The God of Wealth starts with doing whatever you want

The first snow in Beijing finally fell softly the morning after Fu Baoying and Michelle left.

Xu Yun stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling window of the hotel suite, holding a cup of black coffee, watching the traffic on Chang'an Avenue slowly pass through the light snow outside the window.

Jiang Peiyao had already gone to the Red Cross headquarters for a meeting, leaving him alone in the room, so quiet that he could hear the faint sound of water circulating in the radiator.

My phone vibrated.

It was a message from Fu Baoying, just four short words.

"Landed smoothly."

Then came another message: "Ruan Qinghua has arranged to meet tomorrow night. The stock price of 'Xingang Real Estate,' a company under the Xiang family, fell by 3.2% at the opening today. I'm releasing this information."

Xu Yun replied, "No rush, take your time."

He put down his phone and turned his gaze back to the window.

The snow was falling heavier and heavier.

Hong Kong, Central, Fu's Investment Group Headquarters.

Fu Baoying took off her coat and handed it to her secretary, then walked straight to the conference room in her high heels.

Outside the glass curtain wall, the surface of Victoria Harbour gleamed with a leaden gray light on a cloudy day.

All six core executives were present in the conference room.

"Let's begin."

After taking her seat in the main seat, Fu Baoying didn't even exchange pleasantries and went straight to the point.

The investment director brought up the projector, which displayed the stock price charts, equity structures, major assets, and balance sheets of the three listed companies under the Xiang family.

"The Xiang family's most vulnerable point right now is its cash flow."

The director pointed to the chart with a laser pointer and said, "They acquired a piece of land in Macau last year with a total investment of over HK$5 billion, using high leverage."

This year's real estate market regulation has resulted in project sales falling far short of expectations, and the bank has already contacted us twice to request repayment.

“Xingang Real Estate is their core listed platform, but its main office leasing business has been affected by the economic environment, with the vacancy rate rising from 12% last year to 28% now.”

"The other two companies, 'Star Shine Entertainment' which is involved in film and television, and 'Bai Li Department Store' which is involved in retail, are both experiencing declining performance."

Fu Baoying listened quietly, her finger swiping across the tablet to bring up another document.

"What's Ruan Qinghua's attitude?" she asked.

"Young Master Ruan is very cooperative."

The general counsel chimed in, saying, "He's willing to use his 15% stake in Huayi Brothers as leverage in exchange for us helping him clear out the Xiang family's influence within Huayi."

The condition was that after the acquisition, he would retain 30% of the equity and management control.

"30% is too much."

Without looking up, Fu Baoying said, "Tell him that it's a maximum of 25%, and that major decisions must be approved by the board of directors."

"clear."

"Star Shine Entertainment".

Fu Baoying tapped the screen and said, "Check their projects for next year, including the cast, investors, and broadcasting platforms."

Especially that guy named Lin Haoxuan, all his partner brands, endorsements, and upcoming dramas are listed.

There was a moment of silence in the conference room.

The executives exchanged glances.

Lin Haoxuan? Isn't that the currently very popular young actor in mainland China? Why would President Fu suddenly pay attention to him?
But no one dared to ask.

I need to see the list within three days.

Fu Baoying closed the tablet and said, "In addition, contact our media relations in the mainland and prepare a batch of in-depth report materials on celebrity taxes, exorbitant salaries, and industry malpractices."

"Hold it for now, wait for further instructions."

"Yes."

After the meeting, Fu Baoying returned to her office and dialed Ruan Qinghua's number.

The phone rang five times before being answered. Ruan Qinghua's somewhat tired but still smiling voice came from the other end: "President Fu, you've moved very quickly."

"Young Master Ruan's time is precious, and I dare not neglect it."

Fu Baoying walked to the window, looked down at the crowded Central district below, and smiled, "Tomorrow night at eight o'clock, Mandarin Oriental, I've booked a private room."

Just the two of us?

Who else do you want to call?

Fu Baoying smiled and asked, "The Xiang family, or your father?"

Ruan Qinghua was silent for a few seconds on the other end of the phone, then laughed: "Okay, I'll be there on time at eight o'clock tomorrow night."

After hanging up the phone, Fu Baoying sat back in her office chair and opened the encrypted folder on her computer.

Inside was more detailed information about the Xiang family that Xu Yun had sent her, information that could absolutely not be found on the open market.

The offshore companies established by several core members of the Xiang family overseas, records of transferring funds through underground banks, and even undisclosed clues about a murder case from several years ago...

