The God of Wealth starts with doing whatever you want

At 7:30 p.m., in Central, at the Michelin three-star Chinese restaurant on the top floor of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel.

The private rooms are by the window, offering a panoramic view of Victoria Harbour at night.

Li Zekai arrived ten minutes earlier than the agreed time.

The Hong Kong real estate tycoon wore a bespoke, handcrafted suit, and the Patek Philippe on his wrist gleamed warmly under the lights.

His daughter, Li Ting, sat next to him.

She wore a Chanel suit today, her makeup was impeccable, and her demeanor exuded good upbringing and deliberate reserve.

Only the occasional glances toward the door betrayed a hint of barely perceptible anticipation.

"Dad, do you think Xu Yun will really bring Fu Baoying with him?" Li Ting asked softly.

“Fu Baoying is now his spokesperson, so naturally he should be included.”

Li Zekai picked up his teacup and took a sip of the fine Longjing tea.

"In the future, pay attention to your surroundings, speak less, and observe and listen more."

Li Zekai said seriously, "Xu Yun is different from those rich kids in Hong Kong in the past."

"How are they different?"

Li Ting was somewhat dismissive.

She had seen too many so-called nouveau riche from the mainland, most of whom were either still unsophisticated or had the airs of nouveau riche; very few of them caught her eye.

You'll see when you get there.

Li Zekai didn't offer much explanation.

Footsteps came from outside the door, followed by the voice of a waiter guiding the way.

The door to the private room opened, and Xu Yun and Fu Baoying walked in side by side.

Li Zekai immediately stood up, a standard business smile plastered on his face.

"Mr. Xu, President Fu, welcome, welcome!"

He stepped forward to shake hands, then turned to Li Ting and introduced her: "This is my daughter, Li Ting. She just returned from Cambridge and has always admired you both. She insisted on coming along today to broaden her horizons."

"Mr. Li, you're too kind."

When Xu Yun and Li Ting shook hands, Xu Yun could feel that the strength and duration of the other's hand were perfectly controlled.

This is a girl who understands social etiquette very well.

"Mr. Xu, I have long admired your name."

Li Ting smiled, her gaze lingering on Xu Yun's face for two seconds before turning to Fu Baoying: "Sister Fu, your outfit today is really beautiful, is it a new Hermes design?"

"Miss Li has a good eye." Fu Baoying smiled faintly, not intending to talk any further.

The four people sat down.

The waiters began serving the dishes; it was a standard Cantonese banquet.

Abalone, shark fin, lobster, pigeon... each dish is as exquisite as a work of art.

"Mr. Xu, you're mainly in Hong Kong this time to accompany Xiaozhi, right?"

Li Zekai personally served Xu Yun food and said, "I've met that child once. She's very smart and adorable. I like her very much."

"Yes, mainly to spend time with the kids, and take care of some other things on the side."

Xu Yun tasted the steamed grouper; the meat was tender and the cooking was perfect.

"I heard that Mr. Xu met with Ruan Qinghua this morning?"

Li Zekai asked casually, "Huayi is currently seeking transformation. It's a good thing that young people are energetic, but the semiconductor industry is too complex. I'm afraid Qinghua won't be able to handle it."

Upon hearing this, Fu Baoying took over the conversation.

"Mr. Li, rest assured, we will help oversee things with Qinghua. As for CapitaLand, they've been making a lot of moves in the new energy sector lately. I heard they've acquired two lithium mines in Australia?"

"Small-scale operations cannot compare to Yuntian Capital's large-scale investments."

Li Zekai waved his hand, but his eyes lit up.

This is exactly the topic he wants to discuss.

"However, speaking of new energy, I do have an idea recently and would like to hear Mr. Xu's opinion."

"please say."

Xu Yun put down her chopsticks and looked at him.

"The Kadoorie family, the major shareholder of Hong Kong Electricity Company, is considering selling part of its shares due to environmental pressures."

Li Zekai lowered his voice and said, "If we can acquire this stake and combine it with new energy technologies from the mainland to upgrade and transform Hong Kong's power system... this is a project of great significance for the next century."

