Chapter 120: The Launch of "Economy" Magazine

After exchanging pleasantries with Shen Bi, Xia Yu and Shen Bi sat down facing each other, sipping tea and chatting. The main focus of the conversation was Xia Yu introducing the basic details of the "Economy" magazine to Shen Bi.

When Shen Bi learned that the goal of "Economy" magazine was to become a top-tier financial publication, and that it was aiming to match magazines like Forbes and Fortune, his eyebrows raised in interest. Although he was British and not working in the US, he was familiar with the worldwide influence of these prestigious magazines.

Hearing that Xia Yu aimed to model "Economy" after such renowned publications, Shen Bi realized that despite Xia Yu's youth, his ambitions were significant.

However, leaving aside other considerations, the magazine's name alone provided a strong foundation.

When Shen Bi heard Xia Yu's general plans, he was somewhat reassured. According to Xia Yu, if the magazine was well-executed, while it might not immediately rank alongside Forbes and Fortune on a global scale, there was a strong chance it could become a leading financial magazine in Hong Kong and even Asia.

"Mr. Shen, I won't take up much of your time. Shall we start now?" Xia Yu asked with a smile after finishing his tea.

"Sure, just lead the way," Shen Bi replied with a smile, adjusting his attire.

Xia Yu then directed the filming team to set up their equipment and began the interview.

"Mr. Shen, may I ask…"

As time passed and all prepared questions were asked, Xia Yu wrapped up the interview and instructed the team to pack up the equipment.

"Mr. Shen, thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule for this interview. Once our magazine is published, we will make sure to send you a copy as soon as possible," Xia Yu said as he stood up and thanked Shen Bi once again.

"Ha ha, it's I who should thank you, Xia Yu, for interviewing me. It's an honor to be the cover person for the first issue of your magazine. I look forward to it!" Shen Bi responded with a handshake and a smile.

"It's getting late, so we won't take up more of your time. See you next time!"

After being escorted out by Shen Bi, Xia Yu returned to the company with his team and promptly handed the interview materials to the head of the news department, Sun Xin, instructing him to organize the material and quickly draft a news release.

Receiving the task directly from Xia Yu, Sun Xin did not dare to delay. After assigning tasks to his assistants, he immediately began working on it.

By the following morning, Sun Xin reviewed the news release one last time to ensure there were no errors before handing it over to Xia Yu.

After reviewing Sun Xin's draft and making some revisions, Xia Yu called in Yan Wenhan, handed over the revised draft, and assigned him to handle the next steps.

…

In the afternoon, Yan Wenhan entered Xia Yu's office with a joyful expression, holding the freshly printed sample of the first issue of "Economy" magazine. He respectfully handed it to Xia Yu.

"Boss, here is the sample of the first issue of 'Economy' magazine. Please have a look."

"I'll take a look!"

Xia Yu quickly took the hot-off-the-press magazine from Yan Wenhan. The first thing that caught his eye was the photo of Shen Bi on the cover.

"This photo is excellent! It really enhances the magazine's appeal!" Xia Yu praised.

In the photo, Shen Bi appeared solemn. Even though it was just a photograph, the presence of a major figure was palpable. The photographer's skills and the chosen angle were commendable, and Xia Yu decided to assign similar shooting tasks to them in the future.

Next, Xia Yu flipped through the magazine, page by page, growing more satisfied with each turn.

The magazine met all of his stringent standards and even exceeded his expectations in some areas, indicating that Lin Shanyuan and his team had truly put their heart into creating it.

The quality of the paper used was excellent, and the magazine was in full color with exquisite workmanship. It was clear that it was a high-end product. Although the cost was high, the magazine was aimed at middle and upper-class individuals, who would be willing to pay for something of value.

As a magazine aspiring to become a top global publication, "Economy" needed to meet high standards in both design and paper quality to compete with other magazines.

"This magazine is ready for publication! It completely meets the standards!" Xia Yu said with satisfaction as he closed the magazine and addressed Yan Wenhan.

Hearing such high praise from Xia Yu, Yan Wenhan's face was also filled with smiles, acknowledging that his significant efforts in supervising the project had finally paid off.

However, thinking about the current situation at the printing plant, Yan Wenhan's smile slowly faded, revealing a look of difficulty.

"Are there any issues? Please let me know," Xia Yu asked with a smile upon noticing Yan Wenhan's expression.

"Boss, currently, your book 'The Qin Empire' is still selling very well. The printing plant is operating at full capacity and doesn't have enough production capacity to print 'Economy' magazine. What should we do?" Yan Wenhan asked, looking at Xia Yu. Since 'The Qin Empire' was Xia Yu's book, he felt it was up to Xia Yu to decide.

Xia Yu was taken aback, then shook his head slightly, finding it both amusing and frustrating.

He thought there might be issues affecting the publication of "Economy," but it turned out to be a problem related to his own novel.

However, it was impossible to halt the printing of "The Qin Empire" to prioritize "Economy." Rationally, no one would make such a decision.

Firstly, there was the issue of revenue. Every copy of "The Qin Empire" sold was generating royalties for Xia Yu and revenue for the company. It was only natural to continue profiting from it.

Secondly, and more importantly, the sales of "The Qin Empire" were also contributing to boosting "Jiu Ding Daily" sales in Southeast Asia.

Even though "Economy" magazine was intended to be another pillar for Jiu Ding News Media, it had not yet been launched or established.

The current pillar was "Jiu Ding Daily," which was essential to the company's foundation. It was crucial to ensure its success in Southeast Asia without internal disruptions affecting its sales.

Otherwise, if such a situation caused negative impacts, Xia Yu would be ridiculed by other industry players.

There were only two solutions: either expand the printing plant to increase production capacity or delay the release of "Economy" magazine until the plant had available capacity.

Unfortunately, the first option was not feasible in the short term for Jiu Ding News Media. Thus, the only option was to delay the release of "Economy" magazine.

Moreover, delaying the magazine's release would not have any negative impact and was acceptable.

Thinking this through, Xia Yu said to Yan Wenhan, "Wenhan, continue with the printing of 'The Qin Empire.' At this stage, 'Jiu Ding Daily' is more important and is our foundation. We cannot afford any issues. The publication plan for 'Economy' magazine will be postponed. Once the printing plant has available capacity, let me know immediately and arrange for the printing of the first issue."

"Understood, Boss!" Yan Wenhan replied with relief.

"By the way, should we inform Professor Lin and the others about this? They seem very eager for the magazine's release," Yan Wenhan asked, as if remembering something.

"You go… No, I'll go and inform them myself," Xia Yu reconsidered and decided to go himself. He stood up and headed towards the fifth floor.

Although Lin Shanyuan and the others were paid to work for Xia Yu, their primary motivation was not just money but reputation. They would likely be disappointed that the magazine could not be released immediately due to company issues.

Since these individuals were crucial to the magazine's future publication, Xia Yu decided to explain the situation to them personally and reassure them, showing his attitude and respect.