Writer 1879: Solitary Journey in France

How about calling Chapter 410 "Edison-Sorel Electricity"?
Lionel sat in his study at 117 Boulevard Saint-Germain, his brow furrowed slightly.

There is very little communication between myself and the United States, whether in the political or cultural spheres, and direct communication is almost non-existent.

Although some American publishers, such as the Harper Brothers, sent him invitations to write articles by letter, he almost always forwarded them to De La Ruwak and then ignored them.

He has no shortage of newspapers or magazines willing to publish his work, and the fees offered by Americans are no higher than those offered by the British.

According to Lionel, the United States today is a new world full of opportunities but also rife with chaos, and in terms of culture, it treats the copyrights of foreign authors worse than Russia.

Russia, at least in the realm of theater, still respects copyrights and pays high royalties for staging new plays—of course, the main reason being the frequent exchanges between European theater companies, with the Bolshoi Theatre conducting a European tour every few years.

Touring not only brings substantial box office revenue, but also requires the support of local theaters to succeed, which is why the theater world formed a more solid alliance of interests earlier than the literary world.

This is also a major reason why Lionel has recently become so engrossed in theatrical creation.

Both "The Choir" and "Thunderstorm" continued to generate astonishing income for him, though not as much as the royalties from "The Montiel Scrolls," but far exceeding those from the novels themselves.

In particular, he has successively authorized nearly ten large theater companies in the UK, Italy, Austria, Russia and other countries to perform "The Choir". Banknotes of all colors are flowing into his pocket like the Seine River with its dam opened.

But not a single cent's worth of water ever appeared in this river.

He didn't believe that American readers weren't reading English translations of his novels, especially the Sherlock Holmes stories.

In the 19th century, American readers' tastes were basically at the level of "I read what the British read," and their literary foundation and aesthetic qualities had not yet been fully formed.

Therefore, Lionel had little interest in and was quite indifferent to America of this era.

However, only a very few people would be so eager as to receive a formal invitation from the US ambassador himself.

A few names flashed through Lionel's mind, then he put down the letter and looked out the window at the grey-blue Parisian sky.

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On the night of September 11, 1881, the air in Paris was already carrying the chill of early autumn.

The U.S. Embassy was brightly lit and stood out prominently in the night.

A carriage bearing the "Sorel Peugeot" nameplate was parked in front of the embassy.

Lionel, dressed in a well-tailored black evening gown, stepped off the carriage with Sophie in his arms.

Sophie chose a deep blue velvet gown for the evening, with delicate pearls adorning the neckline, which was both dignified and gentle.

She gently took Lionel's arm and whispered, "I'm a little nervous. I've heard that Americans are very...enthusiastic and direct."

Lionel patted the back of her hand: "Relax, just think of it as watching a play."

Stepping inside the embassy, ​​the crystal chandeliers illuminate the lobby as bright as day, and the air is still filled with the smells of cigars, perfume, and food.

Well-dressed men and women moved about, their conversations, laughter, and the sound of a string orchestra blending together.

Ambassador Levi Morton was a smiling, well-mannered diplomat.

He warmly greeted Lionel and Sophie: "Mr. Sorel, welcome! Your presence truly enhances tonight's banquet!"

His French had a slight accent, but it was very fluent.

After exchanging pleasantries, Levi Morton led Lionel to a small group of American artists and writers and gave him a brief introduction.

Most of these people came to Paris because they admired French culture, but they always remained on the periphery of Parisian cultural circles, finding it difficult to enter the most important salons.

Lionel's arrival was like a red-hot iron ball being thrown into ice water, instantly melting away the aloofness of these people.

They surrounded Lionel, flattering and fawning over him, talking about his novels and plays, and about the comical trial.

It was as if all it took was a single word from this young man to gain access to the most vibrant artistic circles in the heart of Paris.

If that were to happen, it would be enough to make them famous in the United States—after all, the prestige of an American writer is vastly different from that of an American writer who became famous in France.

Lionel understood all this, and he maintained a polite smile, chatting with these admirers about trivial matters, carefully evaluating each person's talent, and not making any promises lightly.

Of course, his mind was always on that "important guest".

Finally, Ambassador Morton wisely ended his conversation with another group of guests and turned to Lionel.

He walked over with a smile: "Mr. Sorel, please allow me to introduce you to a friend who has come from afar. He has long admired you."

Miss Sophie, my wife would like to talk to you about the latest children's bicycles. She bought one for each of our children..."

Sophie nodded tactfully and joined Ambassador Morton's wife's small circle.

Ambassador Morton, accompanied by Lionel, left the main venue amidst the lingering gazes of the American writers, and went to a side hall.

As soon as he entered the side hall, Lionel saw a short, stocky, and energetic middle-aged man.

