1986: My Happy Life in Provence

Chapter 391 You have a monster in Lourmaran!

After seeing Thor off, Ronan didn't go to the restaurant, Barty's yard, or Zoe. Instead, he went home and pondered what to do next.

He has too many things to deal with and resolve right now, and a very important time is coming soon—early April.

Blanco's promise to Ronan has been fulfilled.

Next, Ronan needs to fulfill his promise to Pierre.

Before the grapevines emerge from the ground in early April, we need to take over the winery, implement the grapevine removal plan, and strive to secure the experimental field project.

With the disaster compensation terms provided by the Lourmaran government, Ronan believes that laughter will still echo over Lourmaran village in early April, perhaps even more melodiously.

Yesterday, Blanco didn't want to take up too much time and didn't talk much about the situation in St. Scott.

However, Ronan was going to see Blanco at the government office again that afternoon. In addition to meeting with tourism officials and inquiring about the winery's specifics, Ronan also wanted to ask in more detail about the disaster relief plan and when the government would announce it.

Only after the government's disaster compensation terms were announced could Ronan take the opportunity to implement the "uprooting plan," apply for a second round of compensation for the farmers, and then implement the "experimental field" project.

Therefore, all of the above points need to be addressed after sufficient information is gathered this afternoon. This morning, there is only one thing Ronan can do—write the application.

At a rosé wine enthusiasts' gathering, Juliet asked Ronan to write a detailed application for a pilot project so that she could help him with the subsequent 'operations'.

But the paper and pen lay before him for a long time, and Ronan hesitated to write.

“I should have asked last time what needs to be included in this application. Juliet only told me to write in detail, but she didn’t tell me anything else.”

Ronan glanced at the time; it was 9 a.m. Juliet must have left home for work, and all Ronan had was Juliet's home phone number.

If I wait until after I call her in the evening to write this, then this whole morning will be wasted, and today is the day that Postman Tracy is active in Lourmaran.

If your application is not mailed out today, you will have to wait 4 days for the next one.

"Or, how about we write one based on my 'understanding' and send it out first?" Ronan muttered, biting the pen cap. "Then I'll call Juliet tonight to confirm, and if it's wrong, I'll send another one later."

Ronan thought the plan was feasible, since there was nothing else important to do this morning anyway.

But how do you write it?

Even when writing an essay, one needs to know the topic. But Ronan had absolutely no idea what various departments and academic institutions were interested in.

“It’s not that I don’t know at all.” Suddenly, Ronan took the pen out of his mouth with delight.

Ronan didn't know the organizations that provided the technical knowledge, but he did know the direction of Julie's work at the Department of Agriculture.

She had told Ronan more than once that the "wine lakes" phenomenon in the Old World was the reason for the removal plan.

Moreover, this is not just a problem facing the Ministry of Agriculture in Vaucluse, where Juliet works; even the European Community has gotten involved.

Juliet also inadvertently mentioned several important work plans of the Department of Agriculture this year.

Reason for application:

"By enriching the diversity of high-value grape varieties and improving the drought and cold resistance of grapes through scientific means, we can promote the transformation of Provence wines towards the high-end market and enhance their competitiveness with New World wines."

We ate lunch at Zoe's house again.

Today, Zoe made a very simple lunch for Ronan and Vieri, just a plain pasta dish, without even a salad or fruit.

Moreover, she refused to let Ronan and Vieri do anything else.

"Is your cooking course coming to an end?" To be honest, Vieri is just as picky as Zoe.

He used to be able to eat his fill at noon because there was a variety of food, and there was always something edible.

But if lunches continue to be this standard, he will seriously consider whether he should change where he eats lunch.

"Let's put the cooking practice on hold for a few days." Zoe put down her fork after only a few bites.

Ronan ate the noodles with gusto:
"You don't need to learn cooking anymore, I'll do the cooking from now on."

“No, that won’t do. It’s just a few days’ break. I’ll continue once I’ve finished what I’m doing.” Zoe wiped her mouth with a tissue.

"Have you received any new job offers?" Ronan asked, looking at him with surprise.

Never heard of it before.

Zoe stood up, carrying her plate and cutlery, and strode towards the kitchen.

