The God of Wealth starts with doing whatever you want

As the first rays of sunlight touched Jiang County in the early morning, Zheng Yi was already sitting in his office dealing with a mountain of documents.

Since the personnel change last week, when he was transferred to the Supervisory Commission as director, he has been frantically studying and familiarizing himself with his duties in order to adapt to his new position and new job as soon as possible.

The Longjing tea on the table had gone cold, but he was completely unaware.

"Director Zheng, breakfast is ready."

Office Director Li Min gently pushed open the door, placed the breakfast she had brought from the canteen on his table, and said with a smile, "Please eat quickly, or it will get cold."

"Okay, thank you."

Zheng Yi glanced at him and said, "Sister Li, you go ahead and do your work, don't worry about me."

"Okay, Director Zheng, call me if you need anything."

Li Min smiled and agreed, then left, closing the door behind her. She was clearly in a good mood.

It seems that I have won Director Zheng's favor.

This made her sigh with emotion.

The protagonist, Zheng, is so young, yet he is already the head of his unit and is very familiar with the county leaders. It is clear that he has a lot of connections behind him, and it would be entirely beneficial for her to have a good relationship with him.

Zheng Yi put down the documents in his hand and was enjoying his breakfast when his phone suddenly vibrated, displaying the words "Class Monitor" on the screen.

He answered with a laugh and teased, "Class monitor, calling me so early, are you planning to treat me to breakfast?"

"No, something happened to me."

Zhu Jingheng's slightly anxious voice came from the other end of the phone: "There's a problem in Beicheng. Several major local material suppliers have suddenly raised prices collectively. Steel, cement, and sand have all increased by more than 30%."

I spoke with them several times, and their story was consistent: it was due to "changes in market conditions."

Zheng Yi frowned slightly upon hearing this.

"Not only that, three groups of people came yesterday afternoon."

Zhu Jingheng lowered his voice and continued, "First, the urban management said our fence was not up to standard and we would be fined. Then the fire department inspected us and said our temporary electricity was not up to standard. Finally, a group of people who called themselves the 'North City Brotherhood' came and asked for five million yuan in 'construction coordination fees'."

I had someone investigate. The leader of this 'brotherhood' is called Zhao Hu. He used to be involved in organized crime and was just released last year.

"understood."

Zheng Yi said calmly, "You should hold back for now and continue construction as usual. I'll take care of the materials for you today."

After hanging up the phone, his finger swiped through his phone's contacts, finally landing on the number "Huang Guodong".

Nine o'clock in the morning, in the conference room of the Market Supervision Bureau.

Huang Guodong put down his teacup, looked at Zheng Yi sitting opposite him, and said with a formulaic smile, "Director Zheng, the Beicheng project is a key project for the county. If there is anything we can help you with, please let us know."

"Director Huang, you're too kind."

Zheng Yi leaned forward slightly and said, "Director Huang, as you know, I am now the director of the Supervisory Commission, and the secretary has entrusted me to oversee the Beicheng construction project to prevent any illegal or disorderly conduct. Therefore, there are some things I have to come and understand."

Recently, the contractor responsible for the construction of Yuntian Real Estate reported to us that several local material suppliers have jointly raised prices by more than 30%.

According to the contract, they had the right to change suppliers, but... these local businesses...

He didn't finish his sentence, but his meaning was clear.

"Is that so? The National Development and Reform Commission just issued a document last week requiring the stabilization of building materials market prices."

Huang Guodong's expression turned serious. He turned to his secretary and said, "Xiao Zhang, have Section Chief Liu come over immediately."

Ten minutes later, Section Chief Liu arrived in a hurry.

After hearing the situation, beads of sweat appeared on his forehead as he replied, "Director Huang, Director Zheng, we have indeed received a report about this matter and are currently investigating."

However, it will take time to gather evidence to prove that these companies colluded to raise prices.

"How long will it take?" Huang Guodong asked.

"Well... at least a week."

"The North City project cannot afford to be delayed."

Zheng Yi's voice remained calm, yet carried an undeniable force as he said, "Director Huang, I remember last year the county was carrying out a campaign to improve the business environment, and one of the measures was to crack down on monopolies and unfair competition."

If the evidence is conclusive, what should be done?

Huang Guodong glanced at Section Chief Liu: "Fines that should be fined, and rectifications that should be carried out. Xiao Liu, take some people to investigate this afternoon. I want to see the results."

"But Director Huang, what's behind these companies?"

What's behind you?

Huang Guodong interrupted him, saying, "No matter who's behind it, disrupting the overall development of Jiang County is going against the people of the entire county. Follow the procedures, and I'll take responsibility if there are any problems."

Damn, we have to make a statement now.

He can't afford to offend Zheng Yi; he's currently the Party Secretary's favorite.

