1986: My Happy Life in Provence

Chapter 458 Something to look forward to? Yes!
From the beginning of the Gold series of events, the Lourmaran Crafts Cooperative has been intentionally building a 'VIP' system, a path that all high-end brands cannot avoid.

However, Cafu was not proficient in this part of the business and made some moves, but they were just for show.

The only thing they did well was consistently implementing the 'one-on-one service' principle.

But Ronan understands that 'one-on-one service' is only the most basic level.

We need to adopt more engaging strategies when dealing with clients to better align ourselves with the high-end and niche market image, and to better align with Lourmarin in the future to secure more resources.

"Leave professional matters to professionals" was the first principle Ronan learned in Provence.

His second principle was to "cling to the government."

If the Lourmaran Crafts Cooperative can help the Lourmaran government achieve its desired goal—transforming Lourmaran into a niche, upscale medieval village—then it will be a great success.

Ronan believed that the generous Blanco would certainly bring considerable benefits to the Lourmaran handicraft cooperative.

It's important to know that both the restaurant and Stella have received a lot of support and assistance from the Lourmaran government. Ronan's next goal is to bring the Lourmaran handicraft cooperative into the Lourmaran government's sights as soon as possible.

To achieve this goal, the 'VIP' system must be well-designed, and ideally, it should attract the attention of several prominent figures in Provence.

Sandrine was taken aback by Ronan's words.

In a sense, the Lourmaran Handicraft Cooperative is only officially 'established' today.

The previous six months of operation could only be described as exploration and experimentation, but now they are finally on the right track.

Sandrine understood Ronan's thoughts; he wanted to make the Lourmaran Handicrafts Cooperative successful, renowned, and distinctive more than anyone else.

However, we are just getting started, and now is not the best time to replicate the VIP system of high-end brands. We should take it one step at a time and lay a solid foundation first.

Having dealt with Ronan several times, Sandrine knew he wasn't the kind of boss who was headstrong and wouldn't listen to advice, so she gave an objective reply:

"Isn't it a bit early to do these things now? The core of the VIP system is to create a sense of prestige and class distinction, which requires our flagship store to be built. We don't have the capacity to receive VIPs yet."

Sandrine brought up a very crucial factor.

With a VIP system, there will definitely be regular events. Without a venue, how can we entertain those VIPs?

This courtyard? Or is it Apte's little shop?

Isn't this a bit too far removed from the word 'high-end'?

If Ronan answers that he will arrange the venue to receive VIPs, Sandrine will continue to refute him.

Decorating an entire venue in a woven style is both time-consuming and labor-intensive, and not worth the effort.

According to Ronan, the second and third phases of the Lourmaran shopping street are under construction and may be completed in the fall.

Just wait a little longer, the flagship store will be completed soon.

Upon hearing Sandrine's reply, Ronan fell into a brief moment of contemplation.

As Ronan remained silent, Batistuta also snapped out of his elation and reverted to being the thoughtful and gentle young man he always was.

He spoke to Ronan in a comforting tone:
“I know you want to make the Lourmaran Handicraft Cooperative a success as soon as possible, but besides the venue, we don’t have enough samples. I’m more experienced in this area. Wealthy ladies won’t be attracted by ordinary styles. We have to give them enough choices. We’ll make all the preparations before you start promoting.”

As is well known, Ronan had many friends in Provence, and each one was more impressive than the last.

He has many good friends, whether they are businessmen, politicians, or celebrities.

In the past, Ronan would introduce the woven elements and ingenious details in the restaurant to every friend who came to dine there, and would also give them some small woven gifts after the meal.

Batty guesses that Ronan wants to do something else besides these publicity stunts.

However, Batistuta's attitude is to wait and see.

How much can woven ornaments and lamps sell for?
Woven furniture is our future!
Wait for me and the women to make more furniture designs before you recommend them to those talented friends. That way, the results will be even better!
Sandrine and Barty's obstruction put Ronan in a dilemma.

Ronan understood the principles they were explaining.

Before the flagship store and samples are ready, it's best not to make any big moves; just keep it brief. But he also has his reasons.

Ronan ran a hand through his thick, short black hair, looking quite distressed.

"But if I miss the Monaco F1 Grand Prix, I'm afraid I won't have such a good publicity opportunity again."