"That's much more important than work, darling. I need to buy the machinery for making furniture, the tools for ceramics, and the tools for glass. The studio is so big, I need to buy so many things. You don't need to wash the dishes after you finish eating, just soak them in the tub. I'll wash them when I get back tonight. I'm going to Apte with Codia now."

Soon, Zoe's unusually excited screams echoed from the kitchen:

"Oh, and the second floor of the studio! Let's go check out the TV and refrigerator this afternoon!!"

Vieri looked at Ronan with 'sympathy':

"Believe me, no matter how big Zoe's house is, she'll fill it up quickly, including your studio."

The Louis house has been turned into a warehouse under Zoe's influence, with things that shouldn't be there piled up in every corner.

Vieri guessed that part of the reason his mother, Leah, wanted Ronan and Zoe to get married soon was because she wanted Zoe and her belongings to move out.

Vieri is a picky eater, Zoe's heart has already flown to Apte, and almost all of today's pasta ended up in Ronan's stomach.

Ronan puffed out his cheeks and said with a happy expression:

“If shopping makes your sister happy, then I will create conditions so that she will always have the opportunity to buy things.”

Vieri gave him a "please spare me" look, grabbed the plates and cutlery, and fled the scene.

Ronan called out to him from behind:

"Isabel's birthday is coming up."

Vieri paused for a moment, then continued walking towards the kitchen.

“It’s at the end of March,” Ronan said with a laugh, before continuing to eat his noodles in large mouthfuls.

No matter what Zoe did, he was determined to wipe her out completely!

Zoe will be frequently traveling between Apte and Ex to buy things. Once she has 'filled' the studio, the young couple will start renovating the house.

Ronan's task during this period was to handle as much as possible about the winery and the new grapes.

After lunch, Ronan went to the Lourmaran government building.

Ronan came here looking for someone more than half a month ago. At that time, there was only old Pire, who was slacking off and smoking in the whole building.

When he returned, he found that things had changed again—there were several unfamiliar faces.

A young, unfamiliar official glanced at Ronan and said in a less than friendly tone:

"The government only opens its citizen reception office on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Today is Monday, so please come back tomorrow if you have any questions or need any assistance."

After saying that, he quickly entered a meeting room.

Ronan chuckled awkwardly twice and continued moving towards Blanco's office, where he encountered another girl he had never seen before on the stairs.

The girl spread her arms to block Ronan from going to the second floor, but her tone was still quite polite:

"How can I help you? Let's talk on the first floor. Unauthorized personnel are not allowed on the second floor."

Ronan asked her with a smile:

Are you a new employee?

The girl nodded, blushing, and said:

"I'm a new intern."

“No wonder.” Ronan nodded in a friendly manner; the Lourmaran government should have increased its manpower long ago.

There are fewer staff here than in the restaurant.

He obediently stood at the bottom of the stairs and didn't go up again, but pointed to the second floor and asked:
"Could you please inform Blanco that Ronan has arrived?"

The female intern's face visibly turned even redder.

She's only been here for three days, doing odd jobs like serving tea and water, and has only seen the village chief once. You want me to knock on the village chief's door?
And who are you to demand to see the village chief right away?
Although he was full of complaints, his tone remained friendly.

"The village chief is busy right now, why don't you tell me what problem you've encountered?"

"I—" Ronan didn't know what to say.

I'm afraid you can't solve my problem.
Not wanting to make things difficult for the intern, Ronan turned and headed towards Sylvie's office:
"It's okay, you don't need to worry about me."

The new employee was very responsible. Seeing Ronan about to turn the doorknob and enter an office, the girl practically jumped from the first floor to stop him.
"Sir, you cannot go in! This is a government office building; there are classified documents inside!!"

Ronan didn't go in, but the noise alerted Sylvie in her office.

Who is this? Why is someone making such a racket? She opened the door and saw Ronan being dragged backward by the girl, looking utterly dejected.

"Stop!" Sylvie rescued Ronan and anxiously asked him if he was alright.

Upon seeing Sylvie's reaction, the intern knew he had done something wrong and had offended someone he shouldn't have.

