1986: My Happy Life in Provence

Chapter 419 The Boss Lady is Online

Jerome had previously run and managed the Stusgard family business with his wife; otherwise, she wouldn't have looked any more heartbroken than Jerome after the decision to sell the Stusgard family business.

In Provence, it is very common for couples to run a business together. When the Milfair Guide records the strengths and weaknesses of various restaurants, it makes a point of including information about the owner's wife.

If the owner and his wife have a happy marriage, the restaurant will be favored and trusted by more customers.

Winemaking is considered a relatively "high-end" industry in Provence, and winery workers typically earn higher wages than workers in other industries.

Although Stellar is a winery specializing in rosé, it holds the top position in the region, and Zoe's name is associated with Stellar. This will certainly help her in her main job, as the artist community is very receptive to rosé.

If Stellar grows bigger and stronger in the future, the effect of this assistance will be even more significant and positive.

Therefore, Ronan did not refuse Zoe's proposal and let her take charge of Stella's finances and some simple administrative management, making her the de facto 'boss lady' of Stella.

The 'landlady' adapted very well, and after overcoming the difficult initial period, she was soon able to offer Ronan some effective advice:
“After deducting various subsidies and tax breaks, Stella has more than 60,000 in labor costs every month, but the tourism season experience projects should be able to cover part of it. The actual monthly burden is very small. After spending 80,000 on operating expenses and 205,000 on equipment, there are still a lot of subsidies left. Could we buy more land?”

Zoe knew Ronan wanted to buy land, and even Louis stepped in to help Ronan resolve the issue of old Nemo's 5 hectares of land on the north slope.

While resolving the issue, Louis also provided Ronan with reference prices for other land in Lourmarin.

Previously, Lourmarin had no wineries, so the most expensive vineyards were concentrated near farmhouses, with prices rising from 8 francs per hectare last year to 11 francs per hectare or even higher now.

The second highest prices are for those sunny south-facing slopes, which range from 7 to 10 francs per hectare, depending mainly on the distance from the village and the altitude difference.

Louis told Ronan that, according to market prices, the price of that northern slope should be below 7 francs per hectare, but Ronan was in such a hurry that the price might be too high.

However, even if old Nemo asked for an exorbitant amount, he still wouldn't be able to spend all the remaining funds.

In fact, Ronan had already thought about this problem:
“We will definitely continue to buy land, but I don’t want to use that money to buy it.”

Zoe is Ronan's future wife, and Ronan doesn't want to hide anything from her, so he explains his considerations to her in detail.

The experimental field on the north slope is of great significance to Lourmaran. If Ronan succeeds in cultivating it, it will not only represent himself, but also the agricultural level of Lourmaran. Lourmaran can use this as a core to strive for and apply for many things, so he can use the funds given by the government to purchase them.

Moreover, even if the Merlot is successfully planted this fall, it will be at least four years before these grapes can be used to make wine.

Therefore, that piece of land has no economic value in the short term; it has more significance in other areas.

However, if Ronan uses that money to buy other land, he will be suspected of using government funds for personal gain.

Ronan was well aware that land prices would continue to rise, and buying land now was an investment, and a very wise one at that.

Don't forget that the stone house Ronan bought at a bargain price was sold for 120 million francs around 1990.

In other words, land prices in Lourmaran will more than double within two years.

Ronan did receive 130 million francs in aid from the Lourmaran government and had the government fund the construction of the factory, but Ronan firmly believed that Stjesga would bring Lourmaran ten times, a hundred times, or even more benefits in the future.

The government appears to be investing in Ronan and Stella, but in reality, it is investing in Lourmaran, so Ronan will certainly be able to repay this 'favor'.

However, if he used the $130 million given by the government to buy land, he could repay the favor, but that would be too complicated. Ronan decided that if he were to continue buying land, he would do so in his own name and not associate himself with Stella.

“Stesga needs to purchase some more winemaking equipment. Jerome is helping me make the connections. After buying these, I plan to use all the remaining money to buy grapes from farmers to increase Stesga’s production next year. Of course, the premise for doing so is that we can open up a large enough new market this year. Although it will be difficult, I believe we can succeed!” Ronan said confidently to Zoe.

Zoe hadn't really thought that much about it before, but after hearing Ronan's explanation, she quickly understood his intention.

She agreed with Ronan's reasons, but she still wanted to buy the land.

