Chapter 50: "Little Jack's Journey through the Future"

"Tony, is it appropriate for you to advertise another magazine in my publication?" Mann furrowed his brows as he addressed Monet.

Monet smiled and explained, "I'm just trying to help a friend, you see. After all, 'Comet' has such a small influence, while 'Brooklyn Weekly' has a much larger reach. Besides, it's not exactly advertising for 'Comet.' I'm actually promoting my own other novel. Isn't that normal? I used to advertise 'Detective Dawning' in the 'New York Post' as well!"

Since Monet had indeed used his connection with the "Brooklyn Weekly" when he first started writing for them, Mann couldn't press the issue any further, though he grumbled somewhat unwillingly, "I understand helping a friend, but you seem to be going above and beyond!"

"Well, um, it's not just about helping a friend. You see, I also own thirty percent of 'Comet' now, so I'm also helping myself make money!" Monet replied with a hint of embarrassment.

Surprisingly, Mann accepted this explanation, saying, "Oh, I see. In that case, I can understand." But then he quickly shifted the conversation, saying, "However, are you sure your novel 'Little Jack's Journey through the Future' will be popular? Honestly, it doesn't quite seem like science fiction to me. And having a child as the protagonist, will that work?"

"I need a child's perspective, and it's easier for readers to relate this way!" Monet was inspired by a popular science book he had read as a child, titled "Little Voyager's Journey through the Future." It wasn't that he wasn't aware of other classic science fiction novels, but the main issue was his inability to remember all the plot details. Moreover, most pre-time travel science fiction novels were heavily reliant on the technology of their time, which wouldn't fit well in 1912.

For him, creating a work like this, set in the future, was simpler. He just needed to recall his life before time travel. (The book "Little Lingtong's Roaming in the Future," which had been a craze over a decade ago, took its name from that work.)

As Monet drifted off in thought, Mann queried once again, "Tony, do you really think we'll have these handheld phones that allow us to talk to people and even see them in the future? It's hard to imagine!"

Monet thought to himself, of course they will. It's just smartphones with video calls. If you were in the year 2012, a hundred years from now, you'd see them everywhere. So he nodded emphatically and assured, "Don't worry, they will definitely exist!"

Although Monet was quite confident in his assertion, Mann remained skeptical. Finally, he reluctantly conceded, "Alright then, do as you wish. But I advise you not to invest too much energy in children's literature. Concentrate on your treasure hunting and detective stories; that's where your true talent lies!"

However, Mann's concerns were proven unnecessary. As soon as the new issue of "Brooklyn Weekly" hit the stands, the following story "Little Jack's Journey through the Future," written by Monet, following his "Detective Dawning" series, garnered a lot of attention.

"Have you seen the new 'Little Jack's Journey through the Future' in 'Comet'?"

"You mean that sci-fi novel by Monet, the detective story writer? I did catch a glimpse of it while reading this issue of 'Detective Dawning,' but I didn't get a copy of 'Comet.' Is it any good?"

"It's really captivating! I initially thought a detective novelist wouldn't excel at writing sci-fi stories, and the title 'Little Jack's Journey through the Future' seems aimed at children. But unexpectedly, it's written in a highly engaging manner. The future world he envisions is truly captivating!

Have you ever seen a telephone? In his futuristic vision, phones can not only be carried and used while walking, but you can also see the person you're talking to on the other end. And even watches won't have gears; they'll be replaced by electronic watches, or even phones held in your hand. Cars drive themselves; just tell them where to go. We won't need servants in the future; robots can serve us tea, play chess, and cook. There will be panoramic 3D cinemas, invisible glasses, hearing aids, artificial eggs, artificial rain."

"Oh my goodness! Is it really that incredible? I definitely have to get a copy and read it!"

"."

To be honest, Monet didn't have much confidence in this piece, "Little Jack's Journey through the Future." He wrote it primarily because it was easy to write, could be turned into a longer story, and allowed him to practice his skills. Additionally, he was prepared to draw inspiration from classic short stories like "Village Teacher" and "Micro Era" for the next issue.

Initially, the sales weren't impressive. While they were undoubtedly better than before, for Monet, who had grown accustomed to the sales and influence of "Brooklyn Weekly" and the "New York Post," these figures weren't particularly noteworthy.

However, to his surprise, as word-of-mouth spread, the sales gradually began to rise. This brought immense joy to Monet, prompting him to open a bottle of wine to celebrate with Nicole. Amidst the celebrations, it was only natural that they indulged in some more enjoyable activities.

Afterward, Nicole nestled in Monet's arms and suddenly coquettishly protested, "Tony, I only found out this afternoon from Shanshan that when you make me call you 'BABA,' it actually means 'DADDY' in Chinese. You're so naughty!"

Saying that, she playfully punched him twice with her small fists.

Monet grinned mischievously in response, "But I saw you were pretty happy calling me that just now!"

Nicole rolled her eyes at him and replied, "Well, that was just to make you happy!"

"Exactly! It's all about adding some fun. Otherwise, doing the same few things and positions repeatedly, you'd get tired of it over time!" Monet teased.

"If that's the case, do you have any more tricks up your sleeve?" Nicole suddenly asked with great enthusiasm.

"Oh, I've got plenty. But I'm afraid you won't be able to handle them all!" Monet playfully retorted.

Nicole, unimpressed, let out a disdainful snort and said, "Prove it if you've got what it takes!"

Monet seemed to take the challenge to heart, immediately standing up and declaring, "Alright, just wait. I'm going to find a suitable rope. You're about to witness some magic from the mysterious East!"