The Shadow of Great Britain

241: Chapter 163: Media Empire and the Bare Pole Commander (5K)_2 241: Chapter 163: Media Empire and the Bare Pole Commander (5K)_2 Even if you make a profit of five pounds per phonograph, given its current popularity in London social circles, you could sell at least three to five hundred units in the future.

That’s an income of a thousand or two thousand pounds.

If you’re willing to put in some more effort, hire a dozen apprentices to work with you, increase production efficiency and reduce costs, then perhaps even moderately wealthy families might be willing to buy one.

“Haven’t you realized that you could live off this invention for the rest of your life?”

If Arthur had brought up anything else, Wheatstone might not have been as willing to agree, but regarding the phonograph, he had indeed received a lot of help from Arthur.

And just as Arthur had said, in recent days the orders for phonographs he had accumulated already exceeded one hundred units.

Although Wheatstone feared social interaction, he had also been considering expanding his production capacity lately.

In the face of glittering wealth, dealing with his apprentices was something Wheatstone felt he could overcome if he tried, even with his social anxiety.

After all, they say social anxiety means fearing people, but he never had an issue with money.

Upon hearing this, Wheatstone just stroked his chin and asked softly, “Actually…

I’ve been contemplating hiring people.

You may not know this, but my family has been in the musical instrument business since my grandfather’s generation, and my father has also run a musical instrument workshop, so I have some experience in this regard.

The phonograph is indeed a fine new invention, but if I were to set up a workshop just for it and people only buy it out of novelty, once the fascination fades, I would not only fail to make money, I would also have to cover the labor costs.”

Upon hearing this, Arthur nodded and said, “You’re right, but do you think the phonograph is just a passing fad?

You may not be aware that I recently visited the Royal Society, and according to Mr.

Faraday, the phonograph is also the talk of the Royal Society, with many members even calling it the best invention of the year.”

Wheatstone, surprised, said, “Really…

Although I also find the phonograph truly amazing, the Royal Society members think so too?”

“Of course,” said Arthur, his smile warm and genuine, “And not just that, they are planning to ask you to give an additional lecture specially about the phonograph.”

“What did you say?!”

Wheatstone, upon hearing this, clutched his heart, almost fainting, “My God!

Can’t they come up with something good?”

The Red Devil perched on the chandelier lifted an eyebrow upon hearing this, took a bite of an apple, and muttered, “Damn, Arthur, you’re getting more and more skilled at this.”

Arthur glanced at the Red Devil, then reassured Wheatstone in a gentler tone, “Mr.

Wheatstone, don’t always think of the negative aspects, think about it—who will be the audience for the Royal Society lectures?

Mostly ladies from the middle class and above, people with strong spending power.

If you’re willing to step onto the stage, you might bring in orders for hundreds of units in one go.

Isn’t this a good thing?”

“But…

although it’s a good thing…

giving a speech…”

The mere thought of countless eyes trained on him made Wheatstone’s hair stand on end, and his calves shiver.

“It’s too damn nerve-racking!

Arthur, I know that doing so might make money, but I fear I might just die of fright on the spot during the lecture.

Besides, I no longer have the gun you gave me, and I just can’t muster the courage.”

“Sigh…

Arthur, I’m begging you, please decline the invitation from the Royal Society for me.

As for publicity, I can think of other ways.”

“Think of other ways?

Why bother thinking when there’s no need?” Arthur leaned forward, elbows on the table, hands clasped under his chin, “Mr.

Wheatstone, do you really think I invited you here today just for a simple meal?

I’m here to help you out!

I knew you might not like promoting new products through lectures, so I prepared an alternative plan in advance.”

Arthur patted the vigilant Disraeli next to him, and said, “Benjamin, come, let me introduce you two.

This gentleman here is our new magazine’s major advertiser—the owner of Wheatstone Musical Instruments, the inventor of the phonograph, and the leading authority in Britain’s acoustics field, Mr.

Charles Wheatstone.”

When Disraeli heard that the financier was right in front of him, he hastily set aside the manuscript he had been reviewing and vigorously shook Wheatstone’s hand, saying, “Oh my!

Are you the businessman who intended to place a year’s worth of advertising?

I thought you were just another contributor, how rude of me.”

“A year’s worth of advertising?” Wheatstone was stunned, turning to Arthur and saying, “Mr.

Hastings, when did I say…”

But before Wheatstone could finish his sentence, Arthur cut in, “Actually, we have two candidates for our advertiser at the moment: one is your Wheatstone Musical Instruments, and the other is the Royal Society.

If you don’t invest, we’ll have to promote the rolling lectures by Mr.

Wheatstone that the Royal Society will host each month.”

Hearing this, Wheatstone was so angry he almost ground his teeth to dust, panting and his chest heaving; but in the end, the curse words festering in his belly turned into a long sigh of resignation, “If nothing else works, I’ll just spend some money.

Mr.

Hastings, why must you do this…

even if you didn’t mention it, I was going to pay you for the rights to use that ‘bell’ recording.”