Chapter 44: Outlook for the Future

As for the status of Kraevsky in the Cultural Circle of present-day St. Petersburg, in short, he is the owner of "Otechestvennye Zapiski," the best-selling and most influential magazine in St. Petersburg at the moment.

For many authors eager to become famous and publish their works, his identity is nothing short of a mountain; after all, offending him might, to some extent, truly make one vanish from the Russian Cultural Circle, or at the very least, ensure that no manuscript can ever be published.

Precisely because of this superior-subordinate relationship between him and the editors, critics, and writers, many people, even if dissatisfied with him, only dare to complain and discuss in private.

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

"Oh God, if only I could get rid of this man, I would feel I am the happiest person. I have to go to his place often, speak polite words, and force a smile while trembling with hatred—this vile hypocrisy is unbearable to me.

When I sit with him, I despise myself; but what can I do? How can I escape this situation? How can you possibly imagine what it feels like in my heart every time I go to his place to ask for the money earned by my own labor, earned with sweat on my brow!"

Even though Belinsky was heavily exploited by Kraevsky, it was probably because Kraevsky was not only old but also influential, and at the same time, most of Belinsky's friends also held Kraevsky in awe and dared not easily resist; therefore, Belinsky did not completely break with his boss until 1846.

And when Panayev later recalled this period, he could not help but say:

"Because generally speaking, we Russians, not only at that time but even now, have no spirit of unity whatsoever, no sense of teamwork at all; because until now we are only heroes in words and cowards in action; because we are naturally indifferent and passive, prone to showing submission to anyone, rather than willing to exert ourselves for a short time to fight for a lifetime of independent status."

Originally, this gathering did not discuss this matter, but it seemed that Nekrasov asked Mikhail a question:

"Mikhail, how much remuneration can you get for these two manuscripts this time? As far as I know, the profit your novels have brought to 'Otechestvennye Zapiski' is at least not less than eight hundred rubles."

Mikhail: "?"

Then why did I only receive sixty rubles the second time, and the publisher even sent a message saying he thought about it for a long time, and because he truly appreciated young talent, he finally made a decision that went against his ancestors' traditions...

Fuck your money!

In a fit of anger, plus recalling this publisher's reputation in history, Mikhail immediately opened his mouth with passion, making everyone present look at each other in silence, unable to understand where this young man got the courage to speak so recklessly against such an authoritative figure.

And among everyone present, only Nekrasov looked excited, nodding from time to time, seeming to very much agree with Mikhail's view.

As for old Turgenev, he was also slightly different from the others.

Turgenev: "???"

How can you brag even more than me?

After speaking for a while, Mikhail seemed to finally realize that he was a bit too excited; therefore, after saying a few more words, Mikhail looked at Belinsky, who seemed both indignant and dazed, and summarized:

"Dear Vissarion, when Nekrasov and I make a fortune with the collection, we will find partners to buy 'Sovremennik,' and then we will invite you to be the editor-in-chief, paying you eight thousand rubles a year."

According to the original trajectory, things would indeed develop this way; Nekrasov and Panayev were indeed Belinsky's good friends, and they truly offered Belinsky this salary.

It's just that this good life didn't last for a few days before Belinsky passed away soon due to worsening illness...

Therefore, the reason Mikhail says such things now is partly a bit of impulse, and partly a genuine hope that Belinsky will live healthier, after all, the greatest tragedy for a person is not always living in hardship, but seeing good days about to arrive, only for the person to be gone.

Of course, for the people present, when Mikhail said these words, almost everyone present laughed, seemingly taking Mikhail's words as a joke.

But thinking about it, is a magazine like 'Sovremennik,' founded by the great Pushkin, really so easy to buy? And in present-day Russia, which critic could possibly receive a salary of eight thousand rubles a year?! Such a good thing, one wouldn't even dare to dream of it, right?!

Even Belinsky, upon hearing Mikhail's words, could not help but smile and shake his head; seemingly to tease, Belinsky continued along with Mikhail's words:

"Reviving a magazine that has already declined is not an easy task; where will you get the manuscripts from, Mikhail?"

"More of it will of course rely on your help." Although it sounded like a joke, Mikhail indeed felt a certain longing in Belinsky's heart, so he replied with a smile:

"I will also serialize a long novel on it."

"Oh? A long novel?" Hearing Mikhail say this, Belinsky's interest immediately grew stronger: "Have you already started writing a long novel? How much have you written? Do you want to read a passage for everyone to hear?"

"Let's talk about it after I finish it."

After chatting with everyone present for a while, Mikhail, who had rarely bragged a bit, soon removed himself from the focus of the crowd and turned his attention to dealing with some pastries on the table.

After attending such gatherings so many times, Mikhail was basically familiar with the members of Belinsky's group, so speaking was not as strange as at the beginning.

Although everyone present had various differences, under the call of something, they still gathered together, expressing their respective views.

And in Nekrasov's eyes, Mikhail was a gentle yet sharp person; to this point, he was gradually conquering everyone present with his talent and the power of his speech.

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

As for Nekrasov himself, he had always been in a state of doubt and belief regarding his career and future, but during this time of getting along with Mikhail, Nekrasov felt that he had truly been infected by Mikhail's confidence.

So much so that now, when rushing about for this cause, Nekrasov felt full of energy all over his body.

Oh right, after Mikhail came, my appetite also seems to have become not so good...

(End of this chapter)