1986: My Happy Life in Provence

Chapter 313 Dismantle the target, solve them one by one!

When faced with too many 'weapons' to choose from, Ronan first listed out the conditions that the dessert needed to meet, making it easier to decide which to keep.

First, the material should ideally be easy to carve.

Cotillard recommended the Gold Centre sculpture exhibition to Ronan, insisting that the works showcase Ronan's superb sculpting skills.

In his previous creations, Ronan could only work with the nuts or dried fruit used as embellishments because desserts such as cakes and cookies were not suitable for carving.

One problem is that the material is too hard to cut and it's easy to fail. Another problem is that it takes too much time; carving a flower on a dried fruit can take several hours.

Ronan urgently needed to find a type of dessert that was visually appealing, could be colored, and was easy to sculpt.

The second requirement is ease of use and storage.

Ronan hadn't found a good solution to this before, and 'Hope' was a shortcut, but this time he absolutely couldn't handle it that way again.

If, by some stroke of luck, the work is selected for the central sculpture exhibition, it must remain in the best possible condition throughout the entire process, and the longer it remains in that condition, the better. Ideally, it should be bought by a collector like other artworks.

However, this very point filters out the vast majority of dessert-making processes.

Easy to carve means the material is not too hard, but soft ingredients usually have a high water content and are prone to rotting.

"Maybe I can add some 'technology' to achieve the desired state?" Ronan muttered to himself.

There is also a third point, which Ronan is striving to achieve.

While achieving its own success, 'Hope' also helped popularize weaving techniques in Provence, achieving two goals at once.

So, could the works submitted for this exhibition also achieve other purposes?
This is difficult. But Ronan wants to give it a try.

Having figured out the goal to be achieved, the next step is to 'try' it out.

Today, Lucas has found a new way to collect truffles, freeing up Ronan's time.

In the coming week, he can immerse himself in the restaurant's kitchen and make several more attempts.

Finding the most satisfying type of dessert and sculpting a satisfactory piece can also add some new styles to the restaurant's dessert menu.

Not only should we add Chinese desserts that better match the restaurant's style, but we should also add desserts that are related to 'hope'.

Recently, there has been a noticeable increase in artists coming to Lourmaran for desserts because of 'Hope', and some have even specifically requested 'Hope'. Ronan is going to give the dessert menu a major upgrade.

“Yes, we need to add a fourth point.” Ronan suddenly clapped his hands.

This dessert has to be absolutely delicious!

He lured guests to Lourmaran with flashy artwork, but it wasn't good when they ended up eating the same thing and turning into "masks of pleasure".

Then all the popularity and reputation that you've worked so hard to build will be gone.

“It’s getting harder and harder.” Ronan was the first to put on the mask of pain.

Then he opened the 'Yellow Pages' stored in his mind and searched for dessert styles that met the above four criteria.

The next morning, Cotillard drove to Gold.

Mr. Rodrigo's exhibition only lasts for 7 days, and today is the last day of the 'Hope' exhibition.

Through last night's conversation, Cotillard learned that Ronan had not prepared any works for the center's sculpture exhibition at all, and it was unknown what he might do, so it was best not to have too high hopes.

So today might be the last chance to see Ronan's popularity in Gold.

Unlike yesterday when I visited the exhibition in Marecchall, today was a closed day, and there was already a queue at the entrance of Gold Castle before I even entered.

This gave Cotillard the illusion that he was in a high-end art exhibition in Aix-en-Provence.

She then expressed the same question as Mareccher:

"So many people have come to see Rodrigo's exhibition? My God, this is incredible."

However, unlike yesterday, upon entering the castle, Cotillard saw a huge poster at the entrance, which featured a photo of what 'Hope' originally looked like and an introduction to the work.

In addition, very clear signs were placed throughout the exhibition hall to indicate where 'hope' lies.

Moreover, judging from the direction of the crowd's movement, their destination is the location of 'hope'.

"They're all going to see 'Hope'?" Cotillard exclaimed a second time in a short period of time.

Zoe's exhibition hasn't even started yet, but Ronan has clearly become Lourmaran's face.

Upon arriving at the central exhibition hall, the situation had changed dramatically since the opening day.

