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In 1972, the air in Silicon Valley was filled with a mixture of semiconductor flux, venture capital ambition, and technological fervor.

This indicates that the semiconductor industry has entered a golden age, with hot money from all over the world pouring into the sector.

In particular, Lemon Technology's success has attracted the attention of countless investors, and many ambitious individuals are eager to make their mark.

Meanwhile, in the office at the headquarters of Lemon Technology in Santa Monica, Suning was reviewing the latest industry news briefings and market analysis reports.

His gaze was drawn to a short report from the Palo Alto Daily News:
"...It is reported that a new company called 'Apple Computer' has recently been registered in Los Altos. The founders include former HP engineer Steve Wozniak, marketing strategist Steve Jobs, and Ronald Wayne, Jobs' former colleague at Atari. The company claims to be dedicated to developing 'user-friendly personal computers designed for ordinary people'..."

The report was brief, even lacking product photos, but several keywords pierced Suning's eyes like needles: "designed for ordinary people," "user-friendly," and "personal computer." How similar this was to Lemon Technology's slogan, "Making computing accessible!" More importantly, the name "Steve Wozniak" on the list of founders immediately alarmed him.

“Wozniak…” Suning put down the briefing and tapped his fingers lightly on the smooth mahogany table.

He knows this man.

HP's brilliant engineers were known for their ingenious, low-cost designs at the Homebrew Computer Club, and their talent was well-known in the industry.

The name "Steve Jobs," combined with the background of "marketing" and "Atari," evokes a unique ability to package and market technology.

As for Ronald Wayne, the information indicates that he is an experienced engineer and document processing expert.

The three-person team, combining technical, marketing, and practical skills, forms a complete structure.

Add to that the company's clearly defined positioning—"Apple Computer"...

The name itself carries a symbolic sense of approachability yet subtly subversiveness, similar to "Lemon Technology".

Suning pressed the internal call button. "Mary, have Robert Chen from the Legal Department and Lisa from the Strategic Investment Department come to my office immediately."

"Yes! Boss."

A few minutes later, the company's Chief Legal Officer Robert Chen and Chief Investment Officer Lisa Miller sat down opposite Suning.

Suning pushed the briefing to them.

“Look at this, ‘Apple Computer Inc.’ I need you to do two things immediately: First, Lisa, use all compliant channels to obtain as much detailed information as possible about this company within 24 hours, including the backgrounds of the three founders, their technical expertise, potential funding sources, and information about the products they are developing—even if it’s just rumors. Second, Robert, prepare a draft letter of intent for acquisition, and a… exceptionally stringent founder service and non-compete agreement.”

Robert adjusted his gold-rimmed glasses, keenly catching the key point. "Boss, you mean not only do you want to acquire the startup's assets and intellectual property, but you also want to lock down the three founders themselves? Especially... the strength of the non-compete clause?"

“That’s right.” Su Ning stood up, walked to the window, and looked down at the bustling park below. “Robert, look at us. What is the core of Lemon Technology’s success? Is it the beautiful chassis of ‘Lemon II’? No, it’s hardware geniuses like David Fleming, sales geniuses like Jack Walsh, and even more so, the ‘brain’ and ‘soul’ that drives our annual product launches and rapid iterations—that is, me, and the thoughts and execution of our entire core team.”

“Wozniak is a genius in hardware design; his ideas are probably more ‘ingenious’ and ‘extremely cost-effective’ than David’s. Jobs, though young, has an undeniable ability to combine technology and the market to tell a compelling story. If such a combination were left to their own devices, even with just a garage, they could create something that gives us a headache. Acquiring Apple is not just about eliminating a potential future competitor; it's about transplanting potentially threatening ‘seeds of innovation’ directly into our garden for our own use, or… at least preventing them from blossoming elsewhere.”

Lisa quickly took notes and asked, "Boss, what if they're unwilling to sell? Or have very high expectations for the acquisition price?"

Suning smiled slightly, a smile that carried the calm confidence of someone in control. "They've only just registered, and their products are probably still in the blueprint or even conceptual stage. Negotiating now will minimize costs. We can be generous with the price to show our sincerity and respect for talent. But the core conditions cannot change: a complete company acquisition, and the three founders must sign long-term service contracts and comprehensive non-compete agreements—for at least five years after leaving, they cannot engage in any work related to the research, development, production, or sales of personal computers and related software and hardware, cannot join any competitors, and are also prohibited from using any technology or business information obtained from Apple or Lemon Technology to start a new business."

