Chapter 13: Cooperation with Nekrasov (Begging for Weekly Reads on Tuesday!)

As for this fellow Nekrasov, he can be simply summarized in one, two, three.

A first-class publisher, a second-class great poet, and also an enthusiast of threesomes.

His status as a first-class publisher lies in his sharp vision; soon he would make a fortune by publishing several anthologies, to the extent that he later became the owner of the magazine "The Contemporary," founded by the Russian literary titan Pushkin, which was also the most influential magazine in all of Russia.

Hmm, regarding Pushkin being a titan, oh no, that the titan resembles Pushkin, here are two pieces of evidence.

One, Pushkin had dark skin and thick lips (Pushkin had African ancestry).

Two, although he faced some controversy within his field during his lifetime, he was at the height of his power; after his death, he was dragged out and repeatedly whipped by the actions of his fans.

Ahem, of course, this is a joke. As for Pushkin, let us stop here for now; after all, since Mikhail is currently in Russia, Pushkin is absolutely a topic that cannot be avoided, even though he has been dead for several years.

Returning to Nekrasov, being a second-class great poet is no problem; he indeed holds a place in the history of Russian poetry, but he is not yet on the same level as the titan Pushkin.

As for being a threesome enthusiast...

In short, Nekrasov had a friend named Panaev, who was a poet and also one of the shareholders of the magazine "The Contemporary." He was of proper noble birth, never short of money, and had countless lovers. Later, he kept an actress named Avdotya, and then they got married.

And then this actress took a liking to Nekrasov, and finally they formed an open, stable triangular relationship.

If Mikhail remembers correctly, it was probably around this year that Nekrasov simply moved into Panaev's home.

It is hard for Mikhail to imagine what their nightlife was actually like.

However, for Mikhail, this is not yet the main point; what is obviously more important is to take advantage of this wind from Nekrasov to quickly make some money first.

The manuscript fees are not low, but they are still not enough.

Mikhail's requirements for life are not too high, but after all, he is a person from the future; his basic standard of living, in the eyes of many people in Russia today, is no different from that of a noble lord, or even that of a minor noble or above.

Putting aside everything else, just regarding food, in this era, even the Tsar, that great scatterer, probably ate more emotional value.

As for the taste, Mikhail says, "Am I joking with you about technology and harsh work?"

One spoonful of essence.

Back to the matter at hand, facing Mikhail's question, Nekrasov was stunned first, then asked with a hint of excitement: "Oh? Do you mean you want to place your works in the anthology I am about to publish? In that case, I will certainly reserve a very good position for you and a very good profit-sharing ratio."

Of course, the premise is that our anthology must be able to sell."

Undoubtedly, with Belinsky's favor and commentary, Mikhail is very likely to become famous overnight in the Cultural Circle of St. Petersburg.

And with the addition of such a promising genius, undoubtedly, it will also add to Nekrasov's confidence in his own anthology.

Furthermore, receiving Belinsky's favor and commentary, this phrase truly sounds easy but is as difficult as reaching the sky to achieve.

For example, right now, although Nekrasov maintains a very good relationship with Belinsky, if Nekrasov were to publish another poetry collection like the one from three years ago, it would likely still invite Belinsky's severe criticism.

Treating only some people this way might seem somewhat inhumane, but treating everyone's writings this way can only show this person's sincerity towards literature and their firm determination to walk their own path.

"Yes, Nikolai, I am very willing to write a few more works to put into the anthology."

Facing this benefactor who, in a sense, directly introduced him to the top tier of the Russian literary world, Mikhail was also open and honest:

"To speak the truth, I am very optimistic about the anthology you mentioned regarding the lower classes of St. Petersburg. I hope to join this cause. That is to say, besides being a contributor, I also want to be your partner. Think about what this cause needs now; if possible, I want to participate."

Frankly, since he can be a first-class publisher, Nekrasov is naturally very skilled at handling complex interpersonal relationships, as well as precisely grasping government policies and the influence of various other factors.

All of these are things Mikhail does not understand or, so to speak, is not good at.

Therefore, looking at it now, it depends on whether the other party needs rubles or something else.

In any case, this fast train must be boarded.

"Mikhail, I really didn't expect you to be so optimistic about our cause." After hearing Mikhail's words, a stunning light instantly burst forth in Nekrasov's eyes:

"I know, I should have heard it from your previous conversation! You are equally concerned and worried about this cause; you must also be worrying about whether the trend of the 'Natural School,' focusing on Russian social reality and the lower people, can change our literary world?"

So you want to join in, personally contribute manuscripts, and personally select suitable drafts, so that our anthology can truly form a mighty momentum in the literary world, right?"

Mikhail: "???"

No, I just want to earn a couple of coins to nourish my body, eat some meat, put on some fat, and then survive the winter.

"No."

Before Mikhail could open his mouth to explain, Nekrasov, getting more and more excited, spoke first:

"Thank you for your kindness, Mikhail! I understand what you mean; welcome to join this cause! These days I have been running around for this and have already contacted some unknown small authors, asking them to try writing the drafts I want, and some of them have already written them.

Although they are far from matching your works, I am convinced that they can still bring a new atmosphere to the Russian literary world.

Otherwise, let's do this, Mikhail: I will handle the contacts, and you just focus on writing, writing those works destined to be recorded in Russian history! In your spare time, just look at the drafts I bring you, see if they can be used, or give some opinions, give them a direction for revision; they will surely thank you!

As for the profit sharing, rest assured, Mikhail; although you might not care so much about this, God is my witness! I will not treat you poorly. Although I still cannot determine how far our anthology will go, if you really join in, it truly gives me double confidence!"

Mikhail: "???"

You mumbled everything I wanted to say, so what else can I say?

Quickly running through his mind, although slightly embarrassed, Mikhail finally extended his hand to Nekrasov:

"Let's discuss the more detailed matters later; in any case, Nikolai, happy cooperation."

"Happy cooperation." Nekrasov, in his excitement, unhesitatingly grasped Mikhail's hand:

"For our common cause!"

(End of this chapter)