I am a literary giant in Russia

Chapter 174 An Extra Day and a Novel That Influenced an Era!
Having already read the ending of "Around the World in Eighty Days," Girardin had long anticipated the immense buzz among readers as the novel neared its conclusion. However, when that day actually arrived, he discovered that he had far underestimated the Parisians' enthusiasm for this novel and peculiar work.

Readers couldn't even wait until the next day to demand an explanation; instead, on the afternoon of Saturday, the very day the newspaper was published, a steady stream of people arrived at the offices of the Century newspaper demanding an answer.
"Is that the end of the story? Is there no sequel?"

"If this novel really ends here, I will never look at the Century newspaper again in my life!"

"Will we see the next episode tomorrow, Sunday? I'm willing to pay double! Please, don't take a break!"

"I'm going crazy! How much more content is there? Is it really going to end like this?!"

In this age of entertainment scarcity, people's enthusiasm for following novels with dramatic plots is always exceptionally high. Just like how many readers bribed printing press workers to get a copy of Alexandre Dumas' "The Count of Monte Cristo" during its serialization, "Around the World in Eighty Days" is now receiving similar treatment.

Most importantly, as any reader who has been following this novel knows, it has already reached its end, and this latest installment happens to be stuck at the most crucial point. As a result, readers' desire to know what happens next has suddenly reached its peak.

So what is the ending?!

We readers have followed this story diligently for so long, without missing a single issue, discussing the characters and plot endlessly. Are we just waiting for you to feed us a piece of crap at the end?!

Absolutely not!

In this situation, some readers who came to the Century magazine office to inquire about news were exceptionally excited. On Saturday, Jiladan, who was in charge of receiving these people, began to suspect more than once that if he said no, the next second these readers' fists, as big as sandbags, would swing at him, making him enjoy the treatment that should be enjoyed by the author himself.

Jiladan: "."

Bitter!

That Russian is really good at making decisions!
To avoid being attacked, Jiladan quickly revealed a little something within reasonable limits:
"Don't worry! There's more to come; it's not going to end here."

"The content that follows will not disappoint you!"

"The release date is not something I can decide; we'll probably have to wait and see."

While attempts to appease the public are made, requests such as early release or more content in a single issue are highly unlikely.

After all, if they publish a few more issues, how much profit could that bring to the Century newspaper!

The owner of the Century newspaper had already started to make his own calculations regarding this issue:
"Hey! These naive Parisians! People with brains like theirs will never make a fortune in their lives! How could I possibly publish more content? Not only will I not publish more, I'll split the next two days' worth of content into four or five days! Each additional issue would be worth several thousand francs; even a fool can do the math!"
That Russian is a complete idiot who can't do business. He refused to write more articles for our newspaper. Look at the huge losses he caused us!
Of course, this must never be revealed to anyone. When he finally appears before me, I will give him a huge hug! A hug as passionate as the most enthusiastic woman in Paris! I will lift him high into the air so that he'll feel embarrassed if he doesn't give our newspaper the novel!

Since the boss has this idea, Jiladan estimates that readers will be anxious for several more issues. While the readers are suffering, the editors are probably not having an easy time either. After all, the boss of Al-Church will definitely stay far away from such emotionally agitated readers and leave everything to his subordinates.

That way, even if there are some overly radical readers, it won't hurt him, the boss, at all.

Thinking of this, Jiladan couldn't help but curse his boss in his heart.

As he was thinking about these things while dealing with some readers, he suddenly caught a glimpse of his boss out of the corner of his eye. When he looked closer, he saw his boss, who usually seemed to have a lot of influence in the publishing industry, talking to someone with a very attentive expression.

After his boss finally saw the arrogant young man off, Jiladan saw his boss wiping his sweat and waving at him.

Seeing this, Jiladan dared not delay. He put down his work and hurried to his boss's office.

Once inside, the owner of the newspaper seemed to have calmed down, but he still occasionally wiped the sweat from his brow with a handkerchief. Upon seeing Jiladan enter, he quickly spoke to him:
"The release plan has been adjusted. It won't be split into several installments. Go talk to the relevant people later and let's release it in the normal length."

Jiladan: "?"

Hmm? What kind of person could possibly change the nature of this pure-hearted businessman?
After explaining the matter, the owner of the Century newspaper seemed to notice the doubt in Jiladan's eyes. To calm himself down and overcome his shock, he finally spoke:
"Prince Juanville's servant just approached me and asked a few questions. Of course, he didn't say anything else, but I think we still need to show some attitude."

At this point, the obese boss couldn't help but wipe his sweat again, while cursing under his breath.

It's crazy!

It's just an ordinary novel, so why did it attract the attention of several important figures?

The arguments were increasingly outrageous, such as the Suez Canal being related to France's future overseas strategic layout, and the speed and power of the telegraph in the novel attracting the attention of some ministers. They said that although they had only heard last year that the remote United States had begun to use the telegraph, France was now considering whether to introduce it. If the telegraph really performed as described in the novel, then learning and introducing it would be imminent.
Ah!
It seems even big shots aren't always so bright!
You guys actually believed what I wrote casually in the novel? It's utterly absurd!
Despite the criticism, these bigwigs didn't give any explicit instructions to Le Century. But no matter what, the owners of Le Century, who have managed to survive in Paris to this day, are quite shrewd. If such a bigwig makes a casual remark, then we should take a stand!

