1986: My Happy Life in Provence

Chapter 410 Let me say a few words

"How could it be a rosé winery?"

This was the first thought that came to mind for countless villagers.

Wineries are a symbol of economic upgrading and capital recognition.

All the wineries in Provence are located in relatively developed economic areas, such as Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Côtes de Provence.

If the cold, hard numbers Blanc mentioned earlier couldn't give the villagers a direct sense of how different Lourmarin has become, then the emergence of a winery in Lourmarin is the most direct way for them to understand that Lourmarin is now a village like Gordes, Menard, Bonnillo, and Roussillon.

Are we, Lourmaran, really that powerful?
But why does this winery produce rosé wine?

Everyone knows the status of rosé wine in Provence.

Isn't this digging your own grave?

Countless eyes turned to Pierre, hoping he would give an explanation.

But Pierre didn't know either.
He thought he knew the entire content of the plenary session, only to find that he was missing one crucial piece of information.

"Where's Ronan?" Pierre looked around. The spot where Ronan had been sitting was now only occupied by his parents and a table full of sunflower seed shells.

He found Ronan's father, Luo Tianhai:

"Ronan was just here, where is he now?"

Luo Tianhai pointed in a direction:
Ronan said that Blanco's speech was too "literary" and he wanted to go and see for himself.

The controversy surrounding the rosé winery did not last long.

Because of what Blanco said next, the villagers had no time or energy to think about anything else.

After discussing many aspects of Lourmaran's future, Blanco returned the topic to agricultural information.

"To accelerate the development of other villages in Luberon and to ensure Lourmarin keeps pace with the times, the government adopted the recommendations of the Ministry of Agriculture and the European Community, designating it as a pilot area to actively cooperate with the region in upgrading and adjusting grape varieties and the wine industry. Farmers who voluntarily remove Carignan, Cinsault, Ugni Blanc, and Claire grape varieties receive a subsidy of 3000-5000 francs per hectare, with the specific amount depending on the age of the vines and the variety. Detailed rules are as follows—"

The entire Lourmaran was in an uproar at that moment.

If we actively pull up the grapes, what will we do in the future?
Has the government gone mad?
Pierre stood up and shouted:

"Calm down, listen carefully to the rules. This part of the compensation can run in parallel with the disaster compensation plan we just discussed, which can help recover more of your economic losses!"

However, the overwhelming amount of information at once made it impossible for everyone to calm down, and those who had not received much education lacked the ability to analyze information normally.

Ignoring Ronan's repeated warnings, Henry grabbed Pierre by the collar:

"No wonder you kept it from us. You're actually in cahoots with the government, trying to get us to give up our land. What's the difference between you and those guys who turn farmland into holiday villas and golf courses?"

Pierre broke free from Henry's control:
"I just want to make everyone better."

Henry grabbed Pierre's collar again:

"Without the land and the grapes, how will we survive? How can things possibly get better?"

"Stop arguing, Blanco is still talking."

"Don't fight! Listen carefully first!"

The villagers all stood up and tried to separate Henry and Pierre, but Henry had already gone 'crazy'.

Just as violence was about to erupt in Como's pub, a piercing buzzing sound suddenly came from the loudspeaker.

Then a clear and gentle voice cautiously said "hello" a few times.

The next second, the voice, clearly tinged with laughter, muttered to itself:
"Oh, so that's how it's used. We were too close just now."

Henry reacted as if he'd been electrocuted, and immediately released Pierre.

It's Mr. Ronan!
Ronan's clear but distinct voice, unhurried and deliberate, reached the ears of every villager within the old church's perimeter:

“Hello everyone, I’m Ronan. I know many people don’t care how many shops have appeared in Lourmaran Village or how many government departments have been received. They think it’s too far removed from their lives and are worried that people might misunderstand the government’s intentions. I’m here to give you a few words of advice, but Blanco is too ‘lazy’ and wants me to say it myself. So I’ll say a few words.”

The villagers sat up straight, unconsciously shifting their bodies towards the old church. "Whether it's government disaster compensation, cooperating with the Ministry of Agriculture's 'uprooting plan,' or opening a rosé winery, it all has only one purpose—to make money for everyone, to make more and more money."

Don't be afraid if the grapevines are frozen to death or damaged by frost. The government will share the burden with you. Don't be afraid if the old vines are pulled out. We will lead everyone to plant new grape varieties. Don't be afraid if you lose your land. You can get other job opportunities. You may not realize that our Lourmaran has become strong enough to feed everyone.

Whether you are currently unemployed or about to become unemployed, you can find me after the conference. The art shops will accept you, the galleries will accept you, Stusgar will accept you. I can say without exaggeration that Lourmaran will have many opportunities to bring wealth to everyone in the future, just like weaving, such as rosé wine—”

After a brief pause, Ronan said calmly:

"Because I will be running Stersgart."

Ronan spoke calmly, but his words stirred up a huge wave of emotions in the hearts of all the villagers who heard them.

This guy always acts nonchalant, but what he does always causes a sensation throughout the village.

"Will Ronan be running Strasbourg?"

Those who were pessimistic about rosé wine looked at each other and said that it didn't seem like they were 'digging their own graves' anymore, because this guy succeeds at everything he does.

Maybe it can work?

"Is Ronan going to lead us to uproot the old vines and plant new grape varieties?"

Henry moved away from Pierre somewhat embarrassed, his thick skin turning slightly red.

Mr. Ronan's decision must be right!

"Ronan is the one who's 'in cahoots' with the government!"

Pierre's anger, which had just surged, dissipated.

But only his words could convince the entire village without reservation!
In front of the old church.

Blanco stood behind Ronan, looking at the tall, upright man in front of him with a look of satisfaction.

Lourmaran’s commitment and all-or-nothing gamble were the right move.

Investing in Ronan is investing in the future of Lourmaran!

Ronan said he'd say a few words, and he really did say a few words.

He quickly handed the microphone to Blanco and then quietly returned to Como's restaurant.

To be honest, he was also uneasy when he said those words.

Because rosé wine and knitting are very different.

Weaving, as an emerging handicraft, has only competed slightly with embroidery in Lourmaran, but the number of people in the village who like to drink rosé is still small; most villagers drink red and white wine, beer, and anise liqueur.

Before the winery officially opens, staff training is required, and it remains to be seen whether his "recruitment declaration" will resonate with everyone.

Before he could leave the area of ​​the old church, he was stopped by someone.

Lucas seemed to have come specifically to see him:

"I heard you're hiring?"

Ronan was briefly taken aback:
"Are you coming?"

Lucas chuckled twice, and said, half-jokingly:

"Am I not one of the unemployed villagers?"

Before Ronan could reply, Lucas grabbed Ronan by the neck, just like he usually did with Theo:

“I’ll go back with you. With me here, let’s see who dares to say a bad word about the rosé wine. Anyone who dares to question me will have their head snapped off.”

The lions of Lourmaran have recently recovered.

And the first thing he did after recovering was to help his brothers firmly hold onto their territory!
(End of this chapter)