Writer 1879: Solitary Journey in France

Chapter 475 Gapu City, a City with a Love for Literature!

The news of Lionel Sorel's return to the Alps and his arrival in Gap quickly spread throughout Gap's "high society."

The population of Gapu is less than 10,000, and the so-called "upper class" comprises less than 100 households.

It was nothing more than the mayor, judges, a few wealthy businessmen, factory owners, high school principals, notaries, and heads of the tax bureau and courts...

In addition, there were several scions of old nobles who had some land from their ancestors and now maintained a respectable life by renting land or doing small businesses.

This circle is small; if there's any gossip or disturbance in someone's home, it can spread throughout the whole city in half a day.

The Sorel family is now the most unique existence in Gap.

Joseph Sorel was just a retired town clerk, and by all accounts, he shouldn't have been able to get into this circle.

But he had a wonderful son, Lionel Sorel! That name is now well-known in Paris and throughout France.

He could talk to writers, playwrights, inventors, industrialists, counts, ministers, and bankers.

The money he sends home every month is enough for the Sorel family to live a comfortable life in Gap.

Previously, Ivana's marriage was not a big deal. She was twenty-five years old, had freckles on her face, came from an ordinary family, and had been heartbroken by a swindler.

But times have changed. Whoever marries Ivana is now on the fast track to the Parisian high society.

Any family in Gapu with a modicum of common sense could figure this out.

But Lionel wasn't as easily fooled as his father; he'd seen it all—or more accurately, in Gapper, he was "the world" itself.

So, the day after Lionel arrived in Gap, the entire town's "high society" was in an uproar.

Fathers asked around to find out Lionel's preferences; sons rummaged through drawers to find his works, stammering as they recited those lines that had been quoted to death in the Paris Salon.

The entire nation of Gapu has never loved literature as much as it does now!

"Ah, this line, 'Hope is neither something that exists nor something that does not exist, just as a path is on the ground'... it must have philosophical meaning!"

"Idiot! Why memorize this? You should memorize Sherlock Holmes! 'When you have eliminated the impossible, what remains, however improbable, is the truth!'"

"Does he like music? I've heard the music in 'The Choir' is very beautiful..."

"He's an inventor! Bicycles! Typewriters! We need to talk about that!"

"He opposed colonialism? Good heavens, that's a dangerous topic, don't mention it!"

Meanwhile, those who have already been "out of the game" have become the subject of ridicule.

Gaspar Lefebvre, the fat son of the textile factory owner, and Philippe Durand, the son of the tax bureau chief, became the biggest joke in Gap.

"Have you heard? The chubby Lefebvre boy was kicked out by Mr. Sorel himself!"

"Durang too! His father was so angry that he smashed a glass at home, saying that his son had turned the gold mine into a trap!"

"Serves them right! Let them be arrogant! Do they really think they can do whatever they want just because they have a few bucks and know a few people?"

"Now it's all over, absolutely no chance. I heard Mr. Lionel didn't even give them a second glance."

Of course, many people were excited—Leonard hadn't turned everyone away, which meant there was still a chance.

The key question is, how can I catch the eye of this important person?

Some people immediately took action, bringing gifts to visit, but they were all turned away.

The Sorel family's refusal was straightforward: "Sir is tired from his journey and needs to rest and enjoy the warmth of family. He will not receive guests at this time."

Enjoying the warmth of family? Who believes that!

But who would dare to force their way in? Everyone could only leave disappointed, their hearts still yearning for more.

On the third day, things took a turn for the better.

Every family that had ever visited Sorel's home to court Ivana received an invitation.

The invitation was simple, but its contents were enough to make your heart race:
We cordially invite you to a banquet at the North Hotel in Gapu City at 7:00 PM on January 25, 1882.

Owners: Joseph Sorel, Lionel Sorel
There was no further explanation, but everyone understood that they were about to be "arrested"!

Lionel plans to personally select a future husband for his sister at a dinner party.

The entire upper class in Gapob was in an uproar.

Families who received invitations were overjoyed and began making careful preparations; those who did not receive invitations were dejected, lamenting that their sons were not living up to their potential.

Time flew by and it was the evening of January 25th.

The Northern Hotel is the largest and most magnificent hotel in Gapu, a five-story stone building located next to the city center square.

This place is usually quite busy, but tonight it's become the liveliest spot in the whole city.

It was not even seven o'clock yet, but the hotel entrance was already crowded with cars and people.

A long line of horse-drawn carriages stretched out, the horses puffing out white steam and pawing the ground restlessly; the drivers shouted and directed the carriages to stop.

Well-dressed gentlemen, accompanied by their equally elegantly dressed sons or younger relatives, stepped down from their carriages, exchanged pleasantries, and entered the hotel.

Everyone tried their best to learn the "Parisian style" they saw in newspapers and magazines, so that they wouldn't look like a country bumpkin in front of Lionel.

