The God of Wealth starts with doing whatever you want

After seeing off her mother, Zhang Sujuan, Jiangcheng returned to its usual rhythm.

But Xu Yun knew that some things had quietly changed.

My mother's suggestion to "take her back to Jiang County to prepare for childbirth" is like a pebble thrown into a calm lake, and the ripples it creates are spreading.

On the way to the high-speed rail station that day, Zhang Sujuan kept reminding her mother: "Keep a close eye on Yan Yan and Xinuo. If they agree to go back to Jiang County, tell me as soon as possible so I can prepare rooms in advance."

"I understand, Mom, don't worry," Xu Yun replied, but in her heart she was already planning how to deal with the situation ahead.

He knows Zhong Yanyan and Xinuo too well.

Although the two did not explicitly refuse at the dinner table that day, Xu Yun could clearly see the hesitation and difficulty in their eyes.

They have their own social and professional circles in Jiangcheng, familiar doctors and nutritionists, and a carefully arranged pregnancy environment.

More importantly, they have their own independent space and lifestyle.

Returning to Jiangxian County means disrupting and reorganizing everything, adapting to a completely new environment, and facing the mother-in-law's round-the-clock "care."

This care is certainly sincere, but it can also become a source of pressure.

Xu Yun didn't want to put them in a difficult position.

So when his mother made this suggestion, he didn't object on the spot because he needed a buffer period.

A buffer period that can both comfort the mother and properly resolve the problem.

But he didn't expect that this storm had only just begun.

On the afternoon of the third day after her mother passed away, Xu Yun received a phone call that she had expected.

It was hope Huaimin calling.

"Xu Yun, are you free tonight? Come over for a casual dinner." The voice on the other end of the phone was gentle and polite, but Xu Yun sensed something unusual.

"Okay, Uncle hope, I'll be there around six o'clock."

After hanging up the phone, Xu Yun rubbed his temples.

He knew this meal wouldn't be just a "casual meal".

Sure enough, at six o'clock in the evening, Xu Yun appeared on time at the hope family's villa in the eastern suburbs of Jiangcheng.

Hino wasn't there.

Hsi Huai-min said his daughter went to a prenatal yoga class and wouldn't be back until after 7 p.m.

“Perfect timing, let’s have a chat first.” hope Huaimin smiled and welcomed Xu Yun into the study.

The study was large. This wasn't Xu Yun's first time here, but it seemed to have been rearranged.

Three walls are lined with bookshelves, displaying various books and artworks. In the center is a mahogany desk, and behind the desk hangs a landscape painting, creating a serene and profound atmosphere.

The two sat down at the tea table, and hope Huaimin personally brewed the tea.

"I heard your mother came to Jiangcheng a few days ago?" hope Huaimin asked casually.

"Yes, I came to see Yan Yan and Xinuo," Xu Yun answered truthfully.

"The old man's kindness is truly heartfelt."

hope Huaimin pushed a cup of brewed tea in front of Xu Yun and asked with a smile, "I heard... she wants Xinuo to return to Jiang County to give birth?"

Xu Yunyun paused as she picked up her teacup.

The news spread really fast.

“My mother has this idea. She thinks that Jiang County has a good environment and she can take care of it herself.”

Xu Yun carefully chose his words before replying, "However, this is just a suggestion; ultimately, it depends on Xinuo's own wishes."

hope Huaimin nodded.

He took a sip of tea and said slowly, "Xu Yun, we're not strangers, so I'll be frank."

"Please speak."

“Xino is my only daughter. I have never let her suffer any grievances since she was a child.”

hope Huaimin's gaze deepened as he said, "Now that she's pregnant, all I want for her as her father is to spend this special period in the most comfortable and familiar environment."

He paused, then continued, "Although the conditions in Jiang County are not bad, it is not a place she is familiar with."

She has her own doctor in Jiangcheng, a carefully furnished bedroom, and good friends she can contact anytime.

"Most importantly..."

hope Huaimin looked into Xu Yun's eyes and said, word by word, "I'm here. Although I may not be as attentive and considerate as your mother, I can assure you that I'll be there whenever Xinuo needs me."

