198: Chapter 198 An Industry That Cannot Be Saved

When Chen Hao said this, most enterprises supported by the government were just earning fixed salaries. Moreover, in this age of massive information explosion, obtaining knowledge requires no newspapers or magazines, so magazines are already facing obsolescence.

"At this time, since we caused such a big stir, the Editor-in-Chief was naturally very pleased, so she agreed first and promised to do her best to help us apply for the periodical license."

"Then, using various excuses, after handing the periodical license over to us, we can print however we want."

"From now on, whether it makes a profit or a loss, it will have nothing to do with them."

Everyone exchanged glances.

"I think I more or less understand, but also not quite."

Chen Hao said helplessly.

"The situation involved is very complicated. In short, as long as we secure the periodical license, we can contact the printing factory ourselves and print 124 issues of the periodical."

"Work at full capacity, one issue per week, flood the entire country, or flood Europe and America. Maybe we can still make a wave during the last moments of the magazine era."

Young Master Hu pretended to understand.

"So, she helped us apply for the approval document for printing and distribution, letting us handle it ourselves?"

"That's the meaning."

Young Master Hu had a sudden idea.

"Then let's do it! How much money does it take to start a magazine company? I can invest!"

Chen Hao gave a wry smile.

"I warn you, a magazine company is a sunset industry. If we mess it up, we might lose everything. I can't save this industry either; after all, it's a product being phased out by the times."

Young Master Hu shrugged.

"Just pretend I didn't say anything."

After chatting for a while longer, they agreed on the time to rent the venues for the next day and then everyone went their separate ways.

As Chen Hao drove away in the Ferrari, Zhuang Hua asked curiously.

"What venues did Young Master Hu mention?"

Chen Hao said while driving.

"Private villas and the Sports Car Club. The Models will use them for the photoshoot tomorrow."

"You're amazing. With such backgrounds, it's hard not to become popular."

However, Zhuang Hua was happy for only a few minutes before saying weakly.

"But the magazine company canceled the collaboration. Will they still take photos of the Models? Even if the photos are taken, printing the periodical is still a distant prospect."

Chen Hao smiled.

"If they won't print, we print ourselves. We already have the distribution license anyway; this is inevitable and unstoppable."

Zhuang Hua thought seriously.

"Should I apply to open a magazine company in Guangcheng, affiliated under the goddess token company? At worst, we can draw a portion from future profits to subsidize the magazine company."

"It's not time for that yet."

The method Zhuang Hua proposed wasn't impossible, but doing a money-losing business didn't fit Chen Hao's style. He always believed in maximizing profit, believing that a solution would present itself when the time came. Worrying about losing money before even starting the venture—subsidizing the magazine company with the main company's profits—was laughable. Who starts a business intending to lose money?

On the road, the Ferrari passed a street newspaper stand. Chen Hao stopped and bought up the copies of "Men's Attire" that had been piling up for years. It was currently the hottest magazine domestically, exuding a sense of high class, yet its sales were still declining.

Back at the specialty store, the other 50 Models came for fittings. The 50 Models from the morning went back for makeup tests. The two shifts made the place quite lively.

At the same time, leveraging the bandwagon effect, having numerous Models in the storefront gave passersby the illusion that the store was booming, leading to daily sales exceeding ten thousand.

Chen Hao didn't go in to cause trouble. He sat in the car reading the magazine. He had to admit, the Men's Attire magazine was very high-end and very conservative. It was only distributed domestically; if it were released abroad, it would be no different from an ordinary magazine.

Chen Hao's thoughts were scattered; he still didn't have a better idea for the magazine project.

...

The story splits into two threads.

After Young Master Hu returned, his mind was entirely occupied by the magazine company. During dinner, he even proactively discussed relics of the old era—magazines and newspapers—with his father.

The father and son shared a rare common topic.

Boss Hu smiled and said, "When I was young, I loved reading newspapers. I would buy a newspaper or magazine every time I passed a stand. Times have changed now; with mobile phones, nobody reads newspapers anymore."

Young Master Hu asked tentatively.

"Is there any way to save the magazines?"

"Why save them?"

"I was just asking casually."

"Saving them is truly unnecessary. Nowadays, whether it's newspapers or magazines, they have become products of the last era. Even if some magazine companies are still alive, they are only doing private custom printing for corporations."

After dinner.

Young Master Hu returned to the villa and met Young Master Xiao, discussing the matter again.

Young Master Xiao said, "E-books replaced paper books, new media replaced old media, and short videos replaced magazines. That’s all I know."

One of the Female Internet Celebrities said half-jokingly.

"In my opinion, the only meaning left for magazines is peripheral use—advertising and promotion. They have no other use."

"Hey, if you put it that way, I think I have an idea."

He slapped his thigh excitedly.

"I'll ask Brother Chen tomorrow if this business is viable."

...

The night passed without incident.

Time quickly arrived the next day.

According to the announcement made the previous night, all Models and staff, totaling 10 groups, assembled in the hotel lobby for grouping.

Zhuang Hua held the large roster, calling out names one by one.

"Those whose names I read, please step forward. The bus will take you to your respective shooting locations."

"Group One, Qi Qi, Ding Jia... Ten of you go to the photo studio."

"Group Two... Go to Photo Studio Two."

"Group Three and Group Four, go to the Fitness Club."

"Group Five and Group Six, you will stay at the hotel for shooting."

"Group Seven and Group Eight, you will follow Chen Hao."

"Group Nine and Group Ten, you are doing location shoots. Take your clothes and depart."

After the grouping, they split up.

Chen Hao led the way in the Ferrari, while a large bus carrying 20 Models first arrived at Young Master Hu's private villa.

"Group Seven, get off and enter the villa for the shoot. Group Eight, wait a moment; I'll take you to another shooting location."

The Models were familiar with this villa; entering felt like returning home.

Young Master Hu and the others watched the professional shooting team take over their villa. He didn't mind, sipping cola while admiring the beautiful women posing for photos, thoroughly enjoying the scene.

Young Master Xiao and the two Female Internet Celebrities said goodbye to Chen Hao while dragging their luggage.

"I won't see you off. Have a safe trip. If you run into any trouble in America, call me anytime."

"No need to see us off, you should stay here."

After Young Master Xiao left, Chen Hao still felt a bit reluctant to part.

He turned to find Young Master Hu and teased him.

"Feeling comfortable watching, aren't you?"

Only then did Young Master Hu shift his gaze. He had to admit, these Models were all wearing three-piece swimsuits, striking various poses. Some performed wet temptations, while others acted cute in various ways.

"Which man wouldn't love watching such a vibrant scene?"

"Let's go. If you don't lead the way, the gate to the Sports Car Club won't open either."

Chen Hao urged him. Only then did Young Master Hu drive ahead, leading the 10 Models to the Sports Car Club.