Writer 1879: Solitary Journey in France

Chapter 354 Big Order!
Emile Perrin's plan not only solves the urgent problem of staging "Thunderstorm", but also completes the theater upgrade in one step, seizing the market opportunity!
Louis Guémal and Paul Leroy exchanged another glance, both seeing the resolve in each other's eyes.

Paul Leroy of the Bordeaux Opera House took a deep breath and spoke first: "We are willing! Émile, the Bordeaux Opera House is willing to pay the design fee!"
We would also like to invite your team to carry out the renovation!

Louis Gemar was a beat slow, a look of regret flashing across his face, but he quickly followed up: "Lyon too! We can discuss the details right away!"

Emil Perrin's face lit up with a bright smile. He extended his hand and shook hands firmly with the two men: "A wise choice!"

Gentlemen, you have made a historic decision for your respective theaters! Let us raise a glass to the future of French theater!

Emil Perrin took a bottle of red wine and three stemmed crystal glasses from the wine cabinet in his office. After pouring them, the three of them clinked glasses and drank them down in one gulp.

After a few drinks, Louis Guémal and Paul Leroy both relaxed.

Louis Gemar suddenly thought of something and asked, "If the 'Thunderstorm' is only touring for a week or two after the renovation, wouldn't the cost be too high?"

Paul Leroy realized what was happening and quickly chimed in, "Yes, we've spent hundreds of thousands of francs, we can't just put on a few shows, can we?"

Lionel's "The Choir" had previously signed an exclusive agreement with the Comedy Theatre, with tours in various locations lasting from one to two weeks.

Whether it's a week or two, or even if it's performed every day, the box office revenue is just a drop in the ocean compared to the huge renovation costs.

While theater renovations will certainly increase attendance in the long run, thereby recovering costs and generating profits, which manager wouldn't want this cycle to be shorter?

Émile Perrin shook his head: "Don't worry, this production of 'Thunderstorm' is not exclusive to the Comédie-Française!"

Louis Guémal and Paul Leroy's eyes lit up, burning with a fierce flame: "So that means...so that means..."

Emil Perrin nodded: "In other words, any theater can sign a performance agreement with Mr. Sorel, but..."

Paul Leroy urged impatiently, "But? But what? Emil, when did you become so dishonest?"
It was like a demon, dragging us little by little into the lava of hell…

Emil Perrin chuckled slightly, thinking to himself that this was something he'd learned from Lionel—

Emil Perrin still couldn't help but shudder when he thought about that afternoon when Perrin told him about the plan.

The director of the Comédie-Française steadied himself and began to patiently explain: "But to sign a contract for 'Thunderstorm,' you must pass the 'certification'!"
The theater's stage width, depth, acoustics, lighting, and so on, all need to meet certain standards to perfectly present the performance of "Thunderstorm."

Only after passing the dual inspections of the Comédie-Française and 'Sorel Electric' will Mr. Sorel sign a performance agreement with the theater.

Louis-Guymar and Paul Leroy were both stunned, and began to "certify" and even "inspect" the theater...

This is simply unheard of. After all, the only qualified entities are the Ministry of the Interior or the Academy of Arts. Now, it's going to be the Comedy Theatre and a company with such a strange name.

This made the two of them hesitate a little again...

At this point, Émile Perrin casually remarked, "This October, we will begin rehearsals for another new play by Monsieur Sorel, a comedy..."

Mr. Sorel said that from now on, all his plays must be performed in 'certified theaters'...

Louis-Guymar and Paul Leroy, as if waking from a dream, hurriedly said, "We'll sign! We'll sign! We'll renovate it however we want!"
"Don't worry about the budget, I'll persuade the city council! Those councilors will definitely agree if they just come here to see a performance of *Thunderstorm*!" Emil Perrin then smiled and poured the two more drinks: "Congratulations, both of you! Once you become a 'certified theater,' even a huge investment will be recouped quickly!"

The three wine glasses clinked together in mid-air, making a crisp sound like gold coins falling into a bag.

--------

Almost simultaneously, across the Atlantic, in Menlo Park, New Jersey, in Thomas Edison's laboratory.

This magnate, renowned for his inventions and business acumen, was looking at a newly translated telegram and, unusually, broke into a bright smile.

The laboratory was filled with the distinctive smells of metals, oils, and various reagents, surrounded by busy assistants and various pieces of equipment being tested.

Edison handed the telegram to his private secretary, Samuel Insall: "Look at this, Samuel! From Paris!"

Soler Electric Company received an order for 5000 light bulbs and the corresponding complete circuit system!
They didn't have enough stock in Paris, so they contacted us directly!

Samuel Insall took the telegram, quickly glanced through it, and a look of surprise appeared on his face: "5000! This...this is indeed a large order!"
"Boss, this seems to be the first order to reach 5000 units! Good heavens, 'Sorel Electric,' what's that all about?"

Edison rubbed his hands excitedly, pacing around the workbench filled with instruments: "'Sorel Electric,' what's that? Lionel Sorel, that writer!"

The Comedy Theatre purchased 1500 lights last time! His new play, "Thunderstorm," caused a sensation in Paris, and our electric lighting system was used extensively on stage!
The lighting can change according to the plot! What a brilliant idea!

He turned to Insel, his eyes shining: "This young man understands what the future is!"

He understood that electric lights were not just for illumination, but also for creating atmosphere and shaping emotions in a play!
This is a perfect blend of art and science!

He waved his hand forcefully, issuing an order to his young assistant: "Return the call to Paris! Immediately! Tell Mr. Sorel that we are very honored to work with him."

To express our appreciation for his vision and to promote the application of electric lights in the arts, we are willing to offer 'Sorel Electric' a very favorable discount!

At the same time, we asked if they needed us to send additional technicians for maintenance. We wanted to ensure these lights shone beautifully and for a long time in Paris!

Yes, that's the plan! Also, send another telegram to Charles Ferguson at the Paris company, urging him to sign the contract as soon as possible!

Samuel Insall quickly jotted down the key points and turned to leave.

Edison stood alone in his laboratory, holding the telegram in his hand as if he held a key to the vast European market.

He could almost see that, following the successful example set in Paris, orders from theaters, hotels, and mansions of the wealthy across Europe and the world would come pouring in.

He couldn't help but praise again: "This young Frenchman is not only a writer, but also a clever person who knows how to use technology to create miracles!"

What he didn't know was that behind this huge order was not only the successful renovation of the Comédie-Française, but also a wave of electrification renovations that would soon sweep across Lyon, Bordeaux, and even all French theaters.

The name "Sorel Electric" will soon bring him a whole new "surprise"!
(End of this chapter)