Writer 1879: Solitary Journey in France

Chapter 324 I resigned!

In a comfortable villa in Bougival, a suburb of Paris, Ivan Turgenev was having dinner with his confidante, Polina Viardo.

Of course, Polina's husband, Louis Viardo, was also at the table. Ivan Turgenev had lived with the couple for many years and they were practically family.

The servant brought the newly purchased copy of Le Figaro to the table.

The talented singer Polina glanced at the newspaper: "Ivan, look at this, your young friend has made quite a stir in St. Petersburg."

As she spoke, she pushed the newspaper toward Turgenev.

Turgenev put down his knife and fork, picked up the newspaper, put on his glasses, and began to read carefully.

He read very slowly, his expression gradually changing from calm to solemn, and then revealing a sense of melancholy and loneliness.

He remained silent for a long time until he finished reading the last word, then slowly took off his glasses and gently placed the newspaper on the table.

His voice was deep and solemn: "Polina, I must admit, Lionel, he understands Dostoevsky's soul better than I do, and better than anyone else."

Polina and her husband looked at him with some surprise.

The friendship and conflict between Turgenev and Dostoevsky were no secret in literary circles.

Turgenev continued, seemingly to himself: "This is hardly an obituary; it is a letter to all future readers of Dostoevsky."

He tells future generations why they should read his work and what they can gain from it—not answers, but an understanding of predicaments and the courage to face reality.

He paused, his gaze drifting to the courtyard outside the window as dusk deepened: "Polina, if, when the day comes that I die..."

I hope Lionel will deliver my eulogy. I hope he will conclude my life's work in the same way he concluded Flaubert and Dostoevsky.

Only he could see a writer's true place in the river of time.

Polina was stunned. She knew Turgenev's pride, and she also understood his seriousness at this moment.

She reached out and gently placed her hand on the back of Turgenev's hand, saying nothing, but her eyes were filled with sorrow.

She knew why Turgenev said that; the spinal tumor had led him to foresee his own death, and he was no longer able to endure the journey between France and Russia.

Louis Viardo also stood up and silently patted his old friend on the shoulder.

------

After the praise in the eulogy, the purpose of Lionel's trip to St. Petersburg also came to light as the media delved deeper.

"Mr. Sorel traveled to Russia not only to pay homage to the literary giant, but also to seek revolutionary stage lighting for his groundbreaking new work!"

Headlines like these began to appear in newspapers.

Curiosity and anticipation spread like wildfire—Lionel Sorel's new work!
What will he bring next after the hugely successful "Choir"?
It also seems to be related to some novel “electric candle” technology from Russia?
Just as public opinion was heating up, the Comédie-Française dropped a bombshell.

Émile Perrin, director of the Comédie-Française, officially announced this through the newspaper:

To welcome Lionel Sorel's new masterpiece and realize his unique artistic vision, the Comédie-Française will begin a major technical renovation of its main theater at the end of February, lasting approximately two months!

Speaking to reporters with a loud and confident voice, Émile Perrin declared: "The premiere of the revamped production will undoubtedly be Lionel's new work, 'Thunderstorm'!"

The news caused an instant sensation.

To transform a historic theater, representing one of the highest levels of French theater, for an unfinished play?
What dedication and boldness! This is truly rare in the history of theater in Paris, and even in the whole of Europe.

The Gauls exclaimed in alarm:
"This is the theater world's 'Haumann Project'! Sorel and the Comédie-Française are joining forces to reshape the Parisian theater stage!" *Two Worlds Review*, however, expressed a hint of skepticism:
"Will the huge investment bring about a corresponding artistic revolution? We shall wait and see, but undoubtedly, Sorel has once again become the center of attention!"

Regardless of whether the comments are positive or negative, everyone's attention is focused on these two names: Lionel Sorel, and his play "Thunderstorm".

Expectations have been raised to an unprecedented level.

People began to speculate about what kind of story "Thunderstorm" would tell to justify such a large-scale promotion and investment.

The public began to eagerly anticipate the young writer's return to Paris after his journey in Russia, hoping he would personally unveil the mystery of "Thunderstorm."

------

On February 6, 1881, Lionel finally returned to his apartment at 117 Boulevard Saint-Germain.

He was greeted by an overwhelming surge of passion and longing.

Petty was the first to rush over, almost throwing herself at him: "Young Master!"

Her eyes were red-rimmed: "You're finally back!"

Sophie deftly took his hat and gloves: "Welcome home, Leon. We've been reading the newspapers every day, so worried."

Alice also returned from the "typing cooperative" ahead of schedule, her tone full of concern: "Was the journey smooth? How did things go?"

Lionel nodded: "Everything is fine, going better than expected."

He briefly described the agreement reached with Yablochkov, but declined to elaborate on the funeral and the pirate Adolf Márquez for the time being.

However, the attention from the outside world did not stop because he was tired, and within a few days the apartment was bustling with visitors again.

Maupassant arrived almost at the last minute. As soon as he entered, he patted Lionel on the shoulder forcefully: "Good heavens! Lionel!"
You were the talk of the town in St. Petersburg! Now all the salons in Paris are reciting your eulogy!

He then announced some "good news": "Leon, I've resigned from the Ministry of Public Education and the Arts! I'm free!"

Lionel nearly choked on his coffee: "Resigned? When did that happen?"

After Flaubert's death last year, Maupassant took a six-month leave of absence from his ministry, and he should be back at work after Christmas.

He actually resigned!

Maupassant said triumphantly, "Just a few days ago, I signed a contract with Le Gallic. I give them four stories a month, and they pay me 500 francs!"

And then there's *Gil Blas*, which commissioned articles from me, offering advance payment; and *Le Figaro*, *Les Echos*, *Literary World*...

I can't keep up with writing! Leon, I did it! You're the first friend I wanted to share this news with!

Lionel was deeply moved, for the success of "Nights at Médan" had finally allowed Maupassant to ascend to his throne.

Over the next 10 years, he will enter the peak of his creative career—but will also gradually approach madness and death.

Lionel looked at Maupassant with some concern and asked, "You've resigned... So what are your plans now? I mean, besides writing?"

Maupassant was engrossed in his writing and didn't notice Lionel's expression: "Besides writing? Ha, I'm planning to move first, to an apartment just like this one."

Then, I'm going to buy a boat, a sailboat! In the summer, I'm going to travel to Italy or Spain!

Lionel was getting a headache. Maupassant was determined to step into that turbulent and romantic era in history, seemingly having already forgotten Flaubert's advice.

(End of this chapter)