Chapter 127: Two in One

Chapter 127: Two in One

"Nothing is missing, you can take it and go. I'm closing the door now." Qin Yao gave a cold dismissal.

With the items in her hand, Qiao Jie felt humiliated, her face turning pale and then flushed. She was unsure whether to leave or stay. After a moment, she gritted her teeth and left in a huff, like a wet and miserable dog, thoroughly embarrassed.

After retrieving the items, Qiao Jie sat on the sofa and realized her actions had been inappropriate. It was shameful to ask for the things she had given away. She could only imagine how people would mock her behind her back.

When Meng Xian returned, Qiao Jie told him what happened, still without any remorse. "It's her own fault for not choosing me after I gave her something. This is a lesson for her."

"Even a dog would wag its tail if you gave it a bone. These people are ungrateful dogs. She even dared to scold me last night..."

Usually good-tempered, Meng Xian could no longer hold back his anger. He shouted, "Who told you to do that? Who exactly is the one with no proper upbringing?"

Qiao Jie widened her eyes. "You're actually scolding me?"

"Heh," Meng Xian felt dizzy. Marrying Qiao Jie was probably the biggest mistake of his life. For years, he had carefully cultivated good relationships and climbed the career ladder successfully. But now, with Qiao Jie, all his efforts were in vain.

He had thought marrying her would be beneficial with her good family background, but now it seemed like heaven was testing him with this tribulation.

They had only been married for a short time, and Qiao Jie had already offended everyone. There was no more goodwill left.

"Qiao Jie, let's get a divorce. Even if it means upsetting the retired leaders, I'm divorcing you." Meng Xian, a decisive man, had had enough. He didn't even want to try to smooth things over anymore. He had been trying to build a relationship with Gu Cheng, but Qiao Jie had offended Gu Cheng's wife. She had offended multiple families, not just Gu Cheng's. With her sharp tongue and poor social skills, who knows how many enemies she'll make in the future?

If he didn't divorce her now, his career and life would be over.

Meng Xian quickly weighed the pros and cons. Even if divorcing Qiao Jie meant upsetting the retired leaders, her father was about to retire anyway. It was better to lie low for a few years than to be dragged down for life.

"You really want to divorce me?"

Meng Xian took out a cigarette. "Let's divorce. This marriage has become unbearable. I can't handle having you as my wife."

Qiao Jie locked herself in the room. The next day, Meng Xian still insisted on the divorce. Now it was Qiao Jie who was afraid. She couldn't bear the humiliation.

Though Meng Xian was not good-looking, his temperament and personality were excellent. All his father's friends praised him. A man's looks didn't matter as much as his career.

Qiao Jie had considered marrying Meng Xian a step down, but it had given her a lot of respect and her parents were happy too. They knew Meng Xian had a bright future after this training.

Before, she had been confident that Meng Xian wouldn't dare to divorce her, but now that he insisted, she realized how big a mistake she had made.

"Go and apologize to Qin Yao. If you don't, we're getting a divorce."

Meng Xian was furious when he brought up the matter. He had worked hard to build a relationship with Gu Cheng, only for his wife to ruin it behind his back. Marrying her was like marrying a plague god.

"I'll apologize then..."

That night, Meng Xian and his wife brought two bags of items and knocked on the door of Unit 301. When they saw Qin Yao, Meng Xian smiled broadly and apologized. "Xiao Jie is young and sometimes acts without thinking. Sister-in-law, please don't take it to heart."

Qin Yao eventually let them in. Gu Cheng was also at home and frowned slightly when he saw the couple.

He had never liked Meng Xian much, thinking he was too eager to curry favor and lacked real ability. Now, it seemed he had gone astray and wouldn't go far in his career.

Qin Yao sneered. "I don't think she's that young. I'm only twenty-four. If we go by age, I should call her sister."

Meng Xian only smiled at this, but Qiao Jie couldn't hold back. "I come from a good family. A child's upbringing reflects whether they were loved or not."

Meng Xian's smile faltered.

Gu Cheng, with his arms crossed, said coldly, "So, your wife was never loved at home and grew up like a hedgehog. Unlike my wife, who was doted on by her parents and has four older brothers. When I first met her family, I had to play the role of the obedient son-in-law."

"Yaoyao, considering how she grew up without much love or care, don’t take it personally."

Qin Yao nodded and sighed, "No wonder I heard her talking about her parents last night. She was speaking from her own experience."

Meng Xian could no longer smile. Having this couple mock his wife right in front of him made it impossible for any man to laugh, but deep down, he felt a sense of relief.

Damn, it felt good to finally say what I’ve been thinking for years. She really is someone who has a mother but never got the care she needed. If it weren’t for her father’s connections, I’d have flipped the table already.

