Chapter 2 Forget the Year

op of each subject.Putting the pen cap back, Tang Wu held the pile of homework and said to Su Cen, “Please let me through.”A little dazed, Su Cen made way for her as she entered the office with a capt...The Second Chapter: Forget the Years

Sheshan Scenic Area.

In the Purple Garden villa district, several luxurious cars were parked in front of the most extravagant villa that occupied twenty acres. People passing by usually could tell whether these parked cars belonged to the owner or not; if they did, any one of those five cars with an astonishing value exceeding 20 million would leave them speechless. If they didn't belong to the owner, it meant that today this villa, which was the highest valued and most mysterious in the entire district, had received guests of high caliber.

Su Can sat upright as Tao Qing bustled about busily.

A nanny placed a platter of fruits on the table with a smile, saying, "Little Su, this fruit platter was made by Auntie Tao for you. Try it."

Song Zhen then said, "Aunt Zhao, she rarely has such moments to rest. Let my mom handle these things and you can sit down and have some rest with Aunt Wang."

The two nannies had been with them since they were young and had returned from America along with their mothers. When Su Can first entered the door, he thought that the two women must be relatives of Song Zhen's; perhaps aunts like Zhao and Wang, as their demeanor and speech were not at all inferior. It was no wonder then that someone working in Senchuan Group and managing the Song family could hardly be considered inferior.

The nanny called Aunt Zhao shook her head continuously saying it wasn’t necessary, while she and another elderly nanny helped out on the periphery occasionally looking at the two with a far-off smile. This made Song Zhen’s cheeks turn slightly red; during the meal, she glanced at Su Can several times feeling somewhat awkward.

After Tao Qing had prepared gifts for Su Can to take away, he ended up staying to have dinner at the Song family's house and couldn't refuse the offer. Soon after, several luxury cars arrived outside the villa.

Su Can looked towards them as they arrived. Song Zhen got up from her seat, walked barefooted to the door, opened it, and welcomed an elegant middle-aged man with a smile. Most people found this kind of smile very approachable, but for Senchuan Group's China president, Song Xiancheng, who stood beside him, he saw that this was someone closely connected to both the Chinese and American sides of Senchuan, playing a role akin to Atlas holding up the world. When one thought about his bold moves in business management, such an ordinary smile could still give people a sense of overwhelming power.

Since Song Zhen discovered Zhao Hao secretly counterattacking SP's territory layout, unexpectedly Zhao Hao’s SP license and various issues related to emerging value-added services were swiftly addressed by the Ministry of Information Industry. Many key points were smoothly resolved through direct contact with one of Minister Yan Luwei’s close aides and Zhao Hao himself; they did not encounter deliberate obstruction or difficulties. At this time, Su Can naturally knew that it was a clear signal from the Song family. In fact, as digital music and Facebook's Chinese platform began to be established, the Song family might realize that blocking Upper Match Music from building its empire in digital music would not succeed anyway. Instead of facing a formidable adversary in the future, seeking an ally for multiple cooperative opportunities seemed more advantageous. Hence, it was why Song Zhen chose to push matters forward.

Even though there were strategic considerations on the part of the other side, they still offered substantial benefits and favors. Su Can’s unexpected visit at the invitation of the Song family even managed to stir Zhao Hao upon his return from abroad.

Zhao Hao greeted Su Can with a handshake as he entered the house, seemingly sizing up this young man. Nevertheless, after hearing about Su Can overseas, Zhao Hao clearly did not regard him as a mere novice but rather someone who had matured significantly. Without any tension between them, they discussed various aspects of cooperation, and Zhao Hao even mentioned his grand vision for planning an environmental protection industrial park saying, "As one grows older, there's always the desire to do something substantial that benefits society and future generations."

Tao Qing then smiled and said, “When I was abroad with your Uncle Song, we faced many difficulties but overcame them all by sheer willpower. So a little setback is okay; it can be overcome.” It turned out Tao Qing had finally gotten the chance to express this comforting sentiment today. She measured her words just right, too much might come off as pity while too little would reopen old wounds.

