The God of Wealth starts with doing whatever you want

At 4:17 a.m., eight nautical miles southeast of Crescent Island.

Andrei maneuvered the mini-submarine slowly toward the reef.

The sea was calm, and the moonlight was obscured by clouds, with visibility less than fifty meters.

He turned off the active sonar and relied solely on the passive listening system for navigation.

The submarine is six meters long and 1.5 meters wide, with its hull painted in dark blue camouflage, making it almost invisible in the sea at night.

It is battery powered, has a maximum diving depth of 300 meters, and a range of 72 hours.

The cabin is cramped, only big enough for one person to crouch down and operate.

Andrei watched as the 3D image of the reef gradually became clearer on the screen.

It was a limestone structure that protruded about two meters above the water, shaped like an inverted bowl.

According to hydrological data, there is a natural sea cave below the reef, with the entrance at a depth of 15 meters underwater, and the space inside the cave is large enough to hide a small submarine.

He pulled up the satellite scan data transmitted by Isabella.

"The dry area inside the cave is about 40 square meters and has air circulation. It may be a fissure that connects to the island's underground water system."

Isabella's voice came through the headphones.

"Andrei, target location confirmed. What's your current depth?"

"Twenty-five meters, three hundred meters from the reef."

Andrei lowered his voice and said, "The visibility is very poor, I need to turn on the lights."

"The risk is too high, use infrared imaging."

Andrei switched the display screen.

In infrared mode, the reef shows a clear temperature profile.

The water temperature was 16 degrees Celsius, slightly lower on the rock surface, while at the entrance of the sea cave, the water temperature showed a slight difference.

"There is water exchange at the cave entrance, confirming it is a living cave."

He maneuvered the submarine down to 35 meters, approaching from the bottom of the reef.

The mechanical arm at the bow of the submarine gently parted the seaweed, gradually revealing the opening.

It is about three meters wide and two meters high, with irregular edges.

The cave was pitch black.

Andrei turned on the low-light searchlight.

The beam of light pierced the darkness, illuminating the cave walls.

The rock surface is covered with fossilized shells, and water flows slowly inward.

He maneuvered the submarine slowly into the water.

The passageway was narrow at first, but it opened up after walking twenty meters.

This is an elliptical space, about 15 meters long and 8 meters wide, with the highest point of the top five meters above the water surface.

There are clear waterline marks on the rock face, indicating that this area is partially submerged at high tide.

The submarine surfaced.

Andrei shut off the engine and opened the hatch.

A wave of damp air hit me, carrying the smell of the sea and a faint musty odor.

He put on night vision goggles and scanned his surroundings.

The cave was quiet, with only the sound of water gently lapping against the rock walls.

He first released two miniature drones.

The drone is palm-sized, has four rotors, and features a silent design.

They rose to the top of the cave and began scanning the entire space.

3D models are generated quickly on a flat panel.

There were no signs of human intervention inside the cave, only a few bird droppings and drifting seaweed.

“Safe,” Andrei reported.

"Begin setting up the equipment," Isabella instructed.

Andrei carried three metal boxes out of the submarine.

The first box contained optical reconnaissance equipment: a high-resolution telephoto lens, an infrared thermal imager, and a laser rangefinder.

He chose a crevice in the rock on the side of the cave entrance, fixed the equipment, and pointed the lens at Crescent Island, the main island, eight nautical miles away.

The second box contains an electromagnetic monitoring array.

Eight foldable antennas and a signal analyzer. He set them up high inside the cave, avoiding potential water level rises.

The third box contained survival supplies: compressed food, fresh water, a medical kit, an MP7 submachine gun, and four magazines.

Everything was set up, and it was past five o'clock.

It's almost dawn.

Andrei retreated back into the submarine and turned off all the lights.

He observed the sea surface through the periscope.

As the eastern sky began to lighten with the first light of dawn, the outline of Crescent Island appeared and disappeared in the morning mist.

He adjusted the telephoto lens.

Zoom in on the image.

