A perfect life begins with changing the timeline.

Chapter 352 Those who walk different paths cannot make plans together.

"Brother Bie, what did Brother Da Ming tell you? Is the boss's problem... serious?"

"I have no idea."

Bie Yan was also rubbing her temples.

"He didn't tell me the specific procedures for handling the case. In fact, according to regulations, this phone call itself was a bit of a violation. But... it's obvious, Xiao Li, he just wanted to confirm one thing with us, which is whether we have any personal relationship or whether we're on the same side. From his perspective, he only needs to know this much, and the size of the matter is none of our business."

Does Li Mu understand this principle?

Of course I understand.

But that's where the problem lies.

Without knowing the size, who would dare to speak recklessly?

Who knows if you'll be covered in mud when you pull out the radish?

After thinking for a moment, Li Mu continued to ask:

"Brother Bie, I remember we talked about this before, wondering if the boss would be involved in this. And what's your follow-up...? No action?"

"To be honest, no. I was just weighing whether it was necessary. He's not one of us, you understand? Regardless of how close we are, we're not on the same page. At most, we're just polite to each other. And to be frank, after you reminded me, my only thought was whether it was necessary for the *Beijing News* to invest..."

There was actually some complaint in Bieyan's words.

It wasn't that she was complaining about Li Mu, but rather that she was caught off guard by Dong Huaiming's phone call.

After all, following his line of thinking, if Cheng Yizhong had problems, then they would have to prepare in advance and make an effort to take over the position of editor-in-chief of the Beijing News.

If there are no problems, then everyone can at least keep to themselves.

This is true for both the Southern Metropolis Daily and the Beijing News.

But the facts now show that he underestimated the situation.

They were so focused on the interests of Southern Metropolis Daily that they neglected the interests of The Beijing News.

Again.

In Li Mu's view, Brother Bie still didn't value the newspaper too much.

His core focus remains on the Southern Group.

Thinking of this, Li Mu knew that he had to "teach" his older brother a lesson.

Even if it's just a little spoiler beforehand.

So he parked the car back in the parking space and said into the phone:

"Brother Bie, there's something I've been wanting to talk to you about."

"What?"

"Brother, have you thought about what the future holds for our Beijing News?"

"..."

There was a moment of silence on Bieyan's end.

Then, Li Mu heard the sound of a lighter.

When the voice came again, the older brother's voice was much calmer:

"Tell me, what are your thoughts?"

"Brother, you see, according to your thinking, if this newspaper doesn't do well, our fallback plan is to go back, right?"

"Um."

"But what if it's done well? Brother, first of all, our administration and editorial departments are separate, not the same team. So... have you thought about it? For a newspaper to thrive, does it rely on administration or editorial staff?"

"Of course, it's editorial work."

"Okay, editing and reporting are our strengths. But if the newspaper succeeds, our contribution will be 51% compared to others' 49%. And if I remember correctly, we only have editorial rights, not administrative, financial, or operational rights, right? Because it's a requirement from above. They issued this requirement for running a newspaper in a different location, and we complied, thus accepting this 'silent loss.' Right?"

"Um."

"Did Guangming Daily actually produce anything? No, they just provided a publication number and then absorbed an entire administrative team. To put it bluntly, their most shady aspect is that they don't have to do any work at all. The editorial department, the core but also the hardest-working department, is handled entirely by us. We assign our best personnel to help the newspaper grow and expand, but they don't have to do anything and just reap the benefits. Don't you think that's a potential source of conflict?"

"...So, what are you trying to say?"

"What I'm trying to say is very simple, brother. First of all, what's the reason we started this newspaper?"

"Of course, it's because the higher-ups asked us to be a pilot program for running newspapers in other locations."

"Okay, brother, since it's a pilot program, whether it succeeds or not, whether it's a pilot program or not, it will eventually end. Right now, our group is responding to the higher-ups' requirements and doing this thankless task. Okay, so what do you suggest when the pilot program ends? Should we continue? Or should we recall everyone?"

"If we do as you say, and our people are withdrawn, wouldn't the Guangming Daily just reap the benefits? That is, assuming we run the newspaper very well..."

"Yes, that's exactly what I wanted to say. If this newspaper is run well, do you think Guangming Daily can handle it?"

"...Why can't you eat? If we leave, won't it all belong to someone else?"

"Brother, don't forget, this policy of allowing newspapers to operate in other locations wasn't theirs. It was issued by higher-ups. Now that the pilot program is over, what is that? It's an achievement, a political accomplishment. Do you think even if Guangming Daily wanted to take it over, the people who created this policy would let it go? They've been taking advantage of this for so long, and they want to keep doing it? What's the point of having this policy? Just to make a living for Guangming Daily? Has something this good ever happened?"

"..."

Now, Bi Yan was speechless.

In fact, Li Mu's words had a certain awakening effect on people who were dreaming.

Yes.

Was this ZC proposed by Guangming Daily?

No.

It was also one of those responding to the call.

To put it bluntly, just like the Southern Group, they all work for their superiors.

And now that things have gone well... you'll definitely get credit. Do you want to take all the credit for yourself?

