1986: My Happy Life in Provence

Chapter 364 A Series of Explosive News [Bonus Chapter]

A visit to the Grasse Perfume Museum should take 2-3 hours.

However, because Ronan looked at everything very carefully and Cherno explained everything to Ronan in great detail, it took them more than four hours to finish the entire visit, and by the time they came out of the museum, it was well past lunchtime.

Following the editor-in-chief's instructions, Cherno's next activity was to take Ronan to sample the most distinctive cuisine of Grasse.

He ordered relatively expensive dishes and chose a high-end restaurant in Grasse, hoping to make a good impression on this 'important client'.

But when he finished his meal and went to pay the bill, the waiter told him that his table had already paid.

"You've already paid? Are you sure you're not mistaken?" Cherno's eyes widened.

Ronan dismissed the waiter and said to Cherno with a smile:
I bought it when I went to the restroom.

The French usually split the bill when dining out, and some couples also split the bill. They have never witnessed a scene of 'fighting to pay the bill,' so they naturally cannot understand that some people saying they are going to the restroom actually has other meanings.

Cherno said anxiously:
"Why did you pay the bill? We can get reimbursed for our outings to meet clients, I—"

Ronan waved his hand to interrupt Cherno:
“You treated this trip as entertaining clients, but I felt it was a vacation. My friends made great arrangements for me; they were both professional and attentive. I had a wonderful time.”

People in Provence place great importance on three meals a day, and even less formal lunches are eaten on time.

Ronan treated everyone to lunch, which also delayed Cherno's lunchtime.

Cherno opened and closed his mouth several times, finally smiling as he said:
"I'm glad you had fun. I had a lot of fun today too."

Cherno knew Ronan's identity.

This artist, who was the hottest artist in Provence in February and whom the president, Ines, called an 'important client,' actually considers me a friend?
How could I not be happy!

Ronan, unaware of Cherno's complex inner thoughts, asked him in a casual tone:

"What is your role at Michelin Magazine?"

Cherno introduced himself carefully:
"I am the editor of Coast, mainly responsible for travel information in the Provence Gold Coast area."

Coast is Michelin Magazine's flagship magazine.

While other magazines from Michelin Magazine are only popular in Provence, Coast has been a bestseller throughout southern France for many years and is a professional travel magazine that introduces travel information about the south of France to young readers.

Geographically, southern France includes the Occitanie region, the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, the southern part of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, and the southern part of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region.

Provence is only a part of southern France.

Ronan, the editor of The Coast, was somewhat surprised.

First, he was surprised that Ines had brought in an editor from such an important magazine to act as his tour guide.

Secondly, I was surprised that the unassuming Chernot was actually a very capable person; otherwise, he wouldn't have been able to get a job at such an important magazine as "South of France".

Ronan immediately felt the urge to befriend Cherno and took the initiative to ask to exchange contact information with him.

Southern France is too big; Ronan only lived in Provence.

Knowing Cerno is equivalent to being familiar with the entire southern coastal region of Provence; there might be times when I need his help.

Calling himself a friend already flattered Cherno, but Ronan's offer to exchange contact information made Cherno feel like he was in a dream.

Cherno's dream continued even after they left the restaurant.

God, have I somehow infiltrated high society?

However, the group of people who followed them out of the restaurant brought Cherno back to reality.

He actually spotted Ines in that group of people, and behind Ines were several familiar colleagues!
Even the 'female devil' editor-in-chief ate at this restaurant?

As if by reflex, Cherno immediately jogged over and respectfully greeted the editor-in-chief.

Ines enjoys the feeling of being 'respected' and is obsessed with it.

Every morning when Ines enters the company, he can hear dozens of "Editor-in-Chief" greetings on his way from the gate to his office.

Ronan and Ines also saw each other.

Seeing that the president was surrounded by a large group of people, Ronan knew that this was not a good opportunity to chat. Last time Juliet came to the restaurant, she did not want to acknowledge Ronan and only went back after the EEC people left.

He guessed that these important figures had their own concerns in front of their colleagues.

So Ronan waved to the president from afar and made a phone call gesture—you go ahead with your work, we'll keep in touch by phone.

Cerno, standing behind Ines, was terrified.

Will the editor-in-chief be angry?

As expected, after Ronan gave a brief greeting, Ines led a large group of people toward Ronan.

Ronan stopped in his tracks, wondering what Ines was up to, and slowly walked towards her.

Cerno, who was following behind Ines, was extremely conflicted.

He only became good friends with Ronan after that.
If the editor-in-chief 'challenges' Ronan later, should he say a few words in Ronan's defense, or should he distance himself from her altogether?
Just as he was caught in a dilemma, he heard the editor-in-chief, who had been incredibly strict with them, ask in a smiling voice:
"Have you had the soka and herb-stuffed lamb leg yet? These are the restaurant's specialties."

Cherno stood frozen in place.

He swore that Ines never had such a good temper, not even when he saw his own son!

Cherno's mental database was immediately updated—Ronan wasn't just as important as the editor-in-chief's son, he was far more important!

