I am a literary giant in Russia

Chapter 264 A novel written for Mikhail and the harvest
Wuthering Heights is not a book for discussion; it is a book for reading. It is easy to find fault with it; it is far from perfect. But it possesses something that only a very few novelists can give you: power.

I don't know of any other novel that so persistently intertwines the pain, infatuation, and cruelty of love, and depicts them with such astonishing power.

—William Somerset Maugham

Just as Mikhail was diligently learning the tricks of hiding and dodging, and occasionally wondering if he would need them in the future, a violent gust of wind swept across the sky, hurtling through the endless moors of Haworth, Yorkshire, England, and howled across them once again.

Meanwhile, on that very day, as Mikhail and the publisher's letters finally arrived, a whirlwind once again swept through the Brontë sisters' hearts.

Thanks to Mikhail, their poetry collection, which originally sold only two copies, has now sold over a thousand copies thanks to the wave Mikhail created in London—a feat that is almost only achieved by an established poet!
Even though selling poetry collections didn't earn much money during this period, Charlotte was pleasantly surprised to find that the royalties from all those books were almost as much as her salary as a governess for a year!
Only God knows how much humiliation and discrimination a tutor endures for a year.
Although London critics often mentioned Mr. Mikhail's reviews when commenting on their poetry collections, the royalties were real, so much so that the Brontë sisters were already wondering what gift they could give him to express their gratitude.

Besides the success of their poetry collection, the news about their novel that came today was equally exciting for them.

When the Brontë sisters gathered together today, Charlotte, whose creative process was the most arduous and who received the most advice from Mikhail, spoke first: "Mr. Mikhail highly praised my work, saying that it would become a bestseller and that I would soon become one of the most famous writers in Britain."

He said my work still needs time to be crowned.

Somewhat excited, Emily gripped the object in her hand tightly and said, "People will increasingly understand what a powerful work it truly is."

He said that the tranquility, simplicity and peace in my work are more easily overlooked.

The youngest, Anne, said, "But this style will eventually have a special place."

"It was almost like a prophecy."

Charlotte joked, "I'm really worried about whether we can maintain people's trust in his literary judgment. And according to this gentleman, the publisher has prepared a first print run of nearly two thousand copies for me, and I really doubt whether those books will sell out. But let's wait and see!"

With this gentleman's help, our poetry collection sold that number, and the novel seems even more lucrative. I think we should thank him in person, no matter what.”

At this point, Charlotte looked at her younger sister, Emily. Judging by the timeline, her sister hadn't left their hometown for several years, and Charlotte herself was reluctant to leave easily.
"I also think it's necessary."

Emily nodded immediately and said, "And it seems he's going back to Russia next year, which will make communication very difficult. We must seize the opportunity to see him."

"it is good."

Thinking of the news that Mr. Mikhail would be returning to Russia next year, Charlotte nodded with a mixture of regret and emotion. Then, as if remembering something, she asked with concern, "Emily, you seem to be having some health problems lately. Remember to take care of yourself and go out more often. Have you started writing new works again?"

"Yes, didn't that gentleman say he might want to open a magazine in England someday? Perhaps we should prepare some manuscripts for him then, even though we don't need them for now, but I'd like to write another good enough novel."

"you're right."

Charlotte paused for a moment, then smiled and nodded.

Thus, while the Brontë sisters were overjoyed by this good news, they also began to think about how they could express their gratitude to Mikhail, their guide.

As they gradually came up with some ideas, Mikhail spent the next few days following Jonathan, the detective, into the streets and alleys of London, practicing, under Jonathan's guidance, the tricks of hiding oneself and avoiding being followed and searched.

It wouldn't have mattered if he hadn't tried it, but after three or four days of practice, Jonathan couldn't help but exclaim in amazement:

“Mr. Mikhail, you are simply one of the most talented people I have ever met in this field! I believe that at your rate of progress, if you study diligently for a few more months, most of the police in London will be completely outmaneuvered by you!”

Mikhail: “?”

Is your example correct?

Although Mikhail has always acted with integrity, and may even become more so in the future, as the saying goes, it's always good to have more skills, and Mikhail feels it's beneficial to learn more.
In addition, on an ordinary day, after some thought, Mikhail took something to the club he frequented most during his time in London. Almost as soon as Mikhail entered, everyone in the club looked at him with complicated expressions.

Frankly speaking, most members of the club thought Mikhail was a very good member. He was witty, humorous, knowledgeable, and often made some surprising remarks. In addition, he had an easygoing personality, and most members of the club were happy to chat with him.

but!

Never discuss gambling in his presence, or he might transform into a devil in an instant, subjecting anyone who dares to approach him to the scorching flames of hell.
Unfortunately, when Mikhail arrived, a lively card game was taking place at the club. Everyone was having a great time, with wins and losses, but the atmosphere instantly turned cold as soon as Mikhail arrived.

When Mikhail sat down on the other side of the table to watch quietly, following the proper etiquette for spectators, even though he respected the social etiquette and showed no expression whatsoever, for some reason, the people playing the game still felt a huge sense of mockery pressing on their chests, making it difficult for them to even catch their breath.