Fu Baoying frowned slightly and said, "The Kadoorie family has deep ties with the British government. Would they give up so easily?"

"That's why we need Mr. Xu's help."

Li Zekai looked at Xu Yun with a serious expression.

“I know Mr. Xu has connections with high-level officials in mainland China. If we can get the mainland to coordinate… Of course, after the deal is done, CapitaLand is willing to give up 30% of its shares to Yuntian Capital.”

The private room was silent for a few seconds.

Only the faint sound of cruise ship horns in Victoria Harbour could be heard outside the window.

Xu Yun picked up her teacup, blew on the floating leaves, and did not answer immediately.

Seeing this, Li Ting spoke up at the right time: "Mr. Xu, my father has actually been planning this for a long time."

Hong Kong's power system is outdated, its energy structure is too simple, and electricity prices are high, leading to widespread public discontent.

If we can introduce photovoltaic, wind power, and energy storage technologies from mainland China, it will not only be environmentally friendly but also lower electricity prices—a true project for the people's well-being.

She spoke at a steady pace and with clear logic, clearly having done her homework beforehand.

"The plan itself is fine."

Xu Yun finally spoke, saying, "But the Kadoorie family will not give up easily. They have controlled Hong Kong's electricity for over a hundred years, and this is one of their last strongholds in the Far East."

"Therefore, we need Mr. Xu to take action."

Li Zekai said sincerely, "Price is not a problem; CapitaLand can offer 1.5 times the market price. The key is coordination at the political level..."

"Mr. Lee."

Xu Yun interrupted him and put down her teacup.

Do you know why the Kadoorie family has been able to control Hong Kong's electricity supply for a hundred years?

Li Zekai was taken aback.

"It's not because their technology is so advanced, nor because their management is so excellent."

Xu Yun slowly said, "It's because they have mastered something: standards."

"standard?"

"The technical standards, operational standards, safety standards... all the standards for the power system were set by them."

Looking at the dazzling night view outside the window, Xu Yun smiled and said, "Those who come later and want to enter must either accept their standards or overturn and rebuild."

But the cost of overturning standards is far greater than the cost of acquiring equity.

Li Ting said thoughtfully, "Mr. Xu means... we should start with the standards?"

"clever."

Xu Yun gave her an approving look.

"The mainland is now promoting the 'new power system' standard, which focuses on high-proportion integration of new energy sources, intelligent dispatching, and integration of power generation, grid, load and storage."

If Hong Kong can become the first overseas pilot for this standard…

He didn't finish speaking, but Li Zekai's eyes had already lit up.

"In that case, the Kadoorie family's old standards will be outdated! They either need to keep up or be eliminated!"

"Catching up requires a complete overhaul, with an investment of at least tens of billions. Given the Kadoorie family's current financial situation, it would be difficult for them to come up with that amount of money."

Fu Baoying added, "If we talk about acquisitions now, they won't have any bargaining power."

"Wonderful!"

Li Zekai slammed his hand on the table in excitement, but then realized he had lost his composure and regained his composure.

"Then... Mr. Xu, could you help us secure a pilot program for the standards in mainland China?"

“I can try to push it.”

Xu Yun didn't finish his sentence, and said with a smile, "But there are two conditions."

"Please speak."

"First, if the pilot program is successful, Hong Kong Power must fully adopt mainland standards, including equipment procurement, technical solutions, and personnel training."

"That's natural!"

"Secondly, the future Hong Kong Power Board of Directors must include a certain proportion of mainland experts and technicians."

This isn't about seizing power, but about ensuring the correctness of the technological approach.

Li Zekai pondered for a moment, then nodded emphatically.

"Sure! As long as this can be done, we'll leave the technical aspects entirely to the mainland!"

At this point, the atmosphere became noticeably more lively.

The waiter removed the main course and served desserts: mango pomelo sago, coconut bird's nest, and durian pastry.

Only then did Li Ting truly begin to examine Xu Yun.

She found a peculiar charm in the young man's voice.

