ting pinyin along the way. The reading comprehension for the 1998 middle school entrance exam was Zhu Ziqing's "Spring," with themes of "anticipating spring," "welcoming spring," and "depicting spring...Chapter 140: Networking

The forks are all watching Su Cun and Mark Zuckerberg. Under Donald's lead, they have met many celebrities and wealthy people who showed interest in them. Even those who had previously referred to them as "wild kids" due to their casual attire now put away that attitude.

This proves that the advertisers and shareholders of California and The Washington Post are not fools; anyone who looks down on the Facebook founder, a person widely talked about by people in the era and whom countless internet companies and venture capitalists pay attention to, solely because of their dressing style or first impression, is truly foolish.

"You two are the founders. Hey, my new hire has been nagging me every day about this website, almost deafening my ears, and you're the culprits." An old man from South Florida said. He was a member of the Rockefeller family with great prestige after centuries of inheritance, but had quite a fiery temper; his words drew laughter around him.

"It was just an accidental idea," Su Cun responded. Though he and Zuckerberg were dressed casually today, this modesty made everyone around them feel more comfortable.

"Success is often accidental, but accidents can change the world. You might become one of America's wealthiest young people, a major news item. I even envy your youth! Enjoy what the world gives back to you!" The old man raised his glass.

Donald introduced some business elites to them in passing; Su Cun wasn't raised in American society and didn't know much about these people. However, he could tell from Zuckerberg's facial expressions that these weren't ordinary individuals.

"Prior to this, social networking sites were not well regarded. Everyone knew they contained pornographic content, their members crude and disorderly. I used to think the same." Donald walked as he spoke, "But when my secretary opened your Facebook on my laptop, it left a deep impression."

"Do you know where your network's advantage lies Do you know why venture capitalists keep trying to approach you"

Donald asked in return; this made Su Cun feel that The Washington Post Group was being sincere and not just going through the motions. Such a matter could have been handled by a business negotiator, but he personally invited them as chairman, showing great sincerity.

"At its core, Facebook isn't an entertainment site; it has a clear background right in university campuses, convenient and practical. College students are a precious demographic for marketers. People's key purchasing habits form during this stage of life—like their first credit card or bank account, even their first car. But while you're at university, there's no way to reach you directly; your Facebook connects all college students together, allowing direct contact."

The Washington Post Group hit the nail on the head with its point about what it saw as Facebook's value. However, in Su Cun's view, this wasn't a deep understanding; almost everyone hadn't foreseen that Facebook would become more than just a social network but a culture worldwide.

But at present, even just Donald's thoughts alone were enough to justify investment in Facebook.

"I prefer to listen to your ideas. The Washington Post Group is interested in investing in Facebook; originally, I wanted to acquire it and merge it with Global Music Television into a comprehensive site, but you don't seem inclined to sell the company, so I'd like to hear about your financing plans," Donald chuckled.

"Mr. Donald, currently we only have the idea of offering 5% equity of our company for investment. Would you be willing to fund it for this 5%"

Donald frowned, "As a start-up, setting such a low baseline as 5% is quite rare. You should consider that an investor like me might also value my rights within the company; would 5% equity give me significant influence and benefits in the company"

In Facebook's case, despite its rapid development, it remains a new internet company. It’s hard to imagine what impact an investor with only 5% equity can have here. Is it just for future returns"

Under this situation, Zuckerberg wasn’t good at handling it, and Su Cen indirectly became the external information officer and CFO. After thinking about it, he added, "We will establish five board seats. As an early investor, Mr. Donald, we will reserve one seat for you. This actually enables you to have more than 5% equity benefits and allows participation in some of Facebook's daily operations."

Donald frowned and fell into deep thought.

Evidently weighing whether it was worthwhile.

Zuckerberg clenched his fist subconsciously, the cold wind blowing making him a bit nervous.

Su Cen wasn't any less concerned. Every day he seemed to be calm and confident, but in reality, part of this was for Zuckerberg and Facebook's core members to see, while another part was to show Sean and those behind him such as Chien Hua. He couldn’t let them sense his anxiety, or else it would only add籌碼to Chien Hua, the man who had been coldly watching him all along. The latter might take advantage of this opportunity to cut more from Su Cen and Zuckerberg.

If they failed to secure enough funds as expected, then Su Cen could only mobilize funds from his domestic industries for final support. But such an approach would undoubtedly burden and suppress domestic enterprises, damaging their normal development. Moreover, burning money like this couldn't sustain much longer.

Given Facebook's growing customer base and the increasing server hardware costs with every additional ten thousand users, the huge demand as it grew was indeed terrifying. In the coming months, there would be a spending of over two million dollars, followed by another seven to eight hundred thousand dollars in expenses. This cost could only be borne by investors like The Washington Post Group or Viacom, and Su Cen himself couldn't afford it alone.

At this moment, Donald's decision could affect the future and become crucial.

