Upon hearing Yu Dong's explanation, Zhang Yang finally figured out the root of their disagreement.
Ultimately, it's not about anyone's loyalty to the company or any personal motives outside their roles; it's the different positions they hold and the different perspectives they have on the product.
From Yu Dong's standpoint, developing a bait-attracting agent requires rigorous testing before launching, a thoroughness cultivated during his academic studies.
In Zhao Bingguang's view, fishing additives are merely an embellishment for anglers.
As long as there are no toxic substances, the exact effectiveness doesn't have a specific measurement standard.
It's not something people consume, so the development standards can be set very low; the worst-case scenario is the product's ineffectiveness, which won't harm anyone or cause any serious consequences.
On one hand, there's significant financial investment, and on the other, production poses no risk; it's understandable for a manager like Zhao Bingguang to make such judgments.
"I'll handle this. You go back to the lab, and I'll give you a definite answer by tomorrow at the latest!" Zhang Yang nodded and reassured Yu Dong.
"Okay, I'll wait for your update! If... the company truly can't allocate the funds, we could reduce part of the control group. But I believe testing the control group for the new product is essential; the lab isn't a place for being vague or cutting corners," Yu Dong replied.
"Alright!"
...
After finishing his conversation with Yu Dong, Zhang Yang quickly headed to Zhao's office.
It was lunchtime, and Zhao was out eating, not in the office, so Zhang Yang found a spot at the door and casually checked his WeChat messages on his phone.
In less than half an hour, Zhao returned from his meal.
"What are you doing here? Why didn't you call me if you needed something?" Zhao Bingguang was slightly surprised to see Zhang Yang waiting in the hallway.
Zhang Yang grinned: "I just got here, wanted to chat!"
"Did Yu Dong give you a little report? That kid is quite stubborn!" Zhao Bingguang immediately understood Zhang Yang's purpose and muttered under his breath.
"Let's talk inside!"
"Sure"
The two entered Zhao's office and started their discussion.
"Our company's current idle funds should be quite ample, right? I want to know why the fund application is being held back! Yu Dong's applications have been rejected several times," Zhang Yang cut straight to the point.
"The company does have some money, but I can't approve it all.
The reason is simple: we currently have only one production line, and our factory equipment is quite limited; we're on the brink of full capacity with a two-shift system!
If the performance continues to grow at this rate, by September or October in three months, our capacity won't be enough! We'll need a substantial amount of money for new equipment to expand our capacity!
As for Yu Dong's application for control group test equipment, I've looked into it.
The testing for the developing agent can be done through our field anglers' practical trials; this way, we won't need to spend the money short-term!
Furthermore, fishing additives have an inconspicuous effect; it's not something people consume, so there's no need for strict safety measures, in my opinion, there's no need to be overly cautious!"
After listening to Zhao Bingguang's explanation, Zhang Yang finally understood the whole situation.
Zhao was reluctant to use these funds, not out of spite towards Yu Dong, but mainly to ensure the company was prepared for future expansion.
This purpose is hard to fault.
However, Zhang Yang still leaned towards supporting Yu Dong, because he had already experienced the profit margins of the bait already.
Starting testing and development now, come September or October—the peak season for fishing gear sales—we could launch massively; if we delay, we might miss out until next year.
After listening, Zhang Yang nodded, took out a cigarette to give to Zhao Bingguang, lit one for himself, and pondered silently for a few seconds.
A few seconds later, Zhang Yang exhaled a smoke ring and said: "I think expanding the production line should be done during the less busy winter period; we have ample time!
"How about this: can we bring in a few more people and adjust the factory production from two shifts to three shifts? Our warehouse is mostly idle, so we could pre-adjust the bait inventory!
"This way, even if there is a surge in orders later, the inventory adjustments would prevent the immediate need for production line expansion!
"Release the funds, start production with the new agent first!
"The profit margin from the bait agent far exceeds that of the fishing bait, I think it'll be a new profit growth point for the company!"
"And since the lab has already invested so much, if we're going to develop the agent, we can't be vague about its effectiveness; we should go all out and produce some flagship products!"
"You're suggesting shifting the production focus to the agent?" Zhao Bingguang instantly grasped Zhang Yang's idea but personally wasn't optimistic, slightly frowning as he talked.
Zhang Yang nodded: "Yes! The bait just launched, there's no need for short-term upgrades; brand awareness and influence are continually rising and still in the growth phase!
"But the agent market is nearly blank, the potential is endless!
"Barring unforeseen circumstances, I'd like to attend next spring's fishing gear expo.
"By then, we'll showcase our new agent product and, combined with the brand awareness we've accumulated this year, surely attract a large group of collaborators to join us!