The God of Wealth starts with doing whatever you want

Today, the international standard football stadium in Jiangcheng New Area was unusually empty on Saturday afternoon.

Because the venue was booked out by someone else.

The synthetic running track gleamed with a dark red sheen under the autumn sun, and the green field was neatly trimmed with bright, glaring white lines.

The stands were empty, with only a few sparrows hopping between the seats in the highest row.

When Xu Yun arrived, Lin Zhengyu had already changed into a black Adidas tracksuit and was stretching on the sidelines, looking quite professional.

Not far from him stood a middle-aged man wearing a BYD work jacket.

The other person was of medium build, wearing black-rimmed glasses, and was talking to Lin Zhengyu while stretching his ankles.

"You've finally arrived!" Lin Zhengyu turned around and waved to Xu Yun from afar.

"I wasn't late."

Xu Yun pursed her lips, wearing ordinary gray sportswear and carrying a simple sports bag.

As he approached, the middle-aged man turned around, a gentle smile on his face.

That's Wang Chuanfu, the founder and chairman of BYD, and one of the leading figures in China's new energy vehicle industry.

In media photos, he always wears a suit and looks serious, but at this moment he looks more like an ordinary middle-aged man preparing to enjoy the weekend game.

"Mr. Xu, I've heard so much about you."

Looking at the young man before him, Wang Chuanfu dared not underestimate him. He stepped forward, extended his hand, shook hands firmly but briefly, and said with a smile, "Thank you for taking the time to meet me."

"Mr. Wang, you're too kind."

Xu Yun shook hands with him and said, "You can just call me Xu Yun."

"Alright, then stop calling me 'General Manager Wang'. There are no 'General Managers' on the sports field."

Wang Chuanfu laughed, pointed to his work clothes, and said, "It's comfortable playing football in this."

Xu Yun nodded: "Indeed."

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, the three began to warm up.

Lin Zhengyu took a soccer ball from the side and gently kicked it to Xu Yun.

The football traced an arc in the air.

Seeing this, Xu Yun stopped the ball with his chest, and it bounced twice before landing.

"Not bad footwork." Wang Chuanfu's eyes lit up, somewhat surprised.

"I played on the college team in college, but haven't played for many years."

Xu Yun spoke the truth.

The last time he played football was probably seven years ago in college, in a friendly match against people from the next department.

He was young then, and he didn't feel tired running the whole track.

After warming up for ten minutes, the three decided to play a small-scale three-on-three game.

In reality, there were only three of them, so the rules were simplified: half-court, small goal, no goalkeeper, and the ball was switched after a goal was scored.

"The loser treats everyone tonight?" Lin Zhengyu suggested.

"can."

Wang Chuanfu nodded, a competitive glint in his eyes, and said, "But I have to say first, I was a striker for the factory team when I was young."

Game start.

To Xu Yun's surprise, Wang Chuanfu's skills were quite solid.

At 45 years old, he is still very active, his dribbling is not fast but his ball protection is solid, and his passing is accurate.

Lin Zhengyu is a typical amateur, full of enthusiasm but with rough technique, making up for it with physical strength.

As for Xu Yun, he deliberately controlled his level of involvement.

He spends most of his time lingering in his own half, only handling the ball when it reaches his feet before quickly passing it to a teammate.

He was like a spectator on the field, observing the game and the people.

Wang Chuanfu quickly discovered this.

During a break in play, he wiped his sweat and said half-jokingly, "Xu Yun, you're conserving your strength."

"No, I haven't exercised in a long time, I can't run anymore," Xu Yun smiled and explained.

Half an hour into the game, the score was 3-2, with Wang Chuanfu and Lin Zhengyu each scoring two goals, while Xu Yun only scored one penalty.

The autumn sun slanted down, casting long shadows on the lawn.

"Take a break?" Lin Zhengyu suggested, panting. His workout clothes were soaked with sweat.

"it is good."

The other two nodded in agreement.

After all, we're not really here to play football.

The three walked to a bench at the side of the field and sat down.

Wang Chuanfu poured three cups of tea from his thermos; it was ordinary green tea, and the temperature was just right.

"Actually, the reason we met at the stadium today is because I felt that some things are more appropriate to discuss in an informal setting."

Wang Chuanfu took a sip of tea and got straight to the point, saying, "BYD's solid-state battery project has completed the third phase of testing, with an energy density of 420Wh/kg and a cycle life of over 2000 cycles."

