The God of Wealth starts with doing whatever you want

At seven o'clock on Wednesday morning, the air in Beijing was already filled with the heat characteristic of summer.

In front of the main building of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, Xu Yun got out of a black sedan with an ordinary license plate.

He was wearing a custom-made dark gray suit and a white shirt today, but no tie.

This was a special instruction from Academician Chen Wenyuan: "Don't be too formal, it will make you seem distant."

"Academician Xu, this way please."

A staff member in his forties, wearing gold-rimmed glasses, was already waiting at the door.

He introduced himself as Wang Mingxuan, the deputy director of the Academic Affairs Bureau, who was specifically responsible for receiving newly elected academicians.

"Director Wang, just call me Xu Yun," Xu Yun said with a smile.

"That won't do; the rules of the courtyard must still be followed."

Despite saying this, Wang Mingxuan was very friendly and led Xu Yun through the hall to the lecture hall.

The main building of the Chinese Academy of Engineering is a Soviet-style building from the 1950s, but the interior has been renovated many times, combining classical solemnity with a modern sense of technology.

Portraits of past deans and outstanding academicians hang on both sides of the corridor. Xu Yun noticed that the last one was still blank, with only the words "Future" in gold.

"Photos of academicians who have made groundbreaking contributions to engineering and technology will be displayed here."

Wang Mingxuan explained, "Currently, there are only seven, including titans like Qian Xuesen, Zhu Guangya, and Wang Daheng."

Xu Yun nodded without saying anything.

By 8:30, the auditorium was already packed.

The hall, which can accommodate 300 people, was filled with academicians, researchers, doctoral students from various academic departments, as well as reporters from several invited media outlets.

Of course, the content of the report needs to be reviewed.

The front row was filled with elderly academicians with white hair. Chen Wenyuan sat in the center and nodded slightly to Xu Yun when he entered.

Xu Yun walked onto the podium and adjusted the microphone. The title of the report was displayed on the large screen: "Cross-Scale Integration: An Engineering Revolution from Nanoscale to Systems".

"Good morning, seniors and colleagues."

His opening remarks were concise: "It is an honor to stand here. Rather than a report, this is more of a learning and exchange session."

I will share some preliminary thoughts from three perspectives.

The collaborative design of micromaterials and macrostructures, the application of intelligent algorithms in the optimization of complex systems, and, in my opinion, the most important, how to establish an integrated innovation ecosystem encompassing industry, academia, research, and application.

For the next forty minutes, Xu Yun presented a style completely different from traditional academic reports.

Instead of piling up formulas and charts, he explained complex principles in plain language and used engineering examples to support his theoretical judgments.

More importantly, he proposed several highly forward-looking research directions.

"For example, in the aviation field, our current approach is to optimize from the dimensions of materials, structure, aerodynamics, and control separately, and then try to integrate them."

But flying creatures in nature, such as birds and insects, are never designed this way.

Their materials are their structure, their structure is their control, and this control, in turn, feeds back into the dynamic adjustment of material properties.

Xu Yun pulled up a slow-motion video of a hummingbird in flight.

"If we can develop similar multifunctional gradient materials, we can enable wing skin to simultaneously possess sensing, deformation, energy harvesting, and stealth capabilities."

Therefore, future aircraft will no longer be a collection of subsystems pieced together, but a truly organic whole.

A soft murmur arose from the audience.

An academician in the field of aviation raised his hand and asked: "Academician Xu, this idea is very novel, but it is extremely difficult to implement in engineering."

The kind of 'smart skin' you're talking about requires nanoscale material preparation processes, millisecond-level response speeds, and reliable durability.

Are our current technological reserves sufficient?

"That's not enough, so we need interdisciplinary research."

Xu Yun answered frankly: "Materials science, microelectronics, artificial intelligence, bionics... no single discipline can solve this problem."

I suggest that the Chinese Academy of Engineering take the lead in establishing a "Cross-Scale Integrated Innovation Center," bringing together top teams from various fields to tackle key challenges across the entire chain, from basic theory to engineering verification.

"What about the funding?" another academician asked.

“Yungang Capital is willing to provide initial R&D funding, starting at 1 billion RMB.”

Xu Yun calmly stated the number, and a collective gasp rippled through the audience.

"Of course, the premise is that the project is really meaningful and the team is really capable."

He added, "My philosophy is that companies should not just wait for academia to produce results, but should actively participate in and even lead cutting-edge directions."

Conversely, academia also needs the engineering perspective and market sensitivity of businesses.

This is a two-way journey.

Chen Wenyuan smiled and nodded from below the stage.

This was exactly the signal he hoped Xu Yun would convey.

Technological innovation in the new era requires new organizational models.

In the latter half of the report, Xu Yun discussed talent development.