Construction is underway on the island; cranes are operating in the dock area, trucks are driving on temporary roads, and workers are busy as ants.

Everything fits the appearance of "resort island construction".

But Andrei noticed a few details.

First, the layout of all the projects is very orderly.

This is not an ordinary yacht marina; the length and depth of the berths exceed civilian standards.

Secondly, there are several white spherical structures high up on the island; those are radar domes, and their number is unusually large.

Third, the patrol boats follow a fixed route, circling the island every 45 minutes with precise intervals.

He switched to thermal imaging mode.

The image transformed into blocks of color in varying shades.

Most areas are green and blue, representing normal temperatures, but a few places show abnormally high temperatures.

One of the locations is underground, likely a generator set or large mechanical equipment.

Another location, near the mountain, shows a linear distribution of heat sources, possibly indicating an underground ventilation system.

"Suspicious heat source detected," Andrei reported the coordinates.

"Write it down."

Isabella said, "We will continue to monitor the situation, with a focus on nighttime activities."

Andrei set up the equipment's automatic recording program, then retreated back into the submarine to rest.

He needs to be well-rested, as the reconnaissance will be more focused on the night.

At the same time, in the underground command center on Crescent Island.

Liu Zhenwu stared at the sea area monitoring map on the main screen.

The system marks all known targets.

The "Ocean Explorer" was loitering 120 nautical miles away, three coast guard vessels were patrolling 80 nautical miles away, and more than a dozen civilian vessels were scattered around the area.

However, in one area, the system displayed an anomaly.

"A faint disturbance of water flow was detected by sonar on the reef eight nautical miles southeast, which lasted for three minutes and then disappeared," the technician reported.

Liu Zhenwu zoomed in on that sea area.

The reef is small, and few ships usually approach it.

He pulled up the surveillance footage from the past 24 hours and found that there were three similar disturbances at the same location between 4 and 5 a.m.

"It looks like something is going in and out."

"It could be a large fish or whale."

The technician said, "Humpback whales migrate through here this season."

Liu Zhenwu was worried.

He connected to Xu Yun's encrypted channel.

"Mr. Xu, there's something unusual about the southeast reef. I'd like to send a patrol boat to check it out."

Xu Yun is on his way to Beijing.

The Gulfstream G650 flew smoothly at an altitude of 30,000 feet.

He checked the time: 6:20 a.m.

"Don't alert them yet."

He thought for a few seconds and said, "Send the drone over there, use low-altitude photography and infrared scanning, but don't get within 500 meters of the reef."

"clear."

Ten minutes later, a reconnaissance drone, standard equipment for the "Shadow Blade" unit, took off from a concealed hangar on Crescent Island.

It features a stealth design, a three-meter wingspan, electric propulsion, and extremely low noise.

The drone flew at an altitude of 200 meters toward the reef, and was equipped with a high-definition optical lens and synthetic aperture radar.

Liu Zhenwu watched the transmitted images in real time from the command center.

The reef was clearly visible in the morning light.

Waves crashed against the rocks, where several seabirds rested. The drone circled three times, but optical scans revealed no anomalies.

Switch to infrared mode.

The scene changes.

The main body of the reef is a deep blue color due to low temperatures, but there is a small area that is slightly warmer and located below the water surface.

"That location..."

The technician adjusted the parameters and said, "The temperature is 0.3 degrees higher than the surrounding seawater and remains stable; it's not a temporary heat source."

Liu Zhenwu frowned and asked, "Can you be sure what it is?"

"Judging from its size, it is likely a small submarine or underwater vehicle that is moored there with residual heat from its propulsion system."

Is there any sign of life?

"The thermal imaging resolution is insufficient; closer scanning is required."

Liu Zhenwu remembered Xu Yun's instructions: do not approach within 500 meters.

He kept the drone at a distance of 800 meters and continued to observe.

Time passed second by second.

Andrei suddenly awoke in a sea cave beneath the reef.

He heard a faint sound, like the flapping of insect wings.

He immediately put on his headphones and switched to monitoring mode.

The sound was very soft, but the frequency was very high.

