In Hong Kong, we build a global business empire

Lin Haoran shook his head gently, a smile appearing on the corner of his mouth. There was no trace of disdain for the high price in his eyes, but instead a kind of unexpected joy.

Unexpected, such an unexpected thing!
"Bill, you misunderstood. I don't think the price is high, but I think... I am very satisfied with this price. It is even lower than I expected!"

When Bill Gates heard this, a look of surprise flashed across his face, which was then replaced by incredible joy.

He didn't expect that instead of bargaining, Lin Haoran thought that their valuation was too low.

This is not only a recognition of Microsoft's value, but also an affirmation of Lin Haoran's personal vision.

As the founder of Microsoft, he was naturally very happy to be recognized by a super rich man.

"Mr. Lin, do you mean..." Bill Gates asked cautiously, fearing that he had heard it wrong.

Lin Haoran smiled and nodded, his tone firm: "Yes, I am willing to invest $30 in Microsoft and acquire 30% of the shares, and I can also promise not to interfere too much in Microsoft's daily operations and management."

He had no interest in getting involved in the management of Microsoft because he roughly knew the future development trajectory of Microsoft, and he would not be able to easily control the huge Microsoft business empire in the future.

If he really intervened, it would probably completely subvert Microsoft's original development trajectory and make it deviate from the path of brilliant achievements that he longed for.

Therefore, he would rather silently assist Microsoft's growth behind the scenes as a wise investor, patiently waiting and witnessing the moment when it shines brightly.

In the end, he will happily reap the fruits of this investment and enjoy the joy and rewards brought by Microsoft's success.

This period of time may be very long, as long as ten or twenty years.

But in comparison, what is a $30 investment?

He doesn't care about this little money.

30% of Microsoft's original shares, only cost $30?
This was definitely beyond Lin Haoran's imagination.

It’s too low, too outrageous, and too happy!

This is like getting 30% of Microsoft for free.

To be honest, with Lin Haoran's current net worth, $30 is not even his pocket money.

This is dispensable money.

But the value of this investment cannot be measured in money.

He saw the future of Microsoft, the potential of Bill Gates and Paul Allen, and the endless possibilities that this team could create.

"Bill, I believe Microsoft has much more potential than this. $30 is just a small bet on your future success."

Lin Haoran's words were full of confidence and expectation. "What I value more is being able to be your partner on the road to success and witness Microsoft's growth and glory together."

Bill Gates was moved by Lin Haoran's sincerity and foresight. He nodded deeply and said seriously: "Mr. Lin, your trust and support are invaluable assets to us. Please believe that we will do our best to live up to your expectations."

"You just said that Microsoft has another founder. Although we have reached an agreement, can you be sure that your partner will agree to my financing?" Lin Haoran asked with some doubt.

"Mr. Lin, please rest assured," Bill Gates replied with a smile, his eyes full of confidence, "I will definitely convince Paul Allen.

In the company, I often take the lead in making important decisions, and Paul has always trusted and supported my judgment.

What's more, the successful attraction of US$30 in financing was a great help to the company.

Especially with the joining of a big shot like Mr. Lin who has outstanding vision and business acumen, it will undoubtedly be a huge asset for Microsoft.

I believe Paul will also see this and will fully support it. This deal is a sure win for Microsoft!"

"So what are your plans for the future of Microsoft?" Lin Haoran continued to ask with a smile.

Bill Gates pondered for a moment, and then answered confidently: "Our goal is to create Microsoft's unique influence in the field of computer software.

Although the current profits from the software market cannot be compared with those from hardware, Paul Allen and I firmly believe that with the continuous advancement and development of computer technology, the importance of software will become increasingly prominent.

Especially when computer performance continues to improve and is able to carry and run more complex software, the demand for high-quality software will also surge.

This time, Microsoft was fortunate to reach a cooperation with IBM. Although the initial profit was only US$8, we believe that as long as IBM's personal computer sales continue to rise and our MS-DOS system is widely recognized by the market, then Microsoft's name will become deeply rooted in people's hearts as the system becomes popular.

Next, Microsoft will focus on the research and development and optimization of computer operating systems. We plan to continuously launch innovative and practical operating systems and software products to ensure our leading position in the operating system field.