Besides, I was just following the proper procedures, so no one can find fault with me.

After leaving the county government building, Zheng Yi dialed Zhu Jingheng's number again.

"The material supplier issue has been resolved, and the county will handle it. But you need to find a way to contact General Manager Ning immediately and arrange for a batch of steel and cement to be transferred from Jiangcheng to ensure a three-day supply."

He paused, then continued, "Also, find a few reliable security companies and send people to the North City construction site. They need to be professional and have experience in handling these kinds of things."

"it is good."

Zhu Jingheng didn't stand on ceremony with him. After hanging up the phone, he went to contact Ning Qian.

When Ning Qian received his call, she immediately agreed and said she would first get the materials sorted out. As for the security issue, Ning Qian said she would ask Brother Lin to see if he had any extra manpower.

After hearing about this, Lin Wanzhou said there was no problem and immediately agreed to arrange for five people to pay Ning Qian. They would set off for Jiang County to report the next day.

Zhu Jingheng breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing this news.

At least for now, things have stabilized, and the project is progressing in an orderly manner.

He never expected that, just as his project was getting off the ground, all sorts of shady characters would emerge, eager to snatch his money away.

……

Around noon.

In the small building in Jiang County, Chen Xin, who has recovered a lot and has some time to herself, is typing on the computer in her study, with several books on business management spread out next to her.

"Are you writing a new book?"

On the other end of the video call, Xu Yun watched the cursor jumping on the screen.

Chen Xin raised her head, her eyes shining, and nodded, saying, "Yes, this time I want to write a story about a reborn entrepreneur, where the protagonist starts from scratch and grows from a small studio into a multinational corporation."

I want to write about the real business world—finding, competition, management, and also the loneliness and struggles of entrepreneurs.

She smiled and replied, "So I've been cramming on this knowledge lately, and I even asked all the ladies to find me a lot of case studies and business knowledge."

Xu Yun laughed and said, "You've really come to the right place."

"Yes, it gave me a lot of inspiration."

Chen Xin said happily, "I want to use you as the model to write this story, after all, you are my final source material. Of course, I will make artistic embellishments."

"no problem."

Xu Yun laughed and said, "Then you'd better write me well, make me handsome, and find a few more female leads."

"Not always."

Chen Xin smiled slyly and pouted, saying, "Art comes from life, but it should be higher than life. Maybe I'll write you up as a negative example."

"..." Xu Yun.

Amidst their laughter and playfulness, Miao Miao's cries came from the nursery.

Chen Xin was about to get up when she said, "I can't talk to you anymore, I'm going to check on the child."

"Well, let's go."

……

At 2 PM, Lin Zhengyu called Xu Yun.

"Brother Xu, the Huawei and Xiaomi teams are here again, this time with the heads of their technology departments."

They want to add technology-sharing clauses to their existing collaboration on solid-state batteries.

Lin Zhengyu's voice was somewhat tired, and he complained, "The negotiations have been going on since nine o'clock this morning, and we haven't even had lunch yet."

"What's it to me? I'm not the boss."

Xu Yun ignored him as always and asked with a smile, "What are their conditions?"

"Huawei wants to share our battery management system algorithm, and Xiaomi wants to license its fast charging technology patent."

In exchange, they were both willing to open up parts of their technology libraries, including Huawei's motor control and Xiaomi's IoT protocols.

What do you think?

"Isn't this the decision you made?"

"Please, I'm just struggling with this and can't make up my mind, that's why I called you."

Xu Yun thought for a few seconds and replied, "Agree to their terms, but we have conditions."
First, sharing must be two-way and reciprocal; we need to obtain access to their core technologies.

Secondly, the ownership of any new patents developed through this collaboration belongs to us, but they can use them for free.

Third, establish joint laboratories and exchange research personnel between the two sides.

Lin Zhengyu paused for a moment, then said, "I'm afraid they won't agree to that."

"I will agree."

Xu Yun said confidently, "Tell them that BYD has already signed a similar agreement with us."

If they had been a step later, the market landscape for new energy vehicles in the next three years might not be what it is today.

A gasp came from Lin Zhengyu on the other end of the phone: "What are you going to do?"

"I want to build an industry alliance centered on solid-state batteries."

Xu Yun looked out the window and said, "The era of going it alone is over. The future is a competition of ecosystems. Whoever controls more technological nodes and has stronger allies will survive to the end."

"Haha, you think the same thing as me."

Lin Zhengyu said, "Since you've said so, then I'll do it my way."

Xu Yun: "..."

After hanging up the phone, Xu Yun hesitated for a moment before dialing another number.

"Yan Yan".

Zhong Yanyan's voice came through the receiver, carrying the weariness and hoarseness typical of pregnancy: "You still remember to call me."

Despite saying that, there was a hint of a smile in his tone.

