Chapter 5 05

05 There was a sound at the table, and Randall realized that it was Wheeler beckoning to Naomi Dunn, who immediately got up to get the coffee pot.Randall's attention immediately shifted to her again, observing her.He hadn't noticed Miss Dunn's legs just now, they were very curvy, her tight skirt tightly wrapped her hips, and her small steps were graceful and provocative.As she came toward him with the coffee, he saw her breasts were small and full, hidden like attractive apples under a lace-trimmed bodice. She came to him. "Would you like me to fill it up for you, Mr. Randall?"

"Just a little bit," he said. She did as he was told, then refilled Wheeler's coffee, and went around the table to refill the others.Randall wondered what she would be like in bed.Thirty-five and six-year-old women who are overly prim are sometimes the wildest, most captivating, ecstasy in bed.However, he still had some doubts. She was too serious, intimidating, and too professional.It was even hard for him to imagine that she ever took off her clothes, as if Darina had never slept with clothes on. He flew back to New York last night and didn't arrive until one o'clock in the morning.His Rolls-Royce sedan and driver were waiting for him at the airport.On the way back to town, he expected Darina to be fast asleep.For the past two days, his nerves have been tense.First he was critically ill in the hospital, then meeting his wife and daughter, his family and his father's friends, all he wanted to do was close his eyes and fall asleep.But when he returned to the apartment in the rich man's housing estate, he found Darina awake, perfumed, and naked, lying on their bed with only a thin blanket over her.So she didn't sleep for a while all night. On the contrary, she kept talking about how much she missed him for an hour or two, and she used her restless hands and young and long legs to wrap around him for a long time.She finally aroused his lust, and after a while of lingering, he felt that he was about to collapse, like an empty shell, almost dying of exhaustion.

In the early morning, his spirits improved, and his curiosity about what Wheeler was going to say to him and the mysterious promise he was going to make actually made him a little nervous.He came to the Mission Press with vigor.But everything Wheeler said disappointed him, and fatigue began to hit his body again.Randall understood that what Wheeler was talking about was nothing more than the development of some special publishing fields and a daily new project, which was extremely boring. For the past 45 minutes, what he's been saying boils down to something like a living dead halibut.Five publishers—Wheeler in the United States, Head Bible Publishers in England, plus those in France, Germany, and Italy—will combine their materials to launch a new international Bible —No, not all of the Bible, just the New Testament.This set of "New Testament" is a retranslation, and the content inside has never been made public. It is a new discovery of archaeology.Once the most perfect "Bible" in the history of Christianity and publishing history is released, not only the King James Version will be reimbursed, but also the Revised Standard Version of the United States, the British Bible, and the Jerusalem Bible. and any other Bibles in existence will be a pile of waste paper.

This latest edition of the Christian Bible—Randall tried to remember its name, and he did it after an effort—the International New Testament, so did Wheeler—has been in the works for six years .Wheeler's American English edition alone cost $2.5 million.This cost includes translation, plate making, proofreading, paper and binding, etc., in addition to spending a huge amount of publicity costs.In 1952, Thomas Nelson & Sons spent $500,000 on advertising alone when they released the Revised Standard Version.As for the publicity fee for the International New Testament, Wheeler plans to double that amount.

Preliminary volumes of the International New Testament—for religious commentators, priests, theologians, and heads of state (including the President of the United States)—are already in the works and are being printed in Mainz, Germany.Now, six years into this intensely secretive effort, it's time to take the final step: a full-scale publicity campaign.To ensure the success of the "International New Testament", the best way to promote it is through news reports, rather than relying on a large number of advertisements to promote it.Since this set of "International New Testament" is scheduled to be published at the end of July or the beginning of August, there are less than two months left for its publicity and planning.They agreed that each publisher would specialize in one job.Since the Americans were experts at propaganda, Wheeler was given the job of propaganda.

"Now, Mr. Randall," continued George L. Wheeler, and Randall had a hard time bringing his attention back to the Bible publisher. "Before we entered this house, I have told you our thoughts, and the unprecedented expenditure in this field, I think so, and you are also satisfied with the expenditure. In return, I want you Go to our headquarters in Europe for two months and work with our handpicked people there to create a pitch that works in these five countries. Once that's done, you go back to New York and use your The company, Randall Public Relations, will only promote the US release, while European publishers will also use their national publicity agencies on the basis of the blueprint you have made. But the timing, I have already pointed out, It is the most precious thing. You must arrange the things at hand immediately and go to Europe with me as soon as possible. A week from today, that is, June 7th, which is Friday, there is a ship to Southampton, England. We will stay on board During those five days, you can consider all aspects of the matter before you. That's all, Mr. Randall, do you have anything else to ask?"

