1986: My Happy Life in Provence

Chapter 320 Who says Ronan isn't qualified?

Cotillard returned to Lourmaran with news that his work had passed the selection process.

Unexpectedly, after only a few hours, Ronan had already thrown himself into his next job without taking a break.

Upon hearing Cotillard's retelling, he simply said "I know" without any emotion, and then continued to teach Leah how to do "hope".

Keep in mind that Ronan had just gone through three days of intense carving work.

How can someone have so much energy?

Codia earnestly advised:
"You're not the same person you used to be. You must take care to rest and don't push yourself too hard."

My money tree absolutely cannot fall down!
Ronan said with a smile:
"If you're forced to make something, you will definitely feel tired, but I've been feeling happy and joyful these past few days. I'm really looking forward to finishing it soon. You know, the joy in your heart can alleviate physical fatigue. I'm not tired at all right now."

Cotillard crossed his arms and asked, puzzled:
What makes you happy and joyful?

Ronan chuckled and shook his head:

"Don't tell you."

Large-scale exhibitions like these usually include a segment where artists introduce their works, and Ronan's little secret will only be revealed at that time.

Fearing that Cotillard would press him further, he deliberately changed the subject:

"Besides, there are things to do tomorrow. Three more people placed 'hope' orders today. When my new work is exhibited, there will probably be even more orders. I have to teach Leah today; I can't put it off any longer."

Leah, who was making dessert according to Ronan's instructions, suddenly looked up and asked:

"Should we put woven flowers in the desserts we sell?"

Ronan thought for a moment, then shook his head and said:
"Don't put them in yet. Use other edible ingredients to make the woven flowers instead."

Cotillard proposed:

"Actually, it's fine to put them in. I heard that there have been fewer knitting orders recently? Women must have time to take on some small jobs, which is better than nothing."

Ronan pursed his lips:

“That was before. Maybe orders will increase soon. It would take too much time to weave a small flower for me and I wouldn’t make much money. It’s more suitable to make handicrafts.”

Weaving flowers takes much longer than weaving wreaths, especially flowers that can be used in desserts; the smaller the flower, the more difficult it is to make.

Ronan estimated that there were no more than 10 people in Lourmaran who could take on this job, but someone with such skillful hands should be earning more money.

Cotillard said in a joking tone:

“I understand your confidence in your sculptures, they are indeed excellent, but how can you be so confident in your weaving orders? Barty worked so hard to promote his work in Gold, but he only attracted a few people who wanted to learn weaving. I heard that no one was interested in the artwork he exhibited. I advise you not to be too optimistic.”

All of the artist's works in the exhibition are for sale at the same time.

Driven by the word 'hope,' many people went to see Batti's works, but not a single buyer wanted to collect them.

This shows that the people of Provence still do not recognize its value.

Ronan gave him a look that said, "You don't understand."
“It might not sell well as art, but it should be fine as decoration. We’ve sold so many things before. I’ll go to Gold tomorrow to see for myself.”

Cotillard's face lit up with joy:
"Are you going to Gold tomorrow?"

She thought Ronan's earlier comment about "tomorrow is tomorrow" meant going into the mountains, but she didn't expect him to be going to Gold.

Ronan nodded:

"Tomorrow I'm going to Gold to help Bati promote the weaving craft."

Cotillard said seriously:

"I'll go with you tomorrow; there's strength in numbers."

Barty once asked Cotillard if taking this opportunity to promote weaving in Gordes could help popularize the craft in Provence.

Cotillard did not answer directly that day.

There's no need to answer now; the answer is already laid out before us.

The 'hope' campaign and Barty's efforts have only stirred up a small storm, and there is still a long way to go to meet everyone's expectations.

However, Barty's passion and enthusiasm led Cotillard to dedicate himself to promoting the craft.

Ronan first gave her a grateful look, then declined:
"We have enough staff tomorrow, you don't need to go."

Something occurred to Cotillard, and he asked, "Did you find other artists to go with you?"

Apart from Batty, Zoe, and Ronan in front of him, the other artists in Lourmaran were all idle.