Xu Yun gave her more than just business tools.

It was a stone that could completely sink the Xiang family.

Fu Baoying took a deep breath, dialed the internal line, and said, "Help me make an appointment with Commissioner Chen of the Independent Commission Against Corruption. Tell him... I have some materials about financial fraud in listed companies and I want to talk to him about it."

BJ, a conference room at a film and television company.

Lin Haoxuan took off his sunglasses, his face so gloomy it could drip water.

"You've found out? That woman is Michelle?"

Agent Wang Qiang wiped the sweat from his brow, pushed the tablet in front of him, and said, "It's basically confirmed. Although she was wearing sunglasses that day, her figure, her walking posture..."

We compared photos and videos of Michelle's public appearances over the past six months, and the match rate is over 90%.

Two photos are displayed side by side on the screen.

The image on the left is a screenshot from the mall's surveillance footage, showing Michelle's profile while wearing sunglasses.

The photo on the right shows Michelle attending a brand event in Hong Kong last month.

They really do look very similar.

"Where is the man?" Lin Haoxuan asked.

"We haven't found it yet."

Wang Qiang lowered his voice and said, "We asked a few friends in Beijing who are in the industry, but no one knows him."

But the fact that he could take Michelle shopping at the China World Trade Center and was so skilled means he must not be an ordinary person.

and……"

"And what?"

"And after that day, the brand's attitude became a bit ambiguous."

Wang Qiang stammered, "We had agreed on a quarterly endorsement deal, but the other party suddenly said they needed to 'evaluate' it again."

The shopping mall is the same; they originally promised to subsidize our event space, but now they're saying 'we need to go through the procedures.'"

"..."

Lin Haoxuan slammed his fist on the table.

The other staff members in the conference room were too frightened to utter a sound.

"Oh shit……"

Lin Haoxuan gritted his teeth and said angrily, "A minor Hong Kong starlet, some bumpkin who came out of nowhere, dares to make me lose face like this..."

"Haoxuan, calm down."

Wang Qiang advised, "The most important thing now is to sign the contract for 'The Legend of Chusen.' It's an S+ level big production. Whether you can stay at the top level next year depends on this drama."

"I know!"

Lin Haoxuan scratched his head in frustration and said, "But this can't just be left like this! I, Lin Haoxuan, have never been humiliated like this in public before!"

He stared at Michelle's photo on the screen, his gaze growing colder.

"Does she have a movie coming out soon?"

"Yes, 'The Murderer' will be released early next month. It's a low-budget suspense film."

Wang Qiang said, "The screening schedule is not ideal, and the current box office prediction is at most 20 to 30 million."

Lin Haoxuan sneered and said, "Find some online trolls and stir up some trouble for her before the film is released, like accusations of being arrogant, having poor acting skills, or relying on sugar daddies to get ahead... It's an old trick, but it works."

"Isn't this... a bit too obvious?"

Wang Qiang hesitated for a moment, then said, "Although Michelle isn't as successful as you are now, I've heard she still has some connections in the industry. And I've also heard that she seems to have gotten in touch with Fu Baoying..."

"So what about Fu Baoying?"

Lin Haoxuan scoffed: "No matter how powerful she is in Hong Kong, she can't reach into the mainland entertainment industry."

Besides, we're just conducting 'normal public opinion oversight,' how can she possibly silence netizens?

Wang Qiang thought about it and felt it made sense.

Moreover, Lin Haoxuan is not without support.

His agency, "Brilliant Media," has a major shareholder in a mainland real estate tycoon and a second-largest shareholder in a capital group from the Yangtze River Delta region.

The reason for spending so much money to promote Lin Haoxuan in the past two years is because they are optimistic about his ability to monetize his online traffic.

To protect this cash cow, the company will definitely put in the effort.

"Then I'll make the arrangements."

Wang Qiang said, "But Haoxuan, let's stop here and not make a big fuss. After all, we haven't figured out what happened to that man yet, so let's be on the safe side..."

"Okay, okay, I know."

Lin Haoxuan waved his hand impatiently and said, "Go and do it."

Three days later, online public opinion began to ferment.

Initially, only a few entertainment gossip accounts published some ambiguous "revelations," saying that a certain Hong Kong actress had a "bad temper," was "difficult to work with," and had "many demands when filming."

Then an anonymous "crew member" submitted a post saying that Michelle was "frequently late," "didn't memorize her lines but just read numbers," and "was bossy towards the staff" during the filming of "The Murderer."

