The God of Wealth starts with doing whatever you want

The morning light pierced through the thin mist on Crescent Island, illuminating the already well-developed integrated community.

In just five months, this once barren land has been transformed into a small ecosystem with well-developed infrastructure.

Three 10,000-ton berths stand quietly beside the azure bay.

The three-story underground command center has been completed, and the airport runway extends deep into the valley.

The most eye-catching feature is the residential area built against the mountainside.

"Mr. Xu, the first phase of the project has passed all inspections."

Standing on the observation deck at the top of the administration building, Liu Zhenwu handed the last report to Xu Yun.

The former special forces commander, dressed in civilian clothes, had a look in his eyes that showed both the relief of completing a mission and a complex emotion of impending departure.

Xu Yun took the report and looked through it, a satisfied smile appearing on his lips. "You've worked hard, Zhenwu. Without your presence overseeing these past five months, Crescent Island couldn't have built such a defense system in such a short time."

The planning of the residential area is indeed exemplary.

The twelve residential buildings, designed to be earthquake-resistant and explosion-proof, are staggered together, each equipped with an independent energy system and water purification device.

The central square is equipped with a small supermarket, a medical station, a gym, and a library.

There is even an indoor ecological farm built with transparent materials, which can supply fresh vegetables for two hundred people every day.

Even more insidiously, all the buildings are connected by underground passages, with concealed firing ports and monitoring nodes in key locations, making the entire community itself a fortress.

"This is the result of the team's efforts."

Liu Zhenwu looked towards the "Shadow Blade" troops training in the distance.

He exclaimed, "All thirty team members have completed their acclimatization training."

As per your requirements, they can perform both combat missions and serve as engineering and technical personnel.

The dual-identity design is very effective; during daily construction, no one will doubt the true identities of these 'construction workers.'

Xu Yun nodded and turned to look at Isabella Chen, who was standing to the side.

The former NSA technology expert has already donned the uniform of Crescent Island.

The dark gray combat uniform features the emblem of the "Dark Eye" organization embroidered on the left arm, depicting a half-open eye with interwoven quantum symbols and data streams in its pupil.

"From today onwards, Isabella will be in charge of all internal security, intelligence analysis, and technological development on Crescent Island."

Xu Yun officially announced the handover, saying, "She will take over all authority in the command center, including the three-layer camouflage system of 'Project Fog,' weather intervention devices, and the signals intelligence laboratory currently under construction."

Isabella stepped forward and gave Liu Zhenwu a standard American military salute.

This is a variation of Chinese etiquette that she voluntarily requested to learn.

"Captain Liu, thank you for your guidance during this time."

The security system you've established is very comprehensive. I will ensure it continues to operate and upgrade it according to Mr. Xu's plan.

Liu Zhenwu returned the greeting, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes.

He remembered when he first met Isabella a month ago, she was a captured enemy agent with wary and distant eyes.

Now, the woman stands ramrod straight, her gaze resolute, as if she has completely integrated into the group.

"I've witnessed your abilities."

Liu Zhenwu said sincerely, "Even our technical team was full of praise for that upgrade plan for the 'echo camouflage program'."

"You can rest assured, Mr. Xu, that Crescent Island is in your hands."

The three of them walked down from the administration building and headed towards the central square of the residential area along the newly paved composite plastic road.

The workers they encountered along the way—or rather, the "Shadow Blade" team members disguised as workers—all greeted Xu Yun and Liu Zhenwu.

Five months of joint construction have fostered a unique sense of cohesion on the island.

"There is a flight departing from the island at 3 p.m.

Xu Yun glanced at his watch and said, "Zhenwu, after you return to Beijing, rest for two weeks and spend time with your family."

Then I went to the headquarters of Yungang Capital to report for duty. Chief Zhao Weiguo had already made arrangements.

You will serve as a special security consultant, responsible for building the security system for the entire group's overseas projects.

Liu Zhenwu stopped in his tracks: "President Xu, actually I..."

I know what you're trying to say.

Xu Yun patted him on the shoulder and said, "But Crescent Island is just the beginning. In the future, we will have investment projects in Southeast Asia, Africa, and even Europe. The security issues in those places will require experts like you even more."

and--"

He lowered his voice and said, "'Dark Eye' needs to establish a global presence. Isabella is in charge of technology and intelligence analysis, but field operations need another reliable person to coordinate them."

Isabella added at the opportune moment: "Andrei excels at single-point breakthroughs and tactical operations, but large-scale coordination and long-term infiltration are not his strengths."