The mayor arrived, the speaker of the council arrived, the local court judge arrived, the tax bureau chief, the high school principal, several major factory owners and businessmen... almost all of Gap's prominent figures were present.

The banquet hall was brightly lit, with huge crystal chandeliers and gas wall lamps illuminating the room as if it were daytime.

The long dining table was covered with a snow-white linen tablecloth, and the silver cutlery gleamed.

The waiters, dressed in smart uniforms, moved among the guests carrying trays full of wine glasses.

People gathered in small groups to chat, but their eyes couldn't help but search for the Sorel father and son in the crowd.

Marcel Dubois also came, along with his father, Old Man Dubois.

They were wearing their best clothes—Old Dubois's dark suit, though old, was perfectly pressed;

Marcel also changed into his best coat and even tied the silk scarf that Ivana had given him around his neck.

However, compared to the young people around them, the father and son still appeared simple, even a bit shabby.

Many eyes fell on them, some scrutinizing, some curious, and some contemptuous, but no one dared to openly ridicule or mock them.

That day at Sorel’s house, it was Marcel who led Lionel back. Who knows what the great writer’s attitude was towards Marcel?

Nobody wants to take the risk at this critical juncture and anger tonight's main character.

Therefore, the contempt remained only in their eyes, at most a few suppressed sneers.

Marcel was so nervous that his palms were sweating; he never imagined he would be standing in such a situation.

Old Man Dubois stood tall, trying to maintain his dignity. He knew his son's chances were slim, but since he had received the invitation, he couldn't show weakness.

At seven o'clock sharp, there was a slight commotion at the entrance of the banquet hall, and Lionel Sorel and his father Joseph Sorel appeared.

Lionel wore a well-tailored dark suit, which made him look even more upright.

He wore a gentle smile, his gaze sweeping across the room with composure.

Old Joseph followed beside his son, pursing his lips and trying to appear calm.

The arrival of the host signifies the official start of the dinner.

Lionel and his father first welcomed all the guests and thanked them for taking the time to attend, their attitude was very sincere.

Immediately afterwards, the waiters began to serve the dishes.

Tonight's meal was specially prepared by the hotel at Lionel's request, a banquet with the most distinctive Alpine characteristics.

The first dish served was an appetizer called "Turdon," a golden-brown fried pastry, piping hot with a crispy crust.

The fillings include traditional potato cream, as well as cheese and spinach.

The guests used forks to eat, and each bite was full of delicious flavor, earning them high praise.

Someone exclaimed, "This is the true taste of the Alps! Mr. Sorel is homesick!"

Someone chimed in, "You can't find this authentic food in Paris! Mr. Sorel is a true gourmet!"

Next up are the "Alpine dumplings," with their incredibly thin wrappers filled with delicate mountain cheese and vegetable puree, soaked in a clear and flavorful broth. They are small, exquisite, and both comforting and appetizing.

Next, the main courses will be served one after another—

There are "donkey ears" made with spinach and mountain cheese, as well as "Dofina creamy baked potatoes," "Alpine ham," and "corn porridge"...

The drinks include refreshing white wines from Diva, as well as local Alpine liqueurs with unique aromas and a high alcohol content.

After the meal, there is a cup of their own dark roast coffee, which has a rich flavor and a slightly caramelized aroma; for dessert, there is "mountain blueberry pie" and "mountain honey".

This meal, from wild game in the mountains to homemade cheeses, from traditional snacks to authentic sweet drinks, fully showcased the scenery and food culture of the Alps.

The guests not only satisfied their taste buds, but also showered Lionel with praise throughout the meal.

The only regret was that Miss Ivana Sorel did not appear at the banquet, leaving many of the eloquent words she had prepared unused.

Lionel and his father, as hosts, moved between the tables, frequently raising their glasses in greeting, their attitude warm yet measured.

Lionel had already honed his social skills in Paris, and Joseph, influenced by his son, gradually relaxed as well.

Halfway through the dinner, the food was almost gone, and the wine glasses were refilled.

As is customary, it's time for free socializing; people should leave their seats, grab their glasses, move around, chat, and get to know each other.

But no one moved tonight; everyone sat there, their eyes occasionally glancing at Lionel.

In this small town, the so-called "upper class" circle is already very narrow, and the people there know each other so well that they have long since grown tired of each other.

All those usual polite and formal remarks seem really boring now.

Everyone knew perfectly well that the main event of the night was the young master of the Sorel family.

Lionel was clearly aware of this, and without keeping everyone waiting, he gently wiped his mouth with a napkin, then stood up and walked towards the small stage in the banquet hall.

All conversations ceased instantly, the entire banquet hall fell silent, and everyone's eyes were focused on Lionel.

(First update, please vote with monthly tickets)
(End of this chapter)