Then, several marketing accounts with huge followings got involved and dug up some of Michelle's past controversies.

For example, there was a scandal a few years ago in which he was suspected of interfering in a wealthy man's marriage; there was a GIF of him "giving the director a hard time" on set; and there was a clip of him "disrespecting his seniors" on a variety show last year.

The rhythm is incredibly fast.

"I never expected Michelle to be this kind of person..."

"Hong Kong stars come to the mainland to make money and still act like big shots?"

"I'm avoiding 'The Murderer' because it's a bad show, I won't watch it."

"Does she think she's still the same person she was twenty years ago? If you're past your prime, you should be aware of it."

Online trolls and haters mixed in with comments from real netizens, pushing the topic to the middle of the trending search list.

Although it was quickly suppressed, the negative impression had already been sown.

BJ, hotel suite.

Xu Yun was listening to Jiang Peiyao report on the progress of the Red Cross project when Jian Shiwei called.

"Mr. Xu, should we deal with the online comments about Miss Michelle?" Jian Shiwei's voice was always calm and professional, revealing no emotion.

Xu Yun glanced at the trending search terms displayed on the tablet and said calmly, "You saw them?"

“I’ve noticed,” Jian Shiwei replied. “Should I contact the platform to remove the topic and delete the post, or should we take legal action and send a lawyer’s letter?”

"No need for either."

Xu Yun said, "Investigate who is pushing this from behind the scenes. I need to pinpoint the company, the team, and the person responsible."

"Understood, give me two hours."

The phone hangs up.

Jiang Peiyao looked at Xu Yun with some concern and asked, "Did something happen to Michelle?"

"Small things."

Xu Yun put down the tablet, picked up his teacup, and said with a smile, "If someone wants to play, then play with them."

Two hours later, Jian Shiwei's information was sent over.

Very detailed.

From the registration information, payment account, and IP address of the online marketing company, to the name and contact information of the team leader who carried out this smear campaign, to the deputy director of the marketing department of the financial backer, Brilliant Media, and the source of the final instructions, Lin Haoxuan's agent, Wang Qiang.

There are even screenshots of WeChat chat records between Wang Qiang and his online troll team.

Xu Yun smiled after reading it.

He dialed Lin Zhengyu's number.

"Young Master Lin, are you busy?"

"Speak, what do you want?"

It was a bit noisy on Lin Zhengyu's end, like they were having a meeting, but they quickly moved to a quiet place.

"There's something I'd like to ask you."

Xu Yun said in a relaxed tone, "I have an artist friend here named Michelle, who has recently been targeted by online trolls."

"We've found out who's behind this; it's Brilliant Media and a celebrity named Lin Haoxuan. Could you please help me out?" "Sure."

Lin Zhengyu agreed without hesitation.

"Then there's Brilliant Media..."

Lin Zhengyu recalled, "I seem to remember something. Isn't their major shareholder surnamed Zhao? The one who's in real estate?"

"It should be."

"Then I'll ask for you."

Lin Zhengyu laughed and said, "However, it's best to resolve these kinds of matters through business channels. At most, I can ask my family to help 'keep an eye' on it."

"enough."

Xu Yun smiled and said, "Also, could you please 'pay attention' to the brands that Lin Haoxuan endorses, the platforms he collaborates with, and the projects he's about to broadcast?"
What I mean is, if we're going to do it, we might as well go all the way.

Lin Zhengyu understood.

"I understand. Could you please send me a copy of the relevant materials?"

"We will contact you via WeChat."

"it is good."

The phone hangs up.

Xu Yun then called Jian Shiwei: "Compile all of Lin Haoxuan's business cooperation information and give it to Lin Zhengyu."

Furthermore, you, representing a private equity fund with assets exceeding 100 billion yuan, contact the brands he endorses, the platforms broadcasting his dramas, and the production companies of the variety shows he participates in, stating that your future investment projects do not wish to include any brands or content that collaborates with this artist.

Jian Shiwei didn't ask why, she only said, "Do I need to explain why?"

"Need not."

Xu Yun said, "They will find out for themselves."

"clear."

Finally, Xu Yun dialed Zhong Yanyan's younger brother's number.

It rang once and was then answered.

"Brother Yun!"

Zhong Lei's voice was always full of energy as he laughed, "Want to hang out? I'm at the horse farm. I just bought a thoroughbred, it's so cool!"

"I need your help with something."