Robert gasped: "A five-year non-compete clause covering the entire personal computing field... This could be considered too harsh in California law and could be challenged. Moreover, getting all three founders to sign it would be very difficult."

“So we need to tie it to the acquisition price and the generous personal employment contracts (high salaries, stock options, and a commitment to independent R&D).” Su Ning sat back in his chair, interlacing his fingers. “Let them see that by joining Lemon Technology, they can gain far more resources, a broader platform, and faster wealth accumulation than if they were just tinkering in a garage on their own. And that non-compete agreement is the necessary ‘insurance rope’ to accompany this ‘generous gift.’ Pay attention to the wording when drafting it, making it as difficult to overturn as possible within the legal framework. The key is to make them understand that once they sign it, they and their ‘Apple’ will be deeply bound to Lemon Technology in the future.”

"Okay! I understand."

"Remember! Those who obey me prosper, those who defy me perish."

"Uh? Yes, Boss."

……

Two days later, in a quiet residential area on Christopher Road in Los Altos, California.

The garage door of Steve Jobs' house was ajar, and the faint beeping of electrical testing and arguments could be heard from inside.

A black Cadillac Fleetwood sedan was parked silently on the side of the road, standing out from the surrounding civilian vehicles.

Three people stepped out of the car: Robert Chan, dressed in an expensive custom-made suit and carrying an exquisite briefcase; Lisa Miller, in a business suit, looking capable and elegant; and an expressionless, burly assistant.

They went straight to the garage.

Jobs, who was inside arguing with Wozniak about the circuit board layout, was the first to notice the uninvited guest. He straightened up warily and stood in front of the workbench piled with components.

Wozniak also looked up from behind the oscilloscope, somewhat bewildered.

Ronald Wayne then stopped drawing.

“Good afternoon, gentlemen.” Robert Chen smiled professionally and handed over his business card. “I am Robert Chen, Chief Legal Officer of Lemon Tech. This is Ms. Lisa Miller, Director of Strategic Investments. On behalf of Mr. Su Ninggan, President of Lemon Tech, we hope to have a friendly business discussion with the three founders of Apple Computer.”

"Lemon Technology?!" Jobs' eyes widened instantly, filled with surprise, wariness, and a hint of barely concealed excitement.

Wozniak also stood up, curiously observing the visitor.

Lemon Technology, currently the most promising rising star in the personal computer field, has been repeatedly studying and striving to surpass "Lemon II" in private.

The meeting took place in the cluttered garage, without even a decent chair. Lisa brought over a few wooden crates to use as seats, while Robert calmly opened his briefcase and took out the documents.

"First, please allow me to express the Boss's appreciation for the three of you," Lisa began, her voice pleasant and persuasive. "We pay close attention to talented teams in the industry. Mr. Wozniak's design for the Homebrew Computer Club is impressive, and Mr. Jobs' vision and Mr. Wayne's steadiness are invaluable assets. Lemon Technology believes that the era of personal computing needs the best minds to work together to create it."

Jobs, arms crossed, remained unfazed by the flattery. "So, what do you want to talk about? Investment? Partnership?"

Robert picked up the conversation, direct and clear: "Our boss means that Lemon Technology hopes to acquire Apple Computer and all its current technological achievements and intellectual property into the Lemon Technology system through a full acquisition. At the same time, we sincerely invite the three of you to join Lemon Technology in important positions. Mr. Wozniak can join the core hardware R&D department, Mr. Jobs can leverage his strengths in the product strategy and marketing department, and Mr. Wayne also has a suitable position. We will offer highly competitive salaries, substantial Lemon Technology stock options, and ample R&D budget and platform support."

He paused, observing the three people's reactions.

Wozniak seemed somewhat tempted, especially when he heard about "ample R&D budget".

Jobs' eyes darted around as he quickly weighed his options.

Wayne is cautious.

"What was the acquisition price?" Jobs asked the most direct question.

Lisa gave a number.

For a garage company with only three people and no products yet, this price is incredibly generous, enough to make the three founders millionaires instantly.

Wozniak took a breath.

Jobs, however, pursed his lips and did not immediately show any joy.

Robert knew the crucial point was approaching. He took out several thicker documents. "Accompanying this generous acquisition and employment agreement are several supplementary agreements that need to be signed. The most important of these is this Long Service and Non-Competition Agreement."

