I am a literary giant in Russia

Chapter 85 Even Mikhail wants to live in a small villa.
When asked about the impact of publishing collections of essays and running magazines on his life, Mikhail felt that one thing was quite obvious: for him, money really did seem to inflate dramatically at first glance.

At first, they were thrilled to get twenty rubles, but now they're willing to talk about big deals worth hundreds or even thousands of rubles.

However, the reason for this is naturally because the publishing industry is considered an upper-class industry these days, and the products it produces are mainly for the wealthy and powerful.

While twenty rubles might be enough for a commoner family to eat black bread for a whole month, for a nobleman, it might not even be enough to buy a decent piece of clothing.

Ultimately, a large gap between the rich and the poor can sometimes create a strong sense of division when it comes to money. What an ordinary person works hard for their entire life might cost more than a toilet for some people.

That's how it is these days, and it will probably be even more exaggerated in future generations, although some people simply won't see it in their daily lives.

However, Mikhail does have access to the privileged class these days and is trying to sell his products to them, which has led to him asking for eight thousand or two or three thousand rubles these days. It can only be said that the cost is probably really that much.

Because he has been busy with this project recently, Mikhail has not yet had time to use the money from publishing his collection of essays to improve his life, such as buying himself a small villa.

Therefore, if Nekrasov wanted to talk to Mikhail about anything, he could only come to Mikhail's small room to confirm some details and preparations, and today was no exception.

So at that moment, the two grown men sat on Mikhail's large sofa, which served as both a bed and a living room, talking very seriously to each other, while the old maid Nastasya, as always, brought them two cups of tea.

Given her personality, she would naturally pay attention to their conversation, and words like "seven hundred rubles" and "one thousand more rubles" reached her ears.

Nastassia: "?"

It's broad daylight, and I can't smell any alcohol at all!

So, after putting down the tea, the old maid Nastasya stared blankly for a while. Then, she couldn't help but observe Mikhail's obviously patched-up clothes, and then looked at Nekrasov, whose clothes were slightly better. Finally, she smiled with relief...

So you were just bragging. I did hear recently that Mikhail made a fortune, but he doesn't seem like it now…

And if that's true, will he never come here again?

Thinking about these questions, the old maid Nastassia, who had been smiling, suddenly felt a strange sadness.

As Nastasya quietly left, Mikhail and Nekrasov's conversation continued:
"If you calculate it this way, the money we spent on publishing our last collection of essays is indeed not enough. Fortunately, Panaev has also joined us, and we can pay half of the printing and paper costs each month upfront, with the rest paid in the following year. I have already discussed these things with him."

"Then perhaps it won't be long before the first issue of our magazine is out. How's the response to our advertisements?"

“Although some gentlemen in literary circles keep predicting the worst,” Nekrasov shrugged, “it might be because the collection of essays didn’t disappoint them after we promoted it, or it might be because of Vesalion and your reputation. In any case, many people have started contacting us now.”

"Once we start collecting advance payments, we won't be as nervous as we are now."

At this point, Nekrasov couldn't help but glance at Mikhail's small room, and then continued, "You'll soon be able to find yourself a spacious and bright place, as will I, and of course, my dear Vesalion."

"Yes."

Mikhail looked up and glanced at his room. Thanks to his mother and sister, the room hadn't been messy lately and had remained quite clean. But ultimately, due to its location and size, it was never truly comfortable no matter how much he tidied it up.

For the sake of my health, I definitely have to change it, but now that you've suddenly brought it up, I'm actually a little reluctant to do it...

Another point worth mentioning is that Mikhail had already mentioned the matter of changing houses to his landlady, Pavlovna. Seeing that she had worked so hard for so long and had repeatedly pretended to casually display her substantial wealth, yet Mikhail was still able to refuse despite the pain, Pavlovna ultimately gave up on the idea for the time being.

But she still said, "Mikhail, although you've rejected me so many times, because it's you, if you ever encounter any problems and are desperate, come to me. If my daughter is still unmarried by then, perhaps I'll consider giving you another chance."

Mikhail: “…”

Honestly, Mikhail is starting to feel a little guilty...

But these things really can't be forced.

As for the rent he owed his landlord, Pavlovna, Mikhail had already paid it off, and was even prepared to pay her some money to find him a spacious and bright place in the neighborhood.

Pavlovna paused for a moment before asking with some confusion, "I heard from Tusenbach that you even have enough money to pay back his 500 rubles. With so much money, why do you still live in this neighborhood? Why not move to a better neighborhood?"

Because the better the neighborhood, the closer it is to things like the Third Hall and the Tsar…

Whoops, just kidding.

Mikhail replied, "That kind of place isn't suitable for me, and staying there too long might make me forget some things, so for now, this neighborhood suits me better. I'll come back for a while when I have time, and I hope you won't be stingy with your tea then."

".………certainly!"

After a moment of stunned silence, Pavlovna exclaimed excitedly, "Then, dear Mikhail, I've heard that you have a great reputation in the literary world, is that right?"

"It's not that big."

Mikhail waved his hand modestly, but his back straightened involuntarily before he replied, "But I should be considered to have some reputation."

"This is perfect."

Upon hearing this, Pavlovna immediately revealed a shrewd look: "After you leave, I estimate I'll increase the rent for the room you stayed in several times over. You know, every year in St. Petersburg there are some poets and writers who want to make a name for themselves, as well as some not-so-rich university students."

If they knew you had lived here before, they would probably be willing to pay a higher price!

Mikhail: “???”

Poets, writers, and university students are already suffering enough, dear Pavlovna, please treat them kindly...

(End of this chapter)