Her colleagues had told her that Sylvie was one of the top three most important figures in the Lourmaran government, and that the Market Management Center she headed was one of the most crucial departments in Lourmaran, concerning the future development of villages in Lourmaran.

Ronan waved his hands twice and pointed upstairs:
"It's nothing, it's just a misunderstanding. I'll go upstairs now."

"Go on, Blanco is waiting for you," Sylvie said with a smile.

The intern became even more nervous.

Sylvie is trying to please him!
Before Ronan disappeared around the corner of the stairs, he gestured with his chin towards Sylvie:

"The newly recruited intern is very good; he is polite and responsible."

After watching Ronan disappear, Sylvie looked at the intern with a stern face:
"What's your name? Which department are you from?"

The intern's legs went weak.
It's over, it's over!
Am I going to get fired?
Before she started her job, a distant relative who also worked in the government told her that Lourmaran was a very promising village and that she should seize the opportunity to do her best there.

But I've only been here for three days!
“An intern in the administrative department of Condina.” Her voice was so soft that she could barely hear herself.

Sylvie paused for a few seconds:

"Come to the market management center next."

"What?" Condina took a step back like a startled deer.

Sylvie waved to Contina, signaling her to follow:

“I’ll explain to Leclerc and then send another intern to the administration department.”

It wasn't until she completed the transfer and sat in the office at the center of the market that Condina realized it was all real.

She entered a core department of the government simply because of a compliment from that man.

Seeing that Sylvie only looked stern, Condina asked cautiously:
"Excuse me, who was the person I just stopped?"

She confirmed that there was no such person in the government, and that she had met all the staff members.

Sylvie's expression suddenly became excited:

"You mean Ronan? Ronan is the future of Lourmaran and a key figure in the revitalization of Lourmaran."

"The future. A key figure," Contina repeated softly, "Is he that amazing?"

Sylvie smiled and pointed at her:

“Remember, you wouldn’t be here without Ronan. I’m not referring to this office, but to Lourmaran.”

“If it weren’t for you, I definitely wouldn’t be here.” Quincy released Ronan’s hand and said with a smile, “Maybe this is fate.”

Frankly, when Quincy saw Ronan's photo in his office in Lourmarin and learned that he was the villager who had such a great influence on Lourmarin, he deeply regretted only having contacted the Vaucluse Rosé Wine Lovers Association once.

If he had stuck to his judgment and continued to work around the association, perhaps he would have known Ronan long ago, and the development of Lourmarin rosé would have begun much earlier.

“Fate is truly amazing.” Ronan was also very surprised to find that the tourism official who appeared here was Quincy.

Isn't this the same official who begged Ines to persuade the winery to apply for rosé wine certification?

It was this meeting with Quincy that inspired the Ronan Tourism Board to protect the artisanal rosé winemaking techniques, leading to the events that followed.

Now it's all in a closed loop.

Blanco was equally surprised.

Ronan's network of connections is incredibly powerful.

Does he know Quincy too?

Blanco then thought of the formidable friend Ronan had mentioned, the one who could directly pinpoint the tourism bureau's weaknesses.

Suddenly, Blanco frowned.

Could it be that the tourism bureau suddenly increased the budget because that powerful friend helped them behind the scenes?
He decided to ask Ronan later to see if he knew about it.

Meanwhile, Quincy and Ronan's conversation continued.

After marveling at the wonder of fate, the two began to discuss serious matters.

"The tourism board's requirement for Lourmaran is to complete the construction of the Rosé Wine Route before the start of next year's tourist season and begin holding events centered around rosé wine, such as a rosé wine festival. In other words, the first batch of rosé wine from Lourmaran should begin production this autumn and be available for sale next year."

Winemaking requires grapes, and Ronan has only a few months left before September to develop its winemaking process.

Quincy glanced at Blanco with a complicated expression:

“Blanco said he has handed over the management of Stella to you. I know your past. You just like drinking rosé and have created a great rosé atmosphere in Lourmarin, but you have no experience in winemaking. I suggest you find a winemaker as soon as possible, preferably poach the winemaker from Stella. If that is not possible, you should find a successor as soon as possible.”