He spoke calmly and logically, each sentence sounding as if it had been precisely calculated, yet as naturally as if he were chatting casually.

What surprised her even more was her father's attitude.

Li Zekai is known for his assertiveness in Hong Kong's business circles, but he always maintains an almost humble and respectful demeanor in front of Xu Yun.

This wasn't feigned; it came from genuine reverence.

"Mr. Xu."

Li Ting picked up her wine glass, deciding to take the initiative.

“I’ve recently been researching the application of artificial intelligence in financial risk control. I’ve heard that your ‘Loongson Matrix’ is very powerful in algorithm acceleration. I wonder if there’s an opportunity to cooperate?” “Ms. Li, you also have research on AI?” Xu Yun clinked glasses with her.

“I worked on AI lab projects in Cambridge and have been following them since I returned to China.”

Li Ting smiled and said, "I think the core competitiveness of finance in the future will no longer be the scale of funds, but data analysis and algorithm capabilities."

If CapitaLand wants to transform, it must make arrangements in this area.

"This line of thinking is correct."

Xu Yun nodded and said, "However, AI financial risk control involves a large amount of sensitive data, and there will be policy obstacles to cross-border cooperation."

"What if we only target the Hong Kong market?"

Li Ting was clearly prepared, saying, "Hong Kong is an international financial center with abundant data and relatively flexible regulation."

We can first establish a joint venture laboratory, focusing on the Hong Kong local market.

Once the model is mature, we'll consider expanding it externally.

Fu Baoying glanced at Li Ting, a hint of admiration flashing in her eyes.

This girl is extraordinary.

It demonstrated capability, avoided sensitive issues, and provided practical solutions.

"I can consider it."

Xu Yun neither immediately agreed nor refused.

"Let the team prepare a feasibility report first. If the plan is feasible, Yuntian Capital can participate."

"Great!"

A hint of joy flashed in Li Ting's eyes, but she quickly restrained herself and maintained a polite smile.

The conversation then shifted to lighter topics.

When Li Zekai talked about Hong Kong's time-honored brands, horse racing, and golf, Xu Yun was able to join in the conversation, clearly showing that she was no stranger to Hong Kong culture.

Fu Baoying occasionally chimed in, but spent most of her time observing.

She could sense Li Ting's interest in Xu Yun, an interest that went beyond business cooperation and carried the natural curiosity of a young woman towards an outstanding man.

But she wasn't worried.

Xu Yun has never lacked outstanding women around him; whether Li Ting is there or not, it won't change anything.

Importantly, tonight's dinner achieved its intended purpose.

Once Hong Kong Power's strategic move is in place, the Li family will be deeply intertwined with Yuntian Capital over the next five years.

This is a good thing for both sides.

The dinner ended at 9:30.

Li Zekai personally escorted Xu Yun and Fu Baoying to the hotel entrance, with Li Ting following behind.

"Mr. Xu, President Fu, I'll leave that matter to you."

Li Zekai shook hands firmly and said, "I will start preparations immediately and look forward to your good news."

I will give you an answer within a week.

Xu Yun made a promise.

Li Ting stepped forward and handed over a business card.

"Mr. Xu, this is my personal contact information. I will prepare the AI ​​lab proposal and send it to you as soon as possible."

"it is good."

Xu Yun took the business card and casually put it into his suit pocket.

The car drove away from the hotel and merged into the traffic flow in Central.

Fu Baoying leaned back in her chair and let out a long sigh.

"What do you think of that girl, Li Ting?" she asked.

"Intelligent, ambitious, and knows how to conceal his ambition."

Xu Yun closed his eyes to rest, then smiled and said, "He's a good partner, but we need to be careful."

"Afraid she'll develop feelings for you?"

"I'm afraid she's too ambitious."

Xu Yun opened his eyes and said, "The Li family has too deep roots in Hong Kong. It's okay to cooperate with them, but we can't let them lead us by the nose."

The AI ​​lab that Li Ting mentioned today, ostensibly a technological collaboration, is actually an attempt to leverage our technology to solidify the Li family's position in Hong Kong's financial sector.

You noticed?