Xu Yun said directly, "There's a celebrity in the entertainment industry named Lin Haoxuan who has offended me. Could you help put in a good word for your friends?"

"Lin Haoxuan? Who's that? Never heard of him."

Zhong Lei said nonchalantly, "But messing with you is messing with me! No problem, I'll go home tonight and talk to my friends about whether to blacklist him or make him leave the entertainment industry."

"Don't be so blunt."

Xu Yun laughed and said, "I just said that I hope the relevant departments can strengthen the rectification of the chaos in the entertainment industry, especially those traffic stars who are not worthy of their positions and rely on hype to get ahead. We should spread positive energy."

"Got it!" Zhong Lei chuckled and said, "Don't worry, I've got it covered. By the way, when are you going back to Jiangcheng? I've improved a lot recently and I'd like to practice with you."

"almost."

"Okay, I'll go take care of my business first!"

The three phone calls took less than twenty minutes in total.

Xu Yun put down her phone and looked out the window.

The snow is still falling, and it has already turned the rooftops on both sides of Chang'an Avenue white.

Jiang Peiyao asked softly, "Isn't this... a bit too harsh?"

Is it ruthless?

Xu Yun turned his head and said calmly, "When they hired online trolls to smear Mi Xue'er, did they not consider whether it would ruin her career? Since they chose to use such methods, they have to bear the consequences."

"I just feel..."

Jiang Peiyao carefully chose her words and said, "Is it worth it to use so many connections for an artist?"

"It wasn't for her."

Xu Yun said, "It's for the sake of the rules."

He got up and walked to the window, his back straight and tall.

"In this circle, some people are used to bullying others by abusing their power and using money and power to settle everything."

"But they forgot that there are always people in this world they can't afford to offend, and there are always rules they can't break."

"I'm going to tell them today..."

"My people are not to be touched."

Over the next three days, an earthquake struck the entertainment industry.

On the first day, the three international brands that Lin Haoxuan endorsed almost simultaneously sent termination notices.

The reasons given were very official: "Brand image adjustment" and "The cooperation will not be renewed upon expiration."

But anyone with a discerning eye could tell something was wrong; the contract clearly still had more than six months left before it expired.

The next day, the production team of the S+ rated period drama "The Legend of Chusen", originally slated to star Lin Haoxuan, suddenly announced that "due to script adjustments, the main cast is yet to be determined".

Following this, the hit variety show where he was a regular guest also issued a statement saying, "Due to scheduling reasons, Mr. Lin Haoxuan will no longer participate in subsequent recordings."

On the third day, the media began to focus on reporting on the chaos in the entertainment industry, such as "sky-high salaries," "tax issues," and "fake online traffic."

Although no name was directly mentioned, the accompanying pictures were all of Lin Haoxuan.

At the same time, the tax authorities conducted a "routine inspection" of Brilliant Media's financial accounts.

On the fourth day, several mainstream video platforms and television stations simultaneously "suspended" all program broadcasts involving Lin Haoxuan.

On the fifth day, Brilliant Media's stock price opened at the daily limit down.

The Chairman's Office at the headquarters of Brilliant Media.

Chairman Zhao smashed the third cup.

"What on earth happened?! Huh?!"

He pointed at Wang Qiang and Lin Haoxuan, who were standing in front of the desk with deathly pale faces, and asked, "Who the hell did you two mess with?! Tell me!"

"Chairman Zhao, we really didn't know..."

Wang Qiang's voice trembled as he replied, "It was...it was when Haoxuan was participating in an event at Beijing International Trade Center that he had a minor conflict with a customer..."

"conflict?"

Chairman Zhao laughed angrily: "A little conflict, and you think it'll cause brands to collectively terminate their contracts? That it'll cause platforms to collectively boycott us? That it'll cause the tax bureau to come knocking on our door to audit our accounts?! Do you think I'm a three-year-old?!"

Lin Haoxuan lowered his head, his hands clenched tightly, his nails digging into his palms.

He's still in a daze.

I just wanted to make Michelle suffer a little, how did it suddenly turn into this?

"Investigate!"

Chairman Zhao roared, "No matter how much money it costs or how many connections you pull, find out who that man is! Go now!"

Two days later, the truth finally came to light.

Zhao Dong managed to find out the name "Xu Yun" through a middleman who had considerable influence in Beijing.

And behind this name, there are some fragmented, yet chilling, pieces of information.

"Lin Zhengyu personally made arrangements..."

"Jian Shiwei, the head of a private equity firm with assets exceeding 100 billion yuan, has threatened to blacklist him..."

