Chapter 202 Enthusiasm

ayground, she moved around and sweated alongside everyone else, energetically participating in basketball activities.Sitting on the rest platform in the audience seats, Lin Luoran pulled out a delicat...Chapter 202: Enthusiasm

Su Cen was next pondering over the issue of appointing a new CEO for Facebook. At this critical juncture, he could not simply hire an experienced industry veteran as many American companies would do, because stability and security were paramount, and there must be no risk of unexpected changes in such an important position.

The only option left was to promote from within the company. Kate was indeed competent but there might have been some unknown factors causing her to side with Zuckerberg at this point. Other potential candidates included Zhang Guo, who had succeeded Qiao Shuxin as CTO; Mu Wentao and Liu Wenqiang among others. However, Su Cen's former right-hand man Zhao Yifan, a close friend of Qiao Shuxin’s, had left to work at Zhanhua Investment, signing a golden handcuffs contract and becoming CEO there. Otherwise, he would have been the most qualified person for this position after Qiao Shuxin and Kate.

Su Cen had to admit that these recent events made him feel constrained. While Tang Wu was progressing rapidly, it might be too much of a challenge to place her in the CEO’s role immediately. More importantly, Su Cen didn't want her to suffer from overwork at this chaotic juncture. Even sitting as Vice President would enable her to play a significant role and lay groundwork for future advancement.

Even with such an arrangement, it was still not easy.

Su Cen knew from Tang Wu's text messages that her parents opposed this plan. She and Mu Xuan were currently in cold war at Snow Sea Retreat. Su Cen quickly reached out to inquire but received sparse replies, indicating the tense atmosphere between them.

Tang Wu might stay until the weekend before returning home on Monday when Tang's parents would leave after attending an event.

Su Cen focused entirely on handling this internal crisis for Facebook.

Since his last conversation with Su Cen, Zuckerberg had not returned to the Facebook headquarters in Metropole Tower. Even American Vice President Chris Cox and others hadn't appeared. They were likely still at the Fuhao Global Hotel in East Asia meeting with internet companies and officials in Shanghai.

After Cox arrived in Shanghai, news about Zuckerberg's activities there increased significantly; his interactions became more frequent as well.

However, this seemed to be a good thing for Facebook China internally, restoring a sense of ease. But everyone knew it was just surface-level.

Qiao Shuxin and others entered Su Cen's office. "As you mentioned, Zuckerberg's most likely betrayal would involve selling off his 40% share in Facebook to secure funds for American operations. However, without the board’s approval, he can't sell this stake. Thus, I have secretly contacted Dustin and Katherine from our side in America; they are quite concerned about what has been happening here. Dustin is a member of the board, while Katherine commands significant influence among long-term shareholders. Additionally, your influence at Facebook USA still holds."

Qiao Shuxin added, "Donald of The Washington Post Group is actually very ambitious and perceptive. If we inform him about Zuckerberg's actions in China, he might join our side. It’s crucial to show him the long-term losses from selling Facebook China shares now. With Donald on our side too, we would have a much better chance at winning over the five-person board."

After securing investment from The Washington Post Group, moving into a skyscraper in Palo Alto, and reorganizing the board of directors, FaceBook China officially transitioned from an amateur venture to a modern commercial company governed by Silicon Valley’s most rigorous corporate governance rules.

The five-person board is the highest administrative core, deciding on strategic matters for the company. If Qiao Shuxin could secretly influence American stakeholders when he returns to the U.S., and if he can persuade Dustin—who has always been loyal to Zuckerberg—and Dona to join Su Cen's side, then Zuckerberg would no longer be able to act as he pleases.

Mu Guotao pondered for a while before saying, "I heard that Jim from the Axel Partners Company is quite strategic. He also holds stakes in several semiconductor companies. Just look at the recent U.S. policies towards semiconductor firms; it shows his foresight in investing early on. Such a person wouldn't be shortsighted. If Qiao Shuxin can persuade Jim, considering that American FaceBook's shareholding in FaceBook China is part of their asset valuation and given that American FaceBook is still operating at a loss while Chinese FaceBook has established its unique profit model—this advanced approach might impress Jim. If Jim could further influence the upper echelons of Axel Partners Investment Company… then we can strike from the bottom, making Zuckerberg eat a big defeat in the board meeting."

Lǐ Péngyǔ suddenly felt an inexplicable surge of zeal and laughed grandly, "Mark Zuckerberg probably won't realize why his first four executives left him one after another. If he discovers that everyone on the board will collectively oppose him, I can imagine the shocked look on his face."

