[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-reborn-starting-from-1993":3,"chapter-reborn-starting-from-1993-reborn-starting-from-1993-chapter-46":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","Reborn Starting from 1993",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2357030,4611,"Chapter 46: The Fairy Tale Enters Reality","reborn-starting-from-1993-chapter-46",46,"\u003Cp>“I’ll have our announcement published right away: Microsoft will not launch a computer brand—at least not for now—to quell this storm!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Grant looked at Bill Gates and said, right now, the most important thing was to calm things down, even if it meant making promises like not releasing Microsoft-branded computers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But these promises were just scraps of paper; once the storm passed and the timing was right, Microsoft could still launch whenever it wanted—what could other companies do about it?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bill Gates nodded; he understood Grant’s meaning. In fact, this storm had shown Bill Gates that now was truly not the right time to launch a Microsoft-branded computer—forcing it would mean isolating Microsoft from the American tech industry; stepping back now was actually better for Microsoft.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“A single statement won’t solve all the problems anymore. Microsoft needs to show its stance—at least resolve those damn lawsuits so the outside world sees Microsoft’s determination!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jon couldn’t help speaking up: if saying one sentence could make HP, Dell, and other companies believe Microsoft would no longer compete for the computer brand market, Jon absolutely didn’t believe it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing Jon’s words, Bill Gates turned to him with a questioning look—he could tell Jon’s statement clearly carried hidden meaning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Spencer, hiding behind the other Microsoft executives, suddenly felt a tightness in his chest, glared at Jon, yet felt anxious, silently praying Jon wouldn’t drag the hardware division’s lawsuit into this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This entire storm began with a lawsuit between the hardware division and an Asian company—the company sued, claiming the hardware division used their mouse patent!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jon didn’t care what Spencer was thinking—he laid it all out: the storm started when Li Dongling gave the TV interview, turning him into a tragic hero oppressed by Microsoft, sparking public discontent; as long as the lawsuit with Dongling High-Tech remained unresolved, how could the outside world see Microsoft’s determination to admit fault and correct it?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You mean all this was orchestrated by that company called Dongling High-Tech?!” Bill Gates asked sharply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I don’t know!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But I doubt it’s likely—more probably, other rivals seized this opportunity to amplify their media offensive against Microsoft.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But we must use this lawsuit to make a calculated concession—it will show the outside world Microsoft’s determination. If we concede on the mouse patent, we might resolve this entire storm immediately!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jon said, his meaning was clear: abandon the lawsuit over the mouse patent with Dongling High-Tech, let HP and others see Microsoft’s stance—if Microsoft won’t even fight over mice, why would it fight over computer brands?!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bill Gates glanced at Spencer—“borrowing” wasn’t something he’d blame Spencer for; Microsoft had done plenty of the same—but doing it and getting caught was what annoyed Bill Gates.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He thought for a moment, imagining Microsoft bowing to a company from what was seen as a technological wasteland—it felt unbearable. Bill Gates was proud.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the trouble this time, plus the sharp drop in Microsoft’s stock price after Green’s interview, and the looming antitrust investigation—Bill Gates reluctantly said, “Settle out of court!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Microsoft cannot admit defeat—it will never admit to copying Dongling High-Tech’s patented technology. Only an out-of-court settlement!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An out-of-court settlement meant paying Dongling High-Tech a sum in dollars and acknowledging the mouse patent belonged to Dongling High-Tech—that was the limit of what Bill Gates could accept.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Handle this lawsuit. I don’t want to see Dongling High-Tech publish another single word against Microsoft in the media!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bill Gates pointed at Spencer behind him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Spencer returned to his office, slammed everything on his desk to the floor, venting his anger—being forced to apologize and reconcile with an Asian company, especially one from China, felt like humiliation to him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bonas, hearing the news, rushed over and asked Spencer, “Are we really going to settle with Dongling High-Tech?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Damn Jon!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After venting, Spencer sighed helplessly, “It’s the Emperor’s direct order—what can I do? Buy tickets to New York—you’re coming with me!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In Larson’s law office, facing his new secretary—now with a fresh hairstyle, wearing a newly bought tight office suit that accentuated her figure, strutting back and forth in stilettos—Larson would normally have taken her out for drinks by now, but today he had no interest, making the secretary pout and stomp away in her stilettos.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Microsoft hasn’t moved at all yet—their stock has dropped 11%, $4.4 billion in market value vanished—does Bill Gates really not care?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Larson couldn’t help asking Li Dongling—he felt he was about to burst. Since major computer manufacturers issued their statements, Microsoft’s stock had plummeted, billions evaporating.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rumors even spread that Wall Street institutions were abandoning Microsoft. If it were Larson, he’d have cracked long ago—but Microsoft remained calm, making Larson start worrying for Bill Gates.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Dongling also shook his head helplessly: how could he guess what Bill Gates was thinking? Even Wall Street couldn’t figure him out. After all, in his past life, Bill Gates had nearly broken Microsoft apart fighting Netscape over browsers—someone who could reshape an industry would make any extreme choice without hesitation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But this time, it clearly hadn’t reached the point where Microsoft had to fight to the death—at least no rival was worth such a battle. Li Dongling felt Bill Gates wouldn’t let Microsoft truly sink into the embarrassment of an antitrust case—but until the end, who could say for sure?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Should we… add more fuel?” Larson couldn’t help saying.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Absolutely no more meddling!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Dongling stopped Larson: “The entire tech industry is watching this. If we act now, Microsoft will trace it back—no one wants to face Microsoft’s wrath alone!