Chapter 1147: Confirming the Investment

When Twitter was first created, it didn't attract much attention.

Twitter was a logical next step in the evolution of existing blog sites, and also the initial stage of blogging. Netizens found it more convenient to type 140 characters and send them to the web, so Twitter streamlined information. As Evan Williams said: 'It's another step toward the democratization of information, and I firmly believe that if we can make it easier for people to share information, the future will be better.'

That was all Zhao Fusheng knew about Twitter.

Jack Dorsey, Biz Stone, and Evan Williams—these three would be the core figures of the future Twitter company. Zhao Fusheng felt that as long as he placed his bet correctly, he could definitely get a piece of the pie.

'Zhao, this is the place I chose.' Evan Williams parked the car in front of a building and said to Zhao Fusheng with a smile, 'I think this should be where our dreams take off.'

Looking at this guy's slightly chuunibyou demeanor, Zhao Fusheng looked helpless, but he had to admit that the guy had a knack for inspiring people. Just look at Biz Stone beside him.

'Evan, I can invest in you, but I won't interfere with the company's development,' Zhao Fusheng said to Evan Williams after thinking it over.

He had to say this first, because once news of Evan Williams' startup spread, there would be no shortage of people willing to invest in him.

'Good, I knew you'd be willing to help me,' Evan Williams said with a happy smile.

'How much money do you need?' Zhao Fusheng asked directly.

That's how Americans do business—being direct and straightforward is more appropriate. If you ask how much investment they need, they won't think you're disrespecting them; instead, they'll think you value their project.

Evan Williams thought for a moment: 'Fifty thousand US dollars. We have other investors too. We'll give you a seat on the board, is that okay?'

Zhao Fusheng nodded: 'How much equity can I get?'

This question was crucial.

'Sixteen percent.' Evan Williams exchanged a glance with Biz Stone, then said to Zhao Fusheng.

When he said this number, he felt uncertain inside. After all, Zhao Fusheng was putting up fifty thousand US dollars and only getting sixteen percent equity. If it were any other investor, the negotiation would likely have fallen through on the spot.

Sixteen percent?

Zhao Fusheng thought for a moment, then smiled: 'Okay, but I have one condition.'

'Go ahead.' Evan Williams breathed a sigh of relief and looked at Zhao Fusheng.

He was genuinely surprised that Zhao Fusheng hadn't turned hostile over getting so little equity for so much money. So whatever request Zhao Fusheng made next, as long as it wasn't too excessive, he decided to agree.

'I require that if there's future financing, as long as my funds can keep up, you cannot choose to dilute my shares,' Zhao Fusheng said calmly, looking at Evan Williams.

Business is like a battlefield. Zhao Fusheng didn't believe that his seemingly good relationship with Evan Williams would last forever in the face of huge economic interests.

If it ever came to a point where his own interests were at stake, something like what happened between Eduardo and Zuckerberg in 'The Social Network' could very well happen in real life.

Zhao Fusheng didn't want to be the one forced out.

Hearing Zhao Fusheng's words, Evan Williams and Biz Stone exchanged a glance and finally nodded: 'No problem, we can put that in the contract.'

In their view, this was a reasonable request from an investor and deserved respect.

Although there were plenty of shady dealings in the American business world, no less than in China, at least they had considerable respect for written contracts. Since they had reached such an agreement, they would naturally abide by it.

As for future issues, if someone offered a higher price, they would have other means to circumvent the contractual麻烦.

'Alright, I'll have someone come over right away,' Zhao Fusheng said with a slight smile to Evan Williams.

During this time, Dong Chenxi had already set up the Future Investment Fund's US branch, and they should handle this matter.

Evan Williams nodded. He also knew that although he and Zhao Fusheng had agreed on these terms, it didn't mean the money would be available immediately. A formal investment company would certainly go through a process.

But that was for later. At least now, Evan Williams could be sure that he and Zhao Fusheng, this mysterious man from the East, had become partners.

'Zhao, do you have any suggestions for our new company?' Biz Stone asked Zhao Fusheng.

Through Evan Williams' introduction, he already knew that Zhao Fusheng wasn't ignorant about the internet; the guy was also a tech-savvy talent.

Hence the question.

Zhao Fusheng thought for a moment and shook his head: 'I have no suggestions. Just do it your way.'