"I have noticed a phenomenon: many of our doctoral students and postdoctoral fellows do very well in their research, but they are helpless when it comes to the engineering transformation stage."

Why? Because our training system is too 'siloed'.

He pulled up a chart showing the comparison between China and the United States in the number of interdisciplinary doctoral programs.

37:218.

"The gap is huge."

It's not that our students aren't smart enough, but that the system hasn't given them enough opportunities to think and practice across disciplines.

I suggest that the Chinese Academy of Engineering establish a "Young Interdisciplinary Innovation Fund" specifically to support young people who dare to break down disciplinary barriers, even if their ideas sound a bit "out of touch."

The Q&A session was exceptionally lively.

The originally allotted twenty minutes were extended to forty minutes, and the host had to remind everyone three times of "the last question".

Finally, at 9:50, the report ended amidst applause.

As Xu Yun stepped down from the podium, he was immediately surrounded by several senior academicians.

“Young man, our research group started working on your multifunctional gradient material three years ago, but we encountered a problem with interface bonding…”

"Academician Xu, I have some data here that I'd like you to look at regarding intelligent algorithm optimization..."

"The idea of ​​an interdisciplinary fund is great, but how should the review criteria be set? We can't let laymen review experts..."

Chen Wenyuan came over to defuse the situation: "Everyone, Xu Yun still has to attend the symposium later."

If you have any specific questions, we can schedule a time to discuss them in detail after the meeting.

He pulled Xu Yun out of the lecture hall through a side door and towards a small conference room deep inside the building.

"You did a very good job."

Chen Wenyuan said in a low voice, "Especially when it came to the part about the 1 billion yuan R&D funding, those old guys' eyes lit up."

They have ideas and a team, they just lack money.

“I’m telling the truth.”

Xu Yun said earnestly, "Yungang Capital has allocated 5 billion yuan this year as a cutting-edge technology investment fund. As long as the projects are good enough, money is not a problem."

Chen Wenyuan gave him a deep look: "You have more... vision than I imagined."

The conference room was small, containing only an oval mahogany table that could seat twelve people.

There are already five people present.

Xu Yun recognized three of them at a glance.

Li, the deputy director of the State Administration of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defense, Zhao, the leader of the Equipment Development Department of the Central Military Commission, and another high-ranking leader of the Ministry of Science and Technology who frequently appears in the news.

The other two were relatively unfamiliar, but their demeanor was equally remarkable.

"Comrade Xu Yun, please sit down."

The leader from the Ministry of Science and Technology was surnamed Liu. He was in his fifties, with a gentle smile but sharp eyes.

"We listened to the report through the internal line just now, and it was very enlightening."

In particular, the "integration of industry, academia, research, and application" that you proposed is precisely a key direction for our current efforts to promote science and technology system reform.

Xu Yun sat down in the reserved seat, his back straight but not appearing stiff.

"You flatter me, Leader Liu. These are just some basic thoughts."

"superficial?"

Zhao, the leader of the Equipment Development Department, laughed. This leader, who came from a military background, spoke bluntly: "If you are so superficial, then all our research institutes should be shut down."

"To be frank, the main reason I've called you here today is to hear your thoughts on which technological directions might have a disruptive impact over the next five to ten years."

Deputy Director Li added, "Especially technologies with great potential for military applications."

Xu Yun pondered for a moment.

He knew the importance of this question and understood that his answer could influence the country's future technological development.

"I think there are three areas that deserve our close attention."

He organized his thoughts and slowly said, "First, the engineering of quantum technology."

It's not just about quantum communication and computing, but more importantly, quantum sensing and quantum radar.

If quantum radar can be put into practical use within five years, existing stealth technologies will face a fundamental challenge.

The leaders exchanged glances.

"Second, the integration of artificial intelligence and biological intelligence."

It's not just a simple brain-computer interface, but a true example of human-machine intelligent symbiosis.

This could fundamentally change the way combat command, equipment operation, and even individual soldier combat are conducted.

"third……"

Xu Yun paused for a moment and then said, "The democratization and militarization of space technology are being promoted simultaneously."

Low-cost reusable launch vehicle technology, on-orbit servicing and manufacturing, space resource utilization...

These are not just matters for the aerospace sector; they should become a core component of the nation's strategic scientific and technological strength.

The meeting room was silent for a few seconds.

Leader Liu slowly began to speak: "These three directions all require huge investments and long-term commitment."

Given our current national strength, we can't possibly bet everything. If you had to rank them, which should be the highest priority?

Quantum technology.

Xu Yun said without hesitation: "Because it has the shortest time window."

The US and Europe are both pushing forward with this initiative. If we cannot achieve a breakthrough within three years, we may lose our voice for an entire era.

