The God of Wealth starts with doing whatever you want

The night was as dark as ink, and in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows on the top floor of Jiangcheng Tiandi, the city lights looked like an inverted Milky Way.

Jiang Peiyao leaned against Xu Yun's chest, her fingertips unconsciously drawing circles on his chest.

The lingering warmth of the passion had not yet dissipated, and a lazy, intimate atmosphere filled the air.

Her long hair cascaded over her snow-white shoulders, gleaming softly under the warm-toned bedside lamp.

"Xu Yun".

She suddenly spoke, her voice still slightly husky and sexy, "Are you free this weekend?"

Xu Yun, with his eyes closed and his arms wrapped around her waist, lazily hummed in agreement: "What's wrong?"

There's a charity gala in Beijing.

Jiang Peiyao turned to the side, propped her elbow on the pillow, and looked at him with her chin in her hand, saying, "It was organized by the Red Cross Society and Yuntian Charity was invited."

I was thinking... if you have time, could you come with me?

Xu Yun opened her eyes and met her bright gaze.

Besides anticipation, there was also a hint of barely perceptible nervousness in his eyes.

She knew he was busy lately, needing to attend to Zhong Yanyan and Xinuo's pregnancies, dealing with his mother's affairs, and handling all sorts of business matters at the company.

A charity gala?

Xu Yun reached out and tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear, asking, "You were invited?"

"Ah."

Jiang Peiyao nodded, a proud smile playing on her lips, and said, "Yuntian Charity is now a well-known organization nationwide."

This gala is a high-profile event; I heard there will be many ministerial leaders, business tycoons, and... some people from the entertainment industry.

She paused, then added softly, "Actually, I can go by myself, but in that kind of situation... I'll feel much more at ease if you're there."

Xu Yun's heart softened when she saw the rare hint of dependence she showed.

During this period, he did focus more on the pregnant Zhong Yanyan and Xinuo, and inevitably neglected Jiang Peiyao somewhat.

"it is good."

He took her hand, their fingers intertwined, and said, "I'll go with you."

Jiang Peiyao's eyes lit up instantly: "Really?"

"real."

Xu Yun smiled and kissed her forehead, saying, "Perfect timing, I should also make a trip to Beijing."

Lin Zhengyu, that kid, was urging me to check out his new project the other day.

"Young Master Lin?"

Jiang Peiyao blinked and said, "Then can we go by our own plane?"

Xu Yun chuckled and said, "Of course, isn't my private jet for you guys to use?"

Two days later, the Gulfstream G650 roared into the sky from the private tarmac of Jiangcheng International Airport, cutting through the air and flying north.

"This feels so comfortable."

Jiang Peiyao lay back in the spacious leather seat, enjoying the champagne Wang Qing brought her, and said, "It's so much better than first class."

Xu Yun, sitting opposite her with a financial magazine in her hand, looked up and smiled when she heard this, saying, "If you like it, you can use it when you go on business trips in the future."

"That's too extravagant."

Jiang Peiyao shook her head, but her eyes were full of smiles as she said, "But it does feel really good to enjoy it once in a while."

Wang Qing, who was serving nearby, was genuinely envious; she also wanted to be openly and honestly with Xu Yun like that.

But, sigh...

The two-hour flight passed quickly.

When the plane landed at the business jet terminal of Beijing Capital International Airport, Lin Zhengyu was already waiting with his men in the VIP channel.

"Brother Yun! Sister Peiyao!"

Lin Zhengyu, dressed casually, waved from afar with a bright smile.

He was followed by two assistants in black suits and a driver wearing white gloves.

"Zhengyu".

Xu Yun hugged him and said, "Thank you for your help again."

"That's what you're saying."

Lin Zhengyu feigned displeasure and said, "I'm going to be angry if you come to Beijing and don't look for me!"

He then turned to Jiang Peiyao and bowed politely: "Sister Peiyao, it's been a long time. You've become more and more beautiful."

Jiang Peiyao smiled and shook hands with him: "Young Master Lin is still so good at talking."

"Let's go, let's go, the car is outside."

