A perfect life begins with changing the timeline.

Lenovo staff began unpacking all the computers.

I reckon the cardboard boxes alone could make the cleaning staff rich today.

Looking at those brand-new computers, the entire Arts and Sports Department office actually felt quite novel.

The company's performance has been really good this year, with so much income pouring in from guys; there has to be an explanation for it.

And so, IT-based office solutions, a major component, were served today.

When Lenovo staff were installing the computers, neither Zhou Long nor Bie Yan were present, so Xue Qiang, as the deputy editor-in-chief, was naturally responsible for setting up and installing them.

There were thirty-five computers in total. After glancing at the handover list, Xue Qiang subtly observed Li Mu and Sui Kuan.

After a moment's thought, he walked over:

"Xiao Li, Xiao Sui. Because you two were on a business trip, your names aren't on the computer application form. Go to the logistics department now to complete the paperwork."

"OK."\

The two responded and went out together.

At this point, there's really nothing more to say. Even Sui Kuan, who was the most indignant, remained silent after coming out.

As if it were none of their business.

Upon arriving at the logistics department, I explained the need for the supplementary procedures. The logistics staff immediately brought me two forms, which I signed, and then told me to go back and wait for the process to proceed.

Li Mu didn't even ask what procedures were involved or how long they would take... If he really wanted to make excuses, he could come up with a million reasons.

I won't pry further.

Back in his office, looking at the rows of installed computers, Li Mu remained calm.

In a day, the computer was almost fully installed, and even Wu Jun, the most senior employee, was now clicking around on the screen.

As he was packing up to leave after get off work, his phone rang.

The caller ID read: Zhou Wei - Hero.

"Hey, Shusuke. Haha~"

Li Mu started with a set of empty, but overly enthusiastic, rhetoric.

"Why did you suddenly decide to call me?"

Zhou Wei's voice, equally cheerful, came through the phone:

"Li Ji, are you free tomorrow?"

"What's wrong?"\

"I'll arrive in Guangzhou around 9 a.m. tomorrow. It's been so long since we've seen each other! Would you do me the honor of joining us for dim sum?"

"Sure, no problem."

Li Mu readily agreed.

"What time will you arrive, Shusuke? I'll come pick you up."

"No need, I'll be in the city center around 9:30. But I'm not very familiar with Guangzhou. Does Li Ji have any recommendations for a good teahouse? Let's have a nice meal together."

"Hmm..."

Li Mu thought for a moment and chose a place:

"Tao Tao Ju, right? Have you heard of it, Zhou Zhu?"

"I think... I remember someone mentioning it, saying it's been around for quite a while."

"Yes, it's an old shop, supposedly opened during the Guangxu era. The food there is good, but it's crowded and can be a bit noisy when chatting."

"Haha, no problem then, as long as it's delicious. I'll head over right away, shall we meet at 9:30? Is that a good time?"

"Okay. See you tomorrow!"

"Um."\

Zhou Wei didn't say why he came to Guangzhou, but Li Mu knew perfectly well that it was definitely about "Hero".

I just don't know if this is to repay a favor... or if there's some other reason behind it.

But he couldn't push it.

The favor was already destined from the moment I received the photos from the opening ceremony of Zhang Yimou's film.

He pondered this as he left work.

After returning home, he ate a simple meal, then took his racket and went downstairs.

No matter what negative emotions you have at work, use exercise to release them.

A network cable, right?

A computer, right?

Small shoes, right...?

"Bang!"

"Wow, Li, great shot!"

Looking at his classmate across from him giving him a thumbs-up, Li Mu smiled and nodded, thinking to himself:

"Sorry, bro. I'm really angry right now, you'll have to suffer a bit."

……\

At around 8 a.m. on July 10th, Li Mu drove his Santana straight to Tao Tao Ju.

This is an old shop, and it's definitely crowded.

Fortunately, he got the phone number of the manager at Tao Tao Ju from Chen Lixin and reserved a very good spot in advance.

After sitting down, he checked the time.

It's already 9:30.

However, he didn't urge him, but instead waited patiently with his teacup in hand.

The hall was noisy and bustling, but it had a lively and welcoming atmosphere.

It was almost 10 o'clock when Zhou Wei finally arrived, and upon seeing Li Mu, he smiled and said:

"Oh dear, I'm so sorry, Mr. Li, I didn't expect Guangzhou to be so congested."

"Haha, it's nothing. Shusuke, are you hungry? Shall we order something?"

"I'm easygoing, I'm fine with anything. I already ate some on the plane this morning."

"Then I'll order some specialties to try."

After ordering some shrimp dumplings, radish cakes, and other similar items, Li Mu chose to get straight to the point:

"What business does Zhou Zhu have in Guangzhou?"

"Actually, it's nothing."

Zhou Wei wiped the sweat from drinking the hot tea and smiled:

"I'm actually here to deliver an invitation to Li's restaurant."

"?"

