Core Viewpoint - The article presents the story of Yang Buzheng, a 26-year-old bookstore owner in Guiyang, who operates a small bookstore while working as an electrician at a nightclub. His journey reflects the challenges and realities of running an independent bookstore in a difficult market, emphasizing survival over idealism. Group 1: Business Operations - Yang Buzheng's bookstore, Jiu San Duo, is located in a low-traffic area of an old shopping mall, with a monthly rent of only 600 yuan, making it a cost-effective choice for his business [5] - The bookstore has a total area of 42 square meters and was opened with all of Yang's savings of 70,000 yuan, which he used to purchase books and basic furniture [14] - To keep the bookstore operational, Yang primarily sells unsold inventory books at a low cost, allowing him to maintain a thin profit margin [11][44] - The average monthly revenue of the bookstore can reach over 10,000 yuan, with a profit of around 5,000 yuan, and online sales accounting for 80% of the income [44] Group 2: Marketing and Customer Engagement - Yang's marketing strategy is unconventional; he does not engage in traditional promotional activities but instead relies on word-of-mouth and personal connections with customers [39] - He has built a community of over 1,000 loyal customers, who appreciate his straightforward approach and the affordability of the books [43] - The bookstore operates with a unique policy allowing customers to browse and read books without pressure to purchase, fostering a welcoming environment [39] Group 3: Personal Background and Motivation - Yang's background is marked by challenges, including a difficult family situation and a lack of formal education, which has shaped his determination to succeed in the bookstore business [18][23] - His motivation for opening the bookstore stems from a desire to create a space for reading and to support himself financially, rather than pursuing an artistic dream [2][17] - Despite the pressures and anxieties of running a bookstore, Yang remains committed to his vision, viewing it as a responsibility rather than just a business venture [58]