Chapter 136 Priceless Treasure

ng and those girls into a corner of the rooftop, so whatever happened there only heaven knows.The sky was overcast, and autumn winds blew coldly as the weather front approached.After being on the roof...Chapter 136: Priceless Treasure

Palo Alto. The name comes from a Spanish word meaning "tall tree." In the center of Palo Alto Park lies an ancient, over-a-thousand-year-old tree. After meeting up with them, you'll have plenty of time to leisurely wander around here. Near Stanford University City, there are quite a few beautiful girls, and they take pride in attracting Chinese-American women's attention, which gives Su Cen a natural advantage.

Su Cen was currently in a Ford Mustang car that Zack had picked up from the California used market, crossing Palo Alto County. Zack was introducing the scenery of Palo Alto to him while they were in the car.

This was Su Cen's third day in America. After spending two days at Zack's home in New York State, they flew back to San Francisco, California. A young man named Dustin came to pick them up; he was Zack's friend and a Harvard student who is now part of Facebook. They entered the used Mustang car and drove through Highway 85 South in Santa Clara County, entering Palo Alto amidst dense forests and winding mountain roads.

Su Cen finally understood why American youths have such a strong affinity for the West; this place's blue skies reminded him of the highway from Xiahai to Rongcheng. California has an oceanic climate, so even in this season, it was sunny with clear blue skies and lush forests along the way. However, there were no sandy deserts or cacti as he had imagined. Instead, the music played on the radio in the used Ford Mustang increased his testosterone levels. The feeling of being the only car on the road in such a vast world was very enjoyable, making Su Cen feel that this trip wasn't like traveling alone or working but rather like a vacation.

Many people might not be familiar with Palo Alto's name, yet it is a holy land for all tech industry personnel.

This seemingly insignificant town has Stanford University and numerous high-tech company headquarters. It’s called the heart of Silicon Valley; its origin comes from two young Stanford students who founded HP in a garage back then. There are always similar stories here that are circulated and praised as heroic tales.

On Palo Alto's streets, people you might not notice could be yesterday's Forbes cover stars or newspaper hot topics. A floor of an office building here may house a famous company team, which is true. This was also the reason why Mark Zuckerberg chose to place Facebook's headquarters here, because he believed it would lead to greatness.

From San Francisco, it’s fifty kilometers away. The main brain of Facebook is in an apartment with a swimming pool next to Stanford University campus; however, it has been entirely converted into a studio.

When the Mustang stopped, Su Cen and Zack entered Dustin's apartment together to see a bustling scene inside.

The place had been transformed into a resting, entertainment, and working area. Each person’s workstation was colorful; there were viewing areas and restrooms. Behind them was a swimming pool with a simple basketball hoop set up. At least fifteen people worked here, including four girls. Except for the rainy season, California seemed to always be sunny and hot. Therefore, two of these girls wore denim shorts, showing their long legs brightly, which made him feel that this environment wasn't bad.

"This is Su Cen, our teammate; everyone should know him," Zack introduced Su Cen solemnly before his members.

"Is it really you and Zack who started the company" someone asked.

“A wealthy man from China” Another one laughed. After all, up to now, maintaining Facebook's ever-expanding customer base servers and daily operations were funded by Su Cen. Moving headquarters to Palo Alto, part of the funds came from Zack's own earnings from odd jobs, but it had already exhausted his savings; he used $20,000 within a week, which was indeed quite expensive. This made Zack realize how urgent their need for funding was.

"Does someone who is 15,000 kilometers away know what we're doing here" A girl from Mississippi asked with crossed arms, clearly doubting Su Cen.

These weren't all Stanford or Harvard holiday workers; although Zack often talked about Su Cen, in their eyes, he was still a stranger.

Su Cen thought to himself that it seemed these people had some rejection towards him. If he wanted them to accept him and not just be an ornament, he needed to show some authority. So he asked, "Where is your 'black box'" The black box was used internally for handling unresolved or tricky proposals; if everyone disliked a suggestion, they would put it in the black box until later.

