One early spring morning, Hu Xueyan was in the living room discussing investments with the senior managers of several branch stores. When the conversation turned to recent investments, Hu's expression grew serious. The managers had made some investments recently, and while everyone had profited to some extent, some had earned very little. Hu, with a stern face, admonished a few of the managers who had made minimal profits, telling them that next time they must analyze the market before investing and not rush in blindly.

Just as Hu finished speaking, a servant announced that a merchant urgently requested an audience. The merchant, who appeared anxious, explained that he had suffered a major setback in a recent business deal and urgently needed a large sum of money for liquidity. To raise funds, he was willing to sell all his assets to Hu at a very low price.

Hu took the matter seriously and asked the merchant to return the next day for an answer. He immediately sent his subordinates to verify the merchant's story. They quickly returned, confirming the merchant's claims. Hu then instructed his money shop to prepare silver. Since the amount needed was large and the shop's reserves were insufficient, Hu also transferred substantial silver from branch offices. The next day, Hu invited the merchant back and not only agreed to his request but also purchased the assets at market price—a figure significantly higher than the merchant's asking price. The merchant was astonished, unable to understand why Hu would pass up such a bargain and insist on paying the market rate for the properties and shops.

Hu patted the merchant on the shoulder and reassured him, explaining that he was merely holding the assets as collateral temporarily. Once the merchant weathered the storm, he could redeem the properties at any time, paying only a small amount of interest on top of the original price. The merchant was deeply grateful. After signing the agreement, he bowed deeply to Hu and left in tears.

After the merchant left, Hu's subordinates were puzzled. They asked Hu why he had scolded managers for earning less, yet in his own investment, he was earning even less and not taking advantage of the situation. Instead of driving down the price when the merchant was desperate, he voluntarily paid more.

Hu sipped his hot tea and recounted a story from his youth: "When I was young, I was a junior clerk. My employer often sent me to collect debts. Once, while on the road, I was caught in a downpour. A stranger walking with me got soaked. That day I happened to have an umbrella, so I shared it with him. After that, whenever it rained, I would often help strangers with my umbrella. Over time, many people on that road came to know me. Sometimes, when I forgot my own umbrella, I didn't worry, because many of those I had helped would offer to share theirs with me."

Hu smiled slightly and continued, "If you are willing to hold an umbrella for others, they will be willing to hold one for you. That merchant's assets might have been accumulated over generations. If I had bought them at his price, I would have gotten a great deal, but he might never recover. This is not just an investment; it's saving a family. I've made a friend and kept a clear conscience. Everyone has days without an umbrella. If you can shelter someone from the rain, do it."

The listeners were silent for a long time. Later, the merchant redeemed his assets and became one of Hu's most loyal partners. As word of Hu's righteous act spread, more and more people admired him. Both officials and commoners held Hu in high esteem. His business flourished remarkably; no matter what industry he entered, he always had help, and more and more customers came to support him.

Everyone has days without an umbrella...

-END-

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