Colorful years

This art editor was carefully selected by Zhang Cong; she was formally trained and possessed profound artistic skills. Furthermore, through their tireless work together day and night, the two forged a sincere friendship.

The art editor poured his heart and soul into this job, eager to use his own hands to infuse creativity and aesthetics into each issue of the newspaper, allowing words and images to tell moving stories together.

Of course, he also hopes to stay and continue his work as an art editor. This is not only a recognition of his professional abilities, but also an affirmation of his personal value.

Minister Zhang, using his power over personnel matters within the propaganda department, sent the art editor back to her original workplace, the Sangzhi County Film Company. Zhang Cong knew that the departure of this art editor would not only bring the editing and publishing work of the inaugural issue to a standstill, but would also cause him to lose face.

After all, he was a capable assistant whom he had personally selected and trained, but now he was forced to leave, which undoubtedly cast a huge doubt on his vision and ability.

Initially, Zhang Cong hoped that through in-depth communication with Minister Zhang, he could gain his understanding and allow the art editor to return to work, thus ending the predicament faced by the Creation Magazine in its relaunch.

He tried to persuade Minister Zhang with reason and emotion, but his efforts failed time and again. Minister Zhang's attitude was resolute and indifferent, like a cold stone, unmoved no matter how Zhang Cong tried to persuade him.

Left with no other option, Zhang Cong had to explain the situation to Minister Yan, a member of the Standing Committee of the Municipal Party Committee, to seek her support. Minister Yan was the head of the Municipal Party Committee's Propaganda Department and had the final say on decisions.

After listening to Zhang Cong's report, Minister Yan was furious. He never expected that a small transfer would cause such a huge uproar, let alone that such complex emotions and interests were hidden behind it.

Minister Yan personally issued the order to formally transfer the art editor to the newspaper. His decision was like a gentle spring breeze, instantly melting the frost in Zhang Cong's heart. The art editor's return allowed the editing and printing work of the inaugural issue to set sail again.

The content of the inaugural issue was quickly revised and edited. A series of excellent articles and vivid illustrations, like pearls strung together, formed a magnificent and colorful picture. However, this picture still lacked the final step—typesetting and printing.

Having learned from his previous failure, Zhang Cong dared not be careless in the slightest. He took his graphic designer to Changsha to investigate newspaper printing matters.

Changsha, a city steeped in history, is renowned for its thriving printing industry. Zhang Cong and the graphic designer shuttled between various printing plants, carefully comparing the technical capabilities and price advantages of each.

They visited several well-known printing plants, including Hunan Daily Printing Plant and Xinhua Printing Plant No. 3. These plants all possessed advanced equipment and extensive experience, but each had its own strengths and weaknesses in terms of quality and price. After careful consideration, Zhang Cong and the graphic designer ultimately chose Hunan Radio and Television Newspaper Printing Plant.

This printing plant used advanced laser typesetting technology, which produced a clarity several times higher than traditional movable type printing. Zhang Cong looked at the exquisite sample prints, his heart filled with anticipation. He knew that this choice would determine the final quality of the inaugural issue, and also affect the newspaper's reputation and future.

At this point, the only concerns are layout and proofreading. Layout is a crucial part of newspaper printing, affecting the overall aesthetics and reading experience. Proofreading, on the other hand, is a critical step in ensuring the accuracy of the newspaper's content; even a small error can lead to reader dissatisfaction and questions.

Here, the graphic designer encountered his college classmate. This classmate happened to be a typesetting master at the Hunan Broadcasting and Television Newspaper Printing Plant, with many years of typesetting experience. His appearance undoubtedly solved a major problem for the graphic designer. With his classmate's help, the graphic designer quickly learned how to use the typesetting software and successfully completed the typesetting work.

After the layout is completed, the next steps are proofing and proofreading. Proofing is the process of outputting the layout file as a physical sample, which allows Zhang Cong and the graphic designer to see the layout effect intuitively and to identify and correct problems in a timely manner.

Proofreading involves checking the printed sample word by word to ensure the accuracy of the content.

Zhang Cong placed particular emphasis on proofreading. He personally participated in the proofreading process, repeatedly reviewing the sample pages and carefully checking every word and punctuation mark. He deeply understood that newspapers are a medium for disseminating information and a bridge connecting readers and the newspaper office. Any small error could undermine the stability of this bridge, leading to reader dissatisfaction and questioning.

Therefore, he was meticulous in his proofreading work, never overlooking any detail. He proofread it five times, examining the sample from different angles each time to ensure it was flawless. Only after he finally confirmed that there were no errors did he solemnly sign his name and put the inaugural issue, which carried the hard work of countless people, into print.

As the printing press roared to life, sheets of brand-new newspapers poured out of the machine like flowing water. They exuded the fresh scent of ink, carrying the hard work and beautiful vision of Zhang Cong and all the staff.

After much anticipation, the inaugural issue of the Dayong Daily has finally been born, like a healthy baby, embodying Zhang Cong's immense dedication and hard work.

Looking at these newspapers, Zhang Cong felt a surge of pride and satisfaction. He knew that this inaugural issue was not just a newspaper, but also a responsibility and a commitment.

However, the success of the inaugural issue did not mean Zhang Cong could rest easy. He knew that competition in the newspaper industry was becoming increasingly fierce, and only through continuous innovation and progress could one remain invincible in the market.

Zhang Cong understands that in this era of fierce competition, talent has undoubtedly become the key factor in determining success or failure, whether in the business, technology, or cultural industries. Individuals with exceptional skills and innovative thinking can bring limitless possibilities and development opportunities to a company or organization.

The newly established Dayong Newspaper is in a truly worrying state. It is like an empty shell, lacking not only a fixed office space for its employees to work comfortably, but also a professional and efficient editorial team to support the newspaper's normal operation.

It could be said that at this time, the newspaper was like a ship that had lost its power source, drifting aimlessly on the vast ocean, unable to find its way forward.

After careful selection and comparison, Zhang Cong successfully rented an office space with a superior environment and complete facilities for the newspaper.

Immediately afterwards, he devoted himself to the selection and screening of editorial staff. Through extensive personal connections and a rigorous selection process, he ultimately identified eight editors with solid professional skills and rich experience.

Under Zhang Cong's personal guidance, these eight editorial staff members were successively transferred and successfully joined the company. With their arrival, the entire newspaper gradually regained its vitality. Everyone performed their duties and cooperated closely, enabling the *Dayong Daily* to begin moving steadily forward according to the pre-set schedule.

Starting with one issue per week, we gradually transitioned to six issues per week, and then strived to become a daily newspaper.