I am a literary giant in Russia

Chapter 61 Drama
When Belinsky was giving a brief summary in front of everyone, Mikhail, whose mouth was a little dry from reading, naturally found a place to sit down and drank tea humongously.

Unlike the limited supply at the landlord's house, Mikhail could really drink as much as he wanted at Panaev's house, and the taste was much better than what the landlord provided.

Of course, you have to drink what you want from the landlord, otherwise you will be at a loss...

While drinking tea, Mikhail also took the opportunity to look at the reactions of the audience. Most of them were smiling heartily, and Turgenev was laughing so hard that he almost collapsed on the sofa.

The hostess of this villa, Panayeva, was also smiling happily, which made Nekrasov, who was also smiling, look at her unconsciously, and then reveal a smile with another meaning...

As for Belinsky's good friend, the gentle and kind Panaev, he was listening attentively to what Belinsky said.

Nekrasov, you bastard...

It can be said that Panaev is not only a real man, but also a true good brother.

Although there were some twists and turns, Panaev did choose to forgive and remained a good comrade of Nekrasov for the rest of his life.

But let's put their affairs aside for now. After Belinsky spoke briefly with everyone, he quickly sat down in front of Mikhail, and then he couldn't help but shook his hand and said:

"Dear Mikhail, although this is not the first time I've been shocked by you, I still have to say this time that you will contribute an immortal literary figure to our Russian literature! God knows how many such hypocritical and opportunistic people there are in Russia today, and it just so happens that such people often hold high positions. Isn't that strange?
In my mind, it can almost be compared with Gogol's "The Inspector General"! If "The Inspector General" exposed the ugly face of flattery among our Russian bureaucracy, then "The Chameleon" undoubtedly reveals how these gentlemen with some power, under the influence of these people and our Russian system, follow their example and corrupt social morals!

How could there be so many Ochumelovs without the big chameleons?"

Mikhail: “.”

Just tell me you’re not allowed to be so blunt in the comments!

Speaking of which, in recent times, Belinsky has been doting on Mikhail. The reviews of every one of Mikhail's novels were written by Belinsky himself.

According to Belinsky's wife, "You have no idea how enthusiastic he was when he was reviewing your novel. He would often pace back and forth in our small room while writing, and from time to time he would say to me, 'Oh my God, how can he write so well?' I think that was the time when he was most happy working on your novel."

It was obvious that Belinsky was very happy playing the keyboard.
Fortunately, due to censorship on the one hand and Belinsky's unwillingness to put Mikhail in an overly critical position on the other, he mostly expressed his personal opinions in his reviews. This time, it was clear that Belinsky was still very interested in reviewing Mikhail's novel.

Turgenev, who was standing by, laughed for a long time and came over to say, "What a wonderful satirical novel! Mikhail, it would be a shame if such a novel was not adapted into a play. If it could be put on stage, I believe it would cause a sensation throughout St. Petersburg!"
Even if it were to be shown in places like France or England, I think it would definitely attract a lot of attention. You know, I lived there for a few years, and the art there is excellent, but there are also a lot of people like Ochumelov. Perhaps we could study it together sometime and write a play?

Drama?
Mikhail has a lot of ideas in his mind, but he may need to take some time to learn how to write them specifically.

Thinking of this, Mikhail naturally agreed to Turgenev's proposal.

After this pleasant gathering at Panaev's house, Kraevsky, the publisher of "Fatherland Chronicle", quickly sent his opinions. Mikhail shook his head and replied directly:
"That's a pity, Mr. Krajewski. Perhaps this novel really doesn't meet the standards of The Fatherland Chronicle. I still need to work harder, so I decided to send this novel to other magazines."

After Mikhail replied like this, without waiting for him to receive any more letters, Kraevsky came to his door in a hurry. When he saw Mikhail's living environment, the gentleman was stunned at first, and then he quickly took Mikhail's hand and said kindly:

"Dear Mikhail, I think you haven't sent your manuscript to other magazines yet? I rushed here as soon as I received your letter. I thought carefully and decided that our magazine should be more tolerant of young people. Now that I see your situation, I understand. I am willing to advance you the manuscript fee directly!"
So you really haven't sent your manuscript to other magazines yet?"

Although I really don't want to pay such a high fee, and I do feel unhappy about Mikhail's novel, no matter what, I can't go against the ruble.

Krajewski was almost certain that such a novel would be popular with readers.

So after receiving Mikhail's reply, seeing that the other party did not seem to be intimidated by his words, Kraevsky immediately rushed over in a carriage.

It seems that this is indeed a young man who is not easy to fool. He is much smarter than Belinsky and some of his friends.
However, although he rushed over in a hurry, after seeing where Mikhail lived, Kraevsky, who was originally about to bend slightly, suddenly straightened up a lot.

But when he saw Mikhail's face was hesitant and he seemed a little reluctant to agree, Kraevsky's straight back suddenly bent a little bit again.
"Okay, Mr. Kraevsky." Seeing that the fee had increased slightly after some discussion, Mikhail finally nodded and said, "Then let's continue to publish this novel in the Fatherland Chronicle."

It must be said that this gentleman is really good at talking. Fortunately, this novel is of high quality. Even if Krajewski feels that he has suffered a loss, he can only accept it.

After receiving the manuscript, Krajewski was not at all vague and immediately prepared to put the novel in the magazine to attract more subscriptions.

To be honest, although Mikhail's salary is not too low, he still feels a bit disappointed. Fortunately, he will be able to work for himself soon.
(End of this chapter)