Writer 1879: Solitary Journey in France

Chapter 578 I should be under the car, not inside...

This wasteland on the edge of the Bois de Boulogne looked somewhat desolate under the winter sun.

The bushes are scattered here and there, the ground is uneven, and the deep green edge of the forest can be seen in the distance.

Lionel pointed in front of him with his new cane, as if the paradise was already complete:
"It's not a park filled with giant mechanical spectacles, nor is it a circus. It's a whole new way of life!"

Mrs. Rothschild was intrigued: "A whole new way of life?"

Lionel rested his cane on the ground again: "Yes! Think of Parisians now, who breathe the stench of the Seine and the smoke from factories every day."

What about weekends? They'll stroll in the Tuileries Garden, go to the theater, or chat in cafes. But all of this is just 'seeing'—seeing the scenery and watching the performances.

But the 'Pirates of the Caribbean Theme Park' isn't just for you to 'see,' it's for you to 'immerse.' From the moment you step through the doors, you're no longer a Parisian—

You are a traveler who has stepped into a port in the Caribbean!

Mrs. Rothschild pondered: "Like a larger-scale play? Bringing the audience in as characters?"

"Yes, it's more thorough than theater. In a theater, you sit in the audience and watch the actors perform on stage. Here, you yourself are part of the performance."

For Parisians, daily life involves working and commuting amidst smog and haze, while weekends or holidays are spent breathing in the green spaces, shopping, and socializing.

Coming to the "Pirates of the Caribbean Theme Park" will become a new habit for them; they won't be able to go anywhere they want occasionally, but will only be able to experience it here.

Mrs. Rothschild was silent for a moment. The wind rustled through the bushes. In the distance, the faint sound of carriage wheels could be heard, but it vanished in an instant.

She finally spoke: "Lional, on the other side of the forest, there was a 'taming park' opened in 1860, wasn't it just a place for them to relax?"

And the fees aren't high. What advantages does your amusement park have compared to a 'taming park'?

Lionel knew what she meant. The garden, which opened in 1860 on the edge of the Bois de Boulogne in Paris, was not an ordinary public park.

It's a paid venue that combines animal shows, science exhibits, entertainment, and middle-class leisure activities. Admission requires a ticket, but the price isn't high.

However, the low ticket price also filters out the audience; only middle-class families, upper-class citizens, and people who bring their children for leisure and to "broaden their horizons" will buy tickets to enter the park.

Lionel shook his head: "It's been over twenty years, it's outdated. Go there, and you can only see animals, plants, and scientific exhibits that are nothing new."

He took a step forward and drew a large circle in the dirt with his cane:
"But at the 'Pirates of the Caribbean' theme park, you're not just going to see a story, you're going to live in a story!"

Mrs. Rothschild listened attentively, and as Lionel recounted his story, a clear picture gradually emerged before her eyes.

"Parisians will no longer just go sightseeing or take a walk during their leisure time, but will enter a 'world of stories' that they can repeatedly tell to others."

He could tell his colleagues, "I helped Captain Jack Sparrow retrieve the compass on the Black Pearl!" or "I heard rumors about a cursed treasure in a tavern in Port Royal!"

People would count the days, eagerly anticipating the day they would go to Paradise—not for rest, but to continue their adventures.

He glanced at Mrs. Rothschild, noticing her attentive listening, then paused before concluding:
"This will revolutionize the modern lifestyle. People's lives will no longer consist of just work, family, and social interaction, but will also include a fantasy world that they can enter at any time."

This world has its rules, its roles, and its adventures. And the key to entering this world is a ticket.

Charles Garnier chimed in, “Mr. Sorel is absolutely right. And this park will become a new landmark in Paris. It will attract not only Parisians, but also people from the provinces and foreigners.”

Gustave Eiffel nodded: "We also plan to set up arcades at several entrances, just like those in Paris, but all in the 'Pirates of the Caribbean' style."

Mrs. Rothschild's eyes lit up; she quickly sensed a business opportunity.

The arcades—those indoor shopping streets with glass roofs and lined with shops on both sides—are the most important shopping venues for the Parisian middle class.

If this model could be brought to the park entrance... a brand new picture quickly unfolded before her eyes.

For visitors to the park, their adventure begins not only with "seeing" but also with "buying." They not only buy tickets but also various souvenirs.

Pirate hats, binoculars, maps, badges, comic book collections featuring characters... even "customized" trinkets.

For example, a toy knife engraved with your name, a pirate tricorn hat that fits your head size, or a treasure map with yourself drawn inside it...

More importantly, the arcades enhance the ability to meet tourists' desire for immediate consumption.

