Chapter 19

Amidst the silence of the science fiction author and the noisy chatter of the novel readers, time quietly arrived at the release day of "Science Fiction World." From printing to binding and then nationwide distribution, the magazine staff busily worked in an orderly manner, everyone eagerly anticipating the sales and reviews of this issue.

When students went to school with their backpacks and adults hurried to work, the latest issue of "Science Fiction World" was quietly placed in prominent positions at newsstands and bookstores in every city.

China's cultural industry has developed very rapidly, and reading has become a trend. On the subway and on buses, people holding magazines or books to read are no longer a minority.

There are many options for reading materials, with various types of literature developing together. However, science fiction literature has become a weak point, as Chinese science fiction is still in its early stages, with its audience only one-tenth that of the United States.

Science fiction novels mainly use literary techniques to develop scientific ideas, providing inspiration and motivation in thought, allowing readers to understand some real scientific and technological developments and trends, leading them to envision the future and boldly innovate.

This is also a form of science popularization. In Lin Han's newly written novel "The Rural Teacher," readers will feel the content of Newton's three laws of classical mechanics, experiencing the vastness of the universe and the limitations of oneself.

Most classic science fiction novels have emerged in the Western literary circle, covering a wide range of topics. They include speculations about artificial intelligence, thoughts on the universe and stars, reflections on the end of the world, and anti-utopian ideas. They can depict battles with aliens in spaceships or imagine the destruction of Earth, whether robots will rule the world in a few hundred years, or whether humans will lose their language abilities in a few hundred years.

With the progress of the times, it seems that the world imagined by science fiction writers has finally arrived. From a time when few people understood what science fiction was, now more and more readers are interested in it.

The sales of many science fiction magazines are not bad, and some top science fiction writers can barely rank among best-selling authors.

There is even a saying that humans are carbon-based life forms, but those who love science fiction are made of silicon. This generation is closely linked with silicon, with modern products and modern ideas revolving around it.

Now, most of the things we use are invented by Westerners. Back then, those people obsessively pursued ultimate questions, leading to the development of relativity and quantum mechanics. Technological advancements have driven industrialization, resulting in the emergence of mobile phones and the internet. The life depicted in science fiction novels may also become a reality in the future.

Many years ago, when Jules Verne wrote "Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea," "From the Earth to the Moon," and "Around the Moon," many of his ideas were realized. His extraordinary imagination combined with scientific thinking earned him the title of a prophet of the scientific age.

Now is the best era for science fiction novels. Young people's imagination about the future and their acceptance of science have reached unprecedented heights. The field of Chinese science fiction novel creation is attracting many novelists to explore and cultivate!

In such an era, each issue of "Science Fiction World" sells over 800,000 copies, and magazines like "Science Fiction - Literary Show," "Science Fiction King," and "World Science Fiction Expo" also have significant sales, collectively supporting the backbone of Chinese science fiction literature.

Long-term readers of "Science Fiction World" have long been looking forward to the release of the latest issue. On the morning of the 20th, these people bought the latest issue from nearby newsstands and then read it with great enthusiasm.

Lin Han had directly subscribed to the annual edition, which was delivered to the logistics management office of his residential complex by a courier, so he didn't need to go out to buy it, which was quite convenient.

However, to get the first-hand information, Lin Han, wearing a scarf, walked out of the residential complex and chatted with the owner of the newsstand outside.

"Boss, do you have the latest issue of 'Science Fiction World'?"

The newsstand was not large, and a small electric heater in the tiny room was very eye-catching. Various magazines were neatly arranged under the awning outside the newsstand.

The owner, sitting on a chair, was engrossed in reading a magazine and didn't hear Lin Han at all, completely immersed in it, not even worried that someone might take a book without paying.

Most magazine sellers like to read, and they are usually the first to get each issue. After reading, they sell them to others, a sense of happiness that far exceeds imagination.

Lin Han looked at the owner helplessly and knocked on the wooden table, raising his voice: "Boss, do you have 'Science Fiction World' for sale?"

"Ah, it's on your left, take a look. It's 8 yuan per copy, don't bother me."

This unconventional boss showed no intention of selling, instead glaring at Lin Han with annoyance at being disturbed.

Lin Han touched his nose and began to search seriously. The words "Science Fiction World" caught his eye. The cover seemed to be specially commissioned from an artist, looking very exquisite and full of a sci-fi future feel.

The stark contrast between the massive warship and the dilapidated classroom was very eye-catching. On one side was an incredibly powerful alien fleet, and on the other was a backward rural school. What kind of connection could there be between the two?

This was clearly a specially designed cover for "The Rural Teacher," showing a lot of effort. This attention made Lin Han feel very comfortable.

Flipping through a few pages and finding the table of contents, Lin Han discovered that "The Rural Teacher" occupied the largest section, about seven or eight pages, with the entire 20,000-word story published in one go, without being serialized over several issues.

Taking out his wallet to pay, the boss took the 10 yuan Lin Han handed over, then closed the magazine in his hand, revealing a familiar cover.

"Here, 2 yuan change. Please take your time."

Eagerly turning around and sitting down, the middle-aged man prepared to continue reading. At this moment, Lin Han directly asked, "Boss, are you also reading 'Science Fiction World'? What do you think of this issue? Is it good?"

"Pretty good. Every issue has good articles. Besides 'The Rural Teacher,' I also like 'The Cat on the Moon' and 'Future Fantasia.' You can take a good look."

"How about 'The Rural Teacher'? I saw many people on Weibo criticizing this novel." Lin Han wanted to get a real evaluation from a true reader.

When asked about something he was interested in, the boss's previous coldness disappeared, and he said excitedly, "Brother, let me tell you, this novel is amazing. I haven't seen a better short story this year, and I finished it in one go. It's written so well, I'm reading it for the second time. Before, I was wondering what a rural teacher had to do with science fiction, but now I want to take out my textbooks and review those mechanics principles, so I don't get picked by aliens to answer questions and end up harming everyone."

"Is it really that good?"

"Absolutely, I'm not exaggerating. You'll see for yourself. This author is pretty awesome. I heard he made it to the semi-finals of the Galaxy Award. I'll vote for him when I close up tonight."

Hearing the boss's enthusiastic praise, even though Lin Han tried to remain calm, the slight upward curve of his lips revealed his mood. "Thanks, I'll take it home and read it slowly."

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