Randall straightened up, fiddled with his pipe for a moment, then turned his gaze to the publisher who was watching him. "There's one question," he said, "only one critical question, Mr. Wheeler." "Okay, please." Randall felt all eyes turned to him, but he had to speak up and get an answer. "I think we have enough editions of the Bible, why publish a new one?" Wheeler sniffled, scratched his temples, and said, "I think I've made it clear to you, and let me repeat. The Bible is the language of God. However, we can never say that we have Having published the perfect Bible, it must remain alive in each new age, because language is constantly changing, old words gain new meaning, and new words are more commonly used by the masses, requiring up-to-date translations. In addition, archaeologists continue to make amazing discoveries, ancient papyrus, parchment, pottery and stone carvings, all of which give new meaning to the existing Greek "Bible", so that people have a new understanding, and also have a new understanding of the early New understanding of the age of Christ. As these discoveries and scholarly discussions come, we are increasingly able to grasp the original meaning of the dogmas written in the first century, requiring us to continually retranslate the New Testament. Of course, clarity is another factor. Many people own several copies of the Bible, or buy some as gifts for relatives and friends. However, we must have the confidence to publish different versions of the New Testament, because we need to constantly Improved edition, new notes and changed binding."

"To sell more," Randall said. "Why not?" Wheeler said, shaking his bulky body uncomfortably. "You have to understand that while we believe in the Bible and proclaim the Gospel of God, we are also in constant competition. So of course there has to be new editions to get big sales so we can stay in business .” "That's reasonable," said Randall. "I'm still not very satisfied with your answer. Maybe I'm wrong, maybe I didn't make the point clear. Let me get straight to the point, why are you spending so much money?" What is the reason for publishing this "International New Testament"? What is the reason for publishing this expensive "New Testament"? I mean the real specific reasons. Could it be that the motivation behind it is only to have a better translation? , or did it add new information to notes and references? Or did it come from the invention of better typefaces and prettier bindings? If that's what drives you to publish a new Bible, frankly, I think I can't sell anything, I don't need my help at all, I don't understand why you took so long to prepare in secret. Why would anyone think of publishing a new edition of the New Testament, especially at a time like this, when society is in turmoil, Unpredictable? You mentioned that news of the bible's publication would be a hot topic and drive the press into a frenzy. I'm sorry, Mr. Wheeler, but none of what I've heard you say can be called Hot news. I want to be honest with you, I don't want you to waste your money. From what you've said, I can't help you and your New Testament. You don't need me, and I don't want to get involved things like that. Therefore, I must tell you—I cannot accept your mission."

There was a dead silence in the room.Randall didn't look at the reaction of Naomi Dunn and the others.He was sure they were stunned by this rebellious and uncooperative behavior.Never mind them, to hell. George L. Wheeler sat there, bewildered, scratching his head and head. "Mr. Randall, I'm told--Ogden Torrey reassured me that you'd agree to this." "He has no right to say that." "However, I know he—his Cosmos Enterprises—owns your company." "Not yet," Randall said sternly. "Anyway, that's not the point. I do or don't do things on their own merits. Maybe I haven't been doing it all the time, maybe sometimes I'm paid more Just go for it. But I won't. Now I'm going to take only business that's worth my time, energy, and effort. And I don't find an ounce of that motivation in what you've said."

He pushed back his chair, ready to get up and leave.Then Wheeler reached out and pressed his arm on the table. "Wait a minute, Mr. Randall, I—I haven't told you, I haven't told you everything." "why?" "Because I'm sworn to secrecy - it's top secret, and it's been 6 years, except to those who worked on the project. I can't tell you the truth, in case you know it, and you refuse it for whatever reason Once you're in business, it's hard to keep it secret. Once you agree to accept it, I can tell you the whole truth." Randall shook his head. "No, I'm afraid I'm on the contrary. I won't accept it until I know the truth."