"A drone," he deduced.

He carefully moved to the edge of the cave entrance and peered out through the cracks in the rock.

There was a small black dot in the sky, hovering about 800 meters away.

He recognized it as a "Shadow" series drone, a military-grade aircraft.

"We've been discovered?" His heart raced.

But the drone did not approach; it simply circled around at a distance.

Andrei breathed a sigh of relief; the other party was probably just on a routine patrol.

He returned to the equipment and checked the data.

The optical lens has recorded three hours of footage, and the electromagnetic monitoring array has also collected a large amount of signals.

He needs to compress and encrypt this data, and wait for it to be transmitted that night.

……

2 PM, Beijing Xishan Guesthouse.

Xu Yun's meeting with Zhao Weiguo had been going on for an hour and a half.

There were only the two of them in the meeting room; even the secretary had been asked to leave.

"I know something about the situation on Crescent Island."

Zhao Weiguo put down his teacup and said with a serious expression, "You built the island very quickly, but it has also attracted a lot of attention."

Intelligence agencies from the United States, Japan, and Australia have recently been gathering information about that area.

"As expected."

Xu Yun calmly said, "Since I chose that position, I was prepared to be targeted."

"The higher-ups have basically agreed to the aircraft carrier issue."

Zhao Weiguo changed the subject and said, "But you have to understand, this is not a simple donation."

An aircraft carrier is a country's strategic weapon. Even if you fund its construction, it must be completely controlled by the military.

You can only provide financial support in the name of a 'patriotic entrepreneur,' you cannot participate in any decision-making, and you certainly cannot ask for any return.

"I understand."

Xu Yun nodded and smiled, "I'll only provide the money, I won't interfere."

"Also, regarding Crescent Island."

Zhao Weiguo looked at Xu Yun and said, "The country can provide you with protection, but on the condition that it cannot become a country within a country."

“I will cooperate unconditionally,” Xu Yun replied.

Zhao Weiguo nodded in satisfaction and said, "You're a smart man."

The talks lasted another forty minutes.

Both sides finalized the specific procedures for the aircraft carrier donation.

Xu Yun established a special fund through Yungang Capital, with the funds injected in three phases, totaling 120 billion RMB.

Construction is being undertaken by Jiangnan Shipyard, with an estimated construction period of six years. Xu Yun has the right to suggest a name, but it cannot be a commercial name.

"I've decided on a name."

Xu Yun said, "Let's call it 'Jiangcheng'."

Zhao Weiguo was taken aback for a moment, then smiled and said, "What a great name. The leaders of Jiangcheng must be laughing all the way to the bank."

"Hahaha……"

Xu Yun couldn't help but laugh, and turned around to ask Xinuo's father to tell Zhang Heping about it.

In this way, his father-in-law, who was essentially a kept man, could be proud of himself in front of his old classmate for the rest of his life.

Before the meeting ended, Zhao Weiguo asked a question that seemed casual.

"By the way, if you need technical support for those projects on your island, there are several experienced construction companies in China that I can introduce to you."

Xu Yun understood the implied meaning.

"Thank you for your concern, boss. I can manage for now. If needed, I will definitely ask."

"Ok."

The two shook hands and said goodbye.

Xu Yun got into the car, his face darkening.

Zhao Weiguo's last words were both well-intentioned and a reminder.

The country knows there are secrets on your island, but hopes you keep them under control.

He took out his encrypted phone and sent a message to Liu Zhenwu.

"Situation on the reef?"

A few minutes later, the reply came.

"A small submarine has been confirmed to be hiding there; its type is unknown, and it has been lying in wait for seven hours. Should it be eliminated?"

Xu Yun pondered for a moment.

"No, we'll play the long game, strengthen our surveillance, and track the signal source when it contacts the mother ship. I need to know who's behind it."

"clear."

……

At 6 PM, at Jiangcheng Donghu Villa.

Xu Yun arrived home before dinner.

As soon as I entered, I heard the sounds of a child crying and a woman laughing together.