Cafu crossed his arms and said confidently:
"Don't worry, it's fine to be a month or two late. Your friends won't run away. You might even meet more people after you come back from Monaco. Once the flagship store and samples are ready, there will be plenty of opportunities in the future."

Barty and Sandrine echoed her sentiments.

"Yes, that's the truth."

"Don't rush things, Ronan. You have a good relationship with your friends, so don't be hasty."

Ronan shook his head self-deprecatingly:

"You think too highly of me. Do you think I'll ever have the chance to watch a race with stars like Alain Delon and Claudia Cardinale? Or will I have a second chance to dine with the Monaco royal family? If I miss this opportunity, I might never have another chance in my life. Regardless of whether I have the means now, at least I can talk more about the cooperative when I'm chatting with the other guests."

The Provence Art Guide will be published in June.

To ensure that Ronan and Zoe matched the rankings assigned to them by Michelin magazine, Ines arranged the highest level of treatment for the young couple's trip to Monaco.

Whether it's eating, drinking, or having fun, everything is arranged with celebrities; they're definitely going to give these two a huge boost in status.

Although Ronan's trip to Monaco was only two days long, his tasks were incredibly demanding.

The first task is to continue to maintain a good relationship with Ines and ask her about ways to participate in more markets. Asking from town to town and village to village is too time-consuming; it would be best to find a channel to get everything done.

Another tactic was to subtly praise Cherno in front of Ines, who had been a great help to him. Ronan believed that if this editor could thrive at Michelin Magazine, Ronan's relationship with Cherno would be of great benefit to Stella.

The second task is to promote Stella Rosé Winery, his Chinese restaurant, and the Lourmaran Crafts Cooperative.

Ronan has participated in official events of the Nice Carnival.

The actual event might only last one or two hours; the rest of the time is spent on guests drinking and chatting.

What can a group of celebrities talk about when they get together?
It's to show off how successful they are!
During the last Nice Carnival, Ronan spent the entire time with the artists of Lourmarin and didn't make many friends.

This time, we can't let it happen again.

When talking to someone, you should introduce yourself and what you do, right?
artist?
Not only that, I also did a little business.

I opened a restaurant, not very big, but you can see my restaurant's sign all around Lourmarin. Oh yes, that's right, I also won the Provence Bread Competition. What, you want to try it? Well, you'd better contact me in advance, otherwise you'll have to queue for more than two hours by yourself.

I also run a rosé winery. You flatter me, it's just a small business, but it's the number one winery in Provence. You can buy it in every restaurant, pub, and supermarket in seaside cities like Nice and Marseille. Oh, by the way, I'm going to have a winery castle next year. Remember to come over, you'll wake up to vineyards, it'll be so high-end.

I am also the president of a handicraft cooperative, and our woven products mainly target the high-end and niche markets.

Well, aside from that, Ronan couldn't come up with anything else particularly impressive.

But if there are some impressive 'VIP' events, Ronan can at least talk a bit more. You don't care if I've had any before, I definitely will in the future.

Ronan's thoughts were abruptly interrupted. Batty let out a loud "Awooo!" startling Ronan so much he nearly fell off his chair.
"Claudia Cardinale? She's my idol! She's my favorite woman!"

Ronan sat up unsteadily, still shaken, and asked:

Isn't Ines your favorite woman?

Barty moved a chair and sat down just centimeters away from Ronan, a glint in his eyes:
"Claudia Cardinale is your 'ex,' and you're going to Monaco to watch F1 with her? My God, how did you manage that?"

"How many 'favorite' women do you actually have?" Ronan moved a little further away and said disdainfully, "It was Ines who arranged it; we'll be sitting in the same box."

Barty's eyes welled up with tears again, and he excitedly shook his arms:

"As expected of my current partner, Ines has such good relationships with celebrities? Ronan, I'm going to Monaco with you this time. You and Zoe will definitely need a driver to carry the luggage, right?"

Ronan's 'disappointment' in teaching Batty:

“Barty, you need to change this side of your personality. At least tone it down a bit. You manage the largest team in the cooperative; how can you always be so 'frivolous'? When we grow bigger and stronger, maybe even celebrities will come to choose furniture for us. Look at Sandrine—”

Ronan's finger froze in mid-air.

He saw an expression even more frenzied than that of Batty in that composed professional woman.

Sandrine's face was flushed, and she rested her chin on her hand like a young girl in the throes of first love.

"Alain Delon. The first movie I ever saw starred Alain Delon. Don't you think Bruno looks a bit like him?"