Lin Zhengyu enthusiastically led the way, saying, "I've arranged all the accommodations; I guarantee you'll be satisfied."

As soon as I exited the terminal, three black sedans were already waiting.

The car in the middle is Lin Zhengyu's personal vehicle, a customized Rolls-Royce Phantom with the eye-catching license plate 京A·88888.

“Your license plate.”

Xu Yun raised an eyebrow and said, "Still so flamboyant."

Lin Zhengyu chuckled: "There's no other way. When you're out on business, you need to maintain a presentable image."

"I'm being low-key. If I were really going to be flashy, I'd get my dad's car to pick you up—that would be truly impressive."

After saying that, he personally opened the back door for Jiang Peiyao and said, "Please, Peiyao."

The convoy left the airport, passed through the bustling city center, and finally entered a quiet alley.

This is within the Second Ring Road, a truly prime location where every inch of land is incredibly valuable.

The car stopped in front of an imposing courtyard house. The vermilion gate was wide open, and the screen wall and courtyard inside could be vaguely seen.

“This is a courtyard under my name.”

Lin Zhengyu explained, "It was renovated the year before last, preserving the layout of an old Beijing courtyard house, but the interior has been completely modernized."

"You can stay here for the next few days. It's quiet, private, and close to the venue for the event."

Jiang Peiyao walked into the courtyard and couldn't help but exclaim in surprise.

This is a standard two-courtyard house with blue bricks, gray tiles, and upturned eaves.

The front yard is spacious, with a large fish tank in the center, where several koi carp swim leisurely.

On both sides are covered walkways that connect the east and west wing rooms.

Passing through the hanging flower gate into the inner courtyard, the main building has five bays, with small and exquisite side rooms on both sides.

The courtyard is planted with pomegranate trees and crabapple trees. At this time of year, the crabapple blossoms are in full bloom, with clusters of pink and white flowers on the branches, wafting a delicate fragrance.

The interior is a completely different world.

It has underfloor heating, central air conditioning, and a smart home system. The furniture is all antique-style furniture in the Ming and Qing styles, but it is extremely comfortable to sit or lie down in.

The walls are adorned with calligraphy and paintings by contemporary masters, and the antique shelves display exquisite porcelain.

"This is amazing."

Jiang Peiyao walked around the living room, thoroughly enjoying herself, and said, "This is much more interesting than staying in a hotel."

"I'm glad you like it."

Lin Zhengyu was quite pleased with himself and asked, "By the way, what would you like to eat for dinner? I'll have the chef prepare it, or we can eat out."

"Let's eat here."

Xu Yun said, "I've been flying all the way, I'm too lazy to move."

"to make!"

Dinner was authentic Beijing cuisine: roast duck, noodles with soybean paste, shredded pork with sweet bean sauce, and pea flour cake...

The chef was poached by Lin Zhengyu from a long-established restaurant, and his skills are impeccable.

The three of them ate and chatted in a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere.

After a short rest following the meal, Lin Zhengyu checked his watch and said, "That's about enough, let's go."

Tonight's charity gala will be held in the ballroom of a top-tier hotel in China World Trade Center Phase 3.

When Lin Zhengyu's Rolls-Royce with license plate number 京A·88888 drove into the hotel driveway, it instantly attracted everyone's attention.

Luxury cars are not uncommon in such settings, but such ostentatious license plates represent not only wealth, but also status and power.

The doorman quickly stepped forward and respectfully opened the car door.

Lin Zhengyu was the first to get off the bus.

As a representative figure of the Lin family's generation in the business world, he is quite well-known in Beijing's business circles.

Tonight he wore a custom-made navy blue suit, a Patek Philippe Starry Night watch on his wrist, and had a polite smile, looking very confident.

Jiang Peiyao was the next to get off the bus.

She wore a champagne-colored floor-length gown tonight, a new design from a haute couture brand.

The upper body is adorned with delicate lace embroidery, while the lower body features a flowing silk skirt that accentuates her perfect figure.

Her long hair was styled into an elegant updo, revealing her slender neck, and she wore a pair of diamond stud earrings that sparkled under the lights.

Xu Yun was the last to get off the bus.

