A perfect life begins with changing the timeline.

Although Li Mu understood that leaders often had the ability to make the impossible seem plausible, he truly hadn't expected Zhou Long to make it sound so outrageous.

A rising star, recently hailed as one of the top "post-95" actresses in his own article, wore a garment representing the flag of Japanese militarism—a symbol of the suffering inflicted upon the Chinese people—and posed for photos that appeared in magazines, causing a huge uproar online. This clearly offensive item, a landmine that anyone who touches it will be condemned, was described by him as a "minor incident."

Li Mu actually really wanted to ask:

"What constitutes a major upheaval?"

But he didn't ask.

There's no need to ask.

To paraphrase Brother Bie:

"This kind of thing involves nationalistic sentiment; it's like asking you to die."

I have no grudge against you, why are you telling me to die?

The fact that Li Mu didn't slam his fist on the table already shows how cunning he is.

But in Zhao Jian's view, the reporter, whose face was flushed and eyes were watery from drinking, seemed to be out of his mind, and having just been reprimanded by Zhou Long, this was the perfect time for him to "reveal his true colors."

Then he laughed heartily:

"Haha, it's hardly a storm. It's mainly because of some petty person causing trouble."

"ah?"\

Li Mu swayed unsteadily:

"What's wrong, Manager Zhao? I really don't know. Please tell me."

"Hey, actually... Ms. Li, didn't my wife treat you to dinner last time?"

"right."\

Li Mu guessed that if Chen Rong didn't come for such a big event, she might have already given birth or was in labor.

"I went straight to the US with Zhao Wei for a magazine shoot; it was this month's *Fashion* Spring/Summer collection. Turns out there was a photo where Zhao Wei's outfit didn't look quite right. But you can't blame us; it's all that damn person in charge, Zou Xue's, fault."

"Um...excuse me for asking, Manager Zhao, did...you show your nipples?"

"No! Of course there was no nudity... it's just that the outfit was a bit inappropriate. Our original intention was to shoot a series of photos on the theme of world peace, praying for human peace and individual well-being. But they designed the outfit with a Rising Sun flag pattern. As a result, when it was released, many people misunderstood it as the Japanese flag, which is quite absurd. Now, many people are saying that Zhao Wei did something wrong... Sigh, it's true, it was my oversight. But Reporter Li, to err is human. When something goes wrong, we should apologize and make amends as soon as possible. So... today I specifically begged Director Zhou to organize this meeting with you, hoping you could write an article to explain."

"Well……"\

Perhaps the half-pot of wine he had just drunk was too potent, because Li Mu's body was swaying involuntarily as he listened to Zhao Jian speak.

After listening to him, Li Mu nodded slightly and looked at Zhou Long again.

It's like confirming something.

Facing Xiao Li's gaze, Zhou Long took a drag of his cigarette and said calmly:

"Manager Zhao is right. No one is perfect, everyone makes mistakes. This incident was due to negligence on the part of the *Fashion* magazine staff, and has little to do with Zhao Wei. Xiao Li, you were the one who helped Zhao Wei secure her place among the 'Four Little Actresses,' but this trouble has arisen so soon after she was chosen because of someone else's mistake. People might think our organization has poor judgment in choosing talent, which would damage our reputation. So, just resolve this matter in the next couple of days and clarify things for Zhao Wei."

"Well……"\

Li Mu blinked his eyes, which were starting to look blank.

Her face was getting redder and redder.

But under Zhao Jian's expectant gaze, Li Mu, who seemed to understand Director Zhou's subtext and "threat," ultimately did not refute him.

Nod:

"I understand, Director, but I'm not familiar with this matter yet... Can I look into it when I get back later? Then... if it's convenient, Manager Zhao, can we discuss it further?"

"this……"\

Zhao Jian was taken aback.

Clearly, reporter Li didn't mean to agree outright.

It was somewhat different from what he had expected.

Actually, the reason he's in Guangzhou right now isn't because Zhao Wei is here for events; he came here specifically for this purpose.

When the incident involving *Fashion* magazine came to light, his reaction was actually quite swift; he immediately contacted his media friends to clarify and explain the situation.

But... no major media outlet dared to take the case.

This is clearly Zhao Wei's fault; no matter what, it's her mistake. Is this the time to try and clear her name?

Stop kidding, don't you want your job?

So no matter what promises he made, they were all rejected.

Some smaller media outlets, however, agreed.

They take the money and do the job.

But... these small media outlets may not necessarily play any role.

What Zhao Wei really needs now is an explanation and clarification from the major media outlets.

At the very least, Zhao Wei should be absolved of responsibility in this matter, and the blame should be placed on that lousy magazine, *Harper's Bazaar*!

Zhao Jian exhausted all his connections, and finally had to resort to using them to ask Qiong Yao to join his company.

Finally... they found Zhou Long.

Zhou Long initially didn't want to get involved, but he had a very close relationship with that Taiwanese businessman, and that businessman had played a significant role in Zhou Long being called "Little God of Wealth" in the weekly magazine over the years.

They made a lot of money.

They took quite a lot of things.

So when that big shot spoke up, Zhou Long had no choice but to accept this hot potato bomb.

But Zhou Long was clearly not stupid.

At this critical juncture, where anyone who crosses him is doomed, he immediately thought of Li Mu.

Didn't you name Zhao Wei one of the Four Little Actresses?