Xu Yun listened quietly without interrupting.

He knew that hope Huaimin hadn't finished speaking.

Sure enough, hope Huaimin sighed, his tone earnest: "Xu Yun, I understand your mother's feelings. She wants to take care of her grandchildren herself, which is only natural."

But... could we let Xinuo stay in Jiangcheng?
After the baby is born, she can take Xinuo and the baby back to Jiang County to stay for as long as she wants, and I will not object at all.

But is it okay to keep her in a familiar environment during this period before giving birth?

These words were spoken with heartfelt sincerity.

It was a mixture of the father's worries and the elders' pleas.

Xu Yun put down his teacup and said seriously, "Uncle hope, don't worry, I never thought of letting Xinuo go to Jiang County to give birth."

I only promised my mom that day to appease her.

You're right. Xinuo should spend her pregnancy in a familiar and comfortable environment. I will handle this well and won't make things difficult for Xinuo.

Upon hearing this, hope Huaimin visibly breathed a sigh of relief.

A relieved smile appeared on his face as he said, "I knew you were a sensible child."

"but……"

Xu Yun changed the subject and said with a smile, "This matter may require your cooperation."

How to cooperate?

"When my mom asks again, just say that Xinuo's doctor advised against long-distance travel, or find another reasonable reason."

Xu Yun explained, "I don't want to directly reject my mom, because that would make her sad. Let's find an excuse she can accept and slowly help her accept this fact."

"That's no problem."

hope Huaimin thought for a moment and nodded, "If needed, I can have the head of obstetrics at Xinuo Hospital call your mother and explain the situation from a professional doctor's perspective."

"that would be great."

Xu Yun raised his teacup and said, "I'll use tea instead of wine. Thank you for your understanding, Uncle Xi."

"I'm the one who should be saying thank you."

hope Huaimin clinked glasses with Xu Yun and said with emotion, "Xu Yun, I am truly gratified as a father that you can think so much about Xinuo."

The two chatted for a while longer.

Xinuo returned around 7 o'clock.

Seeing Xu Yun at home, she was somewhat surprised: "Why are you here?"

"Your dad called me over for dinner."

Xu Yun got up and helped her sit down, asking with concern, "How was your yoga class?"

"It's great. The teacher said I have good flexibility, which is suitable for natural childbirth."

Xinuo smiled and touched her belly, saying happily, "The baby was very good today and didn't kick me much."

Seeing his daughter's happy expression, hope Huaimin's eyes softened.

He said to Xu Yun, "You two chat, I'll go check if dinner is ready."

"it is good."

After hope Huaimin left, Xinuo asked in a low voice, "My dad was looking for you... was it about going to Jiang County?"

"Ah."

Xu Yun took her hand and smiled, "You don't want to go, right?"

Xinuo lowered her head, feeling somewhat guilty.

“My aunt is very good to me, and I understand her good intentions, but… Xu Yun, I really don’t want to leave Jiangcheng.”

Everything here is familiar to me—my doctor, my friends, my family…

"I see."

Xu Yun gently hugged her and agreed, "I've already talked to your dad. If you don't go to Jiang County, you can stay in Jiangcheng."

"Really?"

Xinuo looked up, her eyes sparkling, and said, "What about Auntie's side..."

"I'll handle it, you don't need to worry."

Xu Yun kissed her forehead and smiled, "You just need to focus on your pregnancy and happily wait for our baby to be born. Leave everything else to me."

Xinuo leaned against Xu Yun's chest and whispered, "Xu Yun, thank you."

"No need to thank me, it's what I should do."

That evening, Xu Yun had dinner at hope's house.

The atmosphere at the dinner table was harmonious. hope Huaimin did not mention the matter of being pregnant again, but instead talked about plans after the child was born.

“I plan to renovate the house next door so that I can move there when my child is a little older. It will be closer and easier to take care of him,” hope Huaimin said.

"Mom, you're thinking too far ahead," Xinuo said reproachfully.

"Not far, not far, time flies by."

Cheng Huilan smiled and said, "Xu Yun, what do you think?"

"Auntie is very thoughtful."

