America 1929: John F. Kennedy, the Great Writer

The next morning, although it was Sunday, the newspaper office did not have a day off.

Arthur bought a morning paper from a street newsstand.

The front page featured a report on last night's charity ball, including photos of the mayor shaking hands with the wealthy, all in a friendly manner.

He made no mention of his confrontation with Jimmy Walker, as if nothing had happened yesterday.

Arthur sneered, rolled up the newspaper and tucked it under his arm. It seemed that City Hall didn't want to lose face in front of all of New York.

Arthur stepped into the elevator, pressed the button for the editor-in-chief's office, and as he had planned yesterday, he would first go to the editor-in-chief to discuss the matter.

When they reached the door, Arthur knocked.

"Come in."

Thomas Duane's voice sounded somewhat tired.

Arthur pushed open the door and went in, only to find that he wasn't the only one in the office.

William Hearst himself sat behind the editor-in-chief's desk, surrounded by the smoke of cigars.

Thomas stood to the side, his face extremely grim.

"Our great writer, Mr. Arthur, please have a seat."

Hearst looked up and greeted Arthur in a teasing tone.

Arthur sat down opposite him and gave Hearst a brief greeting:

"You'll need to come in person on Sunday."

Hearst sighed affectedly.

"You had no choice but to come. I heard you had a wonderful performance last night. You declined the mayor's offer and even gave a speech."

"I simply declined the invitation."

"Refusing? In the news industry, sometimes it takes more courage to refuse than to accept. But courage misplaced is recklessness."

He picked up a manuscript from the table and handed it to him.

"I had someone rush to write this. The title is 'An Honest Man's Reflection: I Wrongly Accused the Mayor.'"

Arthur took it and looked at it.

The article begins by acknowledging that questioning the Brooklyn Bridge "may have been too hasty," then goes on to defend City Hall, saying the bricks were "specially treated high-grade building materials" and that the mayor "is willing to endure misunderstandings for the sake of the city's development." Finally, it appeals to citizens to "give them more trust."

It was written in a very balanced and even quoted "experts".

The only problem is that even a fool can see that this isn't the style of a "Wall Street honest man".

Arthur sighed softly, clinging to his last shred of hope, and said to Hearst:

"Mr. Hearst, I suggest we do not publish this."

Why?

"It will ruin the 'Honest Man' brand. This 180-degree turn in attitude will make readers feel like he's been bought off. The value of this column will be greatly diminished."

Arthur paused for a moment, then decided to explain.

"To be honest, I initially wrote those articles just to capitalize on the stock market crash and increase sales. I didn't expect the city council to react so strongly."

"If we publish such an article, it would indirectly confirm the corruption scandal at City Hall, and readers would feel that we have been bribed. This would seriously damage the reputation of The New York Daily News."

Hearst was silent for a few seconds, then laughed.

"Arthur, you make a good point. But you've overlooked one crucial question: which is more important, reputation or survival?"

He stood up and walked to the window.

"The mayor's office called me three times last night. They were very unhappy. Moreover, the Tammany Association controls a large portion of the city's government budget, and if they decide to block us, it's impossible for me to inject any more money into the New York Daily News."

"I understand your concerns. But if we compromise, the losses could be even greater. 'Honest Man' is currently one of the newspaper's most popular columns, and in the long run, preserving this column is essential for the newspaper's survival."

"Moreover, the city hall's threats may not actually materialize. They are just testing the limits. If we give in, they will escalate their actions. But if we stand firm, they will also have to consider the pressure from public opinion."

Hearst turned around and stared into Arthur's eyes.

"Arthur, you're too young. You think this is a business you can negotiate, but it's actually a power game. In this game, we're just pawns."

He walked back to his desk and sat down, his tone softening.

"I understand your thinking. You want to protect the brand and maintain the newspaper's reputation. That's good; it shows you're a responsible editor. But you need to learn to assess the situation and know when to stand firm and when to compromise."

"The mayor is the one in power in this city. Going against him will do you no good, and it will do the newspaper no good either."

His tone was like an elder instructing a younger person.

"You're young and have a bright future. If you're willing to cooperate, I can offer you a better position and a higher salary. But if you insist on going your own way, it will be difficult for you to survive in this industry."

Arthur sneered inwardly; this was a typical PUA tactic.

First, they suppress your judgment, telling you that you are too young and naive. Then they make grand promises, saying that you will benefit as long as you obey. Finally, they threaten you, implying that there is no way out if you don't obey.

Ironically, Hearst apparently didn't realize that his and the city hall's approach wouldn't quell public opinion, but would only make things worse.

After all, readers will wonder, if those bricks really are not the problem, why would Walker go to such lengths?

"Mr. Hearst, I understand your considerations. But I still don't think publishing this article is a good idea."

Hearst's face darkened.

"Arthur, you must understand, I have heard your opinion. But the final decision rests with me."

He took a newspaper from the drawer and threw it on the table.

"Look, this is from this morning. Your reflective article is already on the front page."

Arthur picked up the newspaper. The front page prominently featured an article defending City Hall, signed "The Honest Man of Wall Street."

"I knew you wouldn't agree, so I had someone kick me out last night."

"You need to understand that in this newspaper, the pseudonym 'Honest Man of Wall Street' belongs to the New York Daily News, not to you personally. I have the right to decide what content to publish under this pseudonym."

"You now have two choices. First, accept reality and continue working at the newspaper, writing articles according to my requirements. Second, pack your things and leave. But remember, if you leave, you can no longer use this pen name."

"And I'll let the entire New York newspapers know that you're a disobedient troublemaker."

Hearst looked down at Arthur with the smugness of a victor.

So, what's your choice?

Arthur stared at the newspaper on the table and remained silent for a few seconds.

He originally just wanted to capitalize on the stock market crash to generate some buzz and boost sales and fame. But things have turned out differently than expected.

The city hall's overreaction and Hearst's betrayal are pushing him in a direction he never intended to go.

But since things have come to this point, there's no turning back.

"Mr. Hearst, I choose the third path."

He calmly stood up and straightened his suit.

"A third way?"

"I will leave The New York Daily News, but I will not give up writing. As for the pen name 'Honest Man of Wall Street,' you're right, it belongs to The New York Daily News. But sooner or later, readers will know that the real Honest Man is no longer here."

"As for the article you published today... I think it won't be long before you realize that the cost of this decision is higher than you imagined."

After saying that, he turned and walked towards the door.

"Janedy!"

Hearst called from behind.

"You'll regret this! Without the New York Daily's platform, you're nothing!"

Arthur didn't turn around, but pushed open the door and walked out.