Returning wealthy individuals develop their hometowns and become rich in the 1980s

"But Mr. Chen, as you said before, it's not the time for personal computers to become widespread yet, as neither the hardware nor the software is fully mature."

"That's right, the market isn't fully ready yet," Chen Dong said, scanning the board members and management present. "But it's precisely because the market isn't fully ready that this is the best time for us to make our move!"

Chen Dong placed his hands on the table and leaned forward slightly. "IBM takes the enterprise route. They sell their PCs to large companies and government departments, relying on bulk purchases and after-sales service. They've already proven their strength on this path. If we try to squeeze in, it will only get narrower and narrower."

But the individual market is different. Families, students, and freelancers buy computers primarily for entertainment, in addition to work. We don't need them for high performance, but they need to be affordable, easy to use, and fun.

The directors present all frowned upon hearing this, but Steve Jobs' eyes lit up; he had already understood what Chen Dong meant.

"Everyone, an L computer costs nearly nine thousand US dollars, which is impossible for widespread adoption, and it's not much more advanced than IBM computers," Chen Dong continued. "An M computer costs a little over a thousand US dollars, which an average family can afford with two or three months' worth of expenses."

"Then we should develop the software ecosystem of the M computer, including games, education, family accounting, letter writing, etc. As long as we can find one or two scenarios that ordinary people find 'useful' or 'fun,' the M computer can be sold."

"As long as sales can go up, the subsequent software development costs can be spread out. The more data collected, the better the software can be optimized, and the ecosystem can be gradually built up."

“That’s right,” Jobs clapped his hands excitedly in agreement. “I’ve always believed that Apple shouldn’t just be a computer technology company; we can also be a software technology company.”

"Currently, hardware is restricting the development of software, but I firmly believe that the future of technology belongs to software!"

The representative from the Ross Foundation watched as Chen Dong and Steve Jobs, these two "madmen," talked incessantly, and he had to cough lightly to interrupt Jobs. "But you two, what about the money? The company is already running out of money, and the funding for the subsequent software development will be a bottomless pit."

Chen Dong smiled slightly, "Don't worry about that. The Huasheng Foundation will make an additional investment specifically to support software development. At the same time, I hope the company can issue an announcement that any individual or studio that can publish approved software on the M computer platform will receive funding support from Apple. The subsequent profits will be split 50/50 between the platform and the software developer."

The executive manager of Xiluo Company asked in bewilderment, "Isn't it a bit too frivolous for an individual or a studio to develop the software?"

"No, no, no, quite the opposite. This will better stimulate the desire of those who want to buy a personal computer. I hope the company can develop a real-time communication software. Once the software is listed on the platform, it can be rated so that users can choose the software they want," Chen Dong said with a smile to Jobs.

"Sure, I'll follow up on this software," Jobs immediately agreed. Chen Dong, however, said, "Steve, I need a promise from you: the operating system of the M computer must be open, allowing third-party developers to access it. Can you do that?"

Jobs was no longer as decisive as before. The system he had been working on was always closed, and Chen Dong's proposal to open it to third-party access was like cutting holes in a perfectly good turtleneck sweater, which made Jobs very uncomfortable.

"Tony, you may not be very familiar with the operating system. I can only allow limited system permissions for third parties to access under the company's supervision. If it were completely open, the system would be easily attacked by hackers, which is very risky," Jobs hesitated but ultimately did not completely compromise. "For the sake of easier maintenance in the future, this is the only way I can do it. You understand, Tony."

"You are a professional Steve, and I choose to believe in you," Chen Dong pointed at Jobs, then looked at the other directors and said, "Gentlemen, I know this plan is risky, but as the largest shareholder, I am willing to endorse it."

Huasheng Fund will not only increase its investment, but will also leverage my network to help M Computer establish a robust software ecosystem. If M Computer still cannot gain traction after a year, I will take full responsibility.

The conference room was silent, everyone exchanging glances. Scully took a deep breath; he knew that at this moment, he had to be the first to express his support for Chen Dong. "I support Mr. Chen's plan. Rather than waiting to die, we might as well take a gamble."

Jobs was the only one in the room who raised his hand with a smile, saying, "I also support Tony's proposal!"

Wozniak glanced at Chen Dong, then at his old buddy Steve, and raised his hand as well. "I also support Mr. Chen's proposal!"

Although the representatives of the Ross Foundation and the Silo Corporation still had doubts, they could only raise their hands in agreement after seeing that the largest shareholder, the two founders, and Sculley's CEO had all expressed their support.

"Okay, since everyone agrees, then for the next two quarters, we'll go all out to promote the M computer," Chen Dong said with a smile. "I'll also persuade my friends in China to place an order with the company to purchase a batch of M computers, so we can have a great start to the year."

"Then let's adjourn the meeting now!"

Jobs stood up first, smiling broadly as he extended his hand to Chen Dong. "Tony, you'll be proud of the brilliant decision you made at the board meeting someday, I'm sure of it!"

"Hehehe!"

Steve Jobs remained as arrogant and unhumble as ever. Chen Dong smiled, shook his hand, and whispered, "Let's go to your office and talk some more. I have a new tech product I'd like you to see."

"Really? I'm looking forward to it." Jobs turned and led Chen Dong toward his office. Sculley followed. After the three of them sat down, Chen Dong took a box from the briefcase that Qu Cai had handed him and placed it on the table, gesturing for Jobs to open it and take a look.

With a puzzled look, Jobs opened the box in front of him. Inside was a square plastic electronic device with buttons and a small display screen. Jobs didn't know what it was, so he tentatively asked, "Tony, what's this?"

Scully leaned over for a glance and asked, "It's not a pager, is it? But it doesn't really look like one."

"No, neither," Chen Dong shook his head and said, "This is a trial 2G digital mobile network phone produced by one of the electronic communications companies I invested in in China."

"cell phone?!"