He wore a black suit, simple in style and without any extra embellishments, but with excellent tailoring, which made his broad shoulders, narrow waist, and tall figure stand out.

He wasn't wearing a tie, and the top button of his shirt was casually undone, making him look less serious and more relaxed.

But what truly captivates people is his charisma.

Calm and composed, as if all the hustle and bustle before him were insignificant.

The three of them standing together immediately became the focus of attention.

"Who are those two people next to Young Master Lin?"

"The woman is Jiang Peiyao, the head of Yuntian Charity, who has been making headlines recently."

"Where's the man? I've never seen him before."

"Anyone who can get Lin Zhengyu to personally accompany them must be no ordinary person..."

Whispers spread through the crowd.

The guests who had already arrived all turned to look, and some who were familiar with Lin Zhengyu were already quickly figuring out Xu Yun's identity.

Lin Zhengyu was already used to this.

He whispered to Xu Yun with a smile, "Brother Yun, you've successfully piqued our curiosity again."

Xu Yun smiled noncommittally, his gaze sweeping across the banquet hall.

Quite a few people have already arrived. Most of the men are dressed in suits and ties, while the women are vying to outdo each other in their beauty, with their gowns and jewelry sparkling under the lights.

The air was filled with the scents of perfume, wine, and a unique atmosphere characteristic of high society.

"Let's go sign in first."

Jiang Peiyao said softly, "We might need to give the organizers a heads-up."

The three walked towards the registration area.

A deputy secretary-general of the Red Cross Society personally received Lin Zhengyu and immediately greeted him warmly: "Young Master Lin, you've arrived! This must be Ms. Jiang Peiyao, I've heard so much about you!"

After exchanging a few pleasantries, the deputy secretary-general looked at Xu Yun and asked, "And this is...?"

"Xu Yun, my friend."

Lin Zhengyu gave a brief introduction without saying much, but everyone could hear the importance he placed on it.

The deputy secretary-general understood immediately and respectfully handed over the calling card and the auction catalog for the evening.

"Please come in, gentlemen. The party will begin shortly."

Upon entering the main banquet hall, the space becomes even more open.

The hall was decorated in an elegant and luxurious style, with crystal chandeliers shimmering and colorful lights. The long table was covered with a snow-white tablecloth and set with exquisite tableware and fresh flowers.

Ahead was a small stage with the words "Love and Hope - Red Cross Charity Night" written on the backdrop.

The guests who had already arrived were chatting in small groups.

Xu Yun glanced over and saw several familiar faces.

The group includes the founder of an internet giant, a real estate tycoon, and two ministerial leaders who frequently appear in the news.

Lin Zhengyu whispered in his ear the introduction of several important figures, and Xu Yun nodded slightly, making sure to remember them.

Just then, a slight commotion arose at the entrance.

A group of women in evening gowns walked in.

Each of them was strikingly beautiful and possessed a unique charm, instantly attracting everyone's attention. They were the celebrities invited to liven up the atmosphere that evening. In the entertainment industry, they might be idols adored by fans and the focus of media attention.

But in this banquet hall, in front of a group of powerful figures who wield real resources and social influence, they behaved with extreme humility.

A standard smile, proper manners, and a respectful yet tactful tone when greeting acquaintances.

Xu Yun's gaze swept lightly over the group of female stars, intending to look away, but suddenly fixed on one of their figures.

She was a woman wearing a burgundy backless dress.

The dress had a fishtail design, which perfectly accentuated her slender figure.

She was speaking to a man who looked like a director, her long, curly hair draped over one shoulder, revealing her shapely back and most of her fair shoulder blade.

From Xu Yun's angle, you can see about a third of her profile.

With a high nose bridge, full lips, and slightly upturned eyes, she exudes a natural charm.

Michelle.

A rising star in Hong Kong's film, television, and music industries, she is hailed as "Hong Kong's last pearl."

Two years ago, she suddenly entered the entertainment industry and was heavily promoted by Huayi Brothers, rumored to be because she married into the wealthy Ruan family.

But only a very few people know that during that time, she was actually with a young man from mainland China.

That man was Xu Yun.

Xu Yun paused almost imperceptibly.

