A perfect life begins with changing the timeline.

With this idea in mind, Li Mu immediately went to find Bie Yan to share it with him.

As a result, the other party was no longer there.

The office door was locked.

Li Mu was speechless.

I thought to myself, "So he's finally leaving... he's not even going to act anymore."

Brother, is it really appropriate for you to skip work and slack off so openly?

With a hint of helplessness, he returned to his office and found Wu Jun.

Teacher Wu's initiative to submit his application on the day the list was posted was somewhat unexpected. After all, from Li Mu's perspective, this veteran reporter was actually quite "prudent."

Looking back on his work experience over the past two years, in the first year, he and Shang Xiaobin mentored him and Sui Kuan. However, after falling out with Zhou Long, although he still maintained the public persona of "Little Li," he quietly drew clear lines in some matters.

But it is precisely because of this tact that his initiative to apply now does not seem out of place.

That's really impressive.

As for how much sincerity was hidden in the other party's so-called allegiance, no one could be sure. But one thing was certain: with his words and if he behaved well in the future, no one would dare to cause trouble for this old man.

Such a person may not achieve great success in their lifetime, but a stable and peaceful life is inevitable.

If you work hard at the Beijing News for three to five years, you can retire with the salary of an editor-in-chief or even deputy director, earning several thousand yuan a month.

They live more comfortably than anyone else.

After finding Wu Jun, Li Mu told him about his desire to serialize his book in the newspaper.

It must be acknowledged that having an elder in the family is like having a treasure.

Wu Jun explained the process to Li Mu, a young reporter who had little experience with it, in just a few words.

"Books that haven't been published yet don't need to be submitted to the publishing house for review. Xiao Li, it's been submitted to you. If you think it's good, then you should submit it to the editor. The editor has the final say. If the editor thinks it's okay, then you can discuss the payment with the author. Usually, the price these past two years has been one hundred to two hundred yuan per thousand words. For new writers like this, the price is at most around one hundred and fifty yuan."

Whether or not you negotiate the price is up to you... but usually, these authors won't refuse, because they also need to consider their own books. We are a media outlet with a circulation of over 1.4 million; getting published in our newspaper is something many people dream of. After they publish with us, they can go directly to a publisher, and the price will be at least 30% higher...

From procedures and formalities to how to talk to the author, etc.

The veteran reporter patiently taught Li Mu how to handle the situation.

Although Li Mu didn't exactly have a sudden epiphany, he did understand the process.

In provincial government offices, work can be done haphazardly, but procedures must not be wrong. Otherwise, if someone is accused of violating regulations, no one can bear the consequences.

After figuring this out, he went to reply to Li Xiaomu's email.

He took the initiative to express his desire to publish this book.

Because this is entirely beneficial to Li Xiaomu.

Of course, he also mentioned that he was going to work for a newly established newspaper, so the serialization would be in the new issue.

After sending the email, Li Xiaomu replied the next day:

"Li Ji, thank you so much. We don't need to discuss the price for now; I certainly won't refuse if you name your price. Since we're friends, I'll first input all the manuscripts into the computer, which may take some time. As a friend, I'd be happy to support you in your new work environment. As for the publication, I'll ask for your help then."

Upon seeing this email, Li Mu was in a great mood.

He felt from the bottom of his heart that this book naturally possessed an attractive quality.

Both the name "Kabukicho" and the experiences of Li Xiaomu are significant factors.

Yakuza, geisha, red-light district, gray and black culture, "clients," etc...

These experiences are so likely to pique one's curiosity.

If it gets published in the newspaper, it's sure to attract a lot of attention.

only……

Having thought of this, he quickly imported the five chapters into a USB drive and went to the editorial department.

"Sister Fang."

"Ha, Mr. Li, what article have you written this time?"

Fang Xiaofang, who also confirmed her move to the Beijing News, jokingly remarked.

