Chapter 210 Turbulence

whoever is involved will benefit from it! Even if I had to give the money myself, I’d do so! But recently, I’ve received some information that suggests Engineering Division Four might have offended s...Volume 5: Toward a Happier Beyond - Chapter 2010: Turmoil

The previous chapter was revised, and many rough spots were removed, hence this chapter is a bit late.

In the headquarters of California, during the interval after the board meeting concluded, the entire Facebook America was in a state of unrest.

Zhan Hua and Gao Heng stood beneath the transparent glass curtain without paying heed to the people behind them who were starting to become restless.

Originally, there was supposed to be another round of discussion on investment. However, this situation forced them to alter their plans, as Zach was too disheartened to handle any more affairs.

Gao Heng took out his phone, dialed a number, and made the call.

Jiangnan Province

On National Highway 303, a black official car convoy sped by with two police cars leading the way, racing along at high speed.

In the governor's car within the convoy, Governor Gao Langtao of Jiangnan Province was seated after completing his research on marine science and technology in Zhoushan as well as an inspection of the Zhoushan Continuous Island construction project. Beside him sat the trembling Director Wang Changhou of the Provincial Construction Department who kept explaining the recent omissions that had appeared in the planning of the continuous island engineering, drenched with sweat.

Gao Langtao listened calmly throughout, but the more calm he was, the more uncertain and anxious Wang Changhou felt. Everyone knew that this "smiling tiger," Gao Er, could overturn many rules with his faction's strength, such as rushing to start the Zhoushan Continuous Island project and subsequent planning and layout work. This made Wang Changhou involuntarily think of a rival in southwestern provinces who was equally renowned as Gao Langtao. It seemed that Gao Langtao was actively preparing to outshine his rival in reputation. The omissions with today's continuous island engineering would likely hold many people accountable, and whether this matter would ultimately affect Wang Changhou depended on his own fate.

At times, even Wang Changhou felt a sense of despair: the rise of figures like Gao Langtao was often paved by countless bones.

Gao Langtao's phone rang at that moment. Seeing who it was, he answered with a rich and mellow laugh, "Heng, you thought to call your second brother at this hour"

Then he heard Gao Heng’s voice from afar on the phone, saying, "We’ve got them in our net."

"I’ll congratulate you then," Gao Langtao hung up and saw the smile spreading across his face. Wang Changhou felt goosebumps rise all over him.

In Beijing, at a State-owned Enterprise (SOE), New Source Group's "Work Conference on Clearing Up Foreign Investments and Multiple Business Operations," Party Secretary General Manager Gao Canghai pointed out that the branches must comply with the strategic goal of growing their core business, firmly withdrawing from non-core operations.

During his subsequent interview with CCTV, when mentioning the challenges in this cleanup process, he said, "Firstly, it involves the vested interests of certain individuals. Typically, heads of each branch also hold important positions in external businesses; the cleanup will inevitably impact some people's interests. Secondly, there are too many companies involved. As a large resource enterprise group, New Source Group currently has over 80 wholly-owned subsidiaries, controlled and partially owned subsidiaries, branches, etc. Even with conservative estimates, if each branch invests in five enterprises, hundreds of private companies nationwide would be affected, making it hard to gauge the progress of withdrawal."

Finally, when facing multiple traditional first-tier domestic media outlets that had responded to the news, Gao Canghai said, "We need to internationalize our standards and focus on core businesses, allocating human resources, financial resources, and material resources towards the growth of our main business. We aim to strengthen New Source Group's competitiveness."

After delivering his speech backstage at the luxurious hotel in Beijing where the company had accommodated for this meeting, Gao Canghai’s face turned gloomy before his close associates. Amidst the growing calls domestically for state retreat and private advancement, another influential figure from southwestern provinces put a weight on one side of the scale. With this central opinion plus factional pushes, such voices became the dominant ones even prompting relevant guidance from the State Council.

