork done?"

"Row."

Lin Zhengyu glanced at the car and jokingly asked with a smile, "Should we write a card or something?"

Xu Yun thought for a moment and said, "No need, as long as she knows it was from me, that's enough."

Just as the two were about to go upstairs, Lin Zhengyu's phone rang again.

This time it's a somewhat unexpected name: Wang Chuanfu.

Lin Zhengyu and Xu Yun exchanged a glance and then answered the phone.

"Good evening, Mr. Lin. I am Wang Chuanfu from BYD."

The voice on the other end of the phone was steady and strong, with a slight southern accent, as it said, "Did I disturb your rest?"

"Hello, Mr. Wang, of course not." Lin Zhengyu said politely.

"Congratulations, Mr. Lin! This collaboration with CATL is a big deal."

Wang Chuanfu got straight to the point, saying, "Today's stock market performance has demonstrated the market's recognition of this cooperation, and Future Energy's technological strength is truly admirable."

"Mr. Wang, you flatter me. BYD's full-industry chain layout and vertical integration capabilities in the new energy field are the industry benchmark and are worth learning from."

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Wang Chuanfu got down to business: "President Lin, it's getting late, so I'll cut to the chase."

BYD is very interested in your company's solid-state battery technology.

I wonder if there is any possibility of cooperation between us?

Fudi Battery, or rather BYD Auto, could be the main entity for cooperation.

Lin Zhengyu spoke calmly on speakerphone: "President Wang, we are open to any sincere intention to cooperate."

BYD is an industry giant with extensive technological expertise.

However, the specific methods and scope of cooperation need to be carefully evaluated based on the strategic needs and technological characteristics of both parties.

Our current cooperation with CATL is an exclusive strategic contract manufacturing arrangement, but there is room for cooperation in areas such as technology licensing, specific vehicle models, or specific sectors.

Wang Chuanfu clearly understood Lin Zhengyu's subtext.

Complete cooperation like that in Ningde is impossible, but partial cooperation and authorization can be discussed.

"I understand."

Wang Chuanfu's voice was devoid of emotion as he said, "So, when is a convenient time for you, Mr. Lin? I can bring my team to visit Beijing anytime, or I can invite you to visit BYD's headquarters."

How about next week?

Lin Zhengyu gave a timeframe, saying, "I'll have my assistant contact you to confirm the specific time."

"Okay, then next week. I look forward to meeting with President Lin."

After hanging up the phone, Lin Zhengyu spread his hands and said, "Old Wang's call came fast enough; it seems he's really in a hurry."

"He has a technical background, so he understands what this means better than anyone else."

Xu Yun stepped into the elevator and smiled, "BYD's blade battery is very good, but in terms of energy density and safety, the next generation of core indicators, solid-state batteries are a game-changer."

He had to find a way out for BYD.

"This is going to be interesting."

Lin Zhengyu grinned and said, "CATL has tied itself to the war machine, Xiaomi has seized the initiative, Huawei is eager to get on board, and BYD is taking the initiative to seek talks..."

"Mr. Xu, we're right in the eye of the storm."

Xu Yun's calm and expressionless face was reflected in the elevator mirror.

"What does it have to do with me? That's your company, I'm just a major shareholder."

He smiled and said calmly, "You'd better be careful with your actions. If the pill falls apart, I won't bail you out."

"Tch, you're good at shifting the blame."

Lin Zhengyu wasn't angry at all, and joked to himself, "But if I had known back then that working with you would be so profitable, I really should have let you stab me in the back a few more times."

"Heh~"

Xu Yun rolled her eyes at him and said, "Do you want me to stab you in the butt?"

"I can do it if you're willing," Lin Zhengyu chuckled. "I don't mind."

"Get lost, I mind."

Xu Yun told the driver to stop, and said with a laugh, "You can take a taxi home yourself. I have other things to do."

"what's up?"

"You think I'm a single dog like you?"

Xu Yun retorted sarcastically, "I'm very busy; many women are waiting for me."

"..." Lin Zhengyu. (End of Chapter)