As soon as Cen Nuoqin entered the meeting room, she felt that the atmosphere was a bit strange. It was newly decorated and the air was a bit chilly. She pulled up her skirt and sat down. Someone poured her a cup of coffee. The new editor has not yet appeared. Nuo Qin heard from seniors that most of the newspaper or magazine offices in the past had simple facilities, some without heating and cooling. After 20 years of development and progress, the facilities of large-scale cultural institutions are no different from those of other large companies. Today, she was invited to meet the editor-in-chief of Universal Publishing House. She always thought that there were other experts, but she was the only one in the meeting room.

It's time for the meeting. As soon as the door was pushed open, a young woman with bright eyes and a smile came in and stretched out her hand, "It's Ms. Cen, right? My name is Wu Siben, and I'm the new editor-in-chief of Universe Magazine." Nuoqin immediately stood up and shook hands with her. Wooth himself was followed by an assistant. She introduced: "My good helper, Lin Lihong." Woothburn was wearing a bright red coat, one of Noqin's least favorite colours. She waited for the other party to speak first. It seems that Wu Siben has replaced Luo Guozhu's position. Guozhu has worked in the universe agency for five years, but suddenly there is a quarrel with the boss, and then disappears.

At that moment, Nuo Qin misses the good old days with Luo Guozhu. She asked softly, "Where are the other colleagues?" Wu Siben leaned forward, "Today, I will have a meeting with you." When Nuo Qin studied in the UK, she was very impressed by their reserved and low-key quietness, and was even afraid of American-style aggressive gestures. Sure enough, Wuthburn said, "I'm from the journalism department at the College of Wisconsin-Madison." Nuo Qin nodded politely. Wu Siben suddenly laughed loudly, "Look, now the editors and writers of the Chinese newspapers are all staying in the UK and the United States, and they are gold-plated and silver-plated, which is completely different from before. In the past, most of the Chinese newspapers were so-called educated youths from the mainland. Hey, I have done detailed research on the cultural evolution of this city."

Seeing her being so arrogant, Nuo Qin couldn't help feeling disgusted, but she just didn't show it. Wu Siben continued: "I told the boss: We are a group of new cultural people, we can be gentle and martial." Nuo Qin really wanted to say something teasingly that she didn't dare to take it. "Miss Cen—" "Call me Nuoqin." "What an elegant name." "So are yours." "Yes, the Chinese name is beautiful and reflects the culture. It is much more pleasant than Alice and Amanda." Hey, this is more pleasing to the ear. "On my third day at work, I ordered all the girls named Cherry and Vanilla in the company to find another name. The universe is not an ice cream shop."

Nuo Qin couldn't help laughing. These are off-topic, what on earth is she trying to say? "Noqin, you've been writing for us for some time." Nuoqin smiled, what's the matter, want to stab her? "Nuoqin, you must know that the economy has been in recession for the past six months." Nuo Qin smiled, "I also read the newspaper." Her tone had begun to be sarcastic. "Your short stories are very popular." Nuo Qin bowed her body. This is a fact, there is no need to discuss it, otherwise, she is not qualified to sit here calmly and see what this new official with three fires on his face wants to say.

"Miscellaneous version, we mean, want to add a column." I'm coming. Everything depends on the economic recession. I heard that a newspaper is encouraging female authors to write pornographic novels in order to attract publicity. It was really pale, and Nuo Qin's face gradually became serious. Nuoqin didn't want to deny that she really didn't like these new ideas. "The boss means that he wants to book a contract for you, including novels and new columns, for a period of one year." "Remuneration eh?" "The boss is not a stingy man."

"I know." "But he's not a beast. In the current situation, you, Miss Cen Nuoqin, are the only ones who won't lower the price. The boss doesn't lower your price because you have appeal." Who doesn't like to hear good words, Nuoqin accepted them all, thinking, although this Wu Siben showed his sharpness, he was still a good person after all. man of. "Write what new column?" Wu Siben motioned to the assistant, and that Miss Lin lined up a card and nailed it to the poster board. Nuoqin was stunned when she saw it. She couldn't believe her eyes. On the white cardboard, there was a string of pink rose wreaths, plus two hearts pierced by arrows in lavender, setting off seven large purple art characters: "Lonely Hearts Club".

