Chapter 1650: Zuckerberg's Confidence

Zhao Fusheng's trip to the United States went more smoothly than he had expected.

Both Evan Williams and Mark Zuckerberg seemed genuinely happy about his arrival.

Of course, although both Evan Williams and Zuckerberg were in good spirits, their reactions differed.

Relatively speaking, Zuckerberg was more excited when he saw Zhao Fusheng, since Facebook was developing well—it could even be described as thriving. As for Evan Williams, although his company was also doing well, Zhao Fusheng's decision to sell his shares meant that the two of them were about to part ways.

"Thank you very much."

When Evan Williams met Zhao Fusheng, he said to him with a serious expression.

The place where they met was the same as their first meeting—near Yahoo's headquarters.

"Thank you?"

Zhao Fusheng was taken aback, then laughed: "You're welcome."

Both he and Evan Williams understood that their cooperation was now coming to an end.

Americans are different from Chinese; they separate business and personal relationships very clearly. So when Zuckerberg and his good friend co-founded Facebook in Zhao Fusheng's previous life, they divided the shares very clearly. Even when they eventually parted ways, even if they ended up in court, everyone knew exactly what they wanted.

Although Zhao Fusheng didn't particularly like this behavior, he had to admit it was the most appropriate choice.

For him, the few million dollars he had invested now yielded substantial returns, achieving his goal. And for Evan Williams, he also got what he wanted.

It was a win-win deal.

"Zhao, thank you for your trust back then."

Evan Williams, dressed in a suit and tie, sat across from Zhao Fusheng, full of confidence.

Success in one's career changes not only a person's temperament but also the way they speak.

Evan Williams was that kind of person.

For him, Twitter's current achievements were enough to prove his ability, and the market's valuation of Twitter filled him with confidence. Even without Zhao Fusheng's support, he could still succeed.

Zhao Fusheng didn't feel much about it. Seeing Evan Williams's demeanor, he smiled lightly: "Mr. Williams, I hope you can make Twitter develop even better."

"Certainly, I have confidence." Evan Williams said confidently.

He was that kind of person; otherwise, he wouldn't have been able to lead Twitter to where it was now, even challenging Facebook's position.

Zhao Fusheng had to admit that what this guy said actually made a lot of sense.

"Alright, good luck."

Zhao Fusheng extended his hand to Evan Williams. He had always admired confident Americans; regardless of how things would turn out for them later, at least for now, he was optimistic and confident.

To be honest, this kind of inexplicable confidence was something many Chinese entrepreneurs lacked.

Of course, that didn't mean entrepreneurs could succeed solely on confidence; they still needed real substance. But the problem was, if you didn't even have a shred of belief in the success of your own undertaking, wouldn't it be impossible to succeed?

Standing at the entrance of the coffee shop, watching the confident Evan Williams get into his car, Zhao Fusheng shrugged and revealed a strange smile.

"Chairman, are you really just giving up like that?"

Wu Sijie stood behind Zhao Fusheng, also watching Evan Williams's retreating figure, and whispered beside Zhao Fusheng.

Zhao Fusheng chuckled: "What, do you think I shouldn't give up?"

"No, I just think it's a pity." Wu Sijie naturally didn't dare to directly contradict his boss, but said cautiously: "Twitter's development prospects are really good. Wall Street's valuation of Twitter has been increasing, and although Twitter's user numbers aren't as high as Facebook's, they're still growing quickly. Compared to similar websites, they are undoubtedly more favored."

"Yes, more favored."

Zhao Fusheng nodded: "But the problem is, there's only one Facebook."

"Ah?"

Wu Sijie was startled and looked at Zhao Fusheng in surprise. Clearly, he didn't quite understand what Zhao Fusheng meant.

Zhao Fusheng smiled: "I know, you, Zheng Yao, and even Dong Chenxi, all of you are actually unconvinced about my decision to give up Twitter. After all, this company is now being called the next Facebook, isn't it?"

"Well..." Wu Sijie hesitated and didn't speak, but he had already tacitly agreed with Zhao Fusheng's words.

In fact, everyone in Future Investment and the entire Future Group who knew about this matter found Zhao Fusheng's decision somewhat incomprehensible. If he weren't the company's sole major shareholder, many people might have openly opposed his opinion.

