Lionel listened to Thomas Edison's cooperation proposal and sneered inwardly.
His words sounded good, but what appeared in Lionel's mind was a long list of names including Frank Sprague, Joseph Swan, and of course, Nikola Tesla.
These were all Edison's partners or subordinate engineers at different historical periods, but they all eventually parted ways unhappily, and even became enemies.
Thomas Edison's obsession with control and patents was as famous as his curiosity about new things.
The so-called cooperation would often ultimately turn into the other party being completely devoured by him through money or other means.
What's more, Lionel knew that alternating current was the future trend, so how could he tie his and Tesla's future to Edison's direct current empire?
Lionel spoke in a mild tone, but rejected him without hesitation:
"Thank you for your kindness and proposal, Mr. Edison.
First, let me correct a slip of the tongue. Just a few weeks ago, 'Sorel Electric' was officially renamed 'Sorel-Tesla Electric'.
If 'Edison' were added, the company's name would probably be too long."
Thomas Edison's eyelid twitched.
He hadn't expected that Lionel would trust that young electrical engineer so much.
Although he also knew that Nikola Tesla was a genius—he had too many geniuses working for him, including himself.
So losing one, although it made him somewhat angry and frustrated, was certainly not a cause for concern.
But the name "Sorel-Tesla Electric" still gave him a sense of crisis.
In his eyes, although contemporary Europe was not lacking in all kinds of inventions and creations, the overly fragmented market environment resulted in these inventions and creations being unable to effectively connect.
Just like the electric lamp, he wasn't the first to start researching it, nor the first to achieve concrete results, but he was the first to link the power system with the electric lamp for commercial operation.
Russians, Frenchmen, Englishmen... Clever minds fought individually, the era of Americans was coming!
But Lionel made him see that among Europeans, there were also figures capable of "systemic integration."
The alternating use of arc lamps and carbon-filament lamps involved in "The Thunderstorm" stage renovation fully demonstrated this writer's foresight in this regard.
As for "the name being too long," it was clearly a jocular refusal.
Indeed, Lionel then clarified his stance:
"'Sorel-Tesla Electric' currently prefers independent development, exploring paths suitable for the European market and future technological directions.
Perhaps, on certain specific projects in the future, we can seek possibilities for cooperation. Just like now, we still purchase thousands of sets of electric lamp systems from you every month..."
The smile on Edison's face froze.
France's theater renovation project was in full swing.
In the past, the electrical engineers of the Paris branch each began to take charge independently, and the demand for electric lamps surged.
"Sorel-Tesla Electric" had now become "Edison Electric Lamp's" largest customer.
However, the profit for each of these electric lamp systems was not high, and the key was that this huge discount was personally instructed by him for the Paris branch to give to Lionel.
Thinking of this, Thomas Edison felt a pang of pain.
But he was a prominent figure after all, and immediately returned to normal.
He spread his hands and said magnanimously:
"Of course, of course, I understand, independent spirit is very important.
Well then, Mr. Sorel, I hope we both have excellent performances at the exhibition!
Perhaps healthy competition can better promote technological progress, wouldn't you agree?"
He raised the wine glass in his hand and gestured to Lionel.
Lionel also raised his glass in response:
"Without a doubt, competition is the catalyst for progress."
The two gently clinked glasses, and at the moment their eyes met, they both saw the unyielding sharpness in each other's eyes.
After a few more polite exchanges about the organization of the exhibition and the prospects of electricity application in Paris, Edison excused himself to meet other guests and politely departed.
Lionel watched his retreating back and could almost feel the other's displeasure.
Just then, the American Ambassador to France, Levi Morton, came to the side hall again.
The smile on his face was still amiable:
"Mr. Sorel, I hope your conversation with Mr. Edison was pleasant."
Lionel's reply was also proper:
"Very insightful, Mr. Ambassador."
Ambassador Morton nodded:
"Mr. Edison represents America's enterprising spirit in technology and industry.
And you, Mr. Sorel, represent Europe, especially France, its vitality and innovation in the field of culture and art.
I personally deeply admire your works, whether 'The Choir' or 'The Thunderstorm,' they are all very impressive."
He paused, and his tone became animated:
"America is a young and vibrant country. Our people have a deep interest in and respect for European, especially French, culture and art.
Mr. Sorel, I wonder if you have considered, at an appropriate time, taking a trip to America?
I believe your arrival will surely bring a breath of fresh air to the American cultural and art scene.
Our writers, artists, and even the general readers and audience will warmly welcome you."
Lionel smiled noncommittally:
"Perhaps when there's an opportunity in the future..."
At this moment, the cheerful prelude of a polka sounded from the hall.
Lionel raised his glass:
"Your Excellency, please excuse me, this is the only dance I know how to dance, and I wouldn't want to miss it."