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Earlier, we were stoking the fire and muddying the waters—but now, every major tech company is watching. If we move now, we’re treating Microsoft like it’s not human. Li Dongling didn’t want to face Microsoft and Bill Gates’ fury alone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“There have been some misunderstandings about Microsoft recently. On behalf of Microsoft’s board, we declare: Microsoft will not launch a computer brand. Microsoft remains a system software provider!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Additionally, all lawsuits and disputes targeting Microsoft will be resolved in the near future…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On TV, Grant suddenly appeared. When listeners heard his words, Larson couldn’t help shouting in excitement, then wildly waving his fists—he already imagined millions of dollars flooding into his account.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After flying to New York with Spencer, Bonas, with no news from Bill Gates, went straight to Larson’s law office.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Li Dongling, Bonas felt guilty—Microsoft’s new mouse had genuinely “borrowed” the Silver Mink mouse design, and it was all his doing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In comparison, even though Spencer was here to seek peace, he still appeared aggressive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You won’t win this lawsuit—no matter who you hire,” Spencer looked down on Larson, the vulture lawyer. “Withdraw now—that’s the best choice!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Larson didn’t care about Spencer’s contempt: “This lawsuit is about Microsoft infringing our client’s patent. No matter how long it drags on, we will win!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If you withdraw, Microsoft can pay Dongling High-Tech compensation—or buy the mouse patent outright—that’s the best option!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before Spencer could speak again, Li Dongling cut in: “The patent for the Mechanical Silver Mink mouse belongs to Dongling High-Tech. We will not sell the patent!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Spencer stared at Li Dongling for a long moment, seeing his firm resolve, and felt a headache coming on: “Withdraw the suit, and you’ll immediately receive compensation—a sum your tiny company could never earn in a lifetime, enough for you to spend forever in China.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How about three million dollars?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Opening with three million, Spencer felt he’d shown sufficient sincerity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But to Spencer’s surprise, neither the vulture lawyer nor Li Dongling showed any reaction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Microsoft’s mouse, based on these patents, earned more than three million dollars in orders at the Las Vegas Computer Expo—orders that should have gone to the Mechanical Silver Mink!” Li Dongling said calmly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Spencer’s face darkened—he realized today’s settlement wouldn’t be easy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How much compensation do you want?” Bonas asked for Spencer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Larson and Li Dongling exchanged a glance, then slowly named a number that made both Spencer and Bonas stare wide-eyed: “Thirty-five million dollars!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re blackmailing us!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The federal court will never approve such absurd extortion!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Microsoft will never pay this compensation!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Spencer stood up trembling with rage—when had Microsoft ever bowed to an opponent? They’d lowered their heads to beg for peace, only to face a lion’s demand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Dongling and Larson watched Spencer rant calmly—they’d made their offer, now they waited for his counteroffer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for Spencer leaving—he was furious, cursing, but his feet were rooted to the floor, refusing to move.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No such compensation! I’ll tell Microsoft’s board—they’ll never agree!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Eight million dollars—that’s the maximum I can negotiate for you!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Thirty million dollars—only this compensation can make up for the psychological damage Microsoft inflicted on our client!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Larson was a veteran at demanding money—he could find endless excuses, summed up in one rule: no dollars, no withdrawal. Right now, Microsoft was the one in a hurry—their stock and market value kept plummeting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They argued for over half an hour, the compensation finally dragged to eighteen million dollars. Larson refused to budge further, but Spencer still hesitated—this settlement amount was still far too high!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The compensation cannot be lowered further—otherwise there’s no point continuing. If Microsoft agrees to pay, Dongling High-Tech will immediately withdraw the suit!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Additionally, Dongling High-Tech can license the Mechanical Silver Mink mouse patent to Microsoft for three million dollars per year—on condition Microsoft lets Dongling High-Tech handle all manufacturing.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Dongling spoke—this was the final offer. He could afford to wait a few more days—could Microsoft? Li Dongling sensed Spencer was far more anxious than he was. How much was compensation? Microsoft lost hundreds of millions for every 1% drop in stock price—who weighed what mattered more? Microsoft knew.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I need to report this to President Bill Gates!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Spencer said—the compensation was steep, but against Microsoft’s falling stock price, it was negligible. Gaining the mouse patent meant the hardware division wouldn’t suffer too much. As for who manufactured the mouse? To Spencer, it didn’t matter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next day, outside the Federal Court in Manhattan, New York, a crowd of reporters had gathered, having gotten wind of the news.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Li Dongling, Larson, Spencer, and others emerged, cameras flashed like lightning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“A fairy tale has come to life—though not perfectly, perhaps this is reality’s fairy tale. Today proves one thing: even the demon king can be defeated, and heroes who slay dragons do exist!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Dongling High-Tech and Microsoft have reached a settlement. This is thanks to the media and reporters here—and countless others covering this story. You are the embodiment of justice, the guardians of fairness. The Statue of Liberty is proud of you—you saved the world…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the entrance of the Manhattan Federal Court, Li Dongling lavished praise on the media and reporters who’d stirred up the chaos.\u003C\u002Fp>",1791,"2026-06-21T04:42:08.057Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","72bca37c1660afafb26e4aaf2a3f6368507592c2bbc8e9f7c1e0f9a81a306c34","reborn-starting-from-1993-chapter-47","reborn-starting-from-1993-chapter-45",989,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Freborn-starting-from-1993-cover.jpg"]