He began to explain the core terms one by one: "...the minimum service period is five years. During this period and for five years after leaving the company, without the written consent of Lemon Technology, you may not engage in, participate in, invest in, or be employed by any personal computer and related technology company that has or may compete with Lemon Technology in any form...you may not use any trade secrets, technical information, customer resources, etc. obtained or accessed during your employment to start a new business or assist a third party in competition in any form..."

The terms are detailed and strict, virtually eliminating any possibility of retreat or independent development.

The atmosphere in the garage froze instantly.

The initial excitement generated by the acquisition price quickly cooled down.

"This is a shackle!" Jobs stood up abruptly, his voice filled with anger and disbelief. "You not only want to buy 'Apple,' but you want to buy our future and all our possibilities? Five years after five years? This is tantamount to completely locking our future creativity into your company!"

Wozniak frowned as well. He cherished the freedom to create. “Mr. Robert, Ms. Lisa, I appreciate Lemon Technology’s appreciation. But these terms… I feel it’s not an invitation for us to join a cause, but rather… an acquisition and imprisonment of three engineers.”

Even the most composed Wayne shook his head, "These restrictions are too broad, covering almost every possibility in the electronics industry. This doesn't align with the spirit of California's laws protecting freedom of employment."

Robert remained professional and calm. "Steve, Wozniak, Ronald, please understand. Lemon Technology is not only paying for the acquisition of the company, but also making a huge investment in the future—an investment in the exclusive right to use your three talents and time. This agreement is to protect a reasonable safety margin for this investment. Think about it: what you will gain is Lemon Technology's platform, resources, and a fast track to realizing your dreams and wealth. The restrictions are simply to ensure that our joint investment generates the greatest value and avoid unnecessary internal friction and competition."

Lisa added, "Our boss values ​​the three of us highly. He believes that only by bringing together the best minds can we drive the personal computer revolution the fastest. Scattering resources is a waste of our time."

"No!" Jobs' voice was resolute, his eyes burning with a fire that was a mixture of humiliation and ambition. "This is not integration, this is absorption and castration! Apple is our child, it has its own soul and its own path! We created it not to make it a branch on a lemon tree, much less to sign our next ten years to a contract of servitude!"

He pointed to the black luxury car outside the garage, as if pointing to the vast and cold system of Lemon Technology, "Tell your CEO Su, Apple Computer is not for sale! At least, not on these terms! We may only have a garage now, but our ideas are free. One day, 'Apple' will grow on its own, and it will make everyone want to take a bite, not be sliced ​​into lemon slices!"

While Wozniak wasn't as emotional as Jobs, he stood firmly by his partner's side, silently expressing his refusal.

Wayne sighed, but his eyes remained clear.

Robert and Lisa exchanged a glance, knowing that this attempt to make contact had met with a tough resistance.

What the other party values ​​is not just the immediate money, but also the creative autonomy to be free from constraints and control their own future.

This autonomy is precisely what Suning most wants to lock in through the agreement.

“It’s regrettable to hear this decision.” Robert put away the documents and said politely but coldly, “However, the doors of Mr. Gan and Lemon Technology are still open for the three of you. If you change your mind in the future, or if more resources are needed to bring your ideas to fruition, please feel free to contact us. But please remember, today’s terms may be the most generous available.”

The black sedan slowly drove away from Christopher Road, leaving the three people in the garage. The atmosphere gradually shifted from passionate to heavy silence, but something even more resolute ignited in their eyes...

It was a kind of fiercer fighting spirit for independence that was aroused by the covetousness and attempts to "co-opt" of giants.

In Santa Monica's office, after listening to Robert's report, Su Ning simply said "Oh" softly, without much surprise or frustration on her face.

He walked up to the world map and glanced at the location of Silicon Valley.

“The seeds have been noticed and refuse to be harvested prematurely…” he muttered to himself. “Very well. Let the market decide whether carefully cultivated greenhouse lemons are sweeter or wild apples are more vigorous. Keep a close eye on them, Robert. I need to know every key step in their development.”

This unsuccessful acquisition was like a pebble thrown into a pond.

The ripples spread, with one side being the newly rich in the industry who accelerated integration and built high barriers to entry, and the other side being the garage rebels whose rebellious spirit and survival instinct were aroused.

The duopoly of the personal computer era may have been foreshadowed on this ordinary afternoon, during a negotiation filled with calculation and rejection, where the initial seeds of confrontation were sown.

...(End of chapter)