How have you been these past few days? Has the child been fussy?

"It's okay, but I don't sleep well at night, and I always feel tightness in my chest."

Zhong Yanyan paused for a moment and then said, "By the way, the preliminary preparations for the chip industry are almost complete. I have arranged to meet with people from Huawei HiSilicon and SMIC next week. Do you want to come?"

"next week."

Xu Yun thought for a moment and replied, "Wednesday is fine, but I might only be able to stay for half a day. I need to prepare for Xu Miaomiao's one-month celebration." There was a few seconds of silence on the other end of the phone when the child was mentioned.

When she spoke again, Zhong Yanyan's voice was lower: "So, should I go then?"

"Need not."

Xu Yun said softly, "After you give birth, bring the baby to Jiang County for a while. The air here is good and it's a good place to recuperate."

"Ah."

Zhong Yanyan responded softly, then remained silent for a while before saying, "Xu Yun, I sometimes feel very lonely."

Even though I'm very busy with work and know many people, when I return to this empty house, I still think of you.

She laughed, a hint of self-deprecation in her voice, "Isn't it pretentious? I used to despise this kind of affected, womanly behavior."

"Being a mother is naturally different from before."

Xu Yun's heart clenched, and she said, "Starting next week, I'll visit you at least once a week. I'll accompany you to your prenatal checkup this Wednesday."

"Really?"

"Really, I mean what I say."

After chatting for a few more minutes, Xu Yun hung up the phone.

A few days later.

My phone vibrated again; this time it was a WeChat message.

Gao Wenwen sent a video link with the caption: "Over one million views! Netizens are saying this is the most beautiful snow village documentary of the year. However, the starry sky segment wasn't filmed well; I'll add it next time @XuYun"

Xu Yun clicked on the video.

In the 15-minute short film, the snow-covered villages of Altay appear unrealistically beautiful on camera.

A wooden cabin in the morning mist, a dog sled running across the snow, the wrinkled face of old man Batel, and stars cascading like a waterfall under the night sky.
The last segment is behind-the-scenes footage. Gao Wenwen, wearing a bright yellow windbreaker, slipped and fell in the snow. When she got up, her face was covered in snow, but she smiled brightly.

He typed two words in the comments: "Beautiful."

Almost immediately, Gao Wenwen sent a private message: "Just 'very beautiful'? Is Boss Xu so stingy with praise?"

Xu Yun smiled: "Then what should we say?"

"I should say 'Wenwen is amazing,' 'Wenwen is the most beautiful,' and 'Wenwen is the best video shooter I've ever seen!'"

"Wenwen is great." Xu Yun readily agreed.

"That's more like it."

Gao Wenwen sent a smug emoji, and then she sent another message.

"I'll be in Jiang County in a few days."

Xu Yun: "Not playing anymore???"

"Someone's child is turning one month old, and as their aunt, I still need to go back and visit."

Xu Yun: "..."

……

The afternoon sun was already beginning to set. After finishing the last few documents in his study, Zheng Yi called Zhu Jingheng to check on the progress of the construction site in Beicheng.

"The material suppliers have softened their stance, and prices have returned to their original levels."

Zhu Jingheng replied on the phone, "The county sent people to investigate this morning, and the owners of those companies came to me in the afternoon, saying it was all a misunderstanding."

As for Zhao Hu, he didn't show up today, but his henchmen circled the perimeter of the construction site a few times before being persuaded to leave by our new security guards.

"Stay vigilant."

Zheng Yi cautioned, "This kind of person won't give up easily."

"I know."

Zhu Jingheng said, "Recently, I've had the night shifts at the construction site increased. All vehicles and personnel entering and leaving the site must be registered."

Night was falling.

At 10 p.m., the construction site in Beicheng was still brightly lit.

Zhu Jingheng arranged for two shifts, and the night shift workers were pouring the first batch of foundation concrete.

The roar of the mixers, the screams of the concrete pump trucks, and the shouts of the workers intertwined to create an industrial symphony.

In the temporary prefabricated house in the southeast corner of the construction site, Liu Wei, the newly arrived security captain, was staring at the monitor screen.

He was hired by Ning Qianlin Wanzhou Security Company. He was a retired special forces soldier with fifteen years of security experience.

On the screen, sixteen cameras covered the main area of ​​the construction site, and everything looked well-organized.

"Captain Liu, it's time for your shift change." A young security guard walked in.

Liu Wei nodded, but showed no intention of leaving, saying, "I'll keep an eye on things for a while longer. It's my first day taking over, so I need to familiarize myself with the work."

A young security guard leaned closer: "I heard someone caused trouble during the day?"

"The few thugs have been dealt with."

Liu Wei spoke casually, but his sharp gaze swept over every scene as he said, "These kinds of construction sites are the most prone to accidents, especially at night. Theft, vandalism, and safety incidents are all things we have to guard against."

