The afternoon sun stretched long shadows across the sidewalk as David stepped out of the house. Before diving into the tasks of checking on the house and factory tomorrow, he decided to explore his unfamiliar surroundings. The neighborhood hummed with a quiet prosperity. Each house boasted a well-manicured lawn and a sense of comfortable living, hinting at the residents' financial security.
Drawn by the lively chatter, David found himself at a bustling corner shop. He exchanged fifty cents for a newspaper, hoping to glean some information about his new reality. As he scanned the headlines, he struck up a friendly conversation with the owner, a woman with a warm smile and a ready ear. He learned, to his surprise, that he was in the suburbs of Washington D.C., the heart of American politics. Despite the time jump, it seemed the world hadn't changed much.
A simple meal at a nearby diner fueled both his body and his spirit. The next morning, David found himself aboard a bus bound for Washington Dulles International Airport. Five hundred dollars lighter and seven hours later, he arrived in Los Angeles, his sights set on building an empire in the heart of Silicon Valley, the epicenter of technological innovation.
He checked into a modest hotel and, after a refreshing breakfast, inquired with the staff about a real estate agent. They connected him with a local professional named Joseph. However, a wave of frustration washed over David as he realized he couldn't reach out immediately – he lacked a phone, a stark reminder of the technological gulf between his past and present.
He found a payphone, the kind he hadn't used in years, and dialed Joseph's number. After a brief conversation, they arranged to meet later that afternoon at the hotel restaurant.
David arrived early, sipping on a steaming cup of coffee and making small talk. When Joseph arrived, David wasted no time in outlining his needs: a comfortable home and a factory in Silicon Valley, ideally between five hundred and one thousand square meters. Joseph, a seasoned professional, listened intently and promised to return within two days with relevant options.
Alone again, David's mind raced with the next crucial steps. Registering a company and securing legal counsel were essential for his future endeavors. He tentatively called upon the "system" within his mind, a source of assistance he barely understood.
"System," he began, his voice laced with a hint of uncertainty, "Do you have any knowledge about registering a company?"
"Of course, host," the system's voice resonated within his head. "Facilitating your success is my primary function. I can handle basic tasks like company registration."
A holographic globe materialized before him, displaying a vast array of options. Each country was listed with its corresponding tax rate in stark black and white. Opting for efficiency, David selected the Cayman Islands, their minimal tax rate a stark contrast to the hefty 35% of the United States.
Next came the crucial task of choosing a name. Nostalgia tugged at him, and he found himself typing "Qualcomm," a name synonymous with the semiconductor industry in his past life. It held the promise of familiarity and a potential edge in the competitive market.
The system confirmed the registration and informed him that the necessary paperwork would be delivered to his hotel room within the day. With the company established, the question of choosing a headquarters remained. He requested a delay, wanting to secure a physical location first.
"Can I manufacture chips without a factory?" he inquired, the question lingering in his mind.
"There is that option," confirmed the system, "but the cost is double the usual method."
A menu appeared on the holographic display, showcasing various chip blueprints. David, his knowledge of the industry coming to the fore, opted for the 8086 chip, a revolutionary piece of technology. However, the "create now" button, pulsating with a tempting blue light, remained frustratingly grayed out. Without the physical infrastructure of a factory, the option was unavailable.
He excused himself, retreating to the privacy of his room. There, with a deep breath and a surge of determination, he activated the "create now" option. A cardboard box materialized with a satisfying thud, emblazoned with the Qualcomm logo and a bold "Q" symbol. Inside, nestled snugly in protective foam, lay a single chip, a testament to the system's ingenuity.
David christened the chip the "Q1," a name infused with both hope and a sense of beginning. He knew attracting buyers would be his next hurdle. After all, potential customers wouldn't be interested in a company without a physical location to back its claims.
He called upon the system once more, seeking information on the current chip market. He learned about the recent introduction of the Intel 8080, a potentially promising chip facing production issues that limited its market penetration. The price point was set at three hundred and sixty dollars.
A devious smile played on his lips. He knew the 8086, his own Q1 chip, boasted twice the features at a potentially lower price. He envisioned himself undercutting Intel, securing a foothold in the burgeoning industry. IBM, the primary buyer for Intel chips, could become his ally, desperate for a reliable supplier.
Excitement bubbled within him. The Q1 chip held the potential to rewrite history, making him a major player in the semiconductor industry. The future, once uncertain, now shimmered with possibility.