Chapter 1262 Another New Year’s Eve, investing in Facebook
New Year's Eve in 2004, same place, same people.
Zhou Chen and Wang Ying celebrated New Year's Eve together at Zhou Chen's place just like last year's New Year's Eve.
Wang Ying leaned in Zhou Chen's arms, looking at the fireworks in the sky outside, her expression full of happiness and satisfaction.
"Part of last year's wishes have come true this year. We are still celebrating the New Year together this year. It's great."
"This year is our second New Year's Eve together. Next year, the year after, and every year after that, no matter where we are, we will celebrate New Year's Eve together, I promise you."
Although it is the same day, the New Year's Eve day still has a different meaning than an ordinary day, especially for the two of them who have made an agreement.
"Well, I believe we will."
Wang Ying has an inexplicable confidence in her heart. She said it last year and it will be realized this year. It will definitely be the same next year. In this way, year by year, her wish will really be fulfilled.
"When I go abroad, let's go skiing at a ski resort together. I haven't been to a large ski resort like that yet. Can you ski?"
"Yes, can you do the same?"
"I won't."
Zhou Chen looked embarrassed: "No? No, you still want to go skiing?"
Wang Ying said matter-of-factly: "I don't know how, but you can. If I were alone or with others, I probably wouldn't dare to ski. But with you, with you by my side, I won't be able to ski."
Don’t be afraid anymore, because I know you will teach me and protect me.”
Zhou Chen gently pinched her nose: "You are really smart, but you are right. I will teach you and protect you. Even if I fall, I will not let you fall."
.”
When Wang Ying heard this, she happily held Zhou Chen's face and kissed him.
"I can't wait."
The Spring Festival in 2004 was earlier than in previous years, so Zhou Chen needed to return to San Francisco earlier. After a period of consideration, He Xiaozhou also made a decision to go with Zhou Chen so that they could take care of each other.
The night before leaving, everyone had dinner together, and then went home separately, leaving more space and time for the two couples who were about to separate.
For Zhou Chen and Wang Ying, the several separations after they established their relationship are no longer as difficult as the first time, because Wang Ying knows that there is countless time in their future, and if she misses her too much, Zhou Chen will come back.
Look at her, she can also go to the United States to find Zhou Chen.
But for the couple He Xiaozhou and Xiao Qianxi, this separation has a different meaning.
Since Xiao Qianxi came to Beiqing University, she has not been back home once for more than two years. She has always stayed at the school. Since she and He Xiaozhou became lovers, they have not been separated for a long time and have been together almost every day.
.
For now, the two of them can definitely be regarded as representatives of a loving couple, and they are still a mature and independent type of couple.
Now that they are suddenly separated, and they are separated in a foreign country, it is really difficult for the two of them to control their emotions.
He Xiaozhou and Xiao Qianxi held hands and walked together for more than ten minutes without saying a word, because both of them had complicated feelings and didn't know how to express them.
Xiao Qianxi's mood was more complicated than that of He Xiaozhou, because she strongly advocated He Xiaozhou's study abroad, and it was she who took the initiative to ask Wang Ying for help.
She had her own ideas and plans. For the sake of a better life for them in the future, she felt that letting He Xiaozhou study abroad was the best choice.
Especially since Zhou Chen was still in the United States and had promised to let He Xiaozhou enter the collaborative laboratory of Stanford University, she felt that this was a good opportunity for He Xiaozhou.
I just understood it in my heart, but when it was time to separate, the reluctance and sadness in my heart suddenly surged into my heart.
"Xiaozhou."
"Qianxi."
The two spoke at the same time, and He Xiaozhou smiled gently: "You speak first."
Xiao Qianxi took a breath and said: "Xiao Zhou, when you get to Stanford University, you must take good care of yourself. Don't worry about me. I will take good care of myself here and study hard. I will try to study abroad with you next year."
Reunion.”
"Um."