Jiang Peiyao keenly noticed this and, following his gaze, also saw Michelle.

She was slightly taken aback, then understood what was going on, and gripped Xu Yun's arm tightly.

"Do you know me?" she asked softly, her tone calm and unreadable.

Xu Yun withdrew his gaze and said calmly, "Mm."

He didn't say much, but Jiang Peiyao already understood.

She didn't ask any more questions, but unconsciously tightened her grip on his hand.

Lin Zhengyu also saw Michelle. He raised an eyebrow and leaned close to Xu Yun's ear: "Brother Yun, isn't that...? What's she doing in the mainland? And appearing in a place like this?"

"do not know."

Xu Yun said calmly, "It has nothing to do with me."

Even so, his gaze involuntarily drifted back in that direction.

Michelle appeared to have ended her conversation with the director and turned around.

With that turn, her face was fully exposed to the light.

Two years have passed, and time seems to have left few marks on her face; instead, it has added a touch of mature charm.

Her gaze swept across the banquet hall, seemingly searching for someone, and then...

Her gaze met Xu Yun's.

At that moment, time seemed to stand still.

Michelle froze completely.

Her smile froze, her eyes widened, her red lips parted slightly, and she wore an expression of disbelief.

She nearly dropped the champagne glass in her hand, and hurriedly gripped it tightly, the wine swirling inside.

Their eyes met, separated by half the crowd in the banquet hall.

Xu Yun's expression remained unchanged; he simply looked at her calmly, his eyes deep and unreadable.

Michelle's expression changed several times in an instant.

Shock, panic, and a hint of guilt...

Finally, she hastily looked away, turned around, and faced away from Xu Yun.

"She saw you."

Lin Zhengyu said in a low voice, "The reaction is quite strong."

"Let's go."

Xu Yun spoke, his voice calm and even: "Go sit over there."

He led Jiang Peiyao and Lin Zhengyu to their assigned seats without looking back.

But Michelle was unable to remain calm.

She stood there, her heart pounding so hard it felt like it would burst out of her chest.

The champagne glass in her hand was icy cold, but she felt her palms were sweaty.

Xu Yun...

How could it be him?
What's he doing in Beijing? How did he end up at this charity gala?
Recently, she has started trying to develop her career in mainland China, taking on several co-production dramas, but the response has been lukewarm.

Her agent, Sister Hua, went to great lengths to secure an invitation for her to this Red Cross charity gala, hoping she could use this opportunity to expand her network.

But she never expected to meet Xu Yun here.

"Miss Michelle?"

Someone nearby called out to her, asking, "Are you alright? You don't look well."

Michelle snapped out of her daze, thinking about Xu Yun's expression just now, and forced a smile: "It's okay, I might be a little stuffy, I'm going to the restroom."

She practically fled the banquet hall and hid in the restroom.

Looking at her pale face in the mirror, she touched up her makeup and took a few deep breaths before she could finally calm down.

When I returned to the banquet hall, the party was about to begin.

The guests took their seats one after another.

Michelle's seat was in the middle to the back, while Xu Yun and the others sat in the front row, which was the real VIP area.

After she sat down, her gaze involuntarily drifted forward.

Xu Yun turned his head and spoke quietly with Jiang Peiyao. After they said something, Jiang Peiyao smiled with gentle eyes.

That smile stung Michelle's eyes.

Who is that woman?
She seemed to be very close to Xu Yun.

Is she a girlfriend? Or a wife?
Michelle felt a wave of depression.

Six months passed, and she thought she had let go. But when she saw him again, she realized that those feelings had never disappeared; they had just been buried deep inside.

The party officially began.

The host took the stage, gave an opening speech, followed by a speech from the leader of the Red Cross Society, and then speeches from several important guests.

The process went smoothly, and the next step was the charity auction.

The auction items are mostly luxury goods and artworks donated by guests, as well as personal items donated by celebrities for charity sale.

The bidding wasn't fierce, but every item was sold smoothly, and the atmosphere was harmonious.

Xu Yun purchased an oil painting by a contemporary artist and donated 800,000 yuan.