She and Bie Yan were classmates and had a good relationship. Furthermore, from Bie Yan, Li Mu learned that this woman was actually a formidable woman who could easily tear apart a cheating boyfriend…

Going to work for the Beijing News meant that her child could go to school at Yanjing University, so she left without hesitation.

"Sister Fang, I have a short story I've submitted. Could you take a look and see if it's up to standard? If it's okay... I'd like to have it serialized in the new newspaper."

Upon hearing Li Mu's words, Fang Xiaofang didn't say anything like "You're in Cao Ying but your heart is with Han," but naturally took the USB drive.

"Okay, I'll take a look. I'll get back to you later."

"Okay, sure!"

Fang Xiaofang read very quickly; she finished reading in an afternoon and called Li Mu before leaving get off work.

"Xiao Li, there's no problem with the content. Autobiographical books like this inevitably touch on sensitive periods. Just modify the part in the first chapter about his experiences in China. I'll make some minor edits tomorrow, and then you can send the manuscript back. If the author is okay with it, then we can publish it. If not, just have him remove the parts in the first chapter that involve his retired father and his experiences in Shenzhen."

Li Mu now understood.

After Fang Xiaofang finished revising, he resent the first chapter, which had been cut by more than a thousand words, to Li Xiaomu.

Li Xiaomu's reply fully reflects this person's character.

It can bend and stretch, it can be soft and hard.

"Okay, Mr. Li, this revision is fine. After all, this book mainly tells the story of my time in Japan. I'll also revise it myself and briefly introduce why I went to Japan in the newspaper, is that okay? I think your revisions are a bit stiff."

Li Mu spent a month revising and refining this job.

In the blink of an eye, October 1st is here.

On the first day of October, Dong Huaiming called and invited Li Mu and Bie Yan to have dinner together.

Zhang Wei was also there.

When asked about the child... he said he had left him with his parents-in-law.

However, the meal wasn't hot pot; it was a Chaozhou restaurant that Zhang Wei wanted to try.

They didn't drink much alcohol; on such a hot day, the three men each drank two bottles of beer.

They mostly talked about everyday family matters.

The atmosphere was quite relaxed.

During the meal, Dong Huaiming asked when the two of them were leaving.

After Bie Yan replied, "The 15th of this month, Wednesday, after finishing my last day of work," Dong Huaiming didn't say anything more.

Neither of them took it seriously.

After dinner, Li Mu returned to his somewhat empty home.

My girlfriend joined the film crew on September 25th, and filming there is in full swing, so she has no time to care about me at all.

He took a shower, pulled the covers over his head, and fell asleep.

……

10 month 15 day.

Early in the morning, after washing his face and brushing his teeth, Li Mu looked at his reflection in the mirror, his face covered in water droplets, and suddenly smiled happily.

He was indeed quite happy.

Because... today is the last day.

On the last day of the Southern Metropolis Daily.

To be honest, he also felt that his mentality was not very good at the moment. After all, since he joined the company, he had taken one step at a time... He could not say that he had achieved great success, but he had taken every step very steadily.

For people to walk steadily, they need a solid road and a pair of shoes that fit well.

The Southern Metropolis Daily, clearly refers to those very important shoes.

Not only do they fit well, but they are also breathable and comfortable.

He has always been grateful to his workplace, because without those shoes, he might still be just an ordinary person living a mediocre life.

And we've been able to come this far on this path thanks to it.

But... I've only worn these shoes for a short time, yet I'm already tired of them and want to replace them.

He's really a scoundrel.

But what can you do when sand gets inside?

This grain of sand got in by accident, but it was incredibly uncomfortable under my foot.

Since it came, every step I take has been painful.

So much so that even though the shoes were perfectly fine, I had to replace them.

Thinking of this, he wiped the water off his face.

There was a strange coldness in his eyes.

Along with this chill, the last trace of guilt in my heart vanished.