Last time I came, there were quite a few people in the central exhibition hall, but most of them were artists invited by Rodrigo, their teams, and the authors who came to participate in the exhibition; there weren't many tourists.

But today the central exhibition hall was packed with tourists, and along the way Cotillard heard many different French dialects, as well as languages ​​from other countries.

Cotillard didn't rush to queue up to see what 'Hope' looked like today.

As a professional art dealer, she wasn't in Gold today to see which side of 'nature' would reveal; that wasn't her concern.

Her mission is to enhance artists' market value and extend their artistic lifespan through business operations, resource integration, and brand building.

Moreover, an excellent art dealer must possess one ability: an extraordinary eye for talent.

Broad and narrow perspectives.

Cotillard stared intently as he carefully circled the central exhibition hall, finally discovering an important clue—Mr. Rodrigo was accompanying a young girl.

The girl looked very young, wearing a well-tailored double-breasted wool coat, carrying a crocodile handbag, and wearing a latest Hermès scarf around her neck.

Her luxurious attire wasn't the only reason Cotillard noticed her; there are plenty of wealthy people out there. What surprised Cotillard was Rodrigo's attitude towards her.

Even though Mr. Normand was standing straight, he actually bowed slightly in front of the young girl, and behind them, four men in suits were watching them warily from the left and right.

On the day of the opening ceremony, Rodrigo was not accompanied by any bodyguards.

It is clear that the owner of these four bodyguards is that young girl.

Codia frowned and thought for a few seconds, then pretended to be a tourist and went over to listen to what Rodrigo and the girl were talking about.

The second essential skill for an excellent art dealer is to be observant and attentive to all aspects of the situation.

“Miss Patricia, let’s go take another look at that table with the exquisite floral carvings; it’s one of my favorite pieces,” Rodrigo enthusiastically suggested.

A girl named Patricia said sweetly:

"No, Uncle Rodrigo, I came here today to see the famous 'Hope'. My dad is waiting for me at the hotel to have lunch together, so I have to go back."

When the word 'father' was mentioned, Rodrigo seemed even more respectful:

“Okay, then I won’t take up any more of your time. We’ll meet again in Aix-en-Provence.” Patricia stopped and looked back regretfully at the densest part of the crowd.
"It's a real shame that 'Hope' can't be collected. I guess its creator must have regretted that such a valuable work of art couldn't be passed down to future generations."

Rodrigo smiled and sighed:

"But that's nature. Nature doesn't obey human arrangements, and we can never truly possess or control it."

Patricia raised her gloved hand, covered her mouth, and chuckled elegantly a few times:
“That’s true, but with that explanation, I like ‘hope’ even more. Well, I’m going back now, Uncle Rodrigo. It was great to visit your exhibition.”

Rodrigo escorted Patricia to the gates of Gold Castle before leaving.

Seeing that the person had left, Patricia suddenly urged her bodyguard:

"Where is that exhibition with the knitted works? Take me there quickly!"

The bodyguard said awkwardly:

"But you should go back to the hotel for your 'class,' skipping class on your very first day in Gold would be disrespectful—"

Patricia lifted the hem of her skirt and excitedly looked around:
“If you won’t take me, I’ll find it myself. There must be someone here who knows where the exhibition is.”

After saying that, she ran away with cheerful little steps, completely lacking the poise and composure she displayed in the castle.

"Miss, ma'am!"

After the bodyguards left, Cotillard emerged from a dark corner.

The third essential ability of an outstanding art dealer is a broad network of contacts.

"Patricia, Patricia, that sounds familiar. Whose young lady is she?"

Cotillard went straight to Ronan’s restaurant after returning from Gold.

She had intended to find Barty to answer the question he hadn't answered yesterday, but she was surprised to find that Ronan was also at the restaurant today, and that he had started 'creating' again.

A group of artists are practicing their 'artistic narrative' around Ronan's latest work.

Codia walked over and found a plate of dessert on the table that she had never seen before and could not name.

They look like pink 'flowers'.

Ronan wasn't outside, so Cotillard could only ask the female writer Paulette beside him:
"what is this?"