Wheeler stared at Randall for several seconds, then he gasped and said, "Is this your final decision, Mr. Randall?" "That's all my terms." Wheeler gave in with a vigorous nod. "Very well," he turned his head to Naomi Dunne, and held up a finger, and she gave him a wink to show she understood his gesture.Immediately, she touched the shoulder of the older secretary, and at the same time signaled to the other three, and then the five immediately got up and left. Wheeler ignored them leaving, but he didn't face Randall again until he heard the conference room door shut tightly. "Very well, Mr. Randall. We're alone, just the two of us. I've decided to take a chance, and I'll make you even." Randall noticed that his demeanor and voice had changed. He was no longer the pompous nobleman, the self-proclaimed owner of "The Book of Books."Now he is a businessman, a salesman, a businessman who puts down his airs and sells his goods in the market.He also dropped the harsh intonation, making his voice softer and more persuasive.And the control is more pleasing to the ear, and it is no longer nonsense. "I've told you our work has been secret for six years," he said. "Don't you want to know why?" "Until I hear you out, I'm going to think it's just a game, a game played by publishers to make something so commonplace mysterious and important." "You're wrong," Wheeler said bluntly. "You're totally wrong. Now let me tell you the truth, we kept it a secret because we knew we were sitting on top of a keg with the lid hot all the time. There is a possibility of an explosion, and we have at our disposal the most bizarre news material that has ever been seen. I am not exaggerating, Mr. Randall. If there is, I alone cannot describe it enough." This is the first time that Randall's curiosity in the early morning has been mobilized.He waits. "If the truth got out," Wheeler continued, "it could destroy us and our huge investment, or at least hit us hard. The press has noticed us, but they don't know the truth. The world of the churches are aware that something is going on, but they have no idea what it is. We also have enemies, desperate to find out what we know before we publish, who distort the International New Testament content, and tried to destroy it. So we swore to secrecy, and our workers in Europe swore the same. Now I tell you the truth, and you become the first non-worker who knows the basic facts outsider." Randall put down his pipe. "Why do you take such a big risk on me?" "One, because I want you on board because you're the last hurdle to ensure our success," Wheeler said. "And two, on balance, I think you're a reliable person." "We just met, what do you know about me?" "I know a lot about you, Mr. Randall. I know you were the son of a clergyman in the Midwest, and your father was a good man and of noble birth; I know you were a rebel against traditional religion and an agnostic; You have a wife and a teenage daughter and are separated from them; I know where you live and how you live; I know you have many girlfriends and now have one; I know you drink a lot, but Not a drunk; I also know..." Randall frowned and cut him off. "You didn't answer why you took the risk, Mr. Wheeler." "On the contrary," Wheeler said quickly, "I'm answering because I happen to know one more thing about you. I know that despite your closeness to women and your social drinking, you never You have discussed your private business with outsiders, or betrayed a client. You have handled many important affairs in our country, and you have won their confidence with a high degree of secrecy. You are a man who keeps secrets, and you keep your personal life and Business life is separated, and none of your customers regrets not trusting you, which is why I decided to rely on you too." Randall didn't take this set of flattery, but found it annoying. "I don't like people prying into my private affairs, Mr. Wheeler." The publisher bowed his head apologetically. "Under normal circumstances, it may not be appropriate or fair to you to do this, but this time is special. You must also understand that when a large conglomerate is going to buy a company with a huge amount of money, it may cost $2 million It must be carefully investigated and observed before taking action, especially when relying on a person's administrative experience and professional talents." "Torry," Randall muttered. "He's a close friend of mine. He wants to put me at ease if we have a big disagreement. I didn't think it was necessary to trust you. However, it turns out I had to take this step, and I had to get to know you to put myself at ease. Now , I'm gambling, and I don't want to go into details, Mr. Randall. I'm just telling you what I have to tell you. It won't take five minutes, I think it's enough." He looked at Randall carefully, and asked, "Mr. Randall, lately, what kind of business is it that really engages you, engages you, piques your interest?" "I don't know, I'm bored, so..." he replied quietly, and then said bluntly, "I can only participate in what I believe in." He paused, and then added, "The kind of energy Let the whole world know, something to buy, because a product should have real value." Wheeler smiled contentedly. "Very well," he said, "I told you we had the most explosive news ever on our hands, and I told you I wasn't exaggerating. Well, here's to pique your interest and join us Come into it?" He didn't wait for his answer. "A few years ago, a poll was taken among the most senior journalists in our country and they were asked to identify what might be called the greatest news event of the century, within the bounds of science or beyond. The answers were varied. Some news sources say it's about finding a cure for cancer, others about finding a cure that will allow you to live to 100, still others about aliens landing on Earth, or us finding a living star. On the planet, some people also said that the ideal of the United World Duchy has been realized. However, what is the answer from the vast majority of news people? They all said it was the 'second resurrection'." Confused, Randall asked, "'A second resurrection?'" "It's Jesus coming back to earth. If Jesus came back to our earth in flesh and blood as a man, if he confirmed the fact that Jesus was resurrected tomorrow, if he came down to us tomorrow, then, like