Captain Liu's command experience in special forces, and his multi-tasking coordination skills demonstrated over the past five months, are exactly what we need.

Liu Zhenwu was silent for a moment, then finally nodded: "I understand. So, we will complete the final drill for the daily defense handover on Crescent Island this morning."

Handover and new employees

10:00 AM, underground command center.

The huge curved screen displays real-time dynamics of Crescent Island and its surrounding 200 nautical miles.

The left side consists of twelve split screens, each corresponding to key areas such as the living area, the dock, the airport, and various hidden outposts.

On the right is a combined data stream from radar, sonar, and electromagnetic spectrum monitoring.

"Currently, we are in the second layer of disguise under the 'Mist Project'."

Liu Zhenwu stood in front of the control panel and gave Isabella and Natasha, who had just arrived, a final system explanation.

"It is publicly known as the 'Crescent Island Marine Ecology and Climate Research Center.' All records of entering and leaving the island, lists of supplies purchased, and even published 'scientific papers' are processed by a dedicated team."

Isabella uses the console to bring up a file.

"This is the disguise information that was just updated this morning."

Our paper, "A Study on the Correlation between Coral Bleaching Trends and Local Climate Interventions in the South China Sea," published in the journal *Frontiers in Marine Science*, is authored by me and co-authored by Mr. Xu.

In fact, the data in the paper comes from real-world monitoring; only the military-related parts have been omitted.

Natasha Ivanova, a former agent of the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR), was one of the women Xu Yun met during his time in Moscow.

She carefully read the information on the screen.

She has just completed a three-month review period, proven her innocence under the surveillance of China's state security authorities, and obtained a new identity and passport through Xu Yun's arrangements.

"Very good cover."

Natasha commented in Chinese with a slight Russian accent: "However, I noticed that there were four near-reconnaissance flights in the last two weeks, all of which were commercial satellites passing overhead."

At this rate, the explanatory power of research stations alone will decrease.

Isabella nodded, and the screen switched to display a complex algorithm model.

"So we started the 'behavioral pattern spoofing program'."

This system will analyze the activity patterns of 37 real marine research stations around the world, including personnel movement, energy consumption, communication frequencies, and ship traffic, and then have Crescent Island imitate the behavioral characteristics of these stations.

Last week we modeled ourselves after the Great Barrier Reef research station in Australia; this week we're switching to the Hawaiian marine observation station model.

"clever."

Natasha smiled approvingly and said, "Imitating a real and non-threatening target is more convincing than creating one out of thin air."

Liu Zhenwu continued, "The defense system is divided into four layers."

The outermost layer is a 300-nautical-mile early warning zone, which is covered by three leased commercial satellites and two second-hand military satellites.

The second layer is the 200-nautical-mile special regulatory zone, where the Chinese Navy will intercept unregistered ships and aircraft.

The third layer is an active defense perimeter of fifty nautical miles around the island, consisting of six patrol boats disguised as fishing vessels, equipped with sonic jamming and light weapons.

The fourth layer is the island's own defense.

He pulled up a 3D architectural map and said, "Each building in the living area is an independent fortress. The underground command center has three escape routes, leading to hidden exits in the east, west, and north directions of the island."

The 'Shadow Blade' unit consists of thirty members divided into six groups, operating in 24-hour shifts. Most importantly…”

Liu Zhenwu looked at Xu Yun and said, "As per your instructions, all systems on the island have been equipped with 'autonomous defense protocols'."

If the command center is out of contact for more than 72 hours, or receives a specific trigger signal, the system will automatically activate the final contingency plan.

Xu Yun asked in a deep voice, "Has the final contingency plan been tested?"

“A simulation exercise was conducted last week.”

Liu Zhenwu pulled up an encrypted video and said, "After losing control of the command center, the artificial intelligence system 'Nuwa' will take over all defense facilities within ten minutes."

She will activate the island-wide electromagnetic shielding, release camouflage smoke, back up all critical data, and send it to three different secure servers via quantum-encrypted channels.

Meanwhile, the self-destruct device on the third underground level will enter standby mode, but it requires dual biometric confirmation to activate.

Currently, only your and Isabella's characteristics have been entered.

A few seconds of silence fell over the room. Natasha said softly, "Hopefully we'll never need to use this feature."

"But we must prepare."

Xu Yun looked around at the three people present and said, "Crescent Island is not only our base, but will also be the home of many people in the future."

