Chapter 2324 Bitcoin

The meeting between Zhao Fusheng and Zuckerberg was very friendly.

Both were smart people. Although they could no longer meet in casual attire like before, their understanding of each other was still clear.

Zhao Fusheng knew what kind of person Zuckerberg was, and Zuckerberg also knew that his little tricks were useless in front of Zhao Fusheng.

"Zhao, I plan to take the company public next year."

Zuckerberg said to Zhao Fusheng seriously.

Zhao Fusheng nodded: "That's good news. I agree with your decision. If there's anything you need me to do, just say the word."

This was certainly good news!

When Facebook went public, the shares he held would greatly appreciate in value. Zhao Fusheng knew this well.

For him, he would not miss an opportunity to take his wealth accumulation to the next level.

"Nothing much. I plan to bring this up at next month's meeting."

Zuckerberg said to Zhao Fusheng: "If you support me, I think there shouldn't be much resistance."

Zhao Fusheng shrugged, looking relaxed: "Of course, Mark. You know I've always been on your side."

He knew that playing emotional strategies with this chubby guy was pointless.

The only thing that worked was tangible interests.

So Zhao Fusheng directly stated his position: he supported the IPO!

Zuckerberg was naturally very happy.

Regardless, as one of the major shareholders, Zhao Fusheng's support was undoubtedly good news for him.

Although most of the company's voting rights were concentrated in Zuckerberg's hands, he also knew that without the support of these investors, pushing through his plans would not be easy.

"I heard you're planning to retire?"

Zuckerberg recalled something and asked Zhao Fusheng with a smile.

He naturally had his sources. As one of Facebook's most important shareholders, every move Zhao Fusheng made was reported to him.

When Zuckerberg received that report, he was stunned.

He hadn't expected that Zhao Fusheng, not yet forty, was already considering retirement.

What exactly did this guy want to do?

If Zhao Fusheng were acquiring some company, Zuckerberg might not be surprised, given Zhao Fusheng's confidence and strength.

But the fact that he was retiring was something he couldn't understand.

Zhao Fusheng smiled upon hearing this: "How did even you find out?"

"Yes, I plan to retire."

Zhao Fusheng said to Zuckerberg very calmly.

In his view, there was nothing to hide.

Retirement was retirement; he just told the truth.

"Zhao, are you kidding? How old are you?"

Zuckerberg looked at Zhao Fusheng incredulously.

He really couldn't understand Zhao Fusheng's thinking—so young and already wanting to retire.

Zhao Fusheng smiled and shrugged: "I'm already financially free, so of course I want to enjoy life. Mark, I'm telling you in advance: after Facebook goes public, I'll start gradually reducing my shares. I hope you can understand."

"No problem, I understand."

Zuckerberg's expression changed, then he nodded with a smile.

For him, Zhao Fusheng's move was undoubtedly good news.

As the world's largest social networking site today, Facebook's influence was beyond doubt.

In fact, as Facebook's founder and controller, Zuckerberg was wary of every shareholder.

In his view, these people were potential opponents who might challenge his authority and oust him at any time.

Even investors like Zhao Fusheng were no exception.

After all, who could guarantee that Zhao Fusheng wouldn't be tempted by a platform like Facebook?

If he had any ideas, it would be Zuckerberg who suffered.

Now, Zhao Fusheng's statement about retiring and traveling the world

finally satisfied Zuckerberg a lot.

After meeting with Zuckerberg, Zhao Fusheng didn't stay long in Silicon Valley but went directly to San Francisco.

"How much of Facebook's stock do you plan to sell?"

Dong Chenxi sat beside Zhao Fusheng and asked in confusion.

Zhao Fusheng smiled: "Let's see how it goes."

For the first few years, he definitely wouldn't consider selling Facebook stock.

That stock had nearly doubled in value five years after listing. Sell and cash out?

Zhao Fusheng would have to be crazy!

"You lied to him?"

Dong Chenxi was stunned.

She hadn't expected Zhao Fusheng to not tell the truth.

"What do you mean by 'lie'?"

Zhao Fusheng waved his hand dismissively: "I never said when I would sell. You can't expect me to sell right after the IPO. Knowing that Facebook's stock will rise, I'll definitely hold it for a while."

Dong Chenxi nodded. Actually, Zhao Fusheng's words made some sense.

Well.

From an investor's perspective, it was perfectly reasonable.

In fact, Dong Chenxi thought Zhao Fusheng was already quite generous.

For most people, not considering increasing their holdings at this point would already be good.

Little did she know, for Zhao Fusheng, he simply felt there was no need to increase his Facebook holdings.

He already had enough wealth.

"You win."

Dong Chenxi said to Zhao Fusheng: "I'm increasingly feeling that you're too cunning."

Zhao Fusheng laughed heartily but said nothing more.

…

…

After handling this matter, Zhao Fusheng's next step was naturally to enjoy life.

This time, he came to meet Tan Kaixuan.

"There's something I want your advice on."

Tan Kaixuan met Zhao Fusheng in a villa.

He was now also semi-retired, watching ball games or fishing when he had nothing to do, or flying around to have fun.

He had a large team of advisors; only when truly big deals came up did Tan Kaixuan get personally involved.

He now focused more on finance than the real economy.

"Go ahead, what is it?"

Zhao Fusheng was a bit curious, thinking it was about Tan Kaixuan's business.

"It's like this: the Warriors' management suggested trading two rookies for a top point guard."

Tan Kaixuan said to Zhao Fusheng.

Rookies for a top point guard?