Ronan walked alongside Ines with remarkable ease:

“After eating, Cherno even explained to me what made them special.”

Ines continued in a gentle tone, "What are the plans for this afternoon? After I'm done with my work, I'll take you to see other parts of Grasse?"

Ronan said in a clearly joking tone:

"You're going to be our tour guide? I definitely don't dare go on this trip!"

Ines glanced at Ronan and said in a reproachful tone:
"You make it sound like I'm some kind of fierce person. Let's go for a walk in the flower fields outside the city. It's been a long time since I've been there."

The group of subordinates following Ines exchanged frantic glances, as if asking themselves:

Am I right?
The editor-in-chief has such a warm and kind side?
Someone whispered to Cherno:

"Who is this person?"

Having recovered from the shock, Cherno raised his hands and tidied his carefully styled hair.

who is it?

He's my friend!
As long as I please this great gentleman, I'll be the editor-in-chief's 'confidant' at Michelin Magazine in the future!!
Grasse is not close to where Ronan and Ines live, and it will take quite a while to get back.

The two wandered around the bare flower field for more than half an hour before leaving.

However, in that short half hour, Ines informed Ronan of some news, which was why she insisted on going out for a walk with Ronan.

“In early March, I will invite you and Zoe to the Nice Carnival as guests,” Ines said, his hands behind his back.

Ronan didn't speak, but turned his head to look back at her with a clearly puzzled expression.

The Provence Art Review won't be published until June. When we last met, Ines said that Ronan and Zoe wouldn't be able to work with them until April or May.

Is it now scheduled for March?

Ines read Ronan's expression and said without any emotional fluctuation:
"Today we talked to the Fox family about cooperation. They don't have much confidence in Michelin magazine's foray into the art world, thinking we can't run 'Provence Art Review' well. Michelin magazine is one of the organizers of the Nice Carnival, and the Fox family has been a sponsor of the event for more than ten years. You two went and made an appearance, letting the Fox family see our strength."

The Nice Carnival in France is one of the world's three major carnivals. It is also one of the oldest and largest carnivals in the world. Every year as winter turns to spring, people gather together to sing, dance, and celebrate the start of the new year's agricultural activities.

The arrival of the Nice Carnival heralds the coming of spring.

Ronan had no objection to the invitation. He was willing to attend the event that was being publicized, and the Nice Carnival had nothing to do with art, which would allow him to meet more new groups of people.

"Just me and Zoe? Can we bring a few more artists along?" Ronan asked the president.

He wanted to bring more artists from Lourmaran.

Ines replied after thinking for only a second or two:

“Sure, give me the list of names and I’ll send out invitations to you all.”

The Fox family wanted to see the influence of Michelin magazine in the Provençal art scene, and naturally, the more artists who went, the better.

Ines will also invite other artists to Nice when he gets back today.

"Thank you," Ronan said with a smile.

Ines, as if struck by a sudden thought, asked Ronan earnestly:

"Have many artists recently moved to Lourmaran?"

Ronan shrugged and smiled, saying:
“It’s not just artists, but also art professionals. More than 2 people came in February. Now the air above Lourmaran is filled with the sounds of construction.”

Ines revealed a piece of news that shocked Ronan immensely:
"The Vaucluse Department of Tourism has set up a special team to investigate Lourmaran, and they should be there soon."

Michelin Magazine started by producing travel content and has a very close relationship with the tourism bureau.

Ines had access to a lot of inside information.

Ronan let out a surprised "Huh?"

Is the tourism bureau of Vaucluse province going to Lourmaran for an inspection?

What are we examining?
On the way back to Lourmarin, Ronan couldn't figure out why the Vaucluse Tourism Board had come to Lourmarin.

He plans to rest for another day tomorrow.

While recounting his experiences in Grasse to the Lourmaran government and exploring potential benefits for the museum, he also shared this information with them.

What if the tourism bureau launches a 'surprise attack'?

But as soon as he arrived in Lourmaran, he heard several shocking pieces of news.

"The agriculture department of Vaucluse province is coming to Lourmaran next week to explain 'weather insurance'," Theo said to Ronan in a gossipy tone.

Ronan said in a calm tone:

"I know."

Juliet had told him this.

Theo, undeterred, continued:
"The Vaucluse tourism bureau will also be visiting Lourmaran next week."

Ronan finally showed a hint of surprise:

"You found out too?"

“Of course I know, the whole village knows!” Theo said in an even more gossipy tone. “The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Vaucluse is coming too, did you know that?”

Ronan's wide-eyed stare pleased Theo greatly. He raised an eyebrow and continued to share the gossip he had heard that day:
"I heard that the Parliament, the Ministry of National Education, the Ministry of Economy, and the Ministry of Finance are all sending representatives to Lourmaran in March. Ronan, do you think something big is going to happen in Lourmaran?"

Ronan frowned and looked out the window toward the government building.

Blanco is going to apply for a budget in March. Is the reason so many departments sent representatives to Lourmaran for this?
(End of this chapter)