I have promised to create an absolutely safe place here for my family and friends.

This commitment requires the strongest defenses to back it up.

The handover ceremony was officially completed at noon.

Liu Zhenwu inserted his access key, a specially made titanium alloy chip, into the main slot of the console to perform the access transfer operation.

A series of verification codes flashed on the screen, eventually displaying:
[Crescent Island Defense Command System - Highest Authority Transfer]

[Original holder: Liu Zhenwu → New holder: Isabella Chen]

[Time: 12:07:33]

[Note: Peaceful handover, no system anomalies]

Liu Zhenwu pulled out the malfunctioning chip and solemnly handed it to Isabella, saying, "Now, it's yours."

Isabella took the chip, then removed another similar but slightly smaller chip from her neck and inserted it into the secondary slot next to the control panel.

"The 'Dark Eye' command system has completed its docking with the Crescent Island defense system."

From this moment forward, internal and external intelligence and security will operate in an integrated manner.

The progress bar for the merging of the two systems moved rapidly forward on the screen.

The moment it was 100% complete, the lights in the entire command center subtly changed, switching from the original cool white tone to a soft blue-white.

More than a dozen new operation interfaces have been added to the console.

That was an enhancement that Isabella had been secretly developing over the past month.

"New features include automatic capture and analysis of dark web intelligence, dynamic monitoring of 700 key figures worldwide, and real-time decryption assistance for 47 types of cryptographic systems."

Isabella briefly introduced, "The most important thing is this..."

She brought up an interface marked with quantum symbols.

Preliminary results of the 'Persephone' reverse engineering project.

While true mind eavesdropping is still a long way off, we have already achieved 100% eavesdropping prevention in quantum-encrypted communication and absolutely secure key distribution based on quantum random number generators.

Xu Yun nodded in satisfaction and said, "This is exactly the ability I need. Natasha, your task is to work with Isabella to establish an external intelligence network for Crescent Island."

Andrei will assist you, but he is better at action than management.

I need you to establish at least three reliable intelligence gathering points in Europe, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East within three months.

"clear."

Natasha straightened up and said, "Although most of the resources I accumulated during my SVR days are no longer usable, I know how to recruit and train new people."

but……"

She hesitated for a moment, then continued, "I need some start-up capital, as well as a few 'clean' identities."

Isabella chimed in: “Funding is not a problem. After three months of reshuffling and investment, the 800 million crypto assets of the 'Ghost' organization have now increased to 940 million US dollars.”

Two hundred million of that was specifically allocated to the operations of 'Dark Eye'. As for their identities…”

She made a few moves on the console and said, "We have our own forgery experts. We just 'absorbed' the former Ghost Organization's top forger last week. He's currently on 'vacation' in the Cayman Islands and is available to work for us anytime." Everything was arranged perfectly.

Xu Yun looked at the two women.

One is a former NSA technical genius who was transformed by his own hatred and promises, and the other is a former Russian agent who, despite the trials, still chose to stand by his side. Suddenly, a strange feeling arises.

A few months ago, he was still worried about how to protect the secret of Crescent Island.

Now, he has established an intelligence and security system that is beginning to take shape.

"At 2 PM, escort Captain Liu off the island."

Xu Yun gave the final instruction: "Isabella, hold the first plenary meeting of 'Dark Eye' at 8 p.m. Andrei will participate via encrypted video."

Natasha, you will be present. Familiarize yourself with all the personnel and procedures as quickly as possible.

"Yes," they both answered simultaneously.

Islands and Home

At 2 PM, the newly built airport on Crescent Island.

A Gulfstream G650 has completed maintenance and refueling and is quietly parked on the runway.

This aircraft was purchased by Xu Yun using funds from the "Ghost" organization and underwent a complete overhaul by Isabella.

The aircraft's paint scheme can be changed within an hour, its registration number corresponds to legal identities in three different countries, and it is equipped with state-of-the-art communication and defense systems.

"Mr. Xu, I'll leave you here." Liu Zhenwu turned around at the gangway, carrying his simple luggage.

Xu Yun reached out and shook his hand, smiling, "Take care. When you arrive in Beijing, please give my regards to Chief Zhao Weiguo. As for the aircraft carrier donation, I'll need your coordination on the follow-up."

"must."

Liu Zhenwu nodded solemnly, then looked at Isabella and Natasha standing behind Xu Yun.

"I'll leave Crescent Island to you two."

“Don’t worry,” Isabella said.