Xu Yun nodded and said, "But there's no rush for the renovations. We can take our time after the baby is born."

"Yes, yes." Cheng Huilan was in a great mood.

hope Huaimin couldn't resist making an exception and drank two extra glasses today.

It was past nine o'clock at night when Xu Yun left hope's house.

As soon as he got on the bus, his phone rang again.

This time it was Zhong Yanyan who called.

"Xu Yun, where are you?" Zhong Yanyan's voice sounded somewhat urgent.

"Just came from Xinuo's house, what's wrong?"

"My grandfather wants to see you, now."

Zhong Yanyan paused for a moment, then said, "Regarding the trip to Jiang County, there are... some other things."

Xu Yun frowned: "Now? It's so late."

He said it had to be tonight.

Zhong Yanyan said helplessly, "I told him he might have other plans, but he insisted."

"Xu Yun, if it's inconvenient for you, can I cancel it for you?"

Xu Yun glanced at the time: "No need, I'll go over. Is your grandfather home?"

"Yes, in my villa."

"Okay, I'll be there in half an hour."

After hanging up the phone, Xu Yun turned the car around and drove towards the villa area where Zhong Yanyan lived.

He knew that what was meant to happen would happen eventually.

It's likely that what Mr. Zhong wants to discuss goes beyond just going to Jiang County to give birth.

Half an hour later, Xu Yun entered the reception room of the Zhong family villa.

Grandpa Zhong sat in the main seat of the armchair, dressed in a traditional Chinese Tang suit, leaning on a sandalwood cane, his expression solemn.

Zhong Yanyan sat on the sofa to the side and gave Xu Yun an apologetic look when she saw him come in.

"Good evening, Professor Zhong." Xu Yun bowed slightly.

"Sit down," Grandpa Zhong said, pointing to the chair opposite him.

Xu Yun sat down, and Zhong Yanyan got up to pour him tea, but the old man raised his hand to stop her, saying, "Let him do it himself."

The atmosphere was somewhat heavy.

Xu Yun poured himself a cup of tea and waited quietly for the old man to speak.

"I heard your mother wants Yan Yan to go to Jiang County to give birth?" Old Master Zhong went straight to the point.

"Yes, she does have that idea," Xu Yun answered truthfully.

What do you think?

"I think Yan Yan should stay in Jiangcheng."

Xu Yun answered without hesitation, saying, "She has everything she knows here, the best medical care, and the care of you and your family. It's more suitable than going to an unfamiliar environment." Grandpa Zhong stared at Xu Yun for a few seconds and slowly nodded, "You do have some brains."

Xu Yun didn't respond; he knew the important part was yet to come.

Sure enough, Old Master Zhong changed the subject and said, "Since you understand this principle, then I will be frank with you. Yan Yan will not go to Jiang County; she will stay in Jiang City."

Go explain to your mother.

"Ah."

Xu Yun said, "I will handle things on her end and won't make things difficult for Yan Yan."

"Better so."

Grandpa Zhong picked up his teacup, but didn't drink it. Instead, he stared at the tea in the cup and remained silent for a moment.

Xu Yun could sense that the old man was organizing his thoughts, thinking about how to begin the next thing.

"There's one more thing."

Grandpa Zhong finally spoke, his tone even more solemn than before, saying, "Regarding the child's surname..."

coming.

Xu Yun understood, but remained outwardly calm and said, "Please speak."

"Yan Yan is pregnant with twins, a boy and a girl."

Grandpa Zhong put down his teacup, placed his hands on his cane, and said, "My idea is that the boy should take your surname, Xu, and the girl should take Yan Yan's surname, Zhong."

This not only continues the Xu family line but also gives our Zhong family a little princess.”

He paused, then added, "I know this request may be a bit abrupt, but I hope you can understand how an old man feels."

The reception room was so quiet that you could hear the ticking of the clock.

Zhong Yanyan looked nervously at Xu Yun, then at her grandfather, wanting to say something, but was stopped by a look from the old man.

Xu Yun remained silent.

He was thinking, he was weighing the options.

After about a minute, he slowly spoke: "Mr. Zhong, I understand your feelings, but I have my principles regarding the child's surname."

