I am a literary giant in Russia

Chapter 56 Meeting with Krajewski

Since that day's party, Mikhail had not participated in any social activities for two or three days. He mainly spent time with his mother and sister, and took them to St. Petersburg to buy some things that were not available in his hometown.

Although it is like that everywhere these days, St. Petersburg is at least the capital city, located under the feet of the Tsar. In addition to the authentic products of the nobles, there are also some other authentic specialties.

Although Mikhail gave his mother and sister some money, they were reluctant to spend it at all. They seemed to be scared by the prices in St. Petersburg. During the days they stayed in the hotel, they rarely even went out.

Mikhail could only sigh that he was still not rich enough, but when his mother and sister came again next time, the situation would be very different.

In short, since his mother and sister were reluctant to spend money, Mikhail naturally had to take the initiative to take them to buy some things.

So on the third or fourth day, Mikhail touched his belly, thought about the time when the Panaev family held regular activities, smiled slightly, and happily went to Panaev's house.

When he arrived, Belinsky, Nekrasov, Turgenev and some other members of the group were already there chatting and playing cards.

The moment they saw Mikhail, all of them stopped what they were doing. Turgenev's reaction was the most exaggerated. He stood up, opened his arms, and said with his mouth open:
"Look who's here? Mikhail, our new great poet in St. Petersburg! Do you know? These past few days, whenever I attend a party, I always hear people reciting your poem. Really, my ears are almost callused from listening to it. Mikhail, this is all your fault!"

"Yes." Another young man in the group who often attends various parties also said in amazement: "Almost every young lady I meet is moved by your poem. What a beautiful poem! Mikhail, you are talented enough in writing novels, and I didn't expect you to be talented in poetry as well!"
You should give up writing novels and write poetry! Maybe you can become the second Pushkin! "

"No, no, no, Maxim, you're not right to say that!"

Although he had heard Mikhail's poem from others and was indeed moved by it, when he heard such words, Belinsky even put down the cards in his hand, shook his head repeatedly and said hurriedly:

"Writing poetry is great, but Mikhail's novels have something very rare, something that Russia needs even more today! And who says he can't write both poetry and novels?"

"Hmm? What poem is it? Why haven't I heard of it before? Can someone read it to me?"

"Dude, that means you probably haven't been to any parties these past two days. As for reading it to you, forget it! I only want to read it to those lovely ladies!"

Before Mikhail could even open his mouth to speak, they were already in a state of chaos. Seeing this, Mikhail could only shake his head helplessly, then quietly came to the card table. After their voices gradually died down, Mikhail calmly spoke:

"It's just a poem, nothing to worry about. Let's play cards!"

"Come on, Mikhail!" Hearing this, Belinsky stood up in shock. "My royalties for this month are almost gone. If I play with you any longer, I won't even be able to get home tonight!"

Belinsky retreated, but the others were rich enough and didn't care about losing a little money, so they started playing cards with Mikhail.

Although Turgenev was now a pauper, he was able to buy on credit, so he did not leave the card table at this moment. While playing cards, he could not help but continue to ask:
"Mikhail, why don't you go out and walk around more these days? I'm sure you'll be very popular with those ladies. What a great opportunity!"

"Ivan, I have to spend time with my mother and sister." Mikhail shook his head and replied, "It's not easy for us to get together. As for those gentlemen and ladies, we will probably interact with them again later."

"Okay." Turgenev was once again slightly surprised by Mikhail's composure, and at the same time somewhat envious of Mikhail's family. But before he could say anything else, Mikhail suddenly discarded the cards in his hand and said, "Okay, I win. Let's move on to the next hand."

Turgenev: “?”

what happened?

"Just look at it, I know." Belinsky, who was watching from the side, sighed and thought of something, so he looked at Mikhail and said:
"By the way, Mikhail, the general seemed to have a very good opinion of you. Even when he was drunk, he said: 'Gentlemen, you are a very handsome young man, and you write good poetry. Although I don't understand your novels very well, I am sure they must have their own unique features. It's a pity that your family background is too poor. I racked my brains, but I can't think of any family with the last name Raskolnikov!'

That’s the only thing that’s wrong! Everything else is fine.”

Mikhail had heard about the general's habits. Almost every time a guest came to his house, he would comment on them.

Belinsky was also subjected to the same general's comment, which went something like this: "Look, everyone, this is my situation. This shameless braggart, this rude behavior."

There is no need to say more, poor Belinsky
In short, after hearing this, Belinsky never wanted to go to his house again, but for some reason the general still invited him warmly.

After relaying the gossip he had heard from others, Belinsky thought for a moment and continued, "By the way, Mikhail, do you have any thoughts on publishing this poem? It hasn't appeared in any magazine yet. If you have this idea, perhaps you could come with me to meet Mr. Kraevsky."

He’s been wanting to see you for a while now, but it seems he’s been waiting for you to visit him.

Oh my God, I have to talk to him about my royalties. You know how much I don't want to have to deal with him. Why can't he just give me the royalties directly instead of asking me to ask him for them all the time?

Although his face looked somewhat painful, Belinsky, as a man in his thirties who had just gotten married, naturally had his own difficulties. His expenses had already increased, and if he lost his job, it would be really too difficult.

Of course, Belinsky had a great influence in the critical community, but due to his temperament and some other reasons, he didn't quite know how to monetize it, and he really needed someone to help him.

But before that, let's accompany Belinsky to meet Mr. Kraevsky.

Maybe we can also talk about increasing the royalties.

So Mikhail nodded and said, "Okay, dear Vissarion, I will go with you. Let us keep each other company."

"That's great! With you here, I can finally breathe a sigh of relief!"

Thank you all! Today, it was ranked second on the new book list. Although it was not for long, it was very exciting for a newbie (rubbing hands with excitement).
I’m saving the manuscript. I’m saving the manuscript. I’ll update more later.

I would also like to thank "Patrick Star Mobile Game", "Jian Er", "Wang Fu", "Book Friend 20181107123556783", "Delicious Little Orange", "Wonderful Explorer", "Shanhai Feiyu", "Book Friend 20210405225212524", and "I really don't know what to name it" for their rewards. Thank you very much!
Thank you again for your monthly tickets and support. I will continue to work hard (heart)
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(End of this chapter)