Ambassador Morton began his introduction with enthusiasm: "This is Mr. Thomas Edison, a distinguished inventor from Menlo Park, New Jersey."

"Mr. Edison, this is Mr. Lionel Sorel, whom you've been wanting to meet."

It was indeed him, Lionel knew in his heart. Although he had suspected it beforehand, actually facing this "Wizard of Menlo Park" still made Lionel's heart tremble slightly.

This is the man who lit up the world with incandescent light bulbs, built the first central power station, and will engage in a brutal "war of electricity" with Tesla in the future.

Just a few months ago, he had poached all the electrical engineers from Tesla and Edison Electric's Paris branch from him.

But Thomas Edison was all smiles at this moment, as if nothing had happened.

He extended his hand and shook hands firmly with Lionel: "Mr. Sorel, I've heard so much about you! It's a pleasure to finally meet you."

He speaks English very quickly, and a translator beside him is whispering his words.

“Mr. Edison, it’s a pleasure to meet you,” Lionel replied in English, his tone calm.

Thomas Edison was not surprised; he waved his hand, and the translator left the side room.

Ambassador Morton, having achieved his goal, raised his glass: "I hope you have a pleasant conversation!"

Then he left the side hall.

For a moment, only Lionel and Thomas Edison remained.

He looked Lionel up and down, his smile still bright: "First of all, congratulations, Mr. Sorel. I've been following your recent brilliant legal victory in the United States as well."

Your powerful response to these unfair accusations, which garnered widespread public support, is truly remarkable.

Lionel replied calmly, "You flatter me, Mr. Edison. I was simply fortunate to have been blessed with the truth, and thankfully the citizens of Paris were clear-headed at the time."

Edison chuckled, seemingly appreciating Lionel's statement: "Luck is also part of strength, especially in a complex city like Paris."

He then got straight to the point: "Mr. Sorel, I've heard that your 'Sorel Electric' is developing rapidly and performing exceptionally well in theater renovation projects in France."

Would you be interested in attending the Power Expo?

Lionel's heart skipped a beat; he knew that Edison was referring to the first International Electricity Exposition being held at the Industrial Palace, which ran from August to November.

This was a significant event in the history of electricity development, showcasing the rapid progress of electrical technology since 1878.

Although the expo started in August, the number of visitors was not large due to the weather, and most of the exhibits were small and novel items.

The expo reaches its climax in September and October, when truly capable manufacturers and inventors will showcase their achievements to the world.

Lionel nodded demurely: "Of course, Mr. Edison. Sorel Electric would certainly not be absent from such a grand event."

We believe this is an excellent platform to showcase our ideas to Europe and the world.

Lionel knew that Tesla and the others had been preparing for this conference for months, and he himself had been deeply involved in it, all in order to make a splash at the event.

Thomas Edison leaned forward slightly, looking quite interested: "Oh? What surprises will 'Sorel Electric' bring to the world this time? I'm very curious."

After all, a company that can attract so many excellent engineers from my Paris branch must have something special about it.

Lionel smiled slightly; the great inventor still couldn't let go of his past grievances.

But his response remained impeccable: "Please allow me to keep this a secret, Mr. Edison. Everyone will know in a week at the Industrial Palace."

I believe I won't disappoint those interested in the future of electricity.

He paused for a moment, then turned the tables on him: "So, what kind of 'miracle' has Edison Electric prepared this time to conquer Paris and Europe?"

Edison was quite pleased with Lionel's compliment.

He straightened his back, his face displaying the enthusiasm and confidence of a preacher: "Coincidentally, Mr. Sorel, we have also chosen to present the 'unprecedented miracle of electricity and light' to the public at the Industrial Palace a week from now."

We will prove that stable, reliable lighting and power systems capable of transforming urban life are now a reality.

Lionel knew he was referring to direct current and incandescent light bulbs, but he couldn't guess how Edison would demonstrate the system this time.

Edison, of course, wouldn't reveal the details, but instead steered the conversation toward what he was more interested in.

At this point, his smile became more genuine: "Back to your 'Sorel Electric,' Mr. Sorel."

I must say that your theater renovation project has combined electric lighting with theatrical art so perfectly that it has created an unprecedented stage effect.

Your vision and decisiveness are truly admirable!

Lionel remained calm and did not offer any words of modesty; he knew that Edison's words were not about that.

Sure enough, the great inventor then lowered his voice and offered a very tempting suggestion: "Mr. Sorel, have you considered that we could have a deeper collaboration?"

You possess influence and channels in the cultural and artistic fields, while Edison Electric boasts the most mature and reliable lighting systems and patented technologies.

If we unite and form a new company, say 'Edison-Sorel Electric', to jointly develop the European market...

Imagine how powerful that would be! We could bring electric lights to every corner that needs illumination much faster.

(End of this chapter)