"What principle?" Old Master Zhong frowned.

"My children, whether boys or girls, will take my surname."

Xu Yun said calmly and firmly, "This is not targeting the Zhong family, but my personal choice. It applies to everyone."

"Xu Yun, aren't you being a bit too domineering?"

Grandpa Zhong's face darkened, and he said, "Yan Yan carried the baby for ten months and went through a difficult childbirth, and she can't even have a child with her surname?"

"Mr. Zhong, you've misunderstood."

Xu Yun looked the old man in the eye and said, "I have never denied Yan Yan's contributions and hard work."

On the contrary, I am more grateful to her and cherish her more than anyone else.

But the surname is related to the child's identity and family unity, and I cannot compromise on that.

He paused, then continued, "I can assure you that no matter what the children's surname is, they are all Yan Yan's children, and they all belong to the Zhong family."

In the future, they will call you Great-Grandpa, respect you, be filial to you, and inherit the Zhong family tradition and spirit.

These things won't change because of a surname.

"That sounds nice!"

Old Master Zhong said somewhat angrily, "Spiritual inheritance? Family tradition? Without a surname, these are just empty words! A hundred years from now, who will remember that this child has the blood of the Zhong family flowing in his veins?"

“I remember, Yan Yan remembers, and the child will remember too.”

Xu Yun said calmly, "Mr. Zhong, you know exactly what's going on. This is not only a tradition, but also a symbol of family unity."

After these words were spoken, silence fell over the reception room once again.

Grandpa Zhong's expression shifted constantly, his fingers unconsciously rubbing his cane.

Zhong Yanyan looked at Xu Yun.

Her eyes held a complex mix of emotions: gratitude, worry, and pride.

After a long while, Grandpa Zhong let out a long sigh.

"Xu Yun, you are indeed eloquent."

His tone softened somewhat, but still carried dissatisfaction: "But I still can't fully accept it. Let's put this matter aside for now and discuss it again after the baby is born."

"Mr. Zhong, there are some things I need to say upfront."

Xu Yun did not back down, stating bluntly, "I can wait, but my principles will not change. No matter when we discuss this, my answer will be the same."

My children must all bear the surname Xu.

"you!"

Old Master Zhong suddenly stood up, slamming his cane heavily on the ground, and said with a mixture of anger and sternness, "Xu Yun, don't go too far! Yan Yan is a member of the Zhong family, her child..."

"grandfather!"

Zhong Yanyan finally couldn't help but stand up, interrupting the old man, and said, "Please stop talking."

She walked to Xu Yun's side, took his hand, and said to her grandfather, "I also support Xu Yun in this matter. The Zhong family still has my brother and other cousins. They will all get married and have children. Why do you care about the surname of this child?"

"Yan Yan, you..." Grandpa Zhong looked at his granddaughter in disbelief.

“Grandpa, I love Xu Yun and I am willing to have his child. This is my own choice.”

Zhong Yanyan's voice was soft but firm: "The child's surname should be decided jointly by the parents, and on this issue, I respect Xu Yun's choice."

She paused, then continued, "Moreover, Xu Yun is right; surnames don't represent everything."

As long as we pass on the story and spirit of the Zhong family to our children, they will be the descendants of the Zhong family.

Isn't this more meaningful than a surname?

Grandpa Zhong looked at his granddaughter, then at Xu Yun, opened his mouth, and finally slumped back into his chair.

"That's enough, that's enough..."

He waved his hand, as if he had aged several years in an instant, and said, "I can't interfere with the affairs of you young people."

“Grandpa…” Zhong Yanyan wanted to step forward to comfort him, but was stopped by the old man.

"You can leave now. I want to be alone." Old Master Zhong closed his eyes and stopped looking at them.

Zhong Yanyan wanted to say something, but Xu Yun gently tugged at her hand and shook his head.

The two quietly left the reception room.

Stepping out of the villa, a cool night breeze was blowing.

Zhong Yanyan leaned on Xu Yun's shoulder and whispered, "I'm sorry, my grandfather..."

"No need to apologize."