"Your social networking model was discussed with Minister Yan and I. We think it's a great idea, fitting the vitality of young people. As we gradually grow older, our future is in your hands...” Zhao Hao remained impassive but seemed to be indicating his stance firmly. "Don't pay attention to others' actions or ideas, stick to your own path. When Little Su helped us last time, you can rest assured that both our family and the Yan family will support you when you need help."

The eyelids of Song Xiancheng sitting upright beside Zhao Hao flickered slightly, his heart pounding fiercely despite an outward appearance of calmness, sweat inexplicably forming in his palms. Over the years, he had felt a string gradually tightening; now with Zhao Hao arranging this meeting and planning to visit Xi Cheng Province tomorrow under the guise of an inspection tour, it was like storm clouds gathering—a portentous sign of something significant about to happen

No matter what, Su Can's losses in America seemed only the beginning of a larger trend. This could also be seen as a harbinger: actions by those capable of overturning fortunes within the Gao family would soon follow suit. Truly, while it might seem sunny and bright on the surface, there was already a night rain in Xiangxi.

Su Can nodded to Zhao Hao before leaving with Li Pengyu carrying things out to the car. As Song Zhen saw him off, her beautiful eyes gazed at Su Can, marveling at his composure given the magnitude of the Facebook incident that shook Silicon Valley.

She felt a slight melancholy; Zhang Zhong from America could see through this CEO who had built an empire in social networking. With such power behind Gao Heng to push Sequoia Capital, the world’s leading venture capital firm, into investing heavily, it was no wonder that Su Can would succumb when faced with the combined efforts of Zhang Zhong, Gao Heng and Sequoia.

However, what happened to Su Can this summer, those storms sweeping across from outside, plunged Song Zhen into a contemplation about life. It was hard to imagine how she and her mother would handle such a situation if it befell them or if there were betrayal within Senchuan Group; their lives might be completely different.

Finally, as she walked alongside Su Can, Song Zhen said, "Don't worry. Perhaps we can only accomplish one earth-shattering achievement in our lifetime, but life isn’t just about career accomplishments. You have parents, Upper Match Music and other businesses, and many friends like... me." With a playful gesture, she took two steps up the small hill of greenery pointing at her mysterious villa that aroused endless speculation from outsiders standing amidst the falling ginkgo leaves. "If you're feeling down, come over anytime. You said earlier that it’s wasteful to have someone clean an unused tennis court every day... Maybe your place will be more useful if you visit."

"What use would there be You don't wear hot pants and skirts." Su Can replied lazily.

Song Zhen's eyes flashed with anger, but realizing she couldn’t provoke him now, quickly regained her calm, bent down to pinch her loose-fitting shorts-clad legs, then looked up with a flushed face. A smile on her lips made the ginkgo leaves seem dim in comparison. "How do you know I won't wear them if you don't come over"

Dunhuang had successfully secured investments and acquired Shanghai Guanlan Hotel. In fact, since this year, Dunhuang proactively initiated acquisitions of several properties in Shanghai and Guangdong to facilitate its expansion into these cities and to serve as a pioneer for hotel development. Additionally, the acquisition of premium real estate was purely an investment opportunity under the prevailing trend of rising property prices, aimed at enriching Dunhuang's asset structure.

Su Can calculated that if Dunhuang had acquired properties near Meiluo Building earlier, it would save Facebook Chinese millions in operating costs annually. But there were always some oversights; did this mean nothing could be meticulously planned to perfection

A major event subsequently unfolded on American Facebook.

In August, the domestic government issued a stern protest because some anti-Chinese forces were gathering on American Facebook. Dozens of groups rallied to urge mayors and congress members in America and France to meet with separatists who had been causing trouble at the border.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson stated China's position, issuing a firm protest that territorial integrity issues involved national sovereignty and territory. The Chinese government firmly opposed any state officials meeting with leaders from secessionist organizations by any means and demanded that both France and America adhere to their commitments to maintaining the integrity of China’s territory.

At the same time, the Republic's embassy in France and America immediately engaged in serious negotiations multiple times under pressure. Due to the political forces on American Facebook’s propaganda offensive, it eventually influenced France and America, leading mayors and congress members from both countries to meet with separatists who were referred to as "political monks" by Taiwan.

