1986: My Happy Life in Provence

Chapter 338 The Skyrocketing Price of Truffles

Thunderous applause and cheers swept through Gold City Hall.

The staff of the entire building were alerted.

This century-old building, which was almost destroyed in World War II, has once again witnessed a historic moment for France.

This time, the French people defended their cultural sovereignty!
Some audience members were so moved by Miss Patricia's "declaration" that they sang "La Marseillaise," causing the auction to be interrupted once again.

Auctioneer Cissor did not stop the spontaneous behavior on site, allowing nearly 3 minutes of "celebration" under the pretext of "price verification".

offstage.

The organizer, who had already verified the prices, exclaimed:

"As expected of the most senior auctioneer in Provence, he is strict when he needs to be strict and lenient when he needs to be lenient. He has a really good grasp of the rhythm."

His staff member next to him said with a smile:
"It's fortunate that Marecchal invited Mr. Siscoya to participate in this auction; anyone else would have gone mad long ago."

The final rounds of bidding were comparable to a 'magic duel'.
And it was all 'magic' they didn't know about.

"Marichar is truly a genius. His gamble paid off handsomely. The 'Lovebirds' he endorsed has become a national treasure, boosting the morale of Provençal collectors at the auction. He will be remembered by the Provençal art world for the success of this artwork."

"Alright, alright, let's go to the stands. Mr. Cissoria has raised the gavel."

In the penultimate round, Ms. Sanson raised the price to 376402, after which Curator Normand exercised his right of first refusal, bringing the price down to 377402.

Although the auction was suspended at one point, no one raised the price after Patricia exercised her 'sun' right, so the final price of 'Lovebird' was 377402 plus 1000.

The aged voice silenced the entire room.

"Let's congratulate buyer number 8 on successfully acquiring artwork number 3 for 378402. Now, let's invite Mr. Ronan, the artist of artwork number 03, to give his remarks!"

Countless envious eyes were cast upon Ronan.

Auctions are never short of legendary stories.

But these stories only circulate within a small circle of the art world and are quickly forgotten.
Countless artists have been remembered throughout history, but which collectors are remembered by posterity?
Are there any auction stories that have been passed down for centuries?

Even children born into artistic families like Patricia can only encounter those thrilling scenes from hundreds of years ago through stories.

But the artists and their works will live on forever!
The biggest beneficiaries of today's legendary Provençal auction will undoubtedly be the 'Lovebird' and its artist, Ronan!

It's no exaggeration to say that artists are incredibly envious.

With emotions reaching a height of national fervor, and so many local and international collectors present, whatever this new artist named Ronan says will be permanently 'recorded in history'.

What does Ronan have to say at such a crucial moment?
Ronan first bowed deeply to Patricia:
"First of all, I would like to thank Ms. Patricia for recognizing the artistic value of 'Lovebirds.' This is an encouragement and support for countless artists like me who express their views through 'new' art forms. I am truly grateful to you."

Patricia gracefully leaned forward slightly in return.

Ronan bowed again to Curator Normand:
"Secondly, I would like to thank Director Normand for his decision to permanently exhibit 'Lovebirds' free of charge, which brings this work closer to the essence of art and gives it a 'permanent' life."

Normand looked back at Ronan with a pleased gaze, as if to say:

Because the 'lovebird' is worth it.

Under the watchful eyes of the entire audience, Ronan bowed a third time to the collectors' section:

"Finally, I would like to thank all the buyers who raised their paddles today. Each of your bids not only represents a leap in numbers, but also an affirmation of Provençal art and a respect for this land that has inherited a century of culture."

After standing up, Ronan said in a loud voice:
"I propose a round of applause for Miss Patricia, for Mr. Normand, and for all the buyers who raised their paddles. They made this auction so wonderful; this moment belongs to them, not to any one person!"

Led by Ronan, the applause was thunderous and prolonged.

Whether it was the ultimate winners Patricia and Normand, or the losers Rodrigo, Sanson, or Ines, they all wore smiles with different meanings.

Regardless of the outcome, they all gained something from this auction.

Simmons, backstage, was extremely surprised because Marecchal had analyzed the artist Ronan for him.

Marecchall said that Ronan was also a qualified "behind-the-scenes promoter" to some extent, and was particularly good at "killing two birds with one stone" - Ronan used "hope" to promote Weaving, and "lovebirds" to promote his girlfriend Zoe.

Simmons firmly believes that Ronan, like Marecchall, is a man who will stop at nothing to achieve his goals.

But Ronan didn't use this incredibly valuable opportunity to promote himself; instead, he sincerely expressed his gratitude throughout.

Is this reasonable?

He wanted to discuss it with Marecchal next to him, but when he turned his head, he found that Marecchal was actually clapping along with him.

“Ronan didn’t take advantage of this opportunity to do anything,” Simmons said, puzzled.

Mareczer's gaze remained fixed on the front desk; he simply smiled and replied:
"Isn't this better?"

"Even better?" Simmons' eyes widened, but he was more curious as to why Marecchall was also clapping. "Are you thanking the buyers too?"

Among the buyers is that detestable Japanese Seibu Group!
This conglomerate is driving them crazy lately!

Marechar said in a soothing tone:

"My applause is for Ronan."

During his acceptance speech, Ronan didn't mention a single unrelated thing; it was all about thanking, thanking, and thanking again.

But that doesn’t mean he has nothing else to say.

After sitting down, he immediately lowered his voice and said to Cotillard:

"If I ever have the chance to attend an auction again, I don't want to see that Japanese conglomerate again."

