1986: My Happy Life in Provence

Chapter 512 You're hilarious!

Ronan turned his back, switched hands to hold the microphone, and his tone involuntarily rose slightly:

"I thought it would take the next two weeks to receive it."

Elian gave Ronan a timeframe when they last met, but there are still almost ten days until then.

Elian's tone softened slightly, becoming less cold:
“The Lourmaran Handicraft Cooperative meets all the application requirements for ‘Free Sprouts.’ The foundation was very proactive after learning about the situation here, and the procedures and processes were completed quickly. You can go to Avignon to collect your ‘Thorns and Sun’ certificate at any time. When are you free? I can help you schedule a time.”

Ronan glanced at the calendar on the checkout counter. The pages for the coming week were filled with to-do items, all of them market employee interviews. But he was also eager to get his certificate, so he tentatively asked:
"Can someone else collect it for me? Let my friend go."

He and Barty couldn't get away, but Sandrine and Cafu could make a trip to Avignon.

Elian said cautiously:
“I suggest you attend in person. Although the certification request has been approved, they will give you a detailed explanation of the ‘Thorns and Blazing Sun’ certificate usage guidelines and the foundation’s subsequent oversight process. You should listen to them.”

"Free Sprouts" is the name of a sub-project of the foundation, and "Thorns and Sunshine" is the certification name. The issuing organization is the Provence Women's Foundation.

So many things had happened. Ronan flipped through the calendar again:
"Then let's do it next Wednesday. I'll go to Avignon to pick it up myself next Wednesday."

Before that, Ronan had to finish dealing with the market; it was taking up too much of his energy.

It would be great if this business had a few assistants like Batty, Cafu, and Sandrine.

After noting down the foundation's address, phone number, and the time of visit, Ellian encouraged them, saying:
"The certification of Thorns and Blazing Sun is valid for 5 years. I hope to see your handicraft cooperative on the list of issuing institutions again in the next 5 years."

"Thank you, Elian," Ronan said gratefully. "I will definitely run the business well and treat the women well."

Ellian's phone call brought a turning point to the situation.

The time has come for the Lourmaran Handicraft Cooperative to raise prices after obtaining the Thorns & Sun certification. Starting next Wednesday, all new products can be transformed into high-end handicrafts with 'pedigree'.

This will definitely make June's income even more impressive.

Should we give Bruno a higher number?
As soon as this thought arose, that voice echoed in Ronan's mind once again:

"The increase in area must be within our means. Don't be like Lucas last year, with wishful thinking and a gambler's mentality. Stay calm and remember, you don't have that much money to burn."

"Lucas, Lucas, look how much psychological trauma you've caused me!" Ronan said, laughing and crying at the same time, and slammed his fist on the table.

Whenever he felt the urge to make an impulsive purchase, this negative example would remind Ronan to stay calm.

But when you really calm down and think about it, all the benefits and premiums that the Thorns and Blazing Sun certification can bring are just what Elian said; she has never produced any evidence.

What if the certification doesn't work well in Provence, or doesn't work at all?
Therefore, we must be cautious.

Moreover, Ronan is about to get married, and he will be carrying the fate of a family on his shoulders in the future. He cannot let his wife and children take risks because of a momentary impulse, not even the slightest bit.

But then again——

What if the Thorns and Blazing Sun certification suddenly transforms the Lourmaran Handicraft Cooperative into a 'phoenix'?

Is that also possible?
Ronan made a snap decision and stamped his foot:

"Then let's add another hectare, buy 4 hectares!"

Ronan took out a small piece of paper with Bruno's office phone number written on it from his pocket. He had just pressed a '0' when someone poked him in the waist.

He turned around and saw a short man with blond hair, brown sunglasses, and a fine mustache standing behind him.

Having spent a lot of time with Zoe, Ronan has also gained some basic knowledge of designer clothes and accessories.

This man was dressed in high-end clothes from head to toe. His brown sunglasses were also a niche accessory, and only those with strong confidence would dare to wear them. Moreover, he was wearing a strong perfume, which was something only the most upper-class men would wear in that era.

“Is there anything I can do for you, sir?” Ronan asked softly.

The man cleared his throat and replied in a hoarse voice:

“I’ve seen you on TV. You’re the owner here. My friend and I have come from far away and would like to invite you for a couple of drinks. Would you be willing?”

Ronan smiled and replied:
"Of course! Where are you and your friends sitting? I'll bring you some drinks later. How can we let our friends who've come all this way treat us to these two glasses?"

Unless something special happens, Ronan never refuses a customer's offer to have a couple of drinks; he's extremely easy to talk to.

But this customer was difficult to talk to; he urged in a low voice:

"Let's go now, we've finished eating and are leaving."