This event was reported on Central Television's evening news within a few days.

At this time, Su Can met Secretary of the Municipal Party Committee Liu Changhui at a banquet. Next to Liu Changhui was Deputy Secretary of the Municipal Party Committee Yin Cui. Pulling Su Can aside, Yin Cui whispered, "Even though you left Facebook, you are still the second largest shareholder. Is there any way to negotiate with American officials"

Liu Changhui leaned towards Su Can’s side. Perhaps this was due to Tang Wu's background or the new network form and media situation of Chinese Facebook. If they could help each other out, it would greatly benefit him and many others.

Compared to Liu Changhui, Yin Cui was more pragmatic. He wanted to communicate closely with Su Can not because he liked or disliked him but purely for practical reasons. American Facebook had stirred up a great storm worldwide, receiving mixed reviews. Although Chinese Facebook would never become like its American counterpart, it must remain close to the party committee due to the tens of thousands of job opportunities and millions of members on it. The new media’s influence meant that the city's interest was already tied with Chinese Facebook.

Su Can knew that the current situation in America had exceeded China's control. This signal sent by the Shanghai Municipal Party Committee wasn't unilateral; it might even have come from high-level instructions. Replacing Su Can, Gao Heng would likely be at a loss regarding such circumstances. Although he may secretly reach certain agreements with Zuckerberg, he still couldn’t influence measures taken in America.

Su Can could only honestly tell Liu Changhui and Yin Cui that he would do his best. Even though letting American Facebook adopt his suggestion weakened him to some extent, even if a lawsuit was initiated over equity and the board of directors issues, it would be less favorable for him. But as he told Shanghai Municipal Party Committee sincerely, he could only do his utmost.

Subsequently, Wang Bo called Su Can, saying that Facebook should help out in this situation. Uncle Lin from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Information Department was probably very stressed now. The intelligence head couldn't handle American affairs well, so Su Can might be able to exert some influence on Facebook.

Su Can knew that foreign interference with sovereignty issues had gradually escalated over time. In recent years, it became a mainstream issue and got more extreme each time. Although Western power figures such as France and the US had met separatists many times before (even about 20 to 30 meetings annually around 1999), this time due to the massive scale of public opinion on American Facebook, coupled with the sharp political problem, China reacted so fiercely. All these problems stemmed from Su Can's creation of Facebook; he wasn't sure if it was a coincidence or not.

Su Can then sent an email to Zuckerberg mentioning that ten thousand people groups on American Facebook were intervening in other countries' sovereignty affairs and could cause domestic crises for Chinese Facebook across the Pacific Ocean.

Zuckerberg marked the letter as read but didn't reply to Su Can.

However, after a few days, American Facebook gathered an extraordinary amount of Chinese groups who retaliated against foreign separatist political smear campaigns. These groups gradually expanded and looked like future Olympic marches. In very short time, small-scale protests occurred in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and New York—the cities with the largest number of overseas Chinese.

During this period, a professor on CNN TV made sarcastic remarks about Chinese protesters as "villains" and "hooligans," which led to more widespread public opinion protests due to suspected racial discrimination. Similar protests also erupted in Washington and Atlanta. Within one night, 3000 overseas Chinese protested in front of CNN TV at Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles because you could insult a political party or criticize policies but couldn't demean the people or nation.

Finally, the professor had to clarify and apologize, saying he was jokingly interviewed on television without deep consideration, and paid homage to the Chinese people.

In Beijing’s Four-Courtyard Compound of the Gao Family,

The elderly Mr. Gao's stern scolding could be heard: "You went to invest in American Facebook for this result What you should have stopped didn't stop, only doing futile work."

"Grandpa, Third Uncle did all that for our Gao family... The Wang Family has been overstepping their bounds. Last time, Auntie was bullied by a few officials from the Wang Family in Liaodong Province and wasn't taken seriously. In the end, how did she turn out She had to leave Liaodong. The Wang Family is really acting as if they don’t care about our Gao family at all." Chen Yan beside him couldn't stand it anymore and murmured.

