1986: My Happy Life in Provence

Chapter 463 Stop fooling around, I'm smiling.
Such large events are always a day of hardship for Ines – there are just too many important guests who need care and companionship.

Guests from other parts of France were unhappy to be seen with celebrities from Provence.

What, the national level can't compare to the local level?

The international guests were unhappy that he was standing next to his own country's guests.

What, you don't even respect us outsiders?

Being with the international guests made all the other guests unhappy.

What, you only go along with whoever is the biggest star? Weren't we invited here by you?

When she first started out, Ines was overwhelmed by this, but after working for many years, she developed the ability to be observant and attentive to her surroundings.

While engaging in serious conversations with one group of guests, she could observe the state of the other guests in the room. If she noticed someone being neglected, bored, distracted, unhappy, or acting like a diva, she would quickly end the conversation there and rush over to them, giving the impression that she was the only one in her eyes and that she would appear immediately if there was even the slightest problem with them.

It is precisely because of these skills that she has been able to maintain her position in the most important media group in southern France for so many years.

Ines saw Ronan and Zoe as soon as they entered, but since she was with a darling of the French modeling world, whose importance was clearly higher than Ronan's, she didn't go to greet them.

The purpose of inviting Ronan and Zoe this time was to elevate their status. In addition to taking photos with them constantly to increase their exposure, we also needed to introduce them to as many important guests as possible.

Provence is a 'circle' society. Only by exposing these two people to higher and more prestigious circles can they be propelled to a higher artistic status.

Whether you're in the art world, the fashion world, or the entertainment world, the rules are the same—the more famous you are, the higher your value and the more important your status. This is the logic behind Michelin magazine's star-making method.

Suddenly, Ines' third eye noticed that Ronan and Zoe seemed to be doing quite well in this 'circle'; they had already had three different groups of people around them.

In Ines's view, this was a 'minor problem' that arose on the spot, the kind that needed immediate attention.

She gently patted the model's leg across from her and said apologetically:

"I can't take up any more of your time, Capsin. Look around, how many people want to come over for a drink with you? I've taken their spots. Have fun and have a great day."

As soon as Ines left, several people immediately surrounded the model named Capsin.

A guest who can get the editor-in-chief of Michelin Magazine to take time out of his schedule to receive is no ordinary person. Let's get to know them.

Time goes back 10 minutes.

Once inside the private room, Zoe naturally attracted everyone's attention. She was immediately surrounded by several people as soon as she entered, while 'driver' Ronan just happened to be the one getting the attention.

This was the first time Ronan and Zoe had attended such a large social event, so it would be a lie to say they weren't nervous.

Ronan came with a specific purpose, which made him even more uneasy.

The enthusiastic guests were more interested in the strikingly beautiful Zoe, and talked endlessly about her, showing little interest in Ronan.

Almost immediately after Ronan said he was an artist, the conversation ended abruptly, and he became a professional listener, unable to get a word in edgewise.

Zoe saw all of this, and the observant girl couldn't help but pull the conversation towards her boyfriend:
"In fact, Ronan is a more accomplished artist than me. His works are on permanent free display at the Grané Museum and are considered national treasures."

Compared to fashion and entertainment, art is a relatively niche topic, especially since many of the guests present came from outside Provence and from international circles.

They neither knew nor cared about the so-called national treasures of Provence, and their praise was perfunctory.

"Wow, that's amazing!"

"They are indeed a perfect match."

"Haha, that's interesting. Two artists actually got together."

Then, the topic turned to Zoe again.

"Have you always been an artist? I mean, have you ever been interested in doing something else? I think it's a waste of your looks to be an artist," a well-known photographer said regretfully.

"Did you really put together this outfit yourself? It's so stylish! I think we might have a chance to collaborate in the future," commented a fashion editor who wished to remain anonymous.

“Zoe, right? You’ve given me an idea, an idea for a script about an artist. Can we exchange contact information? I’d like to talk to you in detail about your life and your dreams in a while,” a voluptuous writer pleaded.

Qualifying is a 'warm-up', and the 'warm-up' is to achieve satisfactory results in the following stages.

And many people in this private room found something that interested them—a female artist with great potential!

Ronan was very happy and proud of Zoe's popularity.

The purpose of participating in this event is to make friends with people who can help in the future, and Zoe has clearly achieved her goal this time, and achieved it very well.

However, his progress has slowed down somewhat.

"We're all realistic people, and so am I. There's nothing to complain about," Ronan told himself.