Nuo Qin was dumbfounded. Wuthburn was very interested, "How is it?" "Why don't you use a lonely heart?" Nuoqin could only avoid the important ones. "Hey, Nuoqin, young readers are afraid of anything they don't like." Ah, mistaking the reader for an idiot. "There are a lot of college students today." "None of those people are our readers." "I beg to differ." Wu Siben stared at her, "We have done market research, Nuoqin, can you let me finish the new plan?" According to Nuoqin's old temper, she should have stood up and said goodbye politely, but for some reason, she was still sitting in the meeting room.

Maybe it's the economic downturn that's frustrating. Some of the experts left their hometowns and went to Nanyang to write TV dramas. The production was interrupted, and there was no news at all. Jia Jia sighed everywhere, saying that he couldn't find a job, and someone wrote more and more wretchedly, throwing salt flowers indiscriminately. ... With lips dead and teeth cold, Nuo Qin fell silent. The old Xingzun said that the heyday of the publishing industry has passed. In the 1980s, several new newspapers and magazines were published almost every year. Today, the writing industry is in decline.

Some publishers have been in arrears for manuscript remuneration for a year, perhaps because they are really forced to do so, or perhaps they are taking the opportunity to seize the money. I only heard Wu Siben say: "This is a love mailbox." By this time, Cen Nuoqin had lost her appetite, and one ear was numb. She stood up and said softly, "Scholar can be killed! Don't be humiliated." She originally thought that she would be able to leave smoothly, but Wu Siben stood up and stopped her. "Nuoqin, give me ten minutes." Nuo Qin smiled instead of anger, "I surrender." She raised her hands.

"Please accept the reform." Nuoqin said: "Everyone has principles." "My goal is to keep my job," Wuthburn said. "If you have enough food and clothing, you will know honor and disgrace." "Hey, Cen Nuoqin, you don't even look like a person who reads English." Nuoqin laughed, "Speaking English does not mean being shameless." Wu Siben was also angry, "Hey, I didn't tell you to commit adultery and robbery." This is true. "Hey, your reaction is weird, it really doesn't make sense." "Ms. Wu, it is up to you to publish or reject the manuscripts that have been handed in. Our conversation ends here." "Please stay." "Barely no happiness." "I am also divided into four." "There is no need to suffer like this, there is no unparalleled path." Wu Siben yelled: "What's wrong with being the host of Love Mailbox? Guiding readers in the wrong way will be of great merit." Nuoqin let out a laugh. "Nuoqin, today's master who is promoted to the sky by others only started with the Seven Monsters of the South of the Yangtze River and the Six Immortals of Peach Valley. Can you calm down? Lihong, make two big cups of iced coffee and come in." Hey, the deputy editor still has to make coffee? Things have changed. Cen Nuoqin calmed down, "I don't know how to host a mailbox." "No, or do you not want to?" "Then you don't need to study it carefully, Miss Wu. Also, novels can be used by you or not." "Wow, enough style." Nuoqin smiled and stopped fussing with the woman in red. "However, being so stubborn must suffer." "I have been stubborn all my life, and I have never asked my uncles and uncles for advice." "Noqin, we all appreciate that in you." Cen Nuoqin said goodbye. Leaving the universe, she looked up at the sky, and the city could hardly see the blue sky and white clouds. To put it nicely, it was shrouded in haze, but the reality was that the air was polluted to the extreme. There are two versions of everything, Cen Nuoqin can call himself a writer, but be contemptuous!She is also a checkered person. Her older sister Tingfeng once introduced her like this: "Nuoqin makes a living by writing." Her little car drove towards her sister. This car was also a birthday present from Tingfeng, who is good at dancing, otherwise, today, she, a great writer, would not be crowded in the underground railway, complaining every day in a column that her compatriots are noisy and rude. Tingfeng lives on the mountain, the property he earned ten years ago, the price has dropped by half this year, but he has earned three times more than before. Tingfeng's mantra is "old money is worth money". She came to open the door, and when she saw her sister, she made a sudden