In this oppressive atmosphere, some people quickly succumbed to the pressure and left. Just then, Mikhail, who had been holding a position for a while, lifted his buttocks to change his sitting posture, when he heard someone hurriedly announce:

"Gentlemen, let's call it a day! Perhaps we have more important things to do, like having a drink of water or a smoke."

Mikhail: “?”

"I didn't even get to play before it ended. Are you deliberately isolating me?" Although Mikhail couldn't help but sigh, he had important business to attend to today, so he first shook his head and then said, "Gentlemen, please don't leave yet. I'd like to introduce something to you."

Upon hearing Mikhail's words, although everyone present wanted to quicken their pace again, they stopped in their tracks as soon as Mikhail's voice rang out, and looked at him hesitantly.

"I've been in the UK for quite some time now and often play some common British card games, but I'm getting a bit tired of them. I wonder if any of you feel the same way?"

Everyone present: ?

absolutely not
It's normal for you to get tired of it, but for us, every game is incredibly exciting.
However, despite this, some people were just giving Mikhail face, while others genuinely had similar thoughts. In any case, some people still chimed in and echoed Mikhail's sentiments.

So Mikhail quickly continued speaking:
"Please allow me a few minutes. I've designed a new game—a game that presents the laws of society and business in a lighthearted way."

Upon hearing these unexpected words, the gentlemen present exchanged bewildered glances.

Designing games? Inventing new game ideas?
This is not uncommon in British high society. In fact, the various card games popular in Britain today are all improvements on traditional ones, and the innovations in this process are often driven by interest or a desire for intellectual challenge.

Could it be that he thinks the current rules are too simple and boring?
"Its appeal lies in management and planning. Each player is a real estate owner, buying blocks, railroads, or public works and collecting rent from passersby. Success depends on prudence, courage, and a bit of luck—just like life itself."

This is a simulation game about real estate and progress, which may offer you a brand new gaming experience.

After Mikhail finished speaking, there was a brief silence in the room, and then someone couldn't help but ask, "From what you're saying, you're not improving the existing rules of card games, but creating a completely new game?"

"Indeed."

Upon hearing this answer, some of the gentlemen present even wanted to voice their opposition. After all, how could someone dare to create a completely new game and seemingly expect to be welcomed by others?
Is he trying to show that he's smarter than all the previous rule-makers?
It's like a dream!
However, fearing that Mikhail might be using the opposition from others to restart gambling, many people present exchanged glances and then remained silent.

Taking advantage of the quiet moment, Mikhail simply spread a custom-made cloth covered with various vivid patterns on the club's table, then took out the other props one by one. Finally, Mikhail invited everyone to join him:

"Would you all do me the honor of playing a couple of rounds with me?"

Since Mikhail had said so, after some consideration, everyone present decided to give him face. However, before the game began, a gentleman cautiously asked on behalf of everyone, "So, does this game cost money?"

"Of course not."

Mikhail waved his hand and said, "Moreover, given your abilities in management, I might lose many games in a row."

The people present: "."

You said the same thing before.
Although they didn't believe Mikhail's nonsense, once they learned it wouldn't cost any money, they finally lowered their guard. They then watched with a mixture of scrutiny and curiosity as Mikhail distributed some ingenious props and briefly explained the game rules:
Each player moves according to the dice roll, choosing to buy properties they pass or pay rent if they pass another player's property. Players can build houses and structures on their properties to increase rental income. Meanwhile, some squares on the board bring good or bad luck, reminding everyone that investing requires both wisdom and luck.

In an era of scarce entertainment, the allure of a complete and entirely new game system is undoubtedly immense. Even if playing too much might feel tiring, at this moment, many people who were initially indifferent became interested as they listened, and even looked at Mikhail and the new game he presented with amazement.

Besides literature, how could this gentleman's talent in other fields be so astonishing?

After Mikhail finished explaining the rules, some of the people present couldn't wait to start this novel game they had never seen before. While playing, they discussed various things in real life:
"Alright, gentlemen, this entire area is mine now. If you want to pass through here, you'll all have to pay me."

"Excuse my bluntness, but the locations you've chosen are terrible, and they don't look very profitable. This immediately reminds me of Mr. Liam."

"You mean the one who went bankrupt?"

"Yes, because of his poor investment decisions, the place he bought failed to attract any people, and in the end he had no choice but to sell his entire fortune."

"Unexpected windfall! The Bank of England has actually provided me with a loan."

Perhaps the rules of the game are not too complicated, and perhaps the game content cannot compare to the excitement and tension brought by squandering money, but for some reason, this novel game has an inexplicable magic, so much so that the gentlemen on the field played round after round, and even took turns from time to time to ensure that those interested gentlemen could play.

Meanwhile, many of the gentlemen who had temporarily withdrawn or hadn't yet participated, while observing, gathered around Mikhail and couldn't help but ask:

"Mr. Mikhail, how long did it take you to design such an interesting game? It must have taken a lot of effort, right?"

"Yes."

To get a good price for this board game, Mikhail sighed and said, "I spent at least five or six years polishing and revising this game, during which I endured countless sleepless nights."

"That's not surprising. It's almost impossible for someone like you who spends so much time on this not to have fun."

The gentleman who asked the question nodded admiringly and said, "This game is filled with the sweat of a genius! It's something that money can't buy."

If that's what you're saying, then I'm really going to have to rip off the upper class a good amount of money.
(End of this chapter)