Someone had already brought out a cardboard box and looked at Su Cen with a smile. Su Cen took out one by one the unsolved plans inside and studied them: "I can't understand these technical things, but just tell me what this function designed from your massive data code is used for."

The engineer was that white girl from Mississippi named Catherine. She looked at everyone around her with a helpless smile; in her eyes, the other Facebook leader from China was showing off his authority.

At the moment, people looked at Su Cen as if he were a rare panda, but Mark Zuckerberg watched Su Cen's performance with great interest.

Catherine, who came from Stanford's Computer Department and was Facebook’s engineer, explained helplessly to Su Cen: "This is a historical review function. You can know what the people you are following have been up to in the past week, their updates or modifications. Isn't this more attractive"

"Oh, abandon this feature; it's not practical and just a burden."

"A burden! How dare you call it a burden" The proud Catherine stared at Su Cun in disbelief.

“Sorry, I originally meant to say it’s garbage.” Su Cun waved his hand.

Seeing Catherine getting so angry that she was about to erupt like a volcano, one of her companions不服氣地說道，“那麼這一份呢，我們推出狀態功能，讓用戶自己填寫完善他正在做什麼的狀態，放在好友的“最近更新區。裡麵，

"That's a great idea. This proposal can pass." Su Cun lifted the document in his hand and looked at Zack, "Is this an overreach"

Zack crossed his arms, nodding coolly, “You have control of the company too. Of course I can let you handle these black boxes.”

"Why is his proposal accepted but mine about historical review rejected Is this discrimination against me!" Catherine angrily asked Su Cun.

“Not quite. This involves an issue we must be very cautious with: We have to find the right balance. Everyone wants to spy on others, that’s why Facebook exists, but we can’t show everyone's every move in front of others, or people would feel insecure.” Su Cun turned and looked at this pretty white girl, “Think about it like this—there’s a handsome boy across from your house, every day you see him peering over the balcony watching you. That’s not bad, but do you want to be completely transparent in front of him Do you want your bathroom to be open for him to look into”

The crowd burst out laughing.

Su Cun added, “So we should also consider the rights of each user. I prefer them voluntarily disclosing what they wish others to know about them. Imagine if everyone around you is watching your every move—everyone has secrets that can’t be told, and this adds mystery and allure.”

Su Cun was well aware that because of issues related to privacy, Facebook had experienced several crises in the future. He naturally could propose very good improvements.

Catherine pondered deeply; if Su Cun were being unreasonable and targeting her, she wouldn’t back down easily, even giving up a vacation worth $100, 000 wouldn’t make her compromise before him, but everything he said was logical, so it was another story.

Subsequently, many people asked Su Cun about the problems in the black boxes, to which he could provide convincing answers. Soon enough, all of the stacked boxes were cleared out.

This impressed these high-salaried guys from prestigious universities, acknowledging Su Cun’s status and making the atmosphere lively again.

The lawyers arrived with a shareholder confirmation letter for Su Cun to sign, increasing Facebook's share capital from one million shares to ten million ordinary shares. Among these shares, Mark Zuckerberg held 55% as founder shares (5. 5 million), while Su Cun also held 45% as a founder (4. 5 million).

Su Cun signed the document.

This confirmation letter was merely for financing convenience and to elevate Facebook's market value to new heights.

Starting with ten million initial shares, after multiple rounds of financing in the future, it might climb up to one hundred million or two hundred million shares. If each share were priced at $100, then Facebook’s market capitalization would be $10 billion or $20 billion. For every increase in price by $100 per share, its valuation would double. If it met with the expectations of those market analysts from the future—if Facebook went public and created the most successful IPO for nearly two years—what kind of behemoth could it become

The thing that was being developed in this simple apartment headquarters in Palo Alto would become one of the most incredible, distorted existences of the future.

Most people were unaware at this moment. Su Cun felt as if he had been thrown into a deep well, alone beyond description.

