"Of course, I asked around, but the Song family seemed completely unaware, not a single piece of information leaked out."
"I have a hunch this matter isn't simple, but when I try to pinpoint the issue, I can't quite grasp it."
According to their original plan, their cooperation with the Song family should have already begun.
Even if they had to concede some losses, at least they would have found a local pillar of support.
Currently, the equity structure of the [Three Horses] company was very straightforward. Apart from the substantial shares held by Yu Zhou and Qin Siyue, only a small portion was in the hands of the management.
If another shareholder were added, it would be something that both the management and Qin Siyue would likely approve of.
Of course, if that happened, Yu Zhou would no longer hold absolute controlling interest. However, he no longer needed absolute controlling interest at this point.
Because even without absolute controlling interest in the [Three Horses] company, his ultimate authority would not be affected. That's how formidable he was.
If that weren't the case, how could he have been willing to give up absolute controlling interest?
To Yu Zhou, the exact number of his shares wasn't that important, as he would need to sell some of his shares when he decided to start his own venture.
Sooner or later, he would inevitably go solo, and at that time, his control over equity would become extremely stringent.
Of course, that was a matter for the future. As for the current [Three Horses] company, he wasn't particularly attached to absolute controlling interest.
Given the path he was already forging, the entire company was gradually deifying him. What was the need for absolute controlling interest?
Moreover, for the company to develop rapidly, introducing capital was a crucial matter. Yes, if you truly went for bank loans, your cash flow might not be too bad.
However, without formidable connections, obtaining a loan to a terrifying extent was by no means a simple task.
On this point, Yu Zhou understood better than anyone, and it was precisely for this reason that he was so eager to do something to bring the Song family onto his ship.
When the boss and senior management of a large company or factory make a decision to change the company, it is always after careful consideration, not a snap decision.
Therefore, Yu Zhou had indeed thought about it extensively. He simply felt that the benefits outweighed the drawbacks.
But now? The Song family suddenly announced a change in their contact person after these few days, and then became unhurried. Such a turn of events naturally made Yu Zhou bewildered and worried.
He wanted to understand what was going on, but honestly, at this moment, he had no way to fully figure out what had happened.
"How about we take the initiative?" Liang Xiaohai suggested after some thought.
Clearly, if the other party truly made no move, then for this matter to proceed, they would have to be the ones to initiate it.
This might not look good in terms of pride, but ultimately, it would allow them to understand what was going on.
However, even at this juncture, Yu Zhou still shook his head, clearly disagreeing with such a move. Especially at such a critical moment, if they were to take the initiative now, it would almost be like begging.
"What's begged for is not a good deal. Even if they don't want it anymore, we aren't without other options besides the Song family."
"We have already shown our sincerity. If they aren't enthusiastic now, it's obvious that something has changed."
"We have no obligation to tie ourselves to the Song family for profit."
On the surface, it sounded like Yu Zhou was speaking out of anger, but anyone who understood him knew that this was by no means mere bluster.
The reason was simple: by this point, their company had become a truly renowned subsidiary food company in Jiangbei.
For the sake of business, Yu Zhou might be willing to shed his pride, but this company could absolutely not be seen as desperately trying to shove money into someone's hands.
"You mean, no matter what, we can't contact the Song family proactively this time?"
"Yes! Absolutely not. We will not initiate contact."
Yu Zhou waved his hand, indicating that the matter was settled.
Even though Liang Xiaohai felt that this might not be a good decision, he did not refute it.
Just as Yu Zhou had said, everything has a limit. Once that limit is crossed, any situation can become a fuse.
In such a scenario, would taking the initiative even matter? It would be utterly useless.
"Let's talk about the advertising budget for the second half of the year instead!"
"The advertising and marketing department sent me a budget, and I feel it's somewhat unfeasible. Have you looked at it?"
Yu Zhou shifted the topic at the opportune moment. Regardless of what changes were happening with the Song family, he didn't know yet.
Fundamentally, Song Qing was a person who could separate personal and public matters, so he would also handle this matter professionally.
He didn't believe that the people of the Song family could remain so composed indefinitely, so discussing it further was of little significance.
Instead, he needed to discuss major strategic decisions for his company with Liang Xiaohai and work out a concrete plan.
"Advertising and marketing? I've seen it. What's not feasible about it? I think it's fine! Except for the rather high cost, there are no other issues."
Upon hearing Yu Zhou mention advertising and marketing, his first thought was whether Yu Zhou found it too expensive.
However, Yu Zhou had always been someone who was willing to spend generously on advertising. Could he be regretting it now?
"You think the cost is a bit high?"
Instead, Yu Zhou looked at Liang Xiaohai's expression with wide eyes.
He had truly never expected that his company's vice president would actually feel that the expenses on the list were too much.
This, this had completely shattered his assumptions.
At this moment, Yu Zhou was speechless and didn't even know how to talk to him about these matters.
After a brief moment of surprise, he began to shake his head with a mixture of amusement and helplessness.
"My thoughts and yours might differ. I don't think spending 2 million on advertising for half a year is too much; rather, it's too little, far too little."
Finally, Yu Zhou directly stated his idea.