Yu Yitong had already decided to quit while she was ahead.
But unexpectedly, four days later, Mike called her and Cindy over.
"Your topic submitted last time has been approved."
"Really?" Cindy said happily, "I was worried that the snack recommendations wouldn't meet the requirements."
"Yes, indeed, our main focus is on restaurant reviews, and unlike existing competitors that rely on public ratings, we specialize in professional critiques that seek objectivity and fairness, avoiding the influence of fake reviews.
"That's precisely why the scores and rankings we provide are more referential for consumers. However, this doesn't mean we don't interact with our readers—the community feature was officially launched last month.
"We also need more topics to enhance the vitality of the community. The snack topic direction is good; although it's a slight deviation from our main business, it's more popular and likely to spark more discussion interest. You did well," Mike praised.
"Oh, it's nothing, it's all thanks to your encouragement and Peter's insightful guidance that I had such a trial," Cindy said modestly.
"Skip the flattery; in the end, it's the quality of the content produced that counts."
Mike folded his hands, "Hmm... the format should primarily be interviews. Since it's not a restaurant, we won't do scoring and reviews, otherwise, if the scores are too unattractive, it wouldn't be very interesting.
"Oh right, you can choose the other snack stalls yourselves, but make sure to include that 'The Universe's Number One Snack Stall' which is very popular on the short video platform lately—it will drive more traffic...
"Since you proposed the topic, Cindy, you're in charge. Serina will be your assistant. She has just joined the company, so you'll show her the ropes."
"No problem," Cindy readily agreed, then turned to Yu Yitong.
"Serina, you graduated from Aerospace University, right? 'The Universe's Number One Snack Stall' is also there, and I heard the owner is your alumnus; it seems like you two would have a lot to talk about, so the interview over there is up to you."
"Ah?"
As Yu Yitong listened to their conversation, she felt an ominous premonition rising within her, and it turned out to be true.
Before she could refuse, Cindy went on, "I'll send you the main questions in a bit, and you can improvise the rest. Oh right, remember to bring a camera and take lots of pictures of the food."
"But I still have other tasks at hand," Yu Yitong finally found an opportunity to speak up, "Mike, you asked me to track the most popular posts and active IDs in the community. I..."
"It's fine, that's not urgent; you can put it aside," Mike said, "Focus on getting the interview done first."
"But..."
It was his first time using this High-Dimensional Artifact, and he found it extremely novel and was filled with anticipation.
Every ten minutes or so, he would want to see how the animals in the desktop farm had grown, how many pounds of meat they had gained, wishing he could install a camera at home to monitor the situation in the tank at all times.
Acting on the thought, Ma Lu immediately pulled out his phone and ordered a high-definition camera.
But when he raised his head again, he saw a familiar figure standing across the road.
"You've been graduated for a year now, so why do you keep running to the school every day? Is your job that leisurely?"
Yu Yitong sniffled, "That... I came to see you this time for some official business."
"What official business?"
"To discuss a collaboration," Yu Yitong forced herself to forget about her relationship with the person and entered work mode, as she tried to speak in as calm a voice as possible.
"You know, I now work for the US Review website. I can write an article for you to make your snack stall even more famous and the business even more prosperous."
"No need," Ma Lu flatly refused.
"Don't be so stubborn, it's to your advantage too," she said.
"Who says? My current customer flow is already enough. There's a limit to how much food I can prepare each day; more people won't make me more money," Ma Lu said, hands on his hips.
"But you can also think about the future... plan a little bit more."
"The future, huh? Let me think, oh... sorry, someone said I don't make plans for the future."
Inside, Yu Yitong continuously reminded herself not to get angry, absolutely not let this guy get the best of her, or else it would just make him even more smug.
After a moment, she spoke again, "Can't we... negotiate a bit?"
"Nope," he replied.
"Fine then," Yu Yitong turned her head and walked towards the subway station, but after less than ten meters, she stopped, turned around, and quickly returned.
"What exactly do I have to do for you to agree to the interview?"
"Ha, it seems this interview is really important to you, huh?"
Ma Lu's face showed a playful smile upon hearing her words.