Fu Baoying laughed and said, "I thought you were captivated by the young girl."

"I'm not that superficial."

Xu Yun shook his head and smiled, "However, her plan does have its merits. If it succeeds in Hong Kong as a pilot area, it can be promoted to Southeast Asia."

The Southeast Asian Chinese financial sector has always been a market we've wanted to enter.

"So you said yes to her?"

"Let's take a look at the plan first. If it's manageable, we can cooperate."

If it's out of control, try a different approach.

Xu Yun looked out the window and said calmly, "The situation in Hong Kong is more complicated than I imagined."

The four major families each have their own agendas. British capital hasn't completely withdrawn, and mainland forces are gradually infiltrating... You must be extremely careful with every step you take here.

Fu Baoying nodded.

She was silent for a moment, then suddenly asked, "Are you really going to take Xiaozhi with you to the Zheng family's place tomorrow?"

"Well, since Adrian Cheng wants a marriage alliance, let him see that I already have a daughter."

Xu Yun smirked and said, "Trying to tie me down by marrying off your daughter? That old-fashioned thinking needs to change."

It was already past ten o'clock when the car entered the Repulse Bay villa.

The housekeeper said that Xiaozhi was already asleep, but insisted on waiting for her father to come back. In the end, she fell asleep in the children's room while hugging her toys.

Xu Yun gently pushed open the door to the children's room.

Under the warm yellow nightlight, Xu Xiaozhi curled up on the bed, holding the plush sea turtle he had bought yesterday in his arms.

He went to the bedside and tucked the blanket around the child.

In his sleep, Xiao Zhi mumbled, "Daddy...don't go..."

Xu Yun's heart softened, and he gently kissed her forehead.

"Dad won't leave," he whispered.

After leaving the room, Fu Baoying stood in the corridor with a gentle look in her eyes.

"She really likes you."

“I am her father.”

Xu Yun took Fu Baoying's hand and led her towards the master bedroom.

"How do you plan to handle the Zheng family's luncheon tomorrow?" Fu Baoying asked.

"Respond to each move as it comes."

Xu Yun pushed open the bedroom door and said with a smile, "I know Zheng Zhigang. He seems generous on the surface, but he is actually very shrewd."

His niece, Zheng Weiwei… I remember she's a Stanford AI PhD?

"Yes, very outstanding. I heard that he published three top conference papers while still in school."

"That would be even more interesting."

Xu Yun loosened his tie and said, "A girl with a technical background is being pushed into an arranged marriage by her family... Would she really want that?"

"You mean..."

You'll find out tomorrow.

Xu Yun entered the bathroom, and the sound of water soon began to fill the air.

Fu Baoying stood by the window, looking at the calm sea outside, but her heart was filled with turmoil.

She suddenly recalled the scene when Xu Yun first came to Hong Kong two years ago.

Although he is wealthy, in Hong Kong, a place that values ​​background and social circles, he is just a nobody who has crossed over from abroad.

In just two years, he cultivated himself into someone on par with established tycoons like Li Zekai.

She even made the other party need her help.

The sound of water stopped.

Xu Yun walked out wrapped in a bath towel, her hair still dripping wet.

"What are you thinking about?" he asked.

"I'm wondering if you'll be captivated by Zheng Weiwei tomorrow."

Fu Baoying turned around and said half-jokingly, "I heard that girl is not only smart, but also very beautiful. She's mixed-race and has a great figure."

I don't know if it will be tomorrow, but tonight, I'm captivated by you.

Xu Yun walked over and hugged her from behind.

"Don't."

Fu Baoying was about to tease Xu Yun when she saw him getting so handsy, and she quickly said, "I'm not available, you know that. How about I find you someone else to keep you company?"

"You really think I don't know about your health condition?..."

Xu Yun scoffed, "I guess your relatives have already left by now."

“But…” Fu Baoying.

"It's alright, I have a brilliant plan!"

Before she could finish speaking, Xu Yun, with a wicked grin, sealed her lips with his, picked her up, and threw her onto the bed.

Fu Baoying: "Ah~~" (End of Chapter)