move. "Wow, what are you doing, you're so disheartened." Nuo Qin touched her face, "Can you see it?" "The unlucky star descends to earth, but that's all." "Oh, it's hard to say." "It's better to change careers and do business with me." "How obscene." "Hey, are you very noble in your line of work, and everyone does whatever they can to get fame and fortune." Nuoqin was silent. "It's still too late to turn around. Someone came from Shanghai tonight and went out to dinner with me." "Uneasy in the house, that's how Gao Jiliang divorced you." "Your crow's mouth." Nuoqin suddenly complained to her elder sister about her troubles: "Ask me to be the host of the mailbox." Unexpectedly, Tingfeng showed great interest, "Hey, okay." "what?" "Recently, citizens feel depressed and have no way to complain. Mailboxes are a good way to vent." "Isn't it the old fashioned thirty years ago?" "New wine in old bottle, why not." "But it's called the Lonely Hearts Club." "Hey, it's a trick, my heart is so lonely." "You mean, this mailbox is interesting?" "Of course it's enough for business." "Can't be vulgar?" What a Cen Tingfeng, she has life experience after all, she said in a calm and pleasant manner: "Dear sister, every time Tens of thousands of words are published in the daily supplement of a newspaper. How many words do you think can be handed down from generation to generation?It's all just looking for a life, so why take it too seriously. " "Always be right with your conscience." Tingfeng Mimi smiled, "Yes, you are not allowed to commit adultery or robbery." "With a pen name or without a pen name?" Ting Feng really thought about one thing, "Well! Let's call Mrs. Lan Xin, Hui Zhi Lan Xin." "Why are all mailbox hosts madam?" "Mature women with rich life experience are qualified to give advice." "Mrs. Lyceum's Lonely Heart Club?" "What's wrong?" Nuo Qin laughed. "Think about it carefully." "Don't think about it, it's been pushed down." The wind in the court was black and the smoke went away, "I will not realize it until I die." Nuoqin puffed her chest out, "I'd rather be a lion for a day than a rabbit for a lifetime." Tingfeng nodded, "I can be so generous, but because my father's inheritance has not been exhausted." Nuo Qin changed the subject: "Are you still smoking?" "In my house, I am the master." "There are children at home, do you want to watch you suffer from emphysema or coronary heart disease?" This hit her fatal point, Ting Feng jumped up, "Believe it or not, I will drive you away." "Single mothers are hard enough, is there any news about your ex-husband?" My sister ignored her and changed to go to work, but it turned out to be a bright red coat. Nuo Qin chanted, "When it's red, it turns to ashes." "Can today's readers understand?" "The reader knows everything, and the greatest mistake a writer can make is to underestimate the intelligence of the reader." "Isn't this idea outdated?" "Never." "Come on, let's drink tea." "Over the years, as soon as Cen Tingfeng came to the street, the city's consumption index immediately jumped." "A man must enjoy himself." "Has Didi been out of school yet?" "The driver will pick her up." "I follow the car." "eventful." Nuoqin followed the car to the school gate, and Xiao Gao came out with a heavy schoolbag on her back. When she saw her aunt, she immediately fell into her arms. Last time the teacher got it like this, and blamed Gao Di for still being immature at three years old, Nuo Qin hurriedly pulled her into the car.Didi hugged Auntie's arm and did not let go. "Shh, what's the matter, is the homework tiring?" Didi nodded. "Let's go for a walk in the park." The driver turned his head and smiled, "Second Miss, Didi has to go to tutoring in a hurry." "Ah," Nuo Qin was very disappointed. Instead, Didi laughed, "I'm only free on Sunday." My aunt and nephew had to say goodbye. Nuo Qin returned home alone, dropped her handbag, and the phone rang. "I'm home?" "Who are you?" "Hey, I met you just now, your editor Wu Siben." Nuoqin kicked off her shoes, "What's the matter?" "The economy is in a bad situation. Please help me out. You are a person who has seen good things in the world. You should give back to the society." "Hey, I have only been in the industry for five years, and those middle-aged writers are enjoying enough blessings, and many of them have immigrated to work as apartments." "You don't know the hardships they endured when they earned six yuan and a thousand characters. Miss, you