In the living room, Zhang Sujuan was holding and soothing Mu Zhong, while Zhong Yanyan and Xinuo sat on the sofa, each holding a baby and breastfeeding.

Chen Xin was playing with building blocks with Miao Miao when the little guy saw Xu Yun and wobbled over.

"father!"

Xu Yun picked up Miao Miao and kissed her little face.

"Were you a good girl today?"

"good!"

Miao Miao nodded vigorously, then pointed to the crib and said, "Little brother and sister, cry."

That's because they're hungry.

Xu Yun walked to Zhong Yanyan's side.

She was still a little pale, but in good spirits.

Nianyan closed her eyes and nursed vigorously in her arms, her little hands clenched into fists.

"Does the wound still hurt?" Xu Yun asked softly.

"much better."

Zhong Yanyan smiled and said, "Director Lin said the recovery is going well, and the scar is lighter than expected."

On Xinuo's side, Xiyan had already eaten and fallen asleep.

She carefully placed the baby in the crib and then came over.

"Is everything going smoothly?"

"smoothly."

Xu Yun briefly touched on the topic, saying, "It was just some routine talks."

He made no mention of the aircraft carrier or the tensions on Crescent Island.

These women have worried about him enough.

Dinner was very plentiful.

Zhang Sujuan prepared twelve dishes, ranging from steamed sea bass to braised pork, which filled the entire table.

Except for Zhong Yanyan and Xinuo, who are still in their postpartum period, everyone else sat down at the table.

The atmosphere at the dinner was warm and friendly.

Chen Xin talked about Miao Miao's recent interesting stories, saying that she can already recognize more than twenty characters.

Zhang Sujuan was busy serving food to everyone, saying that Xu Yun had lost weight recently and needed to eat more.

Xu Yun listened quietly, enjoying this rare moment of peace.

But my phone vibrated.

He glanced at it; it was Lin Wanzhou's encrypted message.

"Communications between the 'Ocean Explorer' and a certain encrypted satellite channel have been traced and are being cracked; results are expected in two hours."

Additionally, Cloud Leopard's informants in Southeast Asia reported that someone is currently offering high prices for information about you on the black market; the employer's identity is unknown.

Xu Yun replied: "Continue the investigation."

He put down his phone and continued eating.

Zhong Yanyan glanced at him but didn't say anything.

After dinner, Xu Yun played with Miao Miao for a while until she got sleepy and Chen Xin carried her to bed.

He went to the second-floor balcony and made a video call to Lin Wanzhou.

Lin Wanzhou on the screen looked somewhat tired, with the command center of the "Clouded Leopard" headquarters in the background.

"Mr. Xu, the crack is complete."

He pulled up a document and said, "'Ocean Explorer' uses an encrypted channel that belongs to a shell company registered in the Cayman Islands, but when we traced the funds backward, it ultimately pointed to a Swiss bank account."

The account holder is named Hans Bergmann, a German, whose ostensible identity is a medical device distributor.

"background?"

"It's not clean."

Lin Wanzhou said, "This Bergman was sentenced in Germany ten years ago for commercial fraud and disappeared after his release from prison."

We investigated his movements over the past five years and found that he frequently traveled to the Middle East and the United States and had contact with multiple intelligence intermediaries.

More importantly…

He zoomed in on a photograph.

It was a secretly taken photo taken in the lobby of a hotel in Dubai.

In the picture, Bergman is talking to an Asian woman wearing sunglasses.

Although only her profile was captured in the photo, Xu Yun immediately recognized her as Isabella Chen.

“They are accomplices,” Xu Yun said.

"more than."

Lin Wanzhou pulled up a second photo, this time taken in Singapore.

In the image, Bergman shakes hands with a middle-aged man in a naval uniform, whose shoulder insignia indicate he is a naval captain from a certain country.

"What country?"

"the Philippines."

Lin Wanzhou said, "This colonel is Rodrigo Santos, the current deputy director of the Philippine Naval Intelligence Bureau. He is in charge of reconnaissance work in the South China Sea."

Xu Yun understood.