Ronan pretended not to see Sandrine's 'lustful' appearance, turned to Cafu, and continued speaking to Barty:
"Look at Cafu, how mature and composed he is! He's completely different from you!"

The next second, Cafu, with a fawning expression, grasped Ronan's hand and said, unable to hide his excitement:
"You need bodyguards to meet the royal family, right? I'll bring a few guys to escort you and Zoe to Monaco the whole way. It's settled then. I'll go back and pack my bags now."

Ronan quickly cut off these people's unrealistic fantasies and asked seriously:

"Stop for a minute, guys. Let's get back to what we were talking about. I need some eye-catching VIP system to showcase the cooperative's high-end attributes, preferably something that will really catch people's attention."

“Yes, yes, Ronan is right. We need to come up with something impressive.” Cafu looked at Sandrine solemnly.

Although Batty had lost some of his reason, he didn't forget to speak up for Ronan:
“Sandrane, think of something! Ordinary things won’t impress those rich and beautiful ladies. Think about things that are available in Paris but not common in Provence. That way, Ronan can attract them when he talks about them.”

Alain Delon gave Sandrine boundless motivation, and after calming herself down, she began searching everywhere.

"What are you looking for?" Ronan asked, puzzled.

“Pen and paper.” Sandrine stood up to look for them.

Barty quickly handed over a pen and two sheets of paper, urging:

"Tell us quickly, tell us all, it's helpful for us all."

Sandrine glanced at the things on the table, then quickly looked away:

"That's not enough. I need a notebook to explain everything about the outward appearances and inner workings of high-end luxury VIPs to Ronan. Only when he understands it can he explain it in a comprehensive and coherent way."

Ronan shook his head repeatedly:

"No need, there's not enough time. Zoe and I are leaving tomorrow. You just need to tell me the core points."

Sandrine's face flushed instantly, and she looked away as she said:
"If you can't remember it, do you want me to go to Monaco with you? That way you'll have more time to study, and if you still can't remember it, I can help you with it anytime."

the next day.

When Ronan and Zoe set off for Monaco, they were followed by an entire convoy.

That's right, six cars followed him to Monaco.

In fact, the men of Lourmaran went completely wild when they learned that Ronan and Zoe were going to Monaco to watch F1.

What? Ronan is going to fulfill the dream of every man in Provence?

How could I not be there for such an important moment?

Two weeks ago, Theo and Cornell had already asked Ronan for leave to go with him.

Theo brought his wife and children, while Cornell brought his mother and sister's family. This made the group quite large.

In addition, there's their manager, Cotillard.

Where there are Cotillard and Zoe, how can there be no Vivian and Paulette?

Plus.
Barty is going to see Claudia Cardina.

Sandrine is going to see her childhood idol, Alain Delon.

Cafu wanted to see the Monaco royal family in person.

This incredibly complex Monaco team was thus formed!

Ronan's voice has become hoarse from shouting for the past two days.

He made it clear to those who wanted to come along that he couldn't take them to see Claudia Cardinale, Alain Delon, or the Monaco royal family, and they couldn't even breathe in the exhaust fumes from Formula 1.

They couldn't even see Ronan and Zoe because they had a full schedule of events.

But these people insisted on going, as if they were crazy.

Their mood was reflected in their driving style.

Before even reaching Monaco, these guys started playing a game of "you chase, I dare," taking to the "F1" track. Even Sandrine was no exception, driving even faster than Zoe did a few months ago.

"Or, I could drive?" Zoe asked, getting a little itchy to join in, seeing Ronan lagging behind. "Aren't you going to play their game?"

Ronan shook his head:

"Let's forget about it. They're excited because of their own 'purposes,' while we don't have anything to be excited about. Let's just drive slowly."

Zoe suddenly burst out laughing:

"Yes, I have something exciting to share."

Upon hearing this, Ronan turned his head and looked over curiously.

Is there anything Zoe is looking forward to in Monaco?
He saw Zoe, dressed in a beautiful white suit and exquisite makeup, looking at him with a half-smile:
“The organizers asked me how many rooms I wanted, and I saw you were quite busy, so I decided for myself that we’ll share a room this time.”

With a loud "whoosh," a loud explosion occurred.

The yellow lightning bolt overtook everyone else and seized the top spot.

Everyone who was overtaken heard Ronan's silly grin.

(End of this chapter)