1986: My Happy Life in Provence

Chapter 375 Lucas's Gift
Juliet mentioned that there is a "pilot project" in the province of Vaucluse where seedlings can be obtained for free, and necessary technical support will also be provided.

She added that while others might have to wait one or two years to apply, Ronan did, and she could not only ensure the project's smooth implementation but also provide even more assistance.

With seedlings provided, technical support available, and manpower readily available, coupled with the advanced knowledge provided by the system, cultivating new grape varieties is by no means a pipe dream, and there is a high probability of success.

A few days ago, Ronan selected several 'premium' grape varieties that could enhance the structure of rosé wines. Some of these are international varieties, while others have been cultivated in France but have not appeared in Provence.

However, while searching for grapes, Ronan discovered that apart from the traditional varieties native to Provence, other grape varieties would encounter some technical difficulties when planted in Provence.

Although the soil is suitable, some varieties are afraid of high temperatures, while others mature earlier. These are probably the core issues that have prevented these foreign varieties from ever entering the land of Provence.

But as Ronan and Pierre both agreed, the removal of high-yield, low-quality grape varieties will inevitably lead to the emergence of low-yield, high-priced grape varieties. These technical challenges are something the people of Provence must face, and Ronan is not fighting alone.

Ronan plans to contact the 'experimental field' project soon to get more professional advice before deciding what new varieties to plant.

“I can find channels to provide new seedlings, and they might also be able to provide technical support.” Ronan didn’t elaborate further.

Juliet also said that if the new variety is successfully developed and its economic or ecological value is proven, the government will provide additional financial subsidies, but that's all in the future.

Upon hearing this, Pierre suddenly tensed up, and his previously slouching posture straightened up.
"Don't be fooled. Some people make grand promises, but they're just trying to scam you out of your money, like Lucas's truffle cultivation project. Even legitimate projects are very difficult to get approved. I know you have connections in Provence, but this isn't something that can be done easily."

Ronan had full faith in Juliet's abilities, but he couldn't completely ignore Pierre's advice.

The Ministry of Agriculture is coming to Lourmaran soon to promote 'weather insurance', and Ronan plans to ask Juliet about the experimental field project she mentioned to see if he can make a connection with them.

But why did Pierre suddenly bring up Lucas's truffle experimental forest project?
Didn't he already warn those farmers not to talk about Lucas behind his back?

"What happened to Lucas's experimental forest?" Ronan asked Pierre, feigning ignorance.

Pierre lit another cigarette and said worriedly:
“Last year, Lucas wasn’t the only one who tried to cultivate truffles; there were several others. I heard they all failed, and some even ended up with huge debts. Lucas will definitely suffer the same fate. Actually, everyone had already realized something was wrong.”

Pierre said he overheard the news about artificially cultivated truffles when he went to another village to inquire about sunshades. He said that no one in Lourmarin should know about it yet, and he just couldn't help but mention it because he was worried that Ronan would be fooled by the same trick.

But he assured that he would never tell a third person this news.

Ronan explained to Lucas that his mycelial sampling had not yet begun and the results were unknown at this time.

Pierre said with a wry smile that no matter what the outcome, the news should spread quickly in Lourmarin, as many villagers still have dealings with other villages.

“Alright, I’ll keep an eye on it.” Ronan patted Pierre on the shoulder, changing the subject. “I’ll be looking into the new grape varieties soon, and I’ll let you know as soon as there’s any progress.”

The two chatted for quite a while, then Pierre put the chair back in its place, pursed his lips, and said:

"You know you won't listen to anything I say, but try it if you want."

Ronan is very capable and makes a lot of money, but Pierre believes that what Ronan is doing now is beyond his capabilities.

You've only been in Provence for a short time, my friend. How could such a great opportunity as developing new grape varieties fall into your lap?

"What if?" Ronan said with a smile.

After leaving the backyard, Ronan paid special attention to Theo's condition, drinking with him for more than two hours before he felt a little relieved to be sure that Theo was still the same carefree Theo.

Given Theo's protective nature towards his brother, if the news Pierre mentioned had already reached Lourmarin, he would be like an enraged bull, ranting and raving everywhere, and wouldn't have the leisure to tell Cornell that his donkey was pregnant.

Due to the impact of the cold wave, the quality of truffles dropped dramatically in early March.

Even if Lucas wanted to work hard to earn money, he couldn't find any fresh truffles. Like Ronan, he also ended his truffle harvesting season a few days ago.

But after only two days of rest, Ronan suddenly called him, saying that the legendary truffle broker Alphonse had a gourmand German customer who was determined to eat authentic Provençal black truffles in early March. He said he would pay a third more than the market price if he could provide 3 kilograms within a week.