“Then we’ll buy it ourselves,” Zoe said firmly. “I’ve done some research lately, research on wineries. Even a small winery like Moli has 8 hectares of its own vineyards. How could a winery as big as Stellar only have 5 hectares of vineyards and buy the rest from farmers?”

Ronan gave an awkward laugh twice:
"I definitely want to buy, but I'm not in a rush."

Ronan has just finished his March 'economic summary'.

At the end of February, he had a huge sum of 750,000 francs, but by the end of March, his savings had dwindled to less than 700,000 francs.

Ronan's income in March was simple, consisting of two parts.

The restaurant made a profit of over 11 this month. Ronan took 9 and left the rest to his parents.

The weaving business earned more than 4 francs, which is more than last month, but the scale still hasn't increased.

But Ronan's expenses this month have been too high.

When building his backyard studio, Ronan bought a state-of-the-art dust removal system, which cost over 6 yuan.

They sent Lucas 10 francs to clear the host tree roots. No matter what inoculation method is used for that experimental forest in the future, the land must be cleared first, as the residue from the last experiment will affect their subsequent actions.

In addition, I bought a batch of high-quality Grenache seedlings, made two kilns and some outdoor facilities for Zoe, etc., totaling more than 3 yuan.

In summary, March was a month where income couldn't cover expenses.

Ronan dared not touch the remaining 600,000 francs. He had to be ready at any time to work on the artificial cultivation of truffles project. Professor Fernand could send him a message at any moment, and the amount of money spent would definitely be huge, especially now that the costs had increased significantly.

The good news is that Sandrine's addition has given the weaving business a lot of hope, and it might be able to generate more than 10 francs a month in a few months, just like the restaurant.

Ronan's idea was to hold off on buying land for the next two months, and wait until the weaving business showed some promise and he saw a glimmer of hope before taking any action.

That way he can feel more at ease.

Otherwise, I'm always worried that it will delay the progress of artificial truffle cultivation, especially since it involves Lucas.

Lucas's condition has just started to improve, and we absolutely cannot afford any more mishaps.

In fact, without Ronan needing to explain anything, Zoe quickly guessed his concerns, and so she pursed her lips and said:

"Remember what we talked about before? My money is already spent anyway, so you can use my money to do something more meaningful. Don't touch your money yet, I'll buy it."

Ronan's first reaction was to refuse, not wanting Zoe to spend money.

But he quickly realized that there seemed to be no reason to refuse.

Buying now is a sure win!
Zoe had prepared a whole speech, but Ronan just stared at her without saying a word.

She burst out laughing:
"You finally understand that we are now an inseparable whole. Doesn't this count as writing the first stroke on that 'answer sheet of life'?"

Zoe previously felt that she was still a long way from being a good wife.

Ronan comforted her, saying that marriage is a lifelong test, and you haven't even received the test paper yet, so why are you in such a hurry to write the answers?

After that, the young couple used "life's answer sheet" to refer to marriage.

Ronan smiled and shook his head: "Because this investment is highly likely to succeed, and you can make money, I can't find a reason to refuse."

Zoe smacked her lips:

"What's going on? Points deducted! We're sure to make money!"

After saying that, she grabbed Ronan's arm and said in an unquestionable tone:
"Alright, let's not talk about this anymore. I learned a new dish from Mom last night, and I'll cook it for you for lunch today. Before 2 PM, you can only think about me, not about wineries, grapes, and truffles. After 2 PM, we'll face and solve other headaches together! Remember, it's us! Not just you!"

The care and concern shown by others increases happiness by 50 points.

[Happiness increases by 35 points when having intimate contact with someone of the opposite sex]

During Ronan's busiest and most stressful period, Zoe gave him plenty of care and companionship.

She devoted almost all her time to helping Ronan think about and solve various trivial matters in Stella, and also took meticulous care of him.

Every morning when Ronan woke up, Zoe would already be downstairs at his apartment, waiting to go to 'work' with him.

We cook and eat lunch together, and then take a nap in a happy atmosphere.

Every night, without fail, I would take a night stroll through the village, dreaming of a bright future.

Although Ronan didn't have a single easy day in the early days of Stellaris, working like a spinning top and under immense pressure, he was extremely happy—the notification sounds in his ear and the constantly improving system values ​​were the best proof of that.

Zoe brought Ronan such immense happiness that he was able to maintain a peaceful state of mind, no longer anxious or angry regardless of whether Old Nemo sold the land or when Melo could be grown.