Then he smiled: 'Although this is our first meeting, I'm very optimistic about your combination. I think you'll bring something different to America in the future.'

After all, praise costs nothing, and knowing that these two would inevitably succeed, Zhao Fusheng didn't mind playing the role of an inspirational mentor and giving them a good boost.

Sure enough, Biz Stone and Evan Williams both wore proud expressions.

Although there were people who praised them, it was different from Zhao Fusheng's praise.

The logic was simple: if a girl is pretty, being complimented by a neighbor and being complimented by a king feel completely different. Although Zhao Fusheng wasn't a king, compared to them, his previous investment in Facebook—though not yet a household name in the US—had high popularity among young people.

In other words, in Zhao Fusheng's mind, their company held the same important status as Facebook. That feeling was entirely different.

The three chatted for a while longer. Evan Williams was in a great mood and took the initiative to invite Zhao Fusheng to dinner.

Zhao Fusheng naturally agreed, but only after he was settled at the hotel first.

Evan Williams personally drove Zhao Fusheng to the hotel before taking his leave.

After they left, Zhao Fusheng turned to Zhang Qian and said, 'Contact Dong Chenxi and tell her to have someone sign the contract as soon as possible.'

A long night brings many dreams. Things could still change before the contract was signed. Zhao Fusheng didn't want to let the bird in hand fly away.

Zhang Qian nodded, letting Zhao Fusheng handle the check-in himself while he went to call Dong Chenxi.

When Zhao Fusheng finished checking in, Zhang Qian came back and nodded to him, indicating it was done.

'She'll arrange people immediately and should contact me soon,' Zhang Qian said quietly to Zhao Fusheng as they went upstairs with the luggage.

Zhao Fusheng nodded: 'This can't wait.'

Zhang Qian grunted in acknowledgment. He could see that Zhao Fusheng attached great importance to this matter, so he had specifically emphasized that when talking to Dong Chenxi.

Putting aside their superior-subordinate relationship, in Zhang Qian's impression, there weren't many projects that Zhao Fusheng valued so highly.

Facebook was one, Tencent Technology was another, NetEase stock was also one, and now this unnamed company.

Although he didn't know why, Zhang Qian's principle was always to put Zhao Fusheng's matters first, so he naturally took this more seriously.

'Let's switch rooms,' Zhang Qian suddenly said to Zhao Fusheng when they reached the door.

Zhao Fusheng was startled, a bit confused: 'They're all the same rooms. Why switch?'

He wasn't the type to be wasteful, so he hadn't booked a presidential suite, just regular business suites, one per person.

But Zhang Qian's sudden request to switch rooms caught him off guard.

Zhang Qian explained calmly: 'If someone wants to harm you, they'll definitely check the check-in records downstairs.'

Zhao Fusheng was taken aback, then understood Zhang Qian's meaning. As he said, if someone tried to target him, they would likely go to the hotel lobby to get the check-in records and then come upstairs.

And when they did, they would face a murderous Zhang Qian.

Tsk, imagining that scene, Zhao Fusheng felt like he was in an action movie.

Although he knew the probability of such an event was low, he understood the principle of not standing under a dangerous wall.

For one thing, Zhao Fusheng couldn't guarantee that Mr. Li behind Tong Zhenbang wouldn't have a brain fart and want to meet him.

If something like that happened, facing armed American gangsters, Zhao Fusheng was sure he would be in grave danger.

With that in mind, Zhao Fusheng nodded: 'Alright, I'll listen to you.'

He paused and instructed Zhang Qian: 'Stay safe. If it's really not working, leave immediately.'

Zhang Qian smiled: 'Don't worry. If it weren't for you, I could take out twenty people on my own.'

When he said this, his eyes were full of confidence.

After all, as an elite special forces soldier, he had the right to say such things.

Watching Zhao Fusheng enter the room, Zhang Qian took a deep breath, took out his room card, and also entered his room.

Although nothing might happen, this kind of precaution was, in his view, absolutely correct. Dong Chenxi had specifically instructed Zhang Qian about this before they came.

There was no choice. Zhao Fusheng's well-being was tied to the entire Future Group, and no mistakes could be tolerated. Although he himself didn't care, everyone around him had to care.