King of Hollywood

Chapter 444: Chapter 166 Morocco

Since Adrian had patiently listened to Jobs’s lengthy talks at various banquets, how could he appear casual and indifferent in the office? Such behavior was merely a tactic to unsettle Jobs’s emotions and profit from the situation. Jobs was smart and formidable. Just by looking at how he had returned to Apple, set a trap, and ousted Amelio, one could understand this; let alone the various deeds from the time he founded Apple.

This man was keenly intuitive, arrogant, and narcissistic, but also somewhat emotional, so this approach would enable better control of the situation. You think you’re so arrogant and self-loving? I’m investing not in Apple but in you. You like to have total control? Not only will I not vie with you for power, but I’ll unconditionally support you!

In fact, this strategy proved very effective. Although Jobs harbored some doubts about Adrian’s flattery and enthusiasm, he quickly agreed. Consequently, Adrian’s plan progressed further.

Barring any unforeseen circumstances, once the Millennium passed and Apple completely recovered and started to intensify its efforts, and Adrian played his last few cards, the connection between the two would inevitably become much stronger, and a completely new structure of a media empire would be formed. This was one reason why after acquiring ICQ, he didn’t go after MP3. After all, the American Recording Association had been in legal battles with MP3 for several years to maintain the dominance of CD records. Before this, there was no need to even think about it; after, it would be Jobs’s battle to fight—why exert oneself over an optional component?

Moreover, he also used this opportunity to trip up Microsoft. Had he not intervened, Jobs would have chosen to give up the protracted infringement lawsuit that had lasted over a decade in exchange for Bill Gates’s investment—a truly regrettable occurrence. Yet, with the influx of additional funding, Apple could continue the fight against Microsoft, and might even take advantage of an opportunity to win the lawsuit, albeit the chances were slim.

However, Adrian hadn’t anticipated what happened next. After securing the funding and reorganizing Apple, Jobs announced he would seek reconciliation with Microsoft! This was a move that surprised many. After all, these two competitors had been in conflict for years. Even though Jobs seemed to be on the decline, and even if he returned to Apple, how could he, with his temperament and character, come to terms with Gates?

Especially Adrian—if memory served, Jobs capitulated due to the need for funding and traded the drawn-out lawsuit for Gates’s money. But why now? He pondered this question for a long time and couldn’t find an answer until Jobs praised Gates, Microsoft, and their products on different occasions, and even invited Gates to join a conference via video link. When Gates’s face appeared on the screen, as it had done a decade ago, it elicited numerous exclamations from the audience. Only then did Adrian reach a conclusion based on his memories and the information he had gathered.

Jobs indeed was a genius. He sighed into his heart. To put it succinctly, Jobs’s move was akin to ‘taking a step back to broaden one’s horizon.’ Probably, in his heart, he had already planned out Apple’s future path—or perhaps, not detailed plans, but his intuition had led him to the correct decision.

Adrian had once boasted that if he, not Jobs, were in charge of Apple, with a commitment to full effort and key employees in place, the outcome would have been almost as brilliant as Jobs’s achievements. Looking back now, that was nothing but bragging—at least he wouldn’t have thought to proactively seek reconciliation with Microsoft when funds were abundant, thereby paving a better path for himself.

Fortunately, he realized his mistake in time. “I will hold you in as high regard as possible,” Adrian said to himself.

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“I know, Roger, I know you mean well, but I don’t have time right now. I want to spend more time with my daughter. You should… Yes, he’s there… Alright, then postpone until Saturday… Yes, it’s settled, no changes, goodbye.” Kate heaved a sigh and closed her phone, leaning against the wall, she zoned out for a good while before placing the phone on the counter and heading to the bathroom.