Half an hour later, bedroom. Ethan collapsed on the bed, staring blankly at the ceiling. The yellowed walls still bore the marks of time.
But right now, none of that mattered—his mind was already drowning.
The "Prof. Vinton" his sister Evelyn Johnson had mentioned was actually the co-inventor of the TCP/IP protocol? Doesn't that make him the father of the Internet?
These were the top scientists in America! True geniuses who could influence policy-making and even shape future laws!
And such an incredible guy was actually his sister's backer?
Ethan clapped a hand over his mouth, trying hard not to laughing. But no matter how much he suppressed it, whooshing sounds still slipped out between his fingers.
Indecent as it might seem, he couldn't help it—he was thrilled!
So what if he didn't have a cheat? Who cares? If he had powerful support to cling to, that was just as good!
When his laughter finally subsided, Ethan thought back to Evelyn's words.
In fact, when she said Barbara Babcock had selfish motives for helping Vinton Cerf—consolidating their relationship and making a long-term investment in favors—Ethan had already been surprised. Surprised by Barbara Babcock's honesty. Surprised by her actions.
As a lawyer, she didn't chase only financial gain. That kind of behavior stood out in America, a land crawling with vulture lawyers. Yet her meticulous mastery of relationships made her stand head and shoulders above the rest.
Money? She probably had enough of that. But extending her influence into every corner of America—that was the true pursuit of someone like her.
It seems good people are good no matter where they are! People who have the ability to change the world are the best social resources in the world? that theory was actually pretty practical.
Ethan, still lying on the bed, felt strong emotion. At the same time, he realized he'd made some mistakes.
Anyone truly devoted to technology has a heart to change the world. They care more about their inventions than anyone else. And because of that, they choose their investors very carefully.
And once they realize there are investors who can help others achieve their dreams without demanding immediate returns, they'll run forward, projects in hand.
Helping Chuck Peddle solve the MOS 6502 patent issue might mean sacrificing some of his own interests. But if he pulled it off—Ethan Jones would earn a reputation that would echo through the tech world!
By then, Ethan Jones was convinced: as long as he dared to open an investment company, all those tech folks eager to start businesses would be lining up, flooding him with projects!
Help and generosity backed by real examples—that's what entrepreneurs crave most!
This kind of reputation is worth more than money! Sequoia Capital might be impressive, sure—but that's just "angel investing" in name. And him?
My dear sister, you're trying to push me into sainthood! Once Ethan decided to help Chuck Peddle, he didn't hesitate anymore. He got up, left his room, and quietly made his way to his sister's bedroom. Gently, he knocked on the door.
The bang, bang, bang sounded less like knocking and more like a call to the future—or maybe a farewell to his immature self.
"What are you doing?" came an irritated voice from inside.
"Evelyn, when are we going to see Prof. Barbara?" Ethan asked with a grin.
"Weren't you refusing to help?" Her mocking voice floated out.
"Sister I was wrong" Ethan put on his most pitiful tone. "Ethan Jones is a man who admits his mistakes and corrects them!"
And to prove his sincerity, he dramatically pulled a slip of paper from his pocket and began reciting the "speech" he had just written:
"Sister I never went to college, I haven't received higher education, and I don't know enough about the world. My vision is shallow, so when I do things, my considerations are naturally limited. But after listening to your words just now, I've realized this problem deeply. I think what you said is very reasonable, so—"
Before Ethan could even finish, the bedroom door swung open. Evelyn stood there, already changed into a crisp shirt and jeans, looking sharp and composed.
The sight caught Ethan completely off guard. He quickly clenched the paper in his fist and tried to hide it. With his other hand, he gave a small, awkward wave.
"Hi~"
"Hmph. Not sincere at all," Evelyn muttered. Then she brushed past him, heading downstairs.
"Let's go. I just called Barbara—she's at home. We'll go straight there."
......
Barbara Babcock also lived in Palo Alto, only a few minutes' drive from Los Gatos.
When Ethan pulled up in front of a three-story villa, Barbara had already opened the door, having heard their arrival. She welcomed them warmly inside.
After brief pleasantries, she served fruit, coffee, desserts, and snacks. Her spontaneous enthusiasm left both Ethan and Evelyn flustered.
Once they had thanked her repeatedly, the three of them quickly got down to business.
Fortunately, Ethan had already organized his thoughts on the way over, so his explanation was sharp and concise:
Three points:
I discovered the cheapest central microprocessor in the world.The pre-version of this processor infringed on an existing patent. The patent holder sued the developer, and the two parties reached an out-of-court settlement. The developer gave up all rights to the pre-version and paid $200,000 in compensation.Because of those issues, the developers created a new version. It works extremely well, and if released at a low price, it could have a huge impact on the personal computer industry. But because of lingering patent concerns, the developers have been reluctant to officially release it.
Summary:
I was moved by the selfless spirit of the R&D team. I want to help them. So I'd like to ask if there's a way to secure a patent for their new version of the central microprocessor.
When Evelyn Johnson heard Ethan Jones say he admired people like Chuck Peddle and had decided to help, she immediately pursed her lips, leaned back on the sofa, and almost burst into laughter.
Ms. Barbara Babcock, however—blond curls framing her serious face—was too focused on Ethan's explanation to notice Evelyn's reaction. After listening carefully, the law professor pushed her glasses up the bridge of her nose, a puzzled expression spreading across her face.
Because, to her ears Ethan had to be joking.
"Ethan, are you kidding me?" Barbara asked.
"Prof. Barbara, why would you say that?" Ethan looked genuinely confused.
"Because your question has no answer!" Barbara leaned back, spread her hands, and said, "You just told me that the developer and the patent owner already reached a settlement over the previous chip?"
"Yes." Ethan nodded.
"Then it's simple. The developer has already admitted to the world that they infringed someone else's patent!"
Barbara's voice rose as she continued: "In that case, since their new chip is based on the redevelopment of an infringing product, then from any angle you look at it—it's still infringement!
And the worst part? When naming their new product, they actually reused the naming convention of the old, already-infringing one?"
She threw up her hands. "My God! Isn't that insane?"
"You might think my words are too harsh," she said, lowering her tone only slightly, "but I'm telling you this from the perspective of judges and juries in court. They don't understand technology. All they can grasp are product codes.
If MOS 6501 was already ruled as infringing on Motorola's 6800, then the moment Motorola sues and says 'the 6502 also infringes,' the judge will side with them—because the name itself makes it look like a continuation of the infringing product.
Their reasoning will be: If MOS 6502 isn't infringing, then why keep such a similar name? Why insist on tying it to a product already confirmed as an infringement? Clearly, even the company itself feels the new chip isn't much different from its predecessor. So how can they possibly convince the court that the 6502 is clean?"
Barbara crossed her legs, exasperation written all over her face.
"If the naming had been different, at least professionals could be brought in to evaluate and argue whether the chips were truly similar. But with continuity in the name?
Forget it. The lawsuit is already lost before it starts.
This isn't about whether they really infringed or not. It's about whether they have any common sense."
She stopped there, silent for a moment. Then, after two seconds of thought, she added flatly:
"Ethan, here's my advice: don't get involved in this mess.
A chip like the MOS 6502 can't be saved. Let it die."