1836: I Became a Literary Giant in Great Britain

Michelle didn't know how this "storytelling session" ended either.

All he knew was that as each story was read,

Both the landlady and Mr. Hansen treated him with utmost respect.

Even Mrs. Green had Emily send over a portion, supposedly smoked fish, a specialty from her hometown...

This was an attempt to soften her previous sarcasm towards Michelle...

In short, Michelle's status in the apartment building can be described as "impressive".

Clearly, everyone knows that as Michelle's fame grows, it's only a matter of time before she moves out of this apartment.

Instead of being jealous, it's better to be more friendly; you never know when someone might lend you a hand.

Nobody's stupid enough to make a living in London.

-----------------

Happy times are always fleeting.

Michelle didn't get to enjoy much leisure time because an important matter was about to happen.

After a long period of preparation, "The Bentley Notebooks" is finally ready for official release.

In the days leading up to the release, Dickens's GG releases reached their peak.

In London's most widely circulated penny newspapers, an excerpt from "A Study in Scarlet" was published in the most prominent space: "An abandoned, haunted house on Lauriston Gardens, a body without wounds, and the mysterious word 'RACHE' written in blood on the wall..."

The effect of this GG bombing was also quite touching.

After all, readers these days are still quite simple and honest.

Throughout London, every reader with a reading habit took notice of this collection of essays edited by Dickens, "The Bentley Notebooks," and the detective novel "A Study in Scarlet."

This effect is comparable to the "No gifts this holiday season, except Brain Gold" trend of the millennium, and the popularity of "Miao Jie" and "Miracle Xiao Lu" on Bilibili...

The intense suspense acts like a hook, precisely capturing the curiosity of every reader.

The news of a prize-winning quiz further fueled the fire, bringing the attention to its peak.

"Guess the killer and win a £10 prize!"

Ten pounds!

This figure is nothing short of astronomical for those working-class citizens who struggle for a few pennies every day.

For a time, the streets and alleys of London were filled with discussions about what the mysterious "RACHE" meant and who this detective named Sherlock Holmes was.

The number of pre-orders for "Bentley's Notebooks" also surged from more than two thousand copies to nearly five thousand copies.

It can be said that "The Bentley Notebooks" had already achieved half of the sales figures stipulated in the betting contract even before its official release.

.......

Amidst the anticipation of the entire city of London, the inaugural issue of Bentley's Journal was finally published.

The London morning was still shrouded in a damp, chilly fog, but this did not deter the newsboys from hawking their wares.

"Breaking news! Breaking news! Charles Dickens' latest masterpiece after 'The Pickwick Papers'!"

"Michelle's latest work, *A Study in Scarlet*! A detective story unlike anything you've ever heard before!"

"Come and see! The inaugural issue of Bentley's Notebooks! Sherlock Holmes is here! Unravel the mystery of the scarlet letter!"

Throughout the streets and alleys of London, countless newsboys waved newspapers and shouted at the top of their lungs.

Soon, as newsboys hawked their wares, everyone noticed the magazine and its author.

"Is it Michelle?"

"Is that the Michelle who exposed the factory's shady dealings, made the Home Office bow down, and even made a Cambridge professor vomit blood?"

"In addition, is there a new work by Mr. Dickens?"

"Yes, sir," the newsboy replied.

A gentleman stopped and pulled a few coins from his pocket. "Give me one."

Soon, more and more people were attracted to it.

It's unclear when exactly, but Michelle's name has become synonymous with quality.

Michel's works are always masterpieces!

People are curious to see what new thing this novelist, who understands them best, will write this time.

Soon, when they opened Bentley's Notebooks and began reading A Study in Scarlet, they were surprised to find that it was a work unlike any novel they had ever read before.

Although the subject matter is novel, the writing techniques and the plot are exceptionally mature.

More importantly, it's so beautiful and addictive!

In addition, there is a new work by Mr. Dickens.

This is absolutely worth it!

Thus, Bentley's Notebooks, like a virus, began to sweep through all of London.

Simply because this is the only place where one can see "A Study in Scarlet".

.......

Michelle and Dickens were equally busy.

Early that morning, Dickens sent a carriage to pick up Michelle.

Upon meeting, the great writer gave him a warm hug, his face showing both excitement and trepidation.

The two arrived at Fleet Street, the heart of London's newspaper industry.

The bookstores on both sides of the street have placed the latest issue of "Bentley's Notebooks" in the most prominent positions.

The magazine's cover design was very vibrant, using a three-color cover, which was extremely rare in this era.

Designed by Kluke Shank, the cover uses red as the main color, paired with black and gold, blending elements of classicism and romanticism, making it visually striking.

But the effect was excellent; among the many magazines displayed in the bookstore, "The Bentley Journal" was undoubtedly the most eye-catching.

The cover features the title "A Study in Scarlet" in gold lettering, along with a line of smaller print: "A detective story you've never read before, a legend of logic and reasoning."

Dickens and his new novel, Oliver Twist, were relegated to a supporting role.

This was the result of Dickens's strong advocacy, as he firmly believed that Sherlock Holmes possessed this charm.

They stood diagonally opposite a bookstore, observing quietly.

Before long, customers came up to inquire.

A well-dressed gentleman pointed to the magazine and asked, "Boss, is this the magazine with the detective stories?"

"Yes, sir! They just arrived today!"

The gentleman didn't hesitate to take out his money and buy a copy.

Immediately afterwards, a young office worker in a hurry, a housewife carrying a shopping basket, and even a lady wearing a top hat all came to buy things.

Most of them started by asking about that "detective novel".

The bookstore owner beamed with joy, deftly collecting money and handing out magazines while constantly calling out, "The latest issue of 'Bentley's Journal' is not to be missed!"

Dickens grabbed Michel's arm excitedly, lowering his voice, but the excitement in his tone was impossible to suppress.

"Did you see that, Michelle? They're all after Sherlock Holmes! We succeeded!"

"And your *Oliver Twist*!"

Michelle smiled too.

Seeing the characters I create transcend social classes and be loved by different people brings a sense of accomplishment that is far more satisfying than money.

Seeing that sales were quite good, the two were satisfied and prepared to return to Dickens's house for a celebratory feast.

The carriage had just arrived at 48 Rue du Tertre, and Michelle and Dickens had just gotten out.

Just then, a messenger rushed over and handed Dickens a letter.

"Mr. Dickens, urgent news from Mr. Bentley!"

Dickens opened the letter, glanced at it, and his expression froze instantly.

He looked up at Michelle, his blue eyes filled with unbelievable ecstasy.

"Let's go! We need to get to the magazine office right now! Something terrible has happened!"

PS:

I've received notification that this book will be recommended for the second time tomorrow, and I earnestly request everyone to continue reading it—it's crucial for this book.

If you lose the PK, you'll likely have very few opportunities for exposure afterward. After all, not everyone can win the revival round.

I really don't want this book to be kicked to death by a big shot... and then enter the kill zone.

Therefore, I hope everyone will stop keeping books as updates. Even if you don't read them, you can still open the update page every day, flip to the last page, and see the page showing the ranking of the updates.

This is the greatest encouragement and help for Chestnut...

I'm setting a goal: if I win the PK, I'll update an extra chapter! Three chapters a week! I'm evolving from a two-chapter monster!

Thank you to all my godfathers!