Chapter 414 The Perseverant Bill Gates
Lin Haoran smiled and nodded, "You should know him, though I'm not sure he knows you. He's Steve Jobs, the founder and chairman of Apple. I see in you the same determination and pride for success, that spirit of challenging authority and daring to innovate."
Upon hearing this, Bill Gates' eyes flashed with a mix of surprise and excitement.
He naturally understood Steve Jobs' position and influence in the tech world.
Since Apple's IPO, it had quickly become one of the top fifty publicly traded tech companies in America, and Jobs had already become an idol for many young people.
Being compared to someone like Steve Jobs by Lin Haoran filled Gates with immense honor.
"Mr. Lin, thank you so much for your praise. I will continue to work hard and won't let you down," Bill Gates said earnestly.
"Mr. Gates, how did you end up coming through the stairwell entrance just now?" Lin Haoran asked curiously.
Bill Gates showed a slightly embarrassed smile.
"Actually, I heard by chance that Citibank was hosting a year-end gala today, with many top business figures attending, including several big names in the computer industry.
I happened to be in New York from New Mexico for business and desperately wanted to attend.
I thought maybe this would be a chance for me.
Unfortunately, I wasn't invited.
The public elevators at Citibank's headquarters only go up to the 30th floor. Beyond that, ordinary visitors can't enter.
So, I thought of a plan — take the elevator to the 30th floor and then climb the stairs the rest of the way.
While climbing, I was caught by a patrolling guard, who chased me all the way here," Gates explained with a wry smile.
Lin Haoran instantly understood and couldn't help but admire Gates' perseverance.
Even if he had taken the elevator to the 30th floor, climbing 23 more floors on foot to reach the 53rd floor — while being chased — was no easy feat.
Thinking about it, Lin Haoran marveled at the determination of this future world's richest man.
He patted Gates on the shoulder and smiled, "Mr. Gates, your persistence and resolve are truly admirable.
To climb 23 floors for a mere possibility of opportunity — not everyone could do that."
Gates modestly replied with a smile, "Mr. Lin, you flatter me. I just believe that sometimes you have to work hard to seize opportunities.
Even if it was messy today, at least I tried and won't have regrets."
Lin Haoran nodded approvingly, "That's right. Opportunities favor those who are prepared.
Today's actions are the best proof.
And while I don't know exactly how strong Microsoft is yet, based on our conversation, I believe in your talent and that one day, you'll receive the recognition you deserve."
Then Lin Haoran added, "But in another way, perhaps today wasn't a failure — you met me, after all. Maybe that's fate in itself."
Bill Gates' eyes shone with sincerity as he nodded seriously, "Yes, it really feels like fate.
Although I only recently learned about you this month, Mr. Lin, you've already become my idol and role model.
I'll work hard to follow your example, constantly improving myself, and one day I hope to reach your level."
At this moment, Bill Gates was still a nobody in the tech world.
To be treated so seriously by a figure like Lin Haoran moved him deeply.
"If you don't mind, I'd like to be your friend," Lin Haoran suddenly said with a smile.
He had already begun considering investing in Microsoft.
Microsoft was still a tiny, insignificant company — even weaker than Apple was when he first invested in it.
When he had invested $10 million in Apple, the company had already made a name for itself with the Apple II.
Now, that investment had multiplied into $325 million.
In contrast, Microsoft's current rise was only thanks to a lucky contract from IBM.
Earlier this year, IBM selected Microsoft to develop the operating system for its new PC — a major turning point.
Microsoft paid $50,000 to acquire the rights to an operating system from a Seattle programmer named Patterson, adapted it, and offered it to IBM as MS-DOS.
As the IBM PC gained popularity, MS-DOS would dominate the industry, since every other PC manufacturer would want to be compatible with IBM.
Of course, at present, Microsoft's influence was still extremely limited.
Lin Haoran, however, knew that Microsoft's potential was immense.
In his past life, Bill Gates would become the world's richest man from 1995 to 2007 — 13 consecutive years, according to Forbes.
Thus, Lin Haoran understood very clearly:
Standing before him was a young man at the start of building a future empire.
"Be friends with me?" Bill Gates showed a look of astonishment, almost unable to believe it.
After all, right now, he was just a fledgling entrepreneur, while Lin Haoran was already a legendary billionaire.
In Gates' mind, someone like Lin Haoran would usually only associate with equally prominent elites — not unknown upstarts like himself.
Yet here was Lin Haoran, lowering himself to propose friendship.
Even if Gates was confident about Microsoft's future, he was still overwhelmed by the gesture.
"Yes. Unless, Mr. Gates, you're unwilling?" Lin Haoran said, smiling warmly, full of sincerity and anticipation.
At that moment, Bill Gates knew it wasn't a dream.
Deeply moved, he nodded vigorously, "Of course, Mr. Lin! It would be an honor to be your friend."
This was an unexpected blessing.
Gates had come to the event hoping for a slim chance to meet someone important — knowing full well he might be caught and thrown out.
Yet he had taken the risk anyway.
Because he knew:
If you didn't try, you'd never succeed.
And sometimes, even small chances were worth pursuing.
His drive was born not out of recklessness, but out of ambition.
Like Steve Jobs, Bill Gates believed he was destined for greatness.
Every time he saw Jobs and Apple shining in the tech world, Gates felt an urgent pressure to catch up — and to surpass.
That pressure wasn't resentment toward Jobs — it was a fire within himself, fueled by ambition and a refusal to be second-best.
Thus, Gates had thrown himself into this opportunity without hesitation.
"Very good. I believe you'll have a future that's no less brilliant than mine. Trust me — my judgment isn't wrong.
Just your actions today prove it!" Lin Haoran said, patting Gates on the shoulder, smiling brightly.
"Mr. Lin, you're too kind. Please, just call me Bill," Gates replied humbly and gratefully.
Internally, a sense of pride surged within him.
To be so recognized by someone like Lin Haoran — it was a tremendous boost.
Lin Haoran smiled at him and said warmly,
"Bill, your courage and perseverance deeply impress me.
In an era full of competition, it's rare to see young people like you who are unafraid of hardship and willing to forge ahead."
Bill Gates modestly smiled again, "Mr. Lin, I'm just doing what I believe is right — doing my best."
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