Through continuous accumulation and growth, Microsoft will eventually go public, just like Apple. We expect Microsoft to be able to demonstrate strength comparable to Apple when it goes public!"

From Bill Gates' tone, we can clearly feel that although he is in Microsoft, a small and emerging company, his inner ambition is extremely huge. Even when his current strength is still weak, Bill Gates is determined to compete with Apple.

Although Apple's strengths lie mainly in hardware facilities and Microsoft focuses on software business, there is undoubtedly a direct competitive relationship between the two parties in the software field, especially in operating systems.

Apple has also demonstrated strong competitiveness in the software field with its self-developed operating system. Even though Microsoft has taken over the operating system market share of IBM's new computers, Apple will still be a rival that Microsoft cannot ignore.

However, this did not weaken Bill Gates' confidence. He firmly believed that Microsoft could continue to make breakthroughs in the software field and eventually catch up with Apple.

Lin Haoran listened to Bill Gates' description of the blueprint for the future with approval in his eyes.

He clapped his hands gently, as if to cheer for this courage and determination.

"Bill, I admire your vision and determination. With leaders like you and Paul, I believe Microsoft will have an even brighter future.

As for the competition with Apple, so what? The truly strong ones are never afraid of challenges, but continue to grow and become stronger in competition.

To be honest, I have a certain understanding of computers, and I firmly believe that with the development of the times, software will become as important as hardware in the future.

I believe that one day, you will stand at the top of the world, standing shoulder to shoulder with Apple and all other top technology companies." Lin Haoran laughed.

This is the Bill Gates he knows. Having ambition is not terrible. What is truly admirable is that his strength is fully capable of supporting this ambition.

As long as Microsoft can flourish in the future and as long as this investment can bear fruit, Lin Haoran will undoubtedly be the ultimate beneficiary.

He was able to acquire 30% of Microsoft's original shares for only nearly $30, which was undoubtedly an unexpected and huge fortune for him.

Lin Haoran chatted with Bill Gates for nearly an hour before they finally said goodbye to each other and left the cafe.

Bill Gates has solemnly promised Lin Haoran that after returning to the hotel tonight, he will immediately communicate with the company's other founder, Paul Allen, by phone to discuss in detail and strive to reach this financing agreement.

Once the two parties reach an agreement, Bill Gates will, on behalf of Microsoft, formally sign a financing and equity investment contract with Lin Haoran without hesitation.

For Lin Haoran, this was undoubtedly a good thing. He was very satisfied with Bill Gates' decisive actions.

For him, it would be best if the financing could be settled as soon as possible. After all, the longer the night, the more trouble there is. Only when the contract is actually signed can he be completely at ease and wait for Microsoft's future vigorous development and the rich returns that come with it.

After returning to the hotel, Lin Haoran went to bed early.

In the blink of an eye, it was the next day, December 12st.

The year 1981 is getting closer.

In the morning, Lin Haoran had breakfast in the hotel’s buffet restaurant and then returned to his hotel room to read the newspaper for a while.

Today's newspapers are still reporting on him.

However, the report is no longer about the selling of Apple shares.

After all, these have been reported by all major media, and there is basically nothing new to come up with.

Today, some newspapers choose to dig out more information about Lin Haoran, such as some of his acquisitions in Hong Kong.

Do not check, I don’t know, I’m scared.

These American news media did not expect that Lin Haoran had accomplished so many great things in Hong Kong.

In comparison, the more than 300 million US dollars earned at Apple seems to be nothing.

After all, although Americans may not know companies such as Hong Kong Electric Company, China Gas Company and Kowloon Motor Bus, Jardine Matheson has a certain influence even in the United States. Many people have heard of this company, which is a multinational giant.

And such a multinational company was actually previously controlled by Lin Haoran.

Although Jardine Matheson was eventually returned, the benefits Lin Haoran gained were outrageous.

Therefore, these reports that delve deeply into Lin Haoran's background have also won the favor of some readers.

It is very easy to find out these details. After all, Hong Kong newspapers often report on them. As long as you collect some information, you can quickly get a lot of information about Lin Haoran.

However, Lin Haoran didn't care much about it. Just report it. It had been reported in Hong Kong before, and he didn't care if it was reported again in the United States.

This is just indirectly increasing his popularity. (End of this chapter)