Giving up a thriving internet company, giving up a social platform that had been valued at over five hundred million dollars in just two years, to invest in Alibaba, an e-commerce company.

In the eyes of others, Zhao Fusheng was gambling!

"You people."

Zhao Fusheng shook his head helplessly: "What difference does it make to have another Facebook? After all, it's not Facebook. Besides, Facebook is developing so fast. Do you think Twitter has that much room for growth?"

Wu Sijie was stunned: "You mean, Twitter's development..."

"Just wait and see."

Zhao Fusheng said nothing more, but revealed an enigmatic smile.

Some things, before they actually happen, no matter what you say, no one will believe you.

Only after they truly happen will those people realize how foolish and ridiculous their previous thoughts were.

Time, undoubtedly, is the best proof.

...

...

After meeting with Evan Williams, Zhao Fusheng didn't linger but went straight to Silicon Valley.

Mark Zuckerberg was there, waiting to meet with Zhao Fusheng.

"Hey, my friend!"

The moment Zuckerberg saw Zhao Fusheng, he opened his arms for a warm hug.

Zhao Fusheng smiled and hugged Zuckerberg, then laughed: "Mark, I think you must have heard some news, right?"

Come on, he wasn't stupid. If Zuckerberg was being so enthusiastic for no reason, Zhao Fusheng wouldn't believe it.

Sure enough, Zuckerberg didn't hide it. He shrugged: "Yes, my friend, I heard you sold all your Twitter shares. Wow! What a wise decision!"

Clearly, Mark Zuckerberg fully approved of Zhao Fusheng's decision.

After all, his Facebook and Twitter were rival companies.

"Mark, saying that makes me really sad."

Zhao Fusheng shook his head: "You know, for me, it was a very profitable investment."

That was the truth. Compared to the returns he got, the money invested in Twitter was indeed very profitable.

"Well, believe me, your investment in Facebook will make you feel it's even more worth it." Zuckerberg clearly disagreed with Zhao Fusheng. In his view, his own Facebook was the one that would make Zhao Fusheng's investment more worthwhile.

No help for it. Though once a geek, Zuckerberg was no longer the guy who had been unsure and lost when talking about website development with Zhao Fusheng. He had transformed into a thorough businessman.

"I hope so."

Zhao Fusheng smiled, his smile looking very sincere.

In fact, he knew very well that Zuckerberg wasn't wrong. His investment in Facebook would definitely yield greater returns. After all, the market value of this company would eventually reach nine hundred billion dollars.

Yes, even owning just one percent of Facebook shares would be worth billions of dollars. That's why those young men who founded Facebook with Zuckerberg could live lavishly years later.

For example, Sean Parker, who once served as CEO in the original timeline. Though he had to leave Facebook for some reasons, he still held shares. With those shares, his net worth reached billions of dollars, spending millions on a wedding, comparable to top tycoons in China.

In Zhao Fusheng's view, if the rise of the '92 generation was about reaping the benefits of reform and opening up, then the internet companies emerging at the turn of the century undoubtedly created even more super-rich.

After all, the speed at which internet companies rose was simply too fast.

"Come on, Zhao, let me show you around our company headquarters." Zuckerberg put his arm around Zhao Fusheng's shoulder and said with a smile.

Zhao Fusheng nodded, didn't refuse, gestured to Wu Sijie and the others behind him, and followed Zuckerberg away.

Though he was now a big shot in Silicon Valley, Zuckerberg had no sense of being a big shot. He still went out in an ordinary shirt and slippers, which was just speechless.

Zhao Fusheng in a suit and tie, Zuckerberg in floral shorts and slippers, and Wu Sijie following behind them, feeling helpless.

"What, are all Americans like this?"

Hu Donghai, while arranging for his companions to protect Zhao Fusheng covertly, asked Wu Sijie.

No help for it. He had accompanied Zhao Fusheng to meet Mark Zuckerberg before, but he never expected that now, as the head of a website worth billions of dollars, the guy was still so 'carefree.'

Wu Sijie shrugged: "Who knows? Actually, don't you think our boss envies him?"

Blinking, Hu Donghai recalled Zhao Fusheng's style and nodded in agreement.