1986: My Happy Life in Provence

Chapter 440 Ronan will be my good brother in the future!

Ronan spotted Llorente and Ms. Sanson in the crowd at a glance.

Compared to the other tourists around them, these two were dressed far too formally, as if they were there for a meeting.

Ronan was not surprised by Llorente's appearance; he was the organizer of the event.

But Ronan was extremely surprised to see Ms. Sanson here.

There were too many collectors participating in the 'Lovebirds' auction, but only a few could be remembered by Ronan. Among them was this local collector who entered his seventh marriage this year, and that number is likely to continue to rise in the future.

Besides her personal life leaving a deep impression on Ronan, she and Mr. Rodrigo also put on a terrifying bidding war at the auction.

Zoe and Ms. Sanson also have quite a 'connection'.

The second piece of art that Miss Patricia commissioned Zoe to create was a gift for the shipping magnate's granddaughter, who, according to seniority, would have to call the just-over-40-year-old Mrs. Sanson "grandmother".

In Gold, Ms. Sanson had invited Ronan to dinner, but Ronan declined with an excuse, saying he would make the appointment in a few days.

A few days turned into several months. When they met again, Ronan, feeling guilty, was unusually proactive and enthusiastic.

He stepped out of the booth and exchanged a formal cheek kiss with Ms. Sanson:
"It's been a long time since I've seen Ms. Sanson. I'm so happy to see you again."

Ms. Sanson responded enthusiastically:
"I was quite surprised to see you here."

Ms. Sanson performed the same etiquette with Zoe, and the three chatted like old friends.

Llorente kept glancing at Ronan, who was chatting and laughing with Mrs. Sanson.

In fact, he also wanted to remind Ronan of the lady's important position in Provence and that she should not be neglected.

Unexpectedly, Ronan completely ignored him.

During their last meeting in Lourmaran, Llorente had a feeling that Ronan was a very shrewd and worldly-wise young man, and now he was even more certain of that idea.

Ms. Sanson and Zoe chatted about her 'granddaughter's' birthday gift, and Ronan finally had time to sort out Llorente's thoughts.

"Hello Mr. Llorente, this year's competition is really lively." Ronan remembered that there weren't many tourists visiting last year's bread competition, but the overall number of visitors has increased this year.

Llorente was still the same person who could make people feel comfortable with just his words; he gave Ronan a warm hug.
"Of course it's because you, the great artist, have come! All the tourists are here to see you!"

He whispered in Ronan's ear and gently patted his back a few times:
"To express my gratitude, you will 'definitely' achieve a good result in the upcoming competition, and I will also try my best to give you plenty of exposure."

The bread competition process is very simple: the judges taste the bread from each booth and give it a score, and the one with the highest overall score is the champion.

A flag representing victory will be displayed in the champion's area.

Ronan also patted Llorente on the back:

"It's an honor for me to participate; the competition itself is not important."

Ronan was telling the truth, not just being polite.

The pink bread had already attracted the attention of many tourists, so the flag that symbolized victory had little effect on him.

Moreover, the 'exposure' Llorente mentioned is not what Ronan needs.

From a practical standpoint, this exhibition area is what Ronan values ​​more. He can promote Lourmaran's restaurant and Stella here without any scruples.

The exposure Llorente gave must be related to the bread competition, maybe even a magazine interview.

How could he speak so freely in front of the camera?
He doesn't sell bread, so he can't mention restaurants or Stella, making this exposure very limited in its significance.

Ronan just wanted to stay here and advertise in peace, and preferably not get too much attention.

However, Ronan's views do not represent everyone's.

Behind the long bread table, the big guy Thor was shouting with extra gusto:
"Everyone come and try the best bread in all of Luberon!"

The bread competition does not prohibit soliciting customers; in fact, it encourages everyone to promote the event, as the organizers also hope to make the event a lively and successful one.

Seeing that the other contestants were all shouting, Thor also started shouting.

Thor was tall and had a loud voice. Inspired by him, Luo Tianhai and Leah, who had come to help, also sprang into action, enthusiastically offering samples to the tourists who had gathered to watch.

