1986: My Happy Life in Provence

Chapter 474 Round After Round of Suns
The women warmly greeted Ronan and inquired about his well-being.

It seems he has degenerated into a 'baby' who cannot act independently and needs someone to take care of everything.

Ronan struggled helplessly, trying to understand the situation, but there were too many people present, and they all wanted to say something to Ronan.

One of a woman's traits is that when she has a strong urge to express herself and has been holding it in for a long time, it's very difficult for anyone to make her stop before she has fully expressed all her thoughts.

This resulted in the dozen or so people present talking over each other, and even when they heard Ronan asking a question, they didn't want to stop, hoping that someone else would answer.

Ronan's little head shook 360 degrees like a rattle drum.

If you have a habit of keeping a diary, then when writing today's entry, you will definitely add a huge, bold title after the weather is sunny: Today is a day of passion.

Add three more exclamation marks after that!
Just when Ronan was about to be reduced to ashes by the maternal glow of these women, his savior appeared riding on a colorful cloud!
Aknina simply appeared at the door and coughed slightly, and the chattering women immediately fell silent, their reaction even faster than that of young women and men in their twenties.

While everyone else shut up, Ronan and Zoe kept talking.

"Are you here to eat?"

"Are you here for a meeting?"

"Why aren't you home so late? Where are my parents?"

Ronan and Zoe's conversation echoed through the restaurant.

Aknina analyzed the current situation and Ronan's troubles in just one second. She first addressed the women in a lecturing tone:
"Ronan is having a tough time in Monaco. What's the point of waiting at his doorstep at night to say it? Go back now. If you have something to say, come back tomorrow."

After saying that, Aknina looked at Ronan.

That was the first time Ronan had seen the 'gentle' side of this strict mother.

A woman wearing a headscarf stepped out from the line of women; she was another elderly woman doing handicrafts. She waved to Aknina and led her to a quiet, secluded place.

Aknina listened intently with a serious expression at first, then her eyes widened suddenly, and finally she exclaimed, "Really?"

The man opposite nodded. Aknina, slightly flustered, walked up to Ronan and asked in surprise:

"Ronan, you're going to give us real jobs with a fixed salary, bonuses, and insurance, is that true?"

Ronan let out a grim "Ah!"
"Yes, this was settled a few days ago. Did you just receive the news?"

Fabian's wife, Boge, immediately chimed in:

“We were notified on the morning you left for Monaco. We wanted to find you and Batistuta, but you had already left. We knew you were coming back today, so we've been waiting here!”

The four key figures were the first important meeting of the Lourmaran Handicrafts Cooperative, held before departing for Monaco. At the meeting, some very important company guidelines were adopted and several important development goals were set.

That was a move that surprised even Barty, Cafu, and Sandrine. Women who had little contact with society naturally wanted to ask if it was true and how it worked, but none of them were there.

In that case, Ronan could understand their reaction.

The problem is, why did Batistuta choose that particular time to deliver the message?

Is it okay to do it earlier or later?
Just then, Batty entered the restaurant with his car full of people. Upon seeing the women there, he happily greeted them:

"My darlings, did you miss me after two days? Haha, don't worry, I'm doing great, love you all!"

Ronan, suppressing his sarcasm, asked Batistuta:

"The new decision you told the women before we left for Monaco?"

Ronan mistakenly believed that Batistuta was so engrossed in his trip to Monaco that he forgot to inform Batistuta, and only remembered to pass on the message before departure.

But in reality, Batistuta chose that time intentionally.

He cared more about women's feelings than anyone else.

Barty dropped his nonchalant demeanor and said in a calm tone:
“A formal job can not only bring about a change in identity and life, but also a responsibility. However, from what I understand, not everyone is in a position to be a full-time female worker. Some people have to make difficult choices. When we are not around, they can seriously consider whether or not to accept this challenge. You should know how much they care about what you and I say. I was afraid that our advice would confuse them, so I deliberately gave them time.”

After saying that, Barty looked at his 'babies':
"It's true. Ronan is willing to offer everyone formal positions, just like everyone else in the city. This is a good thing for most people, a really great thing, but for some of the women..."

His eyes swept over the faces of several women in the crowd whose expressions were distinctly different from the others.