Although the other party's attitude was somewhat 'unreasonable,' Ronan still agreed, put down the microphone, and looked towards the lobby:
"Okay, let's go. Where will you sit?"

"Hehehe—" The faint laughter beside his ear startled Ronan so much that he almost jumped up on the spot.

Are you a girl or a guy if you're not a bro?

How can someone laugh like that??

Before the man could lead the way, Ronan took a step forward, but a fainter voice called "Ronan" sounded behind him.

The 'man' pointed to himself and said in a weak, feminine voice:

"It's me, it's me."

Ronan was completely startled by the woman's clear and articulate voice, wondering which artist in the village was putting on performance art.

But you know what, the man this guy was imitating was actually pretty convincing; Ronan didn't notice anything wrong with it.

"Who is it?" Ronan asked, frowning.

The man opposite secretly tore off a corner of his beard and said anxiously:
"Me? Charlotte!"

Ronan slapped his forehead hard.

God, no wonder he could pull it off so convincingly, he's a real actor!

Charlotte's house is currently undergoing intensive renovations. Today, she came to check on the progress and, recalling Ronan and Zoe's description of the Lourmaran people in Monaco, Charlotte had the idea of ​​'disguising herself' and blending in. And so—Charlotte appeared.

"Please call me Charlotte, and never forget that." Charlotte's voice returned to its deep, hoarse tone.

“You’re going to stay like this all day—” Ronan gestured to his face, “like this?”

Charlotte flicked the bandage on her overalls:

"Of course, how can I operate in Lourmaran if I change back into my original appearance?"

After saying that, she patted her stomach twice, perfectly mimicking how men would sit together and boast after a hearty meal:

"But buddy, the food here is really good. I ate a whole fifth of a bowl of rice, half a bowl of soup and two bites of dessert. It's the most I've eaten in the first half of the year."

Isabel, who was passing by, secretly rolled her eyes and muttered to herself:

"The city men have smaller appetites than our chickens."

Although Charlotte's costume and mannerisms were very similar, there were still many flaws upon closer inspection, such as her small appetite because she couldn't eat much in order to maintain her figure.

Ronan dined with many celebrities in Morocco, and many dishes were served exactly as they were when they were cleared away.

He kindly reminded:
"Where are you going after you finish eating? There are a lot of tourists in the village lately, so don't go to places that are too crowded. Just play for a while and then go back."

Charlotte casually picked up a toothpick from the counter:
“That won’t do. The most important thing we came to Lourmaran today hasn’t been done yet; I need to go buy furniture.”

Ronan didn't recommend woven furniture to Charlotte during their time in Morocco; they only met briefly and didn't have a chance to actually work on it.

Charlotte knew about woven furniture before she met Ronan, and she really liked it.

She recently bought a manor house in Lourmaran, where one of the living rooms and two bedrooms will be filled with woven furniture.

The person is already at your doorstep, and they're here to make a purchase. Ronan can't just let them go there on their own, can he?
"We absolutely have to send it over." Charlotte also brought an assistant, who was also 'disguised,' wearing the typical Provençal attire of a man: canvas shoes, jeans, and a plaid shirt.

Charlotte is a professional actress, but her assistant isn't.

The girl walked with a cat-like gait, and she would frequently smooth the sparse hair behind her ears. She also liked to wiggle her hips when she laughed.

With this kind of 'teammate' around, Charlotte's risk of being exposed has greatly increased!
Last time, someone in the village just shouted, "Charlotte Virginia is here to look at houses in Lourmaran!" and the whole village rushed out.

If some sharp-eyed person spotted Charlotte Virginia strolling casually through the crowd, wouldn't they all be crushed into a pulp?

Trembling with fear, he escorted the two ladies to the weaving courtyard. As soon as they entered, Grondin asked curiously:

"Mr. Chairman, why are you back again?"

Ronan had only been gone for less than half an hour.

Seeing the two gentlemen who came with Ronan looking around curiously as soon as they entered, Grondin's sales instincts immediately kicked in:
"Are you two gentlemen interested in knitting? Would you like me to give you a brief introduction? Or would you like to try it out yourself?"

Upon hearing that she could also try it out, Charlotte immediately perked up:
"Great! Arrange a good teacher for us, we'd like to give it a try."

Grondin said with some regret:
"Gentlemen, our trial class requires reservation now. How about I schedule an early time for you to go and see the product samples first?"

Ronan stood in front of Grondin:

"You don't need to worry about these two. Go and do other things."

Grondin obediently did as instructed:

"Yes, Mr. Chairman."

Charlotte's identity is special, and her desire to experience something must be fulfilled.

But all three classrooms were occupied, so Ronan had to go find Barty again.

With outsiders present, Ronan made an excuse, saying that two customers had come from afar and needed to catch a train to leave in the afternoon, and asked if he could find a place to arrange a teacher for them.