"So, it's not just private intelligence brokers who are eyeing Crescent Island, but also the Philippine military?"

"At least some people in the military."

Lin Wanzhou cautiously said, "Santos may be working for a private employer or he may be carrying out an official mission."

Your island's location is sensitive; it's not surprising they're eyeing it.

What does the employer want that intelligence for?

"Two possibilities."

Lin Wanzhou analyzed: "First, purely for commercial purposes, someone wants to find out your background and find opportunities to cooperate or extort you."

Second, there's the political motive. Some people want to prove that Crescent Island is undergoing militarization, and then use that as a pretext to create international pressure to force you to leave.

Xu Yun remained silent.

That island in the Pacific has now become a pawn in a multi-party game.

He himself is both a chess player and the king on the chessboard.

"Where is Bergman now?"

"The last time it was seen was in Manila, three days ago, and our people are tracking it down."

"Find him and take him into custody."

Xu Yun commanded, "I need to know every detail."

"clear."

After hanging up the phone, Xu Yun stood on the balcony looking at the night sky.

The lights were reflected on the surface of East Lake, which was as calm as a mirror.

But in the Pacific Ocean, in a sea cave beneath a reef, Andrei finally waited for nightfall.

He activated the data transmission equipment, compressed and encrypted all the reconnaissance data collected during the day, and prepared to send it to the "Ocean Explorer".

The equipment needs to be preheated for three minutes.

Just then, he heard the sound of water.

It wasn't the sound of waves crashing, but the sound of something entering the water. He immediately turned off all the lights and felt his way to the entrance of the hole.

Under the moonlight, he saw three dark figures emerge from the water.

Wearing diving suits and carrying oxygen tanks, they nimbly climbed onto the reef.

They are from Crescent Island.

Andrei held his breath.

He counted them; there were three people, all carrying weapons.

One of them stayed on the reef to keep watch, while the other two began the search.

They clearly knew about this cave.

Andrei quietly retreated back into the cave.

He quickly gathered the key equipment and loaded the submachine gun.

If he is discovered, he must fight his way out.

However, the two people searching the cave did not enter.

They lingered outside the cave entrance for a few minutes, shone their flashlights inside, and then seemed to conclude that it was "uninhabited."

“Safe,” one of them said in Chinese.

"withdraw."

The three men went back into the water and disappeared into the sea.

Andrei waited for ten minutes to make sure they had really left before he breathed a sigh of relief.

He inspected the cave entrance and found that they had left a small monitoring device, disguised as a stone and stuck in a crevice.

"We've been counter-surveilled." He smiled wryly.

But he still had a chance. The other side was only conducting a routine inspection and did not discover the submarine hidden underwater.

He can continue the mission.

The data transmission equipment has finished warming up.

Andrei initiated the sending process.

The encrypted data packet was relayed via satellite to the "Ocean Explorer" 120 nautical miles away.

He set up the automatic sending and then prepared to rest.

Tonight's task is complete. More tomorrow.

Unbeknownst to him, in the underground command center on Crescent Island, Liu Zhenwu was staring at the screen with a cold smile.

"Signal captured successfully."

The technician reported: "The launch source has been precisely located inside a sea cave on the reef."

The recipient is the 'Ocean Explorer' vessel, and the encryption method has been recorded.

"Has an interference signal been sent?"

"A fake confirmation code has been sent to make the other party believe that the transmission was successful."

Liu Zhenwu nodded.

Xu Yun's strategy worked, making the enemy believe that the reconnaissance was going smoothly, when in fact all the data had been intercepted and tampered with.

What they sent back was carefully crafted false intelligence.

"What's the next step?" the deputy asked.

"Continue monitoring."

Liu Zhenwu said, "If Mr. Xu wants to catch a big fish, we need to prepare the bait."

He looked at the surveillance screen.

The sea cave was clearly visible under infrared imaging, and the submarine's heat source looked like a firefly in the dark.

Further away, the "Ocean Explorer" was slowly adjusting its course, seemingly preparing to provide support. (End of Chapter)