Now that Ethan Jones had reached an agreement with Steve Jobs, the next step for them was to move the "Snake Game" machine from San Francisco to Atari.
As Ethan left, Mr. FBI wore a puzzled expression. Initially, Ethan thought he was concerned about the credibility of Steve Jobs. But when he confirmed that Jobs was trustworthy, Mr. FBI's response nearly left Ethan breathless.
"Huh? I was just thinking that no one will watch the booth after you leave. I just met an angel baby, and I want to chat more with her!"
"Goodbye!" Ethan glared at him fiercely.
"No! Never again!"
Ethan forcefully closed the car door. Stepping on the gas, he followed behind Steve Jobs' motorcycle, returning to Los Gatos.
Atari's current office was in Los Gatos. It was only a few miles from Ethan's residence at Thomas Johnson's villa.
This proximity became the reason Magnavox internally criticized Ethan Jones. Well, who asked him to be so damn close to Atari?
The journey home always felt familiar. After Ethan and Steve Jobs entered the Atari factory gates, the vast area symbolized strength, and the bustling production team reflected busy operations.
"Here, we produce the old machines," Steve Jobs briefly explained. "The arcade machines here... Hmm?"
"I know, I know" Ethan nodded, indicating he understood that these machines lacked copyrights.
Speaking with smart people was simple. Led by Steve Jobs, Ethan quickly toured the Atari factory. Although the production style with the sky as the roof and the earth as the home felt somewhat makeshift, it didn't matter, right?
Ethan came to discuss cooperation, not to acquire the company! After a brief tour, Ethan followed Steve Jobs into the office area.
Ethan thought he would have to wait for a while before seeing Nolan Bushnell, as he was now a well-known figure.
However, Steve Jobs, walking in front of him, seemed to feel at home everywhere. Without greeting or knocking, he pushed aside all obstacles in his path.
Especially when opening the door to the general manager's office, he shouted, "Hey! Nolan! What are you doing?"
Nolan Bushnell's response was also different from the norm.
"Oh! Steve! You're back!"
This bearded man stood up directly, giving Steve Jobs a hug. "Look at your excited look; you must have successfully completed the task? Oh... who is this?"
"You might need the answers." Steve Jobs winked at Nolan Bushnell.
The next second, Nolan Bushnell, who understood his meaning, warmly extended his right hand to Ethan.
"Oh, hello, sir. I'm Nolan Bushnell, and you are..."
In accordance with social etiquette, at this moment, Nolan Bushnell should be inquiring about what Ethan prefers to be called.
However, as this middle-aged man focused his gaze on Ethan's face, countless furrows appeared on his forehead.
He squinted at Ethan and, with an incredulous tone, asked, "Sir, forgive my rudeness, but have we met somewhere before? Why do I feel like I've seen you before?"
Ethan Jones smiled slightly at this question, extended his right hand for a handshake, and nodded, "Yes, Mr. Bushnell, three years ago in Burlingame, I was the one who received you."
"Oh My God!!!" With this reminder from Ethan, Nolan Bushnell suddenly remembered everything! Because initially, Magnavox's Odyssey launch event was held there!
"Damn? How did you end up here?"
Despite the profanity, Nolan Bushnell's face beamed with a happy smile, "Although we haven't met in a long time, but... honestly, brother, I've always remembered your name, Ethan... Jones, right?"
Nolan Bushnell's tone was hesitant, but his face was filled with anticipation.
"Yeah," Ethan Jones nodded with a smile, "Mr. Bushnell, it seems your memory is excellent!"
"Wow~You guys know each other?"
The conversation between the two surprised Steve Jobs a bit. Simultaneously, he noticed some clues from Ethan and Bushnell's dialogue, "Ethan Jones?... Could it be that you are..."
"Haha~ You guessed it right~" Ethan didn't hide it, shrugged and said, "I'm the guy kicked out by Magnavox.
Because I sent Mr. Bushnell the invitation to Odyssey."
At that moment, Steve Jobs finally understood why Ethan Jones had looked at him with such shock when they first met! As the 'hero' who directly gave birth to Atari after being kicked out by Magnavox and cherished by Atari people, this coincidence was truly surprising!
Ethan Jones didn't confirm or deny Steve Jobs' thoughts. After all, he couldn't tell Steve Jobs, 'I was really shocked by your appearance,' right?
That would be too 'gay'! Since everyone 'knows' each other, and the lawsuit between Magnavox and Atari has already concluded, communication between the two sides has become much simpler.
When Nolan Bushnell learned that after leaving Magnavox, Ethan Jones started making games on his own, he expressed encouragement with a smile. And when he found out that Steve Jobs singled out Ethan's game at today's expo, he became even more curious about that game.
So, he walked out of the office area in a few steps, went to his own factory, and started testing "Snake."
The crisp sound of coins falling into the box rang out. As the snake on the screen grew bigger again and again but couldn't escape its fate of death, Nolan Bushnell also gave high praise to this creative game—
"This could definitely become a groundbreaking game!"
"Absolutely!"
"It's more fun than 'Pong'!"
"No! It's more fun than all the games on the market!"
"Ethan, are you selling it?"
Nolan Bushnell gripped the joystick, his eyes fixed on Ethan.
Looking at the panting figure, Ethan shook his head. "Mr. Bushnell, I think your words might not be sincere, right?"
The remark left Nolan Bushnell momentarily stunned.
A second later, he instinctively glanced at Steve Jobs.
Steve, however, decisively shook his head, signaling that he had nothing to do with this.
That reaction made Nolan Bushnell chuckle. Straightening up, he clapped his hands. "Alright, Ethan. Since you already know the details, I'll go call my partner directly. Please wait a moment — we'll sit down and have a proper talk."