"If all else fails, I'll try the south slope. We can buy that land south of the Stersga factory anytime."

Old Nemo was fixated on this and wouldn't give up until he got 'compensation,' while Ronan felt that waiting indefinitely wasn't a good idea.

The location of Stella will remain unchanged, as the scenery there is fantastic. If the north slope isn't suitable, then the south slope will suffice.

He asked Pierre to inquire, and it turned out the farmer could indeed sell land.

Soil issues, like those on the north slope, require changes to soil properties.

The north slope simply has the added attribute of being 'shady'.

However, during this period, Zoe accelerated the accumulation of [Happiness], and was only a little bit of experience points away from reaching level 5 [Planting].

What if level 5 [Planting] could solve the 'shade' problem?

We can't put all our eggs in one basket, can we?

“Okay, if you’ve thought it through, I’ll ask Dad to help you find some cheap land.” Zoe always supported Ronan’s decisions. “I’ll talk to him about it at noon and tell him to start looking now.”

“Okay.” Ronan said casually, “Don’t come over this afternoon. Just go and sign the contract. I can manage on my own.”

The vineyard tour program has been launched. After Cornell introduces Stellar at the Rosé Museum, visitors will be invited to visit the Lourmaran vineyards and have a picnic in the scenic vineyards, with food and drinks provided by them.

Tourists used to enjoy picnicking and taking photos in the vineyards, but the farmers treated them as rudely as they would 'wild boars'.

But things are different now. Now that we've paid you, you can do whatever you want in the vineyard. If the money is right, you can even stay there.

The new project has received a good response during its trial operation. Lourmarin was the village with the best grape quality in the Luberon region last year, so it still has a certain appeal.

The village's visitor center has also launched this activity, and it's expected that there will be a lot of people signing up when tourists arrive in Provence.

Although there aren't many tourists yet, Ronan has been keeping an eye on things here for the past few days, making improvements whenever there are fewer people, and Zoe naturally accompanies Ronan.

However, this afternoon, Ronan didn't want Zoe to come.

With Louis's help, Zoe successfully reserved 4 hectares of terraced vineyards on the south slope for 30 francs, and will be signing the contract this afternoon.

This is a big deal and cannot be delayed.

Zoe said with some concern:
"I'll be back soon."

At noon, Louis invited Zoe and the farmer who sold the land to lunch, hoping that the farmer would make a little more concessions.

Worried that the appearance of Ronan, a well-known wealthy businessman, might disrupt their plans, Ronan decided to eat alone today.

"Don't worry," Ronan said, pointing to several newly hired employees at the winery. "I'll eat with them."

Zoe smiled adorably:
"Sure, I've prepared plenty of food, and I'd like everyone to try my cooking."

Zoe had tried to improve her cooking skills before, but the results were mediocre.

In order to take good care of the busy Ronan, Zoe's cooking skills have improved a lot recently, to the point that they can be praised by the picky Vieri.

"Huh?" Ronan's eyes widened in surprise.

Zoe quickly kissed Ronan on the cheek:
"I've left your food at the visitor center. I've also prepared a hammock for you. You've gotten into the habit of taking a nap now, and you won't have any energy in the afternoon if you don't. Just take a nap and I'll be back."

Ronan took a few of his friends to the visitor center, where the staff brought out two huge baskets filled with sandwiches, salads, bacon, Provençal pesto, and biscuits—all of Ronan's favorite foods.

"God, what's the difference between Zoe and your wife now?"

“My wife has never brought me this much stuff before when I go to work in the fields. What time did she get up to make all this?”

"And a hammock! Ronan, you're so enviable!"

"You two are an old married couple already!"

Ronan, holding the two baskets with obvious delight, said:
"What do you mean by an old married couple? Zoe and I are always in our honeymoon phase. Even if we have children in the future and we're in our seventies or eighties, our way of getting along will never change."

The care and concern shown by others increases happiness by 50 points.

[Enjoying a dish cooked by your loved one increases your happiness level by 18 points]

[Enjoying a dish cooked by your loved one increases your happiness level by 21 points]

This noon, Ronan ate his usual two meals and, without realizing it, accumulated the experience needed to reach level 5 in [Planting].

He patted his round belly and happily opened the system.

We'll see when Mello can begin his experiments in Lourmaran.

(End of this chapter)