To welcome Su Cun, there was an all-night party in the apartment in Palo Alto with tables full of Beck’s beer and Jack Daniel's. Drunken Catherine walked up to Su Cun and grinned provocatively, “They say you can find the best financiers for Facebook. Is your influence also behind that failed acquisition by Viacom a few days ago”

“So what do you guys think Do you hope the company will be acquired by Viacom” Su Cun smiled back.

Catherine was one of those people from prestigious American universities who exuded elegance and grace when wearing their graduation gowns, but after taking them off, she could change into shorts and a tank top to go wild at parties.

"Of course not. If we were acquired, everyone would be disappointed. You know many of us hope to become founding members of Facebook; if it becomes part of one of those big companies, our team will be disbanded. That’s why we haven’t lost faith in you.

Many around them were looking over, with faint smiles on their faces. It seemed that the tech beauty Catherine was interested in this young founder today. This might be due to Su Can's bold action towards her today. In the company, she had always been dominant and strong-willed. Who would have thought that this woman has masochistic tendencies

Catherine's chest, which was larger than those of Asian women, pressed against Su Can unintentionally as she grabbed his lapels and pointed to the doorkeeper, "So can you get funding with the best plan Are you willing to go over there and tell me how confident you are"

Su Can was sweating inwardly. He never expected this kind of romantic encounter. Seeing Mark leading a group of men raise their glasses while staring at him in exaggerated disbelief, Su Can could see that they were envious of the team's top beauty, as well as excited and enthusiastic due to alcohol.

Just when Catherine was leaning forward under dim lighting with her red lips about to kiss Su Can's mouth, he pushed back and pulled away from her reach. This immediately drew a wave of sighs.

Fuck! He had kept his senses about him. If that kiss had happened, the next thing would be out of his control.

"I’m confident in finding the best solution for funding. However, there’s no need to go over there and prove it," Su Can said awkwardly. Catherine was both angry and ashamed as she turned her head away and adjusted her chest area, becoming more composed again. This was probably the first time that someone had rejected her outright, making her furious. She immediately put on a mask, giving Su Can another look.

Seeing everyone’s teasing behavior, Su Can thought to himself that it was unavoidable since he couldn’t play along with their customs.

The next day when Su Can woke up, he hadn’t had time to enjoy the Californian sunshine before Zack dragged him out of bed, saying they could leave now.

Su Can asked where they were going. Zack smiled and said it was someone who wanted to invite them.

When Su Can left his apartment, he saw a black car waiting at the door. The room that had once been a living room but was now a workspace belonged to Zack, along with other employees of Facebook. On the second floor, where one wall had been removed for an open-air café-style coffee bar connected to a terrace, Catherine and two other girls were wearing loose white shirts, black lace bras visible through them, and extremely short shorts, holding cups of coffee while looking out at the window waiting for Zack and Su Can's black car. They glanced indifferently at Su Can, their eyes revealing

disdain. Clearly, they cared very much about last night’s events, as it would make them appear foolish if talked about among Stanford students—how could a man reject her advances

All the employees knew what they were doing: securing funding for the company that had conquered all American schools and gradually become the mainstream of social networking websites. Outside, venture capitalists interested in Internet companies awaited their arrival.

Currently, funds were scarce. They needed a large sum to cover the rapidly increasing infrastructure costs.

"A breakfast gathering has invited us, with potential investors present," Zack explained to Su Can as they left.

The black car took them directly to Palo Alto’s most prestigious restaurant, where high society treated them like VIP guests.

Su Can didn’t realize this was just the beginning of a dream-like life in America.

During these days in Palo Alto, they were constantly invited to parties and dinners. The Americans' drinking culture was no different from that back home, making Su Can realize that Michael Wolff’s offer at San Francisco airport was but a drop in the ocean.

A man carrying drinks would approach them at gatherings, enthusiastically discussing their achievements on the website before quietly offering a price—often millions of dollars. Seeing Su Can and Zack remain unmoved, they would feel regretful and disappointed, trying to persuade them from the side.