Ronan returned and brought his own people, so Barty couldn't be careless. But he had already left once, and the four girls' orders were hard to come by. How could he abandon the girls again?
He can't do it.

“If they don’t mind the heat, they can try it out in the yard. I’ll find someone to teach them.” Barty showed no intention of leaving.

Ronan stood at the door and said:
"Come out here for a moment, let me explain the situation to you. They have some 'special' circumstances, so it's not convenient for them to stay in the yard."

Batistuta saw two people through the gap between Ronan and the door frame.

A man is twirling a toothpick in his mouth. He is short but has very defined features and is quite handsome.

Another man, with his legs turned inward and his big eyes blinking curiously, peered inside. Although it wasn't appropriate in this context, Barty's first thought was to describe him as 'cute'.

Bati is an artist, what hasn't he seen?

He immediately 'understood' everything.

“It’s really not suitable in the courtyard.” Barty very considerately changed his mind. “I guess these two customers don’t want to be watched. How about this, Boge and I will close the door and add a set of table and chairs in the living room on the second floor.”

This arrangement is not bad; it's like adding a classroom temporarily on the second floor.

Seeing that Barty refused to leave his four female students, Ronan checked one last time:
"Are you sure you don't want to come out? Let me introduce you."

Ronan still has his brothers in his heart.
Charlotte is Barty's true goddess.

It couldn't be more real!
Barty flicked his hand and looked at the four girls in front of him, saying:

"I swore that I would never leave them again."

He pushed open the window and shouted downstairs:
"Grondin, could you please come up here for a moment? There are two guests who need your help."

Seeing Ronan's puzzled expression, Barty secretly winked at him:
"Believe me, these two students 'like' this teacher more."

Me? I'm just too considerate.

Ronan smiled and closed the door.

You're hilarious!

Cafu has very high expectations for the young men.

To sell something, you have to understand the product, so I forced them to learn knitting so that they wouldn't be clueless when customers asked professional questions.

Grondin's abilities are certainly not as great as the women's, but he is more than capable of teaching beginners.

Ronan has to go for a job interview at the market later, so he can't accompany her for the whole time.

Charlotte and her assistant were completely at ease when Grondin gently taught them basic knitting skills, much like a tiger sniffing a rose.

Charlotte must be going crazy; how long has it been since she experienced what it's like to be a normal person?

While learning to knit, she asked Grondin about the products, listing the items she wanted to buy and asking Grondin for professional advice.

Ronan, standing to the side, smiled and said:
"This is a good time; you can still buy cheap furniture. If you come later, you'll have to spend a lot more."

Charlotte lowered her head and asked rather absentmindedly:

"why?"

Ronan said in a lighthearted tone:

"Because the Lourmaran Handicraft Cooperative has obtained the 'Thorns and Sun' certification, our furniture will soon be more expensive."

The usually composed Charlotte was instantly jolted back to her Charlotte self, sharply questioning in high C major:
"Provence's 'Bitter Sun' certification? Your furniture has a certificate?"

Ronan had previously heard Ellian briefly explain the differences before and after certification. In the future, every piece of furniture they sell will come with a certification certificate that can be verified for authenticity.
Yes, we have it.

Charlotte, realizing she had just given herself away, coughed twice and switched back to Charlotte:
"When will the certificate be available? I'll buy it when the certificate is available."

Grondin deflated like a punctured balloon.

Charlotte made no attempt to hide her wealth, constantly mentioning that she was "not short of money" and asking Grondin to introduce her to the best options.

This is a super big client!
Anyone in sales knows that when a customer says they'll come back later, it might genuinely be due to various reasons that they're postponing their purchase, but more likely it's because they'll never come back in their next life.

What if the impulse to buy fades and I decide not to buy anymore?
Ronan also wanted to test the effects of the Thorn Sun through Charlotte's reaction, replying in a casual tone:

"It will be available next week, but furniture with certificates will cost several times more."

He patted the woven chair beneath him, cautiously testing its texture:
"This basic style will arrive next week—"

This chair is the cheapest, currently selling for 2500 francs. Ellian once said that each certification can increase the product's price by at least 300%.

Ronan wasn't greedy, so he went over by 300%.

"We'll reach 10000 next week," he replied casually, though he was actually extremely nervous.

Grondin nearly fell off his chair.

How many?

The basic model is selling for 10000?
Has the chairman gone mad?
Charlotte didn't even think about it:
"Your VIP membership is only 5 francs? If I buy 50 francs, can I upgrade to another VIP status?"

With a deafening crash, even Batty and Boje heard the noise and opened the door to check what was happening.

Grondin really did fall off the chair and was stumbling as he got up.

Have the customers gone mad?
Or am I going crazy counting money?
(End of this chapter)