บท 93: Chapter 93: He Dares Not!
Although Spielberg's old man came and went in a hurry, waving away only some painful memories, Ethan waited in Hollywood for just two days before receiving good news brought by Spielberg.
"My dad got in touch with Professor Baer. After hearing about your experience, Professor Baer sincerely invites you to visit Nashua."
"He wants to meet you."
This decision thrilled Ethan, and he immediately opened his arms, embracing Spielberg.
"Oh, Steven! Thank you! Thank you for your help! And your father's! Please convey my gratitude to him!"
"Oh! I'm so happy right now! I don't even know what to say..."
Spielberg could understand Ethan's current emotions. After all, for practitioners in the gaming industry, the patent for TV games and training devices was like a huge mountain, making it hard for them to breathe. Now, that mountain could finally be removed, bringing immense joy to those given a new lease on life.
So, he accepted Ethan's embrace with calmness. However, when it came to conveying thanks, he had something to say.
"Oh, Ethan, if you want to thank my dad, you can do it in person after meeting him tomorrow."
"I think he'll be very happy to share in this joy with you."
"What?" Ethan looked puzzled, suspecting he might have misheard.
Spielberg continued to smile, saying, "Oh, Ethan, are my words that hard to understand?"
"My dad hasn't seen Professor Baer in over a year. Now that they've reconnected, he wants to go with us."
"Just consider it a visit to an old friend."
This fact made Ethan even more pleasantly surprised! At the same time, his gratitude intensified. Because he understood that no matter how impressive his prepared rhetoric about dreams and the poignant identity of a widower was, they couldn't compare to the magnetic pull of technical expertise and the heartwarming connections of being of the same Jewish heritage. With all these messy buffs appearing together, he even had a feeling that this trip wasn't about business at all—it was a special occasion for face-to-face interaction!
And the reality...
That was even more magical.
On the morning of October 24th, Ethan and his group arrived at Los Angeles International Airport. There, they boarded a United Airlines flight to Boston. After six hours of turbulence, they finally landed safely.
As soon as they disembarked, Ethan saw a black Chevrolet business car parked at the exit. Not only that, an elderly man in a beige suit jacket, floral shirt, lean stature, and glasses was standing beside the car.
Upon spotting them, the old man walked towards them.
Meanwhile, Old Spielberg and Arnold also put down their luggage and went to greet him.
Then, they all exchanged big hugs.
"Oh, Arnold! We meet again—" The old man in the floral shirt exclaimed loudly. "It's been a year; I've missed you so much."
"Oh, Rudolf! You actually came to the airport? This really moves me—" Old Spielberg laughed and said, "I was planning to have lunch before coming to see you, but unexpectedly... Oh—you're just too enthusiastic—"
Exactly!
Starting from 1972, Professor Ralph H. Baer, who had been strangling the throat of the entire American TV gaming industry, personally came to pick them up!
After Ralph H. Baer and Arnold Spielberg exchanged greetings, they also came over to the three.
The old man first greeted Steven Spielberg, whom he knew, then, with the introduction of his old friend, shook hands with Steve Jobs, who accompanied them. Afterward, he stopped in front of Ethan Jones.
The 53-year-old man glanced at Ethan, then said:
"Ethan Jones?"
"The inventor of 'Snake Game'?"
"Yeah." Ethan smiled and nodded, "Professor Baer, hello."
Honestly, he was feeling a bit awkward right now.
Before coming, he had discussed Professor Ralph H. Baer many times.
When the colossal figure, which had always existed in discussions, the real god he wanted to conquer, finally appeared, even if he had made many preparations before, it was still useless at this moment because no matter how perfect the illusion was, it was still an illusion! And now, standing in front of him, it was real!
However, Ralph H. Baer had no discomfort at all. Smiling, he opened his arms and said, "How about a hug?"
At the same time, he added, "I've played 'Snake Game,' and I admit, in game design, you're better than me."
This statement surprised Ethan a bit. After hugging Ralph H. Baer, the old man with a Mediterranean hairstyle whispered in his ear, "Ethan, even though we're meeting for the first time, I still want to say sorry to you."
"Because Milowa's lawsuit has caused you harm."
"Arnold told me. You're just a simple game creator. You just want to make games, make games that can bring joy to people. And in this process, you encountered my obstruction. For that, I deeply apologize."
"Ethan, after Arnold and I talked about your situation, I took the time to learn more about you. You are an outstanding young man, and even more, a good one. Despite the loss of your father, you still embrace life positively, which brings me great joy. Your selfless help to Chuck Peddle and others is truly admirable. I'm not just being polite; I mean it sincerely."
"Kid, you are innocent."
"It's because of my tacit approval that Magnavox subjected you to brutality, and for that, I feel ashamed."
"If possible, I hope you can accept my apology."
'!'
Several apologies appeared in these short sentences?
This fact left Ethan stunned!
Because he simply couldn't believe his ears!
But when Arnold Spielberg patted Ralph H. Baer on the shoulder, signaling the old man not to dwell too much, Ethan, who had come back to his senses, also took the initiative to pat the old man's back and comfort him.
At the same time, his own face was full of emotion.
What on earth was going on now?
He himself was a bit confused!
But one thing he was very clear about!
Whether a person is good or bad does not depend on what that person has done, but on what others see and want to judge.
And when Ralph H. Baer released his goodwill in public, the following communication naturally flowed.
Led by the old man, the group went to a restaurant in Boston and had a late lunch.
At the dining table, Ralph H. Baer carefully learned about the course of events. When he learned that Atari played an accomplice role in Magnavox's lawsuit, the old man who had once given Nolan Bushnell a way out suddenly exploded in anger. When he found out that, under Ethan Jones's coercion, Atari would bear all the compensation, he breathed a sigh of relief and said it was the best outcome.
When he discovered that, even after suffering Magnavox's heavy blow, Ethan still wanted to make games, he expressed appreciation for Ethan's persistence.
At the same time, he nodded and said, "I know why you called me. Chuck Peddle is also a member of the IEEE. It's just that his rank is not as high as mine and Arnold's. Besides, Motorola has also bought my patent, so I know your approach to the MOS 6502 CPU. Since I've called you here, it means I'm willing to accept your invitation. So, once you've registered the company, just invite me directly to be your company's technical advisor."
This proposal made Ethan smile happily, and while expressing his thanks, he said, "Oh, Ralph..."
"Call me Rudolf." Ralph H. Baer interrupted, "I still like that name. Although my childhood wasn't very happy, this name witnessed my growth. I don't like those painful memories, but I want to remember that experience."
"Oh, okay, Rudolf." Ethan quickly changed his address, "I have a question. Is the role of a technical advisor legally compliant? Uh... I mean... if we can't produce a patent similar to the TV game and training device, Magnavox might..."
Speaking up to here, Ethan stopped.
Because he felt it wasn't appropriate to continue.
But Ralph H. Baer laughed, leaned back in his chair, played with the cup in his hand, and said, "Ethan, I know what you're concerned about. Legally speaking, the role of an advisor can't bypass the issue of patent infringement because only my personal involvement in a project and product complies with the California Code's requirement for free development. But..."
"Is this important?"
"Is this just a public attitude for everyone to see?"
"Does Magnavox dare to sue me?"
Ralph H. Baer looked at Ethan Jones with a smile, and a few words came out of his mouth, "He dares not."
"Let alone it, even if Philips came, they wouldn't dare."
"So..."
"Ethan, go ahead with confidence."
"After the new game is released, send me a copy. Like Steven, I also want to see what new ideas you have."
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