Chapter 913

In November, a major event occurred in the U. S. stock market.

On November 17, Google's stock price achieved a major breakthrough, climbing above $400 for the first time.

Based on this stock price, Google's total market capitalization soared to $100 billion.

……

That evening,

In Silicon Valley, the ballroom of the Four Seasons Hotel in Palo Alto was blanketed in warm golden light.

Today, what was being held here was—the Google celebration banquet!

A giant LED screen displayed the words—"Total Market Capitalization: $100 Billion."

The invitees included shareholders, executives, and core engineers.

At the entrance to the ballroom, Google co-founders Larry and Brin, along with CEO Eric, who joined in 2001, stood side by side to welcome guests.

At 7:30, Larry walked onto the temporarily constructed stage and tapped the microphone.

The ballroom instantly quieted down, with only the faint sound of ice clinking at the distant bar audible.

"Today is a day worth celebrating……"

He raised his hand to gesture toward the screen behind him,

"$400, $100 billion……"

"This is the credit of all shareholders and all employees……"

"First, I want to thank Mr. Li Jie…… Back in 1998, it was he who gave Google its first angel round investment, which allowed Google to continue moving forward……"

Thunderous applause erupted from the audience.

In the crowd, Li Jie, holding a wine glass, was surrounded by applause, and Li Jie responded with a smile and a nod.

Google had many shareholders: Kleiner Perkins, Sequoia Capital, Fidelity, BlackRock, Vanguard Group, and State Street Bank.

In addition, there were several world-renowned specialized investment funds.

Li Jie's current status was that of a California State Assemblyman; he had power where power was needed. Moreover, he was the Vice Chairman of Umbrella Property.

If it were before, many capital firms would have thought Umbrella Property was nothing special.

However, after experiencing the smear campaign by the Republican Party last time, Umbrella Property still stood tall and had instead become even stronger.

This was a bit terrifying.

It meant that no one in the United States could deal with Umbrella Property.

Unless it was assassination.

Consequently,

At this banquet scene, Li Jie was undoubtedly the existence that drew the most attention from everyone.

Others like Sequoia…… Capital all had to stand in the back.

And why did Larry on stage express his gratitude to Li Jie first?

Was it because Li Jie was handsome?

No!

It was because Umbrella Property stood behind Li Jie!

How much Google stock did Umbrella Property hold now? It started with 15% of the shares, then they continuously prioritized additional investments, and now the shares had reached 23%, valued at $23 billion, making them the true largest shareholder.

Subsequently, Larry thanked the other shareholders one by one.

Then came the traditional bell-ringing segment.

Click, click, click~~~

The bell ringing ended,

"To the next $100 billion!"

"Cheers!"

Larry raised his glass and shouted, and all the guests at the banquet raised their glasses.

……

……

In the suburbs of New York in November, midnight had just passed.

Three black Mercedes-Benzes were driving steadily on the interstate highway, their headlights cutting through the thick night.

Director Director Director Guan Zu Zu sat in the back row.

He had gone to attend the banquet and was only just returning now.

Barney Ross in the driver's seat was driving seriously.

Li Shengdan in the passenger seat was vigilantly observing the front and rear of the car.

As for the Mercedes-Benzes in front and behind, they were bodyguard vehicles.

Barney Ross: "Boss, when are we going to recruit some capable drivers?"

Director Director Director Guan Zu Zu: "I'd like to as well……"

At this moment, more than 100 meters behind them,

A silver-gray heavy container truck was driving fast.

The body of the truck was printed with the blue words "Western Electronic Logistics."

(Image · "The Fast and the Furious 1")

A black Ford pickup truck darted out from the emergency lane and then rushed all the way to the front of the truck.

The pickup had no license plate, a crash bar was installed on the front, and blurry black stickers were pasted on the side of the body.

Almost simultaneously, two dark green Hummer off-road vehicles rushed out from different positions in the woods, surrounding the truck in a triangular formation.

The Hummer doors opened at the same time, and 2 people wearing masks jumped down, both holding stun guns in their hands.

They jumped to the front of the truck.

They broke into the cab, struggled with the driver for a while, and finally pressed the stun guns against the driver's neck.

Zzz~~~

The truck driver passed out directly.

The robbers took control of the truck and continued to speed forward.

And at this time, Director Director Director Guan Zu Zu's three cars in front also discovered the robbery behind them.

Li Shengdan's hand rested on the handle of his gun,

"Boss!"

Director Director Director Guan Zu Zu raised his eyes to look at the reflection in the rearview mirror and spoke indifferently: "We are just passing by, leave it alone."

This was America, not Hong Kong; Director Director Director Guan Zu Zu had no intention of playing the hero.

Li Shengdan: "Yes!"

Then he notified the cars in front and behind.

Their mission was to be bodyguards, not to uphold justice.

Barney Ross adjusted the direction slightly, keeping the Mercedes as close to the edge of the lane as possible, putting distance between them and the robbery scene.

Those robbers naturally also noticed the Mercedes in front.

However, both sides tacitly agreed to pretend they didn't know each other.

They soon arrived at a fork in the road.

The two sides went their separate ways and left.

When they separated,

Director Director Director Guan Zu Zu seemed to see the figure of the bald "King of Force," Tang Laoda.

"…………"

"The Fast and the Furious"?

……

……

A new day,

New York police officer Brian received an order from his superior and came to a luxury villa.

(Image · "The Fast and the Furious" protagonist Brian)

"Sir!"

"You're here…… There's an FBI presence today, it's a big case, the New York Police and the FBI are working together on this case……"

"What case?"

"For you, it's a good case……"

Soon, a meeting was convened.

The matter had to start from three months ago; a group of robbers frequently robbed electronic product cargo trucks, succeeding every time, each time getting about $1 million or so……

And last night, another robbery occurred, which alarmed the FBI, who wanted to take over the case, but the New York Police refused, and in the end, both sides decided to cooperate to handle this case together.

"According to clues at the scene, it was discovered that the criminal gang is a group of street racers keen on modifying racing cars, and the biggest suspect is none other than the famous racer in New York State, Tang Laoda."

"Therefore, we need to send an undercover agent!"

As he spoke, the bald leader's gaze turned toward Brian.

Everyone subconsciously followed his gaze to look at Brian.

Brian: "…………"

He was stunned on the spot!

Go undercover?

That's a death sentence, alright!

The bald leader smiled: "Brian…… you were once a teenage racing genius, this undercover mission is meant for you!"

Brian shook his head so hard he felt like his brains were rattling out: "Ah, I can't, I'm……"

The bald leader: "It's you!"

No room for refusal!

Brian: "…………"

In the end, Brian's personal history was faked, and he was arranged to work as a clerk in an auto parts store, then started with Tang Laoda's sister, Mia. Mia ran a coffee shop, and Brian frequented it often.

……

……

In a flash, a month passed.

Brian designed a race against Tang Laoda, then the police came to make arrests, and he carried Tang Laoda away to escape, successfully winning over the family-oriented Tang Laoda and gaining his approval.