Now it's your turn to solve this problem.

As for what would happen to Li Mu after he got involved in this matter, Zhou Long didn't care.

A slap followed by a sweet treat, you know?

We can just let this young man get more money next time.

Moreover... Zhao Jian will definitely not skimp on the benefits this time.

One article, six-figure income.

For a young man from a rural area in Henan who stumbled upon news of 9/11 after a lucky trip to the United States, the temptation was certainly immense.

Moreover, the 9/11 news report has been submitted to the provincial level for awards, and the results will be out in the next few days. From Zhou Long's perspective, winning a provincial award is a sure thing. With such a prestigious award under his belt, even if there's some controversy, it won't be a big deal.

Most importantly, he helped me solve my problem, so I'll definitely receive benefits in the future.

Putting everything else aside, once she's associated with Zhao Wei, how can she avoid the news?

Therefore, this matter originated with Zhao Wei, but should be traced back to Li Mu.

This can be considered a closed loop of fate.

However, Zhou Long remained quite calm when Zhao Jian looked at him.

I thought to myself, "That kid Li isn't bad."

Even when drunk, their alertness is still quite high.

But indeed, Xiao Li didn't agree immediately.

So Zhou Long said again:

"Let's leave it at that, Xiao Li. Look into it later, write an article about it, and report it to me. I'll help you keep things within acceptable limits."

"..."\

Li Mu swallowed hard, and his body seemed to sway even more violently.

And instead of answering Zhou Long directly, he picked up his glass again:

"Manager Zhao, let's keep in touch."

They didn't say "okay" or "I'll think about it."

But... it seems like he said it again.

That means... he's agreed, right?

Zhao Jian breathed a huge sigh of relief.

The stone has finally fallen to the ground.

But it also feels somewhat unrealistic.

That's weird.

But he also understood that Zhou Long wouldn't speak up for him a third time, forcing Li Mu to nod.

Besides... this kid looks genuinely drunk.

Don't try to deny it tomorrow after you wake up.

The stone seemed to float up again.

……\

"Xiao Li, have a good talk with Agent Zhao, understand? Bring the article over in the next couple of days; I'll review it personally."

"Huh?...Oh...Manager Zhao...Okay...sorry..."

Watching Li Mu walk quickly towards the flower bed, bend over, and vomit violently, Zhao Jian didn't follow. Instead, he whispered to Zhou Long:

"Director Zhou, about this matter..."

"rest assured."\

Zhou Long, who hadn't drunk much today, nodded and looked at Li Mu, who was vomiting uncontrollably, and said:

"Have you prepared everything?"

"Don't worry."

"Okay. You can take him home later; I'll wait for the article to arrive."

"Okay, I understand."

A look of relief finally appeared on Zhao Jian's face.

"Go check on him, I'm leaving now."

"Okay, Director Zhou, don't worry, I'll bring Zhao Wei to pay you a visit in person after some time."

"Um."\

Zhou Long waved his hand, glanced at the driver standing by the car, and left.

Then Zhao Jian walked over to Li Mu and patted him on the back:

"Ms. Li, are you alright?"

"vomit……"\

Li Mu couldn't utter a single word, only vomiting.

……\

"Holy crap! What time is this?! It's so hot!"

Macau, Lisboa.

Seeing Zhang Yujing angrily slam down his cards, Bie Yan chuckled and gathered all the chips on the table to his side, saying:

"Bad luck isn't society's fault. You're just unlucky tonight, so hurry up and go all in next round. Once I've won everything, I can finally rest."

"Damn it, don't threaten me!"

Zhang Yujing cursed.

If Li Mu were here, he could probably tell from her cursing that this woman had been losing all night.

It's starting to seem like they're ruthless and heartless.

However, despite saying that, she still glanced at the time on her watch.

"It's only 10 o'clock."

"You should get some rest... Or I can leave, you guys keep playing."

"If you leave, we won't have enough people. Seriously, why didn't you bring Xiao Li? We're the best match!"

Zhang Yujing complained.

"Didn't I tell you? Xiao Li is going to do an interview."

"Oh, what kind of interview is this? What kind of news does he need? Just send him on a few business trips to Beijing, and I'll give him whatever news he wants. Honestly... Oh right, Lao Sun, who were you guys saying you were going to investigate next Monday? Can you give that news to Xiao Li?"

"Hey, hey, hey, what do you mean 'give to Xiao Li'? Why aren't you giving it to me?"

Not to mention being both amused and exasperated, Zhang Yujing rolled her eyes again:

"Why should I give it to you? You beat me all night, isn't that enough? We're not even financially compatible."

"Big sister, you're being too biased..."

Bie Yan was somewhat speechless, but still looked at Li Mu beside him. He had met Li Mu once before; it was Brother Sun, the guy he had played cards with when he first came to Macau.

"Brother, what news? What's it about?"

"..."\

Brother Sun glanced at the croupier.

He laughed and said:

I'll tell you in a bit.

Before he could finish speaking, Bie Yan's phone rang.

After glancing at it, Bie Yan answered the call directly:

"Hey, Li."

"oh?"\

Zhang Yujing, standing to the side, brightened up and called out with a grin:

"Little Li, where are you? I'll come pick you up. Let's go to Macau!"

But Bie Yan suddenly waved his hand and said into the phone:

"Slow down...what do you mean by 'it really happened to you'?"

The private room fell silent.