Ronan said he didn't want to go into the mountains anymore, so he packed up his equipment and asked Lucas if he would be willing to take on this 'small job'.

In fact, Ronan had given Lucas four or five similar small, high-value orders in the past month.

The eccentric Mr. Alphonse seemed to trust Ronan a lot, always giving him high-priced orders, but Ronan didn't accept any of them, pushing them all to Lucas.

Lucas was well aware that Ronan was intentionally taking care of his income.

This guy was constantly worried about his condition, especially the results of the spring mycelial sampling, and asked about it almost every time they met.

Although the revenue from these few orders was only a drop in the bucket for Lucas, who was under immense financial pressure, the proud Lucas would not accept the favors from others for nothing.

Lucas accepted Ronan's order and painstakingly collected the last three pounds of truffles within three days. Lucas knew that the truffle harvesting season was truly over this time.

To thank Ronan for consistently placing large orders with him, to thank him for pulling him along to collaborate with Mr. Alphonse, who commanded higher prices, when the cold snap began, and to thank him for his 'protection' throughout the entire truffle harvesting season, Lucas brought a gift with him when he went to the restaurant to deliver the truffles—a hunting rifle worth 12000 francs. Knowing that Lucas would be delivering the truffles today, Ronan waited for him near the cashier early in the morning.

Seeing that Lucas seemed to be in good spirits, Ronan's tone became much lighter:

"Wow, that was fast! You gathered them all in just 3 days. I knew you were the right person to give them to."

Lucas placed the muddy truffle bag on the cashier's counter, along with a hunting rifle.
"Inspect the goods."

Ronan had absolute faith in Lucas's character; he was certain that the truffles he delivered would be plentiful, so he simply put the bag of truffles away without weighing them.

Then, while counting the money for Lucas, he casually asked:
"Is this the Italian hunting rifle Theo has always wanted? Did you go hunting in the mountains today?"

Theo loved cars and guns. He had coveted Lucas's Italian Beretta double-barreled shotgun for a long time, but Lucas only agreed to lend it to him and never gave it to him.

Theo once again obtained his beloved hunting rifle and showed it off to Ronan.

Ronan immediately recognized the one on the table as the one Theo had back then.

“It’s that gun, but I didn’t go hunting,” Lucas said casually.

Ronan shifted his gaze to Theo, who was drinking in the restaurant:
"Sent to Theo?"

The hunting season will end in a few days, and we won't be able to fire again for another six months.

Lucas suppressed a laugh and said:

"Those two vintage guns of yours will only be useful as sticks in the woods. You should put them away in the cabinet and keep them safe. You can use these for hunting in the future."

Ronan then realized that Lucas was going to give him the hunting rifle?

He shook his head repeatedly:
“My hunting technique is very close to the Lourmaran style. I don’t need such a good gun, you can take it back.”

He guessed why Lucas had given him the gun.

But Ronan did all those things to alleviate Lucas's financial pressure, and what kind of thing is it to get a gift in return?

No, absolutely no!
Stubborn Lucas took the francs from the table, and with a cigarette dangling from his lips, opened the restaurant door.
"Take it. If there's another chance, I'll take you hunting in the forest next year."

These words left Ronan feeling particularly uneasy.
If Lucas goes bankrupt, will the proud man still continue to live in Lourmaran?
Just as Ronan was lost in thought, Lucas reappeared in front of him and placed four 500-franc notes on his desk:
"Too much."

Before Ronan could explain why he had received an extra 2000 francs, Lucas had already disappeared again.

This time, Ronan followed him out of the restaurant and called out from behind:

"Mr. Alphonse raised the price again; I forgot to tell you."

Lucas strode ahead as if he hadn't heard, so Ronan quickly caught up and tried to stop him:

"Stay for dinner. You haven't had a drink with everyone in a while. Everyone's here today."

For a long time before that, Ronan rarely appeared at the restaurant, let alone had a good drink with the farmers.

Now that the truffle season is over in Ronan, the farmers are clamoring to have a good get-together and a drink, and it's happening tonight.

Lucas has been too 'isolated' lately, and Ronan wants to help him reintegrate into the farmers' community.

How could a farmers' gathering be complete without you, the eldest brother?

Lucas finally stopped, looked at the familiar smiling faces inside the glass window, and said to Ronan with a smile:

“I won’t go. Margaret has been too tired these past few days. I’ll take her home to rest early. You can take this 2000 francs back; consider it my treat for the brothers to dinner and drinks.”

As night fell, Lucas's solitary figure walked away, so out of place amidst the bustling noise of the restaurant.

Ronan stood on the shopping street for a very long time.

There are so many happy people in Lourmaran now. Why can't there be one more?

Lucas is clearly a very good person.

(End of this chapter)