Amidst the frenzy of "Yes! Prime Minister" spreading, the time arrived for Christmas.
In Britain, most families have a Christmas tree, and decorating it has become a family activity during the holiday season, with every member pitching in.
Of course, Ryoma Sakamoto and Lu Shi didn't have this tradition. They simply treated December 25th as a day for discounted goods, buying cookies and such in abundance to stockpile.
Braya Road.
Ryoma Sakamoto was as usual, sprawled there continuing to work on "I Am a Cat." On the other side, Lu Shi was typing away on a typewriter working on "Roman Holiday." The matter of agreeing with the Queen had to be dealt with.
At this moment, Ryoma Sakamoto was feeling a bit tired from writing and lifted his head to stretch his neck. "So, no 'Yes! Prime Minister' today?"
Like in many countries, Christmas plays and carol services were popular in Britain during the Christmas season, with theaters all over putting on performances. Even "Yes! Prime Minister" had to take a back seat for now.
Lu Shi was a bit puzzled. His mind was momentarily distracted by his writing, causing a bit of confusion in his eyes. "You're asking me?"
Ryoma Sakamoto was speechless. "Of course. You're the only one here who can understand human speech, aren't you?"
Lu Shi stretched lazily. "Not really. Aren't you always conversing with us? The little one might start speaking soon too. Maybe with a little more evolution, she'll turn into a person, a cute girl with cat ears, paws, and a tail."
Ryoma Sakamoto was dumbfounded. Lu Shi's description was both strange and vivid, as if he had witnessed it firsthand.
Without thinking, he looked at the little one, his gaze intense.
Stare—
The little one twitched. "Meow!"
The little one suddenly jumped onto Lu Shi's desk, looking timidly at Ryoma Sakamoto.
Ryoma Sakamoto, embarrassed, rubbed his nose and looked away.
Lu Shi patted the little one's head, then teased Ryoma Sakamoto, "Are you developing some strange interests because of my words?"
Ryoma Sakamoto, embarrassed, said, "How could that be!? I'm just thinking about how to write my book..."
Speaking of "I Am a Cat," Lu Shi became interested. Witnessing a literary giant create a masterpiece was truly a legendary experience.
He leaned over. "How's your writing going?"
Ryoma Sakamoto said, "It's easy to write satire."
In "I Am a Cat," the antagonist is undoubtedly Mr. Kinda, a man who is wicked and greedy, with a large fortune. His secret to wealth is "mastery of the three lacks":
Lack of principles, Lack of human feelings, Lack of shame.
This Mr. Kinda only has eyes for money. He can do anything for profit.
In the original timeline, Ryoma Sakamoto returned to Japan and saw the upper-class Japanese living a life of luxury. This gave rise to his thoughts of criticism and satire.
Now, influenced by Lu Shi, Ryoma Sakamoto had encountered many London celebrities. In terms of extravagance and evil, the Japanese are no match for the capitalists of the British Empire.
Therefore, "I Am a Cat" was born out of necessity.
But the problem was...
Ryoma Sakamoto sighed. "The little one doesn't respond to me."
Lu Shi chuckled. "Maybe you're scarier than Mr. Kinda in her eyes."
Ryoma Sakamoto was completely struck. In the novel, the cat thought Mr. Kinda had a sinister, cruel, and detestable appearance, calling him the "worst human being."
If he was scarier than Mr. Kinda, then...
"Ah..."
Ryoma Sakamoto sighed.
Lu Shi said, "Actually, it's not your fault. Think about it, how do I treat her when I come back? How do you treat her?"
Ryoma Sakamoto said, "I pet her. What's the difference between us?"
Lu Shi hinted, "There's a difference in how you pet."
Ryoma Sakamoto remembered. Indeed, there was a difference between them. Every time Lu Shi came back from the London Political Economy, he would find the little one and pet her a few times. After she had enough affection, she would run off. As for Ryoma Sakamoto's approach, it was quite unusual. He would find the little one, pick her up, cuddle her, and then pet her continuously. The little one quickly got annoyed, trying to break free, but failing, then being cuddled again...
Perhaps, in the little one's eyes, Ryoma Sakamoto was a strange pervert.
Lu Shi said, "So, you have to go along with her, and she'll naturally like you."
Ryoma Sakamoto suddenly realized, looking at Lu Shi as if he were looking at a deity. He can write, and he can raise a cat. He's definitely a deity!
Lu Shi shook his head helplessly, patting the little one's head.
At this moment, there was a knock on the door.
The two inside were puzzled. They wondered who would visit Braya Road on Christmas.
Lu Shi went to open the door.
Outside stood a middle-aged man, around forty years old, wearing a top hat and a well-tailored overcoat, presumably made by a family tailor. Snowflakes fell on his hat and shoulders, leaving traces of gray.
He took off his hat. "Professor Lu? Hello, I'm Jasmine Wood from the Royal Publishing House, sent by someone's request."
The Royal Publishing House?
Lu Shi made way for the man. "Please come in."
Wood bowed politely and entered the room. Though curious, he didn't look around, waiting until Lu Shi brought a chair for him before sitting down and placing his round top hat aside.
Lu Shi said, "Mr. Wood, were you sent here by Mr. Cooper?"
Wood smiled and, dodging the question, said, "I just passed by Buckingham Palace. This year's Christmas tree is adorned with electric lights."
The tradition of the Christmas tree was started in Britain by Queen Victoria's husband, Prince Albert. Being German, he thought celebrating Christmas in a unique way in England would be better. So, he placed a Christmas tree at the entrance of Buckingham Palace, and every year, it became more and more elaborate.
Lu Shi understood. "So, it was Her Majesty."
Wood nodded and said, "The Royal Publishing House has always been committed to publishing various innovative publications. Professor Lu's series of articles in The Manchester Guardian have been well received, and we are willing to do our best to promote them."
It was truly an unexpected Christmas gift.
Lu couldn't help but smile.
"Always committed to publishing various innovative publications..." Lu said.
Wood chuckled, "I just said that, and you just listened."
His words were very sincere.
Obviously, because of the Queen's favor, the Royal Publishing House had shown special treatment to Lu.
Originally, both Lu and Shaw thought that "Guns, Germs, and Steel" would not be published by the Royal Publishing House. However, unexpectedly, because of "Yes! Prime Minister," they got the Queen's support.
Lu said, "In fact, other publishing companies and bookstores have contacted me, but compared to the government publishing house, they are not good enough. Alright, I'm willing to cooperate with the Royal Publishing House. Here's to a successful collaboration."
There wasn't even a discussion about royalties. Lu stood up and shook hands with Wood.
Wood was surprised by Lu's generosity. He hesitated for a moment, then stood up eagerly and said, "Thank you, Professor Lu, for your kindness. I wonder what the series of articles you mentioned is called? Did you name it yourself, or did our editors do it for you?"
Lu said, "Guns, Germs, and Steel."
Wood nodded. "Good! That name says it all, couldn't be better."
His words had a bit of flattery in them.
Lu didn't pay much attention to it and changed the subject. "Mr. Wood, perhaps there will be something else I need your help with in the future."
Wood blinked cautiously. "What is it?"
Lu waved his hand. "It's not much trouble, just printing a few questionnaires."
Of course, these questionnaires would leverage the reputation of the Royal Publishing House.