Why should someone cook a pot of food for you for free?

Do you really think the superstructure is some kind of insignificant government office?

"You mean... the future of this newspaper doesn't lie with Guangming Daily?"

"It's not that they're not here, it's that neither Guangming Daily nor our group can handle it. A government agency that can get Guangming Daily to respond to a call must have a complete, closed-loop structure behind it. How this matter starts, how it operates in the middle, and how it ends must all have been decided. It's just that they're not saying it now, probably because they're afraid that the two companies will shirk their responsibilities after knowing the outcome. In fact, to put it more dramatically... Brother Bie, why don't you inquire within the group about whether there's any kind of finalization regarding the Beijing News matter as it progresses? For example, Guangming Daily withdrawing and Southern Group taking over completely?"

Li Mu's voice at this moment sounded like a smiling tiger.

In an extremely calm voice, a predetermined result was stated:

"If our group has it, then... who can guarantee that the Guangming Daily doesn't? And if both sides work together, each with their own ulterior motives, in the end, when the final approval comes through, whether it's the crane or the clam... can they outmaneuver the fisherman?"

"..."

Bie Yan completely stopped talking.

A long silence followed.

Li Mu didn't urge him, and waited for about half a minute before Bie Yan spoke again:

"We've gotten a bit off-topic. Weren't we talking about our boss?"

"This is about our boss. Bro, let me give you an example. Suppose Yanjing City is the mastermind behind this... It's very likely they are. After all, there are so many pilot programs for newspapers operating outside their city, why should the first one be here? And if it's them, and in the end, the Beijing News falls under their propaganda department, then our newspaper will be a legitimate, city-run newspaper. So... shouldn't it have an official status? Let's take the Yanjing Daily as an example, what level is it?"

"A directly subordinate bureau-level public institution... Holy crap!"

Bie Yan instantly realized what his little brother was trying to say!

Yes.

Yup!

Why didn't I think of that!

Wouldn't that make him... a high-ranking official in the capital?

And if they really reach that level, how can Southern Group compare in terms of administrative benefits?!

No comparison!

One was just a provincial-level unit, while the other was a close advisor to the emperor!

How dare you compare?!

"...Why didn't you say so sooner!?"

For some reason, a hint of regret and anger crept into Bieyan's tone!

Li Mu was speechless.

He thought to himself, "Does my brother think everything I said before was nonsense?"

"Brother, I told you, ever since that dinner when you talked to me and Sui Kuan about the Beijing News, I've been telling you that this organization has great potential, and compared to other organizations, it has a lot more 'Beijing-related content.' But the problem is, I'm not a prophet, brother. I could only see the organization's potential, but back then, nothing was set in stone. Shares, profit sharing, personnel organization, and all that hadn't been finalized yet, so I couldn't see anything else."

"..."

I'm speechless.

He blames Li Muyao?

No wonder.

Because... recalling how his younger brother had repeatedly mentioned the newspaper's various potentials over the past six months, he had really ignored it all.

The reason is simple: his biggest wish for this newspaper is to honestly accompany his daughter through her three years of high school. After all, Bie Yiyi's grades are quite good, and it is well known that it is easy for students from Beijing to get into these two... or even the best universities in the country.

So he was completely focused on his daughter and didn't think about anything else.

But now that Xiao Li has explained things clearly, he has suddenly realized the truth!

Finally, I've figured out this whole game.

But after seeing through it all, what takes its place is a touch of ambition.

It burned like wildfire.

"I understand. Xiao Li, you're truly my lucky star! Okay, I get it. Yes, I made a foolish mistake, but... it's not too late, is it?"

"Hehe, as long as you understand, that's fine, bro."

"Okay, that'll do for now. I'll think about it. See you on the 11th."

"OK."

The phone hangs up.

Li Mu gripped the steering wheel, lost in thought.

a long time.

He suddenly sighed...

Actually, he had a pretty good impression of Cheng Yizhong.

I think this person is cunning.

Putting everything else aside, last year, due to the GG incident, the staff changes at Southern Metropolis Daily were practically non-stop.

However, in the core editorial team, apart from Zhou Long, none of the other directors or deputy directors were moved.

This shows that the boss is very capable, at least in the area of ​​news gathering and editing, he is very skilled.

pity……

It can't be saved, there's no way to save it now.

Brother Bie understood this principle, and then he gestured towards the group of people behind him...

Without a doubt, one of our own people will be transferred over.

This faction has so many people, there's no way to fill all the positions. And now, they actually have a promised land that leads directly to the ears of Heaven…

Who would let this opportunity pass?

We can't even say "let it go"; we should be fighting for it.

Strive for a better position!

It's incredibly hot!

To put it bluntly, even if the boss hadn't made any mistakes this time, he wouldn't have been able to stay.

Even if you don't want to leave, you have to leave.

Tsk.

Thinking of this, he sighed deeply and then started the car.

It's okay to leave.

Boss, if you don't leave... how can I improve?

If I don't turn this newspaper into my own backyard, what right do I have to... attend meetings at the Great Hall of the People?

I'm sorry.

Those who walk different paths cannot make plans together.

Boss, you're blocking my path to advancement.