Zhao Fusheng was baffled. Was that even possible?

Since they were two rookies, what team owner would be crazy enough to trade their core point guard for them?

"It's like this: they're two very promising rookies."

Seeing Zhao Fusheng's confused look, Tan Kaixuan smiled and explained.

"Rookies?"

Zhao Fusheng was helpless. He didn't understand this stuff.

"Someone told me they're the foundation for building the team's future. Both can shoot three-pointers well," Tan Kaixuan said to Zhao Fusheng. "But they're too thin, and others say they'll struggle with the intense competition."

Clearly, this was what he was torn about.

Zhao Fusheng waved his hand decisively: "I'm not interested in this, but I think if the other side agreed to the deal, they probably think your two rookies have great potential."

That was the truth. As businessmen, no one makes a losing deal.

In other words, no matter how fancy the talk, when it comes to their own interests, people always make the choice most beneficial to themselves.

So, from his perspective, Zhao Fusheng didn't believe those two rookies were as bad as Tan Kaixuan said.

"Makes sense."

Tan Kaixuan nodded: "Then we won't trade. As long as they shoot accurately, it's fun to watch."

He was actually a smart guy too. Zhao Fusheng's advice just helped him make up his mind.

But regardless, having decided, Tan Kaixuan immediately called his people and told them to reject the trade proposal.

"By the way, have you considered investing in Bitcoin recently?"

Tan Kaixuan suddenly asked Zhao Fusheng.

Bitcoin?

Zhao Fusheng was stunned.

He had actually forgotten about that.

No, not forgotten.

Rather, Zhao Fusheng had always been very wary of it.

Bitcoin, in essence, is a set of special solutions generated by complex algorithms.

A special solution is one of a finite set of solutions to a system of equations.

Each special solution uniquely solves the equation.

Using banknotes as an analogy, Bitcoin is like the serial number on a banknote. If you know the serial number, you own the banknote.

The mining process involves continuously seeking special solutions to this system through massive computation. The system is designed to have only 21 million special solutions, so the upper limit of Bitcoin is 21 million.

To mine Bitcoin, you can download dedicated Bitcoin mining tools, register on various cooperative websites, enter the username and password into the computing program, and start computing.

After installing the client, you get an address. When someone pays you, you just give them your address, and they can pay through the same client.

After installing the Bitcoin client, it will assign a private key and a public key. You need to back up your wallet data containing the private key to ensure your property is not lost.

If you unfortunately completely format your hard drive, your personal Bitcoin will be completely lost.

Bitcoin has many features. It is the first decentralized virtual currency. The entire network consists of users, with no central bank. Decentralization ensures Bitcoin's security and freedom.

Additionally, Bitcoin can be managed on any computer connected to the internet. No matter where you are, anyone can mine, buy, sell, or receive Bitcoin.

Moreover, controlling Bitcoin requires a private key, which can be stored in isolation on any storage medium. No one except the user can access it.

When transacting, Bitcoin can be sent for free, but eventually a transaction fee of about one bitcoin cent will be charged per transaction to ensure faster execution.

As a payment method from one party to another, Bitcoin has no cumbersome limits or procedures. Knowing the other party's Bitcoin address is enough to make a payment.

At the same time, users can leverage the computing power of different hardware on various platforms.

In short, Bitcoin seems quite promising.

But.

In Zhao Fusheng's view, it has a fatal flaw!

It has no government backing!

In other words, it's like a game of hot potato. No government would recognize or declare this so-called electronic virtual currency freely circulating.

Thus, the currency's credibility is very low.

Many people who later speculated in Bitcoin lost everything, ultimately because they turned it into a Ponzi scheme.

The so-called crypto circle exists, in essence, to constantly deceive newcomers.

Thinking this, Zhao Fusheng looked at Tan Kaixuan: "Don't tell me you're planning to play with that thing?"

"What, are you interested too?"

Tan Kaixuan looked at Zhao Fusheng with some surprise.

Zhao Fusheng shook his head: "I'm not interested; I'm advising you to stay away from it too."

Then he said seriously to Tan Kaixuan: "When you buy stocks or futures, at least there's a chance to make money. With Bitcoin, ha, unless you're willing to scam people, you'll eventually fall into a pit..."

This was his honest opinion.

Tan Kaixuan was taken aback, somewhat surprised.

He rarely saw Zhao Fusheng speak like this.

With age and status, Zhao Fusheng had rarely been sarcastic to others.

But unexpectedly, when mentioning Bitcoin, Tan Kaixuan could clearly feel that Zhao Fusheng strongly disliked it.

In fact, Zhao Fusheng didn't just dislike it; he felt that even if the original intention of this so-called virtual currency was good,

over time, it had deviated from its original track and gone bad!

"Tell me more..."

Tan Kaixuan ultimately chose to trust Zhao Fusheng and hoped he could give him advice.

He knew that in the business world, he had many opponents and many so-called friends, but he was well aware that in this world, besides his family, Zhao Fusheng was definitely one of the few who would speak the truth to him without reservation.

His friend's business acumen could definitely be described as keen.

Zhao Fusheng glanced at Tan Kaixuan, smiled faintly, and explained his many insights about Bitcoin.

Finally, Zhao Fusheng said slowly: "At our level, we certainly don't lack money and can make more, but Bitcoin is too easily exploited. Once you get caught up in it, you should know how hard it is to turn things around."

That was what he truly worried about.

Tan Kaixuan, after all, wasn't a native-born American; he still needed to be cautious about some things.