A perfect life begins with changing the timeline.

Chapter 186 Let's Make Friends

In a mixed Chinese-English sentence structure, it would be:

"Li Mu's ability to get an offer from Southern Metropolis Daily can be attributed to good fortune."

The reason is simple: although college graduates are a pool of outstanding talents for all sectors of society, the pressure of job competition is also considerable.

For example, he had previously submitted his resume to Dahe Daily, but they didn't even give him an interview opportunity.

In short: We don't lack manpower.

He submitted his work not only to Dahe Daily, but also to other newspapers and magazines.

Ultimately, Sun Yat-sen University's journalism department is among the best in the country. Although he didn't have to compete with those from second-tier vocational colleges for positions in private magazines and newspapers, he could enter the dragon gate through twelve years of hard study and start his career in a professional newspaper or media company after graduation. However, as someone who had to compete with equally outstanding first-class graduates, he faced no less pressure than others.

But ironically... this year's graduating journalism students from Sun Yat-sen University all feel quite lucky.

The reason was that in 01, the Southern Metropolis Daily had a large shortage of reporters.

In the words of the school's career guidance teacher: "They have at least fifteen or so journalist slots."

And judging from the interns who stayed, including Sui Kuan, Li Wei, and myself, it was indeed pretty much the same.

So, here's the question.

How did a major newspaper, the third largest in the group, suddenly have so many official positions? Furthermore, it didn't recruit from outside the region, but instead reserved all opportunities to bring in fresh talent for recent graduates within the province…

Why is that?

The answer is quite simple.

That was the argument Li Mu was referring to.

Last May, my workplace... and the people in Shenzhen got into a fight.

The reason – Southern Metropolis Daily sold too well in Shenzhen, with sales 1.5 to 2 times higher than local newspapers. It was so successful that it was the most popular newspaper among the local residents and an absolute "mainstream media".

But... its workplace is in Guangzhou.

Then... the news that more than a thousand newsstands in Shenzhen were not allowed to sell news reached the workplace.

And then... Li Mu's maternal family used six!

Six whole pages...

A newspaper with a circulation of 1.2 million used six huge pages to rant and rave…

Actually, the logic of the company is quite simple: everyone relies on their own abilities.

Readers like me, everyone recognizes me, so why are you causing me trouble under the pretext of protecting local interests?

Do you think I can tolerate you?

Ask around and find out who I've avoided!

So what if Vice Admiral Tsuru and Sengoku were on that ship?

Get the boat closer to me, you bastard!

So, as we all know, the outcome of this matter is as described.

Jack was drowned.

Cheng Yizhong took office last June.

The original head of the newspaper was transferred.

He bowed his head in apology and published a front-page apology letter, and was transferred to another position that same afternoon.

With the departure of the original leader, a group of people, mainly from the local department, were also taken away, which led to the introduction of more than a dozen new members.

That's roughly what happened.

Upon hearing Li Mu's words, Bie Yan knew that Xiao Li knew about this matter, so he picked up his teacup and asked:

"You understand the whole story, right?"

"……Know."

"Um."

The older brother stopped talking, finished his tea in one gulp, and then, seeing that Xiao Li had poured him another cup, smiled and said:

"Drink it quickly, it won't taste good when it gets cold."

Li Mu nodded subconsciously and drank the tea, which had almost no flavor, in one gulp.

There's nothing he can do; his mind is no longer on tea.

This time, it was Bie Yan's turn to pour it for him.

After another cup, the tea in the fairness cup was empty. The older brother started brewing tea again, his voice carrying slowly and deliberately through the tea:

"The first red line is to arbitrarily publish conflicts and disputes in the media."

Li Mu was stunned...

I automatically translated it in my mind.

Family scandals should not be aired in public; conflicts should be resolved through negotiation. Relying on your size and influence… who are you threatening?

"Secondly, the language was too extreme and the hype was excessive."

Translation: You think you're protecting yourself, but I think you've lost your sense of proportion. You only have a market-oriented perspective, not a broader one.

"Article 3... Violations of discipline that damage the city's image."

Translation: What you've done is damaging the city's image. These are the city's facade, its window to the world; you've dirtied that window.

"In summary, the key is to put the principles of newspaper management into practice."

Li Mu was stunned...

"Is this the exact quote?"

"The original meaning may not be exactly what was said, but the logic is there."

Don't just shrug:

"In the future, when you encounter this kind of situation, think about your principles first. If you violate your principles, what kind of impact will you have? And what kind of impact will your impact have on others, your family, his family, and everyone else?"

"..."

Li Mu's cheeks began to twitch involuntarily.

But Bieyan's words remained unhurried:

"The group only found out about this after it happened. In their view, this was a breach of boundaries. So, those who deserved punishment were punished, and those who deserved discipline were disciplined."

