The Wolf of Los Angeles

[Chapter 314: A Dangerous Game]

Using a computer to sift through courses and create an ideal schedule, Zuckerberg found the application of his program to be quite useful. After several attempts, the chosen schedules met his needs effectively.

With new ideas emerging, Zuckerberg considered the possibility of developing the program for website creation, believing it could be profitable. His father, a dentist, and his mother, a psychologist, had given him a taste of middle-class life.

However, college in America was expensive, especially with socializing, and as he juggled the pleasure of selecting courses and enjoying life, he found himself short on cash.

Zuckerberg had previously made money with a computer program during his high school years, and now that funds were running low, the urgency to find a way to make more money hit him hard. To catch the attention of beautifully captivating and charming representatives, he needed finances.

"Zuckerberg just turned 20. Under our influence, he's living for enjoyment," Betty remarked, taking a sip of her coffee before continuing. "But he also possesses substantial drive; he wants even more excitement and plans to explore the business side."

Hawke was not surprised; those who achieve immense success usually hold some distinctive stubbornness. "Do we know any specific actions he is planning?"

Betty responded, "He's mentioned wanting to use the photo-selection algorithm to create a site similar to Twitter -- testing it first at Harvard, then rolling it out to surrounding universities."

Hawke listened intently; this sounded like the early stages of Facebook.

Hawke shook his head, "No need for such hassles."

He stood up and paced around the office, pondering Betty's relayed information. He asked, "Does Zuckerberg want to move away from those games?"

"Not at all. Influenced by our people, he aims to commercialize his program solely for the pleasure of having more fun," Betty had carefully probed the two sent to socialize. "Initially, he was a bit bashful. Still, after tasting the sweet fruits of success, he became completely obsessed."

Hawke knew genuine enthusiasts seldom turn back. Betty continued, "He has a strong preference for female students and staff, ensuring he has at least one of each. His living expenses mostly come from student loans, and those funds pretty much go toward them."

Hawke inquired, "Is his financial situation dire?"

Betty nodded, "It's clear he's now using lunch loans."

Hawke sighed, realizing the toxic impact of such indulgences. Betty continued detailing Zuckerberg's actions while waiting for Hawke's decision.

Hawke devised three approaches. The simplest and least complicated was to emulate BlackRock's methods and initiate high-stakes business strategies for a form of existential annihilation.

After undergoing so many life-and-death moments, using raw, straightforward tactics left Hawke without any psychological burden. The second option, not complex either, involved the LAPD and FBI's classic tactics -- weaving a frame of deception.

Now that Zuckerberg was lost in a maze of temptation, finding a type he favored and crafting a plan would ensnare him into a trap reminiscent of the Eagle County scandal.

A third strategy involved steering Zuckerberg down a different path while utilizing his program. Hawke gradually settled on attempting the third option.

With a trip to New York planned for this week, Hawke told Betty, "Get ready; you're coming with me to the East Coast, and we'll visit Cambridge."

He paused to say, "The two hired guys are good with people, right? Let them guide Zuckerberg to utilize his created program towards a revenue-generating path."

Betty frowned in confusion, not wanting to dwell further on the topic. She asked, "How will we do that?"

Hawke began detailing the plan. Edward leaned in, listening intently.

...

In Cambridge, Massachusetts, near Harvard University, Neville passed a pack of cigarettes to Zuckerberg, who lounged on the couch. "Smoke one; get a boost of energy." Ȓ𝘼ɴ𝙤ʙΕ𐌔

Zuckerberg fished one out and looked for a lighter but couldn't find one. Bart, who was nearby, retrieved one and tossed it over.

After lighting one for himself, Zuckerberg handed another to Bart, savoring the tobacco flavors while asking, "How are your business ventures going?"

Neville and Bart had come to the concentrated environment of Cambridge under the guise of selling used textbooks and providing academic consulting. It wasn't just a show; they genuinely engaged in the business. Although much of their profit had been squandered, they were operating successfully.

Neville opened a cabinet and pulled out a thin stack of cash, handing it to Zuckerberg. "This is last month's commission, March was a bit slow."

"Thanks," Zuckerberg replied, pocketing the cash. It wasn't a lot but meant he wouldn't have to rely on loans for lunch that day.

Having splurged recently, Zuckerberg took a deep drag from his cigarette and exhaled a cloud, saying, "I need to take a break this weekend; I played too hard last night. I may have rubbed my skin and it's been hurting."