Natasha then said in Russian, "Удачи (Good luck)."

After Liu Zhenwu boarded the plane, the cabin door slowly closed.

The Gulfstream G650 taxied and accelerated on the runway, eventually taking off and drawing an arc in the azure sky as it flew north.

Xu Yun stood by the airport, watching the plane disappear into the distance, before softly saying, "One phase has ended."

"But a new phase has begun."

Isabella walked up to him and smiled, "According to the intelligence we received last night, Colonel Santos of the Philippine Naval Intelligence Bureau has been transferred from his original post. On the surface, it's a lateral move, but in reality, it's a marginalization."

This should be punishment for his involvement in the 'Ghost' organization's operations, and it also shows that the Philippines does not want a direct conflict with China over Crescent Island.

"Where's Miller?" Xu Yun asked.

"The latest news this morning is that the U.S. Department of Justice has added five charges, including treason and endangering national security."

All his assets have been frozen, his wife has filed for divorce, and his two children have taken their mother's surname.

Isabella’s voice was calm, but a hint of pleasure flashed in her eyes as she said, “Social death, then a real trial, and he will spend the rest of his life in prison.”

Xu Yun turned to look at her and asked, "How does it feel to take revenge?"

Isabella remained silent for a long time, the sea breeze ruffling her short hair.

Finally, she said, "It wasn't as refreshing as I imagined, but... it definitely helped me get a good night's sleep. Thank you, Xu Yun."

Xu Yun nodded and said nothing more.

At four o'clock in the afternoon, Xu Yun boarded another plane.

This is his own Gulfstream G550, with a renovated cabin that is more comfortable and private.

Natasha and Isabella saw her off at the airport.

"According to the plan, I will stay in Jiangcheng for about two weeks."

Xu Yun said at the cabin door, "In the meantime, Crescent Island is in your hands. In case of any emergency, contact me directly through the quantum-encrypted channel."

"clear."

Isabella said, "I have sent you the equipment procurement list for the Signals Intelligence Lab. It totals 120 million, which is 30 million less than the budget because we found two second-hand sources."

"Approved. Contact Yungang Capital Finance Department directly when payment is required."

Xu Yun then looked at Natasha and said, "I've also sent you the recruitment criteria for field personnel. We'd rather have fewer but better candidates."

The first intelligence outpost was suggested to be located in Cyprus, at the crossroads of three continents, where the legal environment is relatively lenient.

Natasha smiled and said, "Just as I thought, I've contacted several former colleagues who are now 'retired' but still interested in the industry, and the initial response has been positive."

"Ah."

……

The plane landed at Jiangcheng International Airport in the evening.

As Xu Yun stepped out of the cabin, the setting sun was painting the horizon a golden-red hue.

He took a deep breath. The air in Jiangcheng carried a familiar dampness and a faint floral fragrance, completely different from the salty sea breeze of Crescent Island.

A black Maybach was already waiting on the tarmac.

The driver was one of Xu Yun's old subordinates. Upon seeing him come out, he immediately got out of the car, opened the door, and said, "Mr. Xu, welcome back."

"Go directly to Donghu Villa."

Xu Yun got into the car and asked, "Are they all here?"

"Miss Zhong, Miss Li, Miss Su, Miss Ning, Miss Liang, Miss Yang, and Miss Song are all at the villa. Miss Jiang has a meeting this afternoon and won't be able to arrive until after six o'clock."

Miss Xinuo took Mu Zhong, Nian Yan, and Xi Yan, along with Aunt Zhang, to the children's playground this afternoon. They should be back soon.

Xu Yun leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes.

Five months of intense construction, intelligence battles, and technological breakthroughs finally came to a temporary halt at this moment.

He is about to return to that world full of warmth and mundane daily life.

The sounds of children's laughter, the playful scolding of a close female friend, the nagging of her mother Zhang Sujuan, and a table full of steaming home-cooked dishes.

It was completely dark when the car entered the Donghu villa area.

The villa was brightly lit, and through the floor-to-ceiling windows, Xu Yun could see figures moving around inside.

He got out of the car, straightened his clothes, and pushed open the courtyard gate.

The first one to rush out was 2-year-old Xu Miaomiao, Chen Xin's daughter.

"Daddy!" The little girl rushed into his arms.

Next were Mu Zhong and Nian Yan, who were almost one year old, and hope Yan, who was one year old.

