Zhang Dongliang had promised Yu Zhou, indicating he was still quite optimistic about the Second Textile Factory, or at least held some sentiment towards it.
After all, everyone in Jiangbei knew the situation of textile factories.
But a factory that had existed for so long couldn't possibly have no redeeming qualities.
This factory had many long-term employees, and some workers' textile skills were indeed outstanding.
If it weren't for this, Zhang Dongliang wouldn't have agreed so readily, even without any prior conditions.
Now, with Yu Zhou holding shares, Zhang Dongliang certainly wouldn't hesitate to have him contribute.
When Yu Zhou had approached him before, it was like incurring a debt of gratitude. Even though Zhang Dongliang felt Yu Zhou was repaying that debt by asking for his help now, he was willing to do it.
Because Zhang Dongliang knew very well that favors were only useful when they were actually needed.
Keeping them unused, even if the other person remembered, served no purpose.
Whether it was friends or business partners, relationships only deepened through frequent contact. And how were these relationships built? Through favors and repaying favors, weren't they?
Yu Zhou knew very well that to get on board now, given his current progress, required frequent interaction. Otherwise, if his development accelerated further, it was uncertain whether he could still hitch a ride.
"I also have shares in it. Even if a large portion of these shares are due to favors, if there's a chance, I don't want the hundreds of thousands invested to go down the drain!"
"So, if I can help, I will. It's not just helping you, it's also helping myself."
Yu Zhou smiled, understanding the other man's intentions. However, even though he was aware of his goodwill, Yu Zhou didn't intend to neglect it.
After all, whether doing business in Jiangbei or elsewhere, one couldn't afford to make enemies everywhere.
As long as it was a win-win situation, Yu Zhou certainly didn't want to find himself facing enemies on all sides in Jiangbei.
Moreover, although he had made a name for himself in Jiangbei over the years, it was far-fetched to say that this reputation guaranteed him peace of mind.
But now that Zhang Dongliang had extended an olive branch, could he really disregard it?
"Regarding my father's affairs, you can discuss them with him yourself. In my opinion, he's likely to accept."
"As for other issues within the factory, I'll find time to visit once or twice. But I won't interfere further!"
"The factory is ultimately managed by you; I don't want to steal the spotlight."
After a period of thought, Yu Zhou finally sorted everything out.
He knew that if he were to truly appear at the Second Textile Factory in a boss-like manner, he might even cause more problems.
After all, he was just an ordinary employee of the Second Textile Factory before.
He had no status, no standing!
In such a context, appearing once or twice as a shareholder or boss might not cause major issues, but if he started participating directly in management.
Then resentment would inevitably breed in many hearts.
Some people, even if they knew you had skills and capabilities, would still feel unbalanced when they thought, "We were all at the same starting line before, and I'm still struggling in the factory while you've become the big boss."
It would be strange if their hearts weren't unsettled.
They wouldn't attribute it to their own lack of ability, but would only think that Yu Zhou was lucky and had latched onto an incredibly powerful patron. Even if Yu Zhou now possessed wealth and power far beyond theirs, this ingrained perception wouldn't change easily.
Precisely because of this, Yu Zhou knew very well that his presence would cast a shadow on many people's hearts.
But sometimes, even if you don't want to do something, you still have to.
Since he had promised others, he had to fulfill it.
On this point, Yu Zhou had made up his mind long ago.
"Having your word is enough. At least, in my opinion, if you can just show up, the outcome for me will be much better."
Zhang Dongliang smiled.
Wasn't this what he wanted? As long as Yu Zhou intended to help him, even if it ended in failure, he wouldn't suffer significant losses.
The vast Second Textile Factory still had a lot of land, and even many things that he found enviable.
Even for this reason alone, it was normal for him to start making plans.
As a businessman, Zhang Dongliang understood this principle very well.
If it was impossible, he wouldn't blame himself even if the Second Textile Factory went bankrupt.
The factory workers might lose completely, but he wouldn't lose much.
Did they really think businessmen would engage in losing ventures?
"Is that President Yu? President Yu! I didn't expect to see you here! What a coincidence!"
Just as Yu Zhou was discussing the Second Textile Factory with the other man, a surprised voice suddenly cut in.
Yu Zhou was taken aback. Even though he frequented the Changjiang Hotel, it was rare to run into acquaintances here.
Yu Zhou was usually very low-key. Even when dining out, he didn't put on airs of extravagance.
In his view, whether he earned money or not was just the development of his career.
It was best if it could elevate his social status, but it should never be a reason for arrogance.
If he remained arrogant and dismissive of others, what was the point of earning so much money?
Sooner or later, he would be held accountable, and more importantly, the number of people who disliked him would increase.
At that point, he was confident he could withstand one wave, maybe a second, but could he withstand all the hidden attacks?
Being low-key and a bit humble was the way to live long.
He didn't want to be recognized while dining.