Lin BaoCheng's business interests in the U.S. were not many, and even fewer required his personal management. His main focus was at New Century Software, leading the development of office software, while each day he also set aside some time to check in on the Tank Battle game development site.
Starlight Company was managed by Eric Davis, with Isabella occasionally overseeing. Lin only needed to review its status periodically.
Starlight Company had originally been Galaxy Games' U.S. branch, but since its role was building distribution channels and managing stores — which would sell not only Galaxy's consoles but also toys and merchandise — Lin formally registered it as a separate company.
Starlight was spun off from Galaxy Games and placed under an offshore entity, mainly for tax purposes. Structurally, it was equal in rank to Galaxy Games.
Lin remained a major shareholder in both Apple and Microsoft, but he didn't participate in management. Isabella visited occasionally to supervise.
He also kept an eye on his gold futures investments. Recently, prices had trended downward, falling below 190 USD per ounce. For now, Lin wasn't taking action, just monitoring daily.
Meanwhile, Starlight was promoting the Rubik's Cube toy, focusing on California, where most of its stores were located. Concentrating efforts locally allowed for greater impact with less spending.
The cube was novel but not revolutionary. It needed time to catch on with children and parents, so initial sales weren't explosive. Still, thanks to heavy advertising on TV and in newspapers, results were decent. With time, Lin believed sales would improve.
Eric's current tasks were expanding store numbers and promoting the cube.
Half a month passed quickly in Los Angeles.
One day, Isabella reported: "Boss, Apple's chairman Steve Jobs wants to visit you here in Los Angeles. He has something to discuss."
Lin was curious what Jobs wanted, but agreed to meet.
That afternoon, Jobs arrived at New Century Software.
"Jobs, welcome!" Lin greeted.
Born in 1955, Jobs was only 23 — close in age to Lin. Because of that, they got along well. Since coming to the U.S., Lin had occasionally kept in touch with Jobs, as well as Bill Gates and Paul Allen.
"Allen, long time no see!" Jobs said warmly.
They shook hands, and Lin led him to the office. Isabella brought coffee and stayed.
"Jobs, Isabella said you had something important to discuss. What is it?" Lin asked. He knew it wasn't trivial — otherwise Jobs could have called.
Jobs began: "Allen, Apple is doing well, as you know."
Lin nodded.
Jobs continued: "But Apple is still a small company. Our personal computers sell well because we pioneered the concept. The market is still in its early stages, with no real competitors yet.
"But once giants like IBM notice the personal computer market, Apple will face its strongest rival. We may not be able to compete. That's why we must grow as fast as possible before the giants move in — to become a big company quickly. Then, even if challenged, we'll be strong enough to fight back."
"I think I understand what you're getting at," Lin said. He knew Apple was still weak. Against IBM, they'd be crushed.
"Jobs, are you asking for financing? I don't object in principle."
"Financing is the last resort," Jobs shook his head. "What I want is for you to help us secure a loan from Goldman Sachs."
"A loan? That makes sense," Lin nodded. With confidence in the company's future, borrowing was preferable to diluting shares.
"Jobs, since you came to me, the amount must be large. Otherwise you could approach another bank. Am I right?"
Jobs nodded seriously: "Five million USD. I hope to borrow five million, so I need your help."
"At Apple's current scale, that's a lot," Lin said. When he had invested, Apple was valued at 600 million HKD (about 600 USD thousand equivalent), giving him 30% shares. In reality, Apple's valuation then was only 300 million HKD. Even now, it was under 10 million USD.
A company worth less than 10 million USD seeking a 5 million loan was ambitious. Without heavy assets, banks wouldn't lend unless shareholders pledged shares.
Jobs pressed: "Allen, you're our major shareholder. If you can, we hope you'll help."
"As a major shareholder, it's my duty. Tonight I'll take you to meet Wade Thomas, an executive at Goldman. You've met him before," Lin said, agreeing.
If he refused, Apple's management might turn to equity financing, diluting his shares. Apple's shares would be extremely valuable in the future, so Lin didn't want dilution.
Though he could avoid dilution by buying more, that would leave Jobs and others diluted, breeding resentment. Lin preferred to avoid that unless absolutely necessary.
Seeing Lin agree, Jobs was delighted. With the loan, Apple could enter a period of rapid growth.