1836: I Became a Literary Giant in Great Britain

Chapter 80 A Speech Beyond Its Time

Chapter 80 A Speech Beyond Its Time (Please Subscribe!)

Michelle was naturally not going to be polite to Grant, who had used the same bullying tactics as his predecessor.

Repaying resentment with virtue, why repay virtue?

He's not a big name or celebrity anymore, and he doesn't have any idol baggage.

When you encounter an idiot who's so arrogant and overbearing, just take them down...

"Well said!"

The onlookers erupted in cheers and laughter like a landslide.

The surrounding students were also startled by the commotion and came over to see what was going on.

After learning the inside story, I couldn't help but laugh again.

The air was instantly filled with a joyful atmosphere.

After all, for college students, this kind of scenario where they try to slap someone in the face but end up getting slapped back is something they really enjoy watching.

Grant was already unpopular, so Michelle's brilliant retort was undoubtedly very satisfying.

The crowd was growing larger and larger.

It was obvious that Grant was about to become famous throughout the school, albeit as the clown.

Upon hearing Michelle's response, Grant's face flushed crimson, and he stammered for a long time, unable to speak: "You...you...you..."

It seems that's all the vocabulary you have... You've already broken down so quickly.

You still need to practice, young man.

Seeing this, Michelle couldn't help but shake her head.

This is nothing!

This statement, even if made in the 21st century, wouldn't be censored while playing King of Glory.

But in this situation, it is extremely lethal.

Most importantly, it struck at Grant's biggest weakness.

His background!

The more someone lacks something, the more they emphasize it.

Grant's behavior throughout his life has been a manifestation of his extreme inferiority complex about his background.

That's why he places such emphasis on what is considered "orthodox".

At the same time, they also looked down on ordinary people.

Because he needs to find his sense of superiority in it.

Clearly, Michel's predecessor was a tool for him to demonstrate his superiority.

Fortunately, the chimes of the main building saved Grant from his embarrassment.

The school bell rang, and a school worker shook a handbell in front of the classroom, urging the students to take their seats as soon as possible.

The crowd scattered like birds and beasts.

At this time, being late for class is a big deal.

"Hmph, what a sharp-tongued fellow."

"I hope your speech will be as fluent as your tongue."

Grant, naturally too ashamed to continue entertaining Michelle, snorted coldly, uttered a few harsh words, and left in a huff.

I thought there would be a duel where someone disagreed.

Even after being countered like that by Michel, he didn't even have the courage to duel.

Outwardly fierce but inwardly weak. In other words, cowardly yet playful.

It's such a waste that he's so tall.

Michelle watched Grant's retreating figure and shook her head.

But he also knew that today's speech would probably not be so calm.

Although Grant had run away, the students behind him still led Michelle to the lounge next to the lecture hall.

Michelle was led to a small, cold room.

There were also some miscellaneous items piled up here, and the air was filled with dust and a musty smell, clearly indicating that it had not been cleaned for a long time.

This was a world apart from the lounge he remembered that was prepared for VIPs.

"Mr. Michel, I'm sorry to have troubled you."

The student said apologetically, acknowledging that it was wrong, but admitting it was not something he could decide.

Michelle simply glanced around the room, her expression calm.

"It's alright," Michelle said calmly.

"For someone who has almost slept on the streets of London, this is comfortable enough."

The student also showed a hint of surprise, not expecting Michelle to be so composed.

This made him feel a sense of admiration for the young writer in front of him.

"Mr. Michel, I wish you a successful speech."

He offered his blessing and then turned to leave.

Michelle didn't say anything more. He went into the lounge and closed the door behind him.

Open the window and let the cool air blow away the gloom in your heart.

He knew that Grant must be plotting something.

Today's speech is probably more than just a literary sharing session.

However, Michel couldn't help but smile slightly when he thought about the preparations he had made for his speech today.

Bring it on, all of you!

What do I, Michelle, have to fear?

At the University of London, there are quite a few people who dislike Michel, but even more who like him.

Charlotte Winston was one of them.

On the other side of the auditorium, Charlotte Winston had taken her seat early, securing the best spot in the audience.

She wore an elegant blue dress, had an oval face, and exuded a refined air. Her golden hair shone with a soft luster, giving her the look of a traditional British beauty.

She was also holding a flyer for the speech, which prominently featured Michelle LeBlanc's name.

Like Grant, she was also Michelle's classmate.

However, their personalities are completely opposite.

Charlotte was born into a wealthy family and loved literature but did not judge people by their background.

To be honest, Michelle's modeling skills are quite impressive even by University College London standards.

In the past, she often secretly watched Michelle as she wrote furiously.

Charlotte felt that Michel's writing possessed an indomitable spirit.

Although she had feelings for him, the two of them didn't actually have much interaction.

There were only a few brief discussions about literature, which were among the few bright spots in Michelle's dreary college years.

After Michel dropped out of school, she kept in touch with him, but never heard from him.

It wasn't until the school started announcing that Michelle would be giving a speech that she learned that the boy she admired had already made a name for himself.

