Chapter Nine, Infernal Affairs

I believe him, I truly believe him!" Mi Hu called out with a choked voice twice, then ran out of the office. At the door, she turned back and said, "If the editor-in-chief insists on his arbitrary judgment and is unwilling to trust others, then let’s all be dismissed together.

The shopkeeper, Gu Yongsheng is calling you out to reply.

It took him just ten minutes to walk to the company, but the moment he stepped into the editorial department, he was stunned by the scene before him

Kuang Heng joined "The Great Jianghu" as an editor four years ago, witnessing the magazine's most glorious period. Later, Xue Muliang and Han Shuo emerged and began their own magazines, leading to the decline of "The Great Jianghu" in the face of competition. However, for reasons unknown, Han Shuo had a falling out with his investment boss, and the magazine announced an indefinite suspension after only two issues, while Xue Muliang's "Ding Fiction" rapidly rose to prominence

The first rain of April arrived unexpectedly. Mi Hu stood in front of the large window, holding a cup of milk, gazing down at the crisscrossing roads below. She lived on the sixth floor, and the view was quite good. The spring rain fell neither hurriedly nor slowly, like countless threads connecting heaven and earth. The streetlights in the rain appeared so dim and lonely. Mi Hu took a sip of milk, and suddenly, a youthful and innocent face emerged in her mind, along with the inexplicable words: "For you, countless times."

Editor Kuang, "Mi Hu habitually answered the phone, 'I didn't expect you to call too.'"

In addition to the comments, this post, like a mother virus, rapidly spawned a series of battle posts. In no time, the entire homepage of the forum was dominated by the news of "Gu Yongsheng Inviting the Shop Assistant to Battle." The keen media then shifted their focus, collectively expressing support for on-site writing and calling for the informant to reveal their identity.

The first call was from Tang Nan, who expressed concern about the argument he had with the editor-in-chief today. He indicated that he would wait for the editor-in-chief to calm down and then join other editors to plead on her behalf. After hanging up with Tang Nan, Mi Hu let out a sigh of relief

Another netizen speculated that this post, from beginning to end, was merely a promotional stunt by "The Grand River and Lake," which briefly gained some attention, but ultimately did not create significant waves

This response has left the forum users extremely disappointed. Just as a wave of excitement was about to arrive, one party suddenly withdrew and conceded, which was truly disheartening. Gu Yongsheng's doubts about the operation were swiftly dispelled, and a few meddlesome users, unwilling to accept this, posted provocations. Unfortunately, the shopkeeper has kept his word and has not shown up.

Mi Hu decisively stated: "It is impossible; he has already posted to refute the rumors and has provided an explanation for me"

Mi Hu, feeling gloomy, finished his meal and then hurriedly bid farewell to Liu Jingting. Before leaving, he left a remark: "This weekend, you can come to my house to pick up the computer and the contract. I will also treat you to a meal, as I do not want to owe you a favor."

Then the editor-in-chief spoke again: "Everyone go and support his post, but do not use overly aggressive language; it is sufficient to express a sense of sudden realization in a subtle manner. Then, tag the shop assistant and invite him to respond."

Mi Hu looked at the editor-in-chief in confusion and sat down in the chair

Do you think that "The Great Jianghu" can’t survive without you? You are truly unaware of your own insignificance. Go to Human Resources tomorrow to process your resignation

The editor-in-chief has always treated you well. This matter is not a big deal; just lower your head and admit your mistake. The few of us will speak on your behalf, and there should still be hope. As for that Gu Yongsheng, it's just a matter of letting go. One cannot let a single author hinder one's own future.

Mi Hu felt a stir in her heart, coughed lightly, and said: "Brother Nan mentioned that he would unite with you several editors to plead my case, but I think..." Mi Hu sighed at the right moment and continued, "I believe that if the chief editor does not change his attitude, I estimate that I will not be able to return."

"What a little brat, speaking such nonsensical words." Mi Hu spat, yet a peculiar feeling began to stir within her heart, manifesting on her face as a faint smile. At that moment, her phone suddenly rang

... ...

Tang Nan stuck out his tongue and then sat down

Thank you

At this moment, the entire editorial department is filled with a strong sense of joy, as if a group of editors, like whales that have been submerged for a long time, have finally surfaced to breathe a sigh of relief.

Mi Hu sat down on the sofa, casually picked up a cushion and held it in her arms, saying: "This is a matter of principle; he is conservative and stubborn, making it difficult for the magazine to overcome its predicament"

The boy smirked and said, "If you follow my method, the results will become clear in due time"

With just this one post, the situation was immediately reversed, demonstrating that true prowess is built upon a foundation of strength

Today, Kuang Heng is in a very good mood, as the matters he has been planning for a long time are finally taking shape, and he has also made unexpected gains. After finishing breakfast at KFC and stepping out, he is beaming with joy

Liu Jingteng's post was pinned just half an hour after it was published, and the subsequent comments were overwhelmingly lively. Most of the replies were in support of Gu Yongsheng, calling for the "shop assistant." Everyone was joking and teasing as they conveyed messages for Gu Yongsheng: "People are saying they are in such a hurry, when will the great shop assistant come out to serve?"

When Mi Hu returned to the office, the entire editorial department stood up and gave a warm round of applause. The chief editor leaned out of the office, waved, and said: "Mi Hu, come to my office for a moment"

Hello, Brother Nan... and the library...

Speaking of which, Mi Hu really has a way. Tang Nan was tilting his head to converse with his colleague next door about "blue and white porcelain," when he heard an editor say: "Everyone, please check the group chat."