Jiang Peiyao purchased a set of jewelry in the name of Yuntian Charity and donated one million yuan.

Lin Zhengyu also symbolically photographed an antique vase.

Michelle was distracted the whole time.

When it came time for an item donated by a celebrity, a limited-edition Hermès bag donated by a certain actress, she inexplicably raised her paddle.

Two hundred thousand!

The host shouted, "Ms. Michelle has bid two hundred thousand! Is there anyone bidding higher?"

Michelle then realized what she had done.

That bag is worth only a few hundred thousand yuan on the market, so her asking for two hundred thousand yuan is already too high.

She was a little annoyed, but the sign had already been raised, so she could only grit her teeth and wait.

Just then, a calm male voice came from the front row:

"Three hundred thousand."

There was an uproar.

A secondhand bag sold for 300,000 yuan, which clearly exceeds its actual value.

Michelle shuddered.

It was Xu Yun's voice.

She looked ahead, but Xu Yun didn't turn around. He just held up the number plate, his profile clearly defined under the light.

The host exclaimed excitedly, "Three hundred thousand! Mr. Xu has offered three hundred thousand! Are there any more bids?"

Of course not.

Who would spend 300,000 yuan to buy a second-hand bag?

"Three hundred thousand once! Three hundred thousand twice! Three hundred thousand three times! Sold! Congratulations, Mr. Xu!"

applause.

Xu Yun nodded slightly and put down the number plate.

Jiang Peiyao asked in a low voice, "Why are you suddenly interested in this bag?"

Xu Yun said indifferently, "Doing charity is fine."

His tone was so calm that it made Michelle uneasy.

Why did he make the offer? Was it to help her out of a predicament and prevent her from wasting money? Or... something else?
In the subsequent auctions, Michelle didn't dare to raise her paddle again.

There will be a free discussion period after the auction.

The guests got up, moved around, toasted each other, and chatted.

Michelle wanted to leave as soon as possible, but her agent stopped her to go and greet several mainland directors.

She had no choice but to cope.

A large crowd had gathered around Xu Yun's side.

Lin Zhengyu introduced him to various people, and Xu Yun handled them calmly and respectfully.

Jiang Peiyao stayed by his side, occasionally interjecting a few words, her demeanor proper and graceful.

Michelle watched from afar, her heart filled with mixed emotions.

"Miss Michelle."

The agent, Sister Hua, whispered a reminder: "That's Mr. Wang from Huayi. Why don't you go over and say hello?"

Michelle snapped out of her daze and followed her agent toward a middle-aged man.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Mr. Wang suddenly said, "Ms. Mi, you're doing very well in Hong Kong. Have you considered filming in mainland China? Our company has a project that would be perfect for you."

"Thank you for your kind offer, Mr. Wang."

Michelle politely replied, "I will seriously consider it."

As they were talking, Mr. Wang's gaze passed over her and looked behind her, his face immediately breaking into a smile: "Mr. Xu! Young Master Lin! What a coincidence!"

Michelle froze and slowly turned around.

Xu Yun, Jiang Peiyao, and Lin Zhengyu stood a few steps behind her.

Lin Zhengyu was greeting President Wang with a smile, but Xu Yun's gaze fell on Mi Xueer.

Their eyes met again.

This time, Michelle did not dodge.

She forced herself to calm down and gave a professional smile: "Mr. Xu, it's been a long time."

Xu Yun nodded as well: "Miss Mi, it's a pleasure to meet you."

His tone was distant and polite, as if he were talking to a stranger he had only met once.

Mr. Wang asked in surprise, "You two know each other?"

"We've had in-depth discussions before."

Xu Yun said casually, then turned to President Wang and said with a smile, "President Wang, I heard that your company's new movie is about to start filming?"

"Yes, yes, yes."

Mr. Wang's attention was immediately diverted, and he said, "It's a period epic, with an investment of 300 million..."

They started talking, leaving Michelle standing to the side.

She stood there, unsure whether to leave or stay, feeling extremely awkward.

Jiang Peiyao glanced at her and suddenly said, "Miss Michelle's dress is beautiful, is it Valentino haute couture?" (End of Chapter)