"Shut up! Who spread this" Elder Mr. Gao threw a cherished inkstone at her, though he missed; still, Chen Yan was frightened to the core. Ever since she was little, Elder Mr. Gao had always been kind and protective of her; others thought that if he stomped his foot, an earthquake would occur. But Chen Yan never saw him get angry until now.

High Heng quickly pushed out Chen Yan who was crying委屈ly from the door and then closed it. He returned to stand beside Mr. Gao with a lowered head.

The elderly man's anger remained, but after taking deep breaths for a while, he sighed and said, "Xiao Heng, maybe you won't listen to me, but I know your intentions. You need to understand that cooperation brings benefits while conflict leads to division. This applies not only to families but also to nations. As an elder, I consider my descendants' well-being, hoping they fare well. But our Gao family doesn’t need nor should it control every aspect of the nation. Regarding my conflicts with the Wang Family and our personal issues, these aren't significant matters; it was just a knot caused by a deceased comrade in the past. Without this, we might still be on good terms. Do you think dragging all of you into it is necessary Back off a bit... at our age, arguing means who lives longer..."

High Heng stepped out of the room and entered the living room where two other important figures of the Gao family—Gao Canghai and Gao Langtao—were seated.

"What did Old Master say" Gao Canghai, unable to sit still, asked as he extinguished his cigarette.

Gao Heng shook his head and sighed, "Old Master is still the same as ever. He doesn't think about himself or us young ones. He insists on making us retreat further and further when in fact we have nowhere else to go. Wang Bo and my second brother will inevitably clash over their entry into the Politburo..." Gao Heng implied that both sides were now laying out their strategies, and as this situation unfolded, they would eventually confront each other in the future battle for entry into the Central Politburo and becoming a member of the Central Committee. Inevitably, Gao Langtao and Wang Bo would find themselves on opposite ends with no room for compromise. To gain an advantage, one must strike first.

Gao Langtao smoked a cigarette before speaking, "What's going on with your Facebook account in America This time around, it was reported that the kid resolved the issue, which made many people unhappy with you. They don't understand how you can kick out an ordinary person like Su Cen and let him enter American Facebook without being able to control his actions"

As someone with a more legitimate red background compared to Su Zhan, Gao Heng's expulsion of Su Cen from American Facebook had already prompted discussions between high-level Central Committee members and the Gao family during the brewing stages of this major event. However, Gao Heng's inability to control the political situation on Facebook ultimately led to Wang Bo’s faction resolving the issue through Su Cen. This was a significant blow to the Gao family's reputation.

How would others perceive it To have been in charge of such a massive platform without being able to control its direction and instead rely on someone expelled from it to resolve crises, this wasn't going down well with many people. Opinions towards Gao Heng were beginning to change.

Gao Heng's eyes flashed with malice, "That American Zack isn’t an easy person either. He’s already been unhappy with me for expelling that kid in secret and wouldn't listen to me under such circumstances. I’ve just arrived; it takes time to influence the board. But now is the right moment... First step: trap a turtle in a jar, we've trapped this one. We can cut off its limbs and prepare to strike."

Gao Heng crushed an expensive cigar with his hand, his tone solemn as he declared, "It's time to take action."

For the third son of the Gao family, a businessman involved in state-owned enterprises and politics, someone like Su Cen who is controlled by others isn't scary at all. What they fear are those behind these puppets.

A thick, threatening cloud covered the sky.

It's truly dark out there.

The summer of 2004 in Sichuan Province’s Phoenix City.

Lin Guangdong, Wang Yue, Jiang Ming, Zhao Mingnong, Ren Ying, Zhao Hao, Wu Jianwu from Phoenix Industrial Corporation, Li Jinseng and others first gathered in Phoenix City to hold a high-level round table meeting under Su Cen's leadership to discuss the next steps for their pineapple group involving department stores, coking coal, rare resources, light industry, digital music, hotel properties, media industries. They held three days of meetings by the beautiful reservoir lake, joked about holding the next meeting on Maldives Island, and returned home.

Su Cen's setback at American Facebook greatly stimulated many professional managers’ ambitions to strengthen their pineapple group across various sectors.