Nobody in Lourmarin knows anything about rosé, and it's fair to say that almost nobody in the entire Luberon region understands rosé. Therefore, Quincy did not influence Blanco's decision to hand over Stella to Ronan, who was absolutely obsessed with rosé.

But once he took over, he couldn't just ignore what happened next.

Stella is classified as a Cru Bourgeois winery.

In a winery of this size, besides the manager, there are several other very important figures.

In terms of process, there needs to be a person in charge of planting or harvesting. If the winery owns its own land, then he will be in charge of everything from daily maintenance to pruning, fertilization and harvesting decisions.

The second important figure is the winemaker.

The winemaking recipe, the management of oak barrels, the monitoring of fermentation including quality inspection, and so on are all controlled by the winemaker.

The skill level of a winemaker directly reflects the winery's winemaking capabilities.

The third important person is responsible for market development. This role is optional; if the boss has extensive connections, it may not be necessary.

However, in high-end wineries, this role is just as important as that of the winemaker, and a skilled marketing manager can develop more local and international markets.

Blanco also believed that Ronan knew nothing about the winery and was "forced" to come by him.

After patiently explaining to Ronan the proper setup for a healthy Cru Bourgeois winery, he continued, "..."

“When I had Sylvie contact Strassgar, I inquired about the core staff. We hoped that these key figures could come together, but Jerome reported that they had all settled in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. If the new factory is nearby, then these long-term employees can come with us. If it is too far away, they will most likely find work in other wineries in Châteauneuf-du-Pape.”

Quincy nodded, and said worriedly:
“There are many job opportunities in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, but the situation is not optimistic. So my advice is to find a winemaker as soon as possible. If you don’t have this person, you won’t be able to use the recipe even if you get it.”

After patiently listening to their conversation, Ronan hesitated for a while before speaking:
“I don’t think the winemakers are the most anxious. The most anxious thing is where to find workers. The 18 employees that the two of you just mentioned were for the old Stellar, but now the new Stellar in Lourmarin will use the old-fashioned pure handcraftsmanship. This number will definitely need to be more. For the sake of stability and quality, I need to solve the manpower issue first and give them at least three months of professional training before autumn.”

After saying this, he gratefully picked up his coffee and offered it to Blanco and Quincy:

"Of course, I mainly want to thank the two leaders for solving the factory problem for me, otherwise this would be my current concern."

Blanco and Quincy exchanged a glance:
“Human resources are indeed one of the issues, but that’s not the most crucial one. Good winemakers are hard to find, and I suggest you prioritize that.”

Ronan put down his coffee cup and said modestly:
"Actually, the information you received is not accurate. I understand winemaking, and of course I hope to have a great winemaker join us, and I will also look for such a person. But if there is really no one to choose from, I can still guarantee that the original quality will not change. So this step is not the most urgent. The focus should be on other things."

"You know about winemaking?" Blanco and Quincy asked in unison, their voices filled with shock and surprise.

Ronan pointed at Blanco and said confidently:

“Blanco should know that I’m good friends with Jerome, the owner of Stella. I often go to Stella’s Papal Castle factory, and I drink a lot too.”

“But there’s a big difference between liking to drink and knowing how to brew wine.” Quincy’s expression turned a little grim.

Is this young man really that arrogant?

Ronan glanced at the steaming coffee on the table and said humorously:

"It's hot, and drinking hot things like this isn't comfortable. How about I have someone send over a few bottles of chilled rosé?"

Blanco and Quincy were both dumbfounded.

Why the sudden urge to drink?

We're talking about serious business!
Ronan looked at Quincy and smiled, saying:
"How about this, you have someone send over a few bottles of wine. We've been chatting for so long, let's take a break and play a game. Don't show me the bottles, let's see if I can tell what kind of grapes the wine is made from."

"Can you tell the type of grapes in rosé?" Quincy's voice became distorted.

Ronan smiled and pursed his lips:

"Drinking only rosé wine is too easy. Rosé wines from Provence only use a few types of grapes, plus red and white wines. It would be better if you could find wines from other regions, otherwise it's too simple."

Quincy stared wide-eyed at Blanco.

Is this person a monster?!

(End of this chapter)