have already earned six yuan a character since you entered the industry." "Which hand of yours gave me so much!" "Each has its own difficulties." "What's the difficulty? I heard that even those who didn't submit their manuscripts could become famous at that time, and the fees for manuscripts rose every year. They were robbed and snatched away. Amao and Shou were all popular in the literary world." "Strange, but they say it's easy to become famous today." Nuo Qin replied: "Even if you are famous, you can't make money." "There are hundreds of thousands of years." "What is that?" Wu Siben sighed: "Don't mention the name of the top best-selling author in the United States, let me tell you, I just came back from New York last month, the bookstore had a big sale, and Tolstoy's War and Peace was only sold for three yuan." Jiumaojiu, Miss Cen, is much cheaper than your love story." Nuo Qin couldn't help laughing, "It's really interesting to talk to you." "Then let me say a few more words: I am just a wage earner, and I have to explain to the boss when I am a servant. Are you going to write it or not?" "How's the pay?" Wu Siben was taken aback, "What, ask me to get the manuscript fee, miss, you are still dreaming, the higher-ups asked me to reduce your manuscript fee, I couldn't pay, so I asked you to send a mailbox, the environment is so bleak, you are not pretending to be confused." Cen Nuoqin was stunned. It turned out that the situation had gotten so bad. "The words have been made clear. I have time tomorrow morning to discuss the details. We will work together to survive this disaster. When the stock price rises to 20,000 points in the future, you can cheat as you please. What do you think?" "How can literature and art be linked to stocks?" "Everything in the world is linked to the stock market, do you understand?" "Thanks for the advice." Hanging up the phone, Nuoqin felt dizzy. Like all young people in the city, she is a spoiled generation. She wears Italian fashion, eats Japanese food, drinks French wine, and hires a Filipino domestic helper. She has never been hit by anything , because there is no one who is unforgettable, she has never even tried to break up in love, but today she couldn't help but slumped on the sofa. There is a war. This is called economic warfare, and the city seems to be losing ground. Turning on the TV, I saw the Russian people flocking to the bank to make money, and the bakery was empty, and they all called Nuoqin Fakai. She went to check her muddled accounts. Last month, I went to the book fair to sit and sign autographs. For five days in a row, I spent tens of thousands of yuan on new clothes every day. Even going to the barber shop, etc., the effect was good, but I lost everything. Submit. If you don't save this kind of expenses, you don't have to think about saving for a lifetime. A few days ago, when I was visiting Fengluo Street, there were three pieces of leaf-shaped light brown-green ancient jade in an antique shop. With so many hobbies, when can I retire? There was a pile of champagne in the kitchen, and a reporter came to visit: "Miss Cen, what is the best accompaniment for champagne?" Nuo Qin remembered that she pretended to be surprised, "What, isn't champagne a good drink?" The competition was fierce, and he had to strengthen his acting skills. Cen Nuoqin was already a newcomer, caught between the oldcomer with deep roots and the real newcomer who had no scruples, the pressure was great. I didn't expect to have to fight the big climate now. She couldn't help yelling: "If you don't have a birthday, you don't have time!" She beat her chest with her fist. I also don't want to talk to relatives and friends at all. Everyone will say "ah" when they speak, and sigh that they have never seen such a situation in thirty years. horrible. Going to the desk and sitting down, I saw grids jumping mockingly on the manuscript paper, so many Tongwen simply switched to computer typing. Nuoqin reads English, but she also struggled to learn to type Chinese, but she always chooses to write by hand, I write my heart by hand. Moreover, once, an editor had a question: "Did you write this novel? We don't think the style is similar. Ms. Cen, can I write the original manuscript next time?" A professor in the university collected the handwriting of famous people. Nuoqin had seen Hemingway’s own handwriting. There were only ten lines and eight lines of characters written on a page. The