"What kind of support do you need?" Leader Zhao asked bluntly.

Three things.

Xu Yun didn't mince words: "First, we will gather the nation's best quantum research teams and establish a national quantum science laboratory."

"I will provide 1 billion yuan in start-up funding, with the government matching at least 3 billion yuan. For the first five years, we will not assess research papers; we will only focus on verifying principles and developing engineering prototypes." "Second, we will open up some military testing platforms to civilian teams, especially facilities that private enterprises cannot afford to buy or build, such as large microwave anechoic chambers and high-precision vibration tables."

"Third, and most importantly, is talent policy."

Top quantum scientists should be given treatment and research autonomy equivalent to international first-class standards. We cannot allow our best talent to always be poached by Silicon Valley.

The leaders exchanged a few words in hushed tones.

Leader Liu nodded: "Your suggestion is very specific, and we will study it carefully."

But Xu Yun, what about yourself? Are you willing to participate in the construction of this national laboratory?

"If the country needs me, I will not hesitate to do so."

Xu Yun solemnly stated, "But I hope to play the role of a 'bridge' even more, connecting military needs with civilian technologies, connecting national teams with corporate innovation, and connecting domestic resources with international cooperation."

"bridge……"

Leader Liu seemed to be thinking about something, and said, "This positioning is very good."

"That's settled then. You'll join the preparatory group for the quantum science laboratory as an academician first; we'll determine your specific position later."

The discussion lasted until noon.

At the end, Chen Wenyuan escorted Xu Yun downstairs.

"What you said today may change a lot of things," the old academician said with emotion.

"I only say what I think is right."

Xu Yun looked out the window at the streets of Beijing and laughed, "Old Chen, do you know what I'm most afraid of?"

"what?"

"What I fear most is that our young people are afraid to think and act. We can catch up with lagging technology, but rigid thinking is the most dangerous thing."

Chen Wenyuan patted him on the shoulder: "That's why we need a 'catfish' like you. Go on, do you have any plans this afternoon?"

I've made plans to have dinner with two old friends.

Xu Yun laughed and said, "Then I'll fly back to Jiangcheng. There's a ton of stuff waiting for me at home."

The two parted ways at the entrance of the engineering institute.

Xu Yun got into the car, and the driver asked, "Mr. Xu, where to?"

"Wangfujing, Quanjude."

……

It was 1 p.m. in a private room at Quanjude.

When Xu Yun pushed open the door, the two men were already there.

A tall, robust man, whose military bearing was still evident even in a casual jacket, was Liu Zhenwu, who had recently left Crescent Island.

The other one, who is slightly thin and wears frameless glasses, is Lin Zhengyu, Xu Yun's best friend from university, who now works at the Institute of Computing Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences.

"Old Xu! Academician, your arrival is truly a great honor! I am so sorry for not welcoming you sooner!"

Lin Zhengyu immediately gave Xu Yun a bear hug, completely disregarding Xu Yun's current status.

Liu Zhenwu was relatively restrained, but his eyes were full of smiles: "President Xu, no, now I should call you Academician Xu."

"Come on, don't make fun of me."

Xu Yun took off his coat and sat down, laughing, "Zixuan, didn't you say you were working on a big project and were so busy you weren't even replying to WeChat messages?"

"No matter how busy you are, you have to come."

Lin Zhengyu poured him some tea and said, "Guess what? Our 'Tianhe-3' hybrid architecture optimization project just passed acceptance yesterday."

"Perfect timing! Today we're celebrating two happy events: you becoming an academician, and my project being completed."

Liu Zhenwu laughed and said, "I'm just taking advantage of the situation. The leader specially approved two days off for me, and I happened to be reporting to Beijing. When I heard you were here, I asked you to come along."

"Was the handover on Crescent Island smooth?" Xu Yun asked.

"It went very smoothly."

Isabella's abilities exceeded expectations; she discovered a blind spot in the surveillance system on the third day after taking over and fixed it that same day.

Liu Zhenwu took a sip of tea and continued, "However, I came to Beijing not just to report, but also to discuss something else..."

Chief Zhao Weiguo asked me if I was interested in taking charge of a newly established department, the "Overseas Project Security Coordination Center," which would be directly under Yungang Capital but would have close cooperation with the military.

Xu Yun's eyes lit up: "This is great! What's the level?"

"With a department-level structure, I'll be the director," Liu Zhenwu said calmly, but his satisfaction with the arrangement was evident.

"Great job, Lao Liu!"

Lin Zhengyu said enviously, "You have an academician and a department head, while I'm still just a miserable businessman."

"Come on."

Xu Yun exposed him: "You're making billions a year now, right? Lin, the richest man?"

Lin Zhengyu chuckled: "That's true, but I'm still far behind you."

