1986: My Happy Life in Provence

Chapter 332 Art is never a solitary journey, and I am fortunate.
Because local collectors exercised their purchasing privileges during the auction of item number 028, and there were dozens of rounds of bidding wars, the exact figures are no longer easy to calculate.

After the auctioneer brought down the gavel, he did not immediately invite the artist to give a 'saying'. Instead, he had the back office conduct a brief check to confirm that the figures were correct before continuing the process.

At this moment, all the VIPs backstage gathered around the staff member in charge of taking notes.

They were so captivated by the intense bidding war and the distinctive Provençal bidding style that they didn't notice how many rounds of bidding had taken place.

"Verification complete. A total of 52 rounds of bidding were conducted, including two 'price jumps,' and the final price was 244080 francs." The staff member indicated to the front desk that they could continue.

Patricia's act of raising dried lavender flowers is professionally known in the Provençal auction lexicon as 'bidding up'.

Professor Goldman exclaimed softly:
“52 rounds of bidding, that number would make the newspapers in Paris. I remember the highest record for auction houses in Paris was only 40 rounds.”

Curator Normand smiled and said:
“Even in Provence, the competition is fierce. Our record is 58 rounds, and 52 would place us in the top ten.”

Provence has different pricing principles for different artworks, which are determined by the starting price and estimated value of the work, unlike the rules in other regions.

Professor Goldman looked at the reception desk and said:
"But it's probably one of the top three in terms of excitement, right? The Provençal specialty of 'bidding up' appeared twice in one session. However, this bidding method is really special, and local buyers even have the privilege to use it."

Many regions retain the artist's 'right to intervene,' but it is so rare for buyers to exercise their privileges that I may never have seen such a thing happen in my lifetime if Professor Goldman hadn't happened to be here to observe.

Curator Normand, a native of Provence, said with immense pride:
“For thousands of years, Provence has been a breeding ground for art and artists. On this land, the interests of artists and local collectors are paramount. This is our determination and symbol to defend our cultural sovereignty.”

Seeing that the main event of the day had ended and many guests who had come backstage to observe had left early, Director Normand said to Professor Goldman:

"The next few films should be released smoothly. Let's leave now and call Aldélé for a few drinks?"

Today's fierce competition has left Curator Nordmann worried about the battle for the 'Lovebirds' in a few days.

If competing with these extravagant conglomerates, where does the Grané Museum's path to success lie?
He wanted to discuss the possible scenarios with Professor Goldman.

To everyone's surprise, Professor Goldman not only didn't want to leave, but he also moved closer.

He looked at Zoe, who had already stood up in the artists' section, and said to Curator Normand:

"Wait a moment, I want to see how much this child has grown in the past six months."

Within a minute or two of verifying the information backstage, many artists in the artist section took the initiative to greet Zoe, and several well-known senior artists also sent her their congratulations.

This young woman, who has the potential to shoulder the future of Provençal art, has once again garnered numerous accolades today.

With 52 rounds of bidding, 2 "skipped auctions," and a final price 12 times the starting price, nearly doubling the estimated value, Zoe will undoubtedly receive the treatment of a renowned artist at her next art exhibition in the Provençal art world, and may even gain more privileges, as there is so much to be explored about her.

For example, her outstanding appearance and temperament.
The thank-you speech by the first twenty or so artists didn't interest either the artists or the audience, because the main focus of the day was the artworks and the thrilling bidding; no one wanted to hear the artists' 'grand' thank-you letters in this setting.

But ever since the figures were verified backstage and the auctioneer said, "Let's hand the stage over to Zoe," the room fell silent; even breathing seemed to stop.

Everyone is eager to hear what this talented, popular, reputable, and good-looking artist has to say.

Will her speech be as impressive as her talent and appearance?

Zoe stood up amidst the attention of everyone and looked at Patricia, the owner of the artwork.

This was a scene Patricia had imagined countless times—looking across from her favorite artist at opposite ends of the auction, though they were dozens of meters apart, their equal excellence and outstanding qualities creating a harmonious and empathetic atmosphere that drew gasps of envy from the audience.

But for some reason, her elegant nod, which she had practiced many times in secret, turned into a charming wave of her hands, like a fangirl seeing her idol.

"Zoe saw me! She looked at me!!" Patricia excitedly clenched her handkerchief, forcing herself to keep her eyes fixed on Zoe's, not looking away out of nervousness.

“First of all, I would like to thank the collector who won this piece today. Your support is not only an affirmation of my personal creation, but also a recognition of the diversity of art and the beauty of nature.” Zoe’s voice seemed to pierce through the roof, letting fresh air and sunlight into the venue.