"Come and try it! It's not only beautiful, it tastes even better!"

Llorente glanced around at the people enthusiastically promoting the message, then winked at Ronan:
"I understand, I understand!"

Are you sure you're not 'competitive'?

Your shouts are the loudest in the whole area.

Ronan explained with a smile:

“I’m already very happy to be able to display the bread here, you don’t need to ‘go to trouble’.”

Please, please don't schedule any interviews for me!
As they were talking, Gotia and several other girls, who had been missing for a long time, reappeared. They had taken a stroll around Mena Village and found that the bread competition was still the most lively place.

Seeing that everyone in Ronan's group was making calls, they joined in without hesitation. They had to make up for their previous 'absence'.

"Look at our crab meat bread! The red of the tomato, the white of the crab meat, and the dark green of the olive—look how much it resembles Van Gogh's brushstrokes! Who wouldn't want to try it?" the painter Vivian introduced 'professionally'.

"This one is called Red Bean Bun. The dough is like a letter that has been repeatedly unfolded and folded. The red bean paste inside is smooth, simple, and just the right amount of sweet. Trust me, it's the perfect taste for summer." Baolai Te also showed off its strength.

"Ladies and gentlemen, are you tired from shopping? Come and try our real 'Flour Riot,' it will awaken your taste buds for the day!" Godia shouted, shaking his head.

Thor had never participated in anything so fun before. He cupped his hands to his mouth and shouted happily:

"The best bread is here! The best bread is here! The best bread is here!!"

Zoe, who was chatting with Ms. Sanson, noticed the commotion around her. While continuing her conversation, she handed over the tray she was carrying.
"Try our pork floss bread and custard buns, their taste will definitely leave you with unforgettable memories."

Llorente grabbed a sample and put it in his mouth, praising it even before he started chewing:
"Is this pink 'bread' called a lava bun? It tastes so good, Ronan, the bread here really makes my memory of it."

Seeing that his fiancée had already joined the fray, Ronan smiled and shook his head, adopting the same imposing manner as Thor:

"Ladies and gentlemen, come and try our bread and buns made with rosé wine! I swear you'll never find this flavor anywhere else, because only Provence rosé wine can produce such a wonderful aroma in the flour. If you're still not satisfied, head to our Chinese restaurant in Lourmarin, where we have dozens of unique dishes that you won't find anywhere else. And remember, always pair your meal with Stellar rosé wine; they're perfect for summer!"

The young couple chatted briefly with Llorente and Ms. Sanson for a few minutes before quickly ending the conversation and getting back to serving customers.

The two distinguished guests did not leave immediately, but stayed in Ronan's exhibition area for a while longer.

Llorente did not move because Mrs. Sanson showed no sign of leaving, even though she had bought every kind of bread there.

Ms. Sanson didn't leave because she wasn't there to buy bread at all.

Ronan currently has only one work on the market, 'Lovebirds,' which is on permanent free display at the Musée de la Aix-Granée. Apart from that, no other collector in Provence owns any of his works.

If Sanson could acquire a piece of art personally crafted by Ronan through some means, it might cause a small sensation in the Provençal art world. After all, the Provençal art scene has been quiet for too long since the end of the Gold series of events; it's time for some exciting developments.

But to achieve this goal, I need to get closer to Ronan.

Even if you can't get to know Ronan well, you should at least get to know his girlfriend Zoe.

Ms. Sanson wants to find an opportunity to continue contact with Zoe and is thinking about how to bring it up.

Llorente had long understood the current situation and took the initiative to explain things to Ms. Sanson:
"It's not easy to get to know these artists. You see, they are never short of admirers because they are so talented. However, if you create some unexpected surprises for them on special occasions, the situation may be quite different."

Ms. Sanson knew very well who Llorente was, and what she wanted to do now required precisely such a person to 'help' her:
What kind of unexpected surprises and delights?

Llorente smiled and said:
"For example, letting them know that their medals were awarded at the 'strong' request of a certain lady."

"May I?" Ms. Sanson asked after a few seconds of thought.