handwriting was delicate and delicate, unlike his rough appearance. It only sells for five hundred dollars, which is not expensive today. There are deals for about a few thousand dollars, but it looks very friendly. Nuoqin Wensi tied the knot. I can't write any more. She asked Li Zhongfu to come out to accompany her. Zhongfu can be said to be her boyfriend. At the beginning, they still had interest in developing a future with each other, but gradually they felt that it was impossible. Their relationship sublimated and they became like brothers and sisters, but they still liked to tease. Zhongfu worked in a government agency. Before and after the transfer of power, he was ridiculed as a chaste and chaste man. However, when the economy was not right, his job, which was regarded as a worthless job by his peers, was suddenly envied by thousands of people. Li Zhongfu said: "I can only come to accompany you after get off work." "It's half past five." "Miss, you don't know the hardships of the people. I may arrive at 7:30. Are you going to treat me to homemade food?" "I'm not good at cooking." It started endlessly. "Nuoqin, you have to learn to do housework, the environment is poor, and delicate girls will be eliminated." Of course he was joking, but Nuo Qin also found that the status of a female writer is quite embarrassing during the economic downturn: there is not much dowry, and most of them don't know how to do rough work. Nuoqin’s kitchen is full of canned food, such as canned salmon, canned lobster, canned smoked oysters, canned pork with pepper sauce, canned braised pork... Otherwise, how can I devote myself to writing when I get greasy. Li Zhongfu finally came, and he brought roast duck, fried chicken, and even ready-made rice, which was considered considerate. Nuo Qin was envious, "It seems that only you will get a salary increase." "How about joining the civil service tomorrow?" "Not interested in." "Then don't be jealous." "Zhongfu, is it time to get married?" "What do you say?" "Everyone is no longer vain in their hearts, and they don't dare to look up. Finally, they are more down-to-earth. Maybe it's a good time to get married." Zhongfu laughed. "Today's meal is delicious." "In the past, the atmosphere of the city was really not good, it was too noisy and luxurious." In the past, who would listen to such words, but today, they find it a bit interesting. Li Zhongfu said: "I have a stable income, I have a car in the dormitory, I have a simple meal, and I can support my wife and children, but will you be willing?" Nuo Qin replied: "Sometimes I am very tired, and I have thought about it." "I have faith in you, you still have a lot of energy." Nuo Qin suddenly asked: "Zhongfu, have you heard of the reader's mailbox?" "Like dear Abby and Anlandas?" "Yes, you know about it?" "Of course, it was not easy to write well when the 1960s were in full swing." Strangely, none of them seem to have any objection to this. Zhongfu asked: "Do you want to host the mailbox?" "No, just talking." "I'm afraid you don't have enough experience. To write this kind of column, you need at least a degree in psychology." "I'm afraid they will ask everything." Nuo Qin murmured. "Mostly it's a relationship issue." Nuo Qin changed the subject: "How is it outside, what are you talking about?" "A year ago I complained that the house was released too early, and a year later I regretted that the house was released too late." Nuoqin let out a laugh. "I have no real estate with you, so I can avoid this kind of trouble." Nuoqin said: "It must be that we are honest and honest. I really have no interest in speculative business." Zhongfu smiled, "I don't think there is such a cheap thing in the world: every bet is guaranteed to win, and it's not the best business in the world." Nuoqin sighed, "But first-class citizens are still affected badly. The heavy atmosphere alone is unbearable." "You really don't have any stock?" Nuoqin replied: "Whether the stock looks like a certificate or a stack of bills, I have never seen it." "Oh, Cen Nuoqin, I love you." Nuo Qin couldn't laugh or cry, "Crazy." "Where is Miss Ling?" "She had an inspiration. She woke up suddenly one night in August last year and shouted: There is no reason to be promoted to this state. She sold everything early the next morning, and luckily it was not lost." "It's an old hand." "It's actually very simple. When all human beings go to speculate, the market collapse is not