Writer 1879: Solitary Journey in France

Chapter 411 Naive Patty, Naive Beauty!
Lionel listened to Thomas Edison's proposal for cooperation and sneered inwardly.

His words sounded appealing, but what came to Lionel's mind was a long list of names, including Frank Schberg, Joseph Swan, and of course Nikola Tesla.

These were Edison's partners or subordinate engineers at different historical periods, but they all eventually parted ways on bad terms, even becoming enemies.

Thomas Edison was as famous as his obsession with control and patents as he was his curiosity about new things.

So-called cooperation often ends up with the other party being completely devoured by him through money or other means.

Moreover, Lionel knew that alternating current was the future trend, so how could he possibly tie his own and Tesla's future to Edison's direct current empire?
Lionel spoke gently, but declined without hesitation: "Thank you for your kind offer, Mr. Edison."

First, let me correct a slip of the tongue. Just a few weeks ago, 'Sorel Electric' officially changed its name to 'Sorel-Tesla Electric'.

If we add "Edison" to that, the company's name would probably be too long.

Thomas Edison's eyelids twitched; he hadn't expected Lionel to trust the young electrical engineer so much.

Although he knew Nikola Tesla was a genius—he had too many geniuses under his wing, including himself.

So losing one made him somewhat angry and frustrated, but not at all worried.

However, the name "Sorel-Tesla Electric" still gave him a sense of crisis.

In his view, although Europe today has no shortage of inventions and creations, the overly fragmented market environment has prevented these inventions and creations from being effectively linked together.

Just like with electric lights, he wasn't the first person to start researching them, nor the first to achieve concrete results, but he was the first to link the power system with electric lights for commercial operation.

Russians, French, British... brilliant minds fighting their own battles—the American era is coming!

But Lionel showed him that there were also Europeans capable of "systematic integration".

The alternating use of arc lamps and carbon filament lamps in the stage renovation of "Thunderstorm" fully demonstrates the writer's vision in this regard.

As for the "name is too long" excuse, it was clearly a joking refusal.

Sure enough, Lionel then made his stance clear: "'Sorel-Tesla Electric' currently prefers to develop independently and explore paths suitable for the European market and future technological directions."

Perhaps, in certain specific projects in the future, we can explore the possibility of cooperation. For example, we still purchase several thousand lighting systems from you every month…”

Edison's smile froze.

The theater renovation project in France is in full swing, and the electrical engineers from the Paris branch are all starting to work independently, leading to a surge in demand for electric lights.

Sorel-Tesla Electric has now become Edison's largest customer.

However, the profit margin for each of these lighting systems was not high, and the key point was that he personally instructed the Paris branch to give Lionel this huge discount.

Thomas Edison felt a pang of heartache at the thought of it.

But he was a big shot after all, and he quickly regained his composure, shrugging and saying in a magnanimous tone, "Of course, of course, I understand. An independent spirit is very important."

Well, Mr. Sorel, I hope we both do well at the expo!

Perhaps healthy competition is more likely to drive technological progress?

He raised his glass to Lionel.

Lionel responded by raising his glass: "Without a doubt, competition is a catalyst for progress."

The two clinked glasses lightly, and in the instant their eyes met, they both saw the unyielding sharpness in each other's eyes.

After exchanging a few pleasantries about the organization of the Exposition and the prospects for electricity in Paris, Edison politely excused himself, saying he had to meet with other guests.

Lionel watched his departing figure and could almost feel the other man's displeasure.

Just then, U.S. Ambassador to France Levi Morton came to the side room again.

His smile remained warm: "Mr. Sorel, I hope you and Mr. Edison have a pleasant conversation."

Lionel's reply was also appropriate: "Very enlightening, Mr. Ambassador."

Ambassador Morton nodded: "Mr. Edison represented the American spirit of enterprise in technology and industry."

And you, Mr. Sorel, represent the vitality and innovation of Europe, especially France, in the field of culture and art.

I personally admire your works very much; both "The Choir" and "Thunderstorm" are very impressive.

He paused, then his tone became enthusiastic: "The United States is a young and vibrant country, and our people have a deep interest in and respect for the culture and arts of Europe, especially France."

Mr. Sorel, have you ever considered taking a trip to the United States when the time is right?
I believe that your arrival will bring fresh air to the American cultural and artistic community.

Our writers, artists, and even our vast readership and audience will warmly welcome you.

Lionel smiled noncommittally: "Maybe another time..."

Just then, the cheerful prelude to a polka filled the hall, and Lionel raised his glass: "Your Excellency, excuse me, this is the only dance I know, and I don't want to miss it."

After saying that, he went into the hall to find Sophie.