"Meng Xian, are you just going to stand there and let them bully me? Are you even a man?" Qiao Jie stomped her foot, unable to stay in the Gu family any longer, and ran off.

Meng Xian quickly apologized to Gu Cheng and Qin Yao before rushing after Qiao Jie.

Qin Yao pointed at the gifts they had brought and asked, puzzled, "Should we return these things to them?"

Meng Xian and his wife had brought some cigarettes, alcohol, tea cakes, as well as ham and syrup cans.

"Keep them," Gu Cheng said. "Returning them would only cause more trouble. From now on, we’ll have less contact with his family."

Qin Yao nodded. "I can’t stand that woman either. I won’t have any contact with her."

We don’t know what Meng Xian told Qiao Jie afterward, but she behaved herself for a few days, and they didn’t get divorced. Meng Xian had a way of handling situations that impressed everyone.

After settling down in Yangcheng, Qin Yao began organizing her own editorial department. The unit provided her with a space on the ground floor of an office building, alongside other state-owned enterprise offices. It wasn’t large, just around 80 square meters, and it also served as a local office for the cultural center.

The late 1970s and early 1980s were a time when magazines flourished. Various magazines sprouted up, some with monthly sales reaching millions of copies. Many well-known magazines that would become famous later started during this period.

At the beginning, it was just three or four people, with funding ranging from a few thousand to about 20,000 yuan, to start a magazine. If sales were good, a monthly publication could expand to bi-monthly or even weekly issues.

The 1980s were the golden era for magazines.

In the late 1970s, there were mostly science and technology magazines on the market, such as encyclopedias on plants, aerospace, mathematics, physics, geography, and the environment...

In the mid-1970s, a popular science column was about aerospace knowledge. Qin Yao had read many aerospace magazines, as well as some nautical ones, though they weren’t as popular.

In the 2020s, many people aspire to study computer science, finance, or become internet celebrities, but in the mid-1970s, the most coveted careers were in aerospace and becoming a scientist.

When the college entrance exams were restored in 1977, aerospace was a popular major.

Many children from large families bought a lot of aerospace magazines, even if they weren’t good students. These aerospace magazines could also be considered military magazines, with pictures of fighter jets on the covers, which were a huge draw for ordinary kids.

The aerospace magazines were surprisingly engaging, filled with fascinating details about fighter jet development and the competition between different models...

Qin Yao had flipped through some, but she wouldn’t say she was fascinated by them. There were too many models, and she couldn’t really make sense of them all, but her husband could name them all.

There were many science magazines, but storytelling magazines, emotional stories, and youth digests were rare, and magazines related to writing essays were even scarcer. As a result, many students at that time had poor essay-writing skills. There were no example essays, let alone books with perfect college entrance exam essays.

This topic is a bit off track. There’s no need for analysis because the magazine market in the 1980s was vast. Even if she didn’t go for lifestyle and entertainment magazines, other types like emotional stories, story collections, and novels based on legends or movies could all become bestsellers.

However, it wasn’t yet the 1980s, and emotional stories and martial arts novels couldn’t be openly published. It would take a few more years, but Qin Yao couldn’t wait.

Lifestyle and entertainment magazines would be the safest to launch at this time and would likely face no issues, which Qin Yao had carefully considered.

She invested 10,000 yuan to establish the editorial department and gradually hired about ten people. Including her, there were twelve in total, each with their own responsibilities.

Several of them were her fans, having read her books and watched the movies adapted from her novels.

Zhang Feng, a guy in his early twenties, was one of Qin Yao’s fans. He had published poetry in a youth magazine at the age of twelve and was a member of the Writers Association. After spending less than a year in the countryside as part of the Down to the Countryside Movement, he returned to the city. Last year, he failed to get into college and is now an assistant at a normal school.

Qin Yao corresponded with him a few times. When Zhang Feng learned that she was starting a journal, he was very enthusiastic and even volunteered to help, saying that if she didn’t mind, he would work for free, having previously run a campus newspaper.

Upon reading his letter where he mentioned "work for free," Qin Yao felt like she was about to spit out a mouthful of blood. She thought to herself that the literary youths of the 1970s and 1980s really viewed money as dirt. I have to admire them.

Upon meeting, Zhang Feng said to her, "Are you still short-handed? I know many young people interested in literature. They haven't found jobs or gotten into college. If you can take people in here..."

Many literary youths excelled in language arts but struggled with math and science, making it rare for them to pass college entrance exams. At this time, many returned educated youths were unable to find jobs in the city and couldn't bear the hardships in the countryside. Many of them ended up setting up street stalls selling iced tea just to get by.

"They don't need wages, just meals. Everyone is really interested in this."