To everyone's surprise, Ronan continued to shake his head:

"No, Cafu and his dozens of brothers are also going to Gold tomorrow."

Cotillard has a naturally anxious personality, which is why he has the potential to be a good art dealer.

An art dealer treats her artists like both a mother and a father, and she said to Ronan with concern:

“You want Cafu and the others to hand out flyers in Gold? But Gold is full of artists and collectors now. Selling to these people is different from selling to ordinary customers. Handing out flyers is not a good way. I’ll go with you. I know these people well and I can definitely help you.”

Which artist or collector would buy something from a flyer?

Cotillard was worried that Cafu and his gang of big guys might cause some trouble.

Ronan smiled and sighed.

In the afternoon, Cotillard took her work to Gold. Not to mention how difficult the mountain road was, she came straight to the restaurant after returning. She was the one who didn't rest for a moment.

He comforted Cotillard:

"Don't worry, I've arranged everything. It's not about handing out flyers. You should go back and rest."

Before Cotillard could say anything more, Ronan spoke first:
“For the past month or so, you have been busy for the artists in Lourmaran, running back and forth between Gold and Lourmaran every day, and you have almost neglected your own shop. You have done so much for us, and I don’t know how to thank you enough.”

Cotillard chuckled and snorted:
"Don't make me sound so noble. I'm doing these things as investments. If any of you succeed, I can also get rich."

Ronan laughed and pushed her out of the restaurant:
"Yes, yes, you are now our agent, so you need to take care of your health and focus on more important things. Don't worry about our jewelry sales."

"Don't hand out flyers, they'll hate that! Artists think everything on flyers is 'worthless'!" Cotillard was almost at the store entrance, still shouting at Ronan.

Ronan smiled and waved goodbye to her.

"Okay, call Thomas over tonight, I'll treat you to dinner!"

Gotia returned to his art shop, tidying up the messy items while reflecting inwardly:

"No wonder so many people are willing to run around for Ronan. He knows how to put himself in other people's shoes and it's always very comfortable to work with him."

She turned around and looked through the glass window in the direction of the restaurant.

"It is my honor and happiness to work with an artist as talented and virtuous as you. Why are you thanking me? I should be the one thanking you."

Immediately, Codia seemed to be injected with adrenaline and began tidying up the house with great enthusiasm.

She will definitely do her best to help Ronan and these Lourmarin artists reach the pinnacle of Provençal art!
They deserve it!!
It's impossible for Cotillard not to have any worries.

It will never be possible.

On the way to Ronan's restaurant with Thomas that evening, Cotillard told Thomas about Ronan's trip to Gold the next day to promote woven fabrics.

She muttered worriedly:

"Ronan said they weren't handing out flyers, but if they weren't handing out flyers, what could so many of them do? I can't think of any other way."

Thomas adjusted his glasses and said in a speculative tone:
"I think I know what he's going to do."

Goldie turned his head in confusion:
"you know?"

Thomas spoke slowly:
“I spoke with Pascal a few days ago, and he said Ronan gave him some money to rent the land in front of the olive oil mill. Do you think it’s possible that Ronan wants to set up a temporary stall there?”

Cotillard thought for a moment:
“It’s unlikely. Pascal’s olive oil mill is indeed private property, and setting up a stall in front of it isn’t illegal, but that only applies to olive products. If Ronan wants to sell other things in front of it, he needs to register with the industry and commerce bureau, which requires a business license. Does he expect to use a restaurant license to apply for a license to sell woven goods? Impossible, impossible!”

“So you can’t remember things too.” Thomas gave a sly smile. “Did you forget that Ronan had Barty register a cooperative? When you apply for a cooperative, you get a business license, and Ronan has the relevant qualifications for handicrafts.”

Codia's eyes widened instantly.

Lourmaran Handicraft Cooperative
Moreover, the chairman of this cooperative is Ronan himself.

Thinking of a certain possibility, Cotillard excitedly started to jog:

"Ronan is amazing! He's made the most of all the resources! This knitting business might actually be a success!!"

(End of this chapter)