Zhou Daoran's expression was calm as he pointed to the chair and said, "Please sit down first"

How long have you been in this society? Have you ever witnessed a real business war? Don't tell me you've read about it in novels; that's too naive. I can tell you, it is a battle that devours people without leaving a trace.

Once again, with a loud "bang," the editor-in-chief slammed the office door shut, and all the blinds were drawn down. Everyone exchanged glances, but no one dared to ask why.

Half an hour after Zhou Daoran and Mi Hu had their argument, the shopkeeper finally appeared. He did not confront Gu Yongsheng but instead wrote an apology note, stating that he had merely raised reasonable doubts and had no intention of framing anyone. Since the parties involved had come forward to clarify the situation, revealing the truth, he felt his mission was accomplished. Therefore, he decided to deactivate his account and would never appear on the Jianghu Forum again. In the end, he pretended to wish Gu Yongsheng success with his new work.

After a brief silence, Kuang Heng let out a long sigh and said, "Indeed..."

Then several editors called, mostly offering comfort and encouragement. Mi Hu's feelings began to become conflicted and complex, accompanied by a sense of slight guilt.

"It's all his fault. What nonsense about drawing the snake out of its hole? Where is the snake?" Mi Hu muttered to himself, and then his phone rang again

What is displayed on the screen is precisely the post that Liu Jingting just sent.

If Liu Jingting were truly fourteen years old, he would certainly not be able to grasp the meaning of this statement. However, possessing the soul of a university student, Liu Jingting easily discerned the underlying tone in the girl's words. Watching Mi Hu's silhouette, he silently smiled.

"Why are you and the books so unwilling to believe him?" Mi Hu raised his voice, and the sound reached the editorial department, leaving everyone looking puzzled. Wasn't everything already resolved?

Mi Hu did not respond and walked away on his own

Mi Hu smiled and thanked everyone as she walked into the editor-in-chief's office. No one noticed the complex expression in her eyes, nor did anyone notice the complex expression in another pair of eyes in the office.

Zhou Daoran chuckled lightly and said, "Yes, it's a series of schemes."

I request the time and location for the on-site writing. No matter how far the distance, I will personally go to the scene to witness the glory. I ask for the shopkeeper's assistance in this matter

"Delightful, splendid!" In the editorial office of "The Great Jianghu," Zhou Daoran looked at the computer screen, clapping his hands in joy, "I didn't expect this kid to be so tough."

"I cannot bear this risk. Think carefully for yourself. From the beginning until now, has he behaved like a fourteen-year-old child should?" Zhou Daoran said with a hint of disappointment, "Mi Hu, you are being too impulsive."

It's nothing, but are you really determined to leave "The Grand River and Lake"?

Editor-in-Chief Zhou shared a screenshot in the group, which reads: "Three, my personal view is that for a cultural product company to remain invincible, producing quality content is the key. Engaging in smear campaigns, conspiracies, and slander is entirely a case of losing sight of the essentials for trivial gains, and is not worth a smile. Let us encourage each other." This statement is particularly well-articulated, serving as encouragement both to our adversaries and to ourselves. It is remarkable that this young scholar, Gu Yongsheng, possesses such insights at such a young age

The declining "Great River and Lake" has undergone several personnel changes, with a new group of young editors, including Kuang Heng, successively promoted to the position of chief editor

"Mihu, have you ever considered that this might be a scheme?" Zhou Daoran looked at Mihu with neither joy nor anger, "What I mean is, from beginning to end, this is all a trap, right up to now, a counter-espionage plot."

Everyone responded, indeed

The editor-in-chief was also enraged, and his words drifted out of the office. The entire editorial department suddenly fell silent, with everyone whispering to each other, speculating about the reasons behind the argument between the editor-in-chief and Mi Hu.

"You started by saying that he framed me. I went to find him and asked him to post an explanation. Now you are saying that he is setting up a trap. From the beginning to the end, you have never believed him. You have never even met him, and you are making judgments solely based on your own experiences. According to your reasoning, should we just disregard this author?" Mi Hu said, feeling wronged.

The editors in the editorial department were bewildered; what exactly is the plot twist unfolding here? Just as Tang Nan was about to get up to chase after Mi Hu, he heard the chief editor say, "Whoever wants to chase, let's go together!"

"Editor-in-Chief, we have a mole in the editorial department." Mi Hu entered the Editor-in-Chief's office, his smile fading as he got straight to the point

"Indeed, you are a key talent in our editorial department. If you have been wronged, it is only natural for us to check in on you" came the voice of Kuang Heng over the phone

At this moment, the ancient genius Gu Yongsheng, who is capable of turning the tide, is having ramen with his editor Mi Hu. Strangely, Mi Hu's expression is not particularly pleasant; with a hint of anger in her tone, she says to the boy in front of her: "If you guess wrong, I will definitely not let you off."

Shopkeeper, please take off your vest and show your abs, let us fight

On the morning of the second day, the rain had just cleared, and the sun shone through the clouds, casting thousands of golden rays. Early-rising office workers hurriedly carried their bags while holding breakfast and soy milk. The bus stop was crowded with men and women waiting for the bus. Occasionally, those with cars would glance at the anxious people at the bus stop, feeling a sense of superiority arise within them

Alright, Editor-in-Chief. Everyone queued up to respond.

With a dull thud, Zhou Daoran stood up and pointed at Mi Hu, shouting, "What are you saying? Are you threatening me?"