Seeing Li Mu's puzzled look, he smiled and said:

"Li Ji, on the 12th, the 'Heroes' will hold a press conference in Hong Kong to officially answer everyone's questions."

Regarding the heart issue, some stills were released, and a collaboration was announced. I wonder if Mr. Li is free?

"Of course I have it, haha."

Li Mu quickly said:

"Whether as a fan of Director Zhang or out of courtesy for Zhou Zhu personally sending the invitation, I should attend. But... why is it in Hong Kong? Not on the mainland?"

"We have some collaborations with Hong Kong; Li Ji will find out soon enough."

"Okay... so you're saying the later stages of 'Hero' are over?"

"You could say that. Post-production was officially completed the day before yesterday. However, as Mr. Li knows, our company always releases a documentary alongside a film."

"Yes, I know."

Li Mu nodded:

"Director Zhang's films are inspiring for many industry professionals, so documentaries can help everyone learn better."

He was just flattering me.

According to Brother Bie, this documentary was released purely to make money.

But... there's something really frustrating about it: it sells incredibly well.

For example, if Guangzhou TV bought this documentary, they could directly advertise, "Exclusive behind-the-scenes documentary of Zhang Yimou's new film 'Hero.' Want to know the behind-the-scenes stories of 'Hero' and what the story is all about? Please tune in at XX time..."

Television stations are all about ratings.

Attractive programming is essential to getting viewers to choose to watch your channel at the same time.

As a renowned director, Zhang Yimou's influence is undeniable.

A top-tier existence.

But you can't say it like that; you have to be more accommodating.

Didn't you see Zhou Wei nod?

"Yes, but we haven't finished editing our documentary yet. The documentary will be released first, then the film. But... I can give Li Ji an exclusive scoop."

"What's wrong?"\

"Does Mr. Li know about Miramax?"

"I'm not entirely sure."

"Pulp Fiction, Shakespeare in Love, Chicago... This company specializes in the art-house film market, and they're very successful. Many of the films they distribute have won various Oscars. You could say that a film that gets their eye on it is practically guaranteed an Oscar!"

"oh?"\

This time, Li Mu was truly surprised.

Oscars?

The meaning of this statement is...

"They've got their eye on 'Hero'?"

"Ha, no, it means we've already bought the distribution rights for North America and Europe."

"Doesn't that mean..."

Seeing Li Mu's surprise, Zhou Wei didn't continue speaking, but simply smiled and said:

"Actually, to be honest, everyone in our company thinks 'Hero' is a film with a stronger commercial focus."

Li Muxin said, "That's obvious, isn't it? Leung Chiu-wai, Cheung Man-yuk, Lee Chung-kit, Chan Tao-ming... oh right, and Zhang Ziyi too."

So many people are casting you in art films?

Director Zhang isn't Wong Kar-wai.

You can read between the lines. When Zhou Wei said, "This is a commercial film," he was already implying, "It's clearly a commercial film, but Miramax, a studio specializing in art films, has taken notice. That tells you how excellent this movie is."

I won't explain it clearly; figure it out yourself.

"Director Zhang's film... is incredible!"

Seeing Li Mu's sighing expression, Zhou Wei knew that the other party had understood his meaning.

The rest is self-explanatory.

Every reporter knows what to do.

This movie is amazing, you better start praising it!

The more you flatter me, the more interviews I'll arrange for you afterwards.

"That's why I sent an invitation to Li's restaurant. If the movie isn't good, I'll be too ashamed to face you."

"No, that's too much to say."

"Haha, shall we meet on the 12th?"

"I'll definitely be there on time!"

"Okay, haha, by the way, Li Ji, I saw you reported on Liu Xiaoqing's case, what happened..."

Now that we've covered the important business, let's start with some casual conversation.

Then it was Li Mu's turn to show off his skills, saying things like, "The General Administration ordered me and my colleagues to act as reporters who followed and recorded the entire process," "Captain Zhu and I were the ones who arrested people together, the captain of the Chaoyang Economic Investigation Team One," and "I have many friends in the local tax inspection department"...

Anyway, bragging costs nothing.

Whether the other party believes it or not is irrelevant.

But... what if some of those words are true?

Right?

You can figure it out yourself.

In short, the meal lasted until after 11 a.m., marking the end of the morning tea time.

The two then parted ways, and Zhou Wei immediately went to Shenzhen to cross the border to Hong Kong.

He came just to see Li Mu.

Sending an invitation.

But the two had already discussed some of the unspoken implications over the dinner table.

Li Mu checked the time and estimated that he wouldn't get to work until after midnight, so he went home and took his Audi, which he hadn't driven in a long time, to a car wash.

The car, despite being brand new, developed a musty smell after a humid, rainy season.

It needs a thorough cleaning.

He didn't return to work until after 2 PM, just in time for his shift.

The first thing to do was to sign the fieldwork forms.

But……\

"Sister Wang... what do you mean I missed half a day of work? I went out to do interviews."

In the administrative office, Li Mu looked utterly bewildered.

我忙

Serious business...

How did it become absenteeism?