Chapter 61 Two Invitations

Michelle's new home in Bloomsbury.

The bright windows allow sunlight to stream in unreservedly, shining on the soft sofa and the white carpet.

There was a faint aroma of black tea in the air.

All of this is a world of difference compared to the moldy attic a little over a month ago...

"I'm not saying this to be rude, Michelle, but this place is really nice."

Michael sank into the soft sofa without any hesitation, looking around contentedly.

Dickens stood in front of the bookshelf, browsing through the books Michel had recently acquired with great interest.

"You two really think this place is your own home..."

Michelle came out of the kitchen carrying a plate of cookies, a helpless smile on her face.

These two guys have been coming over for a free meal every few days ever since their housewarming dinner.

There's nothing we can do about it; he's freeloaded quite a few meals himself before...

"We are friends..."

"Between friends, why differentiate between 'us' and 'them'..."

Michael picked up a cookie, popped it into his mouth, and mumbled something indistinctly.

"Speaking of which, your essay 'My Uncle John' is quite something now!"

When he talked about this, his face was full of undisguised excitement.

"All of London is talking about that oyster story! The newspapers are overflowing with letters from readers! Half are denouncing the Philippes, and the other half are praising your talent!"

"These past few days, oyster vendors all over London have been doing incredibly hot business."

"People would even ask if the vendors were named John, or if they knew the Philip family..."

Dude, you guys are serious...

Upon hearing this, Michelle almost lost her composure.

Are modern Britons too simple-minded or too abstract?

"That's not all!"

Dickens also turned around from in front of the bookshelf, his bright eyes sparkling.

"Yesterday I attended a party, and several members of parliament were actually discussing this story."

"They believe that this story sharply points out the ills of contemporary society, and some have even suggested that how to strengthen family moral education should be discussed in parliament."

The fact that a short story could spark discussion among members of parliament far exceeded Michelle's expectations.

After discussing the aftermath of "My Uncle John" for a while, it seemed like he remembered something.

Michael took two envelopes out of his briefcase and placed them on the coffee table in front of Michelle.

"Oh, right, Michelle, this is yours."

"mine?"

Michelle was somewhat puzzled.

"I suppose it's a byproduct of your current fame."

Michael explained.

"During this period, quite a few people have tried to contact you through the newspaper."

"I've done a quick screening for you, and I think you might be interested in these two invitations."

Oh? An invitation?

Michelle's curiosity was piqued, and she became interested.

He picked up the first envelope.

The envelope was made of ordinary kraft paper, and the handwriting on it was neat and strong.

On the envelope, a familiar name stirred something within him.

Professor Joseph, University of London.

Michelle opened the envelope, took out the letter inside, and began to read it.

The letter was simple. Professor Joseph first congratulated him on his achievements in the literary world, and then formally invited him to return to the university as a special guest of the Department of Languages ​​and Literatures at University College London to give a lecture on literary creation to the students.

He returned to the place where he was forced to drop out of school, as a successful writer.

This feeling is indeed somewhat peculiar.

Michelle's hand holding the letter felt slightly heavy.

Professor Joseph... this name holds great significance for him.

He still clearly remembers that when he first arrived in this world, penniless and with no future in sight, it was a letter of recommendation from this professor that opened the door to the London Express and gave him a glimmer of hope.

This led to his later success...

Later, after "The Last Leaf" was published, it was this professor's commentary that allowed the story to break out of the circle of the urban class and enter the mainstream literary world.

It could be said that Professor Joseph was the first benefactor he encountered in this era...

Michelle had long wanted to take the opportunity to visit him and express her sincere gratitude, but various things had kept her from doing so.

Unexpectedly, the other party took the initiative to invite him, and in this way at that.

"Professor Joseph..."

Michelle muttered to herself.

"Yes, it's that old professor who wrote the review for you, and also your former teacher. Come to think of it, you got his recommendation letter when you submitted your first article..."

Michael came over.

"I heard he analyzes your novel as a model essay in class every day now, he's practically become your fan. He probably invited you back to the school to give a lecture this time because he wants to meet you in person."

I'm going back to University College London to give a lecture...

A surge of emotion welled up in Michel's heart.

Just a few months ago, he was living in constant fear of being evicted by his landlord because he was behind on rent.

Now, however, he is returning to the school as a guest to share his success story.

The changes in this world are truly dramatic.

This is undoubtedly a huge affirmation.

This is an affirmation of his talent, as well as an affirmation of his current social status.

This feeling of returning home in glory is truly exhilarating.

"I have to go, I absolutely must go."

Michelle carefully folded the letter and put it back in the envelope.

Out of gratitude, he wanted to repay Professor Joseph's kindness.

Logically speaking, this is also an excellent opportunity to enhance one's reputation.

Being invited to speak by the University of London is an honor in itself.

"I knew you'd say that."

Michelle put down the first letter; she had already made up her mind.

Michael nodded, looking completely unsurprised, and then pointed to another letter on the coffee table.

"This is just the appetizer; the real main course is coming next."

This statement immediately piqued Michelle's intense curiosity.

He looked at the second letter on the table.

The second letter is completely different from the first one from any angle.

The envelope was made of thick ivory white cardstock with delicate gold patterns embossed along the edges.

The sealing wax stamp at the closure is an ornate family crest, emitting a faint fragrance.

Just by holding it in your hand, you can feel the overwhelming luxury and elegance.

This letter clearly came from a very important person who was either very rich or very powerful.

Michelle carefully opened the envelope out of curiosity.

When Michel saw the beautiful signature on the letter, even he, usually so calm, paused for a moment.

The Countess of Bresington.

This name was a legend in London in 1836!

"Oh my god!"

Michael couldn't help but gasp in surprise.

"It's an invitation to the Countess of Brexington's salon!"

Upon hearing this name, even Dickens, who had been sitting quietly to the side, couldn't help but come closer, a complex expression on his face.

"She's noticed you too."

Looking at his two friends' reactions, Michelle realized that the invitation carried far more weight than he had imagined.

He had heard of the countess, but mostly of the scandalous rumors and gossip circulating among the people.

Judging from the way Michael and Dickens acted, this lady's influence was clearly more than that.

"Is this countess... very famous?"

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