He Xiaozhou responded softly. Although neither of them liked asking for help, this time they still asked Zhou Chen for help. If Xiao Qianxi could pass the exam, Zhou Chen promised to help her get a place to study at Stanford University.
Then she can be reunited with He Xiaozhou.
Their idea is also very simple. Since they all owe Zhou Chen so many favors, it doesn't matter if they owe one more person. They will pay it off slowly in the future.
"Qianxi, you don't have to put pressure on yourself. I will work hard after I go. When you go too, we will study while working. We will definitely get better in the future."
Xiao Qianxi's face showed a look of yearning, and she was also looking forward to that day. Although they were in a difficult situation now, they had taken the first step, and by working together in the future, they would surely have a bright future.
She has confidence.
"Xiao Zhou, don't worry about your family. I will visit my uncle regularly."
After He Xiaozhou's mother passed away, his father found another job. Although it was hard work, it was no problem to support himself, but he was definitely not as good as a woman in taking care of the family.
"Thank you, Qianxi, for you and for our future, I will definitely work hard. You are right. Our starting point is lower than others, so we have to put in more effort and energy than others, and we will live a better life."
Good times.”
"With your words, I feel at ease. You are right, we will definitely be able to do it."
Under the dim street lights, two heart-to-heart lovers hugged each other tightly, feeling each other's warmth and reluctance.
Compared to the two of them, Zhou Chen and Wang Ying are much more straightforward. They express their emotions more with actions, wishing they could blend in with each other and never be separated again.
The next morning, Wang Ying rarely stayed in bed. Even though she had consumed too much last night, she got up early and helped Zhou Chen pack his luggage like a wife.
"I bought you new underwear, so you don't need the old ones, and..."
While Wang Ying was cleaning up, she was giving instructions to Zhou Chen. As she spoke, her voice became choked with sobs.
Even though she knew very well that this was only a short separation, she still couldn't maintain her usual rationality. The closer it was to separation, the more uncomfortable it became.
Zhou Chen hugged her from behind and comforted her softly: "It's not like I won't come back. If you miss me too much, just call me and I'll fly back right away. The dignified Miss Yingying is willing to buy underwear for me.
My pants are down, I’m really touched.”
Wang Ying whispered: "I don't know why, why do I become so soft in front of you? It's not like me at all."
"Because you love me, that's why you do this."
Zhou Chen hugged Wang Ying and rubbed her cheek, very intimately.
"It's almost time, we are going to the airport."
"I know, the driver is already waiting downstairs."
Wang Ying wiped her red eyes, helped Zhou Chen pack his luggage, and then walked out of the house with Zhou Chen.
At the airport, when Zhou Chen and Wang Ying arrived, He Xiaozhou and the others were already here. In addition to Xiao Qianxi, Xie Qiao and Qin Chuan were also here to see them off.
I was always reluctant to leave when I was leaving. No matter how strong I usually am, at this moment I can't control my emotions.
Yiyi said goodbye for a long time, and finally Zhou Chen and He Xiaozhou walked into the checkpoint and prepared to board the plane.
Xiao Qianxi, on the other hand, had already burst into tears. Xie Qiao was much better than her, but she also shed tears of reluctance. Wang Ying, on the other hand, held back her tears.
As time passed by, Qin Chuan finally couldn't stand any longer.
"Let me tell you, three ladies, how long are you going to stand and prepare to transform into the Wangfu Stone?"
Under Qin Chuan's jokes, the three women's emotions slowly calmed down, and then they had no choice but to leave.
"How long will it take for Xiaozhou and the others to take the flight? I wonder if they will be tired." Xiao Qianxi asked.
Wang Ying replied: "It's more than ten hours, but you don't have to worry about whether they are tired. Zhou Chen booked a first-class ticket, so he won't be tired."
Qin Chuan exclaimed: "What? A first-class ticket. Xiaozhou made a profit this time. I have flown so many times and I have never even seen a first-class ticket."
