Zhao Yun was also keeping a close eye on Zhou You's investment projects. As soon as "Tree Man" hit the theaters, he immediately bought a ticket to contribute to the box office. After watching it, he called Zhou You: "Teacher Zhou, the film is well-made, but the attendance isn't high. I'm afraid it'll be tough to recoup the investment."
Zhou You had no choice either. His first film investment flopping did affect his reputation a bit. Flipping through a book, he said, "It's all your fault. If you hadn't introduced me back then, I wouldn't have lost 2 million. Think about it—how many documentaries could you make with 2 million?"
Hearing this, Zhao Yun felt an inexplicable pang of sympathy. Why did it feel like Zhou You losing 2 million was the same as him losing it himself? Could it be that he already considered Zhou You's money as his own?
"Hey, thinking about it now, I do feel a bit sorry for you. I introduced a few more projects later—are they all going to lose money too?"
"Pfft, you jinx, can't you say something nice? Besides those projects of yours, I've invested in plenty of others. Does every single one have to make money? I'm not a god," Zhou You spat back angrily, cursing him a few times. Although the odds of winning later were high, life was unpredictable, and with the butterfly effect, who could say for sure?
Zhao Yun chatted with Zhou You for a while and sensed he was in good spirits, not upset over the 2 million loss, which put him at ease. Through this call, Zhao Yun confirmed at least two things: first, Zhou You was financially solid and didn't care much about losing 2 million; second, Zhou You didn't take his anger out on him over the loss, showing a broad-minded nature, so the money for his future documentaries should be secured.
Later, Wang Baoqiang also called to feel things out and offer some comfort. He was a bit down that the film he starred in didn't get box office recognition. In turn, Zhou You comforted him, telling him not to worry: "Investments never go smoothly. Besides, marrying an agent is also an investment—you have to keep your eyes wide open. When an investment loses, you need to cut your losses in time."
Zhou You thought to himself, *That's all I can say. The rest is up to fate.* For many things, right and wrong have different standards in everyone's mind. When someone is riding high, warning them of future troubles is very unwise.
Anyway, Zhou You's big-screen debut as an investor ended in box office failure. He could only console himself with the idea of losing at gambling but winning in love.
Over the past few months, Wang Fangfang and the others had been searching for a new swimming pool. Handling things alone really boosted a person's abilities. After a year of growth, Wang Fangfang was no longer the confused young girl fresh out of society. She handled social interactions and tasks with order and efficiency.
Through this, Zhou You could see that most people weren't that different. Except for a few, the gap between individuals wasn't huge. With learning and practice, anyone placed in that position could do it—many just never got the chance.
The three of them met again at the Feicui Lake Swimming Pool to discuss matters, which had almost become their office. When they arrived, several former provincial team coaches were still there and greeted Zhou You politely. It seemed they knew about Zhou You's decision, which was a big benefit for them. Few people were swimming now; they took turns coming by and had recently been scouting locations with Wang Ping. Once the new pool was confirmed, they'd move to work there.
"Brother You, we've initially settled on four swimming pools this time, but according to our plan, we can only contract two at most," Wang Fangfang spoke first.
"We picked two in the Government Affairs District, one in Baohe District, and one in High-tech Zone. They are the Holiday Inn Express, Hongrui Jinling Grand Hotel, Lianghuai Haosheng Hotel, and Crowne Plaza," Wang Ping detailed.
Zhou You asked, "What about the costs?"
"The costs are similar, negotiated to around 150,000 to 200,000. And we're only looking at ones already built, including their water exchange systems. We just handle the operations."
"What are your preferences?" Zhou You noted that the hotels they found were all good ones, and they might contract more in the future.
Hearing Zhou You ask for their opinions, Wang Ping knew the deal was almost sealed.
"The Government Affairs District is too close to the High-tech Zone, and the High-tech Zone's population isn't concentrated yet—it's just developing. We could pick a spot between the Government Affairs District and the High-tech Zone, covering both areas while avoiding the Olympic Sports Swimming Pool."
Zhou You was genuinely surprised by Wang Ping's insight. Though it seemed simple, without serious investigation and research, you wouldn't reach that conclusion. Especially the High-tech Zone's population—it couldn't support a high-end swimming pool right now. Feicui Lake Guest House could sustain itself because it was a long-established top hotel in Hefei, where many senior leaders stayed when inspecting Luzhou.
"Alright, go with what you two suggest. Handle the details yourselves. Sign the contracts under the company name—no need to ask me. After all, Brother Ping is the legal representative."
When the company was first set up, they insisted Zhou You be the legal rep, but he refused, citing his status as a university teacher in a public institution, which barred him from that role. Back then, people had weak legal awareness, thinking the legal rep was the general manager, chairman, or top boss.
In reality, Zhou You knew from his later-life experience that anyone could be the legal rep, but the key was the huge legal risks involved. If an accident happened at the pool, the legal rep would be the first to take the fall. For Wang Ping, since he wanted to do this, he had to bear the corresponding responsibilities and obligations. But Wang Ping didn't know that yet and thought it was generous of Zhou You.
Zhou You didn't explain. Many bosses were corporate legal reps, and it wasn't a big deal. He was just cautious by nature and didn't want to be in the spotlight, only to be tracked down by Tianyancha later.
The three of them sat together, calculating costs and expenses for ages. Zhou You's head ached from it; he only wanted the big picture and didn't care about the details. So he said, "You two have worked hard this year. Let's not expand too fast, or management issues will crop up and ruin our reputation. That would be more trouble. Make sure to set aside some money and give yourselves a bonus at year-end. You've worked hard all year—you can't go home empty-handed."
Wang Ping was deeply moved. "Brother You, I wish I were a woman, or I'd offer myself to you too."
Wang Fangfang, teased in front of her, blushed slightly, feeling a bit embarrassed, and punched him: "You can't say anything decent. Even handing out money can't shut you up."
Zhou You laughed heartily: "With talk like that, I really will have to give you a bonus at year-end."
Wang Ping had long known about their relationship, and it had nothing to do with him. Young people dating was perfectly normal these days.