Gao Canghai had already spoken to various important figures, including central committee members and the National Development and Reform Commission, before convening this massive meeting involving eighty state-owned enterprises nationwide. Given that Gao Canghai was presiding over such a significant event, it's inevitable for him to feel frustrated inside. This frustration even led him to harbor resentment towards Wang Family’s influential figure. Without comparison, there would be no sense of disparity. During the time when Elder High held immense influence, how glorious and dominant was the Gao family They had firmly trampled on the Wang faction, yet now their status seemed to be reversing.

This person merely issued a call in Southwest China, which caused even central figures to urge him to take the lead by example.

Often, those who can manipulate situations and hold great magnanimity also possess stubbornness. Gao Canghai was no exception; this subtle sense of an enormous faction fleet starting its journey towards sunset filled him with a sorrow that defied description. Moreover, his soft spot in Southwest China made it impossible for him to even think about undermining this person.

At this moment, he received a call from Gao Heng.

Zhan Hua had been standing quietly by the side throughout. Upon seeing Gao Heng making several calls to lay out his plans, he gazed at the magnificent rosy clouds outside and felt deeply moved, asking, “Is it over now”

"It’s temporarily concluded," replied Gao Heng as he put away his phone and glanced at Zack, who remained seated before Ling's desk. He said in a cool tone, "You used to think that this was a joint scheme by Zack and Su Can for us. Now, however, from our previous arrangements to the current board meeting direction and new power structure, it’s evident they've truly severed ties with us. Could their acting be so impeccable If true, they wouldn't just be human—they'd be divine. The subsequent actions are now in order."

Immediately after, Gao Heng and Zhan Hua approached Zack. Gao Heng sat down opposite him on a stool and said, "As the CEO of a modern company, remember that you're merely an executive. What you did today might have some moral shortcomings, but understand that you did it for Facebook’s sake. Look at all these people; your actions were to consider them and the company you founded. Everyone faces tough choices sometimes, and we must make decisions regardless of how hard they are, right I pity that founder, but this is all necessary for our future."

"Yes," Zack raised his head with a forced smile and said, "I am just…" Then suddenly added, "Just an executive." Zhan Hua’s anger flared up, wanting to stand up, only to be held back by Gao Heng's hand. He saw the frighteningly dark smile on Gao Heng’s face as he spoke in a gentle voice, "It’s okay."

He then flashed Zack an even broader smile and said, "Everything will pass; you need to pick yourself up and continue your journey. How about we discuss selling some of Facebook China's shares now"

"You’ve gone too far," muttered Zack.

Gao Heng paused for a moment before asking, "What do you mean”

"I meant that today’s board meeting went too far. It didn’t have to be so direct originally; there were still negotiation spaces."

"Don’t be naive. You thought things could be easily negotiated Had he known our intention beforehand to drive him out, the outcome would’ve been uncertain. We succeeded because we shifted his and his faction’s focus elsewhere. In another scenario, it might have been you who was ousted today."

Despite Zack's reluctance to admit it, deep down even in his bones he acknowledged Gao Heng’s words. For no one—not even Zhan Hua, the specialist against Su Can—understood how formidable Su Can truly was. If Zack had known the truth beforehand, it might indeed be uncertain who would have been ousted.

"But you’ve still overstepped," said Zack with a shake of his head. "I believe Facebook’s four billion dollars in investment is enough for us to weather this storm. We’re not short on funds now and don’t need further plans."

“You!” Zhan Hua couldn't sit still any longer.

"It's fine," Gao Heng waved his hand, saying, "I understand your current feelings, but I also hope you can appreciate how crucial it is for me to own Facebook China. Of course, I’m willing to give you time to reconsider until you change your mind."

When Su Can returned from California to Shanghai and American Facebook officially reached an agreement with Sequoia Capital and other funds regarding the entire funding process,

another sunny day arrived. The sunlight filtered through Facebook's transparent glass windows, creating beams that penetrated the entire building.

Zach was sitting at his own desk, going through a network scheme that needed approval. He looked up and saw Dustin standing in front of him.

Zach's gaze fell back to the screen as he asked quickly, "What is it" Ever since last week's incident, he had become much more taciturn. Even when facing Catherine's disappointed eyes, he did not say a word in defense.