With that, he entered the main hall to find Sophie.
---
In the following days, Lionel took Sophie, Alice, Patty, and Armand Peugeot and others to visit the "International Electrical Exhibition."
The Palace of Industry was bustling with activity.
Inventors and engineers from all over the world gathered together, showcasing their latest electrical achievements.
The air was filled with the smell of machine oil and paint, interspersed with the hum of operating machines and the exclamations of visitors.
They first saw Zénobe Gramme's electric motor.
This seemingly simple device was running smoothly, driving a small water pump nearby, continuously drawing water upwards and then letting it flow down.
Tesla and Poincaré were not there, so Lionel could only explain to his companions:
"Look, this is an electric motor. It converts electrical energy into mechanical energy."
Alice curiously leaned in to observe:
"It's much smaller than a steam engine, and there's no soot."
Armand Peugeot immediately saw its potential:
"If the power supply issue can be solved, this machine could change the entire industry.
Imagine installing it on a belt-driven machine..."
Not far away, Werner von Siemens' "Theater Listener" was surrounded by a crowd of spectators.
This device could transmit the sound from a distant theater to the exhibition site via electrical wires.
Although the sound quality was crude, it amazed the listeners.
Sophie whispered in admiration:
"It's like being in the theater!"
Lionel nodded:
"This is an application of the telephone. In the future, people will be able to get rid of cables and hear distant concerts from home."
Alice showed an expression of disbelief:
"No wires? I don't believe it..."
Lionel shrugged:
"Not just sound, you'll also be able to see images, even clearer than looking through binoculars at the theater."
Now even Sophie didn't believe it:
"Lionel, what you're saying is too outlandish..."
Only Patty was the happiest:
"Young Master, does that mean we won't have to go to school anymore? We can have classes directly at home, that's great!"
Lionel patted Patty's head and thought to himself:
"Believe me, it's not that great..."
Meanwhile, Alexander Bell's telephone booth had an even longer queue.
Visitors vied to experience this marvelous device capable of long-distance communication.
However, Lionel had already seen this thing in Norman Macleod's office before, so he wasn't very interested and took them directly to his French compatriot Gustave Trouvé's exhibition area.
Trouvé's exhibited electric boat and electric car caused a sensation!
Especially the three-wheeled electric car, driven by a DC motor and rechargeable lead-acid batteries.
Although slow, it could move on its own without horses.
Armand Peugeot's eyes couldn't leave the car from the moment he saw it, completely forgetting everyone else.
For two consecutive days, he circled this early "electric car," carefully studying every detail of it.
On the afternoon of the second day, Armand finally said excitedly and confidently to Lionel:
"Mr. Sorel, look, we have better motors, and Mr. Tesla is a genius in this field.
If we could cooperate to improve this vehicle..."
Looking at this crude three-wheeled electric car, Lionel's heart was quite conflicted.
Its top speed was only twelve kilometers per hour, its range was extremely poor, and its charging time was extraordinarily long—
Of course, it was indeed a technological marvel in 1881, but in his eyes, it seemed so primitive.
Lionel chose his words carefully:
"Armand, electric cars certainly have great prospects, but don't you think its power source is a problem?"
Armand Peugeot looked at him puzzled:
"Battery technology will improve. And electricity is cleaner than steam, and more efficient than horses."
Lionel knew that directly telling Armand "to focus on internal combustion engines" would be too abrupt.
After all, it was unclear whether gasoline engines had been invented yet.
But counting the days, cars should be appearing soon, and some of the prerequisite technologies it relied on at least had prototypes in Britain.
Lionel said cautiously:
"I heard that someone in Germany is researching an internal combustion engine that runs on gasoline... Perhaps we should keep an eye on all forms of power."
Armand Peugeot was thoughtful, but his gaze still couldn't leave the electric car:
"Perhaps you're right, but this electric car, it represents the future."
Lionel patted his shoulder:
"Yes, electric cars are definitely the future. At that time, let's use Nikola's surname as the brand for electric cars!"
Armand Peugeot felt a little wronged:
"I was clearly the one who proposed the idea..."
Lionel smiled:
"Armand, you're different from others. Don't waste your time on electric cars..."
During the visit, everyone noticed an area in the center of the exhibition's largest hall, tightly covered by scaffolding and black cloth.
From within came busy hammering sounds and the shouts of workers.
At least dozens of people were nervously assembling something.
A staff member told them:
"That's what Edison is going to exhibit! I heard it's a huge project!"
Lionel withdrew his gaze and said to his companions in the car:
"Next week, Mr. Edison will give the people of Paris a surprise.
And we will also give Mr. Edison a surprise!"
(End of Chapter)