1836: I Became a Literary Giant in Great Britain

Dickens's carriage slowly came to a stop at the end of the procession...

As soon as the two got out of the car, a doorman stepped forward and respectfully accepted their invitation.

A look of surprise crossed the doorman's face when he saw Michelle's unusual dress.

But he didn't show any emotion; he simply bowed slightly and made a "please" gesture.

"Welcome, Mr. Dickens, Mr. Michel."

As you step inside, a wave of warm air, a blend of champagne and floral scents, hits you.

The two seemed to have entered a completely different world...

What you see before you is considered luxurious in London today.

A huge crystal chandelier hung from the towering dome, illuminating the entire hall in a magnificent golden light.

Huge oil paintings by renowned artists hang on the walls, and the Turkish carpets underfoot are so soft you could sink into them. Well-dressed men and women gather together...

The men, impeccably tailored suits, were impeccably polite, while the women, in brightly colored silk gowns and adorned with sparkling jewels, danced gracefully...

The moment Michelle and Dickens entered the hall, a brief pause occurred in the previously noisy conversation.

Many people's attention has been focused on Michelle.

In an instant, Michelle felt like an animal in a zoo cage, being scrutinized by countless eyes.

This pressure is hundreds of times stronger than it was on Jermyn Street.

He straightened his back, but his face showed no sign of unease.

Dickens nodded slightly and whispered to him, "Good job, buddy. You'll get used to it."

"Here, standing out isn't necessarily a bad thing..."

Just then, a young man with a neat mustache and wearing a black tuxedo walked straight toward them, carrying a wine glass.

His appearance immediately caused quite a stir among those around him.

"It's Mr. Disraeli!" someone exclaimed in a low voice.

Benjamin Disraeli, a rising star in the Conservative Party, has repeatedly failed in his bids for Parliament, but still possesses considerable potential...

Michelle's heart skipped a beat.

Unlike others, he knew very well that this Mr. Disraeli would later become the leader of the Conservative Party and be elected Prime Minister of the United Kingdom twice!

Of course, what impressed Michelle most about him was that he married a woman who was 12 years older than him...

The saying goes, "A woman three years older than her husband is said to bring him a gold brick," but this woman is bringing him four gold bricks!

If I remember correctly, this year, after successfully being elected as a member of parliament, he was about to experience a momentous occasion in his life.

Disraeli made his first speech in the House of Commons. His ornate and flamboyant style was interrupted by laughter and boos from the audience, creating an extremely awkward situation...

But before being drowned out by boos, he still uttered these words with resounding force:

"Even though I'm sitting down now, one day you will all be listening to me quietly."

Who could have imagined that, just a few decades later, this statement would become a reality...

Isn't this another example of not underestimating a young person's potential?

Disraeli ignored the others, his eyes scrutinizing Michel's attire with interest before finally settling on his face.

Good evening, Charles.

He first nodded to Dickens, then turned to Michel with a playful smile on his lips.

"I presume this is Mr. Michel, the man who used a story about oysters to get London's MPs talking about family ethics?"

His voice wasn't loud, but it was loud enough for everyone around him to hear clearly.

"It seems that your attire, like your story, is... groundbreaking."

Upon hearing this, whispers arose from the surrounding crowd.

"Pioneering" is undoubtedly a very weighty evaluation, especially coming from someone like Disraeli.

Those questioning glances instantly turned into admiration.

Michelle never expected that her first challenge would be resolved in this way.

This future British Prime Minister actually helped him out...

Just as he was about to respond with his thanks, a butler appeared beside them and bowed slightly.

"Mr. Michel, Mr. Dickens, the Countess is waiting for you."

The butler's appearance conveniently saved Michelle from her predicament.

Disraeli gracefully raised his glass as a farewell, and was immediately surrounded by another group of people.

Michelle and Dickens followed behind the butler through the bustling crowd.

Wherever they went, the crowd parted to both sides like Moses parting the sea, making way for them.

Now, no one dares to look down on Michelle anymore.

Disraeli's "groundbreaking" comment has already endorsed his outfit tonight!

They passed through the main hall and came to an elegant side hall.

There were fewer guests here, but their status was clearly more distinguished.

In the very center of the side room, a lady sat on a magnificent velvet sofa.

She was the queen of this salon, and indeed of the entire London social scene—the Countess of Brexington.

The moment Michel saw the Countess, he involuntarily slowed his pace.

The scene before me was a hundred times more moving than Lawrence's famous portrait.

The Countess wore a royal blue silk gown, the hem of which was adorned with tiny diamonds that sparkled mesmerizingly under the lights.

Her long, jet-black hair was styled in a bun, revealing her slender, fair neck and a patch of snow-white skin. Her delicate features resembled a Greek sculpture, with a pair of bright, deep brown eyes.

Time seems to have been exceptionally kind to her, leaving few traces on her face, but instead giving her the unique charm of a mature woman.

The countess wore a polite smile, and her every move exuded a natural elegance and authority.

(Margaret, Countess of Brexington, now in the Wallace Collection, London)

Sure enough, she was able to rise from a poor girl in Ireland to become a countess through her second marriage.

Both in appearance and speech, the Countess of Bresington was impeccable.

Although Michelle doesn't like this kind of thing, he has to admit that the old A8 is still the A8, and it can still perform well!

Judging by her appearance alone, who would guess that the Countess is already over 40 years old...?

"Countess".

Dickens stepped forward and greeted him warmly.

The Countess turned around at the sound of the voice, and when she saw Dickens, her smile became much more genuine.

"Charles, my dear friend, you've finally arrived."

She stood up and gave Dickens a polite hug.

Then, her gaze fell on Michelle.

Michelle felt as if she were enveloped in a soft light.

The countess's gaze was not aggressive, yet it seemed to see right through people.

"This must be Mr. Michel, the rising star of London's literary scene."

Her voice was gentle and melodious, like the song of a nightingale.

"Madam, you flatter me."

Michelle bowed slightly in greeting.

The Countess's gaze lingered on Michel's suit for a moment, a fleeting hint of admiration flashing in her eyes.

"Mr. Michel, your attire truly brings a breath of fresh air from the future to the salon..."

Her words were similar to Disraeli's, but her tone carried a hint of playfulness.

The air around them seemed to freeze; everyone held their breath, waiting for Michelle's answer.

The Countess's words were not easy to respond to...

Answering too humbly will make you seem insecure.

An overly boastful answer will appear arrogant and conceited.

Michel raised his head, meeting the Countess's beautiful eyes, and calmly began to speak:

"Countess, I think the future is nothing more than the bravest imagination of the present."

After he finished speaking, the side hall fell silent.

A few seconds later, the Countess of Brexington suddenly laughed.

That smile was like the brightest sunshine in spring, instantly melting away the tense atmosphere.

"Well said!"

She exclaimed in genuine admiration.

"Bold imagination is exactly what our time needs most."

She reached out her hand to Michelle.

"Welcome to the Gore Mansion, Mr. Michel. I hope you have a pleasant evening."

Michelle gently took her fingertips and kissed the back of her smooth hand.

He knew he had passed the most important test of the night.

He has gained the Countess's initial approval...

PS:

Thank you "adfy59" for the 4 monthly tickets!

Thanks to "kefoh" for the 2 monthly tickets!

Thank you to "雾隐残情烟歌远", "1415", and "tyretr" for each monthly pass!