You see a pirate hat in a shop window, you want it, you go into the store, pay, and put it on—the whole process might only take three minutes.

The thrills and emotional fluctuations inside the park amplify this rhythm:

After screaming on the "pirate ship," successfully solving the puzzle in the "maze," and watching a wonderful performance—when emotions are running high, people are more willing to spend!
Consumption, in turn, fuels emotions—"I truly existed today," "I belong to this story"—

You will go home wearing a pirate hat, you will show your treasure map to your friends, and you will play with your newly bought telescope.

Shopping is no longer just about replenishing what you lack, but has become part of the emotional experience!

These objects are more than just commodities; they are vessels of memories, badges of status, and bridges connecting reality and fantasy. This could truly reshape the European way of life!
Mrs. Rothschild was somewhat dazed by the imagery in her mind; she seemed to be able to see those scenes—

Parents with their children, young couples holding hands, groups of friends... They lingered in front of the shop windows in the arcade, excitedly discussing the merchandise inside.

Therefore, in theme parks, ticket revenue is just the beginning. There's also the rent from the arcades, sales from shops within the park, food and beverage consumption, and surcharges for special attractions…

Mrs. Rothschild's mind raced with calculations. She had invested in many projects—railways, mines, factories, real estate—but those were all traditional investments.

This park is different. It doesn't sell goods or services, but rather an experience, a lifestyle, and a sense of identity.

And once this kind of thing is accepted by people, it creates a strong sense of stickiness. You'll come back again and again because you want to continue your adventure.

You'll bring friends because you want to share your world; you'll be more willing to spend money because you want to immerse yourself more deeply.

She took a deep breath, her mind made up. This investment might be very risky, but it wouldn't be a waste, especially since it could bring about a huge social impact.

If this paradise truly becomes a part of European life, then the Rothschild family name will no longer be associated solely with banks, railways, and mines.

It will be associated with a new way of life, with happiness, adventure, and fantasy.

This is a rare opportunity for redemption for a family whose image has been repeatedly embroiled in financial scandals!

Mrs. Rothschild quickly regained her composure. Her alluring demeanor returned, with a faint smile playing on her lips.

She looked at Lionel, then at Eiffel and Garnier.

"Gentlemen," she said, "I think I understand. This project—I will prioritize supporting it."

Lionel nodded: "Thank you for your trust."

“However,” Mrs. Rothschild added, “I want to see detailed plans. Including the construction budget, operating costs, revenue forecasts, and payback period…”

"Of course. Mr. De Laruwak is already preparing the relevant documents. They can be delivered to you next week!"

"very good!"

They stood on the wasteland for a while longer.

Eiffel and Garnier pointed out several key locations, explaining where the main entrance would be built, where the arcades would be built, and where the core area of ​​the park would be.

Mrs. Rothschild listened attentively, only occasionally asking a few questions.

As the sun gradually sets in the west, it casts long shadows from the trees.

“It’s time to go back,” said Madame Rothschild, then turned to Lionel. “Lion, you may ride in my carriage. I need to know the details of the investment.”

Lionel hesitated for a moment, then nodded. He turned to Eiffel and Garnier: "Gentlemen, shall we continue in the office tomorrow?"

“Okay,” the two replied.

Madame Rothschild's carriage was parked a little further away. It was a four-wheeled carriage with a dark blue body and the Rothschild family crest on the door.

The coachman opened the door, and Madame Rothschild got in first, followed by Lionel; the maid and the coachman squeezed into the driver's seat.

The carriage was spacious, with deep red velvet seats, thick carpets underfoot, and delicate lace curtains hanging from the windows.

A faint perfume scent, a blend of rose and amber, filled the air.

The carriage started moving, slowly traveling along the road at the edge of the Bois de Boulogne.

Madame Rothschild leaned back lazily in her chair, looking at Lionel with a half-smile playing on her lips.

“Leon, you don’t need to try so hard to convince me. One million francs is a large sum, but it’s not an absurd investment. I can see its potential.”

Lionel shook his head: "Business is business. I don't want anyone to lose money, especially you."

Mrs. Rothschild smiled, with a hint of charm and a touch of amusement: "You're always so serious."

Sometimes I feel that you care more about 'not losing money' than any banker I've ever met.

Lionel shrugged: "Maybe it's because I was really poor before."

Mrs. Rothschild didn't want to continue the conversation. She glanced at him, leaned forward slightly, and moved closer to Lionel.

The carriage swayed slightly, and her blonde hair swayed gently by her ears.

"Then tell me, what happened to Jacques and Ruth in the carriage?"

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(End of this chapter)