Following this, Tang Wu, Lin Luoran, Wang Weiwei, Lin Zhouwu, Li Pengyu, Lu Nannan, Xue Yiyang, Liu Rui and even former classmates like Zhuo Zhiyu, Zhuo Xian, Zhang Feifei all arrived.

Su Cen directly booked the best-viewed villa complex at Phoenix City’s State Guest House by the reservoir lake for their reception. The entrance was heavily guarded with military personnel stationed every five steps. Although there were no police escorts as usual when high-ranking officials visited, it still greatly shook up the official circle of Phoenix City.

When Wang Weiwei and others arrived in special vehicles from other provinces and brought along a few SWAT teams, people at the city's government complex wondered who this low-key but significant figure was.

Su Cen greeted Wang Weiwei, Lin Luoran and Lin Zhouwu who were driven by jeeps with a smile, "This is where things get tricky... Two or three years ago if I invited you to my house for tea, maybe you'd come by train or use your pocket money to buy an expensive ticket. Maybe the doorbell would ring and you’d be carrying a bag looking like death warmed over. Now when I invite you all, it's as if you're princes and princesses with bodyguards."

Although he said this, Gao Heng knew that his father Su Licheng, Phoenix City Mayor Yang萬裡 (Wanli), Party Secretary Li Yinliang didn't take the security lightly. No one dared to be careless.

Wang Weiwei and Lin Zhouwu scratched their heads awkwardly, laughing and saying, "What can I do It's my father’s decision; it’s hard to disobey."

Su Cen understood that this was a sign of increasing turbulence among the high-level officials. This probably confirmed that Gao and Wang families might be engaging in significant power plays.

By the lakeside, overlooking the tide's rise and fall, Wang Weiwei told Su Cen, "To many people, it may seem like privilege, but from a family perspective, this is indeed necessary."

Su Cen nodded. With Wang Bo’s status, he inevitably had enemies. Not to mention those residual evil forces who wished him dead, even those with differing political views might be dangerous. Although they wouldn't do anything irreparable, there were always a few ambitious individuals below them willing to take risks and speculate.

However, the State Guest House's strict security measures during this time caused speculation among nearby tourists.

Tang Wu, Xue Yiyang, Liu Rui arrived first in Phoenix City, accompanying Su Cen for his reception. This made Su Cen reminisce about the times he spent with them on a rooftop in Xia Hai singing "Look at that Girl Across the Street". Now everything around him seemed different.

Fortunately, the girl by his side hadn't wandered off.

Xue Yiyang finally confessed to Su Cen, "To be honest, I used to think you and Tang Wu wouldn’t last... Of course, now I don't necessarily hold that view, there are still many friends who have a chance." This made Su Cen want to kick him in the butt.

Zhang Feifei and Zhuang Zhiyu, who were respectively in Fuzhou and Zhejiang, also arrived one after another. When Su Cen's group received them and entered the scenic Yansai Lake Hotel, Zhang Feifei still couldn't help but marvel at the security level here. She said to herself, "Do you remember your classmates from No. 27 High School and those in your grade Your invitation has spread quite widely—many know that you're treating guests here in Huancheng. Hearing that we were coming to meet Tang Wu, Lin Luoran, Wang Weiwei, and other legendary figures from our school back then, they all felt envious."

Su Cen scratched his head and asked, "Why didn't you bring your friends along"

Zhang Feifei waved her hand and said, "Never mind. We don't know everyone here that well; I wouldn’t just call them over..." Zhang Feifei looked around carefully. She was quite experienced and could tell right away that this hotel was used by the government. For Su Cen to invite guests, he managed such strict security measures, which clearly wasn't something an ordinary mayor's son could accomplish.

After they entered their rooms in the coastal villa area and put down their luggage, everyone noticed Zhang Feifei and Zhuang Zhiyu’s baggage together placed in one bedroom.

Wang Weiwei, Lin Zhouwu, and others exchanged looks but said nothing. Eventually, Su Cen spoke up, "I booked three rooms for you all—there's no need to squeeze."