those journalists It is bound to become the biggest news of our time." Steve Randall felt a chill run down his arm. "What do you want to say, Mr. Wheeler?" "I'm telling you, my friend, that it has happened. It's not hyperbole, it's real. We found it by accident, and we have the greatest news of our time." Randall moved the chair forward slowly. "Go on." "Listen," said Wheeler eagerly, "six years ago one of the most respected Italian archaeologists, Professor Augusto Monti of the University of Rome, excavated near Ostia Antix. At the time, there were the ruins of the old town of Ostia, a great first-century Roman trading port. Over the years, Professor Monti expected to find Something close to the truth. Then, backed by his conviction, and his genius and his luck, he found what he wanted. He found the truth, the truth at last." Randall felt strangely bewildered. "What, what is the last truth?" "During deep excavations, Professor Monti found something recorded in papyrus in the ruins of a villa in ancient Rome. His discovery was always considered unlikely by archaeologists or other scholars in the past , or even absolutely impossible. This is not only because of the humid climate in Italy, but it is difficult to preserve it for nearly 2,000 years even in other drier places. But it was discovered, and we have used various scientific experiments to prove its Reliability. Professor Monty found both documents in a hollowed-out and closed block of granite. The shorter one consisted of five fragments, all written on parchment, condition Poor. Its content is a short report in Greek written by Petronas' captain in Jerusalem to the commander of the Praetorian Guard. The longer document, which is reasonably well preserved, includes a total of 24 papyri. Written in Mi script, its content was written down by the Jewish leader who converted to Christianity in 62 B.C., just before his execution." Randall's interest increased, and he leaned over the table. "What? Tell me what's written in the document?" There was a strange look in Wheeler's eyes. "It is the greatest news of our time, the news that dazzles all Christendom, and that at the same time can lead to a rebirth of religion and a revival of faith. The papyri we have now are the lost volume of the present Gospel, the first Five books, actually the first Gospel - the Gospel of James - is a detailed record of the life of Christ Jesus by James, the brother of Jesus, and now we have all of those records in our hands." Wheeler waited for Randall's reaction, but Randall said nothing. "You'll be amazed when you see the translation of that manuscript," Wheeler continued enthusiastically. "That would surprise anyone. Now we know exactly where Jesus was born, where he studied, how he grew up, how he prayed at Joseph's grave after his father Joseph's death, and how he performed his priesthood. The circumstances of his life at the time, everything big and small that happened to him from the age of 20 to 30 years. Jesus did exist, if this wonderful and original source is not enough, because it is from a man who became Christ If it was written by a religious Jew, and thus doubts its authenticity, we have solid evidence from the pagans. That is the report of a Roman officer from occupied Palestine to the prefect on the so-called messianic event. That he, being a pagan, wrote about the crucifixion fits in with what has been said. But that is not the best of what I have to say, Mr. Randall, and I leave the best to At the end, that part is the most incredible." Randall sat there with his eyes wide open, still not saying a word. "Listen to this," the publisher continued, his voice trembling. "Jesus didn't die on the cross in Jerusalem in AD 30." Wheeler paused, emphasizing, "He lived and lived for 19 years." "Survived," Randall muttered, almost to himself. "This Petronas reported to his superiors that Jesus was crucified, declared dead, and then buried. However, James found out that his brother was not killed, and Jesus was still alive. Whether he survived the catastrophe Whether it was God's help or the doctor's skill, James didn't say either. He just said that Jesus was restored to health and continued his work in secret in other parts of Palestine, and finally appeared in Rome to preach - it was in Rome - — that was exactly 19 years later, in 49 B.C., when Jesus was supposed to be 45 years old. And the resurrection happened at that time. Do you understand what I mean? You realize the meaning of this discovery ?" Steve Randall stood up gently.I was so surprised that I couldn't quite figure out what it meant. "Is it—is it true? I don't believe it. It must be a mistake. Do you absolutely believe it?" "We have all proved it. Every little part of every document is authoritative, there is no doubt about it. We know the truth and we have this amazing book. We are going to be in the International New Testament In order to make it known to the public, we want to raise the real Jesus, the Savior who once lived in the world. That's why we call this project the 'Second Resurrection' in Amsterdam. Steve Husband, do you believe in this 'second resurrection'?" Randall closed his eyes, and the present and the past were spinning in his mind.He could predict the enormous impact this twentieth-century discovery would have on mankind, especially his father, his mother, sister Claire, Tom Carey, and especially himself.Those whose faith has been shaken, those who have lost their faith and lost their way like him, and those who see Jesus as a mythical figure, he believes that the Gospel of James will bring the savior's message of love and peace to mankind and Comfort and heal human wounds. Incredible, incredible.Of all the wonders Randall had seen and heard in his life, nothing astonished him more than this.This is really "gospel on earth". Can it be true? What had Wheeler asked him just now?By the way, do you believe in "The Second Resurrection?" "I don't know," he replied slowly. "It's--it's a thing I'd like to believe it's true, very much, if there's anything in the world that I can believe in." "Would you like to work with us, Mr. Randall?" "Working hard for what? To sell this 'Book of Heaven'?" Randall thought for a moment, then stood up unsteadily, "Oh, if God really came here to save us, I think I'm here waiting to be saved. When shall we leave?"