Lin Zhengyu's eyes lit up: "So fast? Three months ahead of schedule."

"The tech team worked overtime."

Wang Chuanfu spoke casually, but Xu Yun could hear the effort behind it.

"I'd like to talk about partial licensing. BYD doesn't need the complete technology; it mainly needs to license the patents for the cathode material and electrolyte components."

Lin Zhengyu looked at Xu Yun, waiting for his opinion.

Xu Yun slowly wiped his sweat, and after a few seconds he spoke: "President Wang, President Lin can make the decision on this matter entirely. I'm just a hands-off manager. If he thinks it's feasible, we'll talk about it; if he thinks it's not, we'll refuse."

Lin Zhengyu was taken aback: "Are you saying you're planning to slack off again?..."

"Get lost. I'm just trusting your judgment."

Xu Yun interrupted him, saying calmly, "Since President Wang has come to us, it means our technology is valuable. As for how to cooperate, you know better than I do. You've been in charge of this project all along."

Wang Chuanfu looked at Xu Yun thoughtfully.

Over the years in the business world, he has met all kinds of business partners.

Some people do everything themselves, while others delegate all authority, but those like Xu Yun who explicitly stated "no participation" in key negotiation occasions are still in the minority.

"Mr. Xu."

Wang Chuanfu carefully chose his words and asked, "The annual fee for this authorization could reach nine figures. Are you really so comfortable entrusting it to President Lin alone?"

Why can't you trust me?

Xu Yun countered with a relaxed tone, "If I don't even trust him with something like this, then why would I partner with him?"

Lin Zhengyu felt very pleased when he heard this.

This is trust, naked and unreserved trust.

He took a deep breath, turned to Wang Chuanfu, and smiled, "Mr. Wang, shall we continue from where we left off?"

"it is good."

The subsequent negotiations took place entirely between Lin Zhengyu and Wang Chuanfu.

Xu Yun truly became an "observer," leaning back on the bench and squinting at the sky.

The autumn sky is exceptionally high and distant, with a few wisps of thin clouds drifting slowly like torn cotton wool.

He heard Lin Zhengyu discussing the exclusivity clauses of the technology licensing, Wang Chuanfu fighting for a longer licensing period, and the tug-of-war between the two sides over the proportion of royalties.

He didn't understand these business terms and numbers, nor did he want to.

"...So if we sign a five-year exclusive contract, the annual fee will increase by 15%."

"Yes, but we need to ensure that the technology upgrade is authorized simultaneously."

"A technology sharing meeting is held every two years, but improvements to core processes are not included in the sharing."

"Then we need to have the right of first refusal for renewal."

"Yes, but the market price will be reassessed when the contract is renewed."

"So it's settled then?" Wang Chuanfu's voice brought Xu Yun back to reality.

Xu Yun opened his eyes and saw Lin Zhengyu looking at him with a questioning gaze.

He rolled his eyes and laughed, "Why are you looking at me? I already told you to decide."

Lin Zhengyu turned around and shook hands with Wang Chuanfu: "It's a pleasure to cooperate with you, Mr. Wang."

"Pleasant to work with."

After shaking hands, Wang Chuanfu suddenly remembered something and turned to Xu Yun, saying, "By the way, Mr. Xu, I heard from Lei Jun that he customized a car for you?"

Xu Yun raised an eyebrow: "President Wang is well-informed."

There are no secrets in that circle.

Wang Chuanfu smiled and said, "BYD has recently made a few customized versions of the Yangwang U9. If you don't mind, I'll give you one too."

It wasn't an expensive gift, just a present between friends.

Xu Yun's first reaction was to refuse.

He didn't lack cars, but when the words were about to come out, he changed his mind.

"Thank you very much, Mr. Wang."

Xu Yun smiled and said, "But I want a special color, not the common black and white."

"What color do you want?" Wang Chuanfu asked, intrigued.

"Mint green, matte finish."

Xu Yun said, "The interior should be white leather, and the steering wheel should have an 'X' engraved on it."

Wang Chuanfu noted: "No problem, delivery within two months."

He paused, then smiled and said, "But this color is quite unique; it's rare to see men choose mint green."

Xu Yun smiled but didn't explain.

He certainly wouldn't drive a car of that color; it's too flashy and doesn't fit his recent pursuit of a "low-key and unambitious" style.

He planned to give this car to Li Jinshu.

She loves all kinds of sports cars.

A gift should be given appropriately; too expensive a gift can put pressure on someone, while too ordinary a gift can seem perfunctory.

