Chapter 54: "The Ghostwriter"

On this day, Nicole had just returned from Doris's place. However, when she entered the bedroom with the intention of changing her clothes, she saw Monet reclining on the lounge chair, engrossed in reading a stack of manuscripts. Upon noticing her return, he smiled at her and remarked, "My dear, you have quite a talent for writing!"

Nicole then realized that Monet was reading the secret novel she had been writing, and she quickly walked over, a mix of haste and annoyance, and snatched it from him. "How dare you sneak a peek at what I've written?"

Monet defended himself, "I wasn't snooping, really. I was looking for something and stumbled upon this stack of papers on the vanity. So, I picked it up out of curiosity."

Nicole recalled the situation and remembered that she had left it in a hurry, forgetting to tidy up. At that moment, Monet continued, "You know, dear, your writing is actually quite impressive. Why hide it away? Your story reminds me a bit of 'Sister Carrie'. What if I help you submit it to Mann's?"

In fact, Monet wasn't making this up. Nicole's story bore a striking resemblance, particularly in style, to the segment of "Sister Carrie" set in the opera house. Perhaps her personal experience working at the opera house had lent her writing a deeper sense of empathy and authenticity compared to even the original author, Dreiser.

Unexpectedly, Nicole waved her hands repeatedly, saying, "No, that won't do! I've included too many things in there that outsiders shouldn't know about. If it gets published, I'll be criticized by colleagues!"

"Well, if you're not comfortable with that, don't publish it. However, I do hope you finish this story. I quite enjoy it. By the way, how about writing something else, preferably science fiction? 'The Comet' is in need of submissions!" Monet suggested.

Nicole still declined, stating, "No, I can't come up with stories like you can."

"But I think this story you've come up with is really good!" Monet shook the stack of papers in his hand.

"It's not just a story; it's a collection of my own and other sisters' real experiences. They've all been woven into one character, so I really can't make up stories like you do," Nicole explained.

"Oh, I see!" Monet was about to suggest she could practice and improve, but suddenly a bright idea flashed in his mind. He thought of a win-win solution and said to Nicole, "Darling, can you do me a favor?"

"What kind of favor?" Nicole asked casually.

"Help me write a novel!" Monet replied earnestly.

"Oh, come on, didn't I just say I can't make up stories?!" Nicole said, a bit annoyed.

Monet quickly clarified, "I didn't explain properly. What I meant was, be my ghostwriter. I'll give you the plot, and you help me write the story!"

"If you can design the story, why do you need me to write it?" Nicole asked, puzzled.

Monet wore a troubled expression as he responded, "You see, I have to submit articles to three different magazines every month now, and I'm also managing 'The Comet'. So, the pieces I've been writing recently haven't even had time for revisions. There are numerous typos and grammatical errors. If this continues, Russell and Mann might not use my work anymore, and that would significantly reduce our household income."

In truth, there was another reason Monet hesitated to say directly. He didn't want Nicole to be idle for too long. It wasn't about forcing her to go out to work, but he hoped she could engage in something. If a person remains idle for too long, whether physically or mentally, problems could arise. This was particularly concerning since Nicole spent so much time with women like Doris; it was easy for trouble to find her. So, Monet thought it might be better to keep her at home during this time.

Of course, Nicole had no inkling of Monet's complex thoughts. But upon hearing that it might affect their income, she became tense and asked with concern, "But is my writing ability sufficient for this?"

"Absolutely, because my novels have always relied on plot, and I've noticed your writing is even better than mine. Especially in capturing psychological nuances, you're far more delicate. So, there shouldn't be any problem!" Monet encouraged.

"Alright, I'll give it a try then," Nicole nodded in agreement.

"That's fantastic! I'll write up the outline for you right away, and then you can start writing!" Monet said, picking up a pen and getting ready.

Nicole quickly reminded him, "After I'm done writing, you'll have to help me proofread it. Oh, by the way, didn't you mention that 'The Comet' is looking for new contributors? You should hurry and find some, or else you'll exhaust yourself!"

Monet retorted, "Hey, have I ever neglected you in the evenings? Wasn't it usually you who was begging for more?"

Nicole pouted and said in a playful tone, "That's only because I purposely said that to get into the mood for you!"

"Well, then I should test how serious you are!" Saying that, Monet lifted Nicole horizontally and tossed her onto the bed, then leaned over her.

"Ah, but I need to write a novel!" Nicole "protested."

"I need to teach you first so you know how to write it! Like the Chinese saying goes, if you want to learn, you need to sleep with the master!"

...

While Monet and Nicole were engaged in their "teaching activities" on the bed, Thomas reported to Vincent, "Boss, I've found a good way to deal with that Monet!"

"Oh? What's the idea?" Vincent asked with interest.

"According to my investigation, Monet is quite lustful, especially for blonde, busty, and long-legged women."

Before Thomas could finish speaking, Vincent interjected, "What man wouldn't like such women?"

Thomas was momentarily taken aback by Vincent's response, then nodded in agreement, "Uh, you're right, boss. So, I'm targeting this weakness of his and planning to arrange a woman to get close to him. That way, everything will be much easier!"

Vincent nodded approvingly, "Well, the idea is good, but when you arrange it, make sure he doesn't realize it."

"Boss, rest assured. There's a very suitable opportunity right now." Thomas replied confidently.