Googol had not shone during the initial dotcom boom, but it had become the biggest beneficiary when the dotcom bubble had broken and companies had collapsed one after another. That was how they had secured the outstanding developers who had lost their jobs in Silicon Valley, and had become the world’s largest firm.

The recent situation on Wall Street was similar, because there were hedge funds and investment institutions that were on the verge of bankruptcy in the aftermath of the Russian financial war, leaving a number of elite managers on the streets. Jonathan had not only scooped up the best of the talented managers, funds and support staff, but also their money and systems for the New York firm. As a result, the New York company had emerged the victor in the takeover battle.

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In the winter of 1998, there was a Christmas tree in front of the headquarters to celebrate the upcoming holiday, and I couldn't take my eyes off it. The glittering star at...