far away." "In hindsight." "Hey, Li Zhongfu, it seems like we've never talked like this before." "In the past, you loved to drag me out, so there was no time to talk about your thoughts." Nuo Qin admitted: "Yes, I used to socialize every day." It's either this invitation or that invitation. Sometimes I go twice a day, fearing that the master will be unhappy, so I have to rush on both sides. There is also a radio and TV interview, which is the most labor-intensive and time-consuming, three minutes for the camera, and three hours for preparation. Now, it all seems to have quieted down. Nuoqin asked: "Will the market recover?" "Will." "You are more sure than those famous economists." "It will definitely improve in three to two years." "Zhongfu, I want to study the world economy, where should I start?" Li Zhongfu smiled, "Marx's Das Kapital." "what?" "Young lady, you don't have to pay attention to the affairs of the world, you can still eat, drink and have fun." "It makes no sense." "Let me take care of you." Li Zhongfu left very late that night, and the time passed so quickly, which surprised him. He used to accompany Nuoqin to socialize, and a meal seemed to last a year. The next day, Cen Nuoqin was invited to Universe Company. Wu Siben came out to greet him, "Oh, the great writer has arrived." Everyone loves to hear good things, no one cares about the truth, Nuoqin laughed. "Come to my office please?" She closed the door, "How are you thinking?" "If you don't want to write, it's better to travel around the world on the Elizabeth II steamer." "Well said, now, I can talk about the plan." "Please." Wu Siben breathed a sigh of relief, "Answer a reader's letter in each issue, and you and another author will host together." "I'm not used to cooperating with others." Nuoqin raised her face. "You two don't have to meet, each has his own work." "Talk to yourself?" "Exactly, I, the two authors, want to give readers one more opinion." "Who is the other person?" "The mysterious author, whose pen name is Wen Si, I will not reveal his identity." Nuo Qin objected again: "He is in the dark, I am in the light, no no no." Wu Siben immediately said: "Don't worry, he doesn't know who you are." "I use a pseudonym too?" "Will you or not?" Instead, Nuo Qin breathed a sigh of relief, "The plan is very interesting." "thanks." If you don't show up, your opinions can be more presumptuous. "Is the other party a man or a woman?" "No comment." Nuoqin really admired Wu Siben, and it was not easy to do her job. "Dae is also a woman." "I'll keep your identity a secret, too." "Really have to be that nervous." "This arrangement will be disclosed to the readers so that they may be interested." "Can it be saved?" "I don't know, the editorial department does its best." She gave the author an envelope, "This is the first letter, due tomorrow." "What's my pen name?" "His name is Wensi, your name is Wenbi." Nuoqin was a little frustrated, "Can we get through this?" "Try it together." "Any other colleagues have any comments?" "The salary has been reduced by 20% since last month." " Nuoqin exclaimed. Wu Siben also sighed, "Morale has suffered a great blow, mainly because we have only heard about salary increases over the years. We once received five-month bonuses once a year, and we never know what it feels like to fail." Nuo Qin scratched her head, "How could I have thought of today?" "Don't be discouraged, the world is so depressed." "However, we have always been the favored children of heaven, so how can we be counted?" "Yes, already spoiled." Nuoqin had nothing to say. "Waiting for your submission." Nuo Qin bid farewell tactfully. Who is the other author? Maybe it's Wu Siben, if she doesn't say anything, it's inconvenient to point her out. To be a writer, it is best to write a small book and become famous, and then rely on your laurels to accuse others of being jealous of him. There is nothing so cheap in the world. Nuoqin's pen felt unprecedented pressure. What should I write? Continue to smile without laughing, talk nonsense about some irrelevant topics, or work hard to rise up and reflect the reality. Neither of which she is good at, a real headache. Oh, I entered the wrong line. It's not that he has no orthodox education. He could have taught or found a job in a commercial organization. After five years, he should have achieved results. Now he is racking his brains for a living. She gently opened the reader's letter in the envelope.