“Let’s go somewhere else to talk, there are too many people here.” Llorente kindly made way for her. “With your status, becoming a judge for our bread competition would be a piece of cake.”

Ms. Sanson seemed to have forgotten about the old shipping magnate Ace, who couldn't live without her, and pressed on with the question:
"As an important 'award presenter,' could I have more opportunities to interact with Ronan, perhaps for lunch or dinner?"

Llorente carefully escorted Ms. Sanson away:

“Of course, I will personally help you invite Ronan and arrange a place for you to eat.”

Ms. Sanson's smile suddenly blossomed, as if she now understood why the old shipping magnate had sponsored this bread competition for so many years:

"I'll talk to Ace when I get back, maybe we can consider that Bouillabaisse Olympic Games."

Llorente suddenly exclaimed "Oh dear!" as if he had forgotten something important:

"Madam, I'm afraid I can't wait until July, because there's a dessert competition in May, and Ronan will be participating in that event. I remember Mr. Ace also likes desserts?"

Ms. Sanson gave a knowing smile:
“That’s great! Ace does love desserts, he’ll definitely be interested.”

Llorente could no longer hide the smile on his face.

Ronan not only attracted a new alliance of wineries specializing in high-end wines, but also the wealthy and powerful Mrs. Sanson and her husband. All these achievements can be attributed to him!

The first Provence Dessert Competition, which he initiated and planned next month, is sure to be a star-studded event, bringing him one step closer to becoming the culinary leader in the Vaucluse region.

Llorente glanced back at Ronan, who was busy at work.

Ms. Sanson wasn't the only one who needed to cultivate a good relationship with Ronan.

Ronan will be his 'good brother' in the future!

In order to gain more important resources and connections in the future, Llorente began to consider whether to give Ronan a position in the 'Vaucluse Food Alliance'.

With Llorente's assistance, Ronan's results were naturally quite good.

In fact, Llorente would 'take care' of some contestants every year, and the judges were used to it.

However, the player that Llorente instructed everyone to 'take care of' this year has considerable strength and would definitely be a strong competitor even without that connection.

Therefore, every judge gave extremely high praise after tasting the food at Ronan's place, perhaps because they had been holding back for several competitions.

After lunch, the organizing committee staff notified Ronan to go to the center of the square to get the flag.

Ronan found Thor, who was still enthusiastically hawking his wares and showed no signs of fatigue.

"Thor, go to the square to claim your prize!"

Thor has the strongest competitive spirit today.

When the staff came over, Thor was so excited when he heard that they could get the flag that he jumped up.

Thor's face flushed red instantly, and he shook his head frantically:
"No, no, no, I won't go. This is a prize for you. Why would I go?"

Ronan smiled and nudged him:

"Of course you can go. The idea of ​​adding rosé to the flour was yours. These buns were made by you and me together, and you were the one shouting the loudest today."

"Thor, go quickly!" Leah said while deftly slicing bread. "There's no such fun activity in Paris, and it's the first one. You should go and experience it."

Luo Tianhai waved to Thor:

"Go back quickly."

Cotillard and several other girls urged Thor to go and get the flag as their representative.

"You are the tallest and most imposing. The flag bearers at the Olympics are the tallest people."

“If you don’t go, who will? You have the loudest voice in the square today, so go over there and help us spread the word.”

Ronan led Thor out of the display area and encouraged him, saying:
"Go ahead, you're the most suitable person."

Thor looked at these people with mixed feelings.

For the first time, he felt that he was actually quite important.

Filled with excitement, curiosity, and nervousness, Thor turned and left.

"Okay, I'll go!"

Thor was gone for a very long time, at least almost two hours.

So long ago, Ronan wanted to go and see him.

Why does it take so long to get a flag?
“Don’t worry, maybe he’s just attracted by something fun,” Zoe reassured Ronan.

The area where you pick up the flag is also within the square's boundaries, so there's absolutely no chance of getting lost.

Everyone who came today knew about Thor's exploits in Lourmaran a few days ago, and Cotillard also comforted Ronan:

“Mena Village is more interesting than Lourmaran. Perhaps he’s been held back by something. He’s been here all day and hasn’t gone out for a stroll yet.”