Cotillard said, without any emotional fluctuation:
"Given your current popularity and status, it's not impossible for you to not only exercise your 'right to intervene' to kick them out of the auction, but also to unite Provençal artists to boycott the Japanese conglomerate."

Ronan uttered those words out of sheer anger, but Cotillard reminded him of something far more important—after this day, his status among Provençal artists would be 'extraordinary'.

Is it much easier to sell or promote rosé wine now?

The artists couldn't leave the morning auction until all their works were sold out. Ronan and Cotillard wanted to share the day's events with Zoe and Barty as soon as possible, and then get up and leave immediately afterward.

However, as soon as he stood up, he was blocked by more than one person.

In fact, Ronan had prepared himself to be 'stayed behind', since after today he would be an artist associated with 'national treasures' and there would definitely be people who wanted to come and 'get to know' him.

So he discussed an escape plan with Codia in advance—Codia would be responsible for intercepting them, while he would just run and then meet up with Zoe.

But no one expected that the person who stopped him would make Ronan 'dare' to run.

Princess Monaco's client and Ronan exchanged contact information, with the client expressing her hope that Ronan could create another work on a theme similar to 'Lovebirds,' otherwise she would be unable to explain it to the princess.

This is relatively easy to handle; just ask for their contact information and they'll be released.

But Ms. Sanson asked Ronan if he had any plans for lunch today, as she wanted to have a good chat with him about the future of art in Provence.

Before Ronan could reply to Ms. Sanson, Rodrigo forcefully interrupted, saying that Ronan was his today and that if he wanted to have dinner with Ronan, they could do it another day.

The two hadn't come to a conclusion in their recent price-cutting battle, and Ronan's current attitude might signal the start of the next round of fighting, making Ronan too afraid to even breathe.

Just as Ronan was in a state of utter distress, President Ines appeared behind him with her hands in her pockets, and a smile finally appeared on her face.

Although she didn't get the 'lovebird' that Michelin magazine wanted, she was happy for Ronan's growth.

The child grew up little by little under her watchful eye. She felt incredibly gratified and moved.

Moreover, the influence of the Vaucluse Rosé Wine Lovers Association in Provence has been further enhanced.

Ronan and Ines were true old friends, having drunk together countless times. They could understand each other's intentions with just a glance.

Ines gave Ronan a barely perceptible raise of his eyebrow, as if asking:

Do you need help?

Ronan immediately flashed a formulaic smile, subtly hinting to the chairman:
I need it! I need it! Get me out of here quickly!!
Ines reverted to her usual aloof and stoic demeanor, speaking in an icy tone:

"Let's go, Ronan, I've already made a reservation."

Ronan turned back and said apologetically to Rodrigo and Ms. Sanson:

"I'm so sorry, I already have an appointment for lunch today. Let's reschedule for another day."

Inès is a celebrity in Provence, and a very active one at that, frequently appearing in Cannes and on various red carpet events.

We still have to give them face.

And so, Rodrigo and Mrs. Sanson watched with 'reluctance' as Ines took Ronan away.

A few meters away, Gabriel looked as dejected as a homeless child.

"There were three members of the association at the venue, but the president only invited Ronan."

However, the Candy King quickly regained his composure.

Ronan now carries more weight in the association.

As long as he can continue to build a closer relationship with Ronan, he will definitely be able to enter the association's 'core layer'!
Ines had other plans for lunch, so he left after safely bringing Ronan out.

However, she would stay in Gold for a few more days and had arranged to have dinner with Ronan a few days later.

Before leaving, she patted Ronan's arm like a relieved old mother:
"See you in a few days, I have something important to discuss with you."

Ronan certainly wouldn't refuse Ines's invitation. After setting a meeting time, he headed to the agreed-upon location to meet Zoe, but before he could take two steps, he was stopped by someone.

"Hey Ronan, it's been so long!" Olivier put his arm around Ronan's shoulder in a friendly manner. "Every time I see you, you bring me a huge surprise!"

Upon first meeting Ronan, the proud Lucas placed Ronan beside him and treated him as his most important guest.

The second time they met, Ronan was auctioning off a giant truffle at the market, which even caught the attention of Mr. Jacques, the owner of a Michelin-starred restaurant.

On their third meeting, Artur brought Ronan into their 'gourmet' circle and hinted to everyone that Ronan was a very important person.

This is the fourth time I've seen my God.

That poor kid from Lourmaran has become a national treasure-level artist?!
Who would believe that!
Olivier blocked Ronan's escape route, leaving Ronan with no choice but to exchange a few words with him:

"Yes, it's been a long time. How have you been?"

"It's alright, it's alright, but I'm not as good as you," Olivier complimented. "You've made a name for yourself in the art world, and the price of truffles has recently hit new highs. You're really doing well in many areas."

"Truffle prices have gone up?" Ronan asked in surprise.

After February, he devoted all his energy to Gold's art activities, neither going into the mountains nor inquiring about the price of truffles.

Olivier smiled and shrugged:

"Of course, it's a crazy surge, like a 'price jump'."

Suddenly, he fell silent, frowning and muttering to himself:

"Lucas, that lucky guy, will he really get his chance to 'get ahead'? I wonder what the mycelium sampling in his forest will be like in the spring."

Olivier and Lucas spent the entire winter and spring last year working on the preparations and timelines for artificially cultivating truffles, keeping a very clear record of these tasks.

Ronan asked in confusion:

"Spring mycelial sampling?"

Olivier nodded:

"Yes, we should know by early next month at the latest whether the experiment in that forest will be successful."

(End of this chapter)