Chapter 38: The Holmes of New York

"Tony, why have you switched from writing treasure hunt stories to detective stories?" Mann looked at the two manuscripts Tony Monet brought over, a bit puzzled.

Tony Monet responded with a counter-question, "What do you think of these two stories?"

"They're both pretty good, just a bit short," Mann replied casually.

"The reason I wrote these two stories is that I can't always write treasure hunt tales. Sooner or later, there has to be a chance for transition. Therefore, it's better to have readers adapt early. Secondly, these two stories are based on real events. So, I believe they're quite intriguing in terms of subject matter!" Tony Monet explained.

"I am indeed aware of this 'Titanic Murder Case.' It made quite a buzz in the newspapers not long ago. But this 'Actress Murder Case,' is that a true story as well?" Mann asked curiously.

Tony Monet nodded, saying, "Yes, it is a true story. It happened last Wednesday night when Nicole and I encountered it. If you don't believe me, you can ask Chief Klein or inquire at the café next to Broadway. It happened there!"

"In that case, this story is definitely worth writing. By the way, Tony, if these two stories receive positive feedback, I suggest you consider using you, Nicole, and Chief Klein as prototypes to write a detective series similar to Holmes. I can even come up with the title 'Holmes of New York' for you. I believe the sales should be promising!" Mann proposed.

Tony Monet was quite enticed by Mann's suggestion. Before his time-travel, he enjoyed watching mystery TV shows and reading detective novels, so writing in this genre came naturally to him. Moreover, this genre was indeed lacking in the American literary market (hard-boiled writers like Chandler and master detectives like Queen didn't start writing mystery novels until a decade later).

As Tony Monet and Mann discussed their next steps in creative direction, Wendy was reuniting with her long-unseen fiancé, Arthur, who brought the promise of a happy future. As soon as they met, she rushed towards him, exclaiming excitedly, "Darling, where have you been all this time? Why did you take so long to come back?"

"I had some things to attend to. By the way, I've prepared a little gift for you!" Arthur said, about to squat down and open the large box he had brought in.

Wendy watched Arthur unpack the box with a smile and asked, "A box this big doesn't contain a small gift, does it?"

"It's not a valuable gift, but you should be prepared mentally. Don't get startled when I take it out!" Arthur warned.

Wendy replied dismissively, "I've seen a sea full of dead bodies on a lifeboat before. There's nothing that can startle me!"

Although Wendy spoke confidently, she was taken aback when she saw what Arthur had brought out as a "gift." It was a dead dog. She involuntarily took a step back and asked in a trembling voice, "Arthur, is this... Is this the gift you got me?"

Arthur nodded in agreement, "Yes, indeed. I put quite a bit of thought into getting this for you. Oh, don't be afraid, come closer and take a look. Once you see it up close, you'll understand why I chose this gift for you!"

Wendy resisted her fear and approached, taking a look. She couldn't help but exclaim, "Is this... Is this Bobby? Mrs. Tommy's Bobby?"

"Exactly, it's Bobby. I remember you telling me before that when you saw this dog in New York, you felt a deep resentment. You thought that these wealthy people's dogs took the lifeboat spot that should have been your brother's. So, now I've taken care of this dog for you. How do you like this gift?" Arthur asked with a smile.

To be honest, if Wendy were to witness this scene when she first saw Bobby on the roadside, she would have been happy and vindicated. But now, her emotions were much more muted, and for some reason, she suddenly felt like she didn't fully understand Arthur. She even found him a bit abnormal.

However, pondering on these thoughts was fruitless. No matter what, Arthur's actions were for her. So, Wendy hugged him willingly and gave him a tender kiss, saying, "Thank you, my love. But I don't want to see this dead dog again. Let's go..."

Before Wendy could finish her sentence, Arthur had already lifted her up horizontally, carrying her into the bedroom.

After a stormy encounter, Wendy fell into a deep and exhausted sleep. When she woke up, she found Arthur leaning against the bedside, reading a book. Mischievously, she snatched the book from his hands and saw the cover, which read "The Final Problem" by Arthur Conan Doyle. She teased, "I never thought you'd also enjoy Sherlock Holmes!"

Surprisingly, Arthur shook his head and answered, "No, I'm fond of Professor James Moriarty!"

Wendy recollected and asked with some surprise, "But isn't Professor Moriarty a villain?"

"Well, that depends on your perspective," Arthur explained but quickly changed the subject, "By the way, I heard that Mr. Monet came to see you?"

"Wait, how did you know?" Wendy asked curiously.

Arthur casually replied, "I heard it from Hank and the others. After all, Mr. Monet has gained a bit of fame now!"

"Not a big deal, really. He just came over to see me after hearing I was here. He and Ruth have had some trouble recently," Wendy explained. Then she asked, "Arthur, tell me honestly, can our Rui Mei Café really make money?"

"Did someone say something that shook your confidence?" Arthur countered.

Wendy hesitated for a moment before answering, "It was Monet. He said it's all a scam. Opening a café in China won't make money. He thinks we're just taking investors' money."

"But the thing is, we're not actually deceiving anyone. We proposed an idea and raised capital. We never promised specific investment returns, right? Besides, we've only raised a little over ten thousand dollars so far. You know my financial situation, I wouldn't run away for such a small amount," Arthur answered with a smile.

Then he continued, probing, "Did Mr. Monet also mention that it's not time to scam money yet? He probably said that once these cafés start making money, there will be plenty of people clamoring to invest, and only then will I take the money and run, right? But who can predict future events like that?"