When Uncle saw Zhou You sitting alone, he walked over with Sun Peng.
"You, how was last year?"
"Not bad. Overall, being a college teacher is pretty comfortable."
"Last time I took your advice and pulled out the principal from stocks, leaving just the profits in. Watching it rise every day, I sometimes regret not taking it all out," Uncle said, a bit frustrated.
"Uncle, you can't have that mindset with stocks. Making money is already good enough. Trying to sell at the peak and buy at the bottom—that's impossible. It's all about luck. Get too greedy, and you'll lose money," Zhou You quickly warned, seeing his uncle's unhealthy attitude.
"Got any other stock recommendations?" Uncle pressed on, unwilling to give up.
"No. Sticking to one or two stocks is enough. Too many and you can't keep up, it's a hassle, and it messes with your life."
"True, people need to be content. I'm still a bit worried, though. Mainly because, thanks to you, I've realized it makes money way faster than working," Uncle couldn't help but chuckle.
Listening to them chat, Sun Peng couldn't get a word in. He didn't understand stocks or how to buy them.
"Uncle, give me some advice too. Your nephew's out here working day in, day out, tired and with no hope."
"Ask your cousin. I'm just a small-time teacher, only know how to teach, don't understand a thing," Uncle Li Yucheng said honestly.
Zhou You thought for a moment and repeated what he'd said on New Year's Eve.
Sun Peng listened and shook his head repeatedly: "If they're all doing it, it wouldn't be right for me to jump in. Plus, I've been in the home renovation industry all last year. It's tiring, sure, but way better than construction sites. I just can't tell how long this line of work will last."
"Switching to home renovation is a huge step up from construction sites. Learn slowly, master every process, and you'll never run out of work," Zhou You said, thinking to himself that nothing had really changed. It seemed their last talk had only nudged things a little.
"Yeah, that's what I think too. But right now, I'm not confident. And this field requires a big upfront investment, plus you need to build a team," Sun Peng had clearly done some research.
"My personal advice: stick to home renovation. The upfront costs aren't huge, and as the economy grows, more houses will be built, and people will buy them," Zhou You saw Sun Peng listening intently.
"If you're short on initial funds, I can lend you some or invest as a partner—your choice. Home renovation isn't that hard. Just get a few relatives together, form a team, and you'll be way better off than working for someone else."
The next ten years would be the golden age of home renovation. Countless small teams would pop up, quality would be all over the place, and price-gouging acquaintances would be rampant.
Sun Peng's face lit up with a big grin: "Investing is better. If you lend me money, I'm afraid you'll wash your hands of it. Without your guidance, I'd be lost."
That's what they call wisdom in foolishness. Zhou You could see it now—Cousin Sun Peng just needed an opportunity. With his brains, and a little resource support from Zhou You, he'd be far better off than working away from home.
"How's your learning going?"
"Almost there. There's not much technical skill involved. Do a few renovations, and you'll get it all. Besides, those city apartments come with everything ready-made—it's simple."
"Alright, I'll be home for the next few days. Go back and think it over, then let me know."
"No need to think. I've gone over it many times. Since you think this path works, I'll go for it. I'll start forming a team and taking on jobs as soon as I get home. I can handle small projects now," Sun Peng was decisive and didn't drag his feet.
"Good. When you register a company, I'll give you 500,000 as startup capital—should be enough. Get a few of your fellow workers on board, preferably with some equity. Otherwise, uneven profit distribution down the line could cause trouble among fellow townsfolk."
"Lay it out upfront: those who want in can invest, and those who don't can skip it."
Sun Peng happily slapped Zhou You on the shoulder: "With your word, I'm at ease. Family really is reliable."
"Don't get too cocky. If something goes wrong, you'll still have to rely on yourself." Zhou You glanced at his uncle and changed the subject.
"Uncle, have you seen my family's new house? What do you think?"
"Of course I have. I even went to help out, but your mom wouldn't let me—she hired outsiders." Uncle's eyes lit up with envy when he mentioned Zhou You's new house.
It wasn't a rural home; it was a countryside villa.
Zhou You noticed his grandparents huddled in thick clothes inside the room, with a coal stove burning to keep the chill at bay.
It stung a little. Back then, he didn't have the means. Now that he did, he wanted his grandparents to enjoy life.
He resolved to build his uncle's house this year, no matter what.
His uncle was their only son, and by rural tradition, the elderly would live with him.
"Uncle, Grandpa and Grandma raised me when I was little and treated me well. Now that I have some money, I want to build them a house like ours," Zhou You said, watching his uncle's expression nervously, afraid he'd take offense. In this situation, pride could be a sore spot.
"You, with that filial heart, I'm really happy. Your uncle here could grit his teeth and build a house too, but I'd hate to spend the money. Your cousin still has school ahead. It wouldn't be right for you to pay—each generation takes care of its own," Uncle said, a straightforward man.
Hearing that, Zhou You understood.
In the countryside, gossip was fearsome. Having a grandson build your house might earn envy, but it would also invite whispers.
"Brother Peng, take some time to check out my place. Can you build a house like that? If so, consider it your first project—full service from construction to renovation." Zhou You pulled Sun Peng aside and told him to go inform Aunt later.
He'd talk to his mom, who would surely agree.
That way, each family could chip in a little, with Zhou You's family covering the bulk. It would show filial piety without giving outsiders anything to criticize.
Plus, it would be Sun Peng's debut project—hopefully a smashing success.
Soon, the elders were buzzing with chatter.
Uncle had no objections now. Who wouldn't want a better place? As long as face was saved, it was fine.
In the end, they decided the other families would each contribute a symbolic 10,000 yuan, with Zhou You's mom covering the rest. The reasoning: improving the elderly couple's living conditions, with Uncle taking care of them under the same roof.
Once it was settled, everyone was thrilled. That was the benefit of having a capable person in the family.
Someone to take the lead, and everyone pulling together.