The roast duck was served, and the three of them ate and chatted.

They talked about interesting things in their lives, their jobs, and their plans for the future.

"Seriously, Lao Xu."

Lin Zhengyu suddenly became serious: "We watched your report at the Academy of Engineering today, which was broadcast live internally."

That idea for the 'Youth Interdisciplinary Innovation Fund' is particularly good.

We have several very creative young people in our family, but we lack funding to support their 'non-mainstream' research directions.

"Do you have a specific candidate in mind?" Xu Yun asked.

"Yes! For example, my younger brother Xiaolin works on quantum computing algorithms, but he has recently become fascinated with bioinformatics and wants to use quantum algorithms to optimize gene editing efficiency."

That's a cool idea, but neither side is paying for it.

The quantum mechanics team thought he was neglecting his duties, while the biology team thought he was ignorant of the field.

"Have him write a proposal and send it to me."

Xu Yun immediately stated, "If it is truly valuable, I will provide the initial funding, without having to go through the cumbersome application process."

"terrific!"

Lin Zhengyu raised his glass: "I'll toast you on behalf of my brother!"

"Get out of here, you're just worried about your money."

Liu Zhenwu also raised his glass: "President Xu, no, Xu Yun, I toast you, to thank you for the opportunity and trust you have given me."

The three clinked glasses and drank it all in one gulp.

After dinner, Lin Zhengyu went back to work overtime, Liu Zhenwu went to a meeting at the Central Military Commission, and Xu Yun went to the airport.

While waiting for his flight, he received a WeChat message from Zhong Yanyan.

"Did the report go well? What do you want to eat tonight? Ning Qian said she'll cook for you herself."

Xu Yun replied: "Smoothly, I want to eat braised pork, the kind my mom makes."

"Received, has been forwarded to Chef Ning."

A mischievous emoji followed.

Isabella's encrypted message arrived just before the plane took off.

"The list of the preparatory group for the quantum laboratory has been initially drafted, including seven teams from Tsinghua University, the University of Science and Technology of China, the National University of Defense Technology, and others."

Additionally: Intelligence intercepted at the Cyprus station indicates that an intelligence agency of a certain country has taken notice of you, assessing the threat level as 'observation level,' with no immediate indication of action.

Xu Yun replied: "Keep monitoring in place. Send me the list of quantum labs; I want to see it myself."

"clear.

Additionally: Jiangcheng National Security has confirmed that patrols around Donghu Villa will be increased starting today. This is a normal security upgrade, so there is no need to worry.

The plane soared into the sky.

Xu Yun leaned back in his first-class seat and closed his eyes.

On this day, he spoke about everything from academic reports to national strategies, and received information from various parties as he gathered with old friends.

The title of academician brings not only honor, but also a brand new platform and greater responsibility.

but……

It's none of his business. He can help out when he has time, and if he doesn't, he can continue enjoying his wife, kids, and warm bed.

He will not be bound by these nominal positions.

My phone vibrated; it was a video clip from Li Jinshu's concert.

In the video, she sings "Confession Balloon" on stage, her eyes bright and her smile radiant.

The camera panned across the audience, and Xu Yun's blurry profile flashed by.

Li Jinshu added: "The media version has been released, and the number of clicks exceeded 10 million within two hours."

Netizens are all guessing who the 'mystery man' is, but no one has connected it to you.

"You did a great job keeping things confidential!"

Xu Yun smiled and replied, "It's mainly because you sang so well that it distracted me."

"That's right, I'm going to Paris for a business trip and leisure next weekend. It'll be about five days."

"Be careful. I'll have Isabella arrange two bodyguards for you."

"No need, right?"

"You are now."

Xu Yun typed carefully and said, "My woman, Xu Yun's woman, deserves the best protection."

A few seconds later, Li Jinshu replied: "Suddenly so serious... Anyway, thank you, love you."

The plane flew through the clouds, and the setting sun turned its wings gold.

Xu Yun looked out the window and suddenly remembered his dream from many years ago when he was just an ordinary college student.

To have a good job, a warm home, and a simple, ordinary life.

Life now far exceeds what we imagined back then.

He has a magnificent career, complex and entangled emotions, supreme honor, and the responsibilities of a father.

But deep down, he is still that young man who longs for "the beauty of the beginning".

But now he understands that true beauty is not about escaping complexity, but about finding balance within complexity.

It's not about wasting time in calm, but about protecting everything we cherish amidst turbulence.

As the plane began its descent, the lights of Jiangcheng gradually became clearer in the night.

Xu Yun gathered his thoughts and prepared to return to the place where his family was waiting for him.

There, you'll hear children's laughter, feel a lover's tenderness, taste your mother's braised pork, and experience simple, authentic everyday life. (End of Chapter)