Just as he was beginning to plan his next move, Giladan froze in place upon hearing his boss's reply: Prince Juanville.
Isn't this the son of the current King Louis Philippe I of France?!

Although he is said to be very interested in Dumas' historical novels, he is now surprisingly paying attention to the works of a new Russian author?
Shocked, Jiladan immediately understood where his boss got so much sweat.

Since things had come to this point, many of the tricks and schemes that the owner of Le Soir had used were no longer useful. So, within two days, many readers in Paris discovered that the novel "Around the World in Eighty Days" did indeed have a sequel, and the content had actually increased considerably!
Of course, The Century also specifically pointed out this move in its newspaper, stating:
"We have heard the voices of many readers, and as Parisians' most loyal friend, Le Château de la Siècle will certainly not disappoint! When reading newspapers, please be sure to buy Le Château de la Siècle."

However, readers didn't pay much attention to this; instead, they eagerly read the latest content, and what they saw was:

“Yes, madam,” said Mr. Fogg, “but things have turned out quite differently than I had hoped. I now have very little property left, and I ask that you grant me this small amount to support your future living expenses.”

“But what about you, Mr. Fogg? What will you do then?” said Mrs. Aouda. “I, madam,” the gentleman said calmly, “need nothing.”

"But sir, how will you deal with your current situation?"

“Mr. Fogg,” Mrs. Aouda then stood up and extended her hand to Mr. Fogg, and continued, “would you like me to be your friend and also your family? Would you like me to be your wife?”

Oh! ! !
When this content appeared, even though they hadn't yet seen what they really wanted to see, the Parisians, who loved excitement and love this kind of love story, immediately started making a fuss in various places upon seeing that this mechanical Englishman had actually found love:
"Even this unromantic Englishman managed to find love!"

"My friend, after reading so many issues, it's become second nature to me. But honestly, the protagonist of this book would be a Frenchman! Then this round-the-world trip would definitely be a journey full of love and passion!"

"Hahaha! If it were me, I wouldn't let this trip be so boring!"

"Then you'll be even less likely to fulfill the bet!"

After this initial uproar, readers were left wondering: what happened next? Did this gentleman really become penniless? Although he found true love, wouldn't the story be considered a happy ending? But just as some readers were pondering this question, things quickly changed. For some reason, even though Mr. Fogg had lost and started planning his wedding, the novel then shifted to the fact that those who had made the bet with Mr. Fogg were now waiting for him.
Could it be that the author himself got confused and got the timeline wrong?

When the clock in the hall struck eight twenty-five, Andreu Stuart stood up and said:
"Gentlemen, in twenty minutes, the deadline that Mr. Fogg agreed upon with us will be up."

“Well, gentlemen,” said Andreu Stuart, “if Phileas Fock had arrived on the 7:23 train, he would have been at the club long ago. We can now say he’s doomed.”

Ok?
"What happened? Did the author make a mistake? Did they write something that should have happened yesterday as happening today?"

"I think so. What's wrong with this Russian guy? I really want to beat him up! Losing once wasn't enough, he actually wants to lose a second time!"

While some people were discussing it, others who were quick to read had already seen what happened next. And when they saw what happened next:
“It’s 8:44!” John Surivan said, his voice brimming with barely suppressed excitement. One more minute and they’d win. Andrew Stewart and his friends stopped playing. They slammed their cards on the table and began counting down the seconds!

The fortieth second passed peacefully. The fiftieth second passed peacefully as well! But at the fifty-fifth second, a thunderous roar erupted outside—applause, cheers, and even curses. The chaotic noise grew louder and louder, rising and falling in waves. All five gentlemen stood up.

At the fifty-seventh second, the hall doors opened, and before the clock had even struck sixty, a frenzied crowd surged into the hall, swarming around Phileas Fogg. Phileas Fogg, in his usual calm voice, said:

"Gentlemen, I'm back."

Oh oh oh oh oh oh!!!

When readers came across this part, whether in the streets and alleys of Paris, in luxurious mansions, cafes, pubs, or even on the docks where workers were, people couldn't help but pump their fists and celebrate loudly.

Some, feeling a strong sense of immersion, gave their companions a big hug and then couldn't help but start discussing:
"Did they win? They actually won?!"

"What a Russian! He actually won in the last few seconds? He's such a good writer! My heart was pounding!"

"Just a few dozen seconds left? That was so close! Hahaha, this Brit knows how to pick his timing! If I were there, I would have fallen in love with him instantly!"

"But how exactly did we win? The timing was completely off. Could there have been some mistake we're unaware of?"

"Did Fogg miscalculate? Or was it for some other reason?"

