In the computer and technology world, a big fight was starting. It was all about antivirus software.
The battle to get the most customers was even crazier than the one between Microsoft and Netscape. Big names like Symantec, McAfee, and Kaspersky were all part of this.
Even though the big fight wouldn't happen for a few more years, these companies were already quietly growing. They did everything they could to beat their rivals and get more customers.
Of course, Zane knew all about McAfee's future!
It would become the world's second-biggest antivirus software.
It would make over $5 billion every year.
It would have over 300 million users.
In 2010, the company Intel would buy McAfee for $7.7 billion.
How could Zane not have heard of such a huge company in his old life?
So, right after the big computer meeting, Zane asked his lawyer, Mark, to hire someone to check out the antivirus market.
Two days later, Zane got the report.
"Wow!" he said, reading it. "It looks like the most powerful antivirus software right now is Symantec. They charge $99 for a home version and $20,000 a year for a business version. And they just got $200 million in cash from investors. That's enough money to beat hundreds of other companies."
Zane sighed. That was a lot of money.
"But McAfee," he read, "is having a hard time. They are running out of money. This is my chance!"
A week later, Zane, all prepared, called McAfee. Just as he'd thought, the company really needed money.
The two sides talked, and it went very well. Instead of trying to get a super-low price, Zane made a good, fair offer. He wanted to be a good partner.
Zane spent $10 million to get 15% of McAfee. He paid 20% more than the company was worth on the market.
This money wasn't nearly as much as the $200 million Symantec had, but it was a lifeline. It was enough for McAfee to get back in the game and solve its problems. The president of McAfee, George Samenuk, was very happy and thankful.
Computer viruses weren't a huge problem yet, but Zane knew they would be. Soon, thousands of new viruses would be made every day. This was the perfect time to get in.
$10 million for 15% of McAfee? Zane knew he'd made a great deal. Even if he did nothing else, this one move would make him a billionaire one day.
"Perfect!" he cheered. He couldn't help himself. He actually did a little dance in his living room. "Yes! I found another gold mine!"
After that, in mid-September, Zane was busy again.
Ms. Donna, the president of his TV network, came to report on "America's Got Talent."
"Boss, the first season is over!" she said, smiling. "We had 14 episodes. An average of 45 million people watched each one, and the finale had 60 million! We're one of the top three cable TV shows in the country!"
Zane nodded, very pleased. "That's amazing, Donna. What about the paid subscribers?"
"That's the best part," she said, her voice full of excitement. "We now have 40 million people paying for our website every month."
Wow! Even Zane, who was used to big numbers, was shocked.
This was all money!
The membership was cheap, only $4 a month. But 40 million members meant they were making $160 million a month.
"That's even more money than the ads!" Zane realized.
He thought about HBO, another big channel that didn't have ads and made tons of money just from members.
"No wonder," Zane thought, "everyone loves making variety shows. They make so much money!"
He and Donna then spent time planning the future of the TV network, talking about new TV dramas and other shows.
The next afternoon, Zane hurried over to his movie studio, Wald Pictures.
"Hi, Shyamalan, long time no see!" Zane said with a big, friendly smile.
"Hi, Mr. Blackwood," the director, M. Night Shyamalan, said. His voice was a little grumpy. "You're a rare guest. As the producer of 'The Sixth Sense,' you haven't been to the set... not even once."
Zane just laughed, a warm, friendly laugh. He wasn't offended at all.
"Oh, come on, Shyamalan, you're not wrong!" Zane said, holding up his hands. "But I haven't been that far away, have I? I may not have been on set, but I've been watching every single scene you sent over."
Shyamalan was suddenly speechless.
Zane was right. Even though he wasn't there in person, Zane sent new notes every few days. He had already sent seven or eight pages of ideas.
How could Zane not take it seriously? He knew this movie was going to make $600 million!
"Okay, you two, stop talking," Victor said, walking in with a smile. "Let's go into the theater and take a look at the film."
Victor wasn't alone. There were two men and a woman with him—the main actors from "The Sixth Sense."
"Bruce, Angelina, this is our producer, Zane Blackwood," Victor said.
Zane shook the actor's, Bruce Willis's, hand. Then he turned to the actress, Angelina Jolie.
Zane's eyes stayed on her for a few seconds. He had to admit, she had a real presence. He could see she was going to be a huge star. He smiled warmly and shook her hand as well.
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