Writer 1879: Solitary Journey in France

Chapter 432 You American journalists, you run fast! (Bonus Chapter 4)

The knocking started again, this time even more urgent than Stevenson's.

Lionel frowned; there were quite a few visitors today. He walked over and opened the hatch again.

This time, the scene outside the door stunned him. The narrow first-class aisle was packed with people!
Not one, not two, but a group, about seven or eight, lined up in the aisle.

All eyes were fixed on Lionel.

The middle-aged man standing at the front spoke first: "Good evening, Mr. Lionel Sorel!"

Lionel looked at the group of uninvited guests with some confusion. He naturally recognized them; they were all reporters from major American newspapers and magazines.

The New York Herald, The New York Tribune, The New York Sun, Harper's Weekly, The Atlantic, Century Magazine...

How did these reporters from top American media outlets all end up at his cabin door at the same time?
Before he could ask a question, the man continued, “Mr. Sorel, let’s get straight to the point. We’re both here for the same thing.”

We hope you can share the eight incredible stories you told during this voyage—from the '80s to the old fishermen battling the sea—

Leave it to us! We're willing to offer you the highest rates in the US; the New York Herald is willing to pay 30 cents per word!

Other reporters couldn't resist joining in and started offering their prices, generally 30 cents per word, with some even bidding as high as 50 cents per word.

This is undoubtedly an astronomical price—you should know that at the current exchange rate, 1 US dollar can be exchanged for at least 5 francs!

A question crept into Lionel's mind: "'The Perel' has been at sea the whole time and only just dropped anchor. How did you get authorization from the newspaper?"

A reporter from the New York Herald explained, "As soon as the Perel dropped anchor, we used a rope ladder to get down to the small boat, and then it cost us some money..."

Another young reporter from Century Magazine interrupted him, adding, "The small boat took us to the lighthouse on Sandy Hook Sandbar!"
There was a telegraph line leading directly to New York, and we used the lighthouse's telegraph system to immediately report to our respective headquarters the story you created on board.

Soon, we received a reply—almost all headquarters had the same instruction: to secure the first publication rights for these stories at all costs!

We can offer the highest possible payment for the article!

Lionel was speechless for a moment after hearing this. He knew that competition in the American media was fierce, but he did not expect it to be to this extent.

In their quest to break the news, these reporters went to extreme lengths, even resorting to the lighthouse's telegram, which is only used in the event of a major incident.

He couldn't help but exclaim, "You American journalists are so fast! Our French journalists are probably still waiting in line for quarantine..."

The reporters wore smug expressions.

However, Lionel shook his head: "Thank you very much for your kindness. Whether it's 30 cents or 50 cents per word, it's a very generous offer."

However, I'm sorry, I cannot agree to that right now.

The reporters almost unanimously asked, "Why?" Their faces were filled with confusion.

Lionel shrugged: "The workload is too much. Those stories are still just talk; I need time to create them—eight in total!"
It's impossible for me to deliver eight decent novels simultaneously in a short period. That would be irresponsible to you and to my readers.

So, I'd rather wait until I'm settled and have time to sit down and write them down slowly.

Seeing that Lionel's attitude was firm and his reasons were reasonable, the reporters were disappointed but could not press him any further.

They could only leave their business cards, repeatedly urging Lionel to prioritize them should any manuscripts be completed, before leaving reluctantly.

Lionel closed the door, leaned against it, and let out a long sigh.

He's not that stupid. Even if he had the material on hand, he wouldn't release all eight chapters in the short term; that would be too "cheap."

After all, storytelling is one thing, and writing a novel is another.

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The next day, the Perel finally entered New York Harbor slowly, led by a pilot ship, and headed toward the dock at the southern end of Manhattan Island.

As the ship drew near, Lionel, Zola, Maupassant, and others standing on the ship's side were all awestruck by the sight before them.

This was probably the grandest welcome they had ever seen in their lives.

The pier area in Lower Manhattan was packed with people; the dark mass of people stretched from the pier all the way to the streets behind it, as if the entire city of New York had flocked here.

Thousands of faces looked up at the slowly approaching Perel, talking, shouting, and waving their arms, making it even noisier than Christmas.

On the dock, countless colorful flags and banners fluttered in the breeze.

In addition to the American Stars and Stripes and the French tricolor flag, there were many banners bearing welcoming slogans:
"Welcome, masters of France!"

"Homage to Zola, to Daudet, to Sorel!"

"Long live Zola!"

Long live the friendship between the United States and France!

Welcome to New York!

Some of the large banners even featured the names and portraits of the nine authors.

A large band of soldiers, dressed in brightly colored uniforms, stood in neat formation on the dock and played the majestic "La Marseillaise".
After one piece was finished, the lively "Yankee Song" followed immediately.

The rousing music mingled with the cheers, whistles, and applause of the crowd, creating a tremendous wave of sound.

