Chapter 4: The Gentleman

The atmosphere plummeted to freezing point.

Suddenly, Doyle chuckled. "So, it seems both of you are literary critics. Mr. Lu, have you ever thought about submitting articles to newspapers or magazines?"

His tone was sarcastic, directed at Lu.

Lu was worried about finding a way to make money, although he knew the other might be setting a trap, he had real skills under his belt and was unafraid. "My writing is decent."

Upon hearing this, Soseki was on the verge of saying something but ultimately held his tongue.

Smith's expression turned serious, with a hint of warning as he said to Doyle, "What? Are you suggesting Mr. Lu submit articles to The Strand Magazine? With your recommendation as a renowned writer, it should be no problem. But..."

The old professor's protective instinct overflowed in his words. He was concerned that Lu's level might not be sufficient, fearing that this young man might ruin his life. Of course, he also worried about Doyle's reputation being affected.

Doyle waved his hand. "I think we should contact Charles."

Smith suddenly realized. Charles Preswich Scott was the editor of The Manchester Guardian, which had a book review section, perfect for someone skilled in literary criticism to contribute to.

Unfortunately, Smith was a modest gentleman, a true English gentleman, skilled in certain things but not in plotting, and he didn't consider the risks for Lu.

It's not hard to imagine the trouble Lu might cause when dealing with such a popular character like Sherlock Holmes, who met his end with Professor Moriarty at Reichenbach Falls in December 1893, as depicted in Doyle's "The Final Problem". Many people wore black armbands to mourn the detective, while others cursed Doyle as a beast.

Could such a character be evaluated by Lu?

Doyle was up to something.

Lu pondered for a moment before replying, "I think I'll write something myself."

The other three were confused.

Smith was the first to realize what Lu meant and asked, "Write what? A novel?"

Lu nodded. "A detective novel."

Doyle's eyes narrowed slightly. "Young people nowadays have quite the courage. How about this, I'll introduce you to Charles, and you can submit your work to him. How about tomorrow?"

Soseki was surprised. "Tomorrow?"

Doyle didn't even glance at him but continued facing Lu, "Mr. Lu, haven't you started writing yet?"

Lu replied, "Of course, I already have some drafts. Thanks for your recommendation, Dr. Doyle."

Doyle's gaze grew colder for a moment, then he nodded to Smith.

They got up to leave, Doyle leaving first while Smith smiled at the two young men before following his friend with his cane.

Watching their backs disappear at the door, Soseki breathed a sigh of relief and looked at Lu, asking, "Did you... did you really write the drafts already? This is English writing, and even proofreading would take quite some time, wouldn't it?"

Lu shook his head. "Of course not."

Soseki was dumbfounded. "Huh? Not written yet!?"

Lu waved his hand, comforting him. "Why are you shouting? Don't worry, I'll just go back and write something. Coming up with twenty or thirty thousand words should be no problem."

Write twenty or thirty thousand words in a day? Did he think he was a printing press?

Soseki tried not to roll his eyes and changed the subject. "Why do I feel like you and Dr. Doyle might not... maybe... possibly... probably... get along?"

Lu found it amusing and nodded, saying, "You don't need to hesitate. I don't get along with him very well. Otherwise, he wouldn't have introduced me to the editor of The Manchester Guardian."

Soseki was puzzled, unsure of the connection.

Lu explained, "I brought back a copy of The Manchester Guardian yesterday. Have you seen it? What's on the front page?"

Soseki had a reading habit and would even glance over text he wasn't interested in. "It seems to be about a politician named Churchill criticizing the government's policies in the Boer War and vehemently opposing the military expansion plan. What's the problem?"

Lu chuckled. "Since we're in London, you should know a little about politics. Although Churchill is a Conservative, his views are at odds with the party, which is why he made it to the front page of The Manchester Guardian."

Soseki felt his brain couldn't keep up, completely bewildered.

Lu sighed. "Still don't understand? The political orientation of The Manchester Guardian is liberal, and Doyle... hmph..."

The implication was clear.

Soseki mused, "I understand what you mean. Because Dr. Doyle's inclinations are conservative, he probably has a bad relationship with The Manchester Guardian. But he's too famous for the editor to refuse him directly, so he'll meet you, but in the end, he won't publish your work."

With that, he couldn't help but show a disgusted expression, then asked somewhat strangely, "How do you know Dr. Doyle's political leanings?"

That was a bit difficult to explain.

Because of the condemnation of Britain's actions in the Boer War in South Africa, Doyle wrote a pamphlet called "The War in South Africa: Its Causes and Conduct" to defend Britain. The book was translated into multiple languages and had a great influence.

This incident naturally reflected Doyle's conservative tendencies, but it hadn't happened yet in 1900, so Lu couldn't say it outright.

He changed the subject. "On the surface, Doyle is mentoring a younger generation, but in reality, he hasn't done anything. Perhaps this is the gentleman's way of refusing."

Soseki sneered. "No, he hasn't done nothing. At the very least, he has irritated The Manchester Guardian."

Lu was stunned for a while before bursting into laughter.

He slapped the other's shoulder. "Didn't expect you to have a sense of humor."

Soseki said, "What did you say just now... oh right, 'the gentleman's refusal,' a gentleman? I think it's nonsense!"

The last sentence was in Japanese, spoken with a fierce tone, as if venting all the pent-up resentment.

Being quite short in stature, walking the streets of London surrounded by tall, sturdy white people, it's inevitable to feel inferior and self-conscious, especially when pockets are empty, living on a tight budget, these emotions accumulate.

Moreover, the more inferior one feels, the easier it is to be discriminated against.

No wonder he wrote in the preface to "Literary Essays": "The two years I lived in London were particularly unpleasant. Among the English gentlemen, I was like a curly-haired lion dog among wolves, leading a miserable life."

Lu said, "I think your teacher is a very nice person, a true gentleman."

Soseki came back to himself and said, "Unfortunately, people like Mr. Smith are few and far between in London. Most of them are superficial gentlemen, but actually no better than animals."

He shook his head to shake off the negative emotions and asked, "So, are you going back to write those twenty to thirty thousand words?"

Lu said, "Write! Why not?!"

Soseki was astonished. "Knowing it's impossible to get published, you still want to write? And besides, I believe The Manchester Guardian doesn't have a section for publishing novels. The editor can reject you legitimately."

Lu chuckled. "Opportunity is right in front of us. Why not give it a try?"

Watching him so confident, Soseki suddenly felt that Doyle's "gentlemanly behavior" this time might cause him big trouble.