Zhang Feifei suddenly gave a flirtatious glare at Su Cen and said, "You're so annoying." Zhuang Zhiyu laughed awkwardly while scratching the back of his head. Only in No. 27 High School were they an inseparable trio, but now Zhuang Xian was looking rather downcast.

Everyone immediately understood and collectively exclaimed, "Oh!" Zhang Feifei and Zhuang Zhiyu's faces eventually turned red.

Later that night, during the bonfire barbecue dinner by the lake, Zhuang Xian got thoroughly drunk. Both Zhang Feifei and Zhuang Zhiyu were saddened and silent; everyone looked at them as they drank from bottles, seemingly witnessing a melodramatic scene of youth.

No one mentioned Su Cen's betrayal by Zack. Everyone understood that it was like an unhealable wound—neither about board seats nor the amount of shares involved. Rather, for ordinary people, such a scar might never be forgotten or healed in their lifetime.

But Su Cen knew that having so many people gather here was rare since they all went to different places after college. Their collective appearance likely had something to do with what he experienced this summer in California. Many were concerned and simply wanted to stay by his side, without needing words of comfort or help dealing with life's ups and downs.

Lunan Nan, Li Pengyu, Lin Zhouwu, Wang Weiwei, et al., all quietly drank with Su Cen.

Seemingly any comforting words would be futile at this moment.

Brothers often just need to drink in silence.

Su Cen occasionally felt nostalgic. Three years ago, he never imagined these friends would gather around the picturesque Yansai Lake to chat and tell stories about their lives since then under a starry night sky.

Three years ago, when Facebook was just getting its first round of funding, taking its first steps towards becoming an empire. Back then, Su Cen never expected that three years later he would be betrayed by Zack and Gao Jiajian, expelled from Facebook, creating a widely-discussed story about loyalty and betrayal.

This proved even with a second chance at life, his destiny was still filled with uncertainties, beyond full control. Life is like an unpredictable game of chess; you never know what the next move will bring.

Lin Zhouwu eventually smiled and said to Su Cen, "Back then when I saw your American friend, he seemed so ungrateful. No worries, I’ll make it up to you." He turned Su Cen’s left palm upwards and clamped his thick hand around the lazy Lin Luoran next to him, who was taken by surprise. Without hesitation, this guy really dragged Lin Luoran’s struggling wrist in a clumsy manner onto Su Cen's hand and said, "Here’s our family strategic nuclear weapon for you."

How cunning could Lin Luoran be! In anger and embarrassment, she couldn't match Lin Zhouwu's strength. However, without hesitation, her white, slender leg kicked out from under the chair, knocking it over with such force that the burly man fell backward like a boar slipping on a banana peel. This act earned hearty laughter from everyone because of her heroic image as a female knight in shining armor.

Then Lin Zhouwu endured repeated trampling by those seductive legs he often fantasized about, howling and wailing in agony.

After an uproarious night until late at night when they all went to bed, Lin Zhouwu's face was still swollen with a footprint on his left cheek that probably only washing could clean up. His entire body was dirty from the fight, which showed how intense it had been.

By the doorway, Lin Zhouwu sounded like a wronged woman as he mumbled, "Why can't you be more gentle with your brother...you really go all out..."

The hand Zhang Feifei previously held up in warning punched into thin air. She threatened, "Next time I’ll still kick you." Seeing Lin Zhouwu's face, she felt a bit of pity and patted his hair with her delicate fingers. "Alright, goodnight."

Watching the beautiful figure of Lin Luoran turn to leave, Lin Zhouwu placed his hand over his chest as he held his breath; a hint of fear and despondency flashed through his eyes until the backlit figure waved goodbye and closed the door. After some time, he looked softly at her and said, "Dumb girl... if I’m not around one day, can you still protect yourself"

Over ten thousand words update開啟最終卷。很直接，因為我希望看到你們的支援，為烤魚投月票。

或許最後完結的時候烤魚不會在月票榜上了，但是直到完結的最後一刻，我們也要衝刺在這最終卷的路上。ke out in a cold sweat, extremely unhappy with this silent construction committee secretary. It reminded him of how one of his relatives who had always been at odds with him recently fell from grace d...