A customized version of the Yangwang U9, but with a slightly "feminine" color, perfectly expressed my feelings and made her a little happy.

The three of them chatted for a while about industry trends.

Wang Chuanfu shared BYD's strategy in the Southeast Asian market, while Lin Zhengyu discussed the application prospects of solid-state batteries in the energy storage field.

Xu Yun occasionally chimed in with a word or two, but mostly listened.

They left the stadium as the sun set.

Wang Chuanfu had to leave first, while Lin Zhengyu and Xu Yun walked side by side toward the parking lot.

Lin Zhengyu laughed and said, "You've really given me face today." "You deserve it."

Xu Yun patted his shoulder and said, "From now on, you'll handle these kinds of things. Don't ask me about everything. I don't have time to deal with these things."

"But such a large authorization..."

Lin Zhengyu said, "I still need to let you know."

"No matter how big it is, it's still a business."

Xu Yun opened the car door and said, "Business is never-ending, but life is my own, and I don't want to live such a tiring life."

"..." Lin Zhengyu.

This guy is completely different from anyone I've met before; he really doesn't treat his career like a career.

7 PM.

Xu Yun had just returned home when his phone rang. It was Jiang Peiyao.

"I've gotten off the plane."

Her voice carried the weariness of a long flight, but it was still cheerful as she said with a smile, "It's so cold in Jiangcheng tonight, I only brought summer clothes."

"Wait for me at the exit, I'll be there in twenty minutes," Xu Yun said.

"You don't need to come pick me up, I can just take a taxi..."

“That won’t do,” Xu Yun interrupted her and hung up the phone.

On the way to the airport, Xu Yun recalled that the last time she met Jiang Peiyao was a month ago.

Her planned two-week trip was extended to four weeks due to torrential rain and landslides on mountain roads.

They occasionally made phone calls during this period, but the signal was sometimes good and sometimes bad, and sometimes the call would be cut off halfway through.

Upon reaching the exit of the arrival level, Jiang Peiyao stood under the lights, a huge suitcase beside her. Her entourage had already been sent away beforehand.

She wore a thin linen shirt and long skirt, with a shawl that was clearly not warm enough, and shivered slightly in the chilly autumn night wind.

Upon seeing Xu Yun's car, her eyes lit up, and she quickly walked over, dragging her suitcase.

Xu Yun got out of the car and took her luggage.

The moment I touched her hand, I felt its icy coldness.

Why are you dressed so scantily?

"It's still 30 degrees Celsius in Yunnan."

Jiang Peiyao sat in the passenger seat, let out a long sigh, and said, "Jiangcheng is still the best. Although it's cold, it's familiar."

Xu Yun turned up the air conditioning temperature and took one of his own coats from the back seat, handing it to her: "Wear this for now."

"Ah."

The car drove away from the airport and merged into the nighttime traffic.

Jiang Peiyao leaned back in her chair, looking at the familiar street scene outside the window, and slowly relaxed.

She began to recount her experiences from the trip.

The wooden houses of the Mosuo people on the shores of Lugu Lake, the Tibetan-style earthen houses in Shangri-La, and the bamboo houses of the Dai people in Xishuangbanna.

Xu Yun glanced at the photos on her phone and asked with a smile, "Are you hungry?"

"A little."

"Let's go get something to eat first."

Xu Yun took her to a newly opened private restaurant, which was in a secluded location and required advance reservations.

The owner is a man in his forties who used to be the head chef of a five-star hotel. He later opened his own restaurant and only serves three tables a day.

The dishes were pre-arranged and served one by one.

Matsutake chicken soup, steamed grouper, and black truffle fried rice are all simple dishes, but the ingredients are excellent.

Jiang Peiyao ate with great relish.

After a month away from home, she missed the food in Jiangcheng terribly.

"It's better to come back."

She sighed contentedly and said, "Yunnan cuisine is delicious, but after eating it for a while, I miss hot dry noodles and bean curd sheets."

"I'll take you out to eat tomorrow," Xu Yun said.

"Ah."

After dinner, the two returned to Jiang Peiyao's apartment.

Of all the women, Xu Yun is the only one who still insists on living in her old apartment.

It was also bought for her by Xu Yun back then.

She said the house was very meaningful to her, and she didn't want to move out. Besides, she was alone, which was enough for her. She didn't really like those big houses; they were too spacious.

Xu Yun let her have her way.