"So...is it related to Director Zhang?"

"With him? No. It's just that although the person who was punished is gone, the branch hasn't been cut off, and the factional promotion system is still there. Old Zhang was clearly opposed at the time, and even refused to give him any space... And now that things have calmed down, the person who was rare to be clear-headed back then is now paying the price for his clarity."

A hint of sarcasm appeared on Bie Yan's face.

"See? Isn't it frustrating? He clearly made the right choice, but because he's clear-headed but has no backing, now that the other person has recovered, he has to leave."

"Well……"

Now, Li Mu finally understood why the director was being transferred.

at last……

I finally understand.

Regardless of right or wrong, if you don't die with me, you're wrong.

"Holy crap, you can do that?!"

Seeing Li Mu's incredulous expression, Bie Yan smiled even more "brightly".

"Throughout history, loyal ministers and virtuous generals have rarely met a good end. Have you figured out why?"

"..."

Li Mu remained silent.

After thinking for a moment, he asked:

"Brother Bie...so what's the point of you asking me to come here today?"

"Well……"

Bie Yan paused for a moment, then chuckled and pointed to the table:

"We just invited you over for tea, right? You've already made such a big move at the start of the year. You're too ambitious. Give others a break and take a rest, haha~"

"Well……"

I don't know if I've become a bird startled by the mere twang of a bow.

My first reaction upon hearing this was... was Brother Bie giving me a warning?

Should I keep a low profile?

Bie Yan, who was laughing heartily, suddenly paused after seeing Li Mu's expression.

Then, seemingly understanding Li Mu's thoughts, he said with a wry smile:

"What are you thinking? I was just joking... I'd love for you to be on the front page every day, so everyone knows that our Arts and Sports Department has such a brilliant person!"

As he spoke, he sighed to himself:

"Sigh, I was also upset after hearing the news. I didn't know who to talk to, but we're brothers who can confide in each other, so I just chatted with you for a bit."

I see……

Li Mu thought for a moment and nodded:

"So... what are your thoughts, Brother Bie?"

"What do you mean by 'my thoughts'? I have no thoughts. What does my transfer within the group have to do with me?"

Upon hearing this, for some reason, an instinct began to urge Li Mu to speak directly:

"Isn't this a bit unfair to Director Zhang?"

"The victor is king, the loser is villain. Didn't I just say that the most unfortunate ones are those clear-headed individuals like him who have no backing? You're so high and mighty, but who are you trying to impress?"

"...But ultimately, isn't this kind of clear-headedness what the group needs? He didn't do anything wrong."

"His biggest mistake was slamming his fist on the table and refusing."

"But not for the group, right?"

"Well……"

Bie Yan was taken aback.

She subconsciously looked at Li Mu.

He felt that... Xiao Li's words had a hidden meaning.

"What? What are you thinking?"

Li Mu didn't actually know how he came up with this "clear" mental circuit.

But at this moment, perhaps the passion hasn't cooled?

Or perhaps they simply didn't want to see a sober person walk into that good night?

Anything is fine.

He said some things simply because he felt that way:

"I think... if you, Brother Bie, acknowledge Director Zhang's abilities, then... rather than letting him go, it would be better to make friends."

"...?"

His words clearly slowed down Bie Yan's train of thought.

To make friends?

He naturally understood that what Xiao Li meant was not "between strangers, you are nice to me and I am nice to you, let's be friends", but rather something else entirely.

"Well……"

After thinking for a moment, Bie Yan muttered to himself:

"I certainly acknowledge Lao Zhang's abilities. When I first entered the industry, he was already the editor-in-chief. Over the years... to be honest, aside from that one unavoidable incident, he's been incredibly diligent his entire life... but the problem is his age... even if he were to continue rising, it's basically impossible. In terms of potential... he's already exhausted. If I were to be friends with him..."

"I think... since you've told me all this today, you must also feel sorry for him. Besides, as you said, the director has worked diligently his whole life, so he's definitely capable. As people say, an elder in the family is a treasure. At the very least, he can be a clear-headed person, right? Besides, he's only being transferred, and as you said, it's technically a lateral move. Some things... you might plant flowers with care, but they might not bloom. But maybe after the darkest hour comes the dawn. You never know what might happen, right?"

"Well……"

This time, Bie Yan's gaze fell on Li Mu once again.

observe.

thinking.

At last……

He said instinctively:

"That seems to make some sense... Okay, you go ahead and get busy, I'll think about it some more."

Waving goodbye to the guests.

So Li Mu got up and took his leave.

He's said what he needed to say, and as a nobody, he has no power to interfere with what happens next.

As he walked away and the door slowly closed, a murmur echoed in the room:

"Let's be friends...?"