Just then, on the monitoring screen, the No. 3 tower crane located on the west side of the construction site suddenly swayed.

Liu Wei suddenly sat up straight, his eyes fixed on the scene.

The tower crane swayed again, this time more noticeably, and the lights at the top swayed accordingly, drawing chaotic arcs of light in the night sky.

Something's not right.

Liu Wei grabbed the walkie-talkie and shouted, "Attention all groups, there may be an incident in the area of ​​tower crane number 3."

Group Two will go check immediately, please be careful.

A control group manages the entrances and exits; no one may enter or leave without my order.

He then grabbed a flashlight and rushed out of the prefab house.

The construction site was bitterly cold at night, and the swaying of the tower cranes in the distance was visible to the naked eye.

It wasn't the slow movement typical of normal operations, but rather an irregular, increasingly larger swaying motion.

"Is anyone on the tower crane?" Liu Wei asked as he ran.

The reply came through the walkie-talkie: "No tower crane operations scheduled for the night shift, the driver has gone off duty!"

"Cut off the power! Quickly!"

But it was too late.

Amidst the horrified gazes of everyone, the fifty-meter-tall tower crane, like a drunken giant, first swayed violently from side to side, then, accompanied by the ear-piercing sound of metal twisting, slowly tilted to one side.

Bolts connecting the tower body splintered off one by one, and the steel bars groaned under the strain.

Finally, with a deafening roar, the upper half of the tower crane collapsed, crashing heavily onto the newly poured foundation.

Dust billowed into the sky, and concrete fragments flew everywhere.

The sounds of alarms, screams, and running filled the air.

Liu Wei was the first to rush to the accident scene.

The collapsed tower crane destroyed a section of the fence and damaged two cement mixers, but fortunately there were no casualties.

The workers were all working at the other end.

He shone his flashlight on the broken part of the tower crane, and the metal section reflected a cold light under the light.

Those are not signs of fatigue fracture.

The break is clean and has obvious cutting lines.

Moreover, in more than one place—at least three main load-bearing bars had been deliberately cut, leaving only a thin layer of connection, which eventually broke under the vibration of continuous operation.

"Deliberate sabotage".

Liu Wei gritted his teeth and spat out four words.

He took out his phone, dialed Zhu Jingheng's number, and immediately reported the situation on the scene.

At 11:20 p.m., Zheng Yi was awakened by his cell phone ringing.

He glanced at his sleeping wife beside him, tiptoed to the living room, and then pressed the answer button.

"Zheng Yi, there's been an accident at the Beicheng construction site."

Zhu Jingheng's voice came through the receiver, amidst a cacophony of voices and machinery in the background. He said, "The No. 3 tower crane collapsed. Preliminary assessment indicates it was sabotage. I've already called the police, and they're on their way."

"Where are the people? Are there any casualties?"

"No findings have been found so far."

"That's good."

Zheng Yi remained silent for three seconds.

In those three seconds, his brain was working at lightning speed.

Who did it? What was their motive? What impact will it have? How should we respond?

"Protect the scene and wait for the police to come and collect evidence."

Zheng Yi quickly said, "The injured were sent to the hospital immediately, and the company will cover all expenses. Notify all media outlets that they will not give any interviews until the investigation results are released. In addition, check all entry and exit records tonight, especially those of non-staff members."

"It's already under investigation."

Zhu Jingheng replied, "The surveillance footage shows that around 5 p.m., three people claiming to be electrical maintenance workers entered the tower crane area and stayed for forty minutes. The work permits they presented were forged."

"Send the surveillance footage to Zheng Yi and ask him to use all his connections to find these three people."

Zheng Yi paused for a moment, then said, "Also, strengthen security at the construction site. Starting tonight, install facial recognition systems at all entrances and increase patrol personnel."

He looked very unhappy after hanging up the phone.

These people are incredibly audacious for the sake of profit!

Material suppliers are colluding to raise prices, local bullies are extorting protection money, and now tower cranes are being vandalized.

This series of events may seem independent, but they are likely being manipulated by the same hand behind the scenes.

The other party's purpose was also very clear.

They either force Zhu Jingheng to withdraw from the Beicheng project, or tear a piece of flesh from him.

The question is, can he and the class monitor handle it?

Or should I tell Xu Yun about this situation now and let him handle it?
Zheng Yi was somewhat conflicted.

It would be best if I could handle it myself, after all, Xu Yun told me to keep an eye on the Beicheng project when he left.

But if it's not handled properly, the trouble will only get bigger and bigger...

Does it make me seem incompetent?

But in any case, let's report to the secretary first, and then look at the procedures.

After all, the person who caused this trouble seems to have a rather complicated background. (End of Chapter)