Xu Yun hugged her tighter and smiled, "I can understand your grandfather's actions stemming from a sense of responsibility to the family."

"Are you really not angry?" Zhong Yanyan looked up at him.

"Don't be angry."

Xu Yun smiled and said, "On the contrary, I am very happy."

"Happy?"

"I'm glad you're on my side."

Xu Yun kissed her forehead and said, "Yan Yan, thank you."

Zhong Yanyan's eyes reddened slightly: "What are you thanking me for? You are the person I love, my husband. If I don't stand on your side, whose side will I stand on?"

The two stood embracing.

The moonlight shone on them, gentle and serene.

After a while, Zhong Yanyan said, "I've already thought of a name for the child."

"Oh? Tell me about it."

"If it's twins, the boy will be named Xu Jingxing. Jingxing means 'noble character and bright future'."

Zhong Yanyan's eyes shone brightly in the moonlight as she said, "The girl's name is Xu Anran, Anran meaning safe and sound, which implies a peaceful and tranquil life."

Xu Jingxing, Xu Anran.

Xu Yun silently recited the two names in his heart, and a warm feeling welled up in his heart.

"It sounds good."

He said softly, "These are the two names."

"Don't you want to think about it again? Maybe there's something better," Zhong Yanyan retorted.

"No need to think about it anymore, this is the best name."

Xu Yun looked at her and said, "Because this is the name that the mother gave to the child, which contains all of the mother's love and blessings."

Zhong Yanyan's tears finally fell.

"As for your grandfather's side..."

Xu Yun wiped away her tears and comforted her, "I will find another opportunity to have a proper talk with him, but the principles will not change, and you should be prepared."

"I know."

Zhong Yanyan nodded: "I will also try to persuade Grandpa."

He's not actually an unreasonable person; he's just getting old and has some stubborn beliefs he can't let go of. Give me some time, and I'll persuade him.

"Okay, let's face it together."

Xu Yun took her hand and said, "Let's go, I'll take you home to rest. Pregnant women shouldn't stay up late."

"how about you?"

"I'll wait until you're asleep before I leave."

The two walked back to the villa hand in hand, their shadows stretched long in the moonlight.

That night, Xu Yun stayed by Zhong Yanyan's bedside until late at night, and only left quietly after she fell into a deep sleep.

On the way back to Jiangcheng Tiandi.

Xu Yun gazed at the night view outside the window, his mind filled with countless thoughts.

The mother's heartfelt wishes, hope Huaimin's worries, Grandpa Zhong's obsession, and the dilemma faced by Zhong Yanyan and Xinuo...

He needs to face and resolve these issues one by one.

But he didn't feel tired or annoyed.

Because behind all of this is love, responsibility, real people, and families that he needs to protect.

The car drove into the underground parking lot of Jiangcheng Tiandi.

Xu Yun parked the car but did not go upstairs immediately.

He sat in the car, lit a cigarette, and smoked it quietly.

Amidst the swirling smoke, he recalled many things.

I remembered the first time I met Zhong Yanyan, how strong and capable she seemed.

I remembered Xinuo's innocent and carefree smile.

I remembered the light in my mother's eyes when she talked about her grandchildren.

I recalled the unwavering dedication that Grandpa Zhong showed when he spoke of the "Zhong family."

Everyone has their own perspective, and everyone has their own feelings.

And he, standing at the intersection of these emotions and positions, needs to find that balance.

Finished a cigarette.

Xu Yun stubbed out his cigarette, opened the car door, and returned home, only to find Jiang Peiyao in her pajamas watching TV in the living room.

"came back?"

She got up and took Xu Yun's coat, smiling as she said, "I was almost asleep waiting for you. I thought you weren't coming back today."

"Why didn't you tell me you were coming?"

Xu Yun laughed and said, "What if I don't come back today?"

"If you don't come back, I'll just sleep here with you for the night."

Jiang Peiyao explained with a smile, "I just suddenly missed you, but I was afraid you were with the other girls, so I came here by myself to try my luck."

Xu Yun: "..."

"Looks like I'm in luck."

Jiang Peiyao said happily, "You're back, so I don't have to sleep alone anymore." (End of Chapter)