Hearing this, Qin Yao thought, my goodness, this is what you call a demographic dividend! There are too many idle young people. Even capitalists would cry listening to this, as they actively offer to work without wages, like beasts of burden.

"Then help me find a few suitable people, preferably those with talents, like those who know photography or filming. Also, find some unique personalities, like those who secretly perm their hair or wear eccentric clothes."

Many people assume that young people in the 1960s and 1970s dressed drably and were very conservative, but that's not entirely true. Every era has its flamboyant characters. For instance, although the social norms between men and women were strict, with even slight proximity leading to accusations of hooliganism, many young couples still fooled around in parks, running faster than rabbits when caught.

Similarly, although perming hair and makeup were not allowed, many secretly used hot iron clamps to perm their hair and applied shoe polish or sesame oil to their heads as a substitute for hair oil. There was nothing these people wouldn’t do—things future generations couldn’t even imagine.

Zhang Feng was a bit dumbfounded. "Eccentric clothes, permed hair?"

This simple and honest comrade didn't expect that Qin Yao would want such "youths." In fact, he did know some. On the contrary, many involved in literature were exactly these kinds of "oddities," with men having long, strange hair and some women shaving their heads, secretly perming their hair. He knew several.

Indeed, at this time, it was mostly young men who secretly permed their hair, with fewer women doing so. Men could get away with it more easily since their hair was short. They’d just say it was their "natural curl"—born that way.

Women couldn't pull off such excuses unless they also kept their hair messy like a bird's nest.

"Yes, I want people with personality, with vitality. Our journal is newly founded, and we need people with a pioneering spirit, not those who are conservative. If you find anyone who fits the bill, bring them to me for an interview."

Zhang Feng nodded. "Okay."

Zhang Feng soon gathered a group of people. Qin Yao selected a few, and following the suggestions from the writers' association here, she chose a few more, gathering about ten people in total. After assigning roles, the small, hastily organized editorial department began operations.

As the founder of *Southern Life Journal*, under the auspices of the cultural center on Hainan Island, Qin Yao also held the titles of general manager and editor-in-chief, with various responsibilities on her shoulders.

As the general manager, she was the highest-ranking person, equivalent to a branch manager, leading her team to build their kingdom.

It was also a time of chaotic management and low efficiency, with everything being figured out as they went, which gave Qin Yao this opportunity. At the same time, there were many people like Qin Yao across the country, embarking on their entrepreneurial journeys.

"For the launch of our lifestyle magazine, I plan to set these twelve themed columns. The first three pages will be 'News Express,' selecting recent domestic and international tidbits. It's not detailed reporting but brief news summaries, aiming to let readers know new words and events without reading newspapers."

"The second column is 'Life Bits,' interviewing specific individuals to write related articles, focusing on fragmented life records. It doesn't need to be written as prose or essays but should have a lived-in feel and a sense of life. We can also feature reader letters, letting readers share their lives."

"The third column is 'Beautiful Life,' sharing tips on becoming more beautiful, teaching methods like dressing, grooming eyebrows, braiding hair, and other life skills."

"The fourth column is 'Product Reviews,' introducing the user experience of goods from department stores, including their pros and cons. It needs to be 'authentic' to help readers with their purchases. For example, if readers want to buy a radio, we collect and present the user experiences of commonly available radios on the market..."

"The fifth column is 'Kindred Spirits,' addressing readers' emotional problems and featuring emotional sharing articles..."

"The sixth column is our special life feature. I've already decided that the first issue's theme will be 'Memories of Long-Distance Train Journeys.' We'll interview various long-distance train passengers at the station, learning about their stories. One person interviews, and another writes, aiming for seven or eight interviews to form a special collection."

"The seventh column is 'Book Sharing,' the eighth is 'Fable Comics,' and the ninth is 'Movie Introductions.' We'll also include three short stories, one novella, and a serialized novel."

...

Zhang Feng frowned. "Isn't this too cluttered? With just our team, can we pull this off?"

He was very hesitant. While essays and literary excerpts might draw readers, will this eclectic mix of content actually sell? Zhang Feng wasn't sure.

"It will definitely work," Qin Yao said confidently. She believed such a magazine could succeed. For now, it was just a trial, but once it was out, they would be at the forefront of the era, making a name for themselves.

Qin Yao had another idea: "On each page of the magazine, leave space for two or three lines of text under the page number. On odd-numbered pages, we'll publish humorous jokes, and on even-numbered pages, we'll publish pen pal exchange information."

Zhang Feng asked doubtfully, "Pen pal exchange?"

"Yes, don't you find it too difficult to find pen pals these days? Many people want to connect with strangers but can only post their contact information on bulletin boards at the post office, which isn't safe... Our magazine will provide a platform for pen pal exchanges. People can leave their addresses and personal introductions to make it easier to find pen pals."

