King of Hollywood

Chapter 430: Chapter 152: Wait a Few Months Before Looking Again

“You have to admit, Apple is in a most perilous position now, even you might struggle to turn things around,” Bill Gates said with a smile, giving off a shy vibe, which people who dealt with him knew to be genuine. Yet beneath that shyness, they also knew his authoritarian and dictatorial nature was just as real.

“There’s always a miracle in this world, Bill. Opportunities only come to those who are prepared,” Steve Jobs adjusted his glasses, his brows still furrowed as always.

Essentially, their debate was drawing to a close. Similar discussions had been had countless times in different settings, and neither could convince the other. However, it would be entirely wrong to consider them mere rivals; as two individuals profoundly influencing IT development, they were adversaries in business but could be considered friends outside of that, rivals yet confidants.

“To be honest, listening to your debate is rather interesting,” Adrian approached Jobs once the crowd had dispersed.

“If you managed to gain something from it, I would be pleased,” Jobs replied calmly, turning his head back toward his wife.

“Actually, I have indeed benefited quite a bit,” Adrian said chuckling, having shaken his wife Lauren Powell Jobs’ hand. He had met her frequently at various gatherings due to his intentional networking, “Bill is right, Microsoft is indeed flourishing, and I’ve made quite a bit of money from it.”

Jobs did not respond, but Lauren intervened to lighten the mood, “For investors, making money is ultimately a good thing.”

“Yes, and although Microsoft might face monopoly charges, their luck has always been good,” Adrian casually threw in a prescient topic. It was only early 1997, and Microsoft had already made leaps and bounds and was growing ever larger, some had started to notice, but it wasn’t public conversation material yet.

With his statement that sounded both like praise and mocking, “good luck,” Jobs’ interest was inevitably piqued. Then he added, “But I also agree with Steve; miracles are always around.”

“Oh?” Jobs finally raised an eyebrow.

“Especially,” Adrian smiled, “since Steve Jobs has finally returned to where he belongs.”

Lauren was visibly moved, but Jobs remained impassive, “Thank you for the compliment, Ed, but for now, I’m just an advisor on Apple’s board of directors.”

“Is that so?” Adrian looked at him meaningfully, “To me, only Steve Jobs’ Apple is the real Apple.”

Surprise flickered behind his glasses. The word “only” could serve as a predicate or an attribute, depending on how it was received. Naturally, Jobs maintained his composure and responded with a half-joking tone, “I’m truly flattered. Perhaps you might consider investing in Apple if the opportunity arises.”

“Perhaps, if the chance comes,” Adrian laughed it off without giving a definite answer, then excused himself after a few more words.