On the way to a dinner party at San Francisco’s Fairmont Hotel, Zach’s second-hand Ford Mustang broke down, making them late for the event. The host was the CEO of a telecommunications company who immediately called his assistant upon learning their reason for being late: "Get Mark Zuckerberg a new SUV; consider it my personal gift to you. You know that CEOs need good cars. I hope next time we meet, I will see you driving an H2 Hummer."

Su Can quickly dragged Zack away.

Such peculiar gatherings continued during Su Can’s stay in America.

The stories of Su Can and Zuckerberg spread rapidly across California and Silicon Valley. Stanford students were discussing the truth about the two founders of Facebook located in Palo Alto, southern California.

However, the movements of Su Cen and Zack are not a secret to the upper echelons' clandestine societies at Stanford University.

Some of these people have even seen both individuals at the most luxurious gatherings in San Francisco and Palo Alto. Through resource sharing within these exclusive clubs, Su Cen and Zack's movements are as clear as looking into their own palms to them; if they want to meet with Su Cen and Zack, they can simply enter the events that the two will be attending through their family connections and then interact with them there.

In fact, apart from those in these clubs who are extremely proud and independent, some people have indeed done this.

One of the oldest founders of a company born at Stanford University is a member of the Stanford Golf Club. The club has always had a lifelong membership system. This founder, Mike, decided to participate in the intense competition in Silicon Valley when he discussed it with those younger than him. He believes his charisma can make Facebook kneel.

Thus, Zack and Su Cen were subsequently invited onto his private yacht in Northern California.

The luxurious yacht swaying under a beautiful night port looked dazzling to both Su Cen and Zack. The waiters welcomed them onto the yacht's deck where there was a table laden with exquisite dishes, three chairs, and an ignited candlestick in between.

Mike, the founder of the company, is a slightly plump middle-aged man with a high nose, deep eyes, curly hair close to his scalp, and determined eyes. He stared at Zack and Su Cen as they sat down before him.

The private yacht, distant port scenery, butler-like waiters in bowties, and legendary figures in front of them made not only Zack feel dazzled but also Su Cen find everything unbelievable. During this period, they had tasted the huge pre-profit benefits and sweetness of entrepreneurship.

After discussing their vision and potential commercial situations for funding for two hours, Mike snapped his fingers, and a server brought over a gleaming silver tray. Placed on the table and then unveiled was a piece of sinewy meat that differed from any meat Su Cen had seen in both lives.

Zack looked at Su Cen as well; this Mike is known for liking rare exotic foods among California's nobility, and they were unsure what kind of meat it was. However, Mike spoke first, "This is a koala’s meat that is sold by the gram in international markets. Don’t worry about its price being equivalent to a car; taste it carefully, and I believe you will fall in love with it."

"But isn't this illegal" Zack couldn’t help but ask. Mike smiled and shook his finger dismissively, "There’s nothing priceless."

On their way back to Palo Alto, Zack pulled the car over by the roadside and vomited beside the road.

The meat was koala meat, fat-free because of its diet consisting mainly of eucalyptus leaves. It had a strange flavor that made it hard to swallow, yet refusing would have been rude.

Zack ate a piece but couldn't bear the taste in his mouth and finally vomited.

Su Cen patted his back; after vomiting, they both sat down by the roadside.

It felt like a dream: They had drunken at San Francisco's most luxurious banquets and eaten koala meat on Northern California’s yacht. Someone had even whispered them a series of numbers - passwords to wealth that could make them very rich.

This recent period has shaken Zack greatly.

He turned to look at Su Cen, his eyes red, "Is there nothing priceless"

Suddenly he couldn’t find the ark anymore.

Are there really priceless treasures in this world Revived with a shattered soul, Su Cen has no right to answer this question. He simply said, “I don't know either, but some things are worth cherishing before they shatter.”

The recent updates haven’t been satisfactory, which prevents the originally planned releases in November from coming out; it’s truly making me feel ashamed. Since this is a transition period for Su Cen becoming stronger, I will try my best to write better so as to give you all a satisfying result.e could knock on their heart doors.Possibly, Song Zhen might never tell another person about the regrets in her heart, not even a man she shared a bed with for some interest connection later on.Yet sh...