The Operations Director Zhào Yànbīn also expressed joy at this favorable turn of events: "This has turned into a situation advantageous to us. If Zuckerberg wants Qiao Shuxin to resign, he should do so immediately and then return to American FaceBook headquarters in the U.S., secretly persuading each board member one by one. Ha, that way, Zuckerberg will eat his own bitter fruit."

Thinking about turning the tide, everyone was already excited. Lǐ Wénqiáng smiled and said, "I entered last, seeing Kate looking at us entering Su Cen's office one after another from outside. You should have seen her expression; when she turns against them in the U.S. headquarters tomorrow, will she regret siding with them today"

When Zuckerberg was at FaceBook China, besides Kate and his people who came over from the U.S., no one would actively enter the CEO's office. After Su Cen returned to FaceBook, everyone in the company seemed to be brimming with endless energy; it was clear how much they favored him. Kate had her own role within the company but didn’t join Zuckerberg and others for meetings with domestic tech companies or officials. When Su Cen saw her earlier, she looked dejected as if wanting to talk to him, but since she didn't make an initiative, he ignored her. But the look on Kate’s face revealed the pressure of being shunned by senior executives and despised by many employees at FaceBook China.

Mu Guotao was most composed; he immediately said calmly, "The matter is urgent. Xiao Qiao, you are the vanguard this time, with significant meaning. There can be no mistakes. Don't let Zuckerberg realize we're trying to overthrow him."

"Please don’t call me by that name," Qiao Shuxin blushed and thought about possibly toppling Zuckerberg’s power, he became excited and slapped the table, "So should I pack up my things neatly now, settle down with friends and family in China, send a heartfelt text message to all media peers who care about my whereabouts and resignation, submit a letter of resignation, and write a departure speech so vivid it could bring tears to your eyes"

Amid the laughter from everyone else, Qiao Shuxin, called "Xiao Qiao," strode out the door.

The week Su Cen returned to NanDa University, he unexpectedly received a call from Sòng Zhēn. She said there was a thank-you event at Senkawa Corporation tomorrow, which also involved cooperation with his U Hao on-the-go music platform and other matters. Since Zhao Hao wasn’t in Shanghai and couldn’t make it back, she wanted Su Cen to represent him. Of course, Song Zhen clearly stated that only Su Cen’s presence was needed and no public speeches were required; she even offered free transportation.

Su Cen felt headache-ridden: after arranging matters at Facebook and countermeasures, he had almost no spare time left to deal with other issues. Recalling the unpleasant incident when Song Zhen's car came into NanDa University last time causing a stir with Li Han, Zhang Xiaqiao, Xiao Xu, et al., Su Cen dared not let her car come in again and was about to refuse by saying he would go on his own if she hadn't hung up.

The next day when Sòng Zhēn's phone rang, Sū Cèn left the campus gate only to see her red Jaguar. He sighed with relief as he got into the car; Sòng Zhēn was dressed today in a very intellectual and elegant manner, wearing light-colored suits with long legs stretching down to the accelerator pedal. Her large-breasted blouse revealed a black round neck innerwear, she smiled at Su Cen when she saw him enter the car looking radiant.

Su Cen didn't even have to think about it to understand how the various ambitious figures from Senkawa Corporation, sitting in her car's front passenger seat, would feel anxious and uneasy. No wonder that high-ranking executive who had come with Song Zhen at Nan University was so agitated. This 'woman' had an incredible charm; one might be infatuated to a certain extent, only to find it impossible to possess her, leaving them feeling frustrated.

Watching Song Zhen drive all the way up to Huaihai Road, with Jing Jiang Grand Hotel nearby, she drove straight to its entrance. Already, many different kinds of cars could be seen entering.

A banner hung at the entrance read "New Economy Forum Customer Appreciation Event" for Senkawa Corporation.

Together with Su Cen, Song Zhen went directly to the central hall at the back of the hotel.

The appreciation event was essentially a cocktail party. Upon entering, there were self-service beverages and cakes available, while in the meeting hall there were numerous tables and single-person sofas where groups of three or five gathered to talk about various topics, waiting for the organizer's arrangement.

After Senkawa Group successfully held its New Economy Forum, this appreciation event was probably attended by major companies related to real estate, media, telecommunications, etc., within Senkawa Corporation's business scope.

The entire venue featured red carpet and beautiful decorations. Song Zhen's arrival inevitably attracted many people's attention. After all, her current status within Senkawa Corporation was quite sensitive. When some well-fed businessmen gathered in the distance, their previous topics would temporarily come to a halt as they looked at Song Zhen and whispered among themselves, "Song Shihao has a daughter; what is she called"

"That one over there—she's Song Shihao’s daughter..."

