I am a literary giant in Russia

Chapter 92 The Release of the New Magazine
Regarding the card game with Mikhail, the magazine "Modern Man" had recently received a large advance payment, which, while ensuring the magazine's operation, also allowed them to pay some salaries, thus significantly improving Belinsky's financial situation.

With ample funds at his disposal, and having won several matches in a row before Mikhail's arrival, Belinsky was riding high on morale. After a moment's internal struggle, he decided to challenge his weakness once again.
As for Mikhail, to be honest, he really didn't like playing cards. It's just that ordinary people's entertainment options were too limited these days, and they couldn't afford the fancy entertainment of noblemen. In addition, Mikhail was an ambitious young man who couldn't bring himself to do things like drinking, gambling, and whoring, so he could only play cards to pass the time.

Well, let me reiterate, I, Mikhail, don't like playing cards.

When I get back, I'll write this in my diary:

"Sigh! I really have no interest in playing cards, but Belinsky has always enjoyed it, so in order to have more interaction with him, I'll play occasionally."

While Mikhail was thinking this, on the other side, the young Dostoevsky was thrilled by the prize money Mikhail mentioned, and as always, he began to observe Mikhail's character and conduct.

Although the young Dostoevsky had indeed recently considered himself a genius, and even sometimes felt that he was no less than Mikhail, only lacking a bit of time, he also realized that people should indeed welcome Mikhail a little more.

Even Mikhail's enemies were mostly those who had infringed upon their interests, rather than those who were actually bad people.

Although the young Dostoevsky often struggled to control his arrogance as a writer, given the contrast with Mikhail, he certainly hoped to be like Mikhail, becoming wealthy through high-stakes gambling and gaining popularity.

In short, it's about observation.
Dostoevsky, while observing, also briefly summarized the key points of the day:

"It was the day a brand new literary prize was born, proposed by Mikhail, and welcomed by everyone, including myself. After the announcement, Mikhail, without even having a sip of tea, immediately started calling people to play cards with him."

While summarizing this in his mind, Dostoevsky also carefully observed the situation of Mikhail and Belinsky's card game.

Perhaps because he was still daydreaming, Old Tu was still in a state of high spirits, to the point that he really wanted to take out his meager bread money and play a few rounds with the gentlemen present.

If all goes well, he should be able to have a decent meal at a restaurant today.

With this in mind, Dostoevsky, who had been arguing with someone before Mikhail arrived, suddenly fell silent and sat down with some others at the card table to observe the situation.

Belinsky, who was in the middle of it, started his game with hesitation, then blushed slightly, and soon became covered in sweat.
"I'm done playing! I'm done playing! Let Almighty God intervene!"

As another round ended, Belinsky wiped his sweat and waved his hands repeatedly. His face, which had been slightly pale, was now flushed with excitement. He continued, "Mikhail, if you care about the wages you're paid, just take them back! Why torture people like this!"

Oh no, Lao Bie is being sarcastic.

Having not played for quite some time, Mikhail was a bit too rough with his hands, so upon hearing this, he touched his nose with slight embarrassment.

As for why Mikhail was able to win so many, to be honest, if you remember all the cards, as long as your luck isn't too bad, the probability of winning is always a bit higher.

Then again, I didn't feel like I won by much. Just as Mikhail was thinking this, Dostoevsky, who was standing nearby, naturally heard the phrase, "Let Almighty God come."

Although he knew that Belinsky was now an atheist and that many of his religious pronouncements were jarring to him, hearing such words at this moment still made him feel somewhat uncomfortable.

Before Dostoevsky could even grumble to himself, he saw Belinsky turn around hastily. While everyone else was dodging, Belinsky looked directly at the somewhat stunned Dostoevsky and said, "Fyodor, come on! I know you've always wanted to talk to Mikhail and have a better chat. Isn't this the perfect opportunity?"
Mikhail will stay with you as long as you're willing!

Dostoevsky, who was sweating profusely, was speechless.

"No, no, no, forget it."

Old Tu shook his head vigorously, like a rattle-drum, and simultaneously shifted his buttocks back quite a distance: "I have absolutely no interest in playing cards. Let the devil do it!"

Because everyone backed down, by the end of the gathering, Mikhail could only say that he hadn't really had his fill of fighting.
It was my fault; I should have lost more.

Mikhail began to reflect on his actions.

Although he didn't get to fight to his heart's content, Mikhail did hear some good news before leaving.

That is when the young Dostoevsky approached him somewhat awkwardly and asked him in more detail about the literary prize.

It was clear that Old Dostoevsky was very eager for those five hundred rubles.

Mikhail patted him on the shoulder and said, "Keep it up, Fyodor! I think if you can settle down and write for a while, this award from our magazine is definitely yours!"

"it is good!"

Upon hearing Mikhail's words, Old Dostoevsky felt excited and happy, but he also reflected on his own behavior for a moment.

Yes, I should spend more time on writing.
Seeing the thoughtful old man, Mikhail couldn't help but smile with satisfaction.

And after this gathering, the release date for the first issue of "Modern People" is finally approaching.

Mikhail had sent parts of the novel to Belinsky and Nekrasov some time ago, but due to various commitments, they haven't had a chance to have a more in-depth discussion with him yet.

Of course, precisely because Mikhail only sent a portion of it, Nekrasov and Belinsky now ask him the same question whenever they see him: "Mikhail, is the rest of the content ready? If it is, let us see it quickly!"

Well, hopefully our wider readership will be more patient by then.
(End of this chapter)