But Dustin knew that this was Zach's choice. He placed a letter on Zach's desk.

Zach picked up the letter and read it carefully before looking at him and saying after a while, "Are you resigning"

"Yes," Dustin nodded. "I've always wanted to start my own network software company called As. I've been mulling over this idea for a very long time."

Zach hesitated for a moment before saying, "If it's because of Su Zhan's incident, you don't need to feel burdened. Because that was something I told you to do and you had no choice." He felt anxious and sad again.

"It's not about Su Zhan. It’s just that I know it’s time for me to leave," Dustin said calmly but many of the internal employees turned their heads towards him.

Zach's long-repressed sorrow finally burst forth. He quickly signed his name on Dustin's resignation letter and threw it on the table, saying, "Go."

Dustin smiled slightly and picked up the letter to leave.

But at this moment, Zach spoke, "Do you think I'm an asshole"

Dustin turned around with sudden emotion, "On the contrary, it's only now that I realize how naive we were thinking that we could change the world together. Only you can control Facebook and make it into an empire."

"Just like Su Zhan, anything that poses a threat to Facebook must be dealt with, no matter what the intention is. Because ultimately, only Facebook matters. You won't let anyone or anything hinder its development. Zach, you are a complete asshole! You truly are—"

"Goodbye."

Dustin Moskovitz's departure once again shook Silicon Valley after Su Zhan left Facebook.

The New York Times, The Washington Post, Economic Observer, Los Angeles Daily and many other mainstream American media outlets reported on the power struggle among the founders of the world’s largest social network that happened in Silicon Valley this summer.

Journalists from various newspapers expressed their passionate views about it.

The New York Times reporter said, "Know how to have 200 million friends around the world It's selling your best friend."

The Washington Post’s most credible columnist commented, "Looking back on those years when we vowed to change the world together..."

Chicago Sun-Times renowned commentator Roger said, "The story of Silicon Valley is a bitter critique of reality; we are two knights, but we will eventually part ways."

The USA Today was most straightforward and commented on Zach, saying, "A genius with his left brain and an asshole with his right. Now the politicians in Congress who have been clamoring all day long have finally got what they wanted."

The final summary and report of this event was published by The New York Times. Although the Facebook board's disclosure was not entirely comprehensive, the newspaper’s reporters managed to get information from numerous employees at Facebook, detailing the thrilling rise of the social empire over these years, culminating in a recent power struggle between two founding members.

The New York Times concluded its article with Su Cen leaving Facebook. At the end of this piece, there was an accompanying list:

"The current status of those who were once top executives."

Mark Zuckerberg

In July 2004, Sequoia and Greylock invested $400 million for a 33% stake in Facebook, valuing the company at $1.2 billion. Mark’s net worth is currently unknown, but he is undoubtedly one of the richest 22-year-olds on Earth, and possibly the youngest self-made billionaire in history.

Adam D'Angelo

Zuck's high school buddy who started a new software company.

Matt Cohler

Joined Benchmark Capital, a highly reputable investment firm. Became a venture capitalist.

Chris Hughes

Seems to be involved in public affairs recently, working for Senator Barack Obama.

Dustin Moskovitz

Left Facebook last month and his whereabouts are unknown.

Su Cen

No one knew that a co-founder of Facebook, the mysterious joint founder who had caught the attention of numerous American media correspondents, was now preparing to travel to China, fully dressed in warm sunshine, sitting on a long bench at Nanjing University's School of Humanities and Social Sciences. He did not appear like those wealthy figures mentioned by various media outlets and individuals.

He read The New York Times just as many young men and women around him were practicing their English with newspapers.

It was as if he was observing the strange ripples in this plain world.

Sigh, that’s it for now.

I can't take any more injuries; I’ll send ten thousand words today.

Blasting day six.

At such a tense moment, asking for some monthly votes isn’t too much to ask Double monthly votes are about to end, please vote with your heart!

This is the final sprint.erately prosperous society in China's entry into the World Trade Organization (WTO). In response to these new situations and requirements, the central government has begun emphasizing theoretical lite...