Xu Yun picked up hope Yan in one arm and held Miao Miao's hand in the other. Mu Zhong and Nian Yan were pulled by their aunt, and the four of them, one adult and four children, entered the villa.

The women were all in the living room.

Ning Qian poked her head out of the kitchen, still holding a spatula, and said with a smile, "You're back? Wash your hands and eat. The last dish will be ready soon."

Li Jinshu stood up from the sofa and looked him up and down.

"You've lost weight and gotten tanned. It must have been tough on Crescent Island."

Su Mu put down the book in her hand, walked over and naturally took his coat, saying gently, "The luggage has been delivered upstairs, and a change of clothes has been prepared."

Zhong Yanyan, Liang Yan, Yang Siqi, and Song Xiaowei were setting the table when they saw him come in, and they all smiled.

Mother Zhang Sujuan brought out a pot of soup from the kitchen and said, "Don't stand there, sit down quickly. Son, go wash your face first. You've been traveling all this way."

Xu Yun handed the child to Xinuo and went into the restroom.

Looking at herself in the mirror, she was indeed as Li Jinshu had said, thinner, and her skin had become slightly darker due to the strong ultraviolet rays of Crescent Island.

But his eyes were even sharper.

Dinner was sumptuous, with more than a dozen people sitting around an extended dining table, the atmosphere filled with laughter and joy.

The women chatted about the interesting things that had happened in Jiangcheng over the past few months, while Zhang Sujuan kept putting food on Xu Yun's plate, saying, "Eat more to nourish yourself."

After dinner, the children were taken upstairs by the nanny to bathe and go to sleep.

After the women finished clearing the table, they gathered in the living room.

Xu Yun sat on the sofa, Zhong Yanyan naturally sat to his left, Su Mu sat to his right, and the others sat or stood in a circle.

"Is Crescent Island really finished?"

Zhong Yanyan was the first to ask, as she was the one among them who understood the complexities of Xu Yun's career the most.

"The first phase of the project is completed, and the living area is ready for residents to move in."

Xu Yun succinctly stated, "The defense system is basically complete. Liu Zhenwu will leave the island today, and the follow-up work will be handled by Isabella and Natasha."

Upon hearing the name "Natasha," the women exchanged glances.

They all knew of this Russian beauty's existence and that she had been under investigation recently.

Now that Xu Yun has arranged for her to go to Crescent Island, it means that the vetting process has been completed, and she has officially become a member of the periphery of this "big family".

Is it safe?

Zhong Yanyan asked the most direct question: "I mean, for us, for the children."

Xu Yun took her hand.

"I promised that Crescent Island would be an absolutely safe place."

Once the second phase of the project is completed, which mainly includes the school and more comprehensive medical facilities, I will bring you all over there.

The children can go to school on the island, and you can do whatever you like without worrying about any external threats.

"It sounds like a paradise."

Su Mu walked over and said with some envy, "But I definitely can't stay there for long, because I have my own things to do."

"It wasn't said you had to stay there."

Xu Yun explained with a smile, "My Crescent Island is a resort or a last refuge. Every year, we can set aside some time, or any of you who want to take a vacation can fly there for a while."

"That's not bad, it's like our private estate now."

Li Jinshu said happily, "I never imagined in my life that I would own an island."

"None of us expected this."

The other women echoed this sentiment.

"To make it easier for you to come over at any time, I have specially applied for a separate flight route with China."

Xu Yun said, "So we bought a few more private jets, which are always waiting at the airport. You can use them whenever you want."

"Mr. Xu, you're really rolling in money!"

Hino joked from the side, "We're really blessed to be with you."

Seeing that his mother wasn't there, and that his son and daughter had gone upstairs to sleep, and that everyone present was his woman, Xu Yun didn't care anymore and gave a meaningful retort.

"Don't you know whether I'm thick or not?"

Upon hearing this, all the women suddenly felt embarrassed and shy.

"Pah, you scoundrel!"

Xu Yun said, "Hahaha, now the rogue is going to choose his consort."

"You wish..."

Upon hearing this, everyone scattered, refusing to engage and indicating that they had no desire to sleep with him.

Xu Yun: "..."

Seriously? I'm going to be a widow on my very first day back?
Just as Xu Yun was starting to feel frustrated, his WeChat suddenly started receiving a series of messages.

He opened the invitations and found they were all secretly sent by his women.

"Hahaha... Interesting!"

Xu Yun couldn't help but laugh, "A bunch of hypocritical women, even resorting to underhanded tactics." (End of Chapter)