"Wow, wow, wow, that voice is so beautiful! So beautiful!!" Patricia pursed her lips tightly to avoid making any strange noises.

Zoe then looked away and gazed at the audience.

Normally, after thanking the buyer, the artist would thank the organizing committee or the organizer, but Zoe thanked someone in a way that surprised everyone.

"Secondly, I want to thank my hometown, Lourmaran."

The local collectors looked at each other in bewilderment.

Why should we thank our hometown?

Foreign collectors also began whispering among their agents or colleagues.

Where is Lourmaran? Why should we thank it?
Zoe's melodious voice echoed throughout the venue, clearing up everyone's doubts:

“Lourmaran may be small, but it has a rich cultural history. Picasso once sought inspiration here, Albert Camus chose to be buried here, and today, many artists are still active in Lourmaran, creating with paintbrushes, clay, grapevines, and even desserts. My inspiration and talent are gifts from this land, so I want to thank my hometown.”

When Zoe mentioned Picasso and Camus, a small murmur arose in the audience. Lourmarin actually has these artistic stories?

It sounds like there are quite a few artists gathered there now. But how come I've never heard of it before?

When Zoe mentioned 'dessert,' the murmurs suddenly grew louder.

Those who knew the story of the 'lovebird' gave a cryptic smile.

However, everyone's expressions became even more serious.

Lourmaran is indeed a place that produces a lot of talent, especially in terms of the new generation of artists. We really need to pay close attention to this place in the future.

Many viewers are unaware of the story of the "Lovebirds," especially those gathered in areas frequented by overseas collectors.

The widow of the American subway tycoon was extremely surprised when she heard the translator's words.

Are you sure you want to create art with desserts?

where?

Seeing that several buyers in the collectors' section had expressions similar to those of wealthy American businessmen, some quickly taking notes on the papers in front of them, and others consulting with the people next to them, Zoe finally smiled with satisfaction.

Look, Ronan, I can contribute to Lourmaran and to you too!
Backstage.

Professor Goldman, who was watching from a distance, smiled with satisfaction.

In fact, Zoe had already left a deep impression on him six months ago.

Faced with Professor Goldman's challenge, Zoe remained composed and dignified. In addition to answering the questions, she was also able to clearly express her strengths and unique characteristics, demonstrating both courage in expressing herself and a very clear thought process.

She was the most 'real' person in that scripted exhibition.

Six months later, during the thank-you segment, she elegantly expressed her gratitude to the buyers while also conveying other things she wanted to say.

This girl's style hasn't changed because of applause and honors. Good.

“Alright, let’s go,” Professor Goldman said with a smile to Curator Normand.

This is an artist with personality, her own ideas, and her talent matches her popularity; he remembered the name Zoe.

But the young female artist in the center of the stage behind him was not yet finished speaking:
Finally, I would like to express my special thanks to one person—

Zoe's words excited most of the people present.

No way, no way, it's not the person we're thinking of, is it?

Zoe smiled happily and said frankly:

“That person is my boyfriend Ronan. He is not only the most important person in my life, but also a very talented artist. This piece of work today does not only belong to me, because it contains Ronan’s encouragement day after day, as well as his selfless help. I am grateful to him for allowing me and this piece of work to be noticed by more people.”

The atmosphere at the scene immediately became lively.

Yesterday's sculpture exhibition at the center featured the "Lovebirds," which was indeed a highlight, but Ronan did not make any sweet declarations on site; the entire event was dominated by the organizers.

But today, Zoe is genuinely confessing her feelings to Ronan!!
Patricia let out an excited howl like a hamster.

God, this couple is so adorable!
“Art is never a lonely journey. I have been fortunate to meet the best companions. My works have also found ‘lovebirds’ who are willing to protect them and collectors who understand them best.” Zoe first bowed to Patricia, and then bowed deeply to the collectors and artists around her. “Thank you all again for making this one of the most special afternoons of my life.”

Patricia excitedly bit her handkerchief!

Oh my god, am I now on the same level as Ronan and the lovebird?!
Zoe's remarks today were truly classic.

Her talent, eloquence, temperament, and personality attracted countless female fans like Patricia, and she turned the auction into a personal show.

Amidst waves of cheers, Professor Goldman finally left the backstage area, satisfied.
"Normand, you're a brilliant fellow. You predicted this would be a spectacular auction before it even started, and it truly has been spectacular, both inside and outside the auction room."

Normand, the curator, showed no joy despite being praised.

This young couple's love is truly 'stronger than gold'.

Ronan made Zoe what she is today, and Zoe, in turn, drew popularity and attention to Ronan at the height of her fame.

Now that this young couple is causing trouble, how can the already difficult battle for the "lovebirds" continue?

(End of this chapter)