After coming out of the bathroom, he started getting dressed, following the instructions he had received yesterday.

Yesterday, my workplace required all staff transferring to the Beijing News to attend a farewell party in the afternoon. The dress code was white short-sleeved shirt, black trousers, and leather shoes.

After getting dressed, he sat by the door, took a shoe brush, and carefully polished his leather shoes before stepping on them.

After glancing at the time, he pushed open the door and went out.

Carrying my thermos, I walked to the parking space in the underground garage that belonged to this apartment. The space, which should have been for an Audi, was clean and ready to go, having been washed yesterday.

He sold that Audi.

It's a real loss, I've only driven it for less than 10,000 kilometers.

Sold for 40.

If we go to Yanjing, that car definitely won't be able to run anymore.

What a pity...

A hint of melancholy flashed in his eyes.

That was his first car. He still remembers the envious looks from the people waiting for the bus near the bus stop when he drove out of the 4S store for the first time... Although vanity is not a good thing, the pleasure it brought to his mind and body is something he still remembers to this day.

But... there's nothing I can do.

Upon arriving in Yanjing, whether or not a car was provided was another matter, but for a reporter to drive an Audi worth four or five hundred thousand yuan was indeed too eye-catching.

His fiancée said she would get him something understated as a gift.

But they didn't mention the price, only that everything was ready.

Mysterious...

While pondering various things, he got into the old Santana.

"Buddy, this is your last day. I hope your next owner will treat you well."

He patted the manual transmission car he inherited from Brother Bie, which had been meticulously maintained and was practically given a second life, and drove it out of the parking space.

Today, the weather is fine and sunny.

But last night's weather forecast said it would rain today.

Sure enough, this company is unreliable.

Driving on familiar roads, Li Mu finished the milk and oatmeal in his thermos and arrived at work.

The banner above the main entrance immediately caught my eye: "[Heartfelt wishes to my colleague who was transferred to the Beijing News for even greater success in their career]"

A heartfelt blessing slogan.

After he drove in and parked, he heard a sound:

"Senior!"

Looking towards the source of the sound, he saw Fang Wentao and Sui Kuan, whom he hadn't seen in a long time, smoking.

He smiled and walked over.

"Give."

Fatty Sui gave him a Zhonghua cigarette.

After glancing at the cigarette box, Li Mu smiled and asked:

"Did you just return from Yanjing?"

"Yes, I went to do an interview with Brother Bin and happened to visit his workplace."

Sui Kuan looked like he was looking on with a gossipy expression:

"The building is quite old, and the environment is just average. I think it's not as good as our workplace."

Li Mu rolled his eyes.

You were jumping for joy when you left, but now you've become a sentimental person.

He held the cigarette in his hand without lighting it, then turned to look at Fang Wentao:

"How many of your people went there?"

"Eight, but I wasn't selected."

Fang Wentao shook his head helplessly.

"Then let's stick to this place. It's only just been established over there, and GG's business is really hard to expand. It's better to earn more money here."

Upon hearing this, Fang Wentao understood that this was indeed the case.

But... that was a new company after all.

For newcomers, the opportunities for development are definitely higher here.

He's not the type to be content to stay in the background.

As the group was talking, a burst of laughter and chatter came from the doorway.

The three of them turned around and saw a group of new faces walking into the workplace, chatting and laughing.

These people are all new arrivals this year.

Many people have been transferred from the editorial department, so naturally, replacements are needed. That's why there have been so many interns this year, including in the arts and sports department. However, none of them have been put in the main offices because there's no space.

They can only move to the temporary office after Li Mu and the others leave.

For these newcomers, getting a job at Southern Metropolis Daily... is truly pure luck.

Everyone knows that the company made a fortune last year. Everyone was scrambling to get in, and this year there are a ton of openings.

For recent college graduates... it's simply a matter of different fates for different people.

Last year, you couldn't get in; this year, you can get in freely; but next year... you probably won't be able to get in again.