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Over the next few days, Lionel, along with Sophie, Alice, Petit, and Armand Peugeot, began to tour the "International Electricity Exposition." The Palace of Industry was bustling with activity, as inventors and engineers from all over the world gathered to showcase their latest electrical achievements.

The air was filled with the smell of machine oil and paint, mixed with the hum of machinery and the exclamations of visitors.

They first saw Chinab Gram's electric motor.

This seemingly simple device is operating smoothly, driving a small water pump next to it to continuously pump water to a high place and then tilt it down.

Neither Tesla nor Poincaré were present, so Lionel had to explain to his companions: "Look, this is an electric motor; it converts electrical energy into mechanical energy."

Alice leaned closer to examine it curiously: "It's much smaller than a steam engine, and it doesn't produce any soot."

Armand Peugeot immediately saw its potential: "If the power supply problem can be solved, this machine could transform the entire industry."

Just imagine, installing it on a tire conveyor…

Not far away, a crowd of people gathered in front of Werner von Siemens' "Drama Radio".

This device can transmit sound from a distant theater to the expo site via wires, and although the sound quality is rough, it amazes the audience.

Sophie exclaimed softly, "It's just like being in a theater!"

Lionel nodded: "This is an application of the telephone. In the future, people will be able to get rid of cables and listen to concerts from afar from home."

Alice looked incredulous: "No string needed? I don't believe it..."

Lionel shrugged: "Not just sound, but also visuals, clearer than what you can see with binoculars in a theater."

Even Sophie didn't believe it anymore: "Leon, what you're saying is too far-fetched..."

Only Patty was the happiest: "Young Master, does that mean we won't have to go to school anymore? We can just study at home! That's great!"

Lionel patted Petty's head, silently thinking, "Believe me, it's not that great..."

Long queues formed in front of Alexander Bell's telephone booth.

Visitors eagerly tried out this amazing device that allows for long-distance communication.

However, Lionel had seen this thing before in Norman McLeod's office, so he wasn't very interested and took them directly to the exhibit of his fellow Frenchman, Gustave Truffaut.

Truff's electric boat and electric car caused a sensation!

In particular, the three-wheeled electric vehicle, powered by a DC motor and a rechargeable lead-acid battery, was slow but could move forward on its own without horses.

Armand Peugeot's eyes were glued to the car from the moment he saw it, completely forgetting everyone else.

For two consecutive days, he circled around this early "tram," carefully studying every detail.

The following afternoon, Armand finally said to Lionel with excitement and certainty, "Mr. Sorel, you see, we have a better motor, and Mr. Tesla is a genius in this field."

If we can work together to improve this vehicle…

Lionel looked at the simple three-wheeled electric vehicle, his feelings quite complicated.

Its top speed is only twelve kilometers per hour, its range is extremely poor, and its charging time is extremely long.

Of course, it was a technological marvel in 1881, but it seemed so primitive to him.

Lionel carefully chose his words: "Armand, electric cars certainly have a lot of potential, but don't you think their power source is a problem?"

Armand Peugeot looked at him with puzzlement: "Battery technology will improve. And electricity is cleaner than steam and more efficient than horses."

Lionel knew that telling Armand directly that "we should focus on internal combustion engines" would be too abrupt, since it was still unknown whether gasoline engines had even been invented yet.

However, judging by the timeline, automobiles should be appearing soon, and some of the underlying technologies they rely on have at least taken shape in the UK.

Lionel cautiously remarked, "I've heard that some people in Germany are researching an internal combustion engine that uses gasoline as fuel... Perhaps we should keep an eye on all forms of power."

Armand Peugeot seemed thoughtful, but his gaze remained fixed on the electric car: "Perhaps you are right, but this electric car represents the future."

Lionel patted him on the shoulder: "Yes, electric cars are definitely the future. When that happens, let's use Nicola's surname as the brand name for our electric cars!"

Armand Peugeot felt wronged: "The idea was clearly mine..."

Lionel smiled. "Armand, you're different from others. Don't waste your time on electric cars..."

During the visit, everyone will notice an area in the center of the largest exhibition hall of the expo that is completely covered by scaffolding and black cloth.

Inside, the sounds of busy hammering and shouts of workers could be heard; at least dozens of people were busily assembling something.

One of the staff members told them, "That's what Edison wanted to exhibit; I heard it's a huge project!"

Lionel turned his gaze back to his companions in the car and said, "Next week, Mr. Edison will give the people of Paris a surprise."

And we will give Mr. Edison a surprise!

(Two chapters finished tonight. I haven't returned to Shenzhen yet, and the writing environment is still a bit harsh...)
(End of this chapter)