If it were me, I would also focus my efforts on someone with "potential for cooperation," and not waste my time on those who clearly had no chance of cooperation. Although I thought this way, the disappointment in my heart was still hard to suppress.

Seeing that Zoe wouldn't finish her task anytime soon, he silently walked to the railing, put his arm around it, looked down at the situation on the track, and thought about what to do next.

There will be other opportunities after the qualifying rounds, so don't give up now! Don't forget, you still have so much to promote!
As Ronan pondered how to smoothly introduce himself to everyone, he heard a heart-wrenching yet somewhat eerie 'call' coming from afar.

What's strange is that Ronan felt like he was being called his own name, and what's even stranger is that the voice sounded somewhat familiar.

He took off his sunglasses and looked toward the source of the sound. He saw two people clinging desperately to the iron railing on the other side, while four men in black were trying to separate them from the railing.

Ronan had witnessed this several times today; the clever ones were trying to sneak in without paying. However, after hearing their urgent and panicked shouts, Ronan couldn't remain calm and offer his comments.

"Ronan!"

"Ronan!!"

"I know Ronan!!"

"Don't pull me! We know Ronan! We know Ronan! He's in the stands!!!"

Because of the supervisor, Theo's voice has become incredibly loud lately.

Cornell already had a strong voice due to his physique, and his work as a museum guide further honed his skills, making his voice exceptionally loud.

Their combined efforts and unwavering determination quickly attracted the attention of some people in the stands and two cameras that were broadcasting live.

Several heads popped up in each private room, and the cameras on all three floors that were originally on standby were turned on, searching for the guy named Ronan.

The qualifying races lacked exciting overtaking and thrilling collisions, resulting in lower viewership compared to the main race.

But now exciting material has been delivered right to our doorstep!
"&*%（*…=00）" A series of birdsong and fragrant flowers appeared close behind Ronan. Codia muttered in a murderous tone, "So that's why they asked us for such detailed itinerary information, such as what time and where. Those two damned guys!"

As it turns out, Cotillard is definitely a professional; after her initial criticism, she immediately turned around and smiled as she explained to the guests behind her:

"Hahaha—they're fans, they're die-hard fans, I never thought they'd follow us this far."

At the same time, she kept nudging Ronan's lower back with her elbow, as he remained motionless behind her.

"Come here and explain with me!"

I can't bear this shameful thing alone! Turn your head away, turn your head away!

Ronan shifted his body slightly, expressing his resistance.

Cotillard turned around and happened to see Ronan waving his right hand, beaming at Theo and Cornell who were being dragged away:
"Stop it, I'm smiling."

Cotillard: "???"

Some of the people who had just greeted Ronan Zoe looked at Ronan with complicated expressions.

Are this artist's fans really that enthusiastic?
Even the celebrities' fans didn't manage to get here, right?

Should we get to know him/her?

Hesitation will defeat.

While they were still undecided, Ronan, who was still smiling, was surrounded by several people who extended their hands and enthusiastically introduced themselves.

"Haha, what an enthusiastic fan! Hello, my name is Oladi, nice to meet you."

"Hello Ronan, Pakan."

"Hey buddy, you've finished your drink, wanna have another one?"

Ines was worried that Ronan and Zoe wouldn't be used to such intense 'social' situations, so she thoughtfully wanted to come and help.

But when she got closer and listened, she found Ronan calmly introducing himself, as if he had written a draft eight hundred times.

“Artist is just one of my identities. Other identities include restaurant owner, winery manager, and chairman of a handicraft cooperative. Well, strictly speaking, I am also a bold experimenter who is trying to cultivate wild black truffles using modern technology. Haha, I can’t sit still, and I have good initiative. I have to do whatever comes to mind.”

He suddenly raised his wine glass, swirling the pink liquid inside, and said:
"Here, the rosé wine served today comes from my winery, Stella. If you're interested, you can try it. Rosé is a specialty wine of Provence, and I hope you'll like it."

Ines gave a kind, motherly smile.

Good, good, Ronan is indeed the most devout kid in the association.

Wherever we go, and whoever we meet, we never forget our rosé wine.

She gently stroked Ronan's arm and stood beside him, like a huge, roaring engine, helping Ronan attract more attention at that moment:
"It seems I don't need to introduce him. Ronan is the most outstanding young man I have ever met in Provence, without a doubt. He is smart, capable, kind, and talented. He does everything perfectly. Look at the young people these days, they are amazing."

(End of this chapter)