As soon as she entered, Jiang Peiyao kicked off her shoes and stepped barefoot onto the wooden floor.

"Finally home again."

Xu Yun put down his luggage and looked around.

No one has lived here for a month, but there's hardly any dust in the room, so it seems like a cleaning lady comes regularly to clean it.

A potted green ivy sits on the coffee table, growing lush and green.

"I'm going to take a shower first; I smell like an airplane."

As Jiang Peiyao spoke, she took out her pajamas from the closet and went straight into the bathroom.

Xu Yun sat down on the sofa and casually picked up a photography album she had placed on the coffee table. It contained some touching scenes that she had taken casually in her spare time.

Throughout the year, she used the money Xu Yun gave her to do charity work, helping many people overcome difficulties.

It's no exaggeration to say that...

It is precisely because of her hands-on approach that many of her deeds have been reported and publicized by the media and short video platforms.

Therefore, the Yuntian Charity Organization, which she is now in charge of, enjoys a reputation and level of trust that is comparable to some well-known charities in the public eye.

Online, when videos of people in need of help are posted, they immediately tag her charity.

Because once you get the attention of Yuntian Charity, they really do things for you.

The key point is that it doesn't cost anyone a penny; everyone pays for everything themselves.

Xu Yun doesn't care about money; he also hopes that there is someone who can use their own money to do something for society.

It must be said that Jiang Peiyao did a great job.

He will continue to support her as long as she is willing.

After a while, the sound of water in the bathroom stopped.

Jiang Peiyao came out wearing a silk nightgown, her hair wet and draped over her shoulders.

She didn't dry herself properly; water droplets dripped from the ends of her hair, spreading out as dark polka dots on her nightgown.

"Want me to blow-dry my hair?" she asked, handing over the hairdryer, her tone slightly joking.

"Okay."

Xu Yun took it and plugged it in.

Jiang Peiyao was surprised that Xu Yun actually agreed.

She sat down at her dressing table in her room, and the two figures reflected in the mirror, one in front of the other, looked just like a normal married couple.

However, Jiang Peiyao knew that she and Xu Yun were destined not to become a real couple.

Xu Yun didn't think too much about it. He turned on the hairdryer, and the warm air blew through her hair. His fingers ran through the strands of hair, his movements natural and practiced.

This reminded him of a year ago when he often helped his ex-girlfriend with this kind of praise.

Back then, Huang Mengyao was always too lazy to dry her hair herself after washing it, so she would ask him to help her.

At that time, they lived in a house they had bought with a loan; they had no money but plenty of time.

"Xu Yun".

Looking at Xu Yun in the mirror, Jiang Peiyao suddenly whispered, "I've missed you so much this past month."

The hairdryer was making a buzzing sound, but Xu Yun heard it.

He didn't say anything, he just turned off the hairdryer, and the room suddenly became quiet.

Jiang Peiyao turned around and looked up at him.

The steam from the bathroom made her eyes particularly moist, as if they were covered with a thin mist under the light.

She reached out and gently touched Xu Yun's cheek with her fingers.

Then she stood up and kissed him.

The kiss started lightly, like a tentative exploration, and then gradually deepened.

Xu Yun responded to her, putting his arm around her waist and feeling the warmth of her body beneath the silk.

The shoulder strap of her nightgown slipped down.

Jiang Peiyao didn't pull him away, but instead hugged him even tighter.

Their breaths mingled, making the air thick and warm.

The city outside the window was still running, and the faint sound of traffic could be heard.

But in this room, time seems to flow at its own pace, slow and profound.

Jiang Peiyao's skin shimmered with a pearly luster in the dim light.

The two talked for a very long time, so long that the sound of traffic outside the window gradually faded, so long that the moonlight shifted its angle, moving from one side of the window to the other.

By the time the game ended, I was drenched in sweat.

However, this exchange also allowed their souls and bodies to merge perfectly.

Jiang Peiyao lay on Xu Yun's chest, listening to his heartbeat gradually calm down.

"I don't need to get up early tomorrow."

She murmured, "I want to give myself three days off."

"That's a good time to rest."

Xu Yun's hand gently stroked her back.

Are you free tomorrow?

"It's okay if you don't have it."

"Then stay with me."

"it is good."

Jiang Peiyao sighed contentedly and quickly fell asleep.

At this moment, in the room on this autumn night, the woman in his arms was sleeping soundly.

Xu Yun himself also felt a long-lost sense of peace. (End of Chapter)