Most of the people who came today wanted to confirm whether the news was true.

They actually have formal jobs and formal social status?

God, this is something I never dared to imagine in my entire life.

But a few people came to confirm whether the news was fake.

Many women are wives, mothers, and daughters.

They need to focus more on their families, but what happens to their families if they become full-time housewives?

Barty looked tenderly at those anxious faces:

"Please think it over carefully and don't rush to make a decision. The onboarding process will begin next month, so there's plenty of time. Whatever your final choice, I hope you'll be happy and joyful."

Although it was a concern for only a minority, Barty would not ignore the feelings of every woman. Ronan patted Barty on the shoulder.

When it comes to women, Bati always thinks more comprehensively than he does.

If the women of today are like blazing suns illuminating Ronan, then Batty is a little sun. You might often overlook his presence, but every time you notice him, you can feel his warmth and boundless energy.

"If you have any difficulties, feel free to come to me and Batty anytime. We will do our best to help you." Ronan and Batty stood side by side.

The women looked at each other, then at the two men in front of them.

Batistuta and Ronan were like two high walls, protecting them in the safest and most comfortable place.

Everyone firmly believes that these two men can help them overcome or resolve all difficulties, and all they have to do is trust them!

It's too late today, and Ronan and his group haven't eaten yet, so it's not a good time to talk about work.

After seeing Ronan and Batty's attitude, the women went home one by one.

As Barty said, this is not just an opportunity, but also a challenge. Should they accept this opportunity?
In the village of Lurmaran, the women with working status are either young people like Zoe or the twenty-odd middle-aged women like Leah who help out at various stages of the restaurant. The women like Aknina, who have always made a living by handicrafts, are on average older than Leah and the others.

Everyone saw what happened to Leah, Nicola, and other women after they started working.

Not only did their own lives change, but their families also underwent tremendous changes. Louis, who used to only cause trouble, can now cook four dishes and a soup.

But Leah and the others are still young.

Is it really necessary to make drastic changes to the entire family at such an advanced age?

"Still thinking about women's affairs?" It was quite late after dinner, so Ronan naturally offered to take Zoe home.

Zoe noticed that Ronan seemed lost in thought on the way, and she immediately guessed what he was thinking.

Although Ronan was thinking, his overall condition was still quite good.

"What happened today reminded me of your mother a year ago."

Zoe laughed too:

"Yes, they are indeed very similar, the same topic, the same choice."

Ronan smiled and shook his head:

“In Luberon, the work of women is a major event. Countless ‘Lias’ will appear these next few days, oscillating between self-doubt and accepting the challenge, but—”

Zoe continued, following Ronan's words:

"But don't worry, this year's situation is different from last year's."

Ronan's smile widened even more:

"Yes, there are already successful examples, and people have already made money before, so women will be more decisive when making choices."

Leah is a living example.

She became Luberon's first female certified pastry chef and single-handedly took on the entire responsibility of the pastry business at Ronan's restaurant.

Every compliment a tourist gives to the dessert is like a medal of honor hanging on her chest.

Who wouldn't be tempted by such an example of gaining both money and social status?

Zoe stopped at her front door, stood on tiptoe, and kissed Ronan on the lips:
"So stop overthinking and go back to sleep. It will all be good news."

Looking back on his trip to Monaco, Ronan's only regret was not being able to share a bed with Zoe in that king-size room.
As they parted, Ronan had no desire to let Zoe leave:

"Do you think we could live together before the wedding?"

It would be fine in Paris, but he doesn't know if it would work in Provence.

Zoe laughed and pushed Ronan away:

"We have a lifetime to live together, but the days we spend with our parents are already counting down. Before we get married, let's spend quality time with our parents and not have any regrets."

Ronan felt a warm feeling in his heart.

He has too many gentle 'little suns' around him.

Aknina, Batty, Zoe.
Although everyone's true nature is different, thankfully, everyone has a warm color in their underlying nature.

On his way home, Ronan kept thinking about Zoe's words.

In France, a child's marriage signifies the end of their life in their original family and the beginning of their life as a single parent.

Although everyone will still live in the same village in the future, there will still be many subtle changes.

"I really should make time to spend with my parents." Thinking this, Ronan quickened his pace home.

(End of this chapter)