Even standing high on the ship's railing, Lionel and his crew felt the deafening roar. Reporters scrambled for the best spots, at least twenty or thirty cameras were already set up, and flashbulbs were ready.

Many members of high society, dressed in glamorous gowns, stood at the very front, eagerly awaiting their arrival.

Huysman adjusted his glasses and muttered to himself, "My God! This is even more extravagant than Napoleon's triumphant return!"

Maupassant waved his hat excitedly at the crowd on the dock, even though the people below couldn't see who he was at all.

"Look! Look! I knew we'd cause a sensation in the New World!"

Even the usually composed Zola was deeply moved at this moment, constantly adjusting his bow tie as if afraid it might be crooked.

The Perel finally docked smoothly and was secured with cables.

Amidst great anticipation, led by Émile Zola, and featuring Lionel Sorel, Alphonse Daudet, Guy de Maupassant, Edmond de Goncourt, Joris-Carl Huysmann, Paul Alexis, Léon Ennique, Henri Céar...

Nine French writers, carrying their suitcases, slowly walked down the gangway.

The moment their feet touched American soil, the welcoming crowd erupted in a massive, tsunami-like cheer!

The sound seemed to tear the sky apart!

The hat was tossed into the air, and the handkerchief waved like a white butterfly.
The flashbulbs went off, puffs of white smoke billowing out, capturing this historic moment.

New York City Mayor William Grace and French Consul General in New York, Paul de Verny, stood at the front of the crowd, greeting them with broad smiles.

Mayor Grace shook hands with Zola, Lionel, and others one by one, and then delivered a brief welcoming speech:
"Gentlemen! Welcome to New York! Welcome to the United States of America!"

Your arrival is not only a grand event in New York, but also a testament to the friendship between our two countries!
New York is eagerly anticipating witnessing your brilliance and experiencing the charm of France!

Émile Zola, as a representative, stepped forward and expressed her gratitude in French: "Dear Mayor, Consul General, and all the warm-hearted citizens of New York!"

Thank you for such a grand and warm welcome! We come with greetings from France and look forward to new inspiration in this new land.

We believe this will be a pleasant journey!

Then William Grace and Paul de Verny led the nine men to shake hands and meet the celebrities in the "VIP area".

There were just too many people and it was too noisy, so Lionel didn't remember anyone's name.

Then they shook hands with some of the ordinary citizens who were at the front, and after going around in circles, the backs of everyone's hands were all red from being gripped so tightly.

Only then did this grand ceremony come to an end.

But then, an even more surprising arrangement occurred—

On one side of the dock, nine luxurious four-wheeled carriages were neatly parked, each painted in a dazzling gold and decorated with exquisite patterns.

The horses pulling the carriage were tall and magnificent, their harnesses gleaming, making it seem as if they were about to embark on a royal procession.

In front of each golden carriage stood a young couple, well-dressed, handsome and beautiful, with smiles on their faces.

An official in charge of the reception explained to the writers that these young people were the children of some of New York's most prominent and influential families.

The male students are mostly from prestigious universities such as Harvard, Yale, and Columbia, while the female students are from the best women's colleges in the United States.

They were all fluent in French and familiar with French literature, and were specially selected to serve as companions and guides for Lionel and others.

They will be responsible for answering any questions from our distinguished guests and introducing them to the local customs, historical buildings, or anything else that interests them.

Lionel was led to one of the golden carriages, where young guides, all around sixteen or seventeen years old, were waiting, full of youthful energy.

The man was tall and well-built, wearing a well-fitting suit; the woman was beautiful and elegant, wearing a light blue long dress.

The official in charge of the introductions said to Lionel, "Mr. Sorel, these two will be your guides during your time in New York."

This is Mr. John Pierpont Morgan Jr., and this is his sister, Miss Anne Morgan.

They are all the most outstanding young people in the Morgan family!

The Morgan family? Lionel's heart skipped a beat; he certainly knew the financial empire that surname represented.

John Pierpont Morgan Jr. stepped forward first and said in fluent French, “Mr. Sorel, it is a great honor to be your guide in New York.”

We have all read your works, especially the Sherlock Holmes stories, which are absolutely brilliant.

Anne Morgan smiled and curtsied, her voice clear and crisp: "Welcome to New York, Mr. Sorel."

We hope you'll feel the warmth of this city.

Lionel responded politely, "Thank you very much, Mr. Morgan, Ms. Morgan. Thank you for your help."

The other writers were also led to their respective carriages to meet their young guides.

Then, the nine French writers, accompanied by their respective young guides, boarded the nine dazzling golden carriages.

As the driver gently flicked the reins, the horses began to move, and the golden convoy, amidst watchful eyes and cheers, slowly started its journey into the heart of Manhattan, New York…

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(End of this chapter)