I am a literary giant in Russia

Chapter 44: Outlook for the Future

As for what position Kraevsky holds in the cultural circle of St. Petersburg today, in short, he is the owner of "Fatherland Chronicle", the best-selling and most influential magazine in St. Petersburg.

For many authors who want to become famous and publish their works, his identity is like a huge mountain. After all, if they offend him, they may really disappear from the Russian cultural circle to some extent, or at least their manuscripts will not be published no matter what.

It is precisely because of this hierarchical relationship between him and editors, critics and writers that many people, even if they are dissatisfied with him, only dare to complain and talk about him in private.

Even Belinsky, in order to keep his job and the right to speak in the magazine, could only complain to his friends:

"God, if I could only get rid of this fellow, I should be the happiest man. I should have to go to him all the time, say nice things, and try to smile when I'm trembling with hatred—this vile hypocrisy is intolerable to me.

"When I sat with him, I despised myself; but what could I do? How could I escape from this situation? You can only imagine how I felt every time I went to him and asked for my own money, earned by my hard work and sweat!"

Even though Belinsky was severely exploited by Kraevsky, it was probably because Kraevsky was not only old but also influential, and most of Belinsky's friends were in awe of Kraevsky and did not dare to resist easily, so Belinsky did not completely break with his boss until 1846.

When Panaev later recalled this time, he couldn't help but say:
"Because, generally speaking, we Russians, not only then, but now, have no sense of unity, no sense of esprit de corps; because we have hitherto been heroes in words but cowards in deeds; because we are by nature indifferent and passive, easily yielding to anyone, rather than exerting ourselves for a short time to secure for ourselves a lifelong independence."

Originally, this matter was not discussed at the gathering, but it seemed that Nekrasov asked Mikhail:
"Mikhail, how much will you be paid for these two articles? As far as I know, the profit your novels bring to the Fatherland Chronicle will not be less than 800 rubles."

Mikhail: “?”

Then why did I only get 60 rubles the second time? The publisher also told me that he had thought about it for a long time, and because he really admired young people, he finally made a decision that went against his ancestors...

Fuck my money!

In a rage, and remembering the publisher's historical reputation, Mikhail immediately opened the microphone passionately, and everyone present looked at each other in confusion, wondering where this young man got the courage to speak so arrogantly to such an authoritative person.

Among all the people present, only Nekrasov looked excited and nodded from time to time, seeming to agree very much with Mikhail's opinion.

As for old Tuturgenev, he was a little different from the others.

Turgenev: “???”

How come you can brag better than me?
After talking for a while, Mikhail finally seemed to realize that he was a little agitated. So after saying a few more words, Mikhail looked at Belinsky, who was a little indignant and a little dazed, and concluded:
"Dear Vissarion, when Nekrasov and I make a fortune from the collection of essays, we'll find someone to work with and buy out The Contemporary. We'll then hire you as editor-in-chief and pay you 8,000 rubles a year."

According to the original trajectory, things would have developed in this way. Nekrasov and Panaev were worthy of being Belinsky's good friends and really offered him this salary. However, this good life did not last for a few days. Belinsky soon passed away due to his worsening illness...

Therefore, the reason why Mikhail said this now was, firstly, a little impulsive, and secondly, he really wanted Belinsky to live a healthier life. After all, the greatest tragedy of a person is not to live in hardship all the time, but to see good times coming and then die.
Of course, for the people in front of him, when Mikhail said this, most people present laughed, as if they took Mikhail's words as a joke.

But come to think of it, is a magazine like "Contemporary Man," founded by Alexander Pushkin, really that popular? And in today's Russia, what critic can actually earn 8,000 rubles a year? Such a good thing is unimaginable, right?
Even Belinsky couldn't help laughing and shaking his head when he heard Mikhail's words. As if to tease him, Belinsky continued speaking along with Mikhail's words:
"Resurrecting a declining magazine is not an easy task. Where will we get the manuscripts, Mikhail?"

"Of course, I still rely on your help." Although it sounded like a joke, Mikhail did sense a certain desire in Belinsky's heart, so he smiled and replied:

"I'll also be serializing a novel there."

"Oh? A novel?" Belinsky's interest immediately piqued upon hearing Mikhail's words. "Have you started writing a novel? How much have you written? Would you like to read a paragraph to everyone?"

"Wait until I'm done."

.........

After chatting with everyone present for a while, Mikhail, who had the rare opportunity to brag a little, quickly pulled himself out of the spotlight of the crowd and focused on dealing with some snacks on the table.

After attending so many gatherings, Mikhail had basically become familiar with the members of Belinsky's group, so the conversation was not as unfamiliar as it was at the beginning.

Although there were various differences among those present, they gathered together under the inspiration of something and expressed their respective views.

In Nekrasov's eyes, Mikhail is a gentle but sharp man. Up to now, he is conquering everyone present step by step with his talent and the power of words.

Even if what he just said was a joke, is there really no one present who is taking this matter seriously?

As for Nekrasov himself, he had always been skeptical about his career and future, but during the time he spent with Mikhail, Nekrasov felt that he was really infected by Mikhail's confidence.

So much so that now when Nekrasov is working hard for this cause, he feels full of energy.

Oh yes, after Mikhail came, my appetite seemed to be not so good...

(End of this chapter)