Ding! A sound of a glass cup dropping onto the ground and shattering.

The people turned their heads. The one who had dropped the glass cup was Song Zhen, now staring blankly at the ground where she had lost her grip.

Her aunt Diana walked over with a somewhat gloomy expression and asked softly, "What happened" She smiled at Donald, Su Cen, and others looking over, "It’s nothing, just an accident."

Song Zhen undoubtedly interrupted Donald's conversation with the founder of Facebook, and for Diana, who values perfection, such a mistake in this setting was enough to make her fire an event organizer without hesitation.

"Sorry." Song Zhen nodded and smiled at Su Cen.

"Meet again," Su Cen acknowledged with a nod.

"This must be Diana's niece. How Do you two know each other" Donald was clearly surprised, and Diana, who had been ready to pull away Song Zhen, paused.

Su Cen nodded, "She is my friend."

This immediately made Diana, along with others present, somewhat surprised.

Song Zhen ignored the gazes of others and beamed a radiant smile at Su Cen, adoringly saying, "Was it you who founded this social network I really didn't notice back then."

Diana tried to use her gaze to signal Song Zhen to maintain decorum in front of others instead of such an expression, as many were observing and evaluating her.

"Specifically speaking, it was Mark and I who founded Facebook." Although he said this, Su Cen tilted his mouth slightly, thinking that Miss, you can't use me as a tool for your rebellion.

Song Zhen's penetrating eyes glanced at Su Cen, seemingly seeing through his thoughts clearly. Then her eyebrows curved up again, and she smiled, "Did I call you Don’t forget to return the call. Last time I said I would find a guide for you in America; do you want me to be your guide personally this time"

They communicated in English, which caused some ambiguous, even playful glances from those around them. These aristocratic youths thought that the girl used to be quite aloof and didn’t like socializing with others, yet here she was being so enthusiastic.

In their eyes, it seemed Song Zhen had almost told Su Cen her room number tonight. Naturally, there were some heckling or even whistling. Those old friends of the Chang family looked at Song Zhen in astonishment and bewilderment, feeling uncomfortable with how she was disregarding decorum to talk to a man.

"I’d be delighted." Su Cen nodded; what else could he say

However, from her actions, it seemed that Song Zhen really intended to use him as a weapon against her family. Su Cen wasn’t stupid and quickly changed the subject by looking at Donald. "Then, Mr. President Donald, have you reached any conclusions yet"

Donald nodded, "I've thought about it. If what you say is true and can ensure Washington Post Group's interests in Renpi... I'm willing to pay $13 million for a shareholding stake in獼. What do you think of this offer"

"Ah" Zach stared at Donald in disbelief, although he knew that Donald was different from the venture capitalists he had encountered before. Wasn't the number he just quoted exactly what they were dreaming of Everyone told them to face reality, but now reality seemed so close and tangible. As Zach's heart raced faster, he turned his head to look at Su Cen; he could only look at him, feeling lost in the dreamlike scene before him.

Donald's proposal was already very close to what Su Cen had hoped for internally. Those Silicon Valley machines and venture capitalists who appeared like mad bees around a honey pot seemed eager to chase after Facebook, but deep down none of them truly believed that it was worth the price being offered.

Until Donald stepped in...

Su Cen knew there were still details to be discussed. But obtaining this proposal from Donald had already been a significant step towards success and made his trip to America worthwhile.

But at this critical moment when everyone was waiting for Su Cen's response, he suddenly turned his gaze toward Song Zhen. This left the Washington Post executives in the room, along with shareholders and celebrities present, confused, shifting their attention to Song Zhen as well.

Song Zhen herself felt lost under so many eyes focused on her all of a sudden. Her heart raced as she faced Su Cen's piercing gaze, clenching her fists tightly.

At the same time, Su Cen said to Song Zhen, "Then Miss Song Zhen, what do you think"

The room fell silent; it took a while for Song Zhen to respond, softly saying, “President Donald’s offer should be quite good.”

“Alright then. I also feel this is a great proposal,” Su Cen turned around and smiled at Donald.

The crowd only now realized that the founder of Facebook had changed his mind to agree with Washington Post Group's investment involvement due to what a girl said

Diana’s eyes gleamed as they shot between Su Cen and Song Zhen; she let out an “uh” sound from her throat. Lucy, the president’s secretary, stared at Song Zhen in disbelief, while others who had already decided that Song Zhen was a member of the Chang family looked at Su Cen with hostile and discerning eyes.

Song Zhen stood still on the spot as beautiful eyes reflected Su Cen's ambiguous smile. This was assistance; Su Cen indirectly did her a favor.

But Song Zhen whispered two words in her heart, "Fool."nt attire. Su Cun was dressed more casually, having even poured himself a cup of tea. He critiqued his parents' outfits with an air of sophistication, knowing that he and his family had also been noti...