"Qin Chuan, is this the point you're talking about?"
Xie Qiao was very dissatisfied. She didn't care whether she was traveling first class or not. What she cared about was that her brother He Xiaozhou, who she had admired for many years, had a crush on, and had a very close relationship with, had gone away. She didn't know when they would see each other again.
.
After getting on the plane, He Xiaozhou followed Zhou Chen very restrainedly. When he and Zhou Chen walked into the first class cabin, he suddenly showed hesitation.
"Zhou Chen, are the seats on the plane so luxurious?"
"This is first class. It's different from economy class. It has fewer seats and is more comfortable. Please take your seat first."
There was a dedicated flight attendant to serve them, and both of them sat down in their own seats. He Xiaozhou was still not used to it.
"This first-class ticket is certainly not cheap. I can just buy the cheapest seat. This is such a waste."
Zhou Chen reassured: "Okay, we're already on the plane. You can't retreat even if you want to. Do you still want me to sit in the back with you? Sit down with peace of mind. It will take ten years to sit down.
It’s only a few hours, have a good rest.”
After buying everything and sitting down, He Xiaozhou could only sit calmly even though he felt pain in his body.
After working hard all night last night, Zhou Chen was also quite tired. Soon after the plane took off, he fell asleep peacefully.
On the other hand, He Xiaozhou, who was flying abroad for the first time, couldn't sleep at all, but he was too embarrassed to walk around and look around. He could only stare in boredom for a while, trying hard to make himself fall asleep, but it had no effect at all.
No.
In the end, he had no choice but to take out a book and read it carefully, which calmed him down.
It took more than ten hours. After Zhou Chen woke up, he chatted with He Xiaozhou for a long time before arriving at his destination.
When it was time to get off the plane, He Xiaozhou dragged his luggage and followed Zhou Chen. Although his English was good, it was his first time going abroad. Seeing people of other skin colors everywhere, he was still a little timid for fear of losing him.
Zhou Chen.
Zhou Chen had already arranged for a car to pick them up at the airport, and soon a driver came over to lead them to the parking lot.
"Xiaozhou, this place is relatively close to Chinatown, so you go back with me first, and after the Chinese New Year is over, I will send you to school to settle in."
When He Xiaozhou heard this, he waved his hands hurriedly: "No, no, I can't bother you all the time. I'd better go back to school and settle down by myself."
"Don't, it's almost the Chinese New Year. It's not good to celebrate the Chinese New Year alone. Okay, just listen to me when you get to my territory."
Zhou Chen directly grabbed his luggage and put it in the car.
He Xiaozhou said it several times, but Zhou Chen wouldn't let him go. He had no choice but to go back with Zhou Chen.
"My second grandfather and his family are very nice people. There are a lot of Chinese in Chinatown. Once you arrive, you will know that there is not much difference from China. You will definitely adapt to it."
Listening to Zhou Chen's narration, He Xiaozhou curiously looked at the outside environment through the window. The roads and houses in San Francisco were different from those in China, which gave him a strong sense of novelty. But for this strange city, he still
I feel very uneasy.
"Zhou Chen, is studying at Stanford stressful?"
"It's okay. I think it's better than in China. With your ability, I don't think there's any problem at all. But I'm just saying that you only have an idea at most. You'll understand it after you go to school. You don't
How much pressure do you need to put on yourself?"
Zhou Chen knew that He Xiaozhou went abroad for the first time and went to a prestigious school, so he was under great pressure.
"When we get home, I'll take you for a walk in Chinatown. By the way, the food at Stanford University is very different from that in China. I think you need to get used to it."
He Xiaozhou smiled and said: "I'm not picky about food and can eat anything. It shouldn't be a big problem as long as I can eat enough."
"That's true. How can the food here be compared with our Chinese cuisine? But Stanford is not too far from Chinatown. You can go shopping in Chinatown during your break and taste the food from your hometown."