No matter the era, people have always wanted to chat with strangers, meet new people, and hear fresh stories. Unlike the later years when online media flourished—with Weibo, QQ, and various dating apps—it was much harder to find pen pals in the 1970s and 1980s. Back then, making new pen pals depended on coincidences and accidents. Many would post their information at the post office, hoping someone might write to them. Other times, friends would introduce potential pen pals, or letters would be sent by mistake.

Posting personal information at the post office wasn't secure, as the staff would tear down these pen pal ads after a while. Many people also stuck their ads in places like train stations, as the desire to make friends was strong. Qin Yao's idea of publishing pen pal information at the bottom of magazine pages was a method that emerged with the development of magazines in the 1980s. She was the first to take the plunge.

This method would become widespread in later years, but for now, it was fresh and new. Pen pal personal introductions, detailed contact information—these would remain popular even into the early 2000s, with magazines and comic books featuring various pen pal ads, some leaving real addresses and others providing email addresses.

Once social media apps became popular, the practice of exchanging letters with pen pals disappeared, replaced by online chats.

"Pen pal personal introductions? That's new. Indeed, if we have this, many people will likely buy our magazine."

At just 80 cents, most college students could easily afford the magazine. With all sorts of pen pal information inside, many would be tempted to buy it. Even without reading the magazine's content, the pen pal information alone would be enough to excite people.

The idea of meeting people from all over and finding kindred spirits—just a few words could get people excited.

"But our first issue doesn't have reader letters or pen pal information."

Qin Yao said, "If we don't have any, we can create some ourselves. We can use different addresses and reply to all the letters uniformly, focusing on emotional support."

Zhang Feng was stunned. "Ah?"

Qin Yao continued, "We'll also create a confidential advice box for the magazine. Readers can send letters for emotional support whenever they're in need."

"That's a good idea, but wouldn't using our own addresses be misleading?"

Qin Yao replied, "We're real people too, so why can't we be pen pals? It's not fake—it's just us helping out."

Qin Yao believed that such practices were normal in the early stages of entrepreneurship. Even in the future, in chat rooms and on social apps, there would always be official shills or moderators. Even big bosses had to pretend to be women in chat rooms at the start of their businesses.

The key now was to build the platform and get people excited. Once the platform was established, it could operate healthily and sustainably.

The first issue of the magazine was scheduled for release in June, and time was tight. Everyone started working overtime, fired up by the fresh idea.

Zhang Feng even went to the post office and train station to ask if anyone wanted to leave pen pal information. He also took the opportunity to interview various passengers at the train station.

A chatty man from the northeast, eager to share his stories, cornered Zhang Feng and talked for two hours straight. He became so engrossed in the conversation that he missed his train, but he didn't mind. He even planned to stay an extra day or two to continue sharing his stories with Zhang Feng.

"You want to write an article about me, right? I've taken long-distance trains for years—if not a hundred times, then at least eighty. I even encountered a spy once. It was like an adventure."

"Another time, on a sleeper train at night..."

...

"When your magazine is published, I'll definitely buy it. I'll subscribe to every issue!"

...

During the interviews, many people, like this man from the northeast, were thrilled to be interviewed as ordinary people and to share their long-distance train experiences. The chance to see their stories in print made them eager to share everything.

As Máo Lìna jotted down notes beside Zhang Feng, she remarked, “I feel this job is truly meaningful.”

She was used to seeing interviews with celebrities and leaders in the newspapers. Máo Lìna had never realized that interviewing everyday people could reveal such fascinating stories—each life seemed both ordinary and extraordinary.

Zhang Feng said, “Our general manager has a unique perspective and far-reaching vision.”

The general manager he referred to was Qin Yao. Now, everyone in the editorial department called her Manager Qin. Although she could also be called the chief editor, the title 'manager' gave her a more professional edge. She was the head of the editorial team, earning the highest salary.

Looking at the substantial amount of interview materials, Qin Yao was also deeply moved. Unlike today, when people can share updates anytime and anywhere on platforms like Weibo and Facebook, there were very few channels for ordinary people to express themselves and share their stories at that time. Everyone had a desire to speak out, to share, and to be seen, discovered, and acknowledged by others.

It’s not shameful for life to crave recognition; there is greatness in the smallest moments.

At the beginning, Qin Yao started the magazine without thinking too deeply about it. Her primary goal was to experience entrepreneurship and earn money from ads. However, looking at the numerous interview materials and having personally interviewed two travelers, writing two articles with her own hand, the more she wrote, the more she felt moved, and she realized that what they were doing was becoming more meaningful.

The entire editorial team grew confident, believing that once the magazine was published, it would leave everyone in awe.