"Guns, Germs, and Steel" is trending!
When Lu Shi visited the Manchester Guardian office again to submit his manuscript, he was invited into the editor's office by Mr. Scott and treated to delicious food and drink.
Scott said, "I thought only popular novels like 'And Then There Were None' could significantly boost sales, but I didn't expect... Hahaha! By the way, there's something else. The idea you gave me last time has been imitated by major newspapers."
Lu Shi didn't immediately understand. "What idea?"
Scott flipped through the papers on his desk and found a previous issue of the newspaper.
THE SCOTSMAN
SOLD
20,000 COPIES!
The book review edition from that time.
As a modern man, Lu Shi was accustomed to such sensationalism. For example, in Britain's "The Sun," when the princess gave birth to her first son, the headline didn't cover any other news but simply changed "THE Sun" to "THE Son," both gossip and irony in just two English words, making it one of the best copywriting of 2013.
In this light, the British were quite adept; they just hadn't fully awakened in 1900.
Scott said, "After that book review edition, all major newspapers changed their advertising and headline formats. Dear Lu, you've changed the news industry."
Lu Shi modestly waved his hand. "Mr. Scott, you're exaggerating. I'm only doing it for myself. Only if 'And Then There Were None' sells well can I get royalties and become famous. Isn't that right?"
Scott laughed heartily, greatly appreciating Lu Shi's candor.
Lu Shi continued, "You mentioned that the sales of the Manchester Guardian are rising. Why haven't I noticed?"
Scott smirked subtly. "Lu, you have to think about who is reading your articles."
After a moment of contemplation, Lu Shi understood.
Even though "Guns, Germs, and Steel" had been made more accessible, its academic nature remained strong, and few ordinary people enjoyed reading it.
The real readers were those engaged in sociological research.
Lu Shi asked, "So, is it selling well in universities?"
Scott shook his head. "Not only that, but also in Westminster Palace, Downing Street, and the Whitehall."
These were places where British politicians were active.
Although Lu Shi had a premonition of the current situation, it still felt unreal when it actually happened.
Scott continued, "And overseas too, this is something I didn't anticipate."
Originally, Scott planned to develop the Manchester Guardian into a national newspaper first, and then, relying on Britain's vast colonial system, expand the newspaper's reach globally, becoming a truly global newspaper, following the development strategy of The Times. But plans couldn't keep up with changes. No one could have anticipated that because of Lu Shi, the Manchester Guardian opened up overseas markets, selling well at many universities in Europe.
Scott was elated, silently thanking Dao Er. Without Dao Er, he would never have met Lu Shi.
So, thank the ancestors of Dao Er!
Scott rummaged through his drawers and pulled out a small tea caddy, saying mysteriously, "This is from my collection. It's said to be tribute tea used by the Qing Dynasty emperors. Care for a taste?"
Before Lu Shi could decline, he had already put the tea leaves into the teapot and was preparing sugar and milk, humming a tune.
Lu Shi refrained from saying anything. Well, if the British like to add condiments to their tea, let them.
Scott carefully brewed the tea.
At that moment, there was a knock on the door from outside.
An office worker's voice sounded, "Editor Scott, there's an elderly gentleman from the Qing Dynasty here, introducing himself as Gu Fengmin, and he'd like to see you."
Scott frowned. "Gu Fengmin, why does that name sound familiar?"
Lu Shi almost laughed out loud.
Clearing his throat, he whispered, "Gu Hongming. Gu—Hong—Ming—"
Suddenly, Scott's face lit up with understanding, then turned excitedly red.
"Please, come in!"
The office worker left immediately, the sound of footsteps gradually fading away.
Scott turned to Lu Shi. "In Britain, there's a saying, 'When in China, one should visit the Three Great Halls, but not miss Gu Hongming.' If I'm not mistaken, Mr. Gu Hongming is a distinguished alumnus of the University of Edinburgh. You must have something to talk about with him."
Lu Shi certainly knew why Scott was so excited.
Gu Hongming was a figure of contradictions. He proclaimed himself as "Tomson," not because he was a sino-phile, but because he was born in Penang, British Malaya. "Tomson" was his real name. Yet, despite being a "foreigner," he devoted his life to bridging Eastern and Western cultures and was deeply involved in translation work. However, because he was born in Southeast Asia, educated in the West, married in the East, and worked in the North (the later Beiyang government), his level of traditional Chinese learning was lacking. Moreover, his habit of saying "Sorry" and "Thank you" led to ridicule by literary figures, mocking his inadequacy.
Lu Shi didn't have much of a feeling for such historical figures and stood by, merely observing the Western scene.
Gu Hongming also noticed Lu Shi. "Indeed! Just seeing that pen name, I thought, only a Chinese person would use 'Lu.' I didn't expect... I didn't expect..."
He looked Lu Shi up and down, filled with astonishment.
Listening to his words and observing his behavior, Gu Hongming came specifically to consult Lu Shi.
Lu Shi approached and shook hands with Gu Hongming. "I've long heard of Mr. Gu's great name. I didn't expect to have the honor of meeting you in a foreign land."
Gu Hongming hesitated for a moment and then extended his hand to shake with Lu Shi. He hadn't expected Lu Shi to be so young. He felt a little embarrassed to have rushed over to see him. Such thoughts made his attitude a bit colder than before.