Although Zhou Chen has been abroad for many years, he is still accustomed to Chinese food. Don't tell him about scientific eating. His big stomach skills make his stomach function far beyond ordinary people. Scientific eating is nothing to him.
.
While the two were talking, the car quickly stopped in front of his villa.
"We're here, get off the car first."
As soon as Zhou Chen got off the bus, he gave Zhou Guoxing and Tao Li a hug as they came over.
"Grandpa, grandma, let me introduce you to him. He is He Xiaozhou, my childhood friend. He just came to study at Stanford University. He will stay with us during the Chinese New Year and will report to the school after the new year."
He Xiaozhou immediately stepped forward respectfully and shouted: "Grandpa Zhou, Grandma Zhou, hello."
"Hello."
"Stop standing outside, come inside and sit down, drink some hot tea."
Zhou Guoxing and Tao Li were both very enthusiastic and welcomed He Xiaozhou into the house, while the driver and maid took down the luggage.
He Xiaozhou stayed with Zhou Chen during the Spring Festival. At the beginning, he was very reserved, but after getting familiar with him, he slowly relaxed and got along well with Zhou Guoxing and Tao Li. They were always fighting for each other.
Work.
Years later, Zhou Chen took He Xiaozhou to Stanford University, led him to report, and finally took him to the dormitory area.
"This dormitory is the single room I lived in when I was in school. I haven't graduated yet, so I still have the dormitory. You can live here."
He Xiaozhou looked at the fully furnished dormitory, which was much better than the dormitory he lived in before. He hurriedly wanted to refuse, but Zhou Chen didn't give him a chance.
"It's empty anyway, so feel free to live in it. I cooperate with the school, so you don't have to spend a penny on this dormitory now."
"real or fake?"
He Xiaozhou was very surprised that such a good dormitory could be rented out for a lot of money.
Zhou Chen smiled and said: "I spent so much money to build a laboratory with Stanford, do you think they will still charge me for accommodation? So you can stay here without worries, but you need to take care of the food yourself."
He Xiaozhou said gratefully: "You have already helped me so much. I can't rely on you for help with everything. I will study and live hard."
Zhou Chen didn't say anything, just patted him on the shoulder.
"I think you will succeed."
After settling in He Xiaozhou, Zhou Chen stayed at Stanford University for two days, and then booked a flight to Boston. He was about to get busy.
The prototype of Facebook still appeared as scheduled. It was at this time that Zhou Chen took the initiative to find the founder of Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg. With Zhou Chen’s convincing rhetoric and bargaining skills,
He successfully convinced the other party.
After all, no matter how brilliant this person is in the future, he is only a twenty-year-old boy now. Even if his family is wealthy, it does not mean that he does not care about money. It is not surprising that he cannot resist Zhou Chen's investment temptation, not to mention Zhou Chen's
The price offered is not low.
Zhou Chen invested money and did not participate in management, accounting for 30% of the original shares. Even if the company develops in the later stage, he will have the right to preemptively purchase the shares...
Originally, he wanted more shares, but Mark was young, but still relatively shrewd, and would never let go. Even the 30% share was finally reached after Zhou Chen talked about it for several days.
After settling this matter, Zhou Chen also breathed a sigh of relief. He knew how high the value of Facebook would be in the future. Even if it was later listed for financing and the shares were diluted, he could still guarantee a certain share of his shares.
A high-quality investment was completed at the beginning of the year, which is also a great thing for Zhou Chen.
Investment involves certain risks, but with his ability to foresight, such risks are suddenly reduced by 90%, so this is a business that is sure to make money without losing money.
He Xiaozhou was slowly settling down at Stanford University. At Xiao Qianxi's request, Zhou Chen would visit him every once in a while and buy him a lot of things.
During the May holiday, Zhou Chen flew to China and planned to spend the holiday with Wang Ying. However, this was his last-minute decision and he did not tell Wang Ying in advance. Instead, just like the previous time, he came quietly alone.
