Writer 1879: Solitary Journey in France

Chapter 357 I'll give you a theater!
Armand Peugeot gripped De La Rueque's hand tightly, his voice urgent: "Mr. De La Rueque! This is insane! Orders, over three thousand vehicles!"
Good heavens, three thousand vehicles! Our previous agreement must be revised! We should immediately establish the 'Sorel-Peugeot Mechanical Manufacturing Company'!
I can compromise; the company name will start with 'Sorel,' it'll be 'Sorel-Peugeot'! We must work closely together to increase production!

He stared intently at De La Ruvak, anticipating a positive response.

In his view, he had made a huge concession—agreeing to put the more famous "Sorel" before the company name!
This is tantamount to acknowledging Lionel's dominant position within the brand.

Mr. De La Ruwak, with a professional, calm smile on his face, gently withdrew his hand, glanced at the mountain of orders, and nodded.

De La Ruwak's voice was devoid of much emotion: "The market's enthusiastic response was within Lionel's expectations."

"Sorel-Peugeot Mechanical Manufacturing Company – we proposed this six months ago, and the agreement remains in effect."

Armand was overjoyed and was about to speak...

De La Ruwak changed the subject slightly: "However, the originally envisioned shareholding ratio must now be adjusted as necessary."

De La Ruwak's words were tactful, but the meaning was crystal clear—

Since the market has proven that the value of technology far exceeds the value of production, Lionel should hold a larger stake in the new joint venture.

Armand Peugeot's smile froze on his face. He opened his mouth, trying to secure more benefits for himself and the Peugeot family.

But looking into De La Ruvak's eyes, and glancing at the orders on the table, he could only nod in the end...

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The Sorel-Rorschach Typing Cooperative on Muftar Street is no longer what it used to be.

In the spacious and bright room, more than a hundred brand-new Sorel 1 typewriters were neatly arranged.

The clicking sound of typing, like a symphony, is like a gentle breeze.

Alice Rorschach—who should perhaps be called "Teacher Rorschach"—is making her rounds and giving instructions in the room.

She wore a simple and neat dark dress, her hair was tied up in a bun at the back of her head, and her face had a confident and gentle expression.

The cooperative's business has long since gone beyond its initial simple copying.

They handle document entry for government departments, copying contracts for law firms, issuing press releases for newspapers, and handling correspondence for businesses...

There are even some writers' manuscripts being transcribed.

Typing training courses are now offered, and students use half of the machines here.

Today, the cooperative has a special visitor—"Red Saint" Louise Michel.

Louis Michelle followed behind Alice, nodding occasionally as she watched the women engrossed in their work.

After the visit, she told reporters, "This little machine is a key, a key that can unlock women's shackles and lead to liberation!"
Mastering a typewriter is not just about learning a skill, but about taking control of your own destiny!
It means that we can stand on our own feet in society, have the right to choose, and no longer have to endure unfair treatment!
This is a crucial step for French women, no, for women all over the world, toward independence and liberation!
Every tap they made here was paving the way for their sisters who would follow!

Louise Michel's visit and her speech were quickly reported by the accompanying reporters and other newspaper reporters who rushed to the scene.

"Sorel-Rorschach Typing Cooperative" and "Sorel Type 1 Typewriter" quickly made it onto the pages of several progressive newspapers in Paris.

The report sparked a huge social reaction.

Housewives, factory workers, maids... learned about this place near Muftar Street from newspapers and word of mouth.

With a mix of trepidation and hope, they came here one after another, registering to participate in the training and inquiring about the possibility of joining the cooperative.

The cooperative's doors were practically worn down, forcing Alice to consider opening evening training classes and begin looking for a new, larger venue.

At the same time, orders for the "Sorel 1" typewriter, like those for bicycles, began to surge.

It wasn't just cooperatives that needed to expand their equipment; many companies, firms, and government departments, after seeing the reports, also began to realize the efficiency and convenience of typewriters. Orders poured in like snowflakes to the "Eonia Sewing Machine Factory," which was responsible for producing the typewriters.

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In Mrs. Rothschild's private living room, the lady reclines gracefully on the sofa, a stack of documents in her hand.

Lionel sat in a Louis XV-style velvet armchair, feeling somewhat out of place amidst the classical luxury around him.

After reading the document, Mrs. Rothschild looked up, a slight smile playing on her lips, and then casually placed the document on the small mother-of-pearl inlaid table beside her.

Her voice was smoother than the finest silk: "20 francs? My dear Leon, is that really enough?"

Lionel clasped his hands on his knees, trying to hide his unease: "It's just a short-term loan, and the funds will be returned quickly afterwards."

Orders for bicycles and typewriters are growing too fast, and the factory needs to expand its production lines, add equipment and manpower, and also purchase raw materials...

"Once we can get through this period with 200,000 francs, a positive cycle can be achieved..."

Mrs. Rothschild gently raised her hand, interrupting him.

Her deep eyes fell on Lionel's slightly nervous face: "A loan? No, I don't intend to 'lend' you this 20 francs."

Lionel's heart sank; what was bound to happen had finally happened!
Sophie's gentle face flashed through his mind in an instant, his throat went dry, and his mind began to race.

Mrs. Rothschild suddenly chuckled, as if she could see through Lionel's embarrassment and hesitation.

Her tone carried a knowing and teasing tone: "Don't be nervous, Leon. The reason I said I wouldn't lend it is because I plan to 'invest' in it!"

"Investment?" Lionel was stunned, almost thinking he had misheard.

Madame Rothschild nodded: "Yes, an investment. I'm interested in bicycles and typewriters. The 20 francs will be used to purchase shares in the new company."

Furthermore, I can help you sell these products in markets in London, Vienna, and even St. Petersburg. Isn't that more beneficial for both of us than simply taking out a loan?

Lionel felt a huge weight lifted from his shoulders, and a genuine smile bloomed on his face: "No problem! I think this is good for both of us!"

However, Madame Rothschild's captivating eyes remained fixed on Lionel, with an almost intoxicated expression—

"However, Lionel, I also have an investment that I hope to receive your support for."

Lionel's smile faded, and he asked cautiously, "What kind of investment, madam?"

Mrs. Rothschild said calmly, “I intend to buy a theater in Paris, renovate it with the most advanced technology, and then ‘gift’ it to you.”

Lionel was completely stunned: "Give it to me?"

Madame Rothschild nodded slightly, her eyes burning with passion: "That's right. This theater will only stage your works."

"The Choir," "Thunderstorm," and your wonderful novels, "The Curious Case of Benjamin Bouton," and even all the plays you will write in the future...

I wish there were a theater in Paris where 'Sorel's plays' were performed every day. Just imagine how wonderful that would be!
Your name, along with this theater, will become an enduring artistic landmark in Paris.

Lionel's heart skipped a beat at the prospect of having his own top-tier theater.

But just a few seconds later, he raised his head, met Mrs. Rothschild's expectant gaze, and slowly said, "Madam, thank you for your kindness."

Owning a theater sounds incredibly tempting. But perhaps… we have a better option than simply acquiring one.

Mrs. Rothschild raised a slight eyebrow, clearly intrigued: "Oh?"

(End of this chapter)