Bart put his arm around his shoulders, "Your skills are lacking; don't let anyone know we're friends!"

Shifting topics, he added, "That program of yours really works. Once you set the criteria, it can select the best from all the proxies in Boston that fit our taste."

Zuckerberg burst into laughter, "Didn't I tell you? I'm a genius!"

"You sure are." Neville lit his own cigarette and added, "Mark, the program you designed was truly born to help select course schedules!"

Zuckerberg responded, "I feel the same, but unfortunately, there aren't enough proxies in Boston."

Bart chimed in, "Boston has a huge population, especially with an astonishing number of female professionals and college/high school girls. If we could get them all into the program's database, you could enjoy your college graduation!"

"But they're not into those things. Even if some are quietly working part-time, we can't reach them." Like any straight man, Zuckerberg enjoyed seeking out attractive prospects, saying, "We can't just approach every pretty face we see on campus and ask them about side jobs, can we?"

Neville nodded, "That's absolutely not how it works. We need to think of our dignity and reputation, along with our finances."

Bart chimed in, "What if we could get it for free?"@@novelbin@@

Zuckerberg commented, "Dating should be free."

"Dating equals free? Dude, you've got a screw loose," Neville said, speaking from experience. "I thought that too back in college, but after a couple of relationships, I realized otherwise."

He counted it on his fingers: "When you go out, is the guy not footing most of the bill? On holidays, does the guy not have to buy gifts? Whatever the girl wants -- doesn't the guy have to get something, too?"

Bart added, "The cash spent on just one woman is enough to attract two dozen others!"

After hanging out and partying with Bart and Neville over the last few months, Zuckerberg had bought into this way of thinking and declared, "Exactly, exactly. I'd rather remain single than date!"

After finishing his cigarette, Bart pressed it into the ashtray and lamented, "What a pity for the program Mark designed."

Zuckerberg too felt the loss. "That selection program is fantastic. Once I build a website around it and secure investments from other companies, we can expand to other cities... without needing to go there. We could connect with agents in those cities and input their resources into our database, allowing us to pick and choose, whether flying in or having them parachuted in."

Neville praised him, "Mark, you're truly a super genius!"

Zuckerberg's electronic watch beeped, signaling it was time to head to class. He jumped up and said, "I can't miss my morning class; I need to head back to school. Let's chat another time."

Bart pointed out, "Go wash your face first."

Zuckerberg dashed to the bathroom, quickly washing his face, slipping on his jacket, and vacating the apartment.

...

Neville went to shut the door, saying, "Stay calm; take it one step at a time."

Bart agreed, "Just like when we first met him; we'll break down his defenses slowly."

Neville smiled, "We're influencing him now; much easier than before."

The two shared a laugh, enjoying a life that seamlessly mingled fun and business. News from Los Angeles suggested that if they managed to guide Zuckerberg along the planned trajectory, they would be positioned as his agents, securing investment for Zuckerberg's website.

This would lead to a venture they could call their own. Where there were profits, there would be motivation.

...

In New York, Hawke, Betty, and Edward exited the VIP passage of JFK Airport. Raul, Guti, and Morentes followed closely behind as security.

At the exit, someone held a sign with Edward's name from the Four Seasons Hotel. Edward approached, negotiating slightly before two Mercedes pulled up.

They piled into the cars, making their way to the Four Seasons in New York.

Along the way, Betty received a phone call. After conversing, she turned to Hawke, "They've begun the operation and are progressing step by step to influence Zuckerberg. The results are looking positive."

Hawke replied, "Good. Once we finish here, we'll head to Cambridge."

Betty nodded. "Understood."

...

Arriving at the hotel, they ascended to a business suite on a high floor. Shortly after, Edward received a call from Christie's, notifying him that a representative for their upcoming auction was en route with admission tickets.

The classical art auction at Christie's was set for Sunday, attracting many wealthy and influential attendees. Hawke noticed Leonardo's name on the publicly available list of participants.

Leonardo was known as Hollywood's most renowned collector of art, amassing an impressive array of both modern and classical pieces.

Previously, Hawke hadn't thought much of it. But combined with the knowledge of Leonardo's collaboration with Southeast Asians in money laundering, it just might be a method to transfer funds.

*****

/Sayonara816.