Chapter 111 The big boss makes an entrance
The helicopter engine roared as Meta Platforms Company's private helicopter hovered over Skyrise Tower's rooftop for what seemed like an eternity.
The pilot, after scouting the area, found that the top floor, aside from the helipad, lacked sufficient flat ground to land safely. Tall flagpoles and other obstructions made hovering at low altitudes unfeasible.
Cassius, the Vice President of Meta Platforms Company, grew red with anger. This situation was beyond embarrassing—never had he faced such an ignominious predicament. From above, he could see the crowd below, along with a helpless Benjamin.
Meta Platforms, a colossal entity, was now being disregarded by a relatively smaller company, the Creator. It stung his pride deeply.
In the end, Cassius decided to swallow his pride for now. The plan was to acquire Creator and then reshape it from the inside—changing its strategy, stealing its traffic, and letting it wither away naturally.
Opening the cabin door, Cassius stuck his head out halfway and shouted, "Alvin, listen up, I'm Cassius, Vice President of Meta Platforms Company!"
From the ground, the people could vaguely hear a voice amidst the helicopter's roar.
Alvin sighed, gesturing for the crowd to make way. He tilted his head and cupped his ear, "What did you say?"
"Alvin, listen up, I'm Cassius! I have something to discuss with you!" Cassius shouted.
"What did you say? Speak louder!" Alvin responded, still feigning ignorance.
"I'm Cassius; I have something to discuss with you!" Cassius's frustration mounted.
"Speak clearly!" Alvin continued, though he could hear perfectly well.
Cassius, on the verge of bursting a blood vessel, yelled, "Name your price, and we can talk about any amount!"
Alvin raised a glass of champagne from afar, "No business talking, we're drinking!"
Hearing their conversation, the crowd was shocked.
The sight of a ground-to-air negotiation via shouting was absurd, especially with Meta Platforms Company involved. Alvin’s nonchalance was impressive and amusing.
On the plane, Cassius started coughing violently from straining his voice.
"Enough!" A deep, commanding voice from inside the cabin silenced him. Cassius’s expression changed instantly, becoming submissive.
"Lower the helicopter to the edge of the rooftop," the authoritative voice commanded.
The pilot obeyed, trying to find a safe spot near the rooftop’s edge. Eventually, the plane hovered about a meter above and a meter away from the rooftop edge.
Cassius, hesitant and fearful, realized the danger of stepping out. He looked down, trembling, as the height was dizzying. It was an 89-floor drop, and one misstep could be fatal.
"Make way!" The deep voice ordered again.
Cassius quickly moved aside, showing respect.
A middle-aged man in a black suit, handsome and resolute, stepped out. He exuded an imposing aura, walking steadily onto the rooftop edge as if it were solid ground, not showing the slightest hint of fear. He moved to the center of the rooftop, his sharp eyes scanning the crowd.
Everyone shivered instantly. It was Jacob Russell, the President and founder of Meta Platforms Company, the second richest person in Veridiania, and 103rd on the Forbes billionaire list. His reputation preceded him, and he was known for his countless accomplishments and for being a formidable figure in the tech world.
Jacob stood with a light yet powerful presence. His kingly aura made everyone tense. "Good morning, everyone," he greeted politely, but the crowd remained stunned into silence.
Jacob smiled slightly, speaking loudly, "Friends of Alvin, since I’m here in person, please show some respect and come out for a chat!"
Everyone looked at Alvin. Though Alvin didn’t take Meta Platforms seriously, Jacob's presence was intimidating. Alvin felt an unexpected pressure, causing him to purse his lips and step forward lightly.
Jacob continued, "President Alvin, you are a young talent who has managed Creator so well in such a short time. I admire that! You are one of the best management talents I've seen in years. But today, I want to meet another core member of Creator, the true founder, the real mastermind."
Jacob’s voice resonated with authority, making everyone feel it deeply. He nodded to Alvin and scanned the crowd with an indescribable aura that instilled fear.
Alvin, ready to face this formidable opponent, paused. He felt conflicted about whether to step forward. Suddenly, a soft sigh was heard. A strong hand rested on Alvin’s shoulder.
"Jacob Russell of Meta Platforms, right? You truly live up to your name. Nice to meet you, Mr. Russell," Elbert said, stepping forward confidently to meet the legend himself.