Waiting downstairs in the girls' dormitory.
Just like last time, when Wang Ying returned to the dormitory after class, she saw Zhou Chen who was waiting for her. She was dumbfounded at first, and then she ran towards Zhou Chen like a little white rabbit and hugged Zhou Chen tightly.
"You're so annoying. You don't tell me in advance when you come back. You always get surprises like this. It's really annoying."
"Then tell me, do you like this kind of surprise?"
"I like it, of course I like it, I like it very much, I like it very much."
Zhou Chen and Wang Ying ignored everyone else's heartfelt complaints to each other, which really made Xie Qiao and the others unable to stand it anymore.
"I said you two, that's about it. Don't you realize that you have become the focus of everyone's attention?"
Wang Ying then reluctantly let go of Zhou Chen and asked softly: "Didn't you say that you are busy with a project recently? Why are you back when you have time?"
Zhou Chen said: "I missed you so I came back. As for making money, how can I compare to you."
"Hey, hey, we still have three living people here. Can we say this kind of disgusting love talk when it's just the two of you?"
"Yes, yes, it's too disgusting."
Xu Lin and Xie Qiao criticized both of them. One of them had been single for more than 20 years, and the other was in a relationship but didn't have much interest. That's why they became jealous and jealous when they saw Zhou Chen and Wang Ying looking so bored.
Zhou Chen and Wang Ying then restrained themselves a little, while Xiao Qianxi asked Zhou Chen nervously.
"Zhou Chen, how is Xiaozhou doing at Stanford? Does he eat well and sleep well? Is there a lot of pressure to study? He is definitely not as comfortable abroad as he is at home, and it will definitely not be easy for him..."
Xiao Qianxi talked a lot, but Zhou Chen couldn't get a word in. He finally waited for her to stop before he spoke.
"Xiaozhou is very nice. I just visited him before coming here and wanted him to come back with me, but he refused."
He Xiaozhou didn't come back. On the one hand, he was reluctant to give up money and didn't want Zhou Chen to spend money for him anymore. On the other hand, he wanted to complete his studies seriously.
Xiao Qianxi's eyes immediately turned red. She understood why He Xiaozhou was unwilling to come back. After all, He Xiaozhou was different from Zhou Chen. He could not afford a round-trip air ticket.
"Wang Ying told me about your worries. Don't worry, I will bring him some things every once in a while. Many of them are made at home. He is fine now."
"That's good. If Xiaozhou's life is good, that's the best."
Zhou Chen took out a document bag from the suitcase and handed it to Xiao Qianxi.
"This is what Xiaozhou asked me to bring you. They are some of his photos and letters."
Xiao Qianxi happily took it and opened the file bag directly. She saw many photos of He Xiaozhou, some taken in school, some in the dormitory, and some taken by him outside.
She looked at the photo and choked up: "His smile is still so beautiful, it hasn't changed at all. It's really great."
Xie Qiao also stretched his neck: "Is this the environment at Stanford University? It doesn't look any better than ours in Beiqing."
She had finished reading the photos, but she did not open the letter immediately. She planned to read it slowly after returning to the dormitory.
Zhou Chen, Wang Ying and others went to the cafeteria to eat together. In the afternoon, they went to Pancake Monster for a walk, met Qin Chuan, and played with Qin Chuan for a while.
During the May Day holiday, Zhou Chen and Wang Ying spent time together, but they were not in the capital, but drove out for a self-driving tour.
After the May Day holiday ended and Wang Ying started classes again, Zhou Chen returned to the flight again. When he went back, he brought a suitcase with him.
A small amount of it was bought for him by Wang Ying, and most of it was brought to He Xiaozhou by Xiao Qianxi. There were food, drinks, letters, etc., filling a suitcase full.
Zhou Chen didn't say anything, he just took down the things he couldn't take and took everything else with him.