Apple's development had entered the fast lane, requiring no attention from Lin BaoCheng.
But Microsoft, in which he had also invested at the same time, showed little progress and remained much the same.
Microsoft's main business was selling its BASIC interpreter, alongside developing PC programming tools. BASIC — "Beginner's All-purpose Symbolic Instruction Code" — was designed for novice programmers.
Because different computers extended BASIC differently, programs written in BASIC often weren't compatible across machines. For example, graphics commands varied widely — the so‑called "dialect problem."
The BASIC interpreter acted like a translator, converting dialects into a common language. This had market demand, and with the rise of personal computers and microcomputers, the market would grow.
But overall, the number of people needing BASIC interpreters was limited, so the market was small.
Thus, Bill Gates and Paul Allen were still developing other programming software, searching for new profit streams.
At present, Microsoft hadn't yet found the right path. Lin BaoCheng wasn't sure his investment would steer them correctly, so he decided to visit personally and advise Gates and Allen.
A few days later, Lin traveled to Redmond, near Seattle, where Microsoft was based.
Redmond was then a small town of about 20,000 people. Only after Microsoft grew would the population rise and the town transform into a city.
Microsoft's office was rented, but the environment was decent.
Seeing two cars parked outside, Gates and Allen guessed Lin had arrived. They came out and greeted him.
"Allen, Miss Isabella!" "Bill! Paul!"
They shook hands. Since coming to America, Lin had spoken with them by phone, but this was only their second in‑person meeting since signing the investment contract.
Isabella also greeted them warmly; she had visited occasionally and was more familiar with them.
Inside, Lin's bodyguards waited outside except for Chen YaoXian, who accompanied him in.
"Everyone, gather here. I'll introduce our major shareholder, Mr. Lin BaoCheng from Hong Kong," Gates announced.
About a dozen employees came — most hired after Lin's financing.
"Allen, would you like to say a few words?" Gates asked.
Lin nodded: "I believe under Bill and Paul's leadership, the company will grow strong. Work hard. Your efforts now, alongside the company's growth, will bring you rich rewards in the future."
If these employees stayed with Microsoft long‑term, without leaving or being eliminated, their future incomes would be substantial.
Lin didn't say much more; he wasn't involved in daily management.
Gates and Allen then showed him their current products and newly developed software. Lin saw they were niche programs. They had markets, but none could earn big money.
He understood their caution. Microsoft was still weak. Competing in crowded markets could mean ruin. Better to grow slowly, even with modest profits.
Later, Lin and Isabella joined Gates and Allen in their shared office. Chen YaoXian stayed outside.
"Bill, Paul, have you considered developing an operating system? One that manages computer hardware and software resources, optimizes usage, prioritizes system demands, controls input and output devices, and handles networking?" Lin asked.
He explained his intent. Ideally, he'd build an OS himself, but as a foreigner he knew it would be suppressed once PCs entered households. American companies' OS would dominate. Better to let Microsoft do it.
"An operating system? That's a good idea," Paul Allen said, eyes lighting up.
Gates was tempted too, but cautious: "Allen, you know our situation. For an OS to succeed, it must be compatible with many computers' hardware and software. That would cost a fortune. We may not have the funds."
"What if I lend the company 5 million USD?" Lin smiled. "With that, you could hire staff and develop an OS. But the money must be repaid, and all three shareholders must guarantee it. Do you dare?"
He insisted on shareholder guarantees to ensure Gates and Allen felt pressure. Without risk, they might not work hard.
Lin wanted to help, but not unconditionally. If they refused to guarantee, he'd rather wait. Their business thinking was still immature; better to see how they developed.
Gates and Allen hesitated.
After a pause, Gates said: "Allen, we need to think carefully. We must study the feasibility and market for an OS."
"No rush. Take a month or two to decide," Lin replied. Such matters couldn't be forced. They needed time.