Normally, *The Century* should have ended its issue here, but considering the feelings of those important figures and to protect their own safety, the newspaper's owner ultimately reluctantly released the remaining content:

While Passepartout was busy with wedding preparations, he noticed something on the road and quickly found Mr. Fogg.

"It's Saturday, it's Saturday, no doubt about it!" Passepartout shouted. "You've miscalculated by a day, we're twenty-four hours early... Now we only have ten minutes left!..."

As Passepartout spoke, he grabbed his master's collar and dragged Mr. Fogg away like a madman.

Phileas Falk was dragged out of the room, out the door, and onto a carriage before being given a reward of one hundred pounds by the coachman. Along the way, they ran over two dogs and wrecked five carriages before finally arriving at the Reform Club.

When he appeared in the club lobby, the clock was pointing to 8:45...

Phileas Falk traveled around the world in eighty days!
Phileas Falk won the £20,000 bet!

As for the reason, since the general public at that time did not have a good understanding of how latitude and longitude affect time, Mikhail added a lot of information here.

The concept of latitude and longitude was actually proposed by the ancient Greek astronomer Pacis as early as the second century BC, but it was not directly related to time. In the second century AD, Ptolemy, who proposed the geocentric model, perfected this system, but he did not realize that differences in longitude would lead to different local times.

Until the 13th century, Yelü Chucai, who came from the East, accompanied Genghis Khan on his westward expedition in 1220. When he was stationed in Samarkand (then known as Xunsigan), he discovered that the lunar eclipse time calculated by the Da Ming Calendar differed from the actual observation by about 3 hours. Through two debates with Islamic astronomers, he proved that the traditional calendar caused time errors due to the failure to consider differences in geographical longitude, and thus began to formulate a new calendar.

Ultimately, in his "Western Expedition Gengwu Calendar," he first introduced the concept of "distance difference" caused by geographical longitude differences and pioneered a method for adjusting time differences. The calendar integrated traditional Chinese astronomy with Arabic calendrical knowledge, was completed in the Samarkand region, and was later developed by Yuan Dynasty scholars into the concept of "local time."

After Magellan completed the first circumnavigation of the globe, the crew discovered that their return date to Spain was one day behind the local time. In 18th-century England, driven by practical needs, clockmaker John Harrison developed the H4 marine chronometer, confirming the rule that "for every 15° difference in longitude, there is a one-hour time difference."
There is far too much similar evidence, and here, Mikhail uses a romantic approach to write this history of development as a grand human relay race spanning thousands of years. And the romantic tone undoubtedly still had many audiences in Paris at this time.

So when Parisian readers finished reading this part with some trembling, the whole of Paris seemed to be in an uproar!
"So that's how it is? So that's how it is?! Such an ingenious design? My God! This extra day is a victory for all mankind!"

"How does this author named Mikhail have such a vast knowledge? It's as if he knows everything about the past and present, East and West!"

"That's brilliant! The key is that this isn't just a figment of imagination. If it were, Mr. Fogg would have been happy to have another fifty days! His idea seems to be based entirely on real-world science!"

"This is amazing! My God, I never dreamed I would fall in love with a Russian! He must be the Tsar of Russian literature! Otherwise, how could he write such a novel?"

"Bullshit! I saw it in the newspapers. The author of this novel is clearly French! He was just kidnapped by the Russians and had to seek refuge in Russia!"

“That makes sense, I think so too! Judging from his descriptions of England and his other two novels, this gentleman must be a true Parisian! Let our King rescue him!”

Such a clever concept and amazing ending are extremely rare in this day and age, so at this moment, almost no Parisian who sees this can remain calm.

While Parisians everywhere were pumping their fists, celebrating, cheering, and discussing loudly, some readers also saw this ending:
"That's how Phileas Fogg won the bet. He traveled around the world in eighty days!"

He used all sorts of transportation along the way: ships, trains, carriages, yachts, merchant ships, sleds, and elephants. This eccentric gentleman displayed his astonishing composure and precision throughout the journey. But what was the result? What did he gain from this long journey? What did this trip bring him?

Can we say he gained nothing at all? Perhaps we can say that, if we disregard the beautiful Mrs. Aouda, even though the story is somewhat unrealistic, she made Mr. Fogg the happiest man.

Is it really impossible for people to travel around the world in a shorter amount of time?

After finishing the novel, many people couldn't help but stand up and loudly announce something to the crowd. Among them, in a shabby little bar in Paris, a sailor's son, a raggedly dressed boy, couldn't resist jumping onto a seat and announcing to everyone:

"In the future, I will also travel around the world like Mr. Fogg! And I will definitely do it in a shorter time than him!"

In the past, such remarks might have drawn comments like, "You actually believed what happened in the novel?" or "You put so much effort into the novel, what are you thinking?!"

But in this exciting moment, instead of mocking him, the people in the pub cheered for the young man who was clearly from the lower rungs of Paris: "You'll succeed!" "Let the real-life Englishmen see that only we Parisians can do this!"
At the same time, many Parisians couldn't help but look at the author's name again, and then clearly memorized it.
(End of this chapter)