ABSTRACT
Lingmu is the chief economics editor of a major magazine in Beijing. During our interview, I could see the division in Lingmu's life. His eyes, behind black-framed glasses perched on the end of his nose, showed wisdom and honesty but also a heavy heart. Part of his life is devoted to his research, writing, and editing. The other part is consumed with endless off ce politics. The lack of alternatives to playing these games has left deep tracks across his forehead and spider luebs of lines radiatingfrom the corners of his eyes to his temples. He is thirty-five years old.