"Is Song Shihao going to hand over the Chinese company to his daughter That doesn't seem possible, right"

Since recently staying at Senkawa China Corporation and gradually taking on some related fields, Song Zhen naturally gained fame. Su Cen was just thinking about finding a place to sit down and pass the time when he suddenly felt several pairs of eyes glaring at him.

Insubstantially looking in their direction, he saw Tang Wu's family of three sitting in an off-left position at the appreciation event. There was a small fountain over there, with Tang Zongyuan, Mu Xuan, and casual-looking Tang Wu seated beside several black-suited white-shirted professionals—among them was General Manager Li Lan under Tang Wu’s father, all likely high-ranking executives within Tang Zongyuan's Group Corporation.

Mu Xuan and Tang Zongyuan clearly hadn't expected to encounter Su Cen here either. As for the look in Tang Wu’s eyes when she saw him, it was filled with surprise. Today being Sunday, her father had been invited to participate in this event; originally, she intended to return to Nan University but held a grudge against Mu Xuan. However, since both of them would be flying back to Chengdu tomorrow, Tang Wu couldn't remain obstinate and followed them over here instead. They might go sightseeing along the Huangpu River later in the afternoon, with Tang Zongyuan and Mu Xuan sending her back to Nan University at night; on Monday classes would start, so she wouldn’t have to rush from Snow Sea Retreat again.

Su Cen was just about to greet them when he realized that he had no choice but to steel himself. Even if it meant saying something like “What a coincidence, Miss Tang Wu” in front of her and pretending to be righteous, it would have been necessary. But unexpectedly, over there by the crowd, Song Zhen’s mother Tao Qing and Song Zhen’s uncle, Senkawa China CEO Song Xiancheng, had already moved closer.

Su Cen pulled Song Zhen off the stage at Nan University's conference last year and directly criticized domestic charity flaws, saving a public relations crisis for the Senchuan Group. Additionally, he used this opportunity to connect with Wang Bo and several key figures in the "Yan Family Gang" behind the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, such as Yan Luwei. Last year, many major projects in Sichuan Province were approved by the MIIT one after another, although it was not an open door policy; at least, due to Wang Bo's influence, discussions with ministries became much smoother.

Tao Qing and Song Xiancheng have changed their attitudes towards Su Cen, no longer as wary as before.

Although in business, Su Cen is still planning with Zhao Hao to accumulate resources for Upper Music starting from the second half of this year to counterattack Mobile Ringtone's SP territory. This will be funded by Pineapple Holdings through good channels to acquire a company with an SP license. Of course, obtaining an SP license isn't particularly difficult. Upper Music holds numerous artist copyright resources; digital music business has been integrated into FaceBook Chinese, and their newly launched Music_store telecom value-added service is performing well, selling songs at prices ranging from ten to twenty dollars, expected to contribute tens of millions in profit this year. As a result, Upper Music is advancing towards becoming a diversified entertainment media company based on its vast copyright resources.

Tao Qing reached out and held Su Cen's wrist, pulling him closer, regardless of the fact that he has already established Pineapple Holdings; under Tao Qing’s warmth, she still seems to view them as children who haven't grown up. She smiled, saying, "A few days ago, I was talking with Song Zhen about how we hadn’t seen you lately. Last year, she invited you over for a visit, and then I heard that you weren’t in Shanghai during the Spring Festival."

Song Zhen pouted and said, "He’s so busy; where would he have time Mom, don't bother him..."

Tao Qing seemed to think Song Zhen was somewhat lacking in hospitality and turned to Su Cen saying, "Come over to my house another day. I have some gifts for you, all brought back from abroad by friends; there are fruits and specialties. Please take them home with you; these are my sincere wishes..."

She was very enthusiastic.

Meanwhile, on Tang Wu's side, the stereotypical expression of her mother Mu Xuan began to show a hint of frostiness.

I've written this chapter quite smoothly.

I know leaving it here is cruel, but I really can't keep going; avoiding any drop in quality requires me to save my strength. Sustainable development, right

Today's word count total is nine thousand words, three chapters as usual.

The day before yesterday was also three chapters, and yesterday’s five or six thousand doesn’t count, today again three chapters; from now on, continuous three-chapter updates. Let's bet who can maintain ten days of consecutive updates

Double monthly votes have started, signaling a charge ahead. I'll muster up some courage and give it my best shot; how about you guys, are you willing to support me even moreol days, but if he couldn't enter Class 3 today, he could simply switch to another class with the principal’s letter. Was it possible for every class to refuse him Insisting on contesting authority wi...