While Zhou You was speaking, aside from the children making noise, almost everyone nearby was pricking up their ears to listen.
As for future plans like these, Zhou You couldn't reveal them yet, since they were still up in the air.
"You know, Zhou, we've thought about all this too, but the technology and capital are really a bit much," the eldest brother said, aware that in the countryside, there were only so many paths and so much they could do.
Zhou You glanced at his father, Zhou Bencheng, who looked torn. He wanted his brothers to live well, but he wanted his own son to thrive even more.
Ideally, his brothers would see some modest improvement without holding back his son.
Zhou You's current position was quite fitting—he had both knowledge and funds, and in their eyes, the amount wasn't huge, at most a few million.
People worry more about inequality than scarcity, and the line between a favor and a grudge is thin. Zhou You didn't want to test human nature.
Sometimes, maintaining a certain level of family bonds can greatly boost one's happiness index. Within his means, Zhou You could absolutely help his blood relatives live better, but it had to be through joint effort, not just one-sided charity.
"That's not a big issue. I can bring in experts and professors from the nearby agricultural university. As for funds, we'll pool them together—I'll take the larger share—but you'll have to work hard daily, since agricultural investment isn't a one-time thing."
Hearing Zhou You say this, everyone present lit up with joy.
"We're not afraid of hard work. How could it be worse than working as migrant laborers?"
That was true. Compared to working away from home, staying in the countryside offered a bit more freedom, and working for your own family brought more motivation.
"Right now, small-scale rural farming can't compete with big companies. Your costs and sales channels just aren't there."
"So we have to go for specialty organic farming. What does that mean? Most of the chicken and eggs sold in cities come from factory farms. For people who care about quality, they're not as tasty or nutritious as free-range rural chicken."
"Our focus will be on that—organic rural farming. For us, the time cost might be higher since free-range growth is slower, but once we build a reputation, it's a long-term business that will keep growing."
Second Uncle grew more excited as he listened. "No wonder our Zhou can be a university professor—his insight is something else. Hearing you talk, I'm full of confidence."
Seeing everyone getting more and more excited, Zhou You poured cold water on them.
"There's a saying in the countryside: 'A fortune of ten thousand, but livestock don't count.' So disease prevention is crucial. We'll hire experts, but they can't stay here every day. You'll need to learn from them as you go."
Everyone nodded in agreement. That was fine. Even if their book smarts weren't great, it didn't mean they couldn't learn practical skills.
They then launched into discussions about raising chickens, ducks, geese, and sheep.
Seeing everyone actively joining in, Zhou You was pleased. After all, only by relying on themselves could they go further.
With his assets, he could give each family five million and they'd be set for life. But money falling from the sky was never stable, and fostering laziness would only harm the next generation.
There was a small hill in their village, lying fallow all year round. In the countryside, even farmland was going to waste, let alone hilly slopes unsuitable for crops.
Once the big direction was set, they moved on to discussing details. Zhou You didn't want to micromanage, and the initial investment wasn't huge—at most two million.
That included land rental fees, equipment purchases, and seedling work.
After their discussion, the eldest and second brothers decided to go for it. They really didn't want to work away from home anymore. With that settled, Uncle's family and Second Uncle's family could also help out at home.
The kids could study and live in their hometown, avoiding being left-behind children or facing discrimination in the city.
Then came the issue of funding.
At this critical point, everyone's eyes were on Zhou You.
"I'm not sure how much we'll need upfront, but I can put in 60%, and the eldest and second brothers can each cover 20%," he said after some thought. They had to invest—if they didn't put in money, it wouldn't feel like their own venture, and they wouldn't care.
"And this investment will be gradual, not a lump sum. We'll stick to that ratio each time. Since I won't handle daily management or operations, I can take a smaller share of the profits, depending on the situation."
With that, the New Year's Eve dinner ended on a perfect note, with everyone satisfied.
After the crowd dispersed and went home, Zhou You chatted with his parents while watching TV.
"Zhou, won't this interfere with your work? You're putting in so much—do you still have money?" his mother asked, looking worried.
"It's fine. I made a good profit from investments recently, more than enough for this. If you and Dad want to help, just keep an eye on things so you're not bored at home. Do it if you feel like it, skip it if you don't," Zhou You said to his mother.
Zhou Bencheng sat nearby, head down, silent. He was also worried. Zhou You had just graduated, and money didn't grow on trees. What if they lost it?
Seeing his parents' anxious faces, Zhou You pulled up the transfer records from his phone—the box office earnings from last time—and showed them.
When they saw the records, both were stunned, sitting there dumbfounded for a long time, unable to believe it.
"Mom, Dad, besides this, I have other projects going on. I'm showing you this so you won't worry, but don't tell anyone. You know how it is in the countryside. Our family's doing well enough now—any better, and we'll attract envy."
Both parents nodded vigorously, vowing to keep it secret. How could they tell anyone? If they did, their doorstep would be worn down by visitors.
Seeing Zhou You with so much money, their first reaction wasn't joy but fear.
"Zhou, we don't understand this. Is this money legit?" his father asked worriedly.
Zhou You burst out laughing. This was exactly why he hadn't told them before—he didn't want them to worry. "I'm a university professor. Would I do anything illegal?"
Hearing that, his parents relaxed. The title of university professor still carried weight in their eyes.
Once they stopped worrying, Zhou Bencheng couldn't stop grinning, but Li Fengying wasn't happy.
"So you're happy just because you helped your family? Don't forget, my family has helped us plenty over the years too."
Seeing his mother like this, Zhou You couldn't help but laugh. It was clear who was closer to whom.
"Mom, don't worry. I've already thought about visiting Grandma's house. Last time, I gave my uncle tips on two stocks, and he's made a good profit this year."
Li Fengying's resentment turned to joy, and she pinched Zhou Bencheng. "My Zhou has a conscience, unlike you, you heartless one!"
Zhou Bencheng winced from the pinch but didn't dare say a word, just grinning foolishly.