Chapter 1405: Signing Success

For Zhao Fusheng, whether he attended the signing ceremony or not really didn't matter. He wasn't the type to care about fame, and since he disliked social engagements anyway, participating in such occasions was, in a sense, a form of torture.

Zhao Fusheng would rather hole up in his hotel watching TV than be gawked at like a chimpanzee in a zoo.

Especially when the onlookers had no idea who he was and were simply curious.

It's often said that character determines destiny. Zhao Fusheng had always believed he wasn't the assertive type, so naturally, he didn't enjoy being in the spotlight.

On the day of the signing ceremony, Zhao Fusheng stayed in his hotel, logging onto the internet with his laptop.

Sure enough, the entire internet was flooded with news of Facebook's successful financing, and the mysterious investment company from China was mentioned repeatedly.

"Not being there in person—are you a little disappointed?"

Zhao Fusheng closed his laptop, walked into the living room outside the suite, and looked at Wu Sijie, who was also staring at a computer. He asked with a smile.

Wu Sijie quickly stood up. Hearing Zhao Fusheng's question, he shook his head with a smile: "No, no. To be honest, even if I went, I wouldn't know what to do."

He meant it. The middle and senior management of Future Investment were there to represent the company, but Wu Sijie knew very well that he was the assistant to Chairman Zhao Fusheng. Previously, he had acted as Zhao Fusheng's eyes and ears, participating in the entire negotiation process.

But now, he had to return to Zhao Fusheng's side—that was his real job.

Although he knew that staying on-site might have been more glamorous, in the long run, it wasn't suitable for him.

"There will be opportunities."

Zhao Fusheng laughed: "Financing isn't anything new; no need to join the crowd. When Facebook goes public, I'll take you to the bell-ringing ceremony."

Bell-ringing ceremony?

Wu Sijie was taken aback, then smiled.

Bell-ringing refers to the company's first listing on the securities market. On the day the stock goes public, the company's legal representative goes to the exchange to ring the big bell. The opening bell means the company's shares can be traded on the securities market, and the new shares subscribed online and offline can be sold that day.

Nasdaq represents the U.S. stock market. There are only over five thousand listed companies on Nasdaq, and every company invited to participate in the bell-ringing ceremony signifies that it is highly regarded on Nasdaq.

Wu Sijie knew that Future Group had no plans to go public, so even though he was well aware that if Future Group were listed, it would be a huge success, he also knew that scenario would never happen.

But for the shares held by Future Investment in these companies, when they go public, Zhao Fusheng would certainly be invited to attend.

Therefore, Zhao Fusheng's promise to Wu Sijie was undoubtedly a guarantee. At the very least, if he was still around when Facebook went public, it meant he had already gained Zhao Fusheng's recognition and trust.

"Thank you, Chairman."

Wu Sijie quickly bowed to Zhao Fusheng in gratitude.

He knew very well that although the chairman before him was about the same age, his skills and abilities were beyond comparison.

At the very least, Wu Sijie could honestly say that if it were him two years ago, he would never have thought of casually investing in the fledgling programmer Zuckerberg to found Facebook.

And now, with a total investment of just over ten million US dollars, the return was a thousand percent, or even higher.

The strong get stronger; the winner takes all.

Although this conflicted with traditional Chinese social morality, in Wu Sijie's view, it was only natural, because what he had encountered in Europe and America was exactly this reality.

Zhao Fusheng understood this truth too. In his view, life is like a banquet: you have to clink glasses with those you like and exchange cups with those you dislike. Through the meal, you may receive a heart or see a face. By the end, if you can still be lively and smile at this insincere feast, that is the ability to bear the world you should learn.

Some people always like to talk about ideals and sentiments, but whether ideals or sentiments, there is a prerequisite: you must first have the capital to talk about them.

For example, if Ma Xiaoyun weren't the boss of the Alibaba empire, what right would he have to talk about martial arts and shoot that nonsensical kung fu movie?

A bunch of stars with tens of millions in fees neglecting their real work to accompany Ma Xiaoyun in filming a 'sentiment'?

Ha, do you really think those celebrities in the entertainment industry are in the charity business?

In the end, isn't it because the big shot's status is there? A mere star, though lofty compared to ordinary people, has no choice but to bow and scrape before a business tycoon of that level.

Many things really can't be delved into or studied, because once you scrutinize them, you always find some disappointing truths.

…

…

Originally, Dong Chenxi thought that the top brass at Sequoia Capital and Facebook would be very dissatisfied that Zhao Fusheng, the big boss of Future Group, didn't attend the signing ceremony. But as it turned out, she was overthinking.

The Americans simply didn't care about that.

"These guys probably wish the chairman hadn't come," Dong Chenxi's assistant muttered beside her, glancing at the Americans.

Dong Chenxi kept a smile on her face, discreetly observing the surroundings, then said in a low voice: "It seems the chairman was right. What they care about is profit, not these empty formalities."

By now, she had to admit that Zhao Fusheng was right. The United States had only a few hundred years of history; their core values were not democracy and freedom, but profit above all.

In other words, as long as these Americans could make money, they wouldn't care whether Zhao Fusheng showed up or not.

Just then, Dong Chenxi's phone vibrated. She picked it up and glanced at it, a smile curling at the corners of her mouth.

"What's up, General Manager?" the assistant asked quietly, noticing Dong Chenxi's strange expression.

Dong Chenxi smiled and shook her head: "Nothing. Our chairman is bored at the hotel and asked when we'll be done here. He said that when we get back, he'll give everyone bonuses and throw a celebration party!"

"Great!"

The assistant waved her hand excitedly. After all, their boss was known for being generous, and with such a big deal closed this time, he would surely reward everyone well.

Seeing her assistant's reaction, Dong Chenxi laughed. But what she looked forward to wasn't the reward—it was finally getting a break to rest.