She was genuinely happy for Michelle.

She has recently recited the song "When You Are Old" more than a hundred times and can now recite it fluently.

Since last week, Charlotte had been looking forward to today's speech, hoping to hear Michel's voice again and see him standing on the podium, radiating his own light.

Thinking of this, she couldn't help but squeeze her legs together.

However, as she looked at the gradually filling crowd in the auditorium, she felt a little nervous.

Is that shy boy really capable of handling such a big scene?

The lecture was held in the Octagonal Hall of the University of London, a relatively new auditorium.

The hall has a double-height ceiling, with light streaming down from the central dome, and the floor is paved with stone.

Because of its secular university status, the University of London has no religious decorations and appears extremely solemn and simple overall.

Over the next two centuries, Darwin, Huxley, Faraday, Russell, Woolf, Eliot, Churchill, and many others gave speeches here.

Now, Michel will add a magnificent touch to this octagonal hall!

Before the speech began, Michelle was led to the backstage area of the auditorium.

As soon as he stepped inside, he saw Professor Joseph standing there.

The professor looked somewhat tired, but there was a relieved smile on his face.

"Michelle, my child, you've finally arrived."

Professor Joseph stepped forward and grasped Michelle's hand tightly.

"Professor, thank you for your invitation."

"Thank you for your previous help."

A warm feeling welled up in Michelle's heart, and she solemnly thanked the professor.

It was this old man who helped him many times when he needed it most.

"What are you thanking me for? Actually, I should be apologizing to you."

"I only wanted to help you increase your fame, but it turned out like this..."

Professor Joseph shook his head, a hint of helplessness in his smile.

He withstood immense pressure from within the academy to make this speech possible.

"Those old guys, each of them considers themselves superior and thinks that popular literature is not worthy of being considered high art."

"I understand, Professor," Michelle said softly.

"But I think the value of literature should not be defined by just a few people."

"Well said!" Professor Joseph smiled.

"You're right, the value of literature is ultimately judged by the readers."

"However, you should also be prepared that many of the audience members today are coming with scrutinizing or even critical eyes. Some may even have prepared sharp questions to embarrass you."

Michel's heart skipped a beat; he knew that what Professor Joseph said was true.

But the corners of his mouth turned up slightly.

"I look forward to their questions, Professor."

"After all, the truth becomes clearer through debate."

Michelle's eyes shone with confidence.

Professor Joseph looked at Michelle, his heart filled with mixed emotions.

He knew he hadn't misjudged the person.

He looked at Michelle, his eyes filled with love and trust: "I believe in you, Michelle."

"I believe in your talent, and I believe in your work; it has its unique value."

"Literature should never be limited by the so-called 'highbrow' or 'popular' categories."

Hearing this, Michelle was deeply moved.

He knew that Professor Joseph genuinely cared about him and truly believed in his literary ideals.

In this age of arrogance and prejudice, it is truly his good fortune to have the support and understanding of such an elder.

You have treated me as a national hero, and I will repay you.

Michelle believed that what he had prepared would surely make Professor Joseph proud!

"Professor, thank you."

"Silly child."

Professor Joseph patted Michelle on the shoulder.

"You just need to use your speech to tell them what true literature should be like."

Just then, the backstage door was pushed open, and several elegantly dressed professors walked in.

They saw Professor Joseph and Michelle talking, and both of them looked displeased.

"Joseph, it seems you really care about this great writer."

One of the professors said in a sarcastic tone.

"However, I hope his speech today will not disappoint our students. After all, not just anyone can stand on the podium at University College London."

"Professor Rodriguez, I believe Michelle's speech will be an eye-opener for you."

Professor Joseph retorted without mincing words.

Professor Rodriguez snorted coldly and said nothing more, only scrutinizing Michelle with a critical gaze.

Michelle knew that during his speech, they would scrutinize every word he uttered with nitpicking.

Soon, the host's voice came from the auditorium, announcing that the speech was about to begin.

"It's about time, let's go," Professor Joseph said.

"I'll go up to the podium with you."

The two left the lounge, walked down the corridor, and headed towards the podium.

The lecture hall was packed, with a sea of people stretching as far as the eye could see.

Michel's gaze swept across the crowd, and he saw many familiar faces: former classmates, colleagues from the newspaper, and even some unexpected nobles.

His gaze swept across the crowd and finally landed on a familiar figure in the front row.

She was an elegant girl, wearing a light blue dress, sitting quietly with expectant eyes.

That's Charlotte Winston.

If my memory serves me right, this person could be considered my former self's ideal woman.

Unfortunately, I am no longer the Michelle I used to be.

Michel paused slightly, then gave Charlotte a faint smile.

Charlotte saw him too, a blush rose on her face, and her eyes were full of encouragement.

Michelle smiled confidently, then looked away.

Just then, a familiar figure stepped out from the crowd—it was Grant.

He had somehow fully recovered.

He stood not far from the podium, a provocative smile on his face.

It seemed as if something had been prepared in advance.