"Someone from the Zhong family mentioned at an internal meeting that 'the entertainment industry needs to be rectified'..."

"Fu Baoying is in Hong Kong, acquiring Huayi Brothers to deal with the Xiang family..."

Each message was like a heavy hammer blow, shattering Wang Qiang and Lin Haoxuan's spirits.

"It's over..."

Wang Qiang slumped into a chair, his face deathly pale, and said, "It's all over now..."

Lin Haoxuan suddenly grabbed his arm, his eyes red: "Brother Qiang, there's still a way, right? We'll go apologize, we'll beg him! I'll pay any amount of money! As long as he'll let me go..."

"apologize?"

Wang Qiang said with a wry smile, "You don't even know where they live, how are you going to apologize?"

"Find it! We'll dig three feet into the ground if we have to!"

Lin Haoxuan, as if grasping at a last straw, said, "Why don't we go find Michelle! She definitely knows! Let's go to Hong Kong and beg her! If only she would put in a good word for us..."

Chairman Zhao listened from the side, his face terribly gloomy.

He lit a cigar, took a deep drag, and slowly exhaled the smoke.

"Prepare a generous gift."

He said to Wang Qiang, "I will personally take you to Beijing. No matter what method you use, find Xu Yun and apologize to him in person."

"But Chairman Zhao, we don't even have him..."

"I have my own channels."

Chairman Zhao interrupted him, his eyes icy cold, and said, "But this is the last time. If you can't resolve this, you two will have to bear all the consequences yourselves, understand?"

Lin Haoxuan and Wang Qiang trembled and nodded vigorously.

It snowed again in Beijing that night.

Xu Yun received a call from Fu Baoying.

"The Xiang family has started begging for mercy."

Fu Baoying's voice carried a hint of weariness, but more so a sense of composure. She said, "They are willing to withdraw from Huayi Brothers and relinquish their controlling stake in Xinhang Real Estate, on the condition that they retain 30% of the shares, and we will not pursue any further matters."

"What will you say?"

“I said, 20%, and the withdrawal agreement must be signed personally by the old man of the family.”

Fu Baoying smiled and said, "They agreed. In addition, Ruan Qinghua is very satisfied and said that the equity transfer agreement will be signed tomorrow."

"Thanks for your hard work."

"There's one more thing."

Fu Baoying paused for a moment and then said, "The boss of Lin Haoxuan's agency asked several people to find me, wanting to meet you to apologize."

I've looked at the gift list; it's quite thoughtful.

Xu Yun looked at the swirling snow outside the window without saying a word.

"Do you want to see him?" Fu Baoying asked.

"What do you think?"

"I think..."

Fu Baoying said softly, "It's better not to see them. Some people don't deserve a second chance."

Xu Yun smiled and said, "Then let's do it your way."

After hanging up the phone, he walked to his desk and opened his laptop.

A new email is displayed on the screen. The sender is Jian Shiwei, and the subject is: "Preliminary Plan for the Hainan Free Trade Port Cultural Industry Investment Fund".

Xu Yun opened the email and quickly browsed through it.

Fund size: 100 billion in the first phase, with a total size of 500 billion.

Investment areas: film and television production, digital content, cultural and creative industrial parks, international cultural exchange...

Partners: Cultural industry groups with central state-owned enterprise backgrounds, local government-guided funds, top international media organizations...

At the end of the email, Jian Shiwei wrote: "The plan has been preliminarily approved by the relevant departments. Lin Shao said that a small-scale briefing can be arranged next week, and we would like you to attend."

Xu Yun replied, "Sure, you decide the time and place."

He closed his laptop and walked to the window.

Night had fallen, the snow reflected the city lights, and the entire city of Beijing lay quietly in the cold winter.

But Xu Yun knew that this quiet was just a facade.

The takeover battle in Hong Kong continues.

The reshuffling of the entertainment industry has just begun.

The fund in Hainan is about to be launched.

Meanwhile, the celebrity named Lin Haoxuan is probably braving the heavy snow in a hotel room in Beijing with his boss, anxiously waiting for a "meeting opportunity" that will never come.

My phone vibrated again.

"I've finished my meeting, and I'm still on my way back to the hotel."

It was a message from Jiang Peiyao.

"The snow is so heavy. What do you want to eat tonight? I'll buy it for you."

"You are my favorite late-night snack."

Xu Yun smiled and replied, "Drive carefully on the road." (End of Chapter)