Paulette frowned and said:
"Ronan said it's called 'Peach Blossom Pastry,' but I'm not really curious about what kind of artistic story it has, or what's so special about flowers. What I'm curious about is what it's made of and what it tastes like. I've never seen a dessert like this before."

“I’m also curious about its taste, why don’t you try it?” Vivian urged Paulette.

Ronan's works are all very beautiful; one look at them and your mouth will be watering.

However, he used to create desserts using chocolate, cakes, cookies, and mousse, and people would order similar desserts when they were craving them.

But this time, they couldn't find anything to satisfy their craving for this dessert.

This is so cruel!
Paulette shook her head in horror:

"I wouldn't dare eat it; it's an artwork made by Ronan."

“But it looks—” Vivian whispered weakly, “but it looks really delicious.”

“There are so many here, just eat one.” Other artists also encouraged Paulette.

Suddenly, Ronan's voice came from the edge of the crowd:
"Why are they still here?"

Then one hand placed the other few 'flowers' on the table:
"This is a lotus flower pastry. You should try it and see if it's good. If it is, I'll put it on the restaurant's dessert menu."

The new plate of 'flowers' looked even more exquisite than the last one. Hearing Ronan urge everyone to try some, Paulette grabbed one in each hand and confirmed:
"Then I'll really eat it."

Ronan waved his hand:

"Eat, eat, eat! There's more to come, we'll bring it out soon, you can all try it."

Among numerous competitors, Codia snatched half of the peach blossom pastry.

The outer layer is crispy and crumbles at the slightest touch, but amazingly, it melts in your mouth immediately.

The filling is also very unique, a flavor that people from Provence, such as Cotillard, have never tasted before. It is delicate, soft, and slightly moist, creating a striking contrast with the outer flaky crust.

Ronan offered to explain to the group eating the peach blossom pastries:
"It's filled with red bean paste, a traditional Chinese filling."

With the new 'Yellow Pages' provided by the system, Ronan gained a deeper understanding and knowledge of both Chinese and Western dessert cultures.

Western desserts also contain fillings, but most of them are fruit-flavored, such as applesauce, cherry filling, and lemon curd, or dairy products such as custard and cheese, or chocolate-flavored ingredients such as ganache. They also contain spices such as cinnamon, vanilla, and caramel to emphasize a rich and sweet aroma.

The reason for this is that traditional Western agriculture is based on wheat and dairy products, beans are mostly used in savory dishes, and their dessert culture pursues the characteristics of 'sweet and rich'.

Ronan was worried that the Provençal people wouldn't be used to the mild aroma of the bean paste, so he slightly modified the recipe, adding sweet coconut oil and vanilla during the cooking process.

He has experience in improving dishes, but this is his first time improving desserts.

I wonder if these people can get used to these puff pastry desserts.

"The outer crust looks like an egg tart."

"The black stuff inside reminds me of chocolate sauce."

"It's just delicious, so delicious!"

Seeing that the two plates of desserts were gone in an instant, Ronan smiled and returned to the kitchen:

"I'll get you some other things, but you can't eat them for free. You need to sort them out for me later so I can see which flavor you like best."

Cotillard caught up with Ronan and asked uncertainly:
Are you preparing for a sculpture exhibition?

The peach blossom pastry and lotus blossom pastry are exquisite and delicious, but they don't showcase the carving techniques enough.

Ronan shrugged and said:
"Of course, these are a few necessary attempts before creating a work."

Seeing Cotillard's incredulous expression, Ronan waved his hand dismissively:
"I can't explain it to you clearly, but I have a lot to consider. Anyway, don't worry, I know what I'm doing."

Codia knew Ronan was always unpredictable, so he said nothing more, only speaking seriously to him:

“I just got back from Gold. Your popularity is even higher than I expected, and many important figures have recently arrived in Gold, so they may have already noticed you. You must take this opportunity seriously. Oh, and by the way, you should also consider its enduring value. Ideally, the piece should be something that can be bought and sold as art, not just as a dessert!”

The image of 'regret' in the eyes of the girl named Patricia flashed through Codia's mind.

Ronan also became serious:
“I’ve noticed what you’re talking about regarding buying and selling, and I’m exploring those possibilities. Although it’s difficult, we’ve already found some direction.”

(End of this chapter)