It's all about timing, fate, and luck.

Soon, after the two finished their cigarettes, Li Mu casually tossed one to Fang Wentao.

"Let's go, let's clock in one last time."

"Walk."

The three of them checked in together and made plans to meet at the banquet tonight.

When only the two of them remained, Sui Kuan said:

"Have you found a place yet?"

"And you?"

"I've found a place, and... my dad said that after we sell the cows at the end of this year, he'll buy me a house in Yanjing. I've already chosen a location in Haidian, but it's a bit out of the way. I've told Feng Yuan about it, and she has no objections. For now, I'll stay at her rented apartment."

"Oh?"

Li Mu became interested:

"When will the matter be handled?"

"It's almost the end of the year. Hehehe... I'm letting you know in advance, you definitely have to come. Don't say you're spending the New Year at your hometown..."

"Ha, don't worry."

Li Mu readily agreed.

He never expected the two of them to get married, but now that they've come this far, there's nothing more to say.

At that moment, he heard Sui Kuan sigh:

"Finally, I can go to Yanjing and be a big shot! Damn it, that idiot Zhou Long..."

"Alright."

After stopping him from speaking, the two walked into the large office together.

As a result, he stopped walking.

At a glance, I spotted Zhou Long chatting and laughing with several new interns.

It's rare to see the office director arrive so early.

When the three of them met eyes, Li Mu calmly greeted them:

"director."

Sui Kuan also chimed in:

"director."

"Um."

Zhou Long nodded calmly.

It ends here.

But he didn't leave; instead, he continued to talk to several interns about things to keep in mind when publishing news.

That's really quite rare...

Soon, everyone in the office arrived one after another.

But Bie Yan has not yet shown up.

But just then, Zhou Long clapped his hands:

"Alright, everyone, please be quiet for a moment. I have a few words to say..."

Sui Kuan glanced at Li Mu subconsciously, and seeing that his eyes were completely calm, he remained silent and listened quietly to Zhou Long's speech.

"Today is the last day for many colleagues who are being transferred..."

After rambling on and on, she finally said:

"Although it's the last day, we can't slack off. Finish up any work you have on hand as soon as possible. Make sure everything is clearly handed over to others, so that nothing goes wrong after you're transferred. Okay, that's all for now. Finally, I wish everyone continued success in their new jobs. See you at 3:30 this afternoon in the main conference room for the farewell party, followed by dinner in the cafeteria tonight."

Then he left.

After he left, the office returned to its lively atmosphere.

Amidst the chatter, Sui Kuan leaned close to his ear:

"He's not even going to act anymore, he really doesn't take Brother Bie seriously."

"normal."

Li Mu said in a low voice:

"Once that person leaves, all these empty seats in the office will be filled with people. If you were in that situation, wouldn't you quickly make arrangements for your own people? Who has time to manage a deputy who has been transferred?"

"Tsk."

Sui Kuan shook his head with a sigh.

Then, the two of them started slacking off.

The real kind.

After all, there really wasn't much to do by now. Starting in October, all the interview work was gradually taken over by colleagues who stayed at the office. Some even went so far as to introduce their contacts to others.

But Li Mu didn't have that, or rather, his connections were beyond the reach of most people.

For example, Ding Lei, who is chatting with him on QQ right now.

"No problem, Mr. Li, leave it to me. I've already found the person; you can go and make the contact when the time comes. 139... this is the phone number; I've already given all the instructions."

"Thanks, Mr. Ding."

"It's alright. If anything comes up with the online editing, just keep in touch with the technical director in Yanjing. I've also asked him to keep an eye out for some key personnel. If you're hiring when you get there, he can find you a few reliable technicians."

"OK!"

After discussing everything with the new media liaisons from the telecom operators and the technical personnel, Li Mu felt completely confident.

Then, it was a little past 3 p.m.

The farewell party is about to begin.