1836: I Became a Literary Giant in Great Britain

Michelle laughed at Michael's almost pounce-on-him.

He slowly leaned back on the soft sofa, picked up the black tea in front of him, and took a small sip.

Michael was getting really worried about Michael's relaxed and carefree attitude.

"Michelle! My friend! Say something!"

Michael's voice sounded very anxious.

"As long as you agree, any conditions will do! You decide the payment!"

Dickens, standing nearby, also watched the scene with great interest, smiling as he observed it.

He was eager to know how Michelle would use this opportunity to maximize her own interests.

After all, this is a new story of Michelle's transformation.

The value of this essay, "My Uncle John," was well understood by everyone present.

Catherine and Mary watched nervously, their palms sweating.

"Michael, why are you so agitated?"

Michelle put down her teacup and began to speak slowly.

"We're friends, aren't we?"

"Of course! We're definitely best friends!"

Michael nodded quickly, like a chick pecking at rice.

"Since we're friends, let's do it the old way."

Michelle's tone was flat, as if she were saying that the weather was nice today.

"The usual rules?"

Michael was stunned and didn't react for a moment.

"Yes, the payment will be based on the standard for 'Sorrow'."

Michelle added.

The living room fell silent instantly.

Dickens' smile froze for a moment, then turned into one of great satisfaction.

Catherine and Mary exchanged bewildered glances.

Even Michael himself thought he had misheard.

"So...so we'll stick to the original standards?"

He stammered as he confirmed.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to raise the price! Given the quality of this article, even if Michelle doubles the price, Michael will have to grit his teeth and accept it.

But he just gave up so easily?

Michael suddenly felt that his initial investment was absolutely correct!

At the same time, I felt that Michelle was a friend worth having.

"After all, I'm not part of the 'Philip family'."

Michelle said with a smile.

Everyone present suddenly realized what was going on.

Yes, how could an author capable of writing a work like "My Uncle John" be such a greedy person?

The way people were looking at Michelle was different now.

Who doesn't like a good friend?

Even the worst people hope their friends are of good character.

Michelle didn't think that much about it.

The reason he didn't take the opportunity to raise prices is quite simple.

First of all, when he was at his lowest point, it was Michael who, under pressure, even paid out of his own pocket to cover his royalties, which helped him through the most difficult period.

Michelle has always kept this friendship in her heart.

We should all know how to be grateful!

Secondly, the London Express now offers extremely generous remuneration for articles.

Taking the opportunity to raise the price further would undoubtedly plant a thorn in the side of both sides.

One should not be too greedy. Money can never be earned enough; enough is enough.

not to mention.

True friendship is far more important than money.

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

Michael, having received the manuscript, did not publish it immediately as he had done before.

He was well aware of the potential in Michel's story.

The next day, the front page of the London Express featured a preview in the most prominent font:

[Mr. Michel's latest masterpiece! A brutal story about oysters and human nature! Coming soon in two days!]

This trailer instantly ignited the entire city of London.

"Is there a new story about Michelle?"

"This isn't a detective story anymore? It's about oysters?"

"Oh my god, I can't wait! The second half of *A Study in Scarlet* hasn't come out yet, so I'll read this to whet my appetite!"

"Hey guy, hurry up and write Sherlock Holmes! Stop wasting your time!"

For two consecutive days, the London Express used various tantalizing headlines to generate buzz for "My Uncle John".

Readers throughout London were itching with excitement.

Finally, on the morning of the third day, the London Express, featuring "My Uncle John," was officially released.

As soon as the newsboys' cries rang out, a long line formed in front of the newsstand.

Countless citizens, from workers to gentlemen, eagerly pulled out their pennies, wanting to see it for themselves.

........

Lightning Street, that familiar cheap tavern.

Tom was once again surrounded by eager workers.

His voice echoed through the noisy pub, telling the family story that had taken place in Southampton.

When the story reached the point where the Philip family placed all their hopes on Uncle John, the tavern workers felt a deep sense of empathy.

Many of them, too, pinned their hopes for changing their fate on some vague and uncertain opportunity.

After all, the poor always pin their hopes on external things. Even in Michelle's previous life, the best-selling lottery tickets were in those areas with low incomes...

When the climax of the story arrives and the cruel truth that the old oyster seller is Uncle John is revealed, the atmosphere in the tavern explodes!

"Hold!"

A burly man with a full beard slammed his fist on the table, sending beer foam flying everywhere.

"Is this even human? My own brother!"

"That Philip! He's a coward! A liar!"

"And his wife, she's a complete scumbag! She was calling him 'kind John' one minute, and the next she's calling him a scoundrel!"

The workers were enraged and began to hurl insults.

They may not understand literary techniques or human nature analysis, but they can intuitively feel the good and evil in the story.

Undoubtedly, the Philip family's callousness and selfishness deeply hurt them.

Old Jack drank his wine silently without saying a word, but a complex light flickered in his cloudy eyes.

He thought of a distant relative in his hometown who, because of poverty, was shunned by all his family members and eventually died alone in the winter.

Thinking of this, he ordered another beer...

Mr. Michel's story is always like this, like a knife, piercing the softest part of people's hearts.

.......

Meanwhile, in an office at the University of London.

Professor Joseph, wearing his reading glasses, was carefully reading the London Express in his hands.

His gaze was fixed on the ending of "My Uncle John".

Unlike the anger of the workers in the tavern, Professor Joseph's face showed a mixture of amazement and serious contemplation.

As a professional, he saw something deeper in this seemingly simple story.

"Wonderful... Absolutely wonderful..."

"This Michel isn't just writing about a family tragedy; he's painting a precise sketch of our time!"

"This work is in no way inferior to those literary giants from France across the Channel!"

The more Professor Joseph thought about it, the more excited he became.

"For the Philippe family, it wasn't hunger that corrupted them, but desire! A morbid craving for wealth and status!"

"This article accurately captures the current social reality of traditional family ethics being eroded by money! This is no longer literature; it's practically a documentary!"

"It is a disgrace to the University of London to have such a talented student drop out!"

Professor Joseph became more and more excited as he thought about it. He made up his mind that no matter what, he had to meet Michelle!

PS:

happy new year~

Wishing all book lovers a new year where, like Michelle, you too can forge your own new destiny!

Looking at the other three top-tier English novels published around the same time, it seems I'm the only one still updating...

But please rest assured, Chestnut is patient and will definitely finish this story! At least a million words!

Thank you "Old Man Xiongzang" for the 9 monthly tickets~

Thank you "苏醴爻" for the 8 monthly tickets~

Thank you to "Book Friend 20181124215515042" and "Book Friend 20230318191923445" for their monthly tickets!