Cotillard and the others had been playing with Thor for several days and had gotten to know Ronan's personality a little better.

The bread-making competition alone would keep him entertained for quite some time, and beyond the plaza area lay the entire Golden Triangle Mena Village.

This place is enough to keep Thor entertained for two days and two nights!

Vivian said in a joking tone:

"He's probably on another tour, he might not be back until the afternoon."

Everyone around burst into laughter, but Ronan sighed:

"It's unusual for him to take today's match so seriously."

A while later, a flag embroidered with golden wheat ears fluttered in the square and quickly approached Ronan's stall.

The crowd parted automatically, and Thor, mimicking the torchbearer's movements, ran back breathlessly.
"I am back!"

"Where did you go?" Ronan asked, noticing that Thor didn't seem to have gone out to play.

Thor waved the flag excitedly, just like his overwhelming emotions:
"After receiving the flag, they interviewed me. It was my first time being interviewed. They told me that what I said could be seen by all the people of Provence."

Ronan's eyes widened in disbelief.

Good heavens, has Mr. Llorente really arranged an 'exposure' for him?

"What did they ask you?" Ronan asked nervously.

Thor chuckled and said:
"They didn't ask me anything, they just let me say what I wanted to say."

"So what did you say?" Ronan continued to ask.

Thor patted Ronan on the shoulder and said:
"I talked about our rosé bread and buns, how bread can be paired with rosé, and that if you like these buns and bread, you can continue to eat them at your Chinese restaurant in Lourmarin. I also mentioned that rosé is a specialty of Provence, and if you're going to drink it, you must try Stellagas!"

Thor came to Provence for leisure, and he probably didn't know much about the nature of this competition.

He would say whatever they asked him to say, without any restraint.

Of course, all of these words he said were things Ronan had said before, and the meticulous Thor remembered them all.

Thor looked at him with an expression that seemed to crave praise:
"Everything I said is something you care about!"

Seeing Ronan's speechless expression, Thor asked:
"Did I say something wrong?"

Ronan shook his head and said with a smile:
"No, no, you're absolutely right. These are the very reasons we came to participate in the competition!"

Ronan had no expectations for this revelation.

Thor said what was 'inappropriate,' so be it.

That's going to be a headache for the organizing committee.

In the office more than 200 meters away from here.

The organizing committee staff asked several leaders with a headache:

"That gentleman has said too much 'irrelevant' stuff, hasn't he? Shouldn't we make some selections from his statements?"

A bald, middle-aged man looked at Llorente with a troubled expression. He knew perfectly well that Ronan was one of Llorente's men.
"I'll first notify the newspaper to make revisions, removing everything unrelated to the bread competition. But after the revisions, do I need to show it to the winner again?"

Llorente, who had just finished a pleasant meeting with Ms. Sanson, waved his hand dismissively:
"Everyone, don't be so nervous. This interview was 'exchanged' by me. It didn't cost the organizing committee a penny. It's a free thing. Wouldn't it be a bit much to add trouble for our colleagues at the newspaper and have them revise it? That would affect our relationship. My suggestion is not to delete or revise it. It also contains content about the bread competition, and it takes up a considerable amount of space."

"This—" Everyone looked at each other, unable to make up their minds.

Llorente smiled and said to everyone:

"Alright friends, I've made an appointment with the village chief of Mena Village for dinner. Anyone want to come along? Getting more government assistance is the more important thing right now. Let's not waste our time on such trivial matters."

"You managed to get a date with Adolf?" the bald food association official exclaimed.

Llorente confidently shrugged:

"Of course, we've been friends for over ten years. If you need anything next time, just let me know as soon as possible. Look, you guys couldn't get it done after half a month, but I got it done with just one phone call, didn't you?"

A joyful atmosphere filled the air, and everyone completely forgot what the meeting was supposed to be about.

Llorente calmly took a sip of coffee.

What he cared about was not these dazzling food events, but the connections and resources he gained through them.

See, here comes our chance to increase Ronan's favorability!

(End of this chapter)