"So you went to Atari to threaten them?"
"Oh, Ethan! How could you do something so dangerous? What if they got angry and pulled out their guns to fight you? Ethan! You're only twenty years old—turning twenty-one in November, right? Why are you still so impulsive?"
That night, as soon as Ethan Jones got home, he noticed that the villa opposite his house was brightly lit.
He knocked on the door and entered, proudly recounting the day's in great detail.
When Evelyn Johnson learned that her brother had decided to reach a settlement with Magnavox and had already taken action, she simply nodded, expecting as much. But when she discovered that Ethan had actually gone to atari, threatened Nolan Bushnell, and forced Atari to swallow the bitter pill by essentially risking his life, the girl stirring the salad looked up in surprise.
Although her voice was high-pitched and her tone fierce, the deep concern in her eyes made Ethan, leaning against the door, laugh.
"Oh, Evelyn Atari already punched me in the face. Can't I fight back?"
"This isn't about not fighting back! It's about you personally taking risks!" Evelyn Johnson stepped closer, poking his chest hard with her finger. "Safety issue! You know?"
"Yeah I know" Ethan smiled and nodded, agreeing. Then, with a shrug, he added:
"I know I could have used other ways to show Atari and the others my anger and determination, but honestly… nothing feels better than confronting them directly. Because from the moment we met, they set a trap for me. Because from the moment we met, they wanted to steal my stuff! And when I realized that, I just… wanted to punch them in the face!"
Ethan clenched his right hand into a fist. Evelyn pursed her lips, watching him. After a long moment, she shook her head with a helpless smile.
"Okay, okay. I understand how you feel, but I still don't agree with what you did. And… well, things have happened, and you're back safe. So no matter what I say, you'll feel you were right, won't you?"
"Of course" Ethan's eyebrows lifted with a grin, pride written all over his face.
"See," Evelyn said, "there's no problem. Since ancient times, in any country or civilization, it's always the winner who matters. Victory can cover up everything! Sure, you're a little reckless and impulsive, but the deed is done. That's enough."
Evelyn studied his cheerful smile, knowing full well that Ethan would likely ignore her advice. Yet she still wanted to know whether he had made any other preparations before heading to Atari. If he had an alternative plan, she would give him a thumbs-up for thoughtfulness. If not… well, even if the matter got resolved, he would still need a scolding.
When Evelyn asked what was on her mind, Ethan's answer was straightforward:
"Wow I'm not an idiot, okay! How could I really die with those two idiots? I only dared to go today and threaten them because they think the most valuable thing I have is my game copyright!"
When they believe that the thing they're holding onto is all my wealth, I fight for everything against them. That is the true reflection of ordinary people in their eyes. At that moment, they become afraid—afraid that I will fight for everything. A trivial matter could drag them into the abyss. After all, in their eyes, their lives are more precious than mine.
Ethan looked at Evelyn with burning eyes. He wanted to say that his idea was a variation of "people who are barefoot are not afraid of wearing shoes," but he knew she wouldn't understand.
So he continued: "Honestly, if they didn't think that way—if they knew I had a stake in a chip company and future investments in Steve Jobs' computer company—I wouldn't even be here today. I would do what Barbara said: consider myself unlucky, sell the game rights, and use it to fill the hole caused by my ignorance.
Do you think I really care about Snake Game? No! What I really care about is that they're trying to cheat me! They think I'm easy to fool! They think I can be cheated! That's right! Ethan Jones doesn't care about the copyright to Snake Game!
Who would? I have too many other ideas in my mind. Every lesson I've learned has led to a hit. When a great prospect is in front of me, I won't die for a game's copyright!
I went to Atari today to send a message. If Nolan Bushnell and Don Valentine were intimidated, everyone would be happy. And if they didn't accept the threat, I could dump Snake Game on the market at will. Let Steve Jobs take the lead and sell it to MCA? After all, compared with chips and Apple, a video game copyright is truly insignificant!"
Ethan's words stunned Evelyn for a few seconds, then left her with a look that wavered between laughter and tears.
"You went to Atari just to vent your anger?"
"Of course!" Ethan raised his hand and patted his face. "That's exactly why I went."
Hearing answer, Evelyn shook her head and asked again:
"What if—what if Nolan Bushnell and Don Valentine weren't intimidated? What if their attitude stayed tough?"
"That would be even more embarrassing!" Ethan shrugged. "Then I'll say harsh words to them and come back! Anyway, I've already been embarrassed in front of them once, so why be afraid of a second time?"
Ethan's childish bravado made Evelyn laugh repeatedly. Maybe it was because his actions were so audacious, or maybe because she was simply happy that the matter was resolved. Smiling, she suddenly raised her hand, wiped the corners of her eyes, and said:
"Okay, okay, I was wrong. I misjudged you. You're not innocent—you're a scoundrel!"
From Evelyn's perspective, Ethan's way of venting his anger was no different from a child playing house. At most, it had upgraded from the six-year-old version to the 18+ adult PLUS edition.
"But Ethan…"
"Thank you." He smiled back. "Because I like the word 'rogue.' Isn't that what people fight for all their lives?—one's reputation—is worth alot!
Is the process a little inelegant? That doesn't matter at all! Coming into this world from the 21st century, I know what a real business war looks like. False business wars are all about intrigues, strategizing, far-reaching plans, and defeating others without fighting. Real business war…"
High-level business wars often emphasize simplicity! The first lesson a